Choosing an Ohio counseling master's program means checking more than its name or popularity: the degree must fit your budget, schedule, and path to professional licensure. This guide accompanies the 2027 Most Popular Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Ohio, created by the Research.com team of data scientist to help students make an informed choice about programs worth considering. Whether you are entering counseling or changing careers, you will learn how to compare training, costs, clinical placements, and career prospects before committing.
Key findings about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degrees in Ohio
An Ohio clinical mental health counseling master's should be evaluated against Ohio's LPC and LPCC requirements; a degree title or ranking position alone does not establish licensure eligibility (Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board).
The U.S. median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025, with employment projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035; neither figure predicts an individual graduate's earnings (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Most students should plan around a multiyear master's degree plus required fieldwork and, for independent practice, post-degree supervision. Compare total cost and placement logistics - not tuition alone - before selecting a program (CACREP; Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board).
What can I expect from a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Ohio?
A clinical mental health counseling degree is generally a graduate program preparing students to assess mental health concerns, develop treatment plans, provide counseling, and work within ethical and legal limits. In Ohio, the relevant professional licenses are Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board sets their requirements; earning a diploma does not itself confer either license.
Expect coursework, supervised practicum and internship, and preparation for the board's education and examination requirements. A bachelor's degree is normally the entry point, but it need not automatically be in psychology; individual schools decide admissions prerequisites. This route fits someone who wants to provide mental health counseling. If your goal is school counseling, social work, psychology, or psychiatry, compare those distinct credentials before paying for a clinical counseling degree.
Program labels also matter less than their documented curriculum. An M.A., M.S., or M. Ed. may be appropriate, but ask the school for a written explanation of how its specific program and delivery format meet current Ohio licensing standards. CACREP programmatic accreditation is an especially useful item to verify; institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation are different checks (CACREP; Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board).
Where can I work with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Ohio?
Potential settings include community mental health agencies, hospitals, outpatient clinics, substance-use treatment programs, nonprofit organizations, and, with the appropriate license and experience, private practice. The position and level of independence available to you depend on your license, employer, supervision, and job duties - not simply the degree (Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Location affects training as well as employment. A student considering placements near Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron, or a smaller community should ask where recent interns were placed, whether sites accept working students, and how far travel may be required. An affordable program can become harder to complete if its approved clinical sites are incompatible with your work hours or location.
The U.S. median annual wage for the Bureau of Labor Statistics' combined occupation of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics). It is a national occupational median, not an Ohio starting salary or a figure limited to master's-prepared LPCCs. Pay can vary with setting, location, license, experience, and whether compensation is salaried or tied to client visits.
Use that median as a reality check rather than an earnings promise. When assessing a program, compare its net cost and likely borrowing with your current income and the actual pay ranges on Ohio job postings for roles you would qualify for immediately after graduation versus after independent licensure. A higher potential later-career income does not erase the cost of supervised, post-degree career progression.
These Ohio options differ in degree designation, academic home, and stated program focus. Those differences can help you build a shortlist, but none substitutes for confirming current credits, clinical hours, accreditation, tuition, and Ohio licensure alignment with the program. Each distinction below is drawn from the institution's program description or catalog; it is not a claim that one degree produces better outcomes.
Xavier University: Xavier presents clinical mental health counseling as a specifically identified graduate program rather than a general counseling degree (Xavier University program page). It is a useful starting point for applicants who want admissions and curriculum questions answered for that professional path directly.
Kent State University at Kent: Kent State identifies its option as an M. Ed. in clinical mental health counseling within counseling education (Kent State University program page). Students drawn to a degree housed in an education-focused department can compare its clinical preparation and placement arrangements with M.A. and M.S. alternatives.
University of Akron Main Campus: Akron publishes a dedicated clinical mental health counseling master's program through its counseling unit (University of Akron program page). Applicants planning to train or work in the Akron area should ask about local internship-site access rather than assuming a nearby campus ensures a nearby placement.
Wright State University-Main Campus: Wright State labels clinical mental health as a concentration within its M.S. in Counseling (Wright State University program page). That structure makes it particularly important to compare the concentration's required courses - not just the parent degree title - against Ohio licensing requirements.
Youngstown State University: Youngstown State places counseling within its graduate Master of Science in Education offerings (Youngstown State University graduate catalog). Prospective students should identify the exact clinical mental health pathway in the catalog and confirm which requirements apply to their entry year.
Franciscan University of Steubenville: Franciscan explicitly offers a master's in clinical mental health counseling within its faith-based institutional setting (Franciscan University of Steubenville program page). Students for whom that setting matters should ask how it relates to clinical training and the obligation to serve clients ethically across beliefs.
Capital University: Capital documents its counseling program in a formal graduate bulletin (Capital University graduate bulletin). The catalog is a practical comparison tool for applicants who want to check the applicable course sequence and requirements before discussing schedule and clinical-site availability.
University of Dayton: Dayton identifies its clinical mental health counseling option as an M.S.E. program (University of Dayton program page). Applicants comparing it with other Dayton-area choices should focus on the degree's actual clinical curriculum and placement expectations, not interpret the education designation as a different license.
Heidelberg University: Heidelberg presents an M.A. in Counseling with program information organized around counseling preparation (Heidelberg University program page). Because the degree title is broader than clinical mental health counseling, applicants should confirm the precise pathway and its Ohio licensure alignment in writing.
Ohio University-Main Campus: Ohio University identifies a clinical mental health counseling option within its counseling and higher education area (Ohio University program page). Students considering Athens alongside larger metro locations should compare placement geography and travel expectations as closely as academic requirements.
If popularity helps you discover options but does not resolve clinical or academic fit, compare the best clinical mental health counseling programs alongside each school's current catalog and the Ohio board's rules.
A full-time clinical mental health counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years; part-time enrollment generally takes longer. The schedule depends on course sequencing, how often required classes run, and when students can begin and finish supervised fieldwork. Program catalogs and advisers, rather than a generic completion estimate, are the right sources for an individual timetable.
Ask for a term-by-term plan showing practicum and internship alongside coursework. For a working adult, a shorter advertised timeline may be unrealistic if clinical hours occur during business hours. Graduation is also not the endpoint for someone seeking independent LPCC practice: Ohio's additional supervised-experience and examination requirements must be planned separately (Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board).
Online study can reduce commuting for Ohio residents outside a university's immediate area, but it does not make clinical training virtual by default. Both formats require students to arrange and complete approved supervised experiences; schools may also require live classes or campus visits. Confirm the precise format with the program, not the university's general online-learning page.
The comparison below focuses on logistics that could change your ability to finish - not on an assumption that either format is inherently better.
Consideration
Online or hybrid
On campus
Course attendance
May reduce travel, but live meeting times can still constrain work schedules.
Regular travel is more predictable, but may limit access for distant students.
Clinical placement
Ask who approves and helps secure a site near your home.
Ask whether established sites are accessible from campus and on your schedule.
Licensure planning
Verify the program's Ohio alignment, especially if the institution is based elsewhere.
Verify Ohio alignment just as carefully; campus attendance is not proof of eligibility.
If you may move after graduation, check the licensing board in the destination state before enrolling. State requirements can differ, and an Ohio-focused placement plan does not automatically transfer elsewhere (Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board).
There is no single dependable statewide average that captures the full price of these specific counseling master's programs. Published institutional tuition averages can mix programs with different credit requirements and exclude fees, clinical-placement travel, and living expenses. For a usable estimate, obtain each school's current per-credit graduate tuition, required credits, mandatory fees, and projected annual increases; confirm residency rules at public universities (institutional tuition schedules; NCES/IPEDS).
Then subtract grants and employer assistance, and add the cost of any reduced work hours during internship. Public in-state tuition may be attractive, while a private nonprofit program could be competitive after institutional aid; neither label establishes the cheaper net price. The most affordable clinical mental health counseling programs offer a useful price-oriented starting point, but request a personalized, whole-program estimate before deciding.
Eligible graduate students can apply for federal aid through the FAFSA and ask schools about Direct Unsubsidized Loans, assistantships, scholarships, and payment plans. Federal loan eligibility, annual limits, and borrowing terms depend on current rules and the student's circumstances; institutional awards depend on each school (Federal Student Aid; institutional financial-aid offices). Ask specifically whether clinical placement affects assistantship hours or continued eligibility.
Graduate PLUS rules have changed for new graduate borrowers beginning in July 2026. Continuing students may qualify for a limited exception only if they meet the applicable prior-enrollment and borrowing conditions; do not build a 2027 financing plan around Graduate PLUS without confirmation from your aid office (Federal Student Aid). For later career planning, the National Health Service Corps offers qualifying behavioral health professionals loan-repayment opportunities tied to eligible service sites and program rules, not automatic repayment upon graduation (Health Resources and Services Administration).
Before accepting loans, compare projected debt with payments under the terms available to you and with realistic early-career income. An employer's tuition benefit or a modest reduction in borrowing can matter more than a small difference in a ranking.
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
Expect schools to request an accredited bachelor's degree, transcripts, and materials assessing readiness for graduate study and client-facing work. Programs may also require an interview, references, a statement of purpose, prerequisite courses, or background checks before clinical placement. These are school-specific admissions conditions, not a single statewide admissions rule (institutional admissions offices).
If you are changing fields, ask whether missing psychology or statistics courses must be completed before entry or can be taken within the degree. Also ask whether prior graduate credits transfer, how many count toward this particular curriculum, and whether transfer would change fieldwork sequencing. Credit acceptance by a university does not itself establish that coursework satisfies Ohio licensing rules (Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board).
Core study commonly covers counseling theories, helping relationships, assessment, diagnosis, ethics, multicultural counseling, research, group work, career development, and supervised practicum and internship (CACREP). Clinical mental health programs also address treatment planning and work with clients experiencing mental health conditions. The exact titles and sequence vary.
For an Ohio licensure check, request the current curriculum map rather than relying on a course-name list. Ask the program to identify which courses and supervised experiences it uses to meet the board's educational requirements, who approves internship sites, and what happens if a placement is delayed (Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board).
Electives or placements may let students focus on areas such as substance-use counseling, trauma, children and adolescents, or family-related work. Availability varies by school and site; an advertised interest area is not necessarily a formal concentration or a separate credential. Compare required courses and supervised experiences before treating a specialization as a career advantage (institutional program catalogs).
Choose a focus that connects to the clients you hope to serve and the placements you can realistically access. If your primary goal requires a different regulated credential - such as school counselor licensure - verify that path separately rather than assuming a clinical mental health elective will qualify you (Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board).
Start with your intended license and work setting, then eliminate programs that cannot clearly document a feasible route to that goal. Popularity can reveal options; it should not override licensure alignment, a workable internship, or an affordable total cost. Use this sequence when speaking with admissions and program staff:
Ask for the program's written explanation of how its current curriculum meets Ohio LPC education requirements and supports the path toward LPCC; verify current requirements with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.
Check the program's current CACREP status in CACREP's directory and its institution's accreditation separately; ask what any accreditation status means for your intended license.
Request a term-by-term plan, clinical-hour expectations, site-approval process, and examples of placement locations compatible with your schedule.
Calculate net whole-program cost, borrowing, lost work time, and the likelihood that you can complete the sequence on time; compare this with your present earnings and plausible post-degree roles.
Ask for recent, clearly defined program-level completion and licensure-exam outcomes if available, including the reporting period, before drawing conclusions from a schoolwide figure.
A common mistake is choosing the lowest sticker price while overlooking an unpaid placement or delayed course rotation. Another is assuming that CACREP recognition, graduation, or an online label alone settles every licensing question. For a separate outcomes-and-cost perspective, consult the most valuable clinical mental health counseling programs, then test any promising option against your own financing and completion plan.
The most direct path is toward professional counseling: complete a qualifying master's, meet the applicable examination and initial licensing requirements, and pursue the supervised experience required for independent clinical licensure. Ohio's LPC and LPCC designations are not interchangeable career stages to assume automatically; check the board's current requirements and permitted scope of practice at each stage (Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board).
Depending on qualifications and employer needs, graduates may pursue work in community mental health, outpatient treatment, integrated care, or substance-use services. Experienced, appropriately licensed counselors may seek supervisory or independent-practice roles. A doctorate is a different investment, generally more relevant if your goal shifts toward advanced research or faculty work than if your immediate aim is to begin clinical counseling.
View the chart data as a table
Graduates (2024-25) distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
0–9
2
10–19
3
20–29
2
30–39
5
40–49
2
50–59
0
60–69
2
National employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections). That signals expanding demand across the combined occupation, but it is not an Ohio-specific forecast or a guarantee of a position in a preferred city, specialty, or practice setting.
For a local decision, review current Ohio vacancies by license level, employer, location, pay arrangement, and required experience. Compare those postings with each program's placement network: the most useful school may be one that helps you complete clinical training in the community where you intend to build supervised experience and seek work. Demand alone does not make a costly degree worthwhile if the required training and financing do not fit your circumstances.
2027 Most Popular Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Ohio
Investing in graduate education is a consequential decision. Research.com created its counseling rankings to make program comparisons more transparent, using multiple sources and checking outcomes, accreditation, eligibility for federal aid, and cost rather than relying on a single school-reported claim. Popularity is the organizing dimension of the ranking accompanying this guide; it is not, by itself, a measure of licensure fit or value.
Research.com's broader counseling-ranking method evaluates program completion, employment or doctoral admission, licensure-exam pass rates where applicable, CACREP recognition, Title IV eligibility, and cost. For its Best ranking, the graduate-outcomes-and-accreditation component weights completion at 40%, employment or doctoral admission at 20%, applicable exam results at 20%, CACREP recognition at 16%, and Title IV eligibility at 4%; inapplicable criteria are reweighted. Cost contributes about 7% of the final Best score. Other rankings order programs by the dimension named in their titles. The underlying sources include:
IPEDS database: institutional enrollment, completions, and price reporting.
Peterson's database: program and institutional information used in comparisons.
These measures can narrow a search, but a prospective Ohio counselor should still confirm current program details and licensure eligibility directly with the school and state board. See Research.com's methodology for more information about how the rankings are created.
# 1 position
Xavier University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A.
Delivery mode: campus
58.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
81% (2022-23)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1; Spring: October 1; Summer: February 1
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree and solid academic background; applicants from any field are encouraged. Recommended undergraduate GPA of 3.0; applicants below 3.0 may submit MAT or GRE scores to strengthen their application.
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts; resume; 500-word statement of purpose; two letters of reference; 3.0 GPA expected; MAT/GRE optional; on-campus interview for selected applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Xavier University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 58.9/100, supported by 68 graduates (2024-25) and 90% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 2 position
Kent State University at Kent
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling - M.Ed.
Delivery mode: campus
53.60
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
95% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
95% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1; Spring: September 1; late materials considered on a space-available basis.
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.000 on a 4.000-point scale.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, goal statement, Questions in Anticipation of Licensure form, Supplemental Interview form, two recommendation letters, and interview. International applicants must show English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Kent State University at Kent earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 53.6/100, supported by 46 graduates (2025-26) and 95% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 3 position
University of Akron Main Campus
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: campus
53.60
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2025-26)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Additional requirements
School of Graduate Studies Application; official transcripts; three letters of recommendation; School of Counseling Application Supplement Form; interview required for applicants who meet admission criteria
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 Akron Main Campus earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 53.6/100, supported by 46 graduates (CY2025) and 90% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 4 position
Wright State University-Main Campus
Master
Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Concentration
Delivery mode: hybrid
49.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5- 3.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
56% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: December 1; Spring: August 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Graduate School application; 3.0 GPA (conditional below with approval); three recommendation letters; goals statement; required 3-hour group interview; GRE not required (petition if below GPA minimum without GRE).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Wright State University-Main Campus earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 49.5/100, supported by 34 graduates (2024-25) and 56% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 5 position
Youngstown State University
Master
M.S.Ed. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
49.10
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
97% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
87% (2022-23)
Application deadline
Fall: June 15th; Spring: October 15th; Summer: March 15th
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE or MAT score required for review if GPA is slightly below the 2.7 minimum
Prerequisites
No specific undergraduate major or coursework required. Admission requires an undergraduate GPA above 2.7 (GRE/MAT may substitute if slightly below), a letter of intent, resume, three references, official transcripts, and an interview.
Additional requirements
GPA above 2.70 (or GRE/MAT if slightly below), letter of intent (~4 pages), name and contact information of references, required interview with Counseling Admissions Committee, official transcripts of all undergraduate/graduate work.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Youngstown State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 49.1/100, supported by 33 graduates (2022-23) and 97% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 6 position
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
48.20
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
82% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
86% (2023-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
96% (2025)
Application deadline
Rolling, September–April, for Fall start
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from a regionally accredited university or college
Additional requirements
Online application; official college/university transcripts; a résumé; three professional recommendations rating dispositional fit; English proficiency test results (international applicants); virtual interview with admissions committee
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Franciscan University of Steubenville earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 48.2/100, supported by 31 graduates (2025-26) and 82% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 7 position
Capital University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
47.80
/ 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 Student Interest Score of 47.8/100, supported by 30 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 8 position
University of Dayton
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSE)
Delivery mode: campus
45.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 or 3.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
85% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
96% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Summer enrollment: Nov 10; Fall enrollment (early admission): Jan 10; Fall enrollment (late admission): Rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE or MAT required if undergraduate GPA is below 2.75
Prerequisites
Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale; applicants below 2.75 may be admitted with a qualifying GRE (verbal 149+ and analytical writing 4.0+) or MAT score (raw 40+ or scaled 396+).
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts from all previously attended institutions; three letters of recommendation; personal statement regarding career goals; GRE or MAT scores if undergraduate GPA is below 2.75; possible faculty 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 Dayton earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 45.4/100, supported by 25 graduates (2024-25) and 85% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 9 position
Heidelberg University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
40.20
/ 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 Student Interest Score of 40.2/100, with 17 graduates (2024-25) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 10 position
Ohio University-Main Campus
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.Ed.
Delivery mode: campus
38.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-year sequence (Year 1 and Year 2 curriculum)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
98% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
76% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Ohio University-Main Campus earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 38.6/100, supported by 15 graduates (2024-25) and 98% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 11 position
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Master
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
37.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years (full-time average)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
43.5%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
76% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Priority: Dec 1, 2026; Final: Feb 15, 2027 (for Fall 2027 entry)
Class size
23
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
All undergraduate degrees are eligible for entry; no prerequisite courses are required.
Additional requirements
Completed online graduate college application, official transcripts from all undergraduate/graduate institutions, a writing sample (5 pages, APA style, responding to specified prompts), and three letters of recommendation.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 37.7/100, supported by 14 graduates (2024-25) and 76% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 12 position
Ohio State University
Master
Master of Arts in Educational Studies – Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
30.60
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 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
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
December 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Ohio State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 30.6/100, supported by 8 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 13 position
Cleveland State University
Master
Master of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
58.70
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
99% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
75% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
95% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Apr 1; Spring: Oct 1; Summer: Feb 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE or MAT (50th percentile) required if undergraduate GPA is below 2.75, unless 12 graduate credits are completed as a non-degree student with a 3.0 GPA
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Cleveland State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 58.7/100, supported by 99% program completion rate and 95% licensure exam pass rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 14 position
John Carroll University
Master
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online)
Delivery mode: hybrid
50.30
/ 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 Student Interest Score of 50.3/100, with 97% licensure exam pass rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 15 position
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Master
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
42.40
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
94% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
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).
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 42.4/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% licensure exam pass rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 16 position
Ashland University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
0.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
4 semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
64 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
80% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
89.6% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and a substantial liberal arts foundation; CMHC applicants also complete a personality inventory and a personal interview with the program director.
Additional requirements
Online application, essay responses, two recommendation letters (one pastor/spiritual mentor, one professional), official transcripts, interview if requested; CMHC applicants also complete a personality inventory and follow-up interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Ashland University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 0.0/100, supported by 80% program completion rate and 89.6% licensure exam pass rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
Frequently asked questions about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Ohio
Do I need a master's degree to become a licensed clinical counselor in Ohio?
Ohio's professional counselor licensing route includes graduate counseling education plus other requirements. Confirm the current degree, examination, and supervised-experience rules with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board before enrolling.
Is a CACREP-accredited program required?
CACREP status is an important program-level credential to check, but do not assume accreditation alone establishes individual eligibility. Ask the Ohio licensing board how it evaluates the specific program and your coursework.
Can I become licensed after an online counseling master's?
Potentially, if the specific program, its clinical training, and your subsequent steps satisfy Ohio's requirements. Verify licensure alignment and how local practicum and internship placements are arranged before accepting an offer.
How long does the degree usually take?
Full-time master's study commonly takes about two to three years; part-time study can take longer. Fieldwork and course availability may determine your actual graduation date.
Is a clinical mental health counseling degree worth the cost?
It may be if it fits your intended license, offers completable clinical training, and has a net cost you can manage against realistic career earnings. Compare borrowing, time away from work, completion prospects, and post-degree supervision - not just advertised tuition or a national salary median.
Can I use this degree to become a school counselor?
Do not assume so. School counseling follows a distinct credentialing path; ask the relevant Ohio authority and the school whether the exact program meets that goal before enrolling.
University of Akron Main Campus - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA Official program page (curriculum, tuition, admissions). https://www.uakron.edu/soc/masters/cmhc/
