Choosing a counseling degree in Kentucky means choosing a career path before you choose a school: clinical practice, school counseling, and family counseling can lead to different credentials. This guide compares program fit, licensure, cost, training formats, and career prospects. It also features the 2027 Best Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Kentucky, 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 build a shortlist - and to identify what you must verify before enrolling.
Key findings about Counseling degrees in Kentucky
Match the degree to the credential. Kentucky clinical counseling licensure and school counselor certification follow different state processes; a counseling degree is not interchangeable across those goals (Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors; Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board).
Plan for supervised training and time. A counseling master's commonly takes about 2-3 years of full-time study, with practicum and internship scheduling often determining whether a faster route is realistic (CACREP; individual program requirements).
Use salary figures as benchmarks, not promises. The U.S. median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025; national employment is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What can I expect from a Counseling degree in Kentucky?
A counseling degree teaches assessment, helping relationships, ethics, and supervised practice. The first decision is the setting in which you want to work. Kentucky programs may prepare students for clinical mental health counseling, counseling in schools, or more specialized work with couples and families. Those routes can differ in coursework, placements, and the state authority that reviews credentials (Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors; Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board).
This comparison shows why a program title alone is not enough. Ask the school to connect its curriculum to the exact credential and job you want.
Program direction
Best fit
Key check before applying
Clinical mental health counseling
Students seeking clinical counseling roles
Whether the curriculum and supervised training meet the rules for the intended state license
School counseling
Students intending to serve children and families in schools
Whether the program meets Kentucky school counselor certification requirements
Marriage and family-focused counseling
Students interested in relationship and family work
Which professional license the degree is designed to support
A bachelor's degree can provide a foundation for human services work, but it is generally not a substitute for the graduate education required for independent professional counseling. A master's is the more relevant comparison if your goal is licensure or school counselor certification (Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors; Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board).
Where can I work with a Counseling degree in Kentucky?
Depending on their specialization and credentials, counseling graduates may work in community mental health organizations, health systems, private practices, schools, substance use treatment programs, or rehabilitation services (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The employer matters because a school placement, for example, may not provide the clinical supervision needed for a different licensing path.
Location matters within Kentucky, too. A student planning to remain in a smaller community should ask where the program places interns and whether approved supervision is available near home. Someone open to relocating may have more placement options around larger employment centers such as Louisville or Lexington. Confirm placement and supervision arrangements with the program rather than assuming an online degree removes the need for local clinical sites.
Pay depends on the occupation, employer, experience, and location - not simply the name of the degree. These national occupational medians are useful for comparing career directions, but they are not Kentucky starting salaries or estimates of what a particular program's graduates earn (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 wages).
Counseling-related occupation
U.S. median annual wage, May 2025
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
$59,350
School and career counselors and advisors
$64,330
Marriage and family therapists
$66,940
Rehabilitation counselors
$46,850
The figures suggest that specialization can materially affect earning potential, but occupational groups also include workers with different credentials and experience. To evaluate a Kentucky offer, compare pay for the specific role and area where you intend to work, then account for any supervised post-degree period before independent practice.
The programs below differ most usefully by credential direction and educational setting. These are starting points for comparison, not assurances of licensure: request each program's current curriculum, fieldwork requirements, accreditation status, and graduate outcomes before making a commitment.
Western Kentucky University - clinical mental health counseling: WKU offers a dedicated clinical mental health counseling route through its counseling program. It is a clearer initial match than a school-focused degree for applicants aiming at clinical practice; confirm its current field-placement options where you expect to live (Western Kentucky University).
Eastern Kentucky University - school counseling, MAEd: EKU's school counseling degree is housed in education, making the intended school-based career direction explicit. Applicants should verify its current alignment with Kentucky certification and the school placements available to them (Eastern Kentucky University).
Eastern Kentucky University - clinical mental health counseling, MA: This clinical degree sits within EKU's clinical and therapeutic programs rather than its school counseling MAEd. The distinction helps applicants choose by professional endpoint instead of assuming the two counseling degrees lead through the same credential process (Eastern Kentucky University).
University of Louisville - counseling and human development, MEd specializations: Louisville presents counseling within an MEd specialization framework. Students considering it should compare the specific specialization's curriculum and intended credential, rather than treating the MEd label alone as evidence of clinical or school eligibility (University of Louisville).
Asbury Theological Seminary - marriage and family counseling, MA: This is a relationship- and family-focused degree offered in a theological seminary setting. It may fit students who want that educational context, provided the curriculum matches the professional license they intend to pursue (Asbury Theological Seminary).
Spalding University - clinical mental health counseling, MA: Spalding offers a clinical mental health counseling path in Louisville. For students seeking placements there, the practical comparison is whether its scheduling and approved clinical sites fit their work and supervision needs (Spalding University).
Northern Kentucky University - school counseling, master's: NKU has a separate school counseling option, allowing applicants to compare a school-focused route with its clinical counseling degree. Prospective students should check certification alignment and placement access in the school districts where they hope to train (Northern Kentucky University).
Asbury Theological Seminary - mental health counseling, MA: Asbury's mental health counseling degree offers a different professional focus from its marriage and family degree within the same seminary setting. Choose between them by the intended license and clinical population, not by shared institutional identity (Asbury Theological Seminary).
Northern Kentucky University - clinical mental health counseling, master's: NKU identifies clinical mental health counseling as a distinct master's path from school counseling. That separation is useful for applicants targeting clinical rather than education-based credentials; verify current clinical placement and board alignment (Northern Kentucky University).
Lindsey Wilson University - education master's program requirements: Lindsey Wilson publishes program requirements within its education and human services offerings. Because a broad education or human services title does not itself establish counselor-licensure eligibility, ask the university to identify the exact degree and credential pathway before comparing it with dedicated clinical or school counseling programs (Lindsey Wilson University).
A full-time counseling master's commonly takes about 2-3 years; part-time enrollment can take longer. A bachelor's typically takes about four years before graduate study, although prior credits can change that timeline (individual program requirements). The calendar is not determined by coursework alone: practicum and internship placements may have fixed schedules or require availability during school or clinic hours.
If you need to keep working, ask for a term-by-term plan showing when fieldwork begins and how many daytime hours it requires. An accelerated classroom schedule saves little time if you cannot complete the required supervised placement on its timetable.
Online delivery can reduce commuting and make graduate coursework easier to fit around work. Campus study may offer more predictable in-person contact and access to nearby training relationships. Neither format eliminates fieldwork: students still need appropriate supervised experience, and its location and approval rules matter for the credential sought (CACREP; Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors; Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board).
For a student outside a Kentucky metro area, the decisive online-program question is often not whether lectures are remote but whether the school can support an approved placement near home. Ask who finds the site, who approves the supervisor, and whether any campus visits are mandatory. If you may practice across a state line, obtain written guidance about that state's requirements as well; Kentucky eligibility should not be assumed to transfer automatically.
There is no single dependable Kentucky price for "a counseling degree": the bill changes with program length, residency classification, institution, fees, and whether clinical placement adds travel or reduced work hours. Published tuition should therefore be treated as a starting figure, not total cost. Federal IPEDS data can help compare institutional prices, but confirm the current graduate program rate and mandatory charges directly with each school (National Center for Education Statistics/IPEDS).
For public programs, check whether you qualify for the stated Kentucky resident rate before comparing it with private university prices. Then request a full-program estimate that includes fees, books, travel, and any required campus visits. The most affordable counseling programs can help build a cost-conscious shortlist, but the lowest advertised tuition may not produce the lowest total expense if completion takes longer or placements require extensive travel.
Start with the FAFSA and each university's graduate funding office. Eligible students may find institutional scholarships, assistantships, employer tuition support, and federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans; availability and award conditions vary (Federal Student Aid; individual institutions). Ask whether an assistantship affects your ability to complete daytime fieldwork and whether employer assistance requires continued employment.
Do not build a new graduate-degree budget around Graduate PLUS without checking eligibility. Under federal changes effective July 1, 2026, new graduate and professional students generally cannot receive new Graduate PLUS loans. A limited transition provision can apply to qualifying borrowers who had a Graduate PLUS loan for the same program before that date, subject to its time limits (Federal Student Aid). Confirm your individual status and current loan options with the school's aid office before accepting an offer.
View the chart data as a table
Median wage by counseling career path (U.S., BLS May 2025) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
Psychologists
99,110
Postsecondary Teachers
85,330
Marriage & Family Therapists
66,940
School & Career Counselors
64,330
Mental Health Counselors
59,350
Rehabilitation Counselors
46,850
Master's applicants generally need a bachelor's degree, an application, transcripts, and whatever recommendations, statement, interview, or prerequisite coursework the particular program requires (individual university admissions requirements). A bachelor's in psychology can be useful preparation, but applicants from other fields should check the school's actual entry rules rather than assume they are excluded.
Admissions eligibility and licensure eligibility are separate tests. Before applying, tell the program whether you seek Kentucky clinical licensure, Kentucky school counselor certification, or a credential in another state. Ask it to identify any required courses or placement conditions you would still need after graduation (Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors; Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board).
Graduate counseling study commonly covers counseling skills, human development, assessment, ethics, research, group work, and supervised practicum and internship (CACREP). The specialization changes the emphasis: clinical programs may focus more on diagnosis and treatment planning, while school counseling programs address student development and services in educational settings.
Compare course content, not just similar-sounding titles. If your target credential has specific educational requirements, ask for a curriculum-to-requirements comparison and confirm how any missing coursework could be completed. This is especially important when comparing an education degree with a clinical counseling degree (Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors; Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board).
The clearest program choices in this Kentucky set are clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and marriage and family-focused counseling (individual university program descriptions). Related career interests include substance use treatment and rehabilitation counseling, but a program's elective or focus area should not be mistaken for a separate professional license.
Choose the specialization by working backward from the job. If you want to counsel students as a school employee, inspect the certification route. If you want to provide clinical mental health services, inspect clinical licensure preparation and supervised practice. If relationships and families are your primary interest, verify which license the specific degree supports before assuming that a similarly named program elsewhere has identical requirements.
The best choice is the program you can complete affordably and use for your intended credential. Rankings can narrow the field; they cannot replace a program-specific check of licensing fit, placement access, and full cost. Use these questions when speaking with admissions and faculty:
Which Kentucky license or certification is this exact degree designed to support, and where is that alignment documented?
What is its current programmatic accreditation status, and how can I verify it with the accreditor?
Who arranges and approves practicum and internship sites in the area where I will live?
What will I pay to finish, including fees, placement travel, and any additional terms?
How many prior graduate credits might transfer, and would transfer affect credential eligibility?
Check accreditation at the program level when a school cites CACREP; institutional accreditation and federal aid eligibility answer different questions (CACREP; U.S. Department of Education). A common mistake is choosing the fastest or cheapest option before confirming that its curriculum and placements meet the intended board's rules. The most valuable counseling programs offer another comparison lens, but personal value also depends on aid, debt, time out of work, completion likelihood, and the earnings difference between your current job and realistic post-degree roles.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
82–83
1
84–85
1
86–87
0
88–89
1
90–91
5
92–93
4
A relevant master's can be a step toward clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, or family-focused practice, depending on the degree and subsequent credentialing. Graduates may also pursue supervised roles while completing post-degree requirements. Independent practice is a later professional milestone, not an automatic result of graduation (Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors; Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board).
The investment is strongest when you have identified a role you want that actually requires the degree. If you are exploring helping professions but do not yet know whether you want clinical work, schools, or another human services role, compare entry-level jobs and credential requirements before taking on graduate debt. A certificate may add a skill, but it should not be assumed to replace a qualifying master's for a regulated counseling role.
View the chart data as a table
Projected job growth 2025-2035 - Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (U.S.) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
18
All occupations
3
National demand differs substantially by occupation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% employment growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3% for school and career counselors and advisors. These are national projections, not forecasts of openings in a particular Kentucky county; use them to compare career directions, not to assume a local job offer.
For a Kentucky job search, examine current postings for the exact credential, supervision level, and location you expect to have after graduation. Ask programs where recent students completed placements and whether local employers recruit there. The most popular counseling programs provide a further way to explore options, but popularity alone does not establish placement access or hiring outcomes.
2027 Best Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Kentucky
Education is a substantial investment, so the Research.com team designed the ranking to make program comparisons more credible and useful. Its Best ranking first combines program completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), applicable licensure exam pass rates (20%), CACREP programmatic accreditation (16%), and institutional Title IV eligibility (4%). Weights are adjusted when a measure does not apply. Program cost then contributes about 7% of the final score. The same approach applies to online and campus programs; rankings named for a single dimension order programs by that dimension.
The team drew on the following sources to check program information, outcomes, and costs:
IPEDS database - institutional reporting on enrollment, completion, and prices.
The ranking can narrow your search, but it cannot establish that a particular degree meets your intended licensing board's rules or predict your personal return on investment. Review each program's current disclosures before applying. More detail about the approach is available in Research.com's methodology.
# 1 position
Western Kentucky University
Master
Counseling, Master of Arts in Education (043)
Delivery mode: campus
93.11
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two calendar years (including summers)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Fall: February 15; Spring: September 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited Bachelor's Degree in any subject; minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (or 3.0 on last 60 hours)
Additional requirements
Completed online application, Statement of Interest per department prompts, current resume, and three 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).
Western Kentucky University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.11/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 90% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 2 position
Eastern Kentucky University
Master
Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.91
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: April 1
Application process
direct (EKU Graduate School online application)
GRE
Conditional: GRE (146+ verbal or quantitative) required if overall undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 and final-60-credit GPA is below 3.25 (waived with a graduate degree)
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution; overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or GPA of 3.25+ in final 60 credits, or qualifying GRE scores (146+ verbal or quantitative) if GPA below 3.0
Additional requirements
Current resume, official transcripts, additional application materials as described on the counseling program area website, virtual group admissions interview, state (and possibly national) criminal history background check.
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).
Eastern Kentucky University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.91/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 3 position
Eastern Kentucky University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.13
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: April 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required (146+ Verbal or Quantitative) if overall undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 and final-60-credit GPA is below 3.25; waived for applicants holding a graduate degree
Prerequisites
A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution; overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (or 3.25 in final 60 credits, or qualifying GRE scores if below threshold; GPA/exam waived if applicant already holds a graduate degree).
Additional requirements
Online Graduate School application (no application fee); bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (otherwise a 3.25 GPA in the final 60 credits, or GRE verbal or quantitative score of 146 or…
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).
Eastern Kentucky University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.13/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 4 position
University of Louisville
Master
MEd in Counseling and Personnel Services - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.07
/ 100
Final score
Program length
approximately 2 years full-time, including summer coursework
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Spring: October 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Conferred four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (or final-year students for probationary admission); minimum 2.75 GPA for unconditional admission (2.5-2.74 considered conditionally); holistic review; possible interview.
Additional requirements
Completed application (including all checklist items) to be holistically reviewed; applicants who receive the highest evaluations from the admissions committee will be invited to a virtual or in-person 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).
University of Louisville earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.07/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 5 position
Asbury Theological Seminary
Master
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
91.76
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years – full time
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
75 semester credits
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Accredited baccalaureate degree
Additional requirements
Official transcripts (12+ hours completed); Personal History Essay (1050-1500 words); four references including a pastoral reference; TOEFL 550/79 (IELTS 6.5) for non-native speakers; background check; interview may be 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) and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Asbury Theological Seminary earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.76/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 6 position
Spalding University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
91.27
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
73% (2024-25)
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).
Spalding University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.27/100, with 73% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 7 position
Northern Kentucky University
Master
School Counseling, M.A.
Delivery mode: campus
90.88
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Summer/Fall: priority Feb 1, final Apr 1; Spring: priority Oct 1, final Nov 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with GPA 2.75 or better; official transcripts; supplemental application; writing sample; 3 letters of recommendation; criminal background check
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).
Northern Kentucky University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.88/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 90% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 8 position
Asbury Theological Seminary
Master
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
90.83
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years – full time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
75 semester credits
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited baccalaureate degree required before entry.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts (min. 12 hours completed); Personal History Essay (1050-1500 words); four references including a required pastoral reference; TOEFL/IELTS for non-native speakers; background check; possible 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) and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Asbury Theological Seminary earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.83/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 9 position
Northern Kentucky University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
90.51
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 ½ - 3 ½ years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1 priority, April 1 final, with possible rolling consideration afterward; Spring: October 1 priority, November 1 final; Summer: February 1 priority, March 15 final.
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with GPA of 2.75 or better (GRE required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0); supplemental application with brief essay on becoming a counselor, three letters of recommendation, resume, writing sample, and interview.
Additional requirements
Online graduate application; supplemental essay on reasons for becoming a counselor; three recommendation letters; professional resume; writing sample; successful interview. GRE required only if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.
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).
Northern Kentucky University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.51/100, with 90% employment or doctoral admission rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 10 position
Lindsey Wilson University
Master
Master of Education in Counseling with specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
89.46
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Employment or doctoral admission
82% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a U.S. Department of Education recognized institutionally accredited institution
Additional requirements
Online graduate application with $35 fee; official undergraduate transcript; three letters of recommendation; successful 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).
Lindsey Wilson University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.46/100, with 82% employment or doctoral admission rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 11 position
University of Kentucky
Doctor
Ph.D. in Early Childhood, Special Education, and Rehabilitation Counseling with a formal option in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: campus
85.99
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
74 semester credits
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: March 1; Spring: October 1
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling, Counselor Education, Mental Health Counseling, or a related field with a master's GPA of 3.5+ (leveling courses may apply); also an undergraduate GPA of 2.75+; at least one year (two preferred) of post-master's…
Additional requirements
GRE scores (mandatory), at least three positive letters of recommendation, and possible campus interview with Program and Department faculty.
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 Kentucky earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 85.99/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 12 position
Lindsey Wilson University
Doctor
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
82.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
12 consecutive semesters (Year 1 Fall - Year 4 Summer)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
69 semester credits
Acceptance rate
14.29%
Employment or doctoral admission
86% (2024-25)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or a related profession (CACREP graduates preferred; those with fewer than 48 graduate semester hours and/or from non-CACREP programs may need additional hours).
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).
Lindsey Wilson University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 82.5/100, with 86% employment or doctoral admission rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
Frequently asked questions about Counseling degree in Kentucky
Do I need a master's degree to become a counselor in Kentucky?
For Kentucky professional counseling licensure or school counselor certification, plan on graduate education and check the exact route with the relevant state authority. A bachelor's alone should not be assumed to qualify you for either credential (Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors; Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board).
Does a counseling master's automatically lead to a Kentucky license?
No. Degree completion is distinct from meeting the applicable education rules, supervised experience, examinations, and application requirements. Ask the program which requirements its degree covers and verify the remainder with the licensing board (Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors).
Is an online counseling program acceptable in Kentucky?
Delivery format alone does not settle eligibility. Confirm the program's curriculum, accreditation status, required in-person activities, and supervised placement arrangements against the rules for your intended Kentucky credential (Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors; Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board).
Which matters more: CACREP accreditation or a lower price?
First establish that the degree meets your career's education requirements; then compare net cost. CACREP is programmatic accreditation, not a substitute for checking the relevant board's current rules or your individual eligibility (CACREP; Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors).
Is a counseling degree worth the cost?
It may be if the credential is necessary for a job you want and the likely career benefit justifies tuition, debt, placement costs, and time spent studying. Compare realistic earnings and completion scenarios with your current career before committing; a national median wage cannot predict your return.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
Western Kentucky University - Counseling, Master of Arts in Education (043) Official program page (curriculum, tuition, admissions). https://www.wku.edu/counseling/cmhc.php
