7 Top-Rated Masters in Counseling Programs in Louisiana
Interested in getting a Masters in Counseling degree in Louisiana? You’re learning about one of the most popular graduate fields in the United States. The program ranks as the #20 most sought-after major nationwide.
Louisiana residents deal with unique challenges. Many people need professional guidance to work through their personal difficulties. A career as a trained counselor in this state lets you help others while building a rewarding profession. The top counseling master’s programs in Louisiana show impressive results—with 100% completion rates and all graduates finding jobs.
Louisiana’s colleges and universities awarded 173 master’s degrees in student counseling last academic year. The state’s excellent programs match different career goals through campus-based and online options. Here are seven top-rated programs that can start your counseling career in the Pelican State.
1. University of Louisiana at Monroe
The University of Louisiana at Monroe has a standout Master of Science in Counseling degree that blends flexibility with strong professional preparation. This 35-year old accredited counseling program in Louisiana makes it a great choice for future counseling professionals.
Program overview
ULM’s Counseling Program has a complete 60-credit hour Master of Science degree that readies students for professional counseling careers. Students start with foundational content in their first year. They move on to advanced clinical content and internship experiences in the second year.
Small class sizes give students personal attention. Content courses have just 15 students while practicum/internship courses are limited to 6 students. This setup will give a quality education. The program runs on a fall cohort model with logically sequenced coursework. Students find the content relevant and meaningful.
The program’s affordability stands out. Students pay $550 per credit hour with no out-of-state tuition thanks to its online format. Best Colleges Online ranked it as the 10th most affordable master’s in counseling program nationally in 2019.
Specializations offered
Students can choose from several concentrations based on their career goals:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Students learn to assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders. They can qualify for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure and develop skills in individual, group, couples, and family counseling.
- School Counseling: Graduates can get School Counselor Certification and possibly LPC licensure. They learn about K-12 school settings while getting similar clinical training as the mental health track.
- Addictions Counseling: Students focus on substance use and addictive disorders treatment. This track helps meet state addiction counselor licensure requirements.
- Combined Option: Students can master two of the three tracks in this 75-hour specialization (Clinical Mental Health, School, and/or Addiction).
Each track has tailored courses that prepare students for specific work settings while building core counseling skills.
Accreditation and format
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited the program through March 2028. This “gold standard” accreditation makes the licensure process easier for graduates. They can work in governmental jobs (Veterans Affairs, military) and get military insurance reimbursements through Tricare.
The program’s history runs deep in Louisiana. The School Counseling track got its accreditation in 1987, while the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track followed in 2012.
Students can complete the entire program online through mixed learning formats. Out of 20 required courses, six have optional Zoom meetings and 14 are self-paced. Students joining the 2026 cohort will need to attend two in-person residencies to meet new CACREP standards.
Admission requirements
The program carefully selects students through two application deadlines:
- November 15th: Priority deadline
- March 15th: Final deadline
Students must complete the Graduate School application and submit these materials:
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work
- Three letters of recommendation on official letterhead from supervisors, colleagues, or professors (not from family, friends, therapists, or pastors)
- Application fees: $40 for Graduate School and $55 for the Counseling Program
GPA requirements change based on academic background:
- Students with a 2.75+ undergraduate GPA don’t need GRE scores
- Those with below 2.75 undergraduate GPA but 3.50+ graduate GPA skip the GRE
- Students with lower GPAs must score at least 300 on the GRE General test
Selected candidates talk with faculty in a 30-minute Zoom interview. Accepted students can bring in up to 12 credit hours (four courses) if they meet specific requirements.
International students can apply but need their non-U.S. university transcripts evaluated by ECE, WES, or SPANTRAN first. They also need to meet TOEFL (minimum paper score: 500, IBT score: 61) or IELTS (minimum paper score: 5.5) requirements.
2. University of Holy Cross
The University of Holy Cross in New Orleans offers a Master of Arts in Counseling program that promotes professional excellence and personal growth. Louisiana recognizes this institution’s graduates for their knowledge, skills, and compassion.
Program overview
Students can complete the Master of Arts in Counseling program online in three years. The program helps students grow intellectually, spiritually, and culturally while developing a strong sense of community responsibility. Students enjoy exceptional flexibility with two to three weekly online classes and can complete assignments whenever it suits them – early morning, late night, or during lunch breaks.
Each semester follows this structure:
- Spring: 3 courses (9 credit hours)
- Fall: 3 courses (9 credit hours)
- Summer: 2 courses (6 credit hours)
Students attend two four-day residencies during the Techniques in Counseling courses – one in their first semester and another midway through the program. They also complete a practicum and two internships at their chosen sites, which include 280 direct client hours and 420 indirect client hours. Students have completed internships at community agencies, schools, psychiatric hospitals, and addiction clinics.
The faculty brings rich clinical experience with clients of all ages and various presenting issues. Students also learn about research through the annual Law and Ethics in Counseling Conference in New Orleans, where they present with faculty in roundtables.
Specializations offered
The program features three CACREP-accredited specializations:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Students prepare for careers as professional counselors in mental health settings of all types. This specialization offers optional emphasis areas in:
- Addiction Counseling (courses include Addictions Treatment & Practice I and II, Program Management & Supervision in Addictions, and Chemical Dependency from Systems Perspective)
- Pastoral Counseling (featuring courses like Pastoral Counseling I and II, and Integrating Spirituality with Marriage & Family Counseling)
- Play Therapy (with courses such as Play Therapy Across the Lifespan, Contextual Dimensions in Play Therapy, and Systems Approaches in Play Therapy)
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling: Students learn systemic approaches to counseling families and couples.
School Counseling: Students prepare for counseling roles in K-12 educational settings.
Students interested in multiple specializations can graduate with two counseling specialty areas by meeting both CACREP-accredited specialties’ requirements.
Accreditation and format
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits the University of Holy Cross to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits all three counseling master’s degree specializations through October 31, 2031.
The program runs primarily online as of the 2022-2023 academic year, with some courses offered on campus. Students attend previously in-person courses through synchronous Zoom sessions or asynchronous online learning. This adaptable format has kept the program running at full capacity despite challenges like COVID-19.
Admission requirements
The program evaluates candidates based on their personal, professional, and academic qualifications. Requirements include:
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university or college
- A preferred cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Three recommendation letters addressing character, work ethic, leadership abilities, interpersonal skills, communication skills, and capacity for graduate-level work
- A two-page, double-spaced personal goal statement describing background, reasons for choosing counseling, self-assessment of counseling capabilities, respect for cultural differences, and future professional goals
- Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework
- Good academic standing at the last institution attended
The university follows a non-discriminatory admission policy aligned with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. International or ESL applicants must show English proficiency through a satisfactory TOEFL score (typically 500).
BS in Social Counseling students can join the Early Entry Program to complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in six years.
3. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana shines in counseling education with its Master of Arts in Counseling program. The Gallaspy School of Education and Human Development houses this program that builds professional counselors through a well-laid-out curriculum in a supportive learning space.
Program overview
The Northwestern State University Counseling Program offers a complete 60-hour Master of Arts degree with two distinct concentration areas. Students get the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they need for counseling careers.
The program works well for both full-time and part-time students, which helps them balance their education with life commitments. Students start with basic counseling skills and move on to specialized clinical techniques as they progress.
Students must complete a thesis or project-in-lieu of thesis and pass a complete examination near the end of their program. This final step will give a clear picture of their academic knowledge and practical abilities needed for professional work.
The program takes a unique approach to learning. Students take half their courses online and half face-to-face on the Natchitoches campus. This mix gives them the best of both worlds – online convenience and in-person connections.
Specializations offered
Students can choose from two main concentration areas:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (533A): This path readies students for work in mental health settings of all types. Students can meet academic requirements for state licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential. They learn assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic techniques.
School Counseling (533B): This track focuses on counseling in educational settings. Students qualify for Louisiana certification in school counseling and the National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential, plus LPC licensure. They learn both clinical skills and educational system knowledge.
Whatever the specialization, students master core counseling skills that make them versatile professionals. Faculty members bring their rich clinical experience and academic expertise to the classroom.
Accreditation and format
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits the university, and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits the College.
The Counseling Program holds full accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through October 31, 2031. The program earned this prestigious accreditation after a thorough review under the 2016 CACREP standards.
The accreditation team noted how faculty built a strong community that supports program success, especially in recruitment, retention, and professional orientation.
Students experience a mix of online and face-to-face classes. Full-time students usually come to campus one evening each week. This hybrid model ensures quality education remains available to all.
Admission requirements
The Master of Arts in Counseling program guides students through four portals:
Portal V: Entry to NSU Graduate Studies – Students start by gaining regular or conditional admission to the Graduate School.
Portal VI: Admission to the Counseling Program – After Graduate School admission, candidates submit a portfolio including:
- A letter about their concentration choice and reasons
- Current resume showing academic experiences and work history
- Three reference forms from people who know their academic abilities
- An autobiographical narrative showing life experiences and personal maturity
Portal VII: Admission to Practicum – Students need 12 hours of counseling coursework and specific courses with ‘B’ grades or better before starting practicum.
Portal VIII: Program Exit with M.A. – Graduation needs a 3.0 GPA (with no more than six semester hours of ‘C’ grades), passing the Comprehensive Exam, and completing a thesis or paper-in-lieu of thesis.
Students don’t need any specific undergraduate degree or teaching certificate to join the program, which makes it perfect for career changers.
4. McNeese State University
McNeese State University stands as a trusted name in counseling education across Louisiana. This 75-year-old institution in Lake Charles offers complete Masters in Counseling programs. Students get rigorous academic training and hands-on clinical experience to prepare for various professional roles.
Program overview
The university’s 60-credit hour Master of Science program lets students choose between School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Students learn through a non-thesis program that combines practicum and internship components. This gives them valuable real-life experience before they graduate.
The curriculum needs 44 hours of core credits that both specializations share, plus 16 credit hours in their chosen field. This approach helps graduates build broad counseling skills and specialized expertise for their career paths.
The Department of Psychology and Counseling partners with many off-campus sites for practicum and internship. Students can apply their classroom knowledge in professional settings. This hands-on experience helps them move smoothly from training to professional practice.
Specializations offered
Students can pick from two main tracks:
School Counseling: Graduates learn to work as counselors in elementary, junior, and high schools. The program teaches specific skills to help students handle emotional and interpersonal challenges while offering academic guidance. Students get the training they need for School Counselor licensure, ready to work in any K-12 setting.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This path creates counselors for community settings, both private and public. Students learn evidence-based assessment and intervention skills. The program prepares graduates for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification. They can practice independently after finishing post-graduate supervision.
Accreditation and format
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits McNeese State University. The counseling program also earned specialized accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
CACREP granted the School Counseling program an eight-year accreditation. This came after a full evaluation with self-study submission, peer review team visits, and follow-up reports. Such recognition shows the program’s quality and alignment with national counselor education standards.
The program seems to follow a traditional on-campus format, though exact teaching methods weren’t listed in the available information.
Admission requirements
Students must meet these criteria to join McNeese’s counseling programs:
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5
- A minimum score of 285 on the GRE (Quantitative + Verbal sections)
- An application to the Counseling Program Admissions and Retention Committee
- An interview with the committee
- Successful completion of first semester graduate work for admission to candidacy
New students can only start in fall semester. The program doesn’t take non-degree seeking students or let undergraduates take courses through the privilege to graduate seniors.
Students must stay in their clinical placement once they start practicum until they finish all degree requirements. Each candidate needs to pass a comprehensive final exam in their last semester.
5. Loyola University New Orleans
Loyola University New Orleans offers its Master of Science in Counseling program with a unique Jesuit educational approach. The CACREP-accredited program shapes ethical, competent, and thoughtful mental health practitioners through practical training and hands-on learning opportunities.
Program overview
Students need 60 credit hours to complete the Master of Science in Counseling at Loyola. The degree prepares graduates to meet Louisiana’s educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) status. The program balances academic preparation and clinical training using a scientist-practitioner model.
Small class sizes create an ideal learning environment. Didactic classes average 15 students, while clinical classes are even smaller. This close-knit setting helps students receive customized instruction and grow professionally.
The program wraps up with 740 clinical hours, including at least 280 direct client contact hours. After graduation, students can work in private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, college counseling clinics, military settings, and Veterans Administration facilities.
Specializations offered
The counseling program features three distinct tracks:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Students learn to assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders while developing a social justice mindset. They can work with clients facing various challenges—from everyday life stressors to severe psychiatric conditions.
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling: Students learn to envision and help clients from a systemic view. The curriculum has general systems theory, communication theory, and postmodern models. Graduates can work in community mental health settings, private practice, and other environments as marriage and family counselors.
Addiction Counseling: This track focuses on substance use disorders and addiction treatment methods.
Loyola stands out by offering dual degree options that combine the MS in Counseling with:
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Music Therapy
- Master of Pastoral Studies
Accreditation and format
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited Loyola’s Counseling Program through March 31, 2028. This confirms the program’s quality and alignment with national standards.
Most courses happen in a traditional, face-to-face setting. Two required courses, several electives, and clinical courses offer online synchronous options. This mix provides flexibility while keeping the focus on personal interaction and hands-on learning.
The counseling department’s Center of Play Therapy Education and Research meets all educational requirements for Registered Play Therapist certification (RPT). This gives students a chance to earn additional professional credentials.
Admission requirements
The admission team really evaluates applicants’ personal, professional, and academic qualifications. You’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Online application submission
- A 1-3 page objective statement about your educational goals and reasons to pursue counseling at Loyola
- Resume showing relevant experience, coursework, and honors
- Three recommendation letters from people who can speak about your potential success
GRE requirements depend on your academic background:
- No GRE needed if you have a 3.0+ undergraduate GPA or a graduate degree
- If your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, you need GRE scores with a recommended combined score of 300+
Qualified candidates must also complete:
- An in-person writing sample
- Individual and group interviews (Skype interviews available only for international applicants)
Fall cohort applications open August 1st. Early decision deadline is December 1st, and regular decision deadline is March 1st.
6. Louisiana State University – Baton Rouge
LSU’s School of Education boasts a Masters in Counseling program with perfect success rates—100% employment rate and 100% National Counselor Examination pass rate for graduates. The Baton Rouge-based program delivers detailed professional training to aspiring counselors who want to revolutionize Louisiana’s mental health field.
Program overview
LSU’s Master of Education (MEd) in Counseling is a demanding 60-hour program that prepares students for professional practice. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practices and promotes social justice and wellness throughout life. Students develop specialized knowledge through academic coursework and hands-on experience.
The program’s success speaks for itself—78% program completion rate for Clinical Mental Health Counseling and 100% for School Counseling. Graduates excel in credentialing exams with perfect scores, achieving 100% pass rates on both the National Counselor Examination and Professional School Counselor Praxis.
Specializations offered
LSU’s counseling program features two main concentrations:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This 60-credit track equips students to work in community and mental health settings. The curriculum has 48 credit hours of core courses plus 12 elective hours, or 51 core hours with nine thesis hours. Graduates meet all academic requirements to become Licensed Professional Counselors in Louisiana.
School Counseling: This concentration shapes educational leaders who support K-12 students. The 60-credit curriculum needs 51 core hours and nine elective hours (or thesis hours). Graduates qualify for state certification as school counselors and meet LPC licensure requirements.
Accreditation and format
The program holds prestigious CACREP accreditation, ensuring quality education that meets national standards. This accreditation matters more as three federal agencies—the U.S. Veterans Administration, Tricare, and Army Substance Abuse program—require CACREP-accredited degrees for independent practice.
Classes run on campus during daytime hours (9:00am and 1:00pm), creating an engaging learning environment.
Admission requirements
The program’s competitive admission process requires:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- GRE score of 297 (verbal plus quantitative), with verbal score of 153+ and quantitative score of 144+
- Three letters of recommendation
- Professional goal statement
- Individual interview with program faculty
Students must pass a comprehensive final examination (Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination) in their last semester to show mastery of core counseling concepts.
7. University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans stands out with its detailed Master of Education in Counseling program, which earned recognition as a Program of Distinction in Counselor Education. Students from Louisiana and beyond benefit from this urban-focused program that prepares them for professional counseling careers.
Program overview
Students need 60 semester credits to complete the Master of Education in Counseling. The curriculum has 48 credits of counseling core courses, six credits in a specialization area, and six elective credits. Field experience requirements include a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship. Students must earn a grade of “B” or better in key courses like Theories of Counseling, Counseling Techniques, and Ethical and Professional Issues.
Specializations offered
The program offers two concentration areas:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This track has specialized courses in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Family Counseling.
School Counseling: Students learn through courses in School Counseling and Counseling Children and Adolescents.
Accreditation and format
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited the counseling program through 2030. This recognition covers both the doctoral program and master’s specializations. Classes run at 4:00pm and 7:00pm on the main campus.
Admission requirements
A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 is required for admission. Faculty members conduct group interviews as part of the two-step admission process. Applicants must submit a personal statement, personal reflection, and official transcripts. Graduation requirements include passing the Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam with a score of 60% or higher.
Pick a Louisiana Master’s in Counseling Today
Your professional future in Louisiana starts with picking the right counseling program. Seven exceptional institutions offer masters-level counseling education in the state. Each school has its own strengths but they all share a steadfast dedication to excellence.
The numbers speak for themselves. These programs boast 100% completion rates and perfect job placement for their graduates. All but one of these universities maintain CACREP accreditation – the gold standard that will give your education national recognition for counselor preparation.
Louisiana’s programs fit different lifestyles and learning preferences. You can choose the online flexibility at University of Louisiana at Monroe, embrace the Jesuit tradition at Loyola, or experience the urban setting at University of New Orleans. These institutions also let you specialize in clinical mental health, school counseling, marriage and family therapy, or addiction treatment.
Programs have different admission requirements. Most look for strong academic performance, clear career goals, and personality traits that match counseling work. The standard 60-credit curriculum combines theory with hands-on clinical experience through well-laid-out internships and practicums.
Louisiana needs qualified mental health professionals right now. After completing supervised practice requirements, graduates can become Licensed Professional Counselors. This opens career opportunities in schools, community agencies, hospitals, and private practice.
Choosing a counseling career combines professional goals with a personal calling. These seven distinguished programs help you build expertise, clinical skills, and ethical foundations. You’ll make real differences in clients’ lives while building a rewarding career in Louisiana’s mental health community.