A counseling degree can lead toward school counseling, clinical practice, or another career - but the wrong program may leave you short of Florida's credential requirements. This guide helps prospective students and working professionals compare degree types, costs, training formats, and career outcomes. It also features a 2027 Best Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Florida, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about which programs are worth considering. Use it to narrow your options, then verify the requirements that matter for your intended career.
Key findings about Counseling degrees in Florida
For Florida clinical mental health licensure, program fit matters more than a degree title alone: the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling sets education, examination, and supervised-experience requirements.
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, with 18% projected employment growth for 2025-2035. Those figures describe occupations, not graduate starting salaries.
Compare the full cost of a master's degree - including residency-based tuition, fees, clinical travel, and forgone earnings - against the particular Florida credential and work setting you want.
What can I expect from a Counseling degree in Florida?
Expect a meaningful distinction between studying counseling and qualifying to practice it. An undergraduate degree can introduce psychology, human development, and helping skills, but independent clinical practice generally requires graduate education and a state license. A master's program typically combines counseling theory, ethics, assessment, supervised practice, and a defined specialty. Doctoral study is more relevant to research, teaching, or advanced supervision than to most entry-level counseling roles.
In Florida, choose the intended credential before choosing the curriculum. The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling oversees licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists; the Florida Department of Education handles school counselor certification. A school counseling track and a clinical mental health track can therefore lead toward different requirements even when both are housed in a counselor education department.
Who is this investment for? A practice-oriented master's degree can make sense if you want work that requires graduate clinical preparation and are willing to complete supervised training after graduation. If your goal is a nonclinical support job, or you cannot accommodate required field placements, compare less expensive entry-level roles before committing to a licensure-track degree.
Where can I work with a Counseling degree in Florida?
Work settings depend on the degree, specialization, and credential - not simply on having "counseling" on a diploma. Clinical mental health graduates may pursue positions in community behavioral health, hospitals, private practices, or substance-use treatment settings as their credentials permit. School counseling graduates generally target K-12 schools, while rehabilitation counselors may work with vocational or disability-service organizations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics describes these as distinct occupations with different duties and typical entry requirements.
Location affects training as well as employment. Before selecting a campus or online program, ask where it can arrange or approve placements near your Florida home, whether evening or weekend clinical hours are feasible, and whether those sites match your preferred population. A program with a manageable commute to class may still require a substantially different commute for internship.
Salary comparisons work best by occupation, not by degree label. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following national occupational medians for May 2025. They are useful benchmarks, but they are not Florida-specific wages or predictions of a new graduate's pay.
Career direction
U.S. median annual wage, May 2025
How to interpret it
Clinical mental health or addiction counseling
$59,350
Compare the roles and credentials employers require before treating this as a likely offer.
School counseling
$64,330
District pay schedules and contract terms matter to an individual offer.
Marriage and family counseling
$66,940
Practice setting and licensure stage can affect earnings.
Rehabilitation counseling
$46,850
Use the occupation's scope - not its title alone - when comparing careers.
For a Florida decision, request recent employer offers or published district salary schedules for the exact role and location you are targeting. Compare those figures with your current earnings, likely debt, and the time required to qualify for independent practice. A national median by itself cannot establish whether a particular program will pay off.
The programs below differ most usefully by career target, degree structure, and training setting. These are program comparisons, not claims that any degree automatically satisfies Florida licensure or certification rules. Confirm current credits, placement arrangements, accreditation status, and outcomes with the program before applying.
University of Florida - mental health counseling: UF offers an on-campus M. Ed. track specifically in mental health counseling. Its defined clinical focus suits applicants who want to assess a Gainesville-based route against Florida mental health counselor education requirements rather than choose a general counseling degree. Source: University of Florida Counselor Education.
University of Central Florida - clinical mental health counseling: UCF places this specialty within its Counselor Education M.A. For applicants in the Orlando area, the combination of a named clinical track and local access is worth comparing with programs farther away, especially because field placement location can determine whether working while enrolled is practical. Source: University of Central Florida.
Florida State University - mental health counseling: FSU's named mental health counseling program offers a direct clinical pathway rather than a school-counseling emphasis. Prospective students should compare its Tallahassee training-site options with the settings in which they ultimately hope to work. Source: Florida State University Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
University of Florida - marriage and family counseling: This on-campus M. Ed. track is distinguished by its explicit marriage-and-family focus. It is the more relevant UF option to investigate if your aim is couple or family practice, but confirm how its coursework maps to the Florida marriage and family therapist license. Source: University of Florida Counselor Education.
University of Florida - school counseling: UF identifies school counseling as its own on-campus M. Ed. track, separating a K-12 career aim from its clinical specialties. Applicants should prioritize its fit with Florida Department of Education certification requirements over comparisons based only on a university-wide reputation. Source: University of Florida Counselor Education.
Florida Atlantic University - clinical mental health counseling: FAU offers a specifically titled M. Ed. in clinical mental health counseling. Its South Florida location makes local placement access a consequential point of comparison for students intending to remain in that region; ask which sites can accommodate your schedule and clinical interests. Source: Florida Atlantic University Graduate College.
University of South Florida - counselor education: USF presents its graduate offering through a Counselor Education M.A., making the available concentration an essential part of the comparison. Applicants should obtain the exact plan of study for their intended credential rather than assume that every route under the degree title prepares students for the same Florida role. Source: University of South Florida College of Education.
Barry University - clinical mental health counseling: Barry's Counseling M.S. identifies clinical mental health counseling as a distinct specialization. For someone comparing a private university with public options in South Florida, the useful test is the net program cost alongside the clinical curriculum and placement support - not institution type alone. Source: Barry University.
Southeastern University - professional counseling: Southeastern names its offering an M.S. in Professional Counseling, a broader title than the explicitly named clinical mental health tracks elsewhere in this group. Request its current course sequence and written Florida licensure guidance to determine whether that title aligns with your intended credential. Source: Southeastern University.
Florida Atlantic University - school counseling: FAU separately offers an M. Ed. in School Counseling. This is the FAU route to examine for a school-based goal; compare its school placement arrangements and Florida educator-certification guidance with those of clinical mental health programs before choosing. Source: Florida Atlantic University Graduate College.
The clearest differentiator may be a requirement that is not apparent from a program title. Ask each school for its current catalog, program-specific completion and examination results where applicable, and a written explanation of which Florida credential its graduates are prepared to seek.
A full-time counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years, depending on its credit requirements, course rotation, and practicum and internship sequence. Part-time enrollment can extend that timeline because supervised training may have fixed prerequisites or require substantial weekly availability. A bachelor's degree generally takes about four years of full-time study, but it does not replace the graduate preparation required for clinical licensure.
Ask for a term-by-term plan based on your start date and enrollment pace. Then ask when you could begin required fieldwork and whether the final term's placement can be completed while employed. "Accelerated" only saves time if courses, placements, and credential requirements still fit your circumstances.
Online delivery changes where you take classes; it does not eliminate the need for approved, supervised field experience. Campus programs may make in-person advising and local placement connections easier, while online programs can reduce class-related travel for students who live far from a university. Neither format is inherently better for Florida licensure. The decisive questions are whether the specific curriculum meets the intended credential's education rules and whether suitable placements are available where you live.
Working professionals should compare scheduled live sessions, residency requirements, placement-finding responsibilities, and the weekly hours expected during internship. An online program based outside Florida deserves particular scrutiny: obtain written confirmation of how it addresses Florida requirements rather than assuming that eligibility in the school's home state transfers. The Florida licensing board or Department of Education, as appropriate, is the final authority on credential requirements.
There is no single responsible price estimate for all Florida counseling degrees: an undergraduate major, a public-university master's, and a private-university clinical program have different credit totals and tuition policies. NCES/IPEDS institutional averages are useful for screening schools, but they may not represent graduate program charges. Obtain the current program-level price per credit and required-credit total before comparing offers.
Florida residency can materially change a public university's tuition bill. Also include mandatory fees, books, insurance or background-check expenses where required, and travel to clinical sites. If reducing borrowing is the priority, use the most affordable counseling programs as an initial screen, then compare each school's actual aid offer and total time to completion.
Do not equate the lowest sticker price with the best return. A sound comparison considers aid, likely debt, completion probability, time away from paid work, baseline and potential post-degree earnings, and how long it may take for additional earnings to offset the investment. These are individual scenarios, not outcomes a ranking can guarantee.
Start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then check each institution's graduate assistantships, scholarships, and payment policies. Federal loan eligibility depends on the student and program; undergraduate grants should not be assumed to continue into a master's degree. Florida-based awards also have their own residency, institution, enrollment, and degree-level rules, so verify a specific award rather than counting it in your budget prematurely. Sources: Federal Student Aid; Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance.
Graduate PLUS requires special attention for 2027 entrants. Under current federal rules, new graduate borrowers generally cannot begin Graduate PLUS borrowing after July 1, 2026; limited transition eligibility may apply to qualifying continuing borrowers. Ask your financial aid office to check your individual status and explain available federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans before relying on PLUS funding. Source: Federal Student Aid.
Compare written aid offers on net cost, not award totals alone. Confirm whether an assistantship includes a tuition benefit, whether a scholarship renews during internship, and how much you would need to borrow if clinical hours reduce your ability to work.
View the chart data as a table
Median wage by U.S. state - Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and 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
For a master's, expect a completed bachelor's degree, transcripts, and a program-specific application. Schools may also request recommendations, a statement of purpose, an interview, or foundational coursework; requirements vary, so check the current admissions page rather than assuming a psychology major is mandatory. Clinical placement can introduce separate screening requirements after admission.
Admission is not credential approval. Before accepting an offer, identify your intended Florida license or certification and ask the program to show how its curriculum and supervised experience address the relevant education standards. Check the institution's recognized accreditation and, where relevant, its programmatic accreditation status through the accreditor and the school. The Florida board or Department of Education determines whether an applicant meets its requirements; a program's description cannot confer a license.
If you have prior graduate coursework, request a written transfer-credit evaluation before paying a deposit. Credits that transfer academically may still fail to satisfy a required counseling content area or supervised-training sequence.
Graduate counseling curricula commonly cover helping relationships, human development, ethics, assessment, group work, research, and supervised practicum and internship. Clinical mental health students may study diagnosis and treatment planning; school counseling students focus more directly on school-based services; marriage and family students examine work with couples and family systems. The exact course titles and fieldwork requirements differ by program and intended credential. Sources: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling.
Course lists are most useful when read alongside a credential checklist. Ask whether required subjects are embedded in core courses, whether electives are actually available before graduation, and who approves placements. A course that sounds relevant is not necessarily accepted as satisfying a Florida education requirement.
Common choices include clinical mental health, school counseling, marriage and family counseling, addiction counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. They are not interchangeable labels. For example, Florida school counselor certification is administered through the Department of Education, while mental health counselor and marriage and family therapist licenses fall under a state professional board. Sources: Florida Department of Education; Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling.
Choose a specialization by the clients and setting you want to serve, then work backward from the credential or employer requirement. If you are undecided between school and clinical practice, ask whether changing tracks would add courses or delay fieldwork; do not assume one master's will preserve both paths without additional study.
Start with the job, not the school name. The most popular counseling programs can show where students enroll, but popularity does not establish credential fit, manageable debt, or accessible clinical training.
Use these checks to turn a shortlist into an enrollment decision:
Name the intended role and Florida credential. Compare the program's published curriculum with the responsible board's or Department of Education's current requirements.
Verify accreditation directly. Distinguish institutional accreditation from programmatic CACREP accreditation and ask which, if either, your intended credential or employer requires.
Get the full training plan. Request required credits, a term-by-term schedule, placement responsibilities, and any campus visits for online students.
Compare written costs and outcomes. Include aid, fees, likely borrowing, completion information, and available program-specific licensure-exam results - not just advertised tuition.
Test your constraints. Ask whether your prior credits count, whether placements near home are available, and what happens if you must switch from full-time to part-time study.
A frequent mistake is choosing the least expensive or fastest-sounding program before checking its credential pathway. Another is treating a national occupational salary as a personal earnings forecast. If two programs both meet your goal, compare their most valuable counseling programs context with your own aid offers, schedule, and likely debt.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
65–69
1
70–74
0
75–79
2
80–84
2
85–89
3
90–94
25
95–99
4
A counseling bachelor's can support applications to some human-services and behavioral-health support roles, but it should not be mistaken for a clinical license. A relevant master's can form part of the education path toward clinical mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or school counseling, subject to each credential's additional rules. More advanced study may support counselor education, research, or supervision roles. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Florida licensing board; Florida Department of Education.
For clinical work, plan beyond graduation: the Florida licensing board sets examination and supervised-experience requirements in addition to education requirements. School-based applicants should instead check Florida educator-certification rules and district hiring criteria. These distinctions matter when evaluating an offer for an associate, registered intern, school-based, or independently licensed position; similar-sounding titles can carry different permitted duties.
View the chart data as a table
Programs by degree level (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
Master
34
Doctorate
3
The national outlook is strongest among the counseling directions highlighted here for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% employment growth from 2025 to 2035. That signals potential demand across the occupation, not a guaranteed Florida opening or the growth rate for every counseling specialty. The BLS projects 3% growth for school and career counselors and advisors over the same period, illustrating why specialization changes the job-market comparison.
For a local search, compare job postings in the Florida areas where you can realistically work. Check whether employers require an active license, accept a registered intern, offer supervision, or specify school certification. Those details determine whether a role is accessible immediately after graduation and whether a program's placement network is relevant to your intended market. Demand is meaningful only when it matches your credential and location.
2027 Best Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Florida
Education is a significant investment, particularly when a program must also support a professional credential. Research.com created this ranking to make Florida counseling programs easier to compare using outcomes, accreditation, and cost - not name recognition alone. The team checks the quality and consistency of its sources, but readers should still confirm current program details directly with each school.
The Best ranking begins with a graduate-outcomes-and-accreditation score: program completion accounts for 40%; employment or doctoral admission, 20%; licensure exam pass rates, 20% where applicable; CACREP programmatic accreditation, 16%; and federal Title IV eligibility, 4%. Weights are renormalized when a criterion does not apply. Program cost then contributes about 7% of the final score. The same approach applies to online and on-campus programs; other Research.com rankings order programs by the dimension named in each ranking.
These sources are used to create the ranking. Together, they help readers compare programs on evidence that can affect both the likelihood of finishing and the value of the credential.
IPEDS database: Institutional information, including enrollment, completion, and price data.
Peterson's database: Program and institutional information used to support comparisons.
A ranking is a starting point, not a determination of Florida license eligibility or personal return on investment. See Research.com's methodology for more information about how the ranking was created.
# 1 position
University of Florida
Master
M.Ed./Ed.S. in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
95.42
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
72 semester credits
Acceptance rate
48.84%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
November 1, 2026 (for Fall 2027 entry)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a degree deemed equivalent by UF Office of Admissions
Additional requirements
Minimum 3.0 upper-division (last 60 credits) undergraduate GPA; acceptable GPA for previous graduate work; no GRE required
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Florida earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.42/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 2 position
University of Central Florida
Master
M.A. in Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track
Delivery mode: campus
95.29
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 Years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
63 semester credits
Acceptance rate
12%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
98% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
98% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1 (domestic applicants); January 15 (international applicants); Spring: September 1 (domestic applicants); July 1 (international applicants)
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Central Florida earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.29/100, supported by 90% licensure exam pass rate and 98% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 3 position
Florida State University
Master
M.S./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.24
/ 100
Final score
Program length
5 full semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
11.7%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
96% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
December 1st
Class size
26
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution (or comparable international degree) with a minimum 3.0 GPA in upper-division coursework attempted toward the bachelor's degree; GRE is waived for admission to this MS/Ed.S. program.
Additional requirements
Personal statement (max 3 pages), 3 letters of recommendation, resume/CV, unofficial transcripts (official transcripts also required to Office of Graduate Admissions)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Florida State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.24/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 96% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 4 position
University of Florida
Master
M.Ed./Ed.S. in Counselor Education – Marriage and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.17
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
72 semester credits
Acceptance rate
61.54%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
November 1, 2026, to begin Fall 2027
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university (or equivalent); minimum 3.0 GPA in upper-division (last 60 credits) undergraduate work; acceptable GPA for previous graduate work; no GRE required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Florida earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.17/100, with 100% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 5 position
University of Florida
Master
M.Ed. in School Counseling and Guidance
Delivery mode: campus
94.81
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
72 semester credits
Acceptance rate
65.38%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
November 1, 2026 (for Fall 2027 admission)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a degree deemed equivalent by the University of Florida Office of Admissions.
Additional requirements
Bachelor's degree from accredited institution; minimum 3.0 upper-division GPA; acceptable GPA for prior graduate work; no GRE required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Florida earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.81/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 6 position
Florida Atlantic University
Master
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselor Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.81
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years expected to complete master's program
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: January 15
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Undergraduate GPA of 2.5; GRE General Test (no minimum sub-scores); three letters of recommendation; statement of objectives; resume; in-person interview. International applicants need transcript evaluation and English proficiency scores.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, GRE General Test, three letters of recommendation, statement of objectives, resume; in-person interview (per handbook)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Florida Atlantic University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.81/100, with 90% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 7 position
University of South Florida
Master
M.A. in Counselor Education (School Counseling Concentration)
Delivery mode: campus
93.64
/ 100
Final score
Program length
85% of students complete the program in 2.5 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
61 semester credits
Acceptance rate
30.49%
Program completion rate
85% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Class size
17
Application process
direct
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of South Florida earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.64/100, supported by 85% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 8 position
Barry University
Master
Counseling, MS – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
~ 2-2 ½ years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
95% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized college or university.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Barry University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.5/100, supported by 95% program completion rate and 95% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 9 position
Southeastern University
Master
MS in Professional Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.44
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
82% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025-26)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants below this minimum may complete the graduate certificate in mental health services and reapply with a graduate GPA of at least 3.0. GRE is not required.
Additional requirements
Admission essay, letter of recommendation, faculty committee evaluation, and admission interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Southeastern University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.44/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 10 position
Florida Atlantic University
Master
M.Ed. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.38
/ 100
Final score
Program length
7 semesters (full-time)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
75% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: January 15; Spring: September 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Domestic students: Undergraduate GPA of 3.0, three letters of recommendation, statement of objectives, resume. International students additionally require a course-by-course evaluation of international transcripts and TOEFL 4.5 / IELTS 6.0 / Duolingo 110.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts (or foreign credential evaluations); three letters of recommendation; statement of objectives; resume; international students also submit course-by-course transcript evaluation and TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Florida Atlantic University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.38/100, with 75% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 11 position
Florida International University
Master
MS in Counselor Education: School Counseling Major
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.37
/ 100
Final score
Program length
The length of study is 2.5 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.20 - 4.00
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Spring 2027: November 1, 2026, 5 p.m. EST; Fall 2027: March 15, 2027, 5 p.m. EST
Class size
31
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Students entering with an undergraduate degree in an area other than education must enroll in general professional education courses as required by FLDOE to meet state certification requirements.
Additional requirements
Unofficial transcripts, autobiographical sketch/letter of intent, 3 letters of recommendation, resume, interview by admissions committee (if selected), proctored writing sample (if selected), pass the Florida Teacher Certification General Knowledge exam.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Florida International University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.37/100, with 100% licensure exam pass rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 12 position
Florida State University
Master
Career Counseling - MS/EdS
Delivery mode: campus
93.33
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years
Specialization
Career Counseling
Required credits
61 semester credits
Acceptance rate
83.3%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Final: March 1; Priority International Student Deadline: January 15
Class size
5
Application process
direct (FSU Graduate School online application at admissions.fsu.edu/gradapp)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with minimum 3.0 GPA in upper-division coursework; GRE waived; international applicants submit TOEFL (min 80), IELTS (min 6.5), or other accepted English scores.
Additional requirements
Bachelor's degree with minimum 3.0 GPA from a regionally accredited institution; official transcripts; GRE waived; TOEFL/IELTS/MELAB/Cambridge/Michigan scores for international applicants; letters of recommendation.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Florida State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.33/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 13 position
Florida Gulf Coast University
Master
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.32
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
61 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Application deadline
February 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if GPA for the last 60 undergraduate semester hours is below 3.0 (V+Q 1000 pre-Aug 2011, or 151-153 V and 143-144 Q)
Prerequisites
Earned baccalaureate degree from an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body or equivalent foreign institution.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Florida Gulf Coast University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.32/100, with 100% employment or doctoral admission rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 14 position
Rollins College
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.76
/ 100
Final score
Program length
36 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
86% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025)
Application deadline
Priority Decision: January 15; Regular Decision: March 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's- or master's-degree from an accredited institution; undergraduate GPA of 3.0+ recommended.
Additional requirements
Graduate application and fee; official transcripts (3.0+ GPA recommended); resume; two letters of recommendation; 3-5 page essay on program prompts; TOEFL/IELTS/DET for international applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Rollins College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.76/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 86% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 15 position
Barry University
Master
M.S. in Counseling – Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.66
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-2 ½ years (full-time)
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized college or university.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Barry University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.66/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 16 position
University of South Florida
Master
M.A. in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.58
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years and one semester full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Application deadline
January 15, 2027 (priority deadline for Fall 2027; application closes when University Deadline passes in June)
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a social, behavioral or health sciences related discipline; no specific undergraduate major is required
Additional requirements
USF graduate application plus program supplemental forms, including CRMHC Student Accountability and Background/Drug Screening forms.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of South Florida earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.58/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 17 position
University of South Florida
Master
M.A. in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.58
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-3 years
Specialization
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Application deadline
January 15, 2027 (priority deadline for Fall 2027; application closes when University Deadline passes in June)
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a social, behavioral or health sciences related discipline; no specific undergraduate major is required
Additional requirements
USF graduate application plus program supplemental forms, including CRMHC Student Accountability and Background/Drug Screening forms.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of South Florida earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.58/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 18 position
Florida International University
Master
MS in Counselor Education: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Major
Delivery mode: campus
92.44
/ 100
Final score
Program length
The length of study is 2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.20 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall 2027 (fall intake only): February 15, 2027, 5 p.m. EST
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Non-psychology majors must complete 9 hours of prerequisite psychology (introductory Psychology; Educational/Abnormal Psychology or Personality Theories; Research/Statistics), each with a C or better and a 3.0+ GPA across these prerequisite courses…
Additional requirements
Unofficial transcripts, autobiographical sketch/letter of intent, 3 letters of recommendation, resume, interview by the admissions committee (if selected), and a proctored writing sample (if selected).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Florida International University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.44/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 19 position
Florida Atlantic University
Master
Master of Education in Counselor Education with a concentration in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.16
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
63 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: January 15; Spring: September 15
Application process
direct (FAU Graduate College online application)
GRE
yes
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Florida Atlantic University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.16/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 20 position
Florida International University
Master
MS in Counselor Education: Rehabilitation Counseling Major
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.92
/ 100
Final score
Program length
The length of study is 2.5 years
Specialization
Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Spring 2027: November 1, 2026, 5 p.m. EST; Fall 2027: March 15, 2027, 5 p.m. EST
Class size
18
Application process
direct (FIU Graduate Application)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of undergraduate work; GRE not required; unofficial transcripts, autobiographical sketch/letter of intent, 3 letters of recommendation, resume, interview and proctored writing sample if selected.
Additional requirements
Unofficial transcripts; autobiographical sketch/letter of intent; 3 letters of recommendation; resume; interview by admissions committee; proctored writing sample
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Florida International University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.92/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2026-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about Counseling degree in Florida
What degree do I need to become a licensed mental health counselor in Florida?
Florida requires qualifying graduate education plus examination and supervised-experience requirements. Check the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling's current rules against a program's specific curriculum before enrolling.
Does a counseling master's automatically qualify me for a Florida license?
No. Graduation does not replace the board's review of education, examination, and supervised experience. Ask the program which credential it prepares students to seek, then verify that claim with the responsible Florida authority.
Can I complete a Florida counseling degree online?
Some coursework may be available online, but supervised fieldwork still requires an approved setting. Confirm placement availability, any campus visits, and Florida credential alignment before applying.
Is school counseling the same as mental health counseling?
No. School counseling leads toward school-based roles and Florida educator-certification requirements; clinical mental health counseling is associated with a different state licensure pathway. Compare the intended credential, not just overlapping course titles.
How should I compare public and private counseling programs?
Compare credential fit, total net cost, placement access, completion time, and outcomes. Florida resident tuition may make a public option less expensive, but institution type alone does not determine an individual student's return on investment.
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