The fastest counseling master's degree is not necessarily the fastest route to becoming licensed. Before enrolling, you need to know whether its coursework, clinical placements, and schedule fit the state where you intend to practice. This guide is for prospective students and working professionals comparing online programs across the Midwest. It accompanies the 2027 Fastest Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the Midwest, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about programs worth considering. You'll learn how to weigh speed against cost, licensure preparation, and career goals.
Key findings about online Clinical Mental Health Counseling degrees in Midwest
Choose a program by its realistic time to licensure preparation, not its shortest advertised coursework schedule: supervised placements must still fit your location and availability.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 national median annual wage of $59,350 for the mental health and substance use counseling occupation and projects 18% employment growth from 2025 to 2035; neither figure predicts an individual graduate's pay or hiring prospects.
Midwestern states license counselors separately. Before paying a deposit, confirm that the degree, clinical hours, and any accreditation expectations satisfy the board in the state where you plan to practice.
What can I expect from an online Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Midwest?
An online clinical mental health counseling degree is generally a graduate program designed to prepare students for supervised counseling practice and, eventually, an application for professional licensure. Online refers primarily to academic delivery: skills practice, practicum, and internship still involve scheduled supervision and work with clients. A master's degree is the usual educational route toward independent clinical counseling practice; a short certificate alone is generally not a substitute for the qualifying degree (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; state counseling boards).
Expect training in assessment, diagnosis, ethics, counseling theories, research, and treatment planning. The practical question for a Midwestern student is where clinical work can be completed. A program based in one state may teach online across the region, but its placement support and authorization to enroll students can differ by state. Ask whether the school has previously arranged approved sites near your home and whether evening or weekend placements are feasible.
This path suits people who want to provide mental health counseling and can commit to supervised client contact. If your goal is school counseling, social work, psychology, or prescribing medication, compare the separate credential and licensing routes before choosing a clinical counseling master's.
Where can I work with an online Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Midwest?
Clinical mental health counselors work in settings such as outpatient clinics, community mental health agencies, hospitals, residential programs, and private practices; permitted duties depend on credentials and state law (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; state counseling boards). The degree may help a graduate qualify for a supervised position, but independent practice normally requires further board-approved experience and licensure.
Location affects the first job as much as the classroom. A student in a large metropolitan area may have more potential placement sites to compare, while a rural student may need to establish a relationship with an agency early or travel for supervision. If private practice is the long-term goal, compare programs by how they prepare graduates for the particular state's supervised-to-independent licensure sequence - not merely by whether they advertise "career preparation."
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a $59,350 national median annual wage in May 2025 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. This is an occupational figure, not a starting salary, a Midwest wage, or a guarantee for master's graduates. Pay can vary with state, employer, experience, licensure status, and whether a position includes benefits or relies on client billing.
Use that median as a benchmark when testing affordability, not as the income to enter automatically into a loan calculator. Compare wages for the specific state and type of job you would accept, then account for the period after graduation when you may still be earning supervised experience. An accelerated degree has less financial value if its required placement schedule forces you to leave paid work earlier than planned.
The most useful distinctions among these programs concern degree design, delivery, and the kind of counseling career each helps a student investigate. The school descriptions below are starting points for comparison, not claims that enrollment or graduation establishes licensure eligibility; request current program documents before applying.
Northwestern University: Its online counseling program is presented as a counseling degree rather than a narrowly titled clinical mental health counseling degree (Northwestern University). Students interested in it should compare the curriculum and placement requirements with their intended state board's clinical counseling rules, instead of assuming that a program title determines eligibility.
University of Mary: The online Master of Science in Counseling identifies clinical mental health counseling as its focus (University of Mary). That explicit pathway may make it easier to examine course and fieldwork alignment, particularly for students planning to practice outside the university's home state.
Capital University: Its clinical mental health counseling requirements are set out in the university's academic bulletin (Capital University). A catalog-based program description is useful when checking required courses against an Ohio or other state board's educational checklist; confirm which catalog applies to your entering cohort.
Mount Mary University: Its graduate counseling offering gives applicants a program-level place to compare counseling pathways (Mount Mary University). Students should identify the specific clinical mental health track and its placement expectations before comparing its timeline with a single-track degree.
Northern State University: Its master's-level counseling offering is a South Dakota option for students evaluating programs from elsewhere in the region (Northern State University). Delivery format and fieldwork arrangements matter more than the school's location alone if you intend to complete placements or seek licensure in another state.
Northwestern College: The Iowa college identifies its master's offering specifically with mental health counseling (Northwestern College). That makes it a relevant comparison for applicants seeking a clinically oriented degree, provided its current curriculum and supervised experience meet the board rules where they will work.
Minnesota State University Moorhead: Its catalog provides the formal counseling degree requirements (Minnesota State University Moorhead). Applicants comparing a public-university route should use those requirements - not a general graduate tuition headline - to establish the actual course sequence and total credits they would need.
John Carroll University: The university specifically offers an online clinical mental health counseling pathway (John Carroll University). For working students, the key differentiator to verify is how its online coursework schedule connects to required in-person clinical placement and supervision.
Heidelberg University: Its Master of Arts in Counseling gives applicants an opportunity to examine clinical preparation within a broader counseling degree (Heidelberg University). Check the precise pathway on the current degree plan before treating its course requirements as interchangeable with another school's clinical mental health curriculum.
Adler University: Its Master of Arts is explicitly titled Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Adler University). Students drawn to its approach should compare the current delivery format and approved placement locations with their home-state requirements before assuming the program can be completed entirely from home.
For a broader fit comparison beyond completion time, see the best clinical mental health counseling programs. Published program details can change by cohort, so obtain a current catalog, tuition schedule, and written placement guidance from each finalist.
Full-time counseling master's study commonly takes roughly two to three years; part-time study may take longer. The binding constraint is often not the speed of online lectures but when prerequisite courses, practicum, and internship are offered and how quickly an appropriate supervised site can be secured. Advertised completion times should be read alongside the exact course load and placement calendar.
Ask an admissions adviser for a term-by-term plan based on your proposed start date and available work hours. If you are comparing an accelerated cohort with a slower schedule, calculate the wages or benefits you might give up to attend daytime placements. Graduation also does not end the timeline for students seeking independent licensure: boards may require additional supervised experience and an examination after the degree (state counseling boards).
The degree's career value depends chiefly on its educational and clinical fit, not on whether lectures are delivered online. Format does, however, change your travel, scheduling, and placement responsibilities. This comparison highlights the trade-offs most likely to affect a working student.
Decision factor
Online program
On-campus program
Academic schedule
May reduce recurring campus travel; live sessions or fixed deadlines can still apply
Requires attendance at scheduled campus classes
Clinical training
Typically completed in person at an approved site, potentially near home
Typically completed in person, often through sites connected to the campus area
Geographic fit
Expands school choices but makes state eligibility and placement approval critical
May simplify local networking but can require relocation or a long commute
Online study is often the better fit when you cannot relocate and the school can support an approved placement where you live. Campus study may be preferable if you want local, face-to-face training connections and can attend regularly. Neither format removes the need to verify licensure alignment or demonstrate counseling skills in supervised practice.
There is no single meaningful Midwest-wide average for this specific online degree: tuition varies by institution, credit requirements, residency policy, and fees, and a published regional figure should not be assumed without comparable program-level data. An institution's average graduate tuition from the National Center for Education Statistics may help establish context, but it is not necessarily the price of its counseling program.
For each finalist, multiply the published program rate by required credits, then add mandatory fees, books, travel or lodging for any campus visits, and placement-related expenses. Ask whether online students receive one rate or face resident and nonresident pricing; public-university status alone does not establish your price. Compare the resulting net cost after grants or employer support with the most affordable clinical mental health counseling programs, while checking that any cheaper option still fits your licensing destination.
Eligible graduate students can investigate federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, institution-funded aid, employer tuition assistance, and scholarships. Federal eligibility depends in part on the school and program, enrollment status, and the student's circumstances; submitting the FAFSA is the starting point for a school-specific aid offer (Federal Student Aid). State grants are not interchangeable across the Midwest and may exclude some graduate or out-of-state online students.
Graduate PLUS rules are especially important for a student entering in 2027. Under the federal changes effective for new graduate borrowing from July 1, 2026, new graduate students generally cannot use Graduate PLUS Loans; limited transition provisions may apply to eligible borrowers who previously received a Direct Loan for the same program (Federal Student Aid). Ask the financial aid office to confirm your individual eligibility rather than building a budget around Graduate PLUS.
Borrow the amount needed for the whole pathway, including terms with unpaid or reduced-pay clinical work. To evaluate whether the degree is a worthwhile investment, compare net price and expected debt with your current earnings, plausible post-degree earnings, completion probability, time away from work, and the years over which you expect the career change to pay off. The most valuable clinical mental health counseling programs can provide another comparison, but no ranking substitutes for that personal calculation.
View the chart data as a table
Program length distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
15–19 months
1
20–24 months
14
25–29 months
1
30–34 months
5
35–39 months
5
Applicants ordinarily need a bachelor's degree and must meet the institution's graduate admissions standards. Schools may also request transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, an interview, or relevant undergraduate coursework; requirements differ by program (institutional admissions offices). A psychology major is not automatically required, and a related major does not automatically satisfy every prerequisite.
Before applying, distinguish admission eligibility from professional licensure eligibility. Ask whether the school accepts students residing in your state, whether any background checks apply before clinical placement, and whether prerequisite courses can be completed after admission. If you have prior graduate credits, obtain a written transfer-credit evaluation: acceptance of credits may shorten coursework without shortening a fixed internship sequence. Applicants comparing admissions pathways can consult the easiest clinical mental health counseling programs, but should not equate less restrictive admission with a shorter or less demanding route to licensure.
Clinical counseling curricula typically cover counseling theories and techniques, human development, assessment, diagnosis, ethics, group counseling, research, and multicultural practice, followed by supervised practicum and internship. Program requirements and state board rules determine which courses must appear on a transcript; similar course titles do not always mean equivalent content (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; state counseling boards).
Course sequencing can determine whether a "fast" option is practical. For example, a required diagnosis course offered only before practicum may delay a student who misses that term. Request the actual degree map and ask which courses must be completed before placement, which require live attendance, and whether every required course is offered in the term your accelerated plan needs.
Some programs offer electives or focused experiences in areas such as substance use, trauma, child and adolescent counseling, or marriage and family concerns. These can help you choose placements and develop relevant skills, but an elective or concentration does not by itself confer a separate license. Addiction counseling and marriage and family therapy, for example, can involve distinct state credentialing rules (state licensing boards).
Choose a focus only after confirming the underlying clinical mental health curriculum meets your intended licensing route. A specialized placement may be valuable if it introduces the client population you hope to serve; it is less useful if the placement is difficult to secure locally or displaces a course your board requires.
Start with the state where you expect to seek your first license, not the school's mailing address. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits eligible counseling programs, while institutional accreditation and federal aid eligibility address different questions; verify each status independently with the accreditor, school, and relevant agency. State boards - not rankings or admissions representatives - determine licensure requirements.
A useful shortlist should survive these checks in order:
Identify your intended state board's degree, coursework, supervised-experience, and examination requirements; request written program information addressing them.
Confirm current programmatic and institutional accreditation, state enrollment authorization, and where you can complete approved clinical work.
Obtain a start-date-specific degree map, including live classes, campus visits, placement deadlines, and a realistic part-time alternative.
Compare total net price, likely borrowing, time away from paid work, and the availability of placements near you.
Ask for relevant completion, licensure-exam, and graduate outcome information with its reporting period and definition before relying on a headline result.
A common mistake is choosing the shortest advertised timeline before finding a clinical site. Another is assuming that online access from a Midwestern state means the degree satisfies that state's board. Treat either unresolved issue as a reason to pause enrollment, not as paperwork to handle after graduation.
A graduate may pursue supervised counseling work in an agency, hospital-affiliated service, or substance use treatment setting, then seek the independent clinical credential available in the state where they practice. With appropriate licensure and experience, some counselors move into private practice, clinical supervision, or program leadership. The permitted job title and scope of practice vary by state and credential (state counseling boards).
The best first role is not always the one with the highest advertised pay. For a new graduate, reliable qualifying supervision, a suitable client population, and clear documentation of post-degree hours may matter more to long-term career mobility. Ask prospective employers who provides supervision and whether the board will accept that arrangement before accepting a position.
View the chart data as a table
Median wage by U.S. state - Mental Health Counselors (BLS OEWS, May 2025) (Source: BLS)
State
Value
AK
80,770
AL
47,310
AR
51,580
AZ
65,300
CA
59,250
CO
62,390
CT
63,590
DC
60,450
DE
56,020
FL
56,790
GA
58,960
HI
60,090
IA
60,880
ID
63,360
IL
60,730
IN
53,760
KS
59,470
KY
54,190
LA
37,910
MA
59,890
MD
59,530
ME
59,970
MI
61,690
MN
58,780
MO
56,910
MS
46,990
MT
59,000
NC
55,490
ND
68,630
NE
63,770
NH
54,840
NJ
62,820
NM
74,100
NV
57,210
NY
59,450
OH
58,360
OK
59,350
OR
74,590
PA
52,010
PR
46,790
RI
65,120
SC
52,370
SD
53,650
TN
49,580
TX
62,630
UT
63,890
VA
59,880
VT
61,810
WA
68,910
WI
62,220
WV
49,430
WY
62,980
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% national employment growth from 2025 to 2035 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. That signals growing demand across the occupation, not an 18% forecast for every Midwestern state, employer, or newly licensed applicant. It also does not establish how many local openings offer the supervision a graduate needs.
Before deciding where to study or complete fieldwork, review openings in the specific communities where you could work. Compare agencies' supervision arrangements and clinical specialties as well as job counts. Online delivery can let a student remain in a community they know, but it is a weaker advantage if that community has few suitable placement or supervised-entry opportunities.
2027 Fastest Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the Midwest
Investing in graduate education is a consequential decision, particularly when a counseling degree must also support a path to licensure. Research.com uses multiple education datasets to improve the quality, credibility, and accuracy of its comparisons rather than relying on a school's promotional description alone. The ranking can help readers identify programs to investigate; it cannot replace confirmation of a school's current schedule or a state board's requirements.
The following sources were used to create the ranking:
IPEDS database: institutional information, including reported enrollment, completion, and cost data.
Peterson's database: program and institutional information used in comparing options.
Research.com's counseling rankings consider graduate outcomes, licensure exam pass rates where applicable, accreditation, federal Title IV eligibility, and program cost. Its Best ranking first combines completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), licensure exam pass rate (20%), CACREP accreditation (16%), and Title IV eligibility (4%); applicable weights are adjusted when a criterion does not apply. Cost contributes about 7% of the final Best score. Other rankings emphasize the dimension named in their titles, so readers should use a fastest-program ranking to shortlist schedules, then compare clinical feasibility and overall fit. More detail is available in Research.com's ranking methodology.
# 1 position
Northwestern University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
18 months (Accelerated Track, 6 quarters); traditional track ~30 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
24 courses (equivalent to a 60-credit-hour program)
Program completion rate
86% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
80% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
98% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or DACA recipients living in the United States and hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; a degree in psychology or human services is preferred but not required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Northwestern University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 91.3/100, supported by 18-month completion pathway and 24 courses. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 2 position
University of Mary
Master
Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Between 20 and 32 months, depending on your choice of track
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
81% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
97% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
97% (2025)
Application deadline
March 1 (priority for early admission; fall and summer starts only)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree, preference given to degrees in Psychology, Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or a closely related Human Service field
Additional requirements
General application form, application fee, official transcripts, resume/CV, two professional recommendations, 1-page Statement of Purpose
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Mary earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 87.0/100, supported by 20–32 month completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 3 position
Capital University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
64 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
96.4% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Priority Deadline: December 1; Final Deadline: March 15
Class size
31
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution, with a satisfactory GPA, usually a minimum of 3.0 (B); applicants below 3.0 are reviewed individually and, if admitted, placed on a probationary period.
Additional requirements
Online application; statement of intent; three professional references; resume or CV; official transcripts from all institutions; signed Statement of Assurance of Good Moral Character; in-person interview if invited. Fall admission only.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Capital University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 64 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 4 position
Mount Mary University
Master
M.S. in Professional Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
accelerated 2-year option
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
95% (2025)
Application deadline
March 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE or MAT required as evidence if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, unless a 3.0 GPA in the final 60 credits or in post-baccalaureate coursework is shown
Prerequisites
Regionally accredited bachelor's; 18 credits in human development, education, psychology, sociology, social work or communications (undergraduate statistics preferred); 3.0 GPA or equivalent evidence (e.g., GRE, MAT, 3.0 in final 60 credits).
Additional requirements
Online Graduate Student Application, nonrefundable application fee (waived for Mount Mary alumni), official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Mount Mary University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 5 position
Northern State University
Master
M.Ed. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Pathway
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Estimated Time to Complete: Two Years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree in psychology, sociology, or education (typical incoming background noted for the program)
Additional requirements
Graduate application; participation in an individual and group interview process with program faculty (in-person or via Zoom)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Northern State University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 6 position
Northwestern College
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (6 semesters)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
91% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, minimum 3.0 GPA (conditional admission possible below), updated résumé, virtual interview with faculty member; no GRE required, no application fee.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Northwestern College earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 7 position
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Master
Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years for full-time students
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
86% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Summer: February 1
Application process
GradCAS
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution; no specific major required.
Additional requirements
GradCAS application, resume, unofficial transcripts, three letters of recommendation, ~350-word career goals essay, criminal background check, $50 application fee.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Minnesota State University Moorhead earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 8 position
John Carroll University
Master
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online)
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 Years / six semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
97% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling (priority date Aug 1 for Fall start)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
An undergraduate degree in a recognized area from an accredited institution; undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended; Resume/CV; Two letters of recommendation; Statement of purpose (400-600 words); Faculty Interview. Program requirement: two on-campus weekend residencies (University Heights, OH).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
John Carroll University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 97% licensure exam pass rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 9 position
Heidelberg University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
approximately 2 calendar years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional requirements
Graduate application, transcripts, two recommendation letters, a 2–3-page personal statement of professional goals, and Ohio BCI and FBI background checks. Admission is conditional; a faculty interview after nine credits is required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Heidelberg University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 10 position
Adler University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 Year Course Sequence (online); 2-year program, full-time study
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
62 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited or equivalent international institution; recommended GPA of 3.0 or higher (undergraduate and graduate coursework), with exceptions considered case-by-case.
Additional requirements
Application fee; completed online application; resume/CV; official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions; Statement of Intent; letters of recommendation/references; personal interview as final step (for approved applicants).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Adler University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 62 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 11 position
Indiana University-Southeast
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Over two years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 1 (priority consideration)
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's or master's degree, with a suggested minimum undergraduate-major GPA of 3.0; applicants below 3.0 showing readiness may be considered. No specific prerequisite courses.
Additional requirements
Application, resume, personal statement (background, reasons for the degree, service and diversity experience), three recommendation letters, and official transcripts. GRE optional (scores no more than three years old).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Indiana University-Southeast earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 12 position
North Park University
Master
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
about two years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
95% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
12/15/2026
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, current resume, two professional and/or academic recommendations, an essay, and an interview with a faculty member; up to six transfer credits accepted
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
North Park University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 13 position
Bethany Lutheran College
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (three-year option available)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
93%
Employment or doctoral admission
79% (2025)
Application deadline
Priority Fall Cohort or Summer Jumpstart: February 28/29; Standard Fall Cohort: May 15; Rolling if Available: June 30
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
An undergraduate degree in any field is accepted; a psychology degree is not required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Bethany Lutheran College earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 14 position
Grace College and Theological Seminary
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
A degree from an accredited institution; Undergraduate 3.0 GPA minimum
Additional requirements
Completed application, official/unofficial transcripts, professional reference (non-relative, recent employer/instructor/supervisor), interview with faculty member, background check
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Grace College and Theological Seminary earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 15 position
Grand View University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two-year intensive program
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Licensure exam pass rate
69% (2022-23)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
A baccalaureate degree or a completion plan meeting the program's requirements; cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or greater, or a GPA of 2.75 or higher in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
Additional requirements
Completion of the application for admission; video submission responding to prompt questions (e.g., approach to personal biases); no GRE required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Grand View University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 16 position
Evangel University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
71.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
27 months (7-semester accelerated plan, summer start); standard 9 semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
70% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Spring (January): November 1; Summer (May): April 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (combined 290+) required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; six hours of psychology or counseling coursework; undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or combined GRE score of at least 290. Conditional admission possible below thresholds.
Additional requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 undergraduate hours (or last two years of full-time study), or GRE scores of at least 290 combined with a 3.0 writing score;
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Evangel University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 71.7/100, supported by 27-month completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 17 position
South Dakota State University
Master
Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S.)
Delivery mode: online
65.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
96% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: April 15 (Priority: Dec 1); Spring: Oct 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
South Dakota State University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 65.2/100, supported by 30-month completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 18 position
Central Michigan University
Master
M.A. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
65.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Full-time students complete the program in 2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
71%
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
85% (2022-23)
Application deadline
Fall: Feb 1; Spring: Sept 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree and eligibility for admission to CMU's College of Graduate Studies; no specific prerequisite coursework is stated.
Additional requirements
Official academic transcripts from all coursework completed, a written statement of purpose, and two completed program recommendation forms
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Central Michigan University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 65.2/100, supported by 30-month completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 19 position
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Science in Education
Delivery mode: hybrid
60.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Fall First Semester ... Spring Third Semester (8 semesters incl. 2 summers)
Official transcripts (Low GPA Statement if below 2.75), resume, personal essay (300-500 words) on motivation to become a clinical mental health counselor, three professional references, admission interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Nebraska at Kearney earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 60.9/100, supported by 32-month completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 20 position
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
58.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Complete in 33 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95.8% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Applications and interviews occur every February and April
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or 3.2 in last 30 hours), with lower GPAs eligible under probation
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, three professional and/or academic references, a writing assessment, and one half-day of comprehensive interviews with graduate faculty
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
MidAmerica Nazarene University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 58.7/100, supported by 33-month completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Midwest
What is the fastest route to a clinical mental health counseling degree?
A full-time program with a course sequence and clinical placement you can actually complete is usually faster than an aggressive advertised schedule that depends on unavailable courses or sites. Request a personalized term-by-term plan.
Can I complete the degree entirely online?
Usually not in the sense of working entirely from home. Coursework may be online, but supervised practicum and internship generally require direct clinical work at an approved site.
Will a degree from one Midwestern state qualify me for licensure in another?
Not automatically. Check the intended state board's education, experience, and examination rules, then ask the program for written information showing how its curriculum aligns.
Is CACREP accreditation required?
Requirements vary by state and pathway. Check the board where you intend to practice and verify the specific program's current CACREP status directly with the accreditor.
Is an accelerated online counseling degree worth it?
It can be if it meets your licensing goal, offers workable placements, and reduces overall costs or time away from work. Compare net cost and likely debt with a schedule you can finish; speed alone does not establish value.
