Choosing a counseling master's program in Georgia means choosing a career path, not just a campus: clinical licensure, school certification, and rehabilitation counseling have different requirements. This guide examines program fit, training, costs, and career prospects for future students and working professionals. It accompanies the 2027 Most Popular Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Georgia, 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 Georgia
Choose the credential first: Georgia's Licensed Professional Counselor pathway and its school-counselor certification pathway are different, so a popular master's program may not qualify you for your intended role (Georgia Composite Board; Georgia Professional Standards Commission).
For the closest national clinical-counseling occupation, the May 2025 median annual wage was $59,350; U.S. employment is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035. Neither figure predicts a new Georgia graduate's pay or job prospects (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Compare total tuition, fees, required fieldwork, and time away from paid work - not tuition alone. A typical counseling master's takes about two to three years full-time, while part-time study can take longer; confirm each school's actual sequence and placement requirements.
What can I expect from a Counseling degree in Georgia?
A counseling master's combines study of human development, assessment, ethics, and counseling methods with supervised work with clients or students. The crucial distinction is its intended credential: a clinical mental health program is generally oriented toward professional counseling licensure, while a school counseling program is designed around school-based practice and educator certification. Rehabilitation counseling adds training related to disability, employment, and access to services.
This distinction matters in Georgia because the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists regulates Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), while the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) governs educator certification. A master's degree is an education milestone, not an automatic license or school credential. Before applying, ask a program which Georgia requirements its curriculum and supervised training are designed to satisfy.
The degree makes the most sense if you want sustained client-facing or school-based work and can accommodate supervised field training. If your goal is a different regulated role - such as psychologist, social worker, or marriage and family therapist - compare that profession's degree and licensing route before enrolling in counseling.
Where can I work with a Counseling degree in Georgia?
Potential settings include community behavioral-health agencies, hospitals, private practices, K-12 schools, colleges, vocational rehabilitation services, and substance-use treatment organizations. The setting alone does not establish eligibility: clinical employers may require an associate-level credential or LPC, schools may require GaPSC certification, and independent practice requires the applicable license (Georgia Composite Board; GaPSC).
Location can shape fieldwork as much as employment. A student considering an Atlanta-area program can compare a broader range of nearby placement types, while someone studying elsewhere in Georgia should ask whether approved sites are available within a workable commute. For an online program, get written confirmation that it will approve a placement near your home and explain who secures the site.
Pay depends on the occupation, credential, setting, experience, and location - not the degree title alone. The following national figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational medians for May 2025, paired with projected U.S. employment growth for 2025-2035. They are useful for comparing career directions, but they are not Georgia starting salaries or returns from a particular program.
Career direction
U.S. median annual wage, May 2025
Projected U.S. growth, 2025-2035
Clinical mental health or addiction counseling
$59,350
18%
School counseling
$64,330
3%
Rehabilitation counseling
$46,850
2%
The clinical figure suggests a growing national market, not a guarantee of plentiful local openings. When estimating your own return, compare Georgia job postings for the specific credential you expect to hold and distinguish associate-level opportunities from positions requiring independent licensure.
The most useful difference among these options is often the professional direction stated in the degree itself. The program-specific comparisons below explain who might benefit from each option; confirm current credit totals, accreditation status, delivery format, and placement arrangements with the institution before applying.
Mercer University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Mercer places this degree within its graduate counseling offerings through Professional Advancement. It is the Mercer option to investigate if your goal is mental health counseling rather than disability-focused rehabilitation; ask how its clinical placements fit your location and work schedule (Mercer University).
Albany State University - Counselor Education, M. Ed.: The catalog identifies this as an education-based counseling degree rather than one labeled exclusively clinical mental health. Ask which available tracks lead toward Georgia school certification or professional licensure before comparing it with single-focus clinical programs (Albany State University).
Georgia State University - Mental Health Counseling, M.S.: Its expressly mental-health focus provides a clearer starting point for applicants targeting clinical counseling than Georgia State's separately named clinical rehabilitation degree. Request its current licensure-disclosure and field-placement information if LPC eligibility is your aim (Georgia State University).
Agnes Scott College - Mental Health Counseling: This graduate program is specifically framed around mental health counseling. It deserves a close look from applicants seeking that career direction in the Decatur area; compare its current training schedule and total cost with nearby university options (Agnes Scott College).
Clark Atlanta University - Clinical Counseling, M.A.: The clinical designation makes this the relevant Clark Atlanta option for applicants seeking direct counseling practice. Verify the current curriculum's relationship to Georgia LPC education requirements rather than assuming an M.A. title establishes eligibility (Clark Atlanta University).
Georgia State University - Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, M.S.: Unlike its mental health counseling degree, this program explicitly joins clinical and rehabilitation counseling. That distinction is valuable if disability-related practice is central to your plans; ask how its coursework and placements support the particular credential you want (Georgia State University).
Augusta University - Counseling, M. Ed.: Augusta's program sits within its education offerings and awards an M. Ed. Applicants interested in school settings should clarify its certification route, while clinical applicants should check LPC alignment rather than relying on the broad degree name (Augusta University).
University of West Georgia - Counseling program: West Georgia provides an additional public-university option for students comparing programs outside metro Atlanta. Identify the exact degree and track on its current program page, then confirm whether local field placements match your intended credential (University of West Georgia).
South University-Savannah - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A.: Its stated clinical mental health focus and Savannah location make it a practical comparison for coastal-area applicants who want to assess placements without assuming an Atlanta commute. Ask for a written tuition-and-fees estimate and the current supervised-training sequence (South University).
Mercer University - Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling: Mercer offers a rehabilitation-focused counseling option alongside its clinical mental health degree. Students drawn to disability, adjustment, and rehabilitation services should compare the two Mercer curricula and their credential implications before choosing between them (Mercer University).
These distinctions describe program direction, not verified differences in graduate outcomes. For a broader outcomes-oriented comparison, consult the best counseling programs alongside each school's current disclosures.
Plan on roughly two to three years of full-time study for many counseling master's programs; part-time enrollment may take longer. Your actual timeline depends on the school's course rotation, when practica and internships begin, placement availability, and whether you can complete field hours alongside paid work. Ask for a term-by-term plan, not just an advertised completion time.
Graduation and independent practice are separate milestones. Georgia LPC applicants must meet the board's education, examination, and supervised-experience requirements; postdegree supervision can extend the path beyond the master's itself (Georgia Composite Board). An accelerated academic schedule is worthwhile only if its fieldwork and later credentialing steps remain feasible.
Online study may reduce travel to classes, but it does not remove supervised practice. Campus study can make in-person instruction and local placement coordination more convenient, though it may require commuting or relocation. Neither format alone determines whether graduates meet Georgia credential requirements.
For an online option, verify whether courses are live or self-paced, whether campus visits are required, where you may complete clinical hours, and who is responsible for finding a supervisor. If you intend to practice outside Georgia, check that state's board separately: meeting one state's educational rules does not automatically meet another's. For campus programs, compare the same placement and scheduling details rather than assuming a nearby campus guarantees a nearby internship.
There is no single dependable price for a Georgia counseling master's. Public-university resident and nonresident rates can differ, private institutions set their own rates, and schools may charge by credit or term. A statewide "average" drawn from institutional graduate tuition would also be an imperfect estimate of a particular counseling degree's full cost: NCES/IPEDS institutional figures do not necessarily capture a program's required credits, clinical fees, or living costs (National Center for Education Statistics).
Request a written estimate covering every required term: tuition at your residency rate, university and course fees, books, transportation to placements, and any required background checks or insurance. Then add potential earnings forgone if fieldwork limits paid hours. The most affordable counseling programs can help you shortlist schools, but compare total completion costs and aid offers before deciding which is cheapest for you.
Start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then ask each graduate program about institutional scholarships, assistantships, employer tuition support, and paid roles compatible with fieldwork. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans may be available to eligible graduate students; borrowing is not the same as a grant, so compare repayment obligations with a realistic postdegree budget (Federal Student Aid).
Graduate PLUS rules have changed for new graduate borrowing beginning July 1, 2026. Do not assume it can cover a funding gap: ask the school's aid office and Federal Student Aid whether you qualify under a continuing-borrower exception and what loan options apply to your enrollment. Also verify eligibility before budgeting for any Georgia state aid, because programs aimed at undergraduates should not be assumed to fund a counseling master's (Federal Student Aid; Georgia Student Finance Commission).
View the chart data as a table
Graduates (2024-25) distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
0-9
7
10-19
12
20-29
2
30-39
2
40-49
0
50-59
0
60-69
1
Programs generally expect a bachelor's degree and an application showing readiness for graduate study. Schools may also request transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, an interview, or prerequisite coursework; requirements and test policies vary by institution. Prior counseling work can strengthen an application but is not a substitute for checking the published criteria of each program.
Ask admissions staff to review any previous graduate credits before you rely on a transfer plan. Acceptance of a course for degree credit does not necessarily mean it satisfies a particular counseling-content or supervised-training requirement for Georgia licensure or certification. The receiving program and relevant credentialing authority should clarify both questions.
Expect foundations in counseling theory, ethics, human development, assessment, research, and multicultural practice, followed by supervised practicum or internship. Clinical mental health study may emphasize diagnosis, treatment planning, and crisis response; school counseling adds school systems and student development; rehabilitation counseling focuses more directly on disability and vocational participation.
Course titles are less important than their documented content and sequence. If Georgia LPC eligibility is your goal, compare the transcript and fieldwork requirements published by the Georgia Composite Board with the school's current curriculum. If you want school certification, use the GaPSC-approved pathway as your reference instead (Georgia Composite Board; Georgia Professional Standards Commission).
Programs in the comparison above illustrate three meaningful directions: clinical mental health, school-oriented counselor education, and clinical rehabilitation. Addiction or marriage and family coursework may also appear within counseling programs, but an elective or concentration name does not establish eligibility for a separate professional credential.
Choose by the work you want to do after graduation. Clinical mental health is the closer fit for someone aiming at the LPC route; a school-counseling pathway fits someone seeking school-based certification; rehabilitation fits an interest in disability-related counseling and services. If you are undecided, ask whether changing tracks would add courses or delay field placement before treating a broad degree title as flexible.
Start with your intended job and credential, then work backward to the program. Popularity is useful for finding options, but it cannot replace verification of credential alignment, supervised training, affordability, and your ability to finish. The most valuable counseling programs offer another comparison lens; your own return also depends on aid, debt, time out of work, completion likelihood, baseline earnings, later earnings, and how long you expect to work in the field.
Use these questions to turn a shortlist into a decision:
Which Georgia license or certification is this exact track designed to support, and where is that documented?
What is the program's current accreditation status, and does any claimed programmatic accreditation apply to this specific degree and campus or format?
Who arranges and approves placements, and can I complete them where I live?
What will all required terms cost after aid, and how many paid work hours might I have to give up?
What are the current completion and relevant exam-outcome disclosures, and what reporting period do they cover?
A common mistake is to select the lowest advertised tuition while overlooking additional terms or unpaid fieldwork. Another is to treat institutional accreditation, CACREP programmatic accreditation, and state credential eligibility as interchangeable; verify each separately with the accreditor, school, and appropriate Georgia authority.
View the chart data as a table
Median wage by U.S. state - Mental Health Counselors (BLS OEWS, May 2025) (Source: BLS)
State
Value
AK
80,770
AL
47,310
AR
51,580
AZ
65,300
CA
59,250
CO
62,390
CT
63,590
DC
60,450
DE
56,020
FL
56,790
GA
58,960
HI
60,090
IA
60,880
ID
63,360
IL
60,730
IN
53,760
KS
59,470
KY
54,190
LA
37,910
MA
59,890
MD
59,530
ME
59,970
MI
61,690
MN
58,780
MO
56,910
MS
46,990
MT
59,000
NC
55,490
ND
68,630
NE
63,770
NH
54,840
NJ
62,820
NM
74,100
NV
57,210
NY
59,450
OH
58,360
OK
59,350
OR
74,590
PA
52,010
PR
46,790
RI
65,120
SC
52,370
SD
53,650
TN
49,580
TX
62,630
UT
63,890
VA
59,880
VT
61,810
WA
68,910
WI
62,220
WV
49,430
WY
62,980
A clinical mental health graduate may pursue supervised counseling roles on the way to LPC eligibility. A school-counseling graduate may pursue certification and school positions. Rehabilitation counseling graduates may seek work in disability services, vocational rehabilitation, or related clinical settings. Each route depends on the employer's requirements and, where applicable, the Georgia board or GaPSC - not merely possession of a master's degree (Georgia Composite Board; Georgia Professional Standards Commission).
For career changers, the useful comparison is between the role you can obtain at graduation and the role you want after additional supervision or certification. Ask prospective programs and employers about both stages. A program that fits your eventual specialty but offers impractical local placements may be a weaker investment than one you can realistically complete.
View the chart data as a table
Wage range - Mental Health Counselors in Georgia (BLS OEWS, May 2025) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
10th percentile
37,390
25th percentile
46,340
Median
58,960
75th percentile
72,500
90th percentile
90,980
National projections show substantially faster growth for the clinical mental health and addiction counseling occupational category than for school or rehabilitation counseling over 2025-2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). That difference can guide specialization research, but it does not establish how many suitable openings will be available near your home when you graduate.
Georgia applicants should check current postings by region and credential level. Compare the requirements of community agencies, school districts, hospitals, and rehabilitation employers with a program's field training and the credential you can actually hold after graduation. Pay particular attention to whether postings accept graduates under supervision or require an LPC or school certification; confusing those stages can make the local market appear larger than it is for a new graduate.
2027 Most Popular Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Georgia
Investing in graduate education is a consequential decision. Research.com developed its counseling rankings to help readers compare programs using documented outcomes, accreditation, eligibility, and cost rather than reputation alone. Its team reviews multiple education datasets to improve the ranking's quality, credibility, and accuracy; readers should still confirm current program details directly with schools.
The ranking draws on these data sources:
IPEDS database: institutional enrollment, completions, and cost reporting.
Research.com evaluates graduate outcomes, applicable licensure-exam pass rates, accreditation, federal Title IV eligibility, and program cost. Its Best ranking first combines completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), applicable licensure-exam results (20%), applicable CACREP accreditation (16%), and Title IV eligibility (4%); weights are adjusted when a measure does not apply. Cost contributes about 7% of the final Best score. Other rankings order programs by the dimension named in the ranking, so popularity should not be read as a measure of licensure readiness or value. The approach is the same for online and campus programs. See Research.com's methodology for more detail.
# 1 position
Mercer University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
59.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
30-42 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
27.79%
Program completion rate
75% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
98.4% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Spring: September 30; Fall: February 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university with an acceptable GPA; no specific prerequisite courses are listed.
Additional requirements
Application; official transcripts from all prior institutions; background check; two professional references; current résumé; autobiographical goal statement; interview; identity verification. International applicants need TOEFL or IELTS.
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).
Mercer University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 59.3/100, supported by 70 graduates (2023-24) and 75% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 2 position
Albany State University
Master
M.Ed. in Counselor Education – School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
47.30
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
63 semester credits
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Program completion rate
80% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2022-23)
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Teacher certification is not required for admission. Georgia-certified candidates or those with 3+ semester hours in identifying and educating children with special needs complete 60 SH instead of 63.
Additional requirements
Graduate School and program applications; GACE Program Admission (Praxis Core out of state) or MAT/GRE scores; professional statement; three references; committee interview; GPA 2.8+ for regular admission. Two on-campus residencies.
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).
Albany State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 47.3/100, supported by 29 graduates (2022-23) and 80% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 3 position
Georgia State University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
42.40
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
8%
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
91% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
96% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Does Not Admit; Spring: Does Not Admit; Summer: November 15
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA; online application, $50 fee, goals statement, resume, three letters of recommendation; interview by faculty.
Additional requirements
Online application; $50 application fee; goals statement; resume; three letters of recommendation; official transcript (min 2.5 GPA); interview by invitation
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).
Georgia State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 42.4/100, supported by 20 graduates (2024-25) and 91% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 4 position
Agnes Scott College
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
41.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years (5 consecutive semesters)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
77.63%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
82%
Application deadline
Early Assurance/Priority: November 1, 2026; Regular: February 1, 2027; Final: April 15, 2027; Space Available: June 1, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an evaluated foreign equivalent. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is recommended, rather than stated as mandatory.
Additional requirements
Online application; two+ academic or professional recommendations; ~1,000-word statement of purpose; resume/CV; all transcripts; interview if eligible. International applicants need credential evaluation, English proficiency, proof of finances.
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).
Agnes Scott College earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 41.0/100, supported by 18 graduates (2023-24) and 82% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 5 position
Clark Atlanta University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
40.20
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.60 - 4.00
Application deadline
November 15; April 15
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree (most disciplines), 2.6 GPA (most applicants have 3.0+), letter of intent and three letters of recommendation; an interview may be requested. Up to 4 transfer credits, only from a CACREP-accredited institution.
Additional requirements
Application; $40 fee ($55 international); official transcripts; official GRE scores (within five years, not waived); three recommendation letters; resume; letter of intent; Dean of Students Certification if recently enrolled.
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).
Clark Atlanta University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 40.2/100, with 17 graduates (2024-25) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 6 position
Georgia State University
Master
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
39.40
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
30%
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
50% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: March 1
Class size
14
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA; online application, $50 application fee, goals statement addressing motivation/understanding of field/professional aspirations, resume, and three letters of recommendation.
Additional requirements
Online application, $50 application fee, goals statement addressing three specific questions, resume, three letters of recommendation, official transcript with earned bachelor's degree (minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA)
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).
Georgia State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 39.4/100, supported by 16 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 7 position
Augusta University
Master
Master of Education in Counselor Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
37.70
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
93% (2021-22)
Employment or doctoral admission
93% (2021-22)
Licensure exam pass rate
93% (2021-22)
Application deadline
Fall 2027: February 15, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university; minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, calculated across all attempted undergraduate work.
Additional requirements
Three recommendations; three-page autobiographical essay on counseling motivations, strengths, potential interpersonal limitations, and plans to address them; faculty interview for selected applicants; 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).
Augusta University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 37.7/100, supported by 14 graduates (2021-2022) and 93% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 8 position
University of West Georgia
Master
Master of Education with a Major in Professional Counseling, Clinical Mental Health
Delivery mode: hybrid
37.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-1/2 years or 7 semesters of full-time study
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
94% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
79% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Online Graduate Application ($55 fee), official transcripts, resume, personal statement (3-5 page double-spaced essay)
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 West Georgia earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 37.7/100, supported by 14 graduates (2024-25) and 94% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 9 position
South University-Savannah
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
36.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
8 or 10 quarters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
91 quarter credits
Acceptance rate
30.95%
GPA range
2.30 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; minimum GPA of 2.3 for the last 60 semester/90 quarter hours or overall; or a graduate degree with GPA of at least 3.0. English proficiency testing for non-native English speakers.
Additional requirements
Application; personal/professional statement on counseling interests, goals, and qualifications; official transcripts; résumé; background check; faculty interview; admissions committee approval; English proficiency if applicable.
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).
South University-Savannah earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 36.7/100, with 13 graduates (2024 (calendar year, Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2024)) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 10 position
Mercer University
Master
M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
35.70
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
22.73%
Program completion rate
67% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
94.4% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Spring: September 30; Summer: Priority May 18, Standard April 30; Fall: February 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Applicants must have a bachelor's (undergraduate) degree with an acceptable grade point average from an accredited college or university; the degree may be in any discipline.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions; background check; two professional letters of reference; current resume; goal statement (autobiographical statement); 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).
Mercer University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 35.7/100, supported by 12 graduates (2023-24) and 67% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 11 position
Georgia Southern University
Master
M.Ed. in Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
34.60
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1; Summer: February 1
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with cumulative GPA of at least 2.50
Additional requirements
Online application ($50 fee); statement of purpose (max 1,000 words); résumé; two letters of recommendation; Disclosure and Affirmation Form; transcripts
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).
Georgia Southern University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 34.6/100, with 11 graduates (2022-23) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 12 position
Fort Valley State University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Master of Science)
Completed graduate application; professional resume; 550–600-word statement of purpose; three professional recommendations; official transcripts from every postsecondary institution attended; immunization records.
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).
Fort Valley State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 34.6/100, supported by 11 graduates (2023-24) and 91% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 13 position
University of Georgia
Master
M.Ed./Ed.S. in Professional Counseling (School Counseling)
Delivery mode: campus
34.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
66 semester credits
Acceptance rate
31.2%
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
55% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
December 1
Class size
12
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Admission based on undergraduate achievement, professional references, career goals, aptitude for graduate study, and potential for effective counseling relationships. GRE not required. Georgia (GAPSC) requires a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Additional requirements
Graduate School application, transcripts (native language and English for international applicants), TOEFL/IELTS (international applicants only), statement of purpose, resume, 3 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).
University of Georgia earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 34.6/100, supported by 11 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 14 position
Mercer University
Master
M.S. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
33.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
30–36 months full-time
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
13.11%
Program completion rate
73% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1; Spring: September 30; Summer: Priority May 18 / Standard April 30
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with an acceptable GPA from an accredited college or university; degree may be in any discipline. Prior to Practicum/Internship, students must complete 19 semester hours of foundational coursework (COUN 605, 606, 612, 618, 631, 632).
Additional requirements
$35 non-refundable application fee ($100 international); official transcripts from all previously attended institutions; two letters of recommendation; background check (DISA/Castle Branch); goal statement; current résumé; 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).
Mercer University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 33.4/100, supported by 10 graduates (2023-24) and 73% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 15 position
Georgia Southern University
Master
M.Ed. in Counselor Education – School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
27.10
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Application deadline
Fall: February 1; Summer: February 1
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 (on a 4.0 scale) on all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework.
Additional requirements
Online application ($50 non-refundable fee), statement of purpose (max 1,000 words), current résumé, two letters of recommendation, completed Disclosure and Affirmation Form, transcripts for all prior college- and graduate-level work.
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).
Georgia Southern University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 27.1/100, with 6 graduates (2022-2023) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 16 position
University of North Georgia
Master
Master of Science in Counseling (MSC)
Delivery mode: campus
27.10
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
College Counseling and Student Affairs
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
59% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Online application and $40 fee; official transcripts; group interview with counseling faculty; personal statement (3-5 pages); three letters of recommendation; professional resume
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 Georgia earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 27.1/100, supported by 6 graduates (2024-25) and 59% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-10.
# 17 position
University of North Georgia
Master
Master of Science in Counseling (MSC)
Delivery mode: campus
24.90
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Addiction Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100%
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate from an accredited institution; no specific prerequisite courses stated
Additional requirements
Online application and $40 fee, official transcripts, group interview with counseling faculty, personal statement (3-5 pages), three letters of recommendation, professional resume
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 Georgia earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 24.9/100, supported by 5 graduates (2023-24) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 18 position
University of North Georgia
Master
Master of Science in Counseling (MSC)
Delivery mode: campus
24.90
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100%
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75
Additional requirements
Online application with $40 fee, official transcripts, group interview with counseling faculty, personal statement (3-5 pages), three letters of recommendation, professional resume
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 Georgia earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 24.9/100, supported by 5 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 19 position
Clark Atlanta University
Master
School Counseling, M.A.
Delivery mode: campus
24.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (per published Plan of Study)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.60 - 4.00
Application deadline
November 15; April 15
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree (most disciplines), 2.6 GPA (most applicants have 3.0+), letter of intent and three letters of recommendation; an interview may be requested. Up to 4 transfer credits, only from a CACREP-accredited institution.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Clark Atlanta University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 24.9/100, with 5 graduates (2024-2025) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 20 position
University of West Georgia
Master
M.Ed. in Professional Counseling - School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
19.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years or 6 semesters of full-time study
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
33% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
75% (2022-23)
Application deadline
Summer: February 15
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Students entering the program who have not acquired a teaching certificate are required to take an additional course in special education mandatory for initial certification in Georgia.
Additional requirements
Online Graduate Application, $55 application fee, official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended sent directly to UWG Graduate Admissions Office.
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 West Georgia earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 19.3/100, supported by 3 graduates (2022-23) and 33% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
Frequently asked questions about Counseling degree in Georgia
Does a counseling master's automatically qualify me for a Georgia LPC?
No. The Georgia Composite Board sets education, examination, and supervised-experience requirements. Confirm that the exact program and track support those requirements before enrolling (Georgia Composite Board).
Is CACREP accreditation required for every counseling job?
No single accreditation rule covers every job or credential. Check the Georgia requirement for your intended role and verify any program's current CACREP status directly with the accreditor and institution.
Can I become a school counselor with a clinical mental health counseling degree?
Do not assume so. Georgia school-counselor certification follows GaPSC requirements; ask the program whether its exact pathway leads to that credential (Georgia Professional Standards Commission).
Can I complete a Georgia counseling degree entirely online?
Academic coursework may be online, but counseling programs still involve supervised field training. Check placement location, supervision, and any campus-visit requirements with the school.
Is a counseling master's worth the investment?
It may be if the program leads toward your intended credential and its total cost, fieldwork schedule, and likely career path fit your circumstances. Compare aid-adjusted cost and potential lost earnings with realistic roles available at graduation and after licensure.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
