Choosing a counseling master's program means looking beyond a school's name: the degree must fit your budget, schedule, clinical training needs, and plans for Pennsylvania licensure. This guide explains those trade-offs for prospective students and career changers. It will feature the 2027 Most Popular Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Pennsylvania, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about programs worth considering. Use the ranking alongside the cost, accreditation, and career checks below to build a shortlist that fits your goal.
Key findings about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degrees in Pennsylvania
A clinical mental health counseling master's should be evaluated against Pennsylvania's licensed professional counselor (LPC) education, examination, and supervised-experience rules - not popularity alone (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
The U.S. median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025; it is an occupational benchmark, not a starting-salary estimate for Pennsylvania graduates (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
National employment for that counseling occupation is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035. Compare local placement access and total borrowing before treating that outlook as a reason to enroll (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What can I expect from a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Pennsylvania?
Clinical mental health counseling is graduate-level preparation for assessing client needs, providing counseling under appropriate supervision, and working with mental health concerns across settings. The usual target credential is an MA or MS. A related degree labeled simply "counseling" may also have a clinical mental health pathway, but its title alone does not establish that it meets Pennsylvania LPC education requirements.
Expect coursework, skills practice, a supervised practicum, and an internship. CACREP's 2024 standards set a 60-semester-credit minimum for entry-level clinical mental health counseling programs it accredits (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs). A degree is only one part of the LPC pathway: Pennsylvania also has requirements concerning qualifying education, supervised experience, and examination (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
This path fits someone who wants to provide counseling and can accommodate client-facing training followed by post-degree supervision. If your aim is school counseling, psychology licensure, or a prescribing role, compare the separately regulated education paths before committing.
Where can I work with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Pennsylvania?
Potential settings include community mental health agencies, hospitals, outpatient clinics, substance-use treatment providers, and private practices. Pennsylvania's mix of large metropolitan health systems and smaller communities changes the practical choice: a program near Philadelphia or Pittsburgh may offer different placement networks than one serving central or western communities. Ask where recent students completed internships and whether the school helps arrange sites near where you plan to live.
Employers and job duties determine whether a position requires an LPC or permits practice under another qualified professional's supervision. A master's degree by itself does not authorize independent clinical practice; check the Pennsylvania board's current scope and licensing rules before accepting a role (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 national median annual wage of $59,350 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. The figure covers an occupation - not just new master's graduates or Pennsylvania LPCs - so it is a benchmark for comparing career paths rather than a predicted offer.
Pay can differ by setting, location, experience, and license status. When weighing programs, request recent, clearly defined graduate employment information; then compare a plausible local starting role with your projected debt and current earnings. Do not use the national median as the sole basis for a loan decision.
These program pages point to different degree labels, institutional settings, and Pennsylvania locations. Those differences are useful for building a shortlist, but none substitutes for confirming current credits, clinical-placement support, total cost, and LPC eligibility with the program. The highlights below identify a distinct comparison question for each option rather than treating institutional reputation as a clinical outcome.
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania: Kutztown identifies its offering as an MA in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health (Kutztown University program page). As a public-university option in eastern Pennsylvania, it is a useful tuition and commuting comparison for students considering private institutions in the broader Philadelphia region; verify the program's current clinical-site arrangements.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania: IUP explicitly offers an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Indiana University of Pennsylvania program page). Its western Pennsylvania location gives students planning to work outside Pittsburgh a reason to ask how placements are arranged in the communities where they intend to practice.
Duquesne University: Duquesne lists an MS in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health (Duquesne University program page). For a student seeking a Pittsburgh-based private-university program, the useful comparison with nearby public options is the net program cost and the clinical placements available on the student's schedule.
Immaculata University: Immaculata identifies a graduate MA specifically in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Immaculata University program page). Students in southeastern Pennsylvania can compare its location with Philadelphia-based choices and ask whether required supervision sites are practical from home or work.
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus: Pitt lists an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling on its academic program page (University of Pittsburgh program page). Students interested in a Pittsburgh public-university setting should compare its published curriculum and placement process with Duquesne's rather than assuming the degree titles imply identical requirements.
La Salle University: La Salle calls its degree an MA in Professional Clinical Counseling (La Salle University program page). Because that title differs from "clinical mental health counseling," Pennsylvania LPC applicants should request a course-by-course explanation of how the degree meets the board's education requirements.
Geneva College: Geneva presents a graduate counseling program rather than naming the clinical mental health pathway in its page title (Geneva College program page). Ask which track leads toward Pennsylvania LPC eligibility and obtain that track's exact curriculum before comparing it with degrees explicitly labeled clinical mental health counseling.
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania: Shippensburg lists an MS in Counseling (Shippensburg University program page). Its south-central Pennsylvania setting may make field-placement geography especially important; confirm the relevant clinical track and where students complete supervised training.
Villanova University: Villanova identifies a clinical mental health option within its MS in Counseling (Villanova University program page). Students comparing suburban and city-based Philadelphia-area programs should confirm which requirements belong to this option and how internship travel affects their schedule.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania: Slippery Rock explicitly identifies a graduate clinical mental health counseling program (Slippery Rock University program page). For students considering western Pennsylvania public universities, compare its current delivery pattern, fees, and placement support directly with IUP rather than assuming the programs are interchangeable.
Plan on roughly two to three years of full-time graduate study for a clinical mental health counseling master's; part-time study commonly takes longer. The actual calendar depends on course sequencing, when clinical placements begin, and whether a program permits summer study. A 60-credit curriculum is substantial even if its classroom courses appear flexible (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
Ask for a term-by-term plan showing practicum, internship, and any courses offered only once a year. Working adults should check whether required daytime placement hours - not online coursework - will determine their true completion date. Budget separately for the supervised experience and other steps that follow graduation on the Pennsylvania LPC pathway.
Online study can reduce commuting to classes, but it does not remove supervised, in-person clinical training. On-campus study may make face-to-face skills practice easier to schedule, yet students still need an approved placement. Neither format is automatically better for licensure: the curriculum and fieldwork arrangements matter more than the delivery label.
The comparison below focuses on obligations that can change a Pennsylvania student's time and travel costs. Confirm each point with the specific program, especially if you live far from its campus.
Decision factor
Online or hybrid
On campus
Class travel
Usually less frequent; required visits may remain
Regular travel to campus
Clinical training
Approved local sites must be available
Approved sites are still required and may be off campus
Best fit
Students who need class flexibility and can secure a placement
Students who prefer scheduled, in-person learning
If an online school is based outside Pennsylvania, obtain written confirmation of how its curriculum and placement plan align with Pennsylvania LPC requirements. Do not assume authorization to offer a degree is the same as confirmation of professional-licensure eligibility (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
There is no single reliable statewide average that describes every Pennsylvania clinical mental health counseling master's: schools publish different graduate tuition rates and may charge by credit, term, or program. A headline tuition figure can exclude mandatory fees, travel to placements, insurance, and reduced earnings during internship. NCES IPEDS reports institution-level price information, but an institution-wide graduate figure is not necessarily the price of this particular degree (National Center for Education Statistics).
Request each school's current total estimated cost through graduation, using the credits you would actually need after any accepted transfer coursework. Check public-university residency rules rather than assuming an in-state rate applies. If price is your main constraint, compare the most affordable clinical mental health counseling programs against individualized aid offers - not sticker price alone.
Start with the FAFSA and each university's graduate-aid office. Depending on eligibility and availability, possible support includes federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, institutional scholarships or assistantships, employer tuition benefits, and school-specific payment plans. Ask whether an assistantship reduces tuition, supplies a stipend, or requires work hours that could conflict with internship (Federal Student Aid; institution financial-aid offices).
Federal Graduate PLUS access changed for new graduate borrowers beginning July 1, 2026. Students who received a Graduate PLUS loan for the same program before that date may qualify under transitional rules; new borrowers generally should not budget on receiving one. Confirm your individual status, current loan limits, and remaining aid options with Federal Student Aid and the school before accepting an offer (Federal Student Aid).
For a meaningful aid comparison, subtract grants and scholarships from each program's full cost, then examine borrowing across the expected completion time. An apparently generous award may be less useful if it lasts only one term or requires more enrolled credits than your work schedule permits.
View the chart data as a table
Graduates (2024-25) distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
0–9
1
10–19
4
20–29
7
30–39
4
40–49
1
A bachelor's degree is the usual academic starting point; applicants do not necessarily need an undergraduate counseling major. Individual programs may require particular prerequisite courses, a minimum GPA, recommendations, a personal statement, an interview, or background checks connected to field placements. Requirements and admissions decisions belong to each institution, so use its current application instructions rather than another school's checklist (institution admissions and program pages).
Before paying an application fee, send the program your transcript and intended career goal. Ask which prerequisites must be completed before entry, whether prior graduate credits can transfer, and whether transfer credit replaces required clinical coursework. Admission to a master's program should never be interpreted as advance approval for Pennsylvania licensure.
Expect training in counseling skills and theories, assessment, diagnosis, ethics, group work, multicultural counseling, research, and supervised clinical practice. CACREP's clinical mental health counseling standards also address preparation for work with mental health concerns in clinical settings (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
Course titles are less important than coverage and sequencing. Compare syllabi for diagnosis and treatment planning, ask when skills courses lead into practicum, and confirm how an internship is evaluated. For Pennsylvania LPC planning, have the program explain how the complete transcript - not just the degree title - addresses current board requirements (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
Programs may offer electives or clinical placements related to substance use, trauma, children and adolescents, or particular treatment settings. An elective emphasis is not necessarily a separate credential, and a counseling track is not automatically interchangeable with school counseling or marriage and family therapy preparation. Compare the published curriculum and field experiences rather than relying on a specialization's name.
Choose an emphasis when it helps you build relevant supervised experience without delaying graduation or narrowing your job search unnecessarily. If you have a specific employer or client population in mind, ask where students with that interest have been placed and which supervisors were available.
Start with the credential you want, then compare programs that can support that path. CACREP accreditation is a program-specific quality signal, while institutional accreditation and federal aid eligibility are separate matters; none by itself replaces the Pennsylvania board's determination of an applicant's licensure qualifications (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
Use the following checks to turn a ranking into a workable enrollment decision:
Ask each program for written guidance on Pennsylvania LPC education requirements, its current accreditation status, and the precise clinical track you would enter.
Request a complete cost and term-by-term plan, including fees, placement travel, expected work-hour constraints, and any transfer-credit decision.
Ask who finds internship sites, where recent placements occurred, and what happens if a local site is unavailable.
Compare net cost, likely debt, completion time, your current earnings, plausible post-degree earnings, and the time needed for post-degree supervision.
Wage range - Mental Health Counselors in Pennsylvania (BLS OEWS, May 2025) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
10th percentile
36,280
25th percentile
43,210
Median
52,010
75th percentile
65,280
90th percentile
81,970
A relevant master's can support a progression from supervised counseling work toward Pennsylvania LPC licensure and, where appropriate, roles with greater clinical independence. Related opportunities may involve outpatient mental health services, community agencies, substance-use treatment, or integrated care. Specific job titles and duties depend on employer requirements and license status, not simply possession of the degree (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
Before choosing a program for a niche career, read actual Pennsylvania job postings: note required licenses, preferred clinical experience, and work schedules. If a role consistently calls for a different credential, a clinical mental health counseling degree may be the wrong investment even if its courses sound appealing.
National employment of 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 supports investigating the field, but national growth does not reveal the number of suitable openings near a particular Pennsylvania campus or the share requiring an LPC.
Make the outlook local before enrolling. Compare current postings in the area where you expect to work, check whether prospective employers accept pre-licensure applicants, and ask programs about placement relationships in that area. This matters especially if you cannot relocate after graduation: the availability of suitable supervision can shape your early career as much as the number of advertised jobs.
2027 Most Popular Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Pennsylvania
Investing in graduate education is a consequential decision. Research.com evaluates counseling programs using multiple sources and checks so readers can compare options on more than name recognition. Its counseling rankings consider graduate outcomes, applicable licensure-exam results, accreditation, federal aid eligibility, and cost; rankings organized around a particular dimension should be read in light of that dimension, not as a promise of individual results.
The team used the following data sources to develop and check its rankings:
IPEDS database - institution-reported enrollment, completion, and price information.
Peterson's database - program and institution information used for comparison.
For context, Research.com's Best counseling ranking first combines program completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), applicable licensure-exam pass rate (20%), CACREP programmatic accreditation (16%), and Title IV institutional eligibility (4%). Inapplicable criteria are reweighted; program cost then contributes about 7% of the final score. The approach is the same for online and on-campus programs, while other rankings order programs by their named dimension. Readers can review the fuller approach on Research.com's methodology page. Before enrolling, confirm current program details and Pennsylvania licensing fit directly with the school and state board.
# 1 position
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health
Delivery mode: campus
48.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years including summer courses
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: April 1; Spring: October 1
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 48.2/100, with 31 graduates (2024-25) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 2 position
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
Master
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
48.20
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Program completion rate
75% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
94% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
MA (Summer/Fall 2027): January 31, 2027
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Application, goal statement, two letters of recommendation, and degree-granting collegiate transcripts submitted through the Graduate School's online portal; mandatory Admissions Workshop interview for invited applicants
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 48.2/100, supported by 31 graduates (2024-25) and 75% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 3 position
Duquesne University
Master
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
47.80
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
83% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
No undergraduate prerequisites other than a bachelor's degree; all majors welcome to apply.
Additional requirements
Resume/curriculum vitae, graduate education essay (250 words), two (2) letters of recommendation, official transcripts; international applicants also submit TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores and a transcript credential evaluation.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Duquesne University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 47.8/100, supported by 30 graduates (2024-25) and 83% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 4 position
Immaculata University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A.
Delivery mode: campus
46.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
85% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
75% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Class size
34
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited institution, having completed prerequisites in the proposed area of concentration with a "B" average.
Additional requirements
Online application form, official transcripts from all undergraduate/graduate institutions, two references, one-page personal goals statement (addressing CMHC-specific prompts), resume, and an admissions interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Immaculata University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 46.9/100, supported by 28 graduates (2024-25) and 85% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 5 position
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)
Delivery mode: campus
45.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years (5 terms, including 1 summer term)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60
Acceptance rate
33%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
87% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100%
Class size
31
Prerequisites
A bachelor’s degree is required preferably in psychology, rehabilitation sciences, human services, social sciences or a related field.
Additional requirements
Applicant interviews implemented beginning Fall 2024.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 45.9/100, supported by 26 graduates (2024-25) and 87% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 6 position
La Salle University
Master
M.A. in Professional Clinical Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
43.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years, 1 semester full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
69% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
82% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
88% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: August 10; Spring: December 10
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Official transcripts must reflect a minimum of 9-12 hours in psychology, marriage and family studies or counseling.
Additional requirements
Official transcript(s); resume/CV; three letters of recommendation; essay/personal statement on interest in counseling and mission alignment; engagement with program faculty/staff via Open House, virtual info session, or one-on-one meeting.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
La Salle University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 43.6/100, supported by 22 graduates (2024-25) and 69% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 7 position
Geneva College
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
43.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years for a full-time student
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
50% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
76% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Spring 2027: Nov 30, 2026
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Basic statistics competency
Additional requirements
Program requirement: one 5-day (one-week) residency in late August on the Beaver Falls, PA campus, year 1 (may postpone to year 2).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Geneva College earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 43.6/100, supported by 22 graduates (2023-24) and 50% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 8 position
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Master
M.S. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
43.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Expected completion window: 3 calendar years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
99% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
No prerequisite coursework; 2.75 GPA preferred. Application, transcripts, resume, three recommendations, Related Experience Form, and Counseling Autobiographical Statement (max 5 pages).
Additional requirements
Application, transcript(s), resume, three (3) letters of recommendation, Related Experience Form, and a Counseling Autobiographical Statement (max 5 pages)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 43.0/100, supported by 21 graduates (2024-25) and 99% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 9 position
Villanova University
Master
M.S. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
42.40
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
95% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Additional requirements
Online application; $50 fee; transcripts; three recommendations; three short essays; resume; GRE not required. Fall entry; Jan 7 deadline.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Villanova University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 42.4/100, supported by 20 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 10 position
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Arts (MA)
Delivery mode: hybrid
39.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
First Year Fall/Spring ... Third Year Fall/Spring (12-12-12-12-6/9-3/6 credits)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA for unconditional admission; personal statement of interest, experience and career goals; two recommendation forms from faculty or a supervisor; interview. No prerequisite courses beyond a bachelor's.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA for unconditional admission, personal statement, two recommendation forms from faculty or a recent employer/supervisor, online application and fee, and an interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 39.4/100, supported by 16 graduates (2025-26) and 90% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 11 position
Alvernia University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
39.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
24.24%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
70% (2024)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024)
Application deadline
rolling
Class size
11
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; Introduction to Psychology, Psychopathology, and Statistics or Quantitative Research Methods. 3.0 GPA required for full acceptance; applicants below 3.0 submit an academic plan.
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts; professional resume; three recommendation letters; one-page personal statement; faculty interview. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 must submit an academic plan.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Alvernia University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 39.4/100, supported by 16 graduates (2025-26) and 70% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 12 position
Gannon University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
33.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years and 9 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Class size
20
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
No specific undergraduate major required; bachelor's degree from an approved institution needed. Coursework in human services, psychology, statistics, and human development is helpful but not required.
Additional requirements
Graduate application, official transcripts, resume, essay, three recommendation letters (at least one from an undergraduate professor), and admissions interview; PA Child Abuse History clearance and PA State Police criminal check (ACT 33/34).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Gannon University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 33.4/100, supported by 10 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 13 position
Marywood University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
22.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Minimum of 4 academic semesters, including summer (full-time)
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
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university; 'B' average during undergraduate study or demonstrated potential for graduate work
Additional requirements
Completed application, two letters of recommendation, and an essay outlining professional and personal qualities that would make the applicant a successful mental health counselor
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Marywood University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 22.4/100, with 4 graduates (2024-25) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 14 position
Pennsylvania Western University
Master
M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
52.00
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
12 credit hours (4 courses) of psychology including one course in abnormal/psychopathology; Prerequisite Form; two professional letters of recommendation and student assessment rubric; Admissions Essay (750-1,000 words, APA 7th edition format).
Additional requirements
3.0 undergraduate GPA (preferred); two professional letters of recommendation and student assessment rubric; admissions essay (goals and objectives); current resume/CV; transcript (most recent degree); GRE required only if UG GPA below 3.0
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Pennsylvania Western University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 52.0/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 15 position
Carlow University
Master
MS in Professional Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
47.80
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Time to degree: 3–3.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: April 1; Spring: November 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution; evidence of work and/or volunteer experience in a helping field
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, written professional essay (2-page limit), current resume/CV, two letters of recommendation (one academic, one employer/volunteer supervisor); GRE/GMAT not required
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Carlow University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 47.8/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 16 position
Thomas Jefferson University
Master
Community & Trauma Counseling Master of Science
Delivery mode: hybrid
45.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (seven semesters)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Thomas Jefferson University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 45.4/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 17 position
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
41.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
as little as 2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95%
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Licensure exam pass rate
98%
Application deadline
Fall: Feb 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
Additional requirements
Undergraduate grades, two letters of reference, writing samples, and an on-campus interview with department faculty.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
West Chester University of Pennsylvania earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 41.7/100, supported by 95% program completion rate and 98% licensure exam pass rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Pennsylvania
Does a Pennsylvania counseling master's automatically qualify me for an LPC?
No. Pennsylvania evaluates applicable education, supervised experience, and examination requirements. Check your intended program against the state board's current rules before enrolling (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
Is CACREP accreditation required?
Do not assume either that it is required in every circumstance or that it guarantees licensure. Check the program's current accreditation status and ask the Pennsylvania board or program how your complete education would be evaluated (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
Can I complete the degree entirely online?
Classes may be online, but supervised clinical practice requires approved real-world placements. Ask about any campus visits and whether the school can support a placement where you live.
Is a master's worth it if I need to keep working?
It may be if the degree matches your licensing goal and its schedule accommodates clinical training. Compare net cost and borrowing with your earnings while studying, expected completion date, and the post-degree steps before deciding.
Should I choose a program because it is popular?
Popularity can help identify options to investigate, but it does not establish licensure fit, affordability, or a convenient internship. Verify those factors with every school on your shortlist.
