8 Top Iowa Masters in Counseling Programs

Thinking about getting your Iowa Masters in Counseling degree? You’re looking at a field with huge growth potential, even with the state’s current modest counseling workforce.

Iowa counselors make around $36,080 yearly according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mental health professionals are just needed more than ever, with 473,000 Iowa adults dealing with mental health conditions. The situation is challenging – more than 1.8 million Iowa residents can’t get proper care because they lack community resources or face money problems.

Here’s the bright side: Mental health counseling jobs in Iowa should grow by 31% by 2030. You might want an MA in counseling or a masters of science in clinical mental health counseling. Eight CACREP-accredited programs spread across eleven schools cover all major counseling specialties. Six schools now offer hybrid and online options that are available to students juggling work and family life.

Let’s take a closer look at these eight Iowa Masters in Counseling programs and find the one that fits you best.

Drake University

Drake University stands out among Iowa Masters in Counseling programs. The university offers a flexible, student-centered approach that working professionals will find valuable. Students can earn a detailed Master of Science in Counseling degree in Des Moines, with several specialization options that prepare them for careers of all types in counseling.

Accreditation

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization at Drake’s Master of Science in Counseling program has accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This respected accreditation validates the program’s high quality standards since 2015, with an extension through March 2023. The School of Education houses the counseling program and holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. The school has maintained its position on the approved list of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1913. Drake holds a unique position as one of just three institutions in Iowa that offers CACREP-accredited master’s programs.

Program Format

Drake University designs its Master of Science in Counseling program to fit working adults’ schedules. Students attend classes on campus during evenings (5-8 PM) and selected weekends. This schedule lets them keep their full-time jobs while earning their degree. Most courses happen in-person, though some use online or hybrid formats. Classes remain intentionally small. Content-based courses have 20-25 students, practice-based courses limit enrollment to 12 students, and practicum sections cap at 6-8 students. These small class sizes ensure each student gets personal attention. The part-time program maintains high academic standards—admitted students have an average undergraduate GPA of 3.27, which exceeds the minimum requirement of 2.5.

Tuition and Duration

Students typically complete the Master of Science in Counseling program in 2-3 years by taking two classes each semester. The program has a 5-year completion limit from acceptance. Graduate programs at Drake cost $649 per credit hour, regardless of residency status. Students can finish the 60-credit Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization in two and a half years. Full-time graduate students pay $11,932 total—$11,682 for tuition and $250 for fees. Drake makes education more available through various financial aid options. School Counseling students can access dedicated scholarships, while Rehabilitation Counseling students might qualify for scholarship opportunities through a federal grant.

Special Features

Drake University’s counseling program features three distinct specializations:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Students prepare for Licensed Mental Health Counselor roles in Iowa. They can work in agencies, group practices, substance abuse treatment centers, and hospitals
• Rehabilitation Counseling: Graduates qualify for national certification as Certified Rehabilitation Counselors
• School Counseling: Students learn to become professional school counselors in Iowa’s elementary or secondary schools

Students have the flexibility to complete multiple specialty areas for additional expertise or licensures. Expert faculty and practitioners provide hands-on training through tailored internship and practicum courses. The curriculum focuses strongly on multicultural views and social justice issues. This helps students understand themselves and their future clients’ diverse backgrounds better. Faculty advisors support students throughout their educational experience. The convenient schedule allows program entry in fall or spring semesters. Each admission cycle welcomes 20-25 students across all specialization areas, which creates a tight-knit learning community.

University of Iowa

The University of Iowa runs one of Iowa’s most respected Masters in Counseling programs. Students get detailed clinical training and excellent job prospects. The College of Education’s Department of Rehabilitation and Counselor Education lets students choose from several counseling specializations.

Accreditation

The University of Iowa has earned prestigious CACREP accreditation for all its counseling programs through October 2027. This covers master’s programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and Rehabilitation Counseling. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has also accredited the University. These two accreditations show that graduates meet national counseling practice standards and are ready for the job market.

Program Format

Students need 60 semester hours of graduate credit with a minimum 3.00 GPA to earn their Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Most full-time students finish in about 20 months (four semesters). The program balances classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience. Students must complete at least 100 clock hours in practicum and 600 clock hours in internship activities. They work at approved locations under experienced supervisors.

The School Counseling program also needs 60 semester hours with the same GPA requirements. Students must complete 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours in approved schools with licensed school counselors. Both programs end with detailed exams that test knowledge and practical skills. Students can take these exams only during fall and spring semesters.

Tuition and Duration

Most full-time students complete these programs in about two years. Graduate students in education programs will pay tuition plus extra costs for 2025-2026. Here’s what students should plan for:

• Records and documents fee (first-semester students): $250
• Living expenses: $20,976 annually
• Books and supplies: $650

Students with quarter-time or bigger teaching or research assistantships pay resident tuition rates and get minimum tuition scholarships. Many students receive financial help—90% in Rehabilitation Counseling, 30% in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 65% in School Counseling, and 97% of PhD students got scholarships in 2023-2024.

Special Features

The University of Iowa offers these outstanding counseling programs:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA): Students learn to help people with psychological wellness through flexible, consumer-oriented therapy. Graduates can get National Board for Certified Counselors certification and meet Iowa’s mental health counselor license requirements.
• Rehabilitation Counseling (MA): Graduates learn to work with people who have disabilities to reach their personal, social, psychological, and vocational goals.
• School Counseling (MA): Students become skilled at identifying and helping K-12 students with academic, social-emotional, and career needs.

The university also runs a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and a PhD in Counseling Psychology (APA-accredited since 1980), but doesn’t offer a master’s degree in the latter.

These programs have shown great results. Recent completion rates were excellent: 99.6% for Rehabilitation Counseling, 99% for Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and 100% for School Counseling. The employment rates are even better—100% of students from all three master’s programs found jobs in their fields. The licensure exam results are just as impressive, with 99% of Rehabilitation Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates passing their certification/licensure exams.

The University of Iowa works closely with community resources through the Rural Psychology Collaborative and the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health. These connections give students a chance to serve Iowa communities.

University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa’s MA in Counseling program blends tradition with modern approaches. UNI stands as a pioneer in counseling education as the first CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling program in the nation. The university has kept its leading position in counselor education for more than 40 years.

Accreditation

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited UNI’s counseling program since 1990. The current accreditation runs through March 2031 and covers both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling tracks within the MA program. Students who graduate from this program meet Iowa’s academic requirements for counselor licensure. They can take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) in their final semester, which helps them get mental health counselor licensure in Iowa.

Program Format

The Iowa Masters in Counseling program at UNI needs 60 semester hours. Students typically complete it over three years to get the best professional growth. Working professionals will find the curriculum well-laid-out and flexible. The first two years feature traditional in-person classes during fall and spring semesters. Summer courses are required but come in both in-person and online formats. The third year shifts mostly online, giving students more freedom to do clinical placements in and beyond the Cedar Valley area.

Students learn through interactive discussions and hands-on counseling practice. They get extensive practical experience through internships and practicum with skilled professionals who work in the field. The program requires at least 20 hours of 6000-level coursework. Students must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) based on eight CACREP core curriculum areas.

Tuition and Duration

Iowa residents pay $10,230 yearly for full-time tuition, while out-of-state students pay $21,932. Part-time costs are $569 per credit for in-state and $1,219 for out-of-state students. Students should plan for about $9,160 in yearly living costs.

Most students finish in 24 months, though the three-year plan offers better professional development. Applications are due by February 1st, with a $95 fee. The program accepts about 76.8% of applicants, making it more available than similar programs in the region.

Special Features

UNI’s counseling program has several unique strengths:

• Historical Significance: The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program was the first accredited program of its kind nationwide
• Neuro-Informed View: Students learn from a neuro-informed view about group work, human development, crisis response, career planning, and multicultural counseling
• Wellness Philosophy: The program focuses on wellness and culturally responsive education
• Dual Specialization Options: Students choose between Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling tracks

The program won the NCACES Innovative Counselor Education Master’s Degree Program Award in 1999. Clinical Mental Health graduates work in hospitals, clinics, substance abuse agencies, and mental health centers. School Counseling graduates develop skills that line up with National Standards for School Counseling Programs.

UNI’s counseling program promotes a supportive learning environment with personal attention through small classes and one-on-one advising. Students complete 700 hours of practicum serving Iowa communities, which prepares them well for their professional careers.

Grand View University

Grand View University’s online Masters in Counseling programs deliver outstanding results. Students get the flexibility they need without compromising on quality. This private institution in Des Moines provides a complete counseling education through innovative programs and focused specializations.

Accreditation

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Grand View earned full accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) recently. This accreditation runs through March 31, 2032. Such prestigious recognition shows the program meets national standards in counseling education. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Grand View University and its undergraduate and graduate programs. The Bureau of Iowa College Aid authorizes the institution to operate in Iowa. The university’s participation in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) lets them offer distance education across state boundaries.

Program Format

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand View is a 60-credit program delivered fully online. Working professionals can take advantage of flexible seven-week online courses. Students must attend a 4.5-day on-campus residency for hands-on learning. The curriculum has extensive clinical training through a practicum and two internships. This prepares entry-level practitioners for mental health counseling. Students need to maintain insurance while enrolled in the program.

Grand View’s Master of Science in School Counseling comes as a hybrid program. It combines online coursework with practical experiences. Students can specialize by choosing between K-8 or 5-12 endorsements.

Tuition and Duration

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling costs $560 per credit hour for 2025-26. Total tuition reaches about $33,600 for the 60-credit program. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate costs the same at $560 per credit hour. This certificate suits professionals who already have graduate degrees in counseling-related fields.

Each semester brings a $90 technology fee and a $32 online course fee per credit hour. A one-time graduation fee of $125 applies. Military members and their spouses can get a $100 per credit discount.

Students with psychology or human services background can finish the program in two years. Most complete their studies within this timeframe through eight-week course blocks.

Special Features

Grand View’s counseling programs stand out with these benefits:

• Exceptional Outcomes: Students achieved a 100% licensure exam pass rate in fall 2023.
• No GRE Requirement: You can apply without taking this test.
• Transfer Credit Flexibility: Up to 12 graduate credits can transfer from regionally accredited schools.
• Local Internship Opportunities: Students can find clinical placements near their homes.
• Substance Abuse Counseling Preparation: Coursework meets Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) educational requirements.

The curriculum shapes students into licensed mental health counselors who are ethical, research-informed, developmentally skilled, and culturally aware. Students learn to diagnose and treat mental health disorders in public and private settings. The department works to create an inclusive environment where counseling students of all backgrounds can succeed.

Buena Vista University

Buena Vista University offers a Masters in Counseling program that combines online learning with hands-on campus experiences. The Storm Lake campus has earned its reputation through excellence in mental health counselor training that’s easy to access.

Accreditation

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Buena Vista University has earned prestigious accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program received an 8-year accreditation status starting July 14, 2019. Buena Vista stands among four prominent Iowa schools with CACREP accreditation, along with the University of Iowa, the University of Northern Iowa, and Drake University. This credential shows the program meets national quality standards and prepares students for licensure in Iowa and beyond.

Program Format

The masters of science in clinical mental health counseling uses a two-year hybrid model that works great if you have a job. Students take most courses online throughout the year. They must attend two week-long summer sessions on campus during their first and second years. This setup gives students flexibility while providing valuable face-to-face learning.

Students usually take one graduate course per 8-week term in their first year. The second year becomes more intensive with one graduate course plus practicum/internship work per 8-week term. This schedule helps students manage their studies and work life effectively.

New cohorts start each July at Term 6. Students should apply early. The program gives priority to applications received before March 15, then reviews later applications as they come in.

Tuition and Duration

Students must complete 60 credit hours to graduate from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The program gives students four years to finish all requirements. Most students graduate in two years by following the suggested course sequence.

The program’s tuition for 2024-2025 costs $575 per credit hour. This brings the total program cost to about $34,500 before fees and financial aid.

Students can ask to return within a year of leaving by contacting the graduate student success director and program director. After 13 months of inactivity, students must submit a new application.

Special Features

The counseling program stands out with these benefits:

• Available Education: Students learn through online classes, hybrid formats, and focused campus sessions
• Ethical Foundation: BVU builds critical thinking skills and self-awareness to encourage ethical practice
• Community-Responsive Curriculum: Program updates reflect input from students, alumni, supervisors, and employers
• Transfer Credit Options: The program accepts relevant graduate courses from other schools that match their standards

The program aims to create “ethical and culturally-competent practitioners who reduce suffering, promote wellbeing, give the ability to individuals and families across the lifespan, challenge inequities and contribute to the counseling profession”. This mix of professional excellence and social justice makes Buena Vista perfect for students who want values-based clinical mental health counseling training.

Mount Mercy University

Mount Mercy University stands out with the only COAMFTE-accredited MA in Marriage and Family Therapy program in Iowa. Students looking for specialized counseling credentials will find academic excellence combined with hands-on experience at this Cedar Rapids institution. The program prepares graduates to get their license and practice professionally in many therapeutic settings.

Accreditation

The Marriage and Family Therapy program at Mount Mercy University earned its prestigious accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). This program remains unique as Iowa’s only COAMFTE-accredited option. The university and its academic programs maintain regional accreditation. This ensures high educational standards across the institution.

Program Format

Mount Mercy’s Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MA-MFT) works well for busy professionals. Weekly evening classes run in 5 and 10-week blocks. Students can choose from several learning options:

• On-campus learning at the CRST International Graduate Center
• Live online courses with streamed lectures
• On-demand learning with recorded lectures at your own pace

Students complete 60 credits of coursework and a rigorous 12-month practicum with 300 client contact hours. The practicum lets students use their theoretical knowledge under faculty guidance.

Tuition and Duration

The MA in Marriage and Family Therapy program costs $610 per semester hour for 2025-26. Total tuition comes to about $36,600 for all 60 credits. Most students finish in 24 months by following the recommended course sequence.

The program starts in August, and applications go through review in the first week of February. Students should apply early since interviews start in November and continue until spots are filled.

Special Features

The program’s unique benefits include:

• Training at the on-site Olson Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic
• A systems approach based on neuroscience that considers environmental and cultural factors
• Small classes with personal attention
• No GRE required
• Skills-based education that builds clinical expertise

Graduates can work in social service agencies, churches, private family therapy practices, and mediation firms. The program sets students up to become Licensed Marital and Family Therapists after completing their clinical experience and supervision post-graduation.

Northwestern College

Northwestern College has launched a Masters in Counseling program that takes a faith-integrated approach. The programs are fully online and help students prepare for professional practice while keeping a strong Christian view.

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission has given regional accreditation to Northwestern College. The counseling programs follow the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. They will seek CACREP accreditation after their first class graduates. The Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners have approved the School Counseling program. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program’s first group achieved something remarkable – a 100% first-time pass rate on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination.

Program Format

Students can complete their coursework online through 8-week cycles and meet with classmates and faculty virtually. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program takes two years with students handling two courses at once. The School Counseling program spans three years, making it ideal for working professionals. Students will need to attend two summer in-person sessions starting July 2026 so their counseling skills can be observed and assessed.

Tuition and Duration

The cost per credit hour stands at $590 for both programs during 2024-2026. Students should plan for extra costs like a technology fee ($155/semester), graduation fee ($100), and some course-specific fees. Alumni get a great deal – 50% off tuition for their first course. School Counseling students might qualify for the TEACH Grant if they plan to work in low-income areas.

Special Features

The programs combine Christian values with counselor education in a unique way that prepares graduates to help people from all backgrounds. Students gain ethical and multicultural skills through supervised practicum and internship experiences. The School Counseling program lets students choose between K-8 and 5-12 endorsement options, giving them flexibility in their career path. Students will be ready to take their professional licensure exams after completing the program.

Loras College

Loras College makes the Masters in Counseling program one of the quickest to complete in the state. This Catholic liberal arts institution’s Master of Arts in School Counseling program combines academic excellence with real-world career preparation.

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Loras College. The Iowa Department of Education has also accredited the master’s in school counseling program. The college’s participation in the National Council on State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) allows it to deliver distance learning programs beyond state boundaries.

Program Format

Students can complete the MA in counseling program’s 39 credits in two years—much faster than similar programs. The flexible evening classes work great for working professionals and recent graduates alike. Students get individual attention from respected faculty members who give them the tools they need to succeed.

Tuition and Duration

The 2025-2026 academic year’s tuition runs $755 per credit hour. Students save roughly a year of time and money with the 39-credit program compared to other counseling programs. New students pay a $10 assessment fee each term and a one-time $100 lifetime transcript fee. A $150 graduation fee applies when students complete the program.

Special Features

Loras College’s program stands out because of its:

• Quick curriculum that meets all educational standards with fewer credits
• Strong regional reputation that makes graduates sought-after in the tri-state area
• Evening class schedule that lets students work and network while studying
• Catholic liberal arts foundation that provides values-based counselor education

Choose the Right Masters in Counseling Today

The right Iowa Masters in Counseling program should line up with your career goals and life situation. Eight programs stand out, each with their own strengths. Drake University gives working professionals flexible schedules. The University of Iowa boasts excellent job placement rates. Mount Mercy has the state’s only COAMFTE-accredited Marriage and Family Therapy program.

These programs prepare you for a booming field. Mental health counseling jobs in Iowa will grow 31% by 2030. This creates great opportunities for qualified professionals. The need is real – more than 1.8 million Iowa residents can’t get proper mental health care right now.

CACREP recognition is a vital factor to think over. This accreditation means programs meet strict national standards. Graduates with CACREP credentials have better chances at getting licensed and finding jobs. Many Iowa schools proudly hold this credential.

Program format should weigh heavily in your choice. Drake University offers traditional classroom learning. Grand View University runs fully online programs. Many schools blend both approaches. You can pick a structure that works with your schedule and priorities.

Money matters too. Tuition costs vary widely between schools. Northwestern College charges $590 per credit hour, while Loras College costs $755. Program length ranges from Loras College’s streamlined 39-credit program to more complete 60-credit programs at other schools.

Your dream career should guide your program choice. Clinical Mental Health Counseling opens doors to various therapy settings. School Counseling focuses on K-12 environments. Northwestern College takes a faith-based approach. Mount Mercy’s systems view gives different philosophical foundations.

Mental health counseling gives you a rewarding career while helping fill Iowa’s treatment gap. Your choice of program will boost your professional growth and help meet the state’s growing mental health needs.