7 Top Kansas Master’s in Counseling Programs

Want to find the best mental health master’s in counseling programs in Kansas? You’re making a smart career move. The counseling field shows a promising 23% job growth rate, and Kansas has plenty of opportunities for future mental health professionals.

Kansas has 2.8 million residents, and many people need help with addiction, trauma, and family troubles. Qualified counselors can earn around $42,000 per year. The state has 15 schools that offer programs in five major counseling fields. Eight of these schools provide hybrid and online options to make education more accessible. Kansas gives you choices between city life and smaller communities, so you can find the right place to study and practice.

The state’s top programs include CACREP-accredited options like Emporia State University’s 60-hour Master of Science in School Counseling. These seven highly-rated programs offer flexible learning formats that work well for busy professionals. They provide excellent pathways to start your counseling career in the Sunflower State.

1. Emporia State University

Emporia State University leads Kansas counseling programs with its 77-year-old legacy in the field. The university’s counseling department creates a clear path for future mental health professionals.

Program overview

The Clinical Counseling program at Emporia State offers a solid 60-credit-hour curriculum that shapes caring and skilled counselors. You’ll learn to provide therapy to individuals and groups in a variety of settings, from substance abuse facilities to crisis intervention centers and family counseling practices.

Students can pick from three specialized concentrations:

• Clinical Addictions Counseling
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling

Each path gives you specific skills while you keep core counseling competencies. You’ll spend 700 clock hours gaining practical experience in counseling settings and receive weekly supervision from licensed instructors. This hands-on training will prepare you to help individuals and families with various social justice and wellness issues.

Accreditation and licensure

Emporia State University made history as Kansas’s first mental health program to receive accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program has managed to keep this prestigious accreditation since 1996, showing its dedication to high educational standards.

After graduation, you can earn several valuable credentials:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Kansas
• NAADAC-certified addiction counselor
• NBCC-nationally certified counselor
• CRCC-certified rehabilitation counselor

The program readies you for the National Counselor Exam (NCE), which you need for licensure. You can also join the American Counseling Association, connecting you with the country’s main professional network for counselors.

Learning format

The program shines with its flexible approach. Clinical Counseling concentrations in Mental Health and Addictions use a hybrid format. You can finish your coursework through a mix of online and campus classes. This setup works well for professionals who need to balance work and studies.

The School Counseling track runs completely online with evening classes that sync with your schedule. This option works great if you have a full-time job. You can move through the program at your own speed instead of following a fixed group schedule.

Admission requirements

Joining Emporia State’s counseling community requires:

1. Applications to both Graduate School and Counselor Education department
2. Official transcripts showing your bachelor’s degree
3. A 3.0+ undergraduate GPA (or 3.25+ in your last 60 semester hours)
4. Three references, with at least one from a supervisor
5. A faculty interview (available through distance technology)
6. Department application included in your Graduate School application

You can apply three times a year: March 1 for summer, July 1 for fall, and October 1 for spring. Send your application early since interviews happen soon after these deadlines.

Tuition and financial aid

Kansas residents will pay about $23,600 for the Clinical Counseling program in 2024-2025. While this is a big investment, you have many financial support options.

The program offers several scholarships just for counseling students:

• Baker-Karst-Kuehn Scholarship
• Lorraine Walker & Sabrina Ware Rehabilitation Counseling Scholarship
• Harry J. & Helen Rude Waters Scholarship

You can also access federal financial aid through FAFSA for grants, loans, and work-study options. The Financial Aid office will help you find the right funding choices.

Best for

This program works best if you want both academic excellence and real-world practice. You’ll find it especially valuable if you’re interested in multiple credentials, like addiction counseling or rehabilitation specialties. Small class sizes mean you’ll get personal attention throughout your studies.

The hybrid format suits working professionals who want schedule flexibility without compromising on quality. The university’s strong reputation in counseling means employers value these degrees highly, and many students find jobs before they even finish the program.

2. Wichita State University

Wichita State University offers a dynamic counseling education that helps students create positive change through mental health services. The program builds on solid foundations in human growth and development to prepare graduates for many counseling environments.

Program overview

The Master of Education (MEd) in Counseling at Wichita State has several specialized tracks that match your career goals. This detailed program needs 60 credit hours for most specializations and prepares you to help clients develop cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strengths.

You can choose from four distinct tracks:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 credit hours)
• School Counseling (60 credit hours)
• Addiction Counseling (60 credit hours)
• Sports Counseling (60 credit hours)

Students in the clinical mental health track get core counseling training and can specialize through elective credits. The curriculum has advanced coursework in addiction counseling, career counseling, family therapy, and crisis intervention. The program also includes practical experience through clinical practicum and internship placements that give you both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills.

Accreditation and licensure

The counseling program’s prestigious accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) shows its steadfast dedication to high educational standards. This accreditation helps you since employers and licensing boards nationwide recognize it.

Your graduation prepares you for several professional credentials:

• The Clinical Mental Health track readies you for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board
• School Counseling graduates meet Kansas State Department of Education requirements for Professional School Counselor licensure
• Program completion prepares you for the National Counselor Exam (NCE) needed for professional licensing

The program’s results speak volumes, with a 100% pass rate on credentialing examinations for Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling tracks.

Learning format

Unlike fully online programs, Wichita State’s counseling curriculum offers a flexible hybrid approach. Evening classes work well for professionals, while mixed delivery methods help quality education fit your schedule.

The program uses three teaching methods:

• Traditional classroom instruction
• Online courses
• Hybrid courses that combine both approaches

You should know that you can’t complete the program entirely online. You must attend at least 50% of courses on campus to get essential face-to-face instruction and interaction. This balanced approach keeps educational quality high while offering flexible scheduling options.

Admission requirements

Joining Wichita State’s counseling program requires meeting these key requirements:

1. A bachelor’s degree (any major works)
2. A minimum 3.0 GPA in your last 60 credit hours
3. A statement of professional goals (500 words maximum)
4. Your resume
5. Contact information for three professional references

The program doesn’t require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores. A departmental screening committee reviews applications and makes admission recommendations.

You can apply twice yearly: by May 1 for summer and fall semesters, and November 1 for spring semester enrollment.

Tuition and financial aid

Graduate tuition at Wichita State for 2025-2026 costs $338.87 per credit hour for Kansas residents and $832.25 for non-residents. The 60-credit program totals about $20,332 for in-state students.

Extra fees include:

• Campus Infrastructure & Support Fee: $20.58 per credit hour
• Technology Fee: $1.00 per credit hour
• Transportation Fee: $0.75 per credit hour
• Student Activity Fee: changes based on credit hours

Some core courses have a specific fee of $100 per credit hour, including CESP 824, 825, 856, and clinical practicum/internship courses. Kansas resident graduate students pay approximately $29,960 per academic year, including living expenses.

Best for

Wichita State’s counseling program serves students who want specialized training with multiple career paths. The program shines with its 95% job placement rate for Clinical Mental Health graduates.

This program works best for:

• Career-changers who need evening classes
• People interested in sports counseling (a unique option)
• Students wanting CACREP-accredited education
• Those planning to practice in Kansas with clear paths to state licensure
• Students preferring mixed online/in-person learning over fully virtual education

The program’s focus on practical application and specialized tracks helps you address client needs in counseling settings of all types.

3. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University brings a unique approach to counseling education with its online and blended learning formats. The university leads mental health education in Kansas as the only CACREP-accredited online counseling program in Kansas.

Program overview

The Master of Science in Counseling at Fort Hays State lets you choose between two specialized tracks:

• School Counseling
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Each program requires 60 credit hours of complete coursework that prepares you for one of America’s most rapidly growing job markets. You’ll learn counseling skills through a mix of theory and hands-on experience.

Students learn to identify professional standards, understand cultural diversity, apply human development theories, and use evidence-based counseling methods. The program helps you develop your personal counseling style while teaching you to support clients in various professional settings.

Accreditation and licensure

Both the School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs received accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) in March 2021. This recognition means your degree will meet universal standards in the counseling profession.

CACREP accreditation gives you several benefits:

• Skills that line up with current professional trends
• Better job prospects with federal organizations like Veterans Affairs
• Qualification for licensure in states that require CACREP-accredited degrees

School Counseling graduates can get their license through the Kansas State Department of Education. Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates meet all requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) status through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board.

Fort Hays State University learning format

Fort Hays State University stands out as Kansas’s only accredited program with CACREP’s “Online” designation. This modern approach gives you maximum flexibility without compromising on quality.

The program combines online learning with brief campus visits. Faculty members have found these face-to-face sessions vital for developing counseling skills and professional connections. Most learning happens through online systems, video meetings, and virtual communities, which works well if you have work or family commitments.

Admission requirements

The counseling program at Fort Hays State requires you to meet both Graduate School and Counseling Program standards. You’ll need:

1. A 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate credit
2. Two reference letters from supervisors or professional peers
3. A statement about your professional goals for pursuing a counseling master’s degree
4. Official transcripts from all colleges you’ve attended
5. A group interview by video conference
6. A background check through Validity Screening Solutions

You can apply year-round, with deadlines on April 1, July 1, and November 1 for different semester starts.

Tuition and financial aid

Students in the MS in Counseling program pay $360.29 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year. This rate applies to everyone, whatever their residency status, making it an economical option compared to regular non-resident rates.

The 60-credit program costs about $21,617 total ($360.29 × 60). A full-time load of 9 credits per semester would cost around $3,243.

The university gives out more than $59 million yearly in loans, grants, scholarships, and employment funding through federal aid and FAFSA. The Financial Assistance Office helps you find ways to make your education more affordable.

Best for

Fort Hays State University works great if you want an affordable, available mental health counselor degree online. The program is perfect for:

• Professionals who want flexibility without moving
• Students in rural areas who can’t attend campus classes
• People looking for a CACREP-accredited online program with short campus visits
• Budget-conscious students who want flat tuition rates
• Those who value professional networking while studying mostly online

With almost 200 current students and growing, the program shows its dedication to training mental health professionals throughout Kansas and beyond.

4. Ottawa University

Ottawa University stands out in Kansas’s counseling education with its variety of specialized tracks and blend of online and campus learning. Students can earn professional counseling credentials while becoming experts in specific mental health areas.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) at Ottawa University has 63 total credit hours. Students complete 39 core credits, 15 concentration/elective credits, and nine credits of field work. This detailed program helps students get professional licensure and specialize in one of six areas:

• Christian Counseling
• Expressive Arts Therapy
• Gerocounseling
• Marriage and Family Therapy
• Treatment of Trauma, Abuse and Deprivation
• Addiction Counseling

The well-laid-out curriculum helps you become skilled at counseling that meets industry standards. You’ll get hands-on experience through field placement where you provide behavioral health services while licensed professionals supervise your work. This practical approach means you’ll graduate with both theoretical knowledge and real clinical experience.

Accreditation and licensure

The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Ottawa University, which confirms its status as a quality higher education institution. The Master of Arts in Counseling program also has approval from the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.

Students can meet educational requirements for licensure in Arizona, Kansas, and Wisconsin. After completing the program and getting state licensure, you can work as a substance abuse counselor, behavioral disorder counselor, or mental health counselor. This field should grow 23% from 2020 to 2030.

Learning format

The counseling program uses a hybrid approach that gives you flexibility while including vital face-to-face teaching. Most courses are available online, but the program includes important on-campus sessions to develop proper counseling techniques.

Field placement is a vital part of hands-on learning. Weekly on-campus seminars led by faculty supervisors let you practice new skills and connect theory with practice. This balanced format works well for working professionals while building essential counseling skills.

Admission requirements

Ottawa University looks for students who show they can complete the counseling program and get professional licensure. You’ll need:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• At least a 3.0 GPA in related courses
• Completed prerequisites: abnormal psychology, developmental psychology/human development, and theories of personality
• Three reference forms from qualified people
• A two-page essay about your professional career goals
• Some applicants might need an interview

The program values students who are ready for graduate-level counseling study and show personal, emotional, and lifestyle stability.

Tuition and financial aid

The Master of Arts in Counseling costs $659 per credit hour for 2025-2026. With 63 credits needed, total tuition comes to about $41,517.

Other costs include:

• $75 to apply for graduate programs
• $195 conferral fee
• $220 resource and administration fee each term

You can help pay for your education through FAFSA, which might qualify you for federal loans, grants, and other funding. Transfer credits can also help reduce your total program cost.

Best for

This counseling program works best for students who want specialized expertise beyond basic counseling training. It’s especially good for:

• People interested in unique areas like expressive arts therapy or gerocounseling
• Students who want online courses with some campus learning
• Those planning to work in Arizona, Kansas, or Wisconsin
• Current substance abuse counselors who might skip practicum requirements with proper license and experience

The program combines practical experience with theory to create graduates who can handle complex mental health needs in many different communities.

5. Kansas State University

Kansas State University’s counseling graduates have achieved a remarkable 100% Praxis exam pass rate, which shows the program’s academic excellence and professional preparation. The university’s CACREP accreditation since 1999 sets it apart from other state programs with its unique approach to professional counseling education.

Program overview

The Master of Science in Counseling and Student Development with a school counseling focus requires 48 credit hours. Students learn to become knowledgeable, ethical decision-makers who can work well within institutions and groups. The core curriculum spans 27 credit hours and covers mental health in schools, counseling theory, and multicultural counseling. Research and appraisal requirements take up 9 credit hours with a focus on assessment principles and educational research methods.

Students can earn a Certificate in Counseling Military Connected Students and Families, which adds valuable skills to work with military populations. Theory and research blend throughout the curriculum to prepare graduates who can make an immediate difference in their field.

Accreditation and licensure

The program’s quality shines through its prestigious accreditations:

• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• Kansas Department of Education (KSDE)
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

These three accreditations ensure your degree meets high professional standards. Many students land jobs before graduation and can pursue school counseling licensure in Kansas.

Learning format

The program combines online and on-campus learning. Working professionals benefit from this flexible approach while getting vital face-to-face training to develop counseling skills. Students complete 600 clock hours of supervised internship, with 240 hours of direct service in school settings.

Admission requirements

You’ll need these items to apply:

• A 3.0 GPA minimum in your bachelor’s junior and senior years
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges
• A professional goals statement
• A professional resume/vitae showing relevant experience
• Three recommendations from qualified people

Students with 2.65-2.99 GPAs might qualify for probationary admission by showing potential through GRE or MAT scores.

Tuition and financial aid

Manhattan campus graduate tuition for 2025-2026 costs $10,534 for Kansas residents and $21,042 for non-residents. Other costs include:

• Books and supplies: $712
• Transportation: $3,016
• Off-campus housing and food: $11,828
• Miscellaneous personal costs: $2,402

Students can get university scholarships, graduate assistantships, and federal aid through FAFSA. Each student works with a personal financial aid advisor to find the best funding options.

Best for

The program’s excellent placement record makes it perfect for quick employment after graduation. Students who value professional development thrive here with opportunities to join organizations and attend conferences. Career-changers without teaching licenses can easily enter the program. A diverse faculty brings rich perspectives to your educational journey.

6. MidAmerica Nazarene University

MidAmerica Nazarene University blends faith with clinical practice in its counselor education programs. It stands as Kansas’s only faith-based university with CACREP accreditation. The Olathe campus trains compassionate professionals who help people heal both personally and in their relationships.

Program overview

MNU’s Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program shapes skilled counselors with strong professional identities. Students can choose from three specialty tracks:

• Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• School Counseling

Students can add a special focus on Christian Faith and Counseling to any track. The program needs 60-69 credit hours based on your track and focus. You’ll get real-life application, clinical supervision, and coursework that prepares you to work in schools, community agencies, hospitals, churches, and private practices.

Accreditation and licensure

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited the counseling program. This national recognition shows your degree meets industry standards and helps you find better jobs. Your specialty track prepares you for specific licenses:

• Clinical Mental Health and Marriage/Family tracks lead to Licensed Professional Counselor status
• School Counseling graduates meet Kansas State Department of Education requirements

Students without Kansas teaching licenses can take extra field experience courses to meet licensure requirements.

Learning format

The program gives you two flexible scheduling options. The day/evening hybrid format fits different lifestyles. Day classes run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Evening sessions go from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Classes meet twice weekly with breaks throughout the year.

MNU now lets you attend classes on-site or online through technology that connects you with classmates and faculty in real time.

Admission requirements

This competitive program asks for:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Preferred minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA or 3.2 GPA in the last 30 undergraduate hours
• Completed application with official transcripts
• Writing assessment with the Counseling Department
• Three professional/academic recommendations
• Half-day complete interview with graduate faculty

Faculty reviews applications and conducts interviews every February and April.

Tuition and financial aid

The Master of Arts in Counseling costs $669 per credit hour. A 60-credit program totals about $40,140. Extra costs include a $39 per credit hour technology fee, $150 graduation fee, and $15 carrying fee per course.

The RISE Opportunity Scholarship offers up to $6,000 for qualified students. MNU has put aside over $2 million to help adult students get advanced degrees through RISE-eligible programs. Students can also apply for Federal Direct Student Loans through FAFSA.

Best for

MNU’s counseling program fits students who want to mix Christian principles with professional counseling. The program shines through its specialized training in Play Therapy, Sexual Addictions Treatment, or Trauma Therapy. Working professionals will find the flexible schedule particularly helpful.

7. Washburn University

Washburn University’s Master of Arts program focuses on addiction counseling and helps counselors develop an integrated approach to their work. The university campus in Topeka offers an available path to professional licensure in Kansas.

Program overview

The MA in Family & Human Services/Addiction Counseling requires 36 credit hours and prepares students to become Licensed Master’s Addiction Counselors (LMAC). Students learn to apply theory and research directly to addiction counseling practice. You’ll develop skills in prevention, assessment, treatment, and program monitoring within an integrated framework. The department aims to create effective, ethical, and compassionate professionals.

Accreditation and licensure

The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Washburn University. NAADAC (the Association for Addiction Professionals) and the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) have approved the addiction counseling program. These approvals mean the program meets professional standards needed for addiction counseling licensure. You can pursue the LMAC credential in Kansas after graduation.

Learning format

The program runs completely online, making it available to working professionals. You can complete your fieldwork requirements in your community while building local connections. This mix of theoretical instruction and community-based practice will give a detailed preparation for real-life counseling scenarios.

Admission requirements

You’ll need these qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• 0 GPA over the last 60 credits of university coursework
• Personal qualities showing potential for professional development
• A brief letter of interest if you’re a fast-track applicant

Tuition and financial aid

Graduate tuition at Washburn for 2024-2025 costs $360.29 per credit hour for online programs. The 36-credit program totals about $12,970. You can access federal student loans, grants, and university scholarships. The university gives out over $53 million in aid each year.

Best for

This program suits students who want to pursue addiction counseling careers, especially when you have a need for flexible online education without moving. The program works best if you want hands-on experience in your local community while earning credentials that ready you for immediate licensure in Kansas.

Choose a Kansas Master’s in Counseling

Your choice of a Master’s in Counseling program will shape your future career in mental health. Kansas’ top counseling programs offer many options that match different specializations, learning styles, and career goals.

Most programs have CACREP accreditation, which guarantees your education meets professional standards. Each school brings something special to the table. Emporia State boasts a strong reputation. Wichita State excels with specialized tracks. Fort Hays stands out with innovative online courses. Ottawa provides unique concentrations. K-State shows impressive job placement rates. MidAmerica Nazarene integrates faith into learning. Washburn focuses on addiction counseling.

These schools’ learning formats fit different lifestyle needs. Some programs run mostly online with few campus visits. Others stick to traditional classrooms with digital tools as supplements. Every program includes hands-on experience through supervised field placements that prepare you for real-life counseling work.

Money plays a big role in program selection. Tuition costs range from $13,000 at Washburn to $40,000 at MidAmerica Nazarene. Each school offers financial aid options. Students often land jobs before graduation, and these programs lead straight to professional licensure in Kansas.

Kansas expects counseling jobs to grow by 23%, which makes your education a smart investment. Pick a program that matches your career dreams, life situation, and learning style. You’ll get the credentials needed to help address Kansas’s mental health needs. These seven schools give you great paths to become a licensed counselor and achieve your career goals.