Choosing a counseling master's program in New York starts with a career question: Do you want to counsel clients, work in schools, or pursue another specialty? The answer affects your degree requirements, field placement, cost, and path to a credential. This guide accompanies the 2027 Most Popular Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in New York, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students identify programs worth considering. Use it to compare options, understand the trade-offs, and decide whether the investment fits your goals.
Key findings about Counseling degrees in New York
For New York mental health counselor licensure, the education requirement includes at least 60 graduate semester hours in a qualifying program; graduation alone does not confer a license (New York State Education Department).
The U.S. median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025, with employment projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035. These national figures are not a forecast of an individual graduate's pay (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Choose the credential before the campus: school counseling leads toward New York school counselor certification, while clinical mental health counseling is the more direct route to mental health counselor licensure (New York State Education Department).
What can I expect from a Counseling degree in New York?
A counseling master's combines graduate coursework with supervised work with clients or students. Expect training in interviewing, ethics, assessment, human development, cultural responsiveness, and treatment or intervention planning. Clinical mental health students prepare for practice in behavioral health settings; school counseling students learn to support pupils' academic, career, and social-emotional development. The degrees are not interchangeable simply because both contain counseling courses.
Before applying, decide which New York credential your intended job requires. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) sets separate requirements for mental health counselor licensure and school counselor certification. A program's title, institutional accreditation, and any specialized accreditation should be checked separately against those requirements; none, by itself, promises credential eligibility.
Where can I work with a Counseling degree in New York?
Clinical mental health graduates may seek roles in community mental health agencies, hospitals, outpatient clinics, substance-use treatment organizations, or private practices once they hold the credentials required for the role. School counseling graduates typically target public or private schools and related student-support settings. New York City and its suburbs offer different placement networks from upstate communities, so a program's relationships near the place you intend to live can matter as much as its classroom format.
Ask where recent students completed supervised placements and whether those sites accept students who work during the day. A placement near campus is not necessarily practical for a student living elsewhere in the state.
Pay depends on occupation, credential, employer, experience, and location. The following U.S. occupational medians are useful for comparing career directions, not for estimating a New York graduate's starting salary. They refer to workers in the occupations, not exclusively to people with a counseling master's (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 wages).
Career direction
U.S. median annual wage
What to consider
Mental health or addiction counseling
$59,350
Check the employer's credential and supervision requirements.
School counseling
$64,330
Check certification requirements and the applicable school pay schedule.
Marriage and family therapy
$66,940
Check whether the degree qualifies for the distinct therapy license.
These occupational figures should not be treated as a return-on-investment calculation. Compare likely earnings with your current pay, borrowing, time away from work, and the period of supervised experience you may need after graduation.
The programs below serve different career goals and parts of New York. Their most useful distinctions are the credential they target, the structure applicants should verify, and the communities in which a student might build a placement network. Consult each institution's current program page for its exact credits, fieldwork, delivery format, and outcomes before deciding.
CUNY Hunter College - school counseling: Hunter's MSEd is explicitly directed toward school counseling rather than clinical mental health practice (CUNY Hunter College). Its Manhattan location may appeal to students seeking school-based training in New York City; confirm that its certification pathway matches your intended school role.
St. John Fisher University - mental health counseling: Fisher offers a mental health counseling MS in the Rochester area (St. John Fisher University). It is a more relevant comparison than a school counseling degree for applicants aiming at clinical practice; ask about placement availability and the current licensure-aligned curriculum.
Pace University - mental health counseling: Pace's named MS focuses on mental health counseling (Pace University). Students comparing downstate options should verify the program's current campus, scheduling, and field-placement arrangements rather than assuming every Pace location offers the same experience.
Hofstra University - counseling: Hofstra's graduate bulletin provides a program-specific catalog entry that applicants can use to check the required curriculum and official degree designation (Hofstra University). That check is particularly important for Long Island applicants comparing school certification with clinical licensure pathways.
SUNY Brockport - counselor education: Brockport's counselor education master's information lets applicants compare its available counseling pathways within one department (SUNY Brockport). This is useful if you are still deciding which professional credential to pursue; confirm the requirements of the particular track, not the department in general.
Touro University - mental health counseling: Touro houses its mental health counseling program within its health sciences offerings (Touro University). Applicants interested in clinical work should ask how counseling students obtain and are supervised at field sites; a health sciences setting does not itself establish a clinical placement or licensure outcome.
Syracuse University - clinical mental health counseling: Syracuse explicitly identifies its master's as clinical mental health counseling (Syracuse University). That focus makes it a clearer fit for prospective clinical counselors than a school-focused program; verify current fieldwork arrangements if you intend to remain in Central New York.
Molloy University - clinical mental health counseling: Molloy offers a named clinical mental health counseling program on Long Island (Molloy University). For students planning to work locally, the key comparison is whether its available placement sites and timetable fit their commute and employment commitments.
SUNY Brockport - school counseling: This master's is specifically in school counseling, providing a distinct career direction from Brockport's clinical options (SUNY Brockport). Compare its school-placement expectations and certification preparation with clinical programs before choosing on price or location alone.
SUNY Plattsburgh - clinical mental health counseling: Plattsburgh provides a clinical mental health counseling master's in northern New York (SUNY Plattsburgh). It warrants attention from students who want to study and seek supervised opportunities outside the state's largest metropolitan areas; confirm where placements can be completed.
These distinctions are a shortlist, not a quality verdict. To compare outcomes and accreditation alongside other factors, consult the best counseling programs and verify the underlying facts with each school.
Many counseling master's students should plan for roughly two to three years of study, depending on course load, prerequisites, and when required field placements are available. Part-time study can take longer. A short advertised coursework schedule is not the same as the time needed to finish supervised training or obtain a professional credential.
For New York mental health counselor licensure, NYSED requires qualifying graduate education and supervised experience after the degree, as well as an examination. Its supervised-experience requirement is 3,000 hours, including at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact (New York State Education Department). Ask programs to separate their degree-completion timeline from the later licensure timeline before you plan a career change.
Online study can reduce commuting and make coursework easier to combine with employment, but it does not remove in-person fieldwork or New York credential requirements. Campus study may simplify access to nearby placements and face-to-face practice activities, while requiring a predictable commute. Hybrid programs fall between these models.
If you plan to study online from another part of New York, ask who finds and approves your placement site, how supervision works, and whether any campus visits are mandatory. Students who may seek licensure in another state should also confirm that state's rules before enrolling; approval for a New York pathway does not establish eligibility everywhere (New York State Education Department).
There is no single published price that reliably represents every New York counseling master's: tuition varies by institution, credit load, residency classification where applicable, and enrollment pace. Published tuition may also exclude fees, books, travel to placements, and income lost when fieldwork conflicts with paid employment. Use each school's current graduate tuition schedule and required program credits to build a comparable total; do not use undergraduate tuition or an institution-wide average as the program price (National Center for Education Statistics; institutional tuition schedules).
Public options can be worth investigating for eligible residents, but the lowest sticker price is not automatically the least expensive path if it extends your time to completion. Compare current aid offers and full attendance costs using the most affordable counseling programs as a starting shortlist.
Start with the FAFSA and each program's aid office. Eligible graduate students may have access to federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans; schools may also offer assistantships, scholarships, or employer-supported tuition benefits. Ask whether an award continues during internship terms and whether its conditions allow part-time enrollment (Federal Student Aid; institutional financial aid offices).
Check borrowing rules before committing. Under federal changes effective for new borrowing beginning July 1, 2026, new graduate students generally cannot rely on Graduate PLUS Loans; limited transition provisions may apply to eligible continuing borrowers. Have the aid office confirm your individual eligibility and available loan limits rather than using an older financing example to cover a funding gap (Federal Student Aid). New York's TAP is generally an undergraduate aid program, so graduate applicants should not assume it will pay for this degree (New York State Higher Education Services Corporation).
View the chart data as a table
Graduates (2024-25) distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
0-9
7
10-19
10
20-29
8
30-39
2
40-49
3
50-59
0
60-69
2
Programs generally require a bachelor's degree and an application that may include transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, and an interview. Prerequisite psychology or human-development coursework, minimum grades, and testing policies vary by institution; check the current admissions page rather than treating one school's rules as statewide standards (institutional admissions offices).
Before paying an application fee, ask admissions and the program director whether your prior coursework meets prerequisites and whether graduate transfer credits are accepted. A school's willingness to award transfer credit does not, by itself, establish that the resulting course of study satisfies NYSED's credential requirements.
Typical subjects include counseling theory, ethics, assessment, research, multicultural counseling, group work, career development, and supervised practicum or internship. Clinical mental health programs also emphasize diagnosis and treatment planning; school counseling programs concentrate on services for students and the school setting (New York State Education Department; institutional program curricula).
Compare syllabi and fieldwork requirements, not just course titles. A course labeled "assessment," for example, may address different populations and professional responsibilities in a school program than in a clinical program.
The most consequential choice is often between clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Programs may also emphasize addiction, rehabilitation, or work with particular populations. Marriage and family therapy is a related but distinct licensure pathway, so do not assume a general counseling concentration qualifies you for that credential (New York State Education Department).
Choose a specialization for the job and credential it supports, not simply because its courses sound appealing. Ask for the exact degree designation and the school's explanation of which New York credential its graduates are prepared to pursue.
Start with the role you want, then compare only programs that plausibly prepare you for its credential. Popularity and a low tuition figure are helpful screening information, but neither resolves the questions that matter most to your career.
Confirm the intended New York license or school certificate and ask how the program meets its education requirements.
Check institutional accreditation, any relevant programmatic accreditation, and the school's current fieldwork and supervision arrangements.
Request a written estimate of total cost, expected completion time, aid, and the effect of part-time study or transfer credits.
Ask for program-level completion, examination, and placement information with the reporting period; avoid treating institution-wide outcomes as counseling outcomes.
Compare likely debt and foregone earnings with your current income and realistic post-degree options over a time horizon you choose.
For that last step, the most valuable counseling programs can help you form a shortlist. A sound personal return-on-investment comparison also accounts for aid, completion probability, borrowing costs, and how long you expect to work in the new field - not just a ranking position.
A clinical mental health pathway can lead toward licensed mental health counseling after the applicable education, examination, and supervised-experience requirements are met. A school counseling pathway leads toward school counselor certification under a separate NYSED framework. Addiction services and related behavioral health roles may have different employer or credential requirements; check the exact job description before assuming a degree qualifies you (New York State Education Department).
The degree is a stronger investment for someone who wants sustained counseling work and can accommodate supervised practice. If your goal is a quicker move into a nonclinical student-support or human-services role, compare that job's actual requirements first: a full licensure-oriented master's may demand more time and borrowing than the role requires.
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
National projections indicate different demand by occupation: employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3% for school and career counselors and advisors (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025-2035 Employment Projections). Those are U.S. projections, not guaranteed openings in a particular New York county. They suggest that career target should carry more weight than the broad word "counseling" when assessing prospects.
Local hiring also depends on whether you can complete fieldwork, meet credential requirements, and commute to available employers. Before choosing a program, review current postings in the part of New York where you intend to work and note the requested credential and experience. That is more informative than assuming a statewide labor market will be equally accessible from every campus.
2027 Most Popular Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in New York
Investing in graduate education is a consequential decision. Research.com evaluates counseling programs using multiple education and outcomes sources, checks how the available measures apply to each program, and distinguishes popularity from measures of quality or affordability. That approach helps readers use the ranking as a starting point rather than a substitute for checking current program requirements and costs.
The ranking draws on these data sources:
IPEDS database: institutional enrollment, completion, and other reported education data.
Peterson's database: program and institutional information used in comparisons.
Research.com's counseling methodology considers completion, employment or doctoral admission, applicable licensure-exam results, CACREP programmatic accreditation, federal Title IV eligibility, and cost. Its Best ranking places the greatest weight on graduate outcomes and accreditation, then factors in cost; other rankings emphasize the dimension named in their titles. Measures that do not apply to a program are excluded and the remaining weights adjusted. Readers can review further details on the Research.com methodology page. A popular program is not necessarily the best fit for a particular license, budget, or location.
# 1 position
CUNY Hunter College
Master
School Counseling (MSEd)
Delivery mode: campus
53.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
On-time completion defined as 3 years (20 credits per year); part-time or full-time study permitted
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
64.8%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
85% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
73% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Class size
21
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0; 15 to 25 credits of approved courses from anthropology, economics, education, guidance, health sciences, political science, psychology, sociology, and related areas.
Additional requirements
Statement of purpose (400-600 words), an additional essay (400-600 words) on a counseling scenario, two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references; relevant work/volunteer experience highly recommended.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
CUNY Hunter College earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 53.9/100, supported by 47 graduates (2024-25) and 85% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 2 position
St. John Fisher University
Master
M.S. in Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
51.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
5 semesters (20 months)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
71.8%
Program completion rate
92% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
88% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Recommended undergraduate courses in abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, research methods, theories of personality, statistics, and tests and measurement
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
St. John Fisher University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 51.7/100, supported by 40 graduates (2024-25) and 92% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 3 position
Pace University
Master
Mental Health Counseling, MS
Delivery mode: campus
51.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
30–36 months (full-time and part-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
98% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
60% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: January 1, then space available until April 15; Spring: April 1, then space available until July 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's in psychology or a related field; others may need two undergraduate psychology courses. Minimum undergraduate GPA 3.0 (3.3 for a completed graduate degree). Provisional acceptance possible with counseling experience.
Additional requirements
Personal statement; resume or outline covering at least five years of employment and significant activities; two academic or professional recommendation letters; official transcripts from every college or university attended.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Pace University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 51.3/100, supported by 39 graduates (2024-25) and 98% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 4 position
Hofstra University
Master
Mental Health Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: campus
49.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years (including summer study)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
95% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Aug 15; Spring: Jan 15 (preferred deadlines; later applications reviewed as space permits)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's, preferably in psychology, behavioral sciences, or human services. Before COUN 223: 18 hours including child psychology, adolescent psychology, personality theory or abnormal psychology, and three other psychology courses.
Additional requirements
Application; transcripts; three academic/character recommendation letters; personal essay on professional intent and background; faculty interview; writing sample at interview. Counseling or personal-growth experience desirable.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Hofstra University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 49.1/100, supported by 33 graduates (2024-25) and 100% licensure exam pass rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 5 position
SUNY Brockport
Master
Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
46.40
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
96% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: April 15; Spring: November 15; Summer: April 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree required with an expected minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; students are encouraged to consult individual course descriptions for prerequisites.
Additional requirements
Online graduate application with written objective for entering the program; all undergraduate and graduate transcripts; three recommendations (employer, professor, character reference); group interview with Counselor Education faculty.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
SUNY Brockport earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 46.4/100, supported by 27 graduates (2024-25) and 96% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 6 position
Touro University
Master
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
45.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-year or 3-year plan of study available
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
83% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
83% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Fall: Feb 8 (priority), Mar 25 (final); Spring: Dec 8 (limited to those who completed MNHN 600 or transfer applicants)
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution; minimum of 12 semester hours of psychology or related social science courses; an undergraduate course in statistics.
Additional requirements
Baccalaureate degree, min 3.0 GPA, 12 semester hours of psychology/social science coursework, statistics course, an interview with faculty (individual or group) including a brief spontaneous writing sample; English proficiency exam if applicable.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Touro University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 45.4/100, supported by 25 graduates (2024-25) and 83% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 7 position
Syracuse University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
43.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years full-time (including summer)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
90%
Licensure exam pass rate
100%
Application deadline
January 15 (priority)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree required; no specific undergraduate major required. Transcripts are reviewed for coursework relevant to counseling.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; 500-word personal essay; three recommendation letters (at least two from faculty); résumé or CV; international: TOEFL 80+, IELTS 6.5+, or Duolingo 120+; virtual group interview with faculty for advancing applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Syracuse University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 43.0/100, supported by 21 graduates (2024-25) and 100% licensure exam pass rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 8 position
Molloy University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
41.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Three years (part-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
87% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
82% (2025-26)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, or another completed master's degree. A counseling, psychology or related major is preferred; other majors need three of six listed psychology/counseling courses with a 3.0+ GPA. Volunteer or work experience…
Additional requirements
Nonrefundable $65 application fee; official undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts from all colleges or universities attended; current resume; personal statement of no more than 500 words on background, experiences, personal qualities, and academic…
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Molloy University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 41.0/100, supported by 18 graduates (2025-26) and 87% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 9 position
SUNY Brockport
Master
Master of Science in Education in School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
36.70
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School 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: April 15; Spring: November 15; Summer: April 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree required, with an expected minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional requirements
Online graduate application with written objective, all undergraduate/graduate transcripts, contact info for three recommendations (employer, professor, character reference), and a group interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
SUNY Brockport earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 36.7/100, supported by 13 graduates (2023-24) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 10 position
State University of New York at Plattsburgh
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
36.70
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
93% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Feb. 1; Summer: Rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Requires at least 12 credits in a human service or related field.
Additional requirements
Statement of purpose, resume, one to three letters of recommendation, official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, and a required faculty interview (scheduled after the Feb. 1 deadline).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
State University of New York at Plattsburgh earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 36.7/100, supported by 13 graduates (2023-24) and 90% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 11 position
Niagara University
Master
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
36.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 academic years full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's degree (no specific major required); minimum 3.0 GPA (those below may be asked to interview); two professional/academic letters of recommendation; resume; CMHC applicants must also complete an admissions interview.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, minimum two letters of recommendation, statement of intent, resume, and an admission interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Niagara University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 36.7/100, with 13 graduates (2023-24) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 12 position
University of Rochester
Master
M.S. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
36.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
24 months
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
85% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2023-24)
Application deadline
November 1, 2026 (priority)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in an area related to school counseling (e.g., psychology, education, human development, sociology); GPA of 3.0 or better preferred; interest/experience in helping professions and leadership potential.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
University of Rochester earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 36.7/100, supported by 13 graduates (past year (statistics calculated at start of 2024-25 academic year; i.e., 2023-2024)) and 85% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 13 position
Long Island University
Master
MS School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
36.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5-3 years full-time (including internships)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
71.5% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
63% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (writing assessment, score 4.5) required if GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree; official transcripts with GPA of 3.0 or higher (under 3.0 must score at least 4.5 on the GRE writing assessment); two professional/academic letters of recommendation; personal statement.
Additional requirements
Online application; $50 application fee; official undergraduate/graduate transcripts (GPA 3.0+); two professional/academic letters of recommendation; personal statement (500-1,000 words); GRE writing score of 4.5 required only if GPA is below 3.0.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Long Island University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 36.7/100, supported by 13 graduates (2024-25) and 71.5% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 14 position
CUNY Hunter College
Master
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (MSEd)
Delivery mode: campus
28.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
About 2.5 years full-time
Specialization
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
95.7%
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
29% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
84% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: March 15; Spring: October 15
Class size
16
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 2.7; 15-25 credits of approved courses from anthropology, economics, education, guidance, health sciences, political science, psychology, sociology, and related areas.
Additional requirements
Statement of purpose (400-600 words); additional essay (400-600 words); two letters of recommendation; a resume.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
CUNY Hunter College earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 28.9/100, supported by 7 graduates (2024-25) and 29% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 15 position
Alfred University
Master
M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
27.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years
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
96%
Licensure exam pass rate
98%
Offers with funding
100
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Additional requirements
Completed application form and fee; three letters of recommendation; official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework; GRE General Test scores if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0; a brief personal statement of program interest;
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Alfred University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 27.1/100, supported by 6 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 16 position
St. John's University-New York
Master
School Counseling, Master of Science in Education
Delivery mode: campus
27.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years including one summer (full-time)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
88% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: April 1
Class size
8
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university, normally with a 3.0 GPA overall and in major field; minimum of 18 credits in behavioral and social sciences and/or professional education courses (deficits may need to be made up)
Additional requirements
Two letters of recommendation from college instructors or field supervisors; one-to-two-page personal essay on reasons for pursuing the degree, work experience, and career goals; demonstrated aptitude for school counseling; GRE not required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
St. John's University-New York earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 27.1/100, supported by 6 graduates (2024-2025) and 88% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 17 position
Alfred University
Master
MSEd/CAS in School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
24.90
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
95% (2025-26)
Offers with funding
100
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE general test required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
Application; three letters of recommendation; official undergraduate and graduate transcripts; GRE scores if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0; brief personal statement of program interest; required on-campus interview.
Additional requirements
Completed application; three letters of recommendation; official undergraduate and graduate transcripts; GRE general test scores if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0; personal statement of program interest; required on-campus interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Alfred University 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 2032-10-31.
# 18 position
Syracuse University
Master
School Counseling PreK-12, M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
24.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
approximately 2 years, including two summers (full-time)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025-26)
Application deadline
January 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, no specific undergraduate major required; transcript reviewed for classes relevant to counseling.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; 500-word personal essay; 3 letters of recommendation (at least two from faculty); resume or CV; TOEFL 80+/IELTS 6.5+/Duolingo 120+ for international students; virtual group interview with faculty for advancing applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Syracuse 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.
# 19 position
Long Island University
Master
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
59.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 to 3 years (including internships), full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
87.5% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
50% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 and the applicant has not completed another master's degree
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, or successful completion of another master's degree; applicants who do not meet this academic requirement must take the GRE.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, two professional/academic letters of recommendation, personal statement, faculty interview with spontaneous writing sample; TOEFL/IELTS for non-native speakers; WES evaluation for international transcripts.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Long Island University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 59.1/100, supported by 87.5% program completion rate and 50% licensure exam pass rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 20 position
Long Island University
Master
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
59.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 to 3 years (including internships), full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
87.5% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
50% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Rolling (documentation must be received prior to the start of each semester)
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if GPA is below 3.0 (only Analytical Writing evaluated; 4.5 meets the requirement)
Prerequisites
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or successful completion of a previous master's degree from an accredited college or university; two letters of recommendation from professionals in the field.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Long Island University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 59.1/100, supported by 87.5% program completion rate and 50% licensure exam pass rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about Counseling degree in New York
Does a counseling master's automatically qualify me for a New York license?
No. NYSED evaluates the relevant education, examination, and supervised-experience requirements. School counselor certification and mental health counselor licensure are separate pathways (New York State Education Department).
How long should I expect the degree to take?
Plan on roughly two to three years for many full-time counseling master's pathways, with longer timelines possible for part-time study or delayed placements. Clinical licensure may require supervised experience after graduation.
Can I complete a New York counseling master's entirely online?
Coursework may be online, but programs requiring supervised work with clients or students still need an approved field experience. Confirm placement location and any campus-visit requirements with the school.
Is a school counseling degree the same as a mental health counseling degree?
No. They prepare students for different professional settings and New York credentials. Choose according to the role you intend to pursue (New York State Education Department).
Should I choose the most popular program?
Not on popularity alone. First verify credential alignment, total cost, placement logistics, completion time, and program-level outcomes; then use popularity as one additional point of comparison.
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