A counseling master's can open a path to clinical practice or school counseling - but choosing the wrong track can leave you short of the credential your target job requires. This guide compares North Carolina programs by training focus, licensure fit, time, cost, and career prospects. It also features the 2027 Best Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in North Carolina, 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 that fits your goals and budget.
Key findings about Counseling degrees in North Carolina
Choose the credential before the school: North Carolina clinical mental health counseling and school counseling lead to different state-regulated pathways, so a highly ranked program is useful only if its track fits your intended work.
For context - not a North Carolina pay promise - the U.S. median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025; BLS projects 18% national employment growth for 2025-2035.
Compare the full cost of required clinical training, not tuition alone. Students starting a graduate program in 2027 should not assume Graduate PLUS loans will cover a funding gap under the rules effective July 2026.
What can I expect from a Counseling degree in North Carolina?
Expect graduate coursework, supervised practice, and a credential decision that begins before enrollment. A clinical mental health counseling degree prepares students for assessment and counseling in settings such as clinics and community agencies. School counseling centers on students' academic, career, and social-emotional development in schools. Career counseling and rehabilitation counseling have different client populations and job targets; a degree title alone does not establish eligibility for every counseling license.
In North Carolina, prospective clinical counselors should compare a program's curriculum with North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors requirements for the Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) pathway. Prospective public-school counselors should instead confirm preparation for the relevant North Carolina Department of Public Instruction license. Neither graduation nor CACREP accreditation automatically awards a state credential.
If you are still deciding which track attracts the largest applicant audience, the most popular counseling programs offer another comparison point. Popularity is not evidence that a track matches your career goal.
Where can I work with a Counseling degree in North Carolina?
Clinical-track graduates may pursue roles with community mental health providers, health systems, private practices, or substance-use treatment organizations, subject to the license and supervision required for the role. School-track graduates may work in public or private schools if they meet the applicable employer and state credential requirements. Rehabilitation-focused graduates may work with disability services, vocational rehabilitation, or health-related organizations; career counselors may serve colleges and workforce programs.
Location changes the practical value of a placement. A student near the Triangle, Triad, or Charlotte may have a different selection of clinical sites than someone who must stay in a rural county. Before accepting an offer, ask where recent students completed fieldwork, whether placements are available near you, and whether the school arranges them or expects you to find one. A program you can attend remotely may still require local, in-person client hours.
Pay depends on occupation, setting, experience, and geography; a master's degree by itself does not set a salary. The following U.S. occupational medians for May 2025 and national employment projections for 2025-2035 are comparison points from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), not North Carolina graduate earnings or entry-level offers.
Career direction
U.S. median annual wage, May 2025
U.S. projected growth, 2025-2035
Clinical mental health or addiction counseling
$59,350
18%
School counseling
$64,330
3%
Marriage and family counseling
$66,940
14%
Rehabilitation counseling
$46,850
2%
These figures describe different occupations, not interchangeable outcomes from one degree. In particular, marriage and family therapy can involve a distinct licensing pathway. For a personal earnings estimate, compare North Carolina postings for the exact credential you plan to seek and distinguish associate-level, supervised jobs from independently licensed positions.
The programs below differ most meaningfully in the population and credential pathway they emphasize. Treat each highlight as a reason to investigate a program - not as a substitute for confirming its current curriculum, field-placement arrangements, accreditation status, and state eligibility with the school and relevant board.
UNC-Chapel Hill, clinical mental health counseling: This option sits within the School of Medicine's health-sciences setting, making its clinical and health-care orientation a useful point of comparison with education-school counseling degrees. It is worth a closer look if you want mental health practice rather than a school-counselor credential (UNC School of Medicine).
UNC-Chapel Hill, school counseling: Its education-school program is directed toward counseling in schools rather than clinical practice. Ask how its school-based field experiences and licensure preparation align with the district and student age group you hope to serve (UNC School of Education).
North Carolina Central University, career counseling MA: Career development is the program's defining focus within this group. It may fit applicants aiming for college career services or workforce settings better than a clinical track would; verify the credentials sought by your target employers (NCCU).
North Carolina Central University, school counseling MA: This track targets school counseling rather than NCCU's career- or clinical-focused options. Compare its fieldwork expectations and North Carolina school-licensure preparation if your goal is a K-12 position (NCCU).
UNC-Chapel Hill, clinical rehabilitation counseling: Its explicitly rehabilitation-focused degree connects counseling preparation with disability and rehabilitation practice. That makes it a more targeted option than a general clinical mental health degree for applicants committed to that client population (UNC Graduate Catalog).
UNC-Greensboro, counseling MS, school counseling concentration: School counseling is identified as a concentration within the counseling MS. Applicants who want a school-focused route should confirm the concentration's current course sequence and placement expectations rather than assume every concentration leads to the same credential (UNC Greensboro).
East Carolina University, counselor education MS: ECU presents counselor education as an MS degree with track choices to examine against a specific career goal. Its eastern North Carolina location also makes placement geography especially important for students who plan to remain in that part of the state (ECU).
Western Carolina University, counseling: WCU's program guidance addresses practical questions about counseling study and preparation. For applicants in western North Carolina, the decisive comparison is whether its schedule and approved field sites make attendance feasible without relocating; confirm the current track requirements directly (WCU).
North Carolina Central University, clinical mental health counseling MA: This is NCCU's clinical practice-focused alternative to its school and career counseling degrees. Compare its curriculum specifically against the North Carolina LCMHCA education requirements if independent clinical practice is your eventual aim (NCCU; North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors).
These are program distinctions, not verified placement rates or promises of licensure. Request the current handbook and outcomes disclosure for every finalist; those documents can reveal differences that a degree title cannot.
A full-time counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years; part-time study can take longer. The meaningful comparison is the school's published course sequence, including when practicum and internship are offered. A shorter classroom schedule will not save time if you cannot complete field hours on that schedule.
Ask whether clinical courses must be taken in sequence, whether an internship can be completed where you live, and whether summer enrollment is expected. Working professionals should also ask how many daytime hours a placement demands: a nominally part-time program may still require a substantial change to paid work during internship.
Online delivery changes where you take classes, not whether you must demonstrate counseling skills or complete supervised fieldwork. On-campus study may simplify access to faculty, peers, and nearby placement relationships; online study may let a working adult remain in a community that lacks a convenient campus. Hybrid requirements can erase that advantage if travel is frequent.
For a North Carolina student, the deciding question is whether the specific track supports the North Carolina credential sought and can approve a suitable local site. Confirm any required campus visits, live-class times, placement support, and the state where you intend to practice. Do not assume an online degree advertised nationally satisfies every state's licensing rules (North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors; North Carolina Department of Public Instruction).
There is no single North Carolina counseling-master's price that reliably describes every track and student. Published graduate tuition may be quoted per credit or per term, while total cost depends on required credits, residency classification at a public university, fees, enrollment pace, and field-placement expenses. NCES IPEDS institutional tuition figures are useful context, but they should not be mistaken for a program-specific bill.
For an apples-to-apples comparison, request each school's current cost of attendance and multiply its applicable per-credit tuition by the published required credits; then add mandatory fees, travel, and any additional terms needed for fieldwork. Compare the resulting estimate with your likely aid, not just the advertised tuition rate. The most affordable counseling programs can help build a cost-conscious shortlist, but confirm your own resident or nonresident rate before applying.
Start with the FAFSA and each university's graduate-aid office. Eligible students may have access to federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans; assistantships, institutional scholarships, employer tuition benefits, and field-specific awards depend on the program and applicant. Ask whether an assistantship reduces tuition as well as paying a stipend, and whether its work duties conflict with internship hours (Federal Student Aid; individual institutions).
Do not build a 2027 funding plan around Graduate PLUS. Under federal rules effective July 2026, new graduate borrowers generally cannot use that loan program; limited continuing-student eligibility depends on the applicable transition rules and prior borrowing. Have the financial-aid office verify your individual status and remaining options. North Carolina residents can also check whether their specific program is eligible for an NCSEAA-administered service-based award, rather than assuming every counseling concentration qualifies (Federal Student Aid; North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority).
Programs generally require a bachelor's degree and an application that may include transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, and an interview. Psychology coursework can help, but do not assume every program requires a psychology major - or that all programs waive the same tests or prerequisite courses. Check each department's current admissions page for its exact rules (UNC-Chapel Hill; NCCU; ECU; UNC Greensboro; WCU).
Before spending application fees, ask whether the track accepts your academic background, whether prior graduate credits can transfer, and whether transferred courses may replace required clinical courses. A generous general transfer policy may have little value if accreditation or placement sequencing requires you to retake counseling-specific work.
Expect counseling theories and skills, ethics, assessment, multicultural counseling, group work, research or program evaluation, and supervised practicum and internship. Track-specific courses then change the preparation: clinical mental health students may study diagnosis and treatment planning, while school counseling students focus on school-based services and student development (CACREP; individual program catalogs).
Compare course titles with the required content areas published by the North Carolina authority for your intended credential. A course that sounds relevant may not satisfy a board's documentation rules, and an elective cannot always replace a required class. Ask the program to identify the catalog and handbook year that will govern your cohort.
The most consequential choice is between clinical mental health and school counseling, because they point toward different state credentials and workplaces. North Carolina applicants can also compare career counseling, rehabilitation or clinical rehabilitation counseling, and addiction-related preparation where offered. Marriage and family therapy may be housed in a separate degree and licensing pathway, so its occupational outlook should not be treated as an automatic outcome of a counseling master's (North Carolina counseling and education licensing authorities; individual institutions).
Choose by the work you want to do with clients, not by a broad interest in psychology. If you are undecided between schools and clinics, request each track's licensure disclosure and placement examples; switching tracks late can add coursework and delay graduation.
The best investment is the program that reaches your intended credential at a manageable total cost and schedule - not necessarily the one with the lowest tuition or highest overall rank. Compare finalists in this order:
Verify the endpoint: Name the job and North Carolina credential you want, then confirm the program's current eligibility disclosure with the appropriate state authority.
Check programmatic status: Verify any claimed CACREP accreditation for the exact program and delivery format; institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation answer different questions.
Test placement feasibility: Ask who secures sites, where recent students trained, and whether your work schedule can accommodate supervised hours.
Compare net investment: Include tuition, fees, aid, lost earnings, likely debt, completion prospects, and the time before you can enter your target role.
Request outcomes: Ask for track-specific completion, employment, and applicable exam results with reporting periods, rather than relying on institution-wide claims.
For a longer-term comparison, the most valuable counseling programs provide another lens. Your own return still depends on prior earnings, aid and debt, completion, post-degree opportunities, and how long you expect to work in the field. A red flag is a program that cannot clearly explain its credential pathway or who is responsible for finding an internship.
View the chart data as a table
Projected job growth 2025-2035 by counseling career path (U.S., BLS) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
Mental Health Counselors
18
Marriage & Family Therapists
14
Postsecondary Teachers
7
Psychologists
6
School & Career Counselors
3
Rehabilitation Counselors
2
All occupations
3
A clinical graduate may begin in a supervised associate-level role and later seek independent practice after meeting the North Carolina board's additional supervision and examination requirements. A school counseling graduate follows the state educator-licensure route for eligible school positions. Career and rehabilitation counseling can lead to roles in postsecondary career services, workforce development, disability services, or vocational rehabilitation, depending on employer requirements (North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors; North Carolina Department of Public Instruction).
A master's may be worth pursuing if your target position specifically requires graduate counseling preparation and you can finance the supervised-training period. If your goal is general student support or an entry-level human-services role that does not require counseling licensure, compare job postings and less costly credentials first; the extra degree may not be necessary for that first step.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
80-82
1
82-84
0
85-86
1
88-89
5
90-92
9
92-94
14
95-96
1
National demand differs substantially by occupation. BLS projects 18% U.S. employment growth from 2025 to 2035 for the category covering substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. That is a reason to investigate clinical and addiction-related opportunities, not a forecast of openings in your preferred North Carolina county or of how quickly a new graduate will be hired (BLS Employment Projections, 2025-2035).
Search local openings using the exact credential you can hold at graduation, then repeat the search for positions requiring independent licensure. Compare employers' supervision arrangements, eligible placement sites, and location requirements. This matters particularly if you must remain in a smaller labor market: strong national growth cannot compensate for a shortage of accessible supervised positions near home.
2027 Best Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in North Carolina
Investing in graduate education is a consequential decision. Research.com developed the ranking to give prospective counseling students a consistent way to compare programs, while checking multiple sources for the quality, credibility, and accuracy of the information used.
For the Best ranking, a graduate-outcomes-and-accreditation score combines program completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), licensure exam pass rates where applicable (20%), CACREP programmatic accreditation (16%), and institutional Title IV eligibility (4%). Applicable weights are renormalized when a criterion does not apply. Program cost then contributes a smaller component - about 7% of the final score. The same approach applies to online and on-campus programs; Research.com's other counseling rankings order programs by the dimension named in each ranking.
The ranking draws on these data sources:
IPEDS database: institutional enrollment, completions, and price information.
A ranking can narrow a search, but it cannot establish that a particular track meets your intended license requirements or that its net cost is affordable for you. Use the results alongside the program-level checks below. More detail about Research.com's approach is available on its methodology page.
# 1 position
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Master
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.38
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
December
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisite courses required; a completed undergraduate degree in any discipline from any accredited college or university is acceptable.
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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.38/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 2 position
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Master
M.Ed. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
94.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
14 months
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
93% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
January 12, 2027 (Summer 2027 cohort)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's degree required before enrolling; minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (applicants below 3.0 must address this in their Statement of Purpose). Experience with children/adolescents or youth-serving settings preferred.
Additional requirements
Three letters of recommendation; unofficial transcripts from all postsecondary institutions; statement of purpose (500-750 words); resume; $95 application fee
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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.6/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 93% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 3 position
North Carolina Central University
Master
Career Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.88
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Career Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Application process
GradCAS
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and an undergraduate major of at least 30 semester hours in counselor education or a related area; educational research and statistics coursework is part of the program.
Additional requirements
Online graduate admission application; $50 non-refundable application fee; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts of all schools attended; personal statement; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00; interview 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).
North Carolina Central University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.88/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 4 position
North Carolina Central University
Master
School Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.88
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 1; Spring: no admission; Summer: no admission
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
Additional requirements
Online graduate admission application; $50 non-refundable application fee; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts of all schools attended; personal statement; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00;
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).
North Carolina Central University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.88/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 5 position
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.87
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
91.7% (2025)
Application deadline
March
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; eligibility to meet student requirements to participate in clinical training.
Additional requirements
Bachelor's degree transcript; a pre-admission interview with the program 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.87/100, supported by 91.7% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 6 position
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Master
Counseling, M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
93.82
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years full-time
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Application deadline
November 15 (Fall only)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Admission to the M.S. in Counseling in a specific concentration is required to enroll in core counseling coursework (e.g., CED 610, CED 620, CED 653 practicum); other prerequisites are set by the Graduate School.
Additional requirements
Online application; two professional recommendations (one academic); resume/CV; three written statements; transcripts; GPA-contextualization statement if undergrad GPA ≤2.75; interview for selected 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).
University of North Carolina at Greensboro earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.82/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 7 position
North Carolina Central University
Master
School Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: campus
93.43
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 1; Spring: no admission; Summer: no admission
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
Additional requirements
Online graduate admission application; $50 non-refundable application fee; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts of all schools attended; personal statement; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00; an interview is 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).
North Carolina Central University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.43/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 8 position
East Carolina University
Master
Master of Science in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.12
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years (full-time)
Specialization
College Counseling and Student Affairs
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
January 15 (priority: November 3)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisite coursework; all majors considered. Requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA, demonstrated leadership/work experience, three letters of recommendation, a Statement of Intent, and a departmental interview.
Additional requirements
Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA; demonstrated leadership/significant work experience; three letters of recommendation; Statement of Intent; departmental 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).
East Carolina University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.12/100, with 100% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 9 position
Western Carolina University
Master
M.A.Ed. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.05
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Minimum 2 years and 1-2 summers (full-time)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
88% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
February 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (150 V or Q, 4.0 writing) required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, unless the applicant holds a master's degree or has two years' K-12 employment
Prerequisites
No specific bachelor's degree required for success; recommended to have courses in the social sciences. Applicants often come from education, psychology, sociology, or social work backgrounds.
Additional requirements
Goal statement, reference materials, GRE scores (if applicable); group interview process including campus tour, Q&A with faculty and current students, and small group faculty 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).
Western Carolina University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.05/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 88% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 10 position
North Carolina Central University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.96
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Application process
GradCAS (Liaison)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's; minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00, with 3.0 or better in an undergraduate major (or related area) of at least 30 semester hours in the graduate field; international applicants need TOEFL 500 or equivalent.
Additional requirements
Online graduate admission application; $50 non-refundable application fee; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts of all schools attended; personal statement; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00; an interview is 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).
North Carolina Central University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.96/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 11 position
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Master
M.A. in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.89
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
85% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2022)
Application deadline
October 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university
Additional requirements
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0; brief statement of purpose (1-3 pages); three professional references; official transcripts; completed application and application fee
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 North Carolina at Charlotte earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.89/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 85% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 12 position
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Master
M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Development
Delivery mode: campus
92.81
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years full-time (on-campus)
Specialization
College Counseling and Student Affairs
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2022)
Employment or doctoral admission
98% (2022)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2022)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Completed online application, resume, non-refundable application fee, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement (max 5 pages), official transcripts of all post-secondary education, and TOEFL for international students.
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).
North Carolina State University at Raleigh earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.81/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 13 position
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Master
M.A. in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.59
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
80% (2023-24)
Application deadline
October 15
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university
Additional requirements
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0; brief statement of purpose (1-3 pages); three professional references; official transcripts; completed application and application fee
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 North Carolina at Charlotte earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.59/100, with 80% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 14 position
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Master
M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Development
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.54
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years to completion if full time; online: three-year cohort program
Specialization
College Counseling and Student Affairs
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Completed online application, resume, non-refundable application fee, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement (max 5 pages), official transcripts of all post-secondary education, and TOEFL for international students.
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).
North Carolina State University at Raleigh earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.54/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 15 position
North Carolina Central University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: campus
92.50
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Application process
GradCAS (Liaison)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's; minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00, with 3.0 or better in an undergraduate major (or related area) of at least 30 semester hours in the graduate field; international applicants need TOEFL 500 or equivalent.
Additional requirements
Online graduate admission application; $50 non-refundable application fee; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts of all schools attended; personal statement; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00; an interview is 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).
North Carolina Central University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.5/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 16 position
Appalachian State University
Master
Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.17
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-3 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Employment or doctoral admission
97% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: June 15
Class size
11
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Graduate School application and $65 fee; resume/CV; unofficial transcripts; minimum 2.75 GPA; two letters of recommendation; program questionnaire; interview; background check required for enrollment.
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).
Appalachian State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.17/100, with 97% employment or doctoral admission rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 17 position
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Master
M.Ed. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
91.88
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years full-time
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2022)
Employment or doctoral admission
92% (2022)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2022)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Completed online application, resume, non-refundable application fee, three letters of recommendation, personal statement (max 5 pages), official transcripts of all post-secondary education, and official TOEFL score for international students.
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).
North Carolina State University at Raleigh earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.88/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 18 position
Gardner-Webb University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.84
/ 100
Final score
Program length
24 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
73% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution; GPA of 3.0 across all undergraduate work or the last 64 hours of undergraduate or graduate work; 12 hours in psychology or related areas, including psychopathology or abnormal psychology.
Additional requirements
Application ($40 fee); transcripts; accredited bachelor's with 3.0 GPA (overall or last 64 hours); 12 hours of psychology incl. psychopathology/abnormal psychology; three references; faculty interview; 5-year background check. GRE optional.
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).
Gardner-Webb University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.84/100, supported by 73% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 19 position
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Master
Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
91.79
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Addiction Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
70% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025-26)
Application deadline
October 15 (for Summer or Fall admission)
Application process
UNC Charlotte Graduate School application (direct)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university; no particular undergraduate major required.
Additional requirements
Application and fee, transcripts from all universities, four short answer questions, 3 letters of recommendation, resume/CV; GRE/GMAT not 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 North Carolina at Charlotte earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.79/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 70% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 20 position
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Master
Counseling, M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
91.67
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
63 semester credits
Application deadline
November 15
Application process
direct (UNCG Graduate School online application)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Admission to the M.S. in Counseling in a specific concentration is required to enroll in core counseling coursework (e.g., CED 610, CED 620, CED 653 practicum); other prerequisites are set by the Graduate School.
Additional requirements
Online application; two professional letters of recommendation; resume/CV; three written statements (background, ethical decision making, personal); transcripts; contextualizing statement if GPA is 2.75 or below; interview 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 North Carolina at Greensboro earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.67/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
Frequently asked questions about Counseling degree in North Carolina
Do I need a master's degree to become a licensed clinical mental health counselor in North Carolina?
The North Carolina clinical mental health counseling pathway has graduate education requirements. You must also meet the board's other applicable requirements; earning the degree alone does not grant a license (North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors).
Is CACREP accreditation the same as state licensure approval?
No. CACREP accredits eligible counseling programs; North Carolina authorities determine eligibility for their respective licenses. Verify both the exact program's accreditation status and its fit with your intended credential (CACREP; North Carolina licensing authorities).
Can I complete a counseling master's online and work in North Carolina?
Potentially, but online coursework does not eliminate supervised fieldwork. Confirm North Carolina credential eligibility, local placement approval, and any required campus visits before enrolling.
How long will the degree take if I work full-time?
Full-time study commonly takes about two to three years; part-time study may take longer. Ask for a term-by-term plan showing when practicum and internship occur, because those commitments may affect your work hours.
Should I choose clinical mental health or school counseling?
Choose clinical mental health if your goal is the clinical counseling licensing pathway; choose school counseling if you want school-based practice and its educator credential. Compare the two programs' state eligibility disclosures before applying.
Is the degree worth the cost?
It can be if the program leads toward the credential your target jobs require and its net cost is workable. Estimate tuition and placement expenses alongside aid, borrowing, lost earnings, and the time needed for any post-degree supervised practice; salary medians are not a personal earnings guarantee.
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