6 Top Arkansas Masters in Counseling Programs
Looking to get a counseling degree in Arkansas while balancing work and life? You’ve come to the right place at the right time.
Arkansas has major mental health challenges. The state has 457,000 adults and 35,000 youth with mental health concerns. Yet 145,000 residents haven’t received needed care, and over 1.4 million people live in areas that lack proper mental health services. This growing demand shows in the job market. Mental health counselor positions will grow by 27% by 2030 – much higher than the 19% national average.
The good news is that Arkansas has great options for future counselors. Six schools offer hybrid and online counseling programs that work well for busy adults. These flexible programs let you earn a master’s degree or MA in clinical mental health counseling while keeping your current commitments.
This guide covers the seven best counseling programs in Arkansas. You’ll learn about program details, accreditation, online learning formats and ways to pay for your education. The information here will help you move forward in your career, whether you want to focus on mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, or substance abuse counseling.
1. John Brown University – MS in Counseling (Multiple Concentrations)
John Brown University is a leading private Christian institution that has shaped students’ lives since 1919. The Wall Street Journal ranks it as Arkansas’ top university, and U.S. News recognizes it as a top regional university. JBU’s MS in Counseling program caters to working professionals who want to advance their careers.
Program overview
JBU’s Master of Science in Counseling program lets students choose from several concentration options. The program builds clinical skills through classroom learning and hands-on training.
Licensed clinicians supervise students as they learn to apply psychological research, proven methods, and cultural understanding. The classes challenge students and promote active learning. Students develop counseling skills that prepare them for practicum and internship work.
The program requires:
- An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher
- An individual interview with Graduate Counseling faculty
- No GRE requirement unless GPA is below 2.75
Students don’t need to share the university’s faith to join the program. However, faculty members support the university’s Christian mission by affirming its statement of faith. Graduates should understand how spiritual, religious, and Christian worldviews relate to counseling practice.
Accreditation and licensure prep
The program earned CACREP accreditation in January 2024. This recognition extends through March 31, 2032, and applies to graduates retroactively from January 13, 2022.
CACREP accreditation shows the program meets professional standards. Graduates can pursue counseling licenses anywhere in America. The degree qualifies you to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in most states.
Students must pass a background check before starting clinical work or getting professional licenses. The program prepares students for Arkansas state licensing requirements. Students who already have a master’s degree can take specific courses to meet licensing requirements.
Online format and flexibility
The program works well for adults seeking an online counseling degree in Arkansas. Classes have no more than 24 students. Clinical courses have even smaller groups because they focus on skill development.
Many students keep their jobs while studying. However, the practicum and internship phase needs 20+ hours each week for clinical work. Here’s how clinical training works:
- Practicum: One semester with 100 total clinical hours (40 direct client contact hours, 60 indirect hours) at JBU’s Community Counseling Clinics in Siloam Springs or Little Rock.
- Internship: Two semesters with 600 total clinical hours (240 direct client contact, 360 indirect) at an approved community agency or practice.
Classes run for 16 weeks, with 2.5-hour sessions. This schedule helps students learn deeply while balancing work commitments.
Tuition and financial aid
JBU’s tuition for 2024-25 was $31,756. This amount is lower than the national average of $47,890. Total costs, including food, housing, books, supplies, and other expenses, reach about $44,671.
Students can make this MA in clinical mental health counseling more affordable through:
- Need-based scholarships (average first-year award: $18,968)
- Merit-based scholarships (average non-need-based award: $15,626)
- Federal loans (average need-based self-help aid: $1,689)
- Institutionally-sponsored loans
- Graduate assistantships
JBU meets 71% of its students’ financial needs. The median federal loan debt for undergraduate degree completers is $21,250. Monthly payments average $225 over 10 years at 5.05% interest.
The university has 310 graduate students from different backgrounds: 67% White, 16.13% Black or African American, 6.77% Hispanic/Latino, and smaller percentages of other ethnicities.
2. Southern Arkansas University – MS in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling
Southern Arkansas University runs an online Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling program. The program prepares graduates to work in community mental health centers, government agencies, and counseling settings of all types.
Program overview
The MS in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling at SAU takes 60 semester hours of coursework. Students typically complete the program in 3.5 to 4 years. This timeline lets you take two classes per semester, which helps working professionals balance their education with other commitments.
The program equips students to find jobs in mental health settings and enriches other master’s degree programs. Students learn through a relationally oriented evidence-based counseling model that brings together:
- Current research-backed approaches
- Clinical expertise development
- Cultural sensitivity training
- Ethical practice preparation
The program aims to develop counseling professionals who can provide culturally sensitive, ethical, and competent counseling to diverse populations. The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling accepts only A or B grades in program courses to maintain high standards.
Accreditation and licensure prep
SAU aligns the program with Arkansas licensure requirements. The university creates study plans based on current licensure rules but cannot adjust if state regulations change after approving a student’s program.
A master’s degree from SAU doesn’t guarantee licensure automatically. The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) or other licensing agencies make the final decision. SAU reviews credentials and creates study programs for candidates who already hold graduate degrees.
Graduates can pursue Licensed Professional Counselor status in Arkansas. Program document deadlines are:
- Spring: December 1
- Summer: May 1
- Fall: August 1
Online format and flexibility
Students can complete the Clinical and Mental Health Counseling program entirely online. This setup works great for working adults who want an online counseling degree in Arkansas. Students can keep their current jobs while studying.
Success in the online format requires:
- Good time-management skills since flexibility can challenge procrastinators
- Self-motivation and independence
- A quiet study space
- Skills with university tools like SAU Outlook email, Blackboard messages, and discussion boards
Students who do well learn new technologies, ask for help when needed, and stay committed to their studies.
Tuition and financial aid
SAU’s counselor masters degree program ranks among the most affordable in the region. Graduate tuition rates for 2025-2026 come to:
- In-state: $329 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $516 per credit hour
SAU costs less than schools in neighboring states:
| Institution | In-State | Out-of-State |
| SAU | $6,894 | $9,810 |
| Arkansas avg | $7,702 | $13,663 |
| Texas avg | $7,502 | $16,686 |
| Louisiana avg | $9,748 | $19,310 |
Tuition figures calculated as averages of public four-year universities’ published rates
Out-of-state students can get several tuition waiver options:
- Contiguous State Waiver for students from Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas living in university housing
- Bowie County and Cass County Waiver for Texas residents without housing requirements
- Louisiana Parish Waiver for students from Claiborne, Webster, Union, Morehouse, Bossier, Caddo, East Carroll, or West Carroll parishes without housing requirements
- Son/Daughter of Alumnus Waiver for children of SAU alumni from any state
International students pay about $8,606 (2025) for the 7-semester program. They need a bachelor’s degree and must prove English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS tests.
SAU’s clinical mental health counseling program stands out nationally for its value. Students get an affordable path to professional counseling credentials with flexible payment options.
3. Ouachita Baptist University – MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Ouachita Baptist University, a Christ-centered institution, offers an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that blends professional counseling education with a biblical worldview. Students learn to see their clients as image-bearers who deserve compassionate care.
Program overview
The MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at OBU has a 63-credit hour curriculum that prepares you to become a licensed Professional Counselor. We provide ethical, evidence-based counselor education that combines academic excellence with hands-on clinical experience.
This program stands out because of its biblical worldview. Students learn that all human beings are made in God’s image and deserve respect and care. This view shapes the coursework which covers:
- Assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders
- Evidence-based treatment approaches
- Ethical counseling practices
- Cultural sensitivity in diverse populations
Students must earn a “B” or better in all courses to meet degree requirements. They also need to pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) within one standard deviation of the national norm before graduating.
The next cohort starts accepting applications on September 14, 2025, for August 2026 enrollment. The first review begins October 15, 2025.
Accreditation and licensure prep
OBU’s MA counseling program aims to meet national standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This dedication helps graduates pass the National Counselor Exam for licensure in Arkansas and other CACREP-affiliated states.
The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Ouachita Baptist University since 1953. This institutional recognition validates all programs, including our new counseling program.
Students undergo regular evaluations that meet CACREP standards and professional requirements. This ensures only qualified candidates advance toward licensure.
Online format and flexibility
Working adults pursuing an online counseling degree in Arkansas will find OBU’s format convenient. The program combines four 4-day, in-person intensives with online classes, internship experiences, and practicum placements. Students can stay in their communities while earning their counseling master’s degree.
Students complete the curriculum over seven semesters, with courses lasting 8 or 16 weeks. Weekly synchronous activities help build connections with classmates and professors.
Clinical training includes:
- A counseling practicum (3 credits)
- Three internship courses (6 credits total)
Weekly synchronous supervision helps students develop their professional skills.
Tuition and financial aid
For 2025-26, the program costs $550 per credit hour. The complete 63-hour program’s estimated total tuition and fees come to $36,733.
First-year students (2025-26) can expect these costs:
| Semester | Tuition (Hours) | Fees | Books & Supplies |
| Fall 2025 (9 hours) | $4,950 | $210 | $250 |
| Spring 2026 (9 hours) | $4,950 | $454 | $250 |
| Summer 2026 (6 hours) | $3,300 | $135 | $100 |
Each semester has a $135 Technology Fee. On-campus intensives cost $75 each. The Supervision Assist Program charges $244 in specific semesters. A $100 Graduation Fee applies in the final semester.
OBU knows graduate education is a big investment. Their financial aid team helps students find the right mix of federal loans, institutional aid, external scholarships, and employer assistance programs. They work with each student to create a personalized funding plan.
The university provides clear cost information upfront so students can plan their career investment effectively.
4. Arkansas Tech University – MS in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Track)
Arkansas Tech University runs an exceptional MS in Counseling program with a Clinical Mental Health Track that gives you the practical skills needed for a professional counseling career. Students get a blend of academic learning and hands-on clinical work to become well-rounded mental health professionals.
Program overview
Arkansas Tech’s MS in Counseling is a 60-credit hour CACREP-like program that focuses on counseling theory, diagnosis, treatment, and ethics. The well-laid-out curriculum offers two paths:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling pathway: You’ll meet all requirements to become a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and later a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arkansas
- Rehabilitation Counseling pathway: You’ll be ready to take the Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling Certification exam to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
Students need prerequisite coursework in undergraduate-level Research Methods (3 credits) and Statistics (3 credits). The program needs a 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate and previous graduate coursework. Students with lower GPAs can submit GRE scores to be considered.
The program builds on five key standards:
- Understanding philosophical foundations of counseling
- Applying clinical knowledge through ethical practice
- Developing professional roles as clinical practitioners
- Evaluating and using research effectively
- Learning about various disabling conditions and what they mean
Accreditation and licensure prep
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission accredits Arkansas Tech University. This institutional accreditation makes credits more accessible to other institutions and employers.
The counseling program runs as a “CACREP-like” program, suggesting it follows the high standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs while working toward full accreditation. The curriculum meets Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling requirements. Graduates can apply to become Licensed Associate Counselors and later Licensed Professional Counselors in Arkansas.
Arkansas Tech University’s MS in Counseling doesn’t require GRE scores from students with a 3.0 or higher GPA. This helps working adults who want to advance their careers.
Online format and flexibility
The program works great for working adults who want an online counseling degree in Arkansas. Students can watch recorded classes anytime. The semester-based schedule provides structure that fits busy professionals’ lives.
Small class sizes help create individual-specific experiences. Here’s how the classes break down:
- 6% of classes have just 2-9 students
- 1% of classes have 10-19 students
- Only 4.2% of classes have 20-29 students
The MA in clinical mental health counseling pathway uses a hybrid format that mixes online learning with some face-to-face sessions. Students can keep their jobs while getting their degree.
Tuition and financial aid
Both in-state and out-of-state students pay $315 per credit hour. This makes Arkansas Tech one of the region’s most affordable counseling programs. The full 60-credit program costs about $18,900, plus some fees.
Students can apply anytime thanks to rolling admissions. Arkansas Tech University offers several ways to pay:
- Need-based scholarships and grants
- Federal student loans
- Work-study opportunities
- Graduate assistantships
Veterans get in-state tuition rates whatever their residence. You can contact the financial aid office to discuss funding options.
Students should plan for extra costs like books, supplies, and some travel for in-person classes. Even with these extras, Arkansas Tech remains a great value for quality counseling education.
5. University of Arkansas at Little Rock – MA in Counseling
UA Little Rock offers a fully online Master of Arts in Counseling program that helps you provide direct services and coordinate resources. The program reflects a steadfast dedication to human rights and ethical practice. Students can choose from multiple specialized tracks with a detailed curriculum.
Program overview
UA Little Rock’s MA in Counseling features four distinct tracks. All but one of these tracks are currently accepting students:
- Counselor Education – Prepares students to become school counselors from K-12 through higher education
- Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling – Focuses on helping individuals with disabilities overcome barriers
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Gives you the tools to become licensed professional counselors
- Traditional Rehabilitation Counseling – Note: This track is no longer accepting applicants
The 60-credit hour clinical mental health counseling track prepares graduates to become licensed professional counselors. You can work in mental health agencies, substance abuse treatment centers, hospitals, and other settings. The clinical rehabilitation counseling track qualifies graduates to earn the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential.
Each track includes essential practicum and internship components. Students gain real-life experience while completing their academic coursework. The curriculum emphasizes professional ethics, human rights advocacy, and evidence-based practice.
Accreditation and licensure prep
The accreditation status requires some explanation. The MA in Rehabilitation Counseling received CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accreditation as of May 2022. Program faculty now work toward CACREP accreditation for the new clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling tracks. This process should take 2-3 years.
UA Little Rock holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which the U.S. Department of Education recognizes as an institutional accreditation agency. The Counselor Education program’s accreditation comes from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. This meets licensure requirements in Arkansas and many other states.
Arkansas doesn’t require CACREP accreditation for licensure. Graduates can pursue state licensure through other qualification paths.
Online format and flexibility
UA Little Rock’s eLearning Online Campus delivers the entire counselor masters degree program. This makes it perfect especially when you have work commitments and want to pursue an online counseling degree in Arkansas. Students can balance their professional and personal lives while advancing their education.
Students must maintain a 3.00 GPA overall and earn a “B” or better in all core coursework to graduate. Make sure you can dedicate enough time to your studies despite the program’s flexible nature.
Tuition and financial aid
87% of UA Little Rock students receive some form of financial aid. This makes the ma in clinical mental health counseling program more affordable. Students can access:
- Scholarships – Both merit-based and need-based options
- Grants – Based on financial need from federal, state, and university funds
- Loans – Federal loan options with repayment required
- Federal work study – On-campus employment opportunities
Undergraduate borrowers who complete their degree typically have $22,000 in federal loan debt. Monthly payments average $233 based on a 10-year repayment at 5.05% interest.
The university offers varied financial aid packages based on income. Average costs range from $14,678 for families earning below $30,000 to $21,300 for those earning above $110,000.
UA Little Rock combines affordable education with online convenience to create an attractive option for future counselors across Arkansas.
6. Harding University – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Harding University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program gives counselors professional skills through values-based training rooted in Christian principles. The program excels by combining faith perspectives with evidence-based counseling practices.
Program overview
The university provides a detailed 60-hour Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree that readies candidates for professional counseling careers. Students learn advanced theoretical knowledge and get hands-on experience in real-life clinical settings. The program helps students build skills in cognitive, affective, behavioral, and systemic interventions. These interventions focus on wellness, personal growth, crisis management, and mental health.
Admission requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree with 2.50 cumulative GPA or 2.75 on last 60 hours
- Miller Analogies Test (minimum score 385) or GRE (minimum 286)
- Three letters of recommendation
- MMR immunization documentation
- Professional resume
- Personal interview with faculty
Yes, it is important that the program’s ethical education aligns with Harding’s Christian foundations. Students must keep a 3.0 GPA throughout their studies and finish all requirements within eight years.
Accreditation and licensure prep
The program has maintained CACREP accreditation since 2015, valid through March 2023. This prestigious accreditation brings several benefits:
- Easier state licensing application process
- Better employment opportunities
- Advantage in doctoral program applications
- Students can take the National Counselor Examination before graduating
CACREP accreditation validates the program’s content and quality against strict professional standards. Students graduate ready to become Licensed Professional Counselors.
Online format and flexibility
Working adults pursuing an online counseling degree in Arkansas benefit from the program’s hybrid delivery format. Students develop advanced counseling skills through practical experience in practicum and internship components.
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate programs at Harding cost $883 per credit hour. The complete 60-hour counselor masters degree costs approximately:
- Tuition: $52,980 ($883 × 60)
- Technology fee: $792 per year
More than 90% of Harding’s students get some type of financial assistance. The university processes about $95 million in aid each year. Students can access federal and state grants, institutional scholarships, and loans. Staff members help students find resources to fund their ma in clinical mental health counseling through various options.
Choose the Right Arkansas Counseling Masters Today
Picking the right counseling program is an important step to help address Arkansas’s growing mental health needs. The seven programs mentioned above provide different paths to professional counseling careers. These programs work around your existing work and life commitments, and each has its own strengths with a shared focus on flexibility, quality education, and professional preparation.
CACREP accreditation is a valuable credential that many of these programs have. This gives you better career mobility and simplified licensing processes. On top of that, you can choose from fully online or hybrid models with limited residency requirements based on your learning style and schedule.
Costs play a major role in your decision. These Arkansas schools have tuition rates from $319 to $883 per credit hour. You’ll find many financial aid options to help with costs. Most programs also give you payment plans and scholarships designed for adult learners.
The strong job market for counseling professionals in Arkansas shows 27% growth by 2030, which proves the value of these educational investments. Your training will help fill critical healthcare gaps across the state, whether you get a master’s degree to become a Professional Counselor or start with an undergraduate program.
Take time to assess each program based on your career goals, finances, and schedule before making your final choice. Program administrators are ready to answer your questions about admission requirements, clinical placements, and student support services. You can learn about faculty and current students’ experiences through information sessions.
Arkansas needs qualified mental health professionals more than ever. These flexible, available online programs help you prepare for a rewarding career while managing your current responsibilities. Becoming a licensed counselor takes work, but the chance to make a real difference in your community makes this experience worth it.