A counseling master's degree can lead toward clinical practice, school counseling, or other roles - but the wrong program can leave you short of your state's credentialing requirements. This guide helps prospective students and career changers compare Midwest programs by specialization, cost, supervised training, and career fit. It accompanies the 2027 Best Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the Midwest, 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 before committing time and money.
Key findings about Counseling degrees in Midwest
Choose the credential first: a clinical mental health master's and a school counseling master's can lead to different state requirements and workplaces. Confirm eligibility with the licensing or education agency where you intend to work.
The national median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025; employment is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035. Neither figure predicts a particular graduate's pay or local openings (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
For CACREP-accredited counseling programs, supervised training includes at least 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours under the 2024 standards. Compare placement support and travel demands alongside tuition (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
What can I expect from a Counseling degree in Midwest?
Expect a professionally focused master's degree combining counseling theory, assessment, ethics, multicultural practice, and supervised work with clients or students. The crucial distinction is which practice setting the curriculum prepares you for. Clinical mental health counseling generally targets behavioral health services; school counseling targets work in K-12 schools. Rehabilitation, addiction, and marriage and family pathways may have different coursework or credential rules.
Many clinical counseling degrees are designed around a 60-credit curriculum, but requirements vary by program and state. Under CACREP's 2024 standards, accredited programs include a supervised practicum of at least 100 hours and an internship of at least 600 hours. Those are educational requirements, not a substitute for any supervised experience a state requires after graduation (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
This degree can be a sound investment if you want the day-to-day work of counseling and have identified a qualifying route to your target credential. If your goal is primarily prescribing medication, educational administration, or a faster move into an unlicensed support role, compare those distinct education paths before paying for a counseling master's.
Where can I work with a Counseling degree in Midwest?
Potential settings include community mental health agencies, hospitals, outpatient practices, addiction treatment programs, colleges, vocational rehabilitation services, and K-12 schools. The appropriate setting depends on your specialization and credential: a clinical mental health curriculum does not by itself qualify you for a school counselor position, and a school-focused degree may not satisfy clinical licensure coursework.
Location also changes the practical value of a program. A student planning to work in Chicago, Detroit, or Minneapolis-St. Paul may have a different selection of practicum sites and employers than someone returning to a rural county. Ask programs whether they approve placements near your intended home and who arranges supervision; a low-cost program is less useful if its required placement is inaccessible.
National occupation-level figures offer a benchmark, not a Midwest salary quote. The table pairs May 2025 median annual wages with 2025-2035 employment projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupation categories do not map perfectly to degree titles, so use the row matching the job you actually intend to pursue.
Potential career area
U.S. median annual wage, May 2025
Projected U.S. employment growth, 2025-2035
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling
$59,350
18%
School and career counseling
$64,330
3%
Marriage and family therapy
$66,940
14%
Rehabilitation counseling
$46,850
2%
The spread matters when comparing debt with career goals, but it is not a reason to choose a specialization you do not want to practice. Local employer type, experience, licensure status, and hours worked can affect pay. Before borrowing, compare current postings in your intended Midwest labor market with the program's full cost and the income you would forgo while training.
These program-level distinctions are more useful than treating every counseling master's as interchangeable. The descriptions identify a concrete reason to investigate each option; confirm current credit totals, placement arrangements, accreditation status, and state eligibility directly with the program before applying.
Purdue University Northwest: Its mental health counseling option awards an M.S. Ed., making the degree designation worth examining if you are comparing education-based and arts- or science-based curricula. Ask how its coursework maps to the clinical license in your intended state, rather than judging fit by the diploma title alone (Purdue University Northwest).
Wayne State University: Its counseling M.A. is based in Detroit. That location may appeal to students seeking urban clinical or school placement options, but confirm which sites are available to your particular track and whether placements can be completed elsewhere in Michigan (Wayne State University).
Minnesota State University, Mankato: Its mental health counseling M.S. sits within Counseling and Student Personnel. Students interested in work that intersects with educational settings should compare its specific clinical curriculum - not the department name - with Minnesota licensure requirements (Minnesota State University, Mankato).
University of Wisconsin-Stout: The degree is explicitly an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. That direct clinical focus makes it a more relevant first comparison than a general counseling degree for applicants targeting mental health practice in Wisconsin (University of Wisconsin-Stout).
Eastern Illinois University: Its school counseling program is the clearest school-specific option among these examples. It is a stronger starting point for a prospective K-12 counselor than a clinical track, provided its current curriculum meets the education agency's requirements where the student plans to work (Eastern Illinois University).
Capital University: Its published program bulletin offers a defined curriculum to check course by course. Use that detail to identify any gaps against your intended license before treating a general counseling degree name as evidence of clinical or school eligibility (Capital University).
MidAmerica Nazarene University: Its graduate program specifically identifies clinical mental health counseling as its focus. Applicants should compare its supervised-placement model and schedule with public-university alternatives, particularly if they expect to keep working during training (MidAmerica Nazarene University).
Mount Mary University: Its master's-level counseling offering is a private-university option in Wisconsin. Compare the actual aid offer and approved training sites with public options; institutional category alone does not establish the less expensive path (Mount Mary University).
Ohio State University: Its clinical mental health counseling pathway awards an M.A. in Educational Studies with a counselor education focus. That structure makes it especially important to verify the precise program and licensure pathway, rather than assuming the degree title alone describes its professional preparation (Ohio State University).
Bethel University: Its graduate counseling offering is another option for applicants comparing institutional mission and program fit. Request the current specialization plan and placement policies before deciding whether its curriculum supports your intended counseling role and state credential (Bethel University).
Program pages can change more quickly than a ranking. For every finalist, request the current handbook and written answers about accreditation, completion requirements, fieldwork locations, graduate outcomes, and total charges.
A full-time counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years; part-time study can take longer. The calendar is shaped not just by credits but by course sequencing and the practicum and internship schedule. A program advertised as flexible may still require weekday hours at a placement site.
Ask for a semester-by-semester plan showing when fieldwork begins and whether summer courses are necessary. If you work full time, compare the cost of a longer part-time route with the earnings you might lose by reducing work hours for a faster one. An accelerated plan is only advantageous if you can complete its supervised training without disrupting your finances or delaying graduation.
Online study changes where you take academic courses; it does not remove in-person clinical training or state credential requirements. Campus study may make it easier to use nearby faculty and placement networks, while online delivery can help a working student remain in a community with limited program choices. Both formats need a workable route to supervised experience.
For an online program based in another state, get written confirmation that it can serve students in your state, that its coursework meets the relevant board's education requirements, and that it will approve an accessible local placement. Do not assume that institutional accreditation, CACREP accreditation, or enrollment permission automatically establishes licensure eligibility. Compare most popular counseling programs only after filtering for the specialization and delivery format you can realistically complete.
There is no single defensible Midwest-wide master's-in-counseling price: published tuition may be charged per credit, per term, or by residency, and it may exclude mandatory fees. Public-university resident rates can differ from nonresident rates, while private nonprofit universities set their own charges. Without comparable, current program-level totals, a regional "average" would be more misleading than helpful.
Build a like-for-like estimate using each school's current required credits, tuition rate, fees, and expected time to completion. Add travel to clinical sites, any required campus visits, background checks, books, and the earnings you may give up during fieldwork. Then subtract grants and other aid that do not need repayment. The most affordable counseling programs can help form a shortlist, but a low advertised tuition rate is not necessarily the lowest total cost.
Start with each university's assistantships, scholarships, and graduate aid office, then submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to establish eligibility for applicable federal aid. Eligible graduate students may use Direct Unsubsidized Loans, subject to federal limits; grants and assistantships are preferable when available because they reduce borrowing (Federal Student Aid).
Do not build a 2027 entry budget around a new Graduate PLUS Loan without checking current federal rules. Under the changes effective for new graduate borrowers beginning July 2026, access is limited to students who qualify under transition provisions; confirm your individual eligibility and borrowing limits with Federal Student Aid and your school's aid office. Also ask whether an assistantship covers tuition or merely provides a stipend, and whether it leaves enough time for clinical training (Federal Student Aid).
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
82-83
1
84-85
5
86-87
10
88-89
14
90-91
52
92-93
50
94-95
26
Programs generally require an accredited bachelor's degree and an application that may include transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, and an interview. A psychology major is not universally required, but individual schools may specify prerequisite coursework or minimum academic standards. Verify requirements on the current admissions page rather than assuming they are shared across programs.
Admission and professional eligibility are separate checks. Before applying, ask the program which state credentials its curriculum is designed to support, whether any undergraduate courses must be completed first, and whether a prior graduate course can transfer. Transfer credit may lower tuition, but acceptance depends on the school and should not be assumed for supervised clinical courses.
Common areas include counseling skills, human development, diagnosis or assessment where relevant, group counseling, research and evaluation, ethics, and culturally responsive practice. A clinical track may emphasize treatment planning and mental health assessment; a school track may add school systems, student development, and school-based interventions. Practicum and internship connect that classroom work to supervised practice.
Read the actual course sequence against your target state's requirements. Similar-sounding electives are not always interchangeable for credentialing, and a certificate added to an unrelated master's may not supply the complete qualifying degree. CACREP's program standards provide one useful curriculum benchmark, but the relevant state authority makes its own eligibility decisions (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; state licensing boards).
Common choices include clinical mental health, school, addiction, rehabilitation, and marriage, couple, and family counseling. They are not simply elective labels: they can point to different clients, placements, employers, and state-regulated credentials. For example, someone who wants to counsel students within K-12 schools should investigate school counseling preparation and state educator rules, not select a clinical program solely because it offers a youth-focused elective.
If you are undecided, compare required courses and graduate destinations before choosing a broad degree. Switching professional direction later may require additional coursework or a different credential. Addiction-focused study can be valuable for behavioral health work, but ask whether it is embedded in a clinical licensure pathway or prepares students for a separate addiction credential (state licensing boards; state education agencies).
Start with the job and state where you intend to practice, then work backward to a qualifying program. Midwest states do not share one counseling license: Illinois distinguishes professional and clinical professional counselor credentials, while Minnesota has LPC and LPCC pathways; school counseling credentials are administered separately from clinical licenses. Confirm the current rules with the appropriate state board or education agency before using a ranking as a final answer (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy).
Use these checks to compare finalists without overlooking the costs that matter most:
Identify the exact credential and ask the relevant state authority how it evaluates the program's degree, coursework, exams, and supervised experience.
Check the specific program's current accreditation status and ask whether a pending status or specialization affects your plan.
Request total required credits, a realistic completion schedule, written fieldwork-placement policies, and recent program-level completion and exam results where available.
Compare net cost, expected borrowing, lost earnings during placement, and the roles you could pursue after graduation; consider both favorable and slower-to-licensure scenarios.
The most valuable counseling programs offer another comparison lens. Value is personal, however: it depends on aid, debt, completion probability, your earnings before enrollment, potential earnings afterward, and how long it takes to recover the investment. A red flag is any school that cannot clearly explain where students complete required training or which credential its program is intended to support.
A graduate may pursue supervised, pre-licensure counseling work and, after satisfying the applicable state requirements, seek a licensed clinical role. School counseling follows a separate state education pathway. Other possibilities include addiction services, rehabilitation counseling, college student support, or related behavioral health work, depending on the degree, employer, and credential.
Plan for the transition after graduation rather than assuming the diploma completes it. Ask prospective employers whether they provide qualifying post-degree supervision and what credential they expect on the first day of work. If your priority is independent clinical practice, compare programs by how clearly they prepare you for that sequence - not merely by whether they advertise counseling careers (state licensing boards).
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
National demand is strongest in the broad category covering substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% employment growth from 2025 to 2035. That outlook supports investigating clinical and addiction-related pathways, but it is not a Midwest forecast or a guarantee of an opening in a particular county.
Test the market where you expect to live. Compare current postings in your target state for required licenses, supervision arrangements, work settings, and pay; repeat the search for nearby metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas if you are willing to commute or relocate. This is particularly important when a program's placement network is concentrated in one city but your long-term career plans are elsewhere.
2027 Best Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the Midwest
Investing in graduate education is a consequential decision. Research.com's team designed this ranking to make program comparisons more credible and useful, drawing on established education datasets and checking outcomes, accreditation, eligibility, and cost rather than relying on reputation alone.
The Best ranking starts with a graduate-outcomes-and-accreditation score: program completion accounts for 40%; employment or doctoral admission, 20%; applicable licensure-exam pass rates, 20%; CACREP programmatic accreditation, 16%; and institutional federal Title IV eligibility, 4%. Weights are renormalized when a criterion does not apply. Program cost then contributes a smaller share - about 7% of the final score. The same approach applies to online and campus programs; related rankings emphasize the individual dimension named in their titles. A ranking is a starting point, not a determination that a program meets your state's licensing rules.
The ranking draws on these data sources:
IPEDS database - institutional reporting on education characteristics and outcomes.
Peterson's database - program and institution information used in comparisons.
These measures can help you identify programs for closer investigation, particularly when comparing outcomes with price. Read more about the approach on Research.com's methodology page, then confirm current program requirements and costs with each school.
# 1 position
Purdue University Northwest
Master
M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.83
/ 100
Final score
Program length
8 semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2022-23)
Application deadline
March 1
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Interview with program faculty for qualified applicants; graduate application including transcripts and required admission documents per Purdue Graduate Studies process.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Purdue University Northwest earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.83/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 2 position
Wayne State University
Master
Counseling (M.A.)
Delivery mode: campus
95.66
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100%
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
100%
Application deadline
Fall: March 1; Winter: August 1; Spring/Summer: November 1
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or above; admission to the Graduate School.
Additional requirements
Admission interview; autobiographical statement.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Wayne State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.66/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 3 position
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Master
Counseling and Student Personnel (MS) - Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.55
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Rolling admissions for Summer/Fall start, with priority given to applications received by January 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Abnormal Psychology or its equivalent, completed prior to or during the first year of admission
Additional requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university (2.75+ GPA competitive); three letters of recommendation (one from an instructor or academic advisor); personal statement answering prompt questions; resume
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Minnesota State University-Mankato earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.55/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 4 position
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Master
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.48
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Typically 2 years (about 80% of students); completion deadline: 7 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
24.71%
Program completion rate
100% (2026)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Feb 1 (Summer/Fall admission); Oct 1 (Spring admission)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Application materials reviewed on GPA, coursework and transcripts, and experience working with others (paid or volunteer); applicants invited to interview must participate in a required on-campus group interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Wisconsin-Stout earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.48/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 5 position
Eastern Illinois University
Master
M.S. in Counseling – School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.43
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Third Monday of February
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Practicum (CHE 5630) requires CHE 5500 Research Methods, CHE 5510 Professional Orientation, CHE 5520 Theories of Counseling, CHE 5530 Basic Counseling Skills, plus a background check; second Internship requires a passing Content Area Test.
Additional requirements
Two departmental recommendation forms; Pre-Admission/Orientation Interview. School Counseling also requires a criminal background check and passing TAP score before Practicum, plus liability insurance.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Eastern Illinois University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.43/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 6 position
Capital University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.25
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
64 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
96.4% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Priority Deadline: December 1; Final Deadline: March 15
Class size
31
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution, with a satisfactory GPA, usually a minimum of 3.0 (B); applicants below 3.0 are reviewed individually and, if admitted, placed on a probationary period.
Additional requirements
Online application; statement of intent; three professional references; resume or CV; official transcripts from all institutions; signed Statement of Assurance of Good Moral Character; in-person interview if invited. Fall admission only.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Capital University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.25/100, supported by 96.4% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 7 position
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.18
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Complete in 33 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95.8% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Applications and interviews occur every February and April
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or 3.2 in last 30 hours), with lower GPAs eligible under probation
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, three professional and/or academic references, a writing assessment, and one half-day of comprehensive interviews with graduate faculty
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
MidAmerica Nazarene University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.18/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 95.8% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 8 position
Mount Mary University
Master
M.S. in Professional Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.14
/ 100
Final score
Program length
accelerated 2-year option
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
95% (2025)
Application deadline
March 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE or MAT required as evidence if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, unless a 3.0 GPA in the final 60 credits or in post-baccalaureate coursework is shown
Prerequisites
Regionally accredited bachelor's; 18 credits in human development, education, psychology, sociology, social work or communications (undergraduate statistics preferred); 3.0 GPA or equivalent evidence (e.g., GRE, MAT, 3.0 in final 60 credits).
Additional requirements
Online Graduate Student Application, nonrefundable application fee (waived for Mount Mary alumni), official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Mount Mary University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.14/100, supported by 95% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 9 position
Ohio State University
Master
Master of Arts in Educational Studies – Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
95.06
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
December 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Ohio State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.06/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 10 position
Bethel University
Master
M.A. in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.06
/ 100
Final score
Program length
As few as 33 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall 2027: January 1, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution or internationally recognized equivalent; 9 semester credits in behavioral/social sciences; minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, three professional and one personal reference forms, and interview by invitation. Criminal background check after acceptance.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Bethel University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.06/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 11 position
South Dakota State University
Master
Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S.) – School Counseling Specialization
Delivery mode: campus
95.01
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Typically, full-time students graduate in 2.5 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Apr 15 (priority Dec 1); Spring: Oct 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Minimum GPA of 2.75 to apply (3.0 or higher desired); GRE not required; application requires transcript, resume, one-page personal statement, and two references (including a one-page letter of recommendation) from a previous professor or employer.
Additional requirements
Transcript; resume; one-page personal statement; two references each including a one-page letter of recommendation
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
South Dakota State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.01/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 12 position
St. Cloud State University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
94.95
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
61 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: December 15 (Priority); February 1 (Final)
Class size
18
Application process
GradCAS (Liaison)
Prerequisites
No specific undergraduate major required.
Additional requirements
Graduate School application materials, one letter of professional recommendation, group interview, letter of intent, resume
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
St. Cloud State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.95/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 13 position
Indiana State University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
94.82
/ 100
Final score
Program length
24 months full-time; completion deadline: 7 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2022)
Application deadline
Summer (June entry): December 1 for full consideration; applications received after January 15 considered if openings are available.
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution, or a recognized institution for international applicants. Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the major field of study or in all graduate coursework.
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts; resume or CV; statement of purpose on career motivation, experiences, background and strengths; faculty interview by invitation. International applicants submit TOEFL or equivalent.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Indiana State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.82/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 14 position
Purdue University Fort Wayne
Master
M.S.Ed. in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
94.80
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
93% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Priority: February 15 (admission only for Summer II Semester)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Four-year undergraduate degree in any discipline
Additional requirements
Program application; official transcripts from all colleges; two professional recommendation letters; copies of applicable licenses; résumé or CV; ~2-page statement of professional goals, experiences, and skills; interview with Dean and faculty.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Purdue University Fort Wayne earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.8/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 93% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 15 position
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Master
Counseling and Student Personnel (MS) – Professional School Counseling K-12
Delivery mode: campus
94.74
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Summer and fall: rolling, with January 15 priority consideration; applications reviewed until full.
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Abnormal Psychology or equivalent must be completed before entry or during the first year and does not count toward the graduate program.
Additional requirements
Online application with personal-statement prompt responses, resume, and three recommendation letters (one from an instructor or academic advisor). International applicants need a NACES evaluation and TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 110.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Minnesota State University-Mankato earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.74/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 16 position
University of Mary
Master
Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.73
/ 100
Final score
Program length
As little as 20 months (accelerated track); 32 months (extended track)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2021-22)
Licensure exam pass rate
93% (2025)
Application deadline
Fall and Summer starts; apply by March 1 for early admission
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree; preference for Psychology, Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice or related human service field
Additional requirements
Application and fee, official transcripts, resume/CV, two professional recommendations, 1-page statement of purpose
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Mary earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.73/100, supported by 93% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 17 position
South Dakota State University
Master
Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S.) – Marriage and Family Counseling Specialization
Delivery mode: campus
94.66
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Typically, full-time students graduate in 2.5 years
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: April 15; Spring: October 15
GRE
no
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
South Dakota State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.66/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 18 position
Purdue University Northwest
Master
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
94.64
/ 100
Final score
Program length
8 semesters
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2022-23)
Application deadline
March 1 (for full consideration)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree.
Additional requirements
3 letters of recommendation; academic statement addressing readiness for graduate-level work; personal statement on career goals and interest in working with diverse populations; interview with program faculty;
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Purdue University Northwest earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.64/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 19 position
Roosevelt University
Master
Master's in School Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: campus
94.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years full-time
Specialization
School Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, at least 120 undergraduate credit hours, a personal statement of goals, and a passing ACT or SAT score meeting the state's criterion; invitation-only interview required. Counseling major not required.
Additional requirements
Online Application; $40 Application Fee; 3.0 GPA; official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities; English Language Proficiency (international applicants); admission interview (by invitation only)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Roosevelt University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.5/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 20 position
Lewis University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.50
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
87%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
97% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
92% - 95% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
At least 15 semester hours of undergraduate psychology coursework, including a course in statistics or research methods; baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution.
Additional requirements
Application with personal statement of professional goals; two recommendation letters from professors, employers or supervisors (one from an instructor preferred); official transcripts; TOEFL/IELTS or similar for non-native English speakers.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Lewis University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.5/100, supported by 97% program completion rate and 92% - 95% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
Frequently asked questions about Counseling degree in Midwest
Is a counseling master's degree worth it?
It may be if the program qualifies you for the credential and work you want at a manageable total cost. Compare aid-adjusted expense, fieldwork-related lost income, likely time to licensure, and relevant local jobs before deciding.
Do I need a CACREP-accredited program?
Not every state or role has the same rule. CACREP accreditation can simplify some comparisons, but confirm whether your intended state credential requires it or accepts another qualifying program (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; state licensing boards).
Can I earn a counseling master's online?
Yes, some programs deliver academic courses online. Required supervised training still needs an approved setting, and you should verify that the program meets the rules of the state where you plan to practice.
Does graduating make me a licensed counselor?
No. States may also require examinations, an application, and supervised post-degree experience. Degree completion and licensure are separate milestones (state licensing boards).
Can I use a school counseling degree for clinical practice?
Do not assume so. Compare its coursework and supervised training with the clinical licensing board's requirements; school credentials and clinical licenses have different purposes.
Should I choose a public or private nonprofit university?
Choose based on verified credential fit, net price after aid, placement access, and completion schedule. Neither institutional category alone establishes better value.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
Eastern Illinois University - M.S. in Counseling - School Counseling Official program page (curriculum, tuition, admissions). https://www.eiu.edu/counseling/school.php
