A counseling master's can open a path to clinical practice, school counseling, or addiction treatment - but the wrong program may not meet the requirements for your intended credential. This guide is for Minnesota students and working professionals comparing those paths, their costs, and their career prospects. It accompanies the 2027 Most Popular Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Minnesota, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about programs worth considering. Use it to narrow your options before applying.
Key findings about Counseling degrees in Minnesota
Match the credential first: Minnesota clinical counseling and school counseling lead toward different state requirements; a popular program is useful only if its curriculum fits your intended path.
Budget for more than tuition: Compare the full master's program price, required fieldwork, aid, and earnings forgone while studying. There is no single reliable statewide price for every Minnesota counseling master's.
Use salary data as context, not a promise: The U.S. median was $59,350 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in May 2025; employment in that occupation is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What can I expect from a Counseling degree in Minnesota?
A Minnesota counseling master's typically combines counseling theory, assessment, ethics, multicultural practice, and supervised work with clients or students. The important distinction is the credential the curriculum is designed to support. Clinical mental health counseling generally targets professional clinical counseling; school counseling targets work in K-12 schools; addiction-focused study emphasizes substance use treatment. A marriage and family therapy path should be evaluated separately if that is the license you want.
Expect recorded or live classes, skills practice, a practicum, and an internship whose placement must satisfy program requirements. Completing a degree does not itself confer a Minnesota license. Before applying, ask a program to identify its intended credential, required fieldwork, exam preparation, and any additional post-degree steps, then confirm the answer with the relevant Minnesota licensing or educator-licensing authority (Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy; Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board).
Where can I work with a Counseling degree in Minnesota?
Clinical counseling graduates may pursue roles in community mental health organizations, outpatient practices, health systems, and residential treatment settings once they meet the applicable employer and licensing requirements. School counseling graduates generally seek positions in school districts. Addiction-focused graduates may consider substance use treatment programs, where the required credential can differ from a clinical counseling license.
Location affects fieldwork as well as employment. A student outside the Twin Cities should ask whether the program can approve placements near home and provide appropriate supervision; a metro-area student should still check placement capacity rather than assuming nearby employers accept interns. Minnesota's clinical counseling, school counseling, and alcohol and drug counseling credentials are governed through different state pathways (Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy; Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board).
National pay varies by counseling occupation, and the categories are not interchangeable with degree titles. The following U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics medians refer to May 2025 wages; growth projections cover 2025-2035. They describe occupations across experience levels and locations, not starting salaries for Minnesota master's graduates.
Potential career direction
U.S. median annual pay
Projected U.S. employment growth
Mental health or addiction counseling
$59,350
18%
School counseling
$64,330
3%
Marriage and family therapy
$66,940
14%
Rehabilitation counseling
$46,850
2%
A higher national median does not automatically justify choosing a different degree: marriage and family therapy, for example, has a distinct training and licensing path. For a personal return-on-investment estimate, compare the pay and hours of jobs you could realistically qualify for with your current earnings, expected debt, and the time needed to reach the credential (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The programs below stand out for different career directions or ways of studying. Treat each distinction as a reason to investigate further - not as proof of licensure eligibility, placement availability, or a particular outcome. Program descriptions come from the institutions' published degree pages.
Capella University - school counseling: Its online school counseling master's is a format-specific option for students who need coursework they can undertake away from campus. Compare its in-person training and Minnesota educator-licensure alignment with campus-based school counseling programs before choosing it (Capella University).
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School - addiction studies: Its online master's focuses specifically on addiction, unlike broader clinical mental health degrees in this group. It is most relevant if substance use treatment is your intended field; check which Minnesota credentials its coursework supports (Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School).
Minnesota State University, Mankato - mental health counseling: This Counseling and Student Personnel master's offers an explicitly mental-health-oriented route. It suits applicants seeking that direction rather than the university's separate professional school counseling route; compare the two curricula against the credential you want (Minnesota State University, Mankato).
Minnesota State University Moorhead - graduate counseling: Its graduate counseling offering gives applicants in northwestern Minnesota a program to investigate without beginning their search in the Twin Cities. Ask which available track fits your career goal and where supervised placements can be completed (Minnesota State University Moorhead).
Bethany Lutheran College - clinical mental health counseling: Its graduate program is explicitly framed around clinical mental health counseling. Applicants who prefer a smaller-college setting can compare its course delivery, supervision arrangements, and total price with the public university options (Bethany Lutheran College).
University of Minnesota Twin Cities - counselor education: Its master's sits within an educational psychology academic unit, a distinction worth exploring for applicants interested in counselor education's academic context. Verify the specific degree path and its relationship to your intended Minnesota credential rather than relying on the university name alone (University of Minnesota Twin Cities).
Winona State University - clinical mental health counseling: Its named clinical mental health program offers another public-university option outside the Twin Cities. For students considering southeastern Minnesota, the practical comparison is whether its schedule and approved placement network work better for them than a more distant program (Winona State University).
Bethel University - counseling: Its graduate counseling offerings warrant a track-by-track comparison rather than a judgment based on institution type. Ask which curriculum prepares students for your intended credential and how any faith-related elements fit your preferred learning environment (Bethel University).
St. Cloud State University - clinical mental health counseling: Its dedicated clinical mental health program gives central Minnesota applicants a geographically relevant option. Check where students complete supervised training and whether commuting or relocation changes its total cost for you (St. Cloud State University).
Minnesota State University, Mankato - professional school counseling: This distinct Counseling and Student Personnel master's targets school counseling rather than clinical mental health practice. It belongs on a shortlist for prospective K-12 counselors, who should confirm current Minnesota educator-licensing requirements before enrolling (Minnesota State University, Mankato).
Plan on roughly two to three years of full-time study for a counseling master's, with a longer calendar for many part-time students. Actual timing depends on the program's credit load, course sequence, and when a suitable practicum or internship is available. Ask for a term-by-term plan that includes fieldwork - not just a brochure's fastest possible completion date.
An accelerated schedule can reduce time away from full-time earnings, but it may be difficult to combine intensive clinical hours with a job. A slower schedule can preserve income while increasing the time before you qualify to pursue the next credentialing step. Minnesota clinical applicants should also distinguish time in the degree from any supervised experience required afterward (Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy).
Online coursework can make a master's more accessible if you live far from a campus or need to keep working. It does not remove in-person skills training, practicum, internship, or supervision requirements. Ask where each activity occurs, who finds the site, whether evening or weekend placements are possible, and what happens if an approved placement falls through.
Campus study may make scheduled face-to-face practice simpler but can add commuting or relocation costs. Neither format is inherently more acceptable for Minnesota licensure: the relevant questions are whether the specific program and track meet applicable education requirements and whether its fieldwork can be completed where you live. Confirm directly with the institution and the relevant state authority (Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy; Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board).
There is no defensible single "average cost" for all Minnesota counseling master's options: programs differ in credits, tuition schedules, residency rules, fees, and time to completion. A public institution's resident rate may differ from its nonresident rate, while private nonprofit institutions set their own prices. Compare the total published price for your specific track, not one semester's tuition or an institution-wide undergraduate average (NCES/IPEDS; individual institutions).
Add books, required travel, background checks where applicable, and any income lost during fieldwork. Request a written estimate based on your enrollment pace and residency status, then compare it with the most affordable counseling programs. The cheapest tuition is not necessarily the lowest total cost if a schedule delays completion or requires costly travel.
Start with each school's graduate aid office. Ask about institutional scholarships, assistantships, employer tuition benefits, and whether your intended program qualifies for federal aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point for determining federal loan eligibility; award terms and school-specific assistance require individual confirmation (Federal Student Aid).
Do not assume Graduate PLUS will cover a funding gap. Under rules effective for new graduate borrowing beginning July 2026, Graduate PLUS availability is restricted; certain students already enrolled and borrowing under the earlier rules may retain transitional eligibility, subject to federal conditions. Ask the financial aid office to assess your particular status before accepting an offer, and compare your likely debt with earnings in the occupation you actually intend to enter (Federal Student Aid; U.S. Department of Education).
View the chart data as a table
Programs by specialization (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
6
School Counseling
5
Addiction Counseling
1
Programs generally require a bachelor's degree, transcripts, and an application that explains your counseling goals. Depending on the school, expect recommendations, an interview, prerequisite coursework, or relevant experience; do not assume a psychology undergraduate major is universally required. Admissions standards and deadlines are set by the institution, so check the current page for your exact track (individual program admissions offices).
Before paying an application fee, send admissions staff your transcript and intended Minnesota credential. Ask whether you need prerequisites, whether prior graduate credits may transfer, and whether accepted credits would actually replace required counseling courses. Transfer acceptance does not necessarily shorten a sequenced practicum or internship.
Common coursework includes counseling theories, helping skills, assessment, diagnosis where appropriate, research, ethics, and counseling across cultures. Clinical mental health study places greater emphasis on mental health assessment and treatment; school counseling adds school-based practice and student development; addiction programs focus more directly on substance use disorders. Practicum and internship connect those courses to supervised work (CACREP; individual institutions).
Read the course sequence rather than just the course titles. If you plan to pursue Minnesota clinical licensure, ask the program to map its courses and fieldwork to the state's current educational requirements. A general counseling concentration or a short certificate should not be assumed equivalent to a qualifying master's degree (Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy).
The most consequential specialization choice is usually clinical mental health versus school counseling: they serve different clients and point toward different state credentials. Addiction counseling may fit someone committed to substance use treatment, while marriage and family therapy is worth investigating as a separate degree and licensing route if relationship and family work is the main goal (Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy; Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board).
Choose the client population and work setting first, then identify the required credential, and only then compare degree titles. A concentration can deepen your preparation, but its name alone does not establish eligibility for another profession's license.
Begin with the credential, not the popularity order. Check whether the institution is appropriately accredited and whether the particular counseling program has relevant programmatic accreditation, such as CACREP where applicable. Then verify Minnesota education and supervised-training requirements with the responsible state authority; accreditation and licensure are related questions, not synonyms (CACREP; U.S. Department of Education; Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy).
Use the following questions to turn a shortlist into a workable enrollment decision:
Which Minnesota credential is this exact degree and track designed to support, and what requirements remain after graduation?
What is the full program cost at my study pace after grants or employer support, including fees and fieldwork expenses?
Who arranges approved placements near where I live, and how is supervision handled?
What recent program-level completion, exam, and employment outcomes can the school document?
Compare answers alongside the best counseling programs, but watch for red flags: an unclear credential claim, outcomes reported only for an entire university, or a quoted price that excludes required terms. A well-matched program is one you can afford, complete, and use for your intended next step.
View the chart data as a table
Graduates (2024-25) distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
0-24
9
25-49
2
50-74
0
75-99
0
100-124
0
125-149
1
A master's can be worthwhile when it is the appropriate educational step toward the work you want and its total cost fits a realistic earnings plan. Clinical graduates may pursue supervised roles and, after meeting further requirements, independent-practice opportunities; school counseling graduates follow an educator-credential path; addiction-focused graduates should identify the treatment-setting credential employers require (Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy; Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board).
If you want a shorter route into a helping profession, compare relevant entry-level roles or certificates - but do not treat them as substitutes for a master's where a license requires one. To test value, compare the most valuable counseling programs against your own baseline earnings, aid, expected debt, completion likelihood, time out of work, and years you expect to use the credential. National occupation medians cannot resolve that personal calculation.
View the chart data as a table
Pay vs projected growth by counseling career path (U.S., BLS) (Source: BLS)
Name
Median annual wage (USD/year)
Projected growth (%)
Mental Health Counselors
59,350
18
School & Career Counselors
64,330
3
Rehabilitation Counselors
46,850
2
Marriage & Family Therapists
66,940
14
Psychologists
99,110
6
Postsecondary Teachers
85,330
7
The clearest national demand signal is for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors: U.S. employment is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). That supports investigating clinical and addiction pathways, but it does not predict openings in a particular Minnesota county, employer, or specialty.
As you compare programs, inspect job postings in the part of the state where you intend to work. Note the exact license employers request, whether they hire people completing supervised experience, and the hours and setting of the work. This check is especially important if you need to remain in one community: a program's placement network and your local job options may matter more than a national growth figure.
2027 Most Popular Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Minnesota
Research.com created its counseling rankings because investing in graduate education is a consequential decision. Its team draws on multiple education datasets and checks program outcomes, accreditation, and cost so readers can compare options on more than name recognition. Most popular describes this ranking's ordering; it does not mean that a program is the best licensure fit or the lowest-cost choice.
Research.com uses these data sources to develop its rankings:
Research.com's counseling rankings consider graduate outcomes, licensure exam pass rates where applicable, accreditation, federal Title IV eligibility, and program cost. Its separate Best ranking first combines completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), applicable licensure exam pass rates (20%), CACREP accreditation (16%), and Title IV eligibility (4%); unavailable or inapplicable criteria are renormalized. Cost contributes about 7% of that ranking's final score. The same approach applies to online and campus programs, while other rankings order programs by the dimension named in their titles. Read the Research.com methodology for more detail, and use the ranking as a shortlist rather than a substitute for checking current program and licensing requirements.
# 1 position
Capella University
Master
Master of Science in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
69.50
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
90 quarter credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
61.8% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a recognized accredited (or internationally recognized) institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; lower GPA candidates may discuss alternate admission options.
Additional requirements
Application (no fee); official bachelor's and all prior transcripts; resume/CV; goal statement with five short-answer responses on professional goals and aptitude for counseling; government-issued photo ID. GRE/GMAT not required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Capella University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 69.5/100, supported by 146 graduates (2024–2025) and 61.8% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 2 position
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling (MA)
Delivery mode: hybrid
53.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Complete in 24 months full-time
Specialization
Addiction Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
59.6% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
94.9% (2020-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2020-24)
Application deadline
Priority deadlines: Winter 2027: November 6, 2026; Summer 2027: March 12, 2027; Fall 2027: July 9, 2027.
Class size
44
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or an Alternative Admissions Pathway based on components such as an associate degree, 60+ credits, military service, SUD counselor credential, helping-profession experience, volunteer or training hours.
Additional requirements
Online application; official undergraduate transcript or evidence for an alternative pathway; three professional references; responses to five writing prompts (about 750–1,000 words). An interview may be requested.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 53.3/100, supported by 45 graduates (2025-26) and 59.6% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 3 position
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Master
Counseling and Student Personnel (MS) - Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
43.00
/ 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 Student Interest Score of 43.0/100, supported by 21 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 4 position
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Master
Master of Science in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
41.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years for full-time students
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
84% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Summer: February 1
Application process
GradCAS
GRE
no
Prerequisites
A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution; no specific major required. International students are not eligible to apply.
Additional requirements
GradCAS application; current resume; unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended; three letters of recommendation; a ~350-word career goals essay; a criminal background check through CastleBranch before admission; $50 application fee.
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 Moorhead earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 41.7/100, supported by 19 graduates (2024-25) and 84% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 5 position
Bethany Lutheran College
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
41.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (three-year option available)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
93%
Employment or doctoral admission
79% (2025)
Application deadline
Priority Fall Cohort or Summer Jumpstart: February 28/29; Standard Fall Cohort: May 15; Rolling if Available: June 30
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
An undergraduate degree in any field is accepted; a psychology degree is not required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Bethany Lutheran College earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 41.7/100, supported by 19 graduates (2024-25) and 93% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 6 position
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Master
M.A. in Counselor Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
41.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
5 semesters full-time
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95% (2024)
Application deadline
January 15
Application process
direct (UMN Graduate School application)
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Graduate application and fee, transcripts, TOEFL/IELTS/MELAB for non-native speakers, personal statement, resume/CV, course abstract (if applicable), three letters of recommendation, DOVE statement.
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 41.0/100, supported by 18 graduates (2023-2024) and 95% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 7 position
Winona State University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
41.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-year, 3-year, or 4-year program plan options
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
81.4% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
94% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall priority screening: Graduate Studies November 15; Counselor Education December 1. Spring screening for fall entry: March 1 for both applications.
Application process
GradCAS
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (2.5-2.99 reviewed case-by-case, probationary admission); applicants with lower GPAs are eligible only for graduate non-degree seeking status.
Additional requirements
GradCAS application; current resume; 2–5 professional references completing rating forms; five personal statement responses; signed Statement of Understanding; in-person individual/group interview if selected.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Winona State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 41.0/100, supported by 18 graduates (2024-25) and 81.4% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 8 position
Bethel University
Master
M.A. in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
39.40
/ 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 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 2031-10-31.
# 9 position
St. Cloud State University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
37.70
/ 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 Student Interest Score of 37.7/100, supported by 14 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 10 position
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Master
Counseling and Student Personnel (MS) – Professional School Counseling K-12
Delivery mode: campus
32.10
/ 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 Student Interest Score of 32.1/100, supported by 9 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 11 position
Winona State University
Master
School Counseling (M.S.)
Delivery mode: campus
24.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-year, 3-year, or 4-year program plan options
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
88% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Priority: Graduate Studies Nov 15, Counselor Education Dec 1; Spring screening: March 1
Application process
GradCAS
Prerequisites
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (below 3.0 reviewed case-by-case; 2.5 probationary floor); admission to Graduate Study at WSU; CE Department online application and group screening; comprehensive background check.
Additional requirements
Current resume; 2-5 professional references; 5 personal statement questions; Statement of Understanding form; campus interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Winona State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 24.9/100, supported by 5 graduates (2024-25) and 88% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 12 position
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Master
M.A. in Counselor Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
52.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
5 semesters full-time, including summer
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024)
Application deadline
January 15
Application process
direct (UMN Graduate School application)
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Graduate application and fee, transcripts, TOEFL/IELTS/MELAB for non-native speakers, personal statement, resume/CV, course abstract (if applicable), three letters of recommendation, DOVE statement.
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 52.0/100, with 100% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about Counseling degree in Minnesota
What is the most popular counseling master's program in Minnesota?
Use the accompanying 2027 ranking for its ordering, then check the leading program's track, price, and fit for your intended credential. Popularity alone does not establish that it is your best choice.
Can I become a licensed counselor immediately after graduation?
Do not assume so. Minnesota's credential requirements depend on the profession and may include examinations and supervised experience beyond the degree (Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy).
Is an online counseling master's acceptable in Minnesota?
Delivery format alone does not decide eligibility. Verify the specific curriculum, required in-person fieldwork, and applicable state credential requirements before enrolling.
Should I choose clinical mental health or school counseling?
Choose clinical mental health if your intended work is mental health treatment; choose school counseling if your goal is a K-12 school counselor role. Confirm the corresponding Minnesota credential requirements for either route.
How can I compare offers with different tuition rates?
Request each program's total cost at your planned pace, including fees and placement-related expenses. Subtract confirmed aid and consider income you may give up while completing fieldwork.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
