14 Best Masters in Counseling Pennsylvania Programs
Choosing the right Masters in Counseling program in Pennsylvania can feel daunting. The state offers 41 different degree options to students. You’ll find excellent paths to advance your career whether you want to specialize in clinical mental health counseling or other counseling fields.
The counseling education landscape in Pennsylvania is rich and diverse. The state features 65 schools that offer programs in five major areas: mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, and substance abuse counseling. Students who need flexibility can choose from 30 institutions that provide hybrid and online masters of counseling programs. Pennsylvania State University-University Park stands out among these schools. It tied for #4 in US News & World Report’s Best Student Counseling Programs 2022.
Students can choose from highly-rated programs that match their priorities. Top options include Moravian University with a rating of 4.6/10 and Drexel University at 4.3/161. Many of these are CACREP accredited programs with various delivery formats. This piece explores the 14 best masters in counseling programs Pennsylvania offers to help you make the right choice for your educational experience in 2025.
1. Duquesne University
Duquesne University stands out among Pennsylvania’s Masters in Counseling programs with its strong foundation in wellness, development theories, and whole-person care. The university’s counselor education programs match its Spiritan mission. Students learn to value social justice and help others develop morally, spiritually, and emotionally.
Program overview
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Duquesne helps students become licensed professional counselors (LPC). This license lets them work in mental health settings and private practice. Students complete 60 credits through self-reflection papers, case studies, and group work. They learn to help clients deal with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. The program teaches many therapeutic approaches that open career paths in community centers, private practice, and rehabilitation facilities.
Accreditation
Duquesne’s counseling programs have earned the prestigious Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation. This national credential shows the program meets high curriculum standards and provides excellent fieldwork supervision. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits the university, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education approves it. Students benefit from easier license transfers between states, as some states require CACREP-accredited degrees for counseling licenses.
Delivery format
Duquesne takes a traditional approach by offering most courses in person instead of online. Students can study full-time or part-time, with classes scheduled during weeknights. This setup lets working professionals keep their jobs while earning their degree.
Tuition and duration
Students can finish the Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2.5 years, with part-time options available. Current tuition costs $1,579 per credit, bringing the total program cost to about $47,370. Duquesne offers a 15% tuition discount for eligible students who take at least six credits each semester, which reduces the per-credit cost to $1,342. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows this investment pays off – master’s degree holders earn about $13,000 more per year than those with bachelor’s degrees.
2. Drexel University
Drexel University stands out with its Masters in Counseling programs in Pennsylvania. The school blends creative arts therapy approaches with counseling fundamentals. Students looking to develop unique clinical skills will find specialized paths at this Philadelphia institution.
Program overview
The College of Nursing and Health Professions at Drexel runs several counseling-related graduate programs. Students can choose from Master of Arts in Music Therapy & Counseling, Art Therapy and Counseling, or Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling. The Music Therapy & Counseling program has 90 quarter-credits that combine advanced music therapy with counseling coursework, clinical experience, and research projects. Students learn from a team of experienced professionals, including creative arts therapists, clinical psychologists, and counseling educators. The curriculum covers both foundational and innovative therapy approaches. These programs help graduates succeed in behavioral health settings of all types through hands-on training that connects theory with real-world practice.
Accreditation
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited Drexel University. The university’s program-specific credentials make its degrees more valuable. The American Music Therapy Association approves the MA in Music Therapy & Counseling. The Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education has certified the Art Therapy and Counseling program. These credentials help graduates qualify for certification exams like the MT-BC credential and meet Pennsylvania’s Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) education requirements.
Delivery format
Classes take place at the Center City Philadelphia campus during fall, winter, and spring quarters. Summer courses are available online. Students can choose between full-time and part-time study based on their schedule and needs.
Tuition and duration
Full-time students typically finish most counseling programs in two years or seven quarters. The Music Therapy & Counseling program costs $805 per credit hour for the 2024-2025 academic year. Students pay around $45,074 yearly for tuition and fees. Creative Arts Therapies programs, which include certificates, master’s, and PhD tracks, cost $829 per credit hour.
3. Shippensburg University
Shippensburg University’s counseling program, 60 years old, stands out among Pennsylvania’s Masters in Counseling options. The campus creates an intimate learning environment in its suburban/rural setting where students receive personal attention and grow professionally.
Program overview
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration equips counselors with complete diagnostic and treatment skills they can use in a variety of clinical settings. Students learn both theory and practical skills through a well-balanced curriculum that boasts a 92% job placement rate for graduates. They gain quality experience through field classes, professional conferences, and research projects. The Growing Edges Community Counseling Clinic makes this program special – it’s the only one of its kind in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. This on-campus clinic gives students a great way to get hands-on training. Students also complete a practicum and two internships at approved sites throughout central Pennsylvania.
Accreditation
The Masters in Counseling program has earned prestigious CACREP accreditation (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs). Graduates can take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) during their final semester. Students who pass this exam can get the Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) credential. The 60-hour master’s degree and 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised practice meet Pennsylvania’s educational requirements to apply for licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC).
Delivery format
Evening classes run exclusively on campus. The program uses a convenient “stacked” class structure – students can take two classes each evening, one at 4:00 and another at 6:45. This schedule works well for commuters, who make up much of the student body. Most classes meet face-to-face, but some courses include online components. Students can sometimes take electives on Saturdays or at off-campus locations.
Tuition and duration
Students need 60 credits to complete the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Full-time graduate students usually take 6 credits each semester. Pennsylvania residents pay $534 per credit in tuition for 2025, with total costs reaching $704 per credit including fees. This adds up to $4,224 per semester for full-time PA students. Non-resident tuition costs $801 per credit, with total costs of $983 per credit. Non-resident students pay $5,898 per semester full-time. Students can start the program in any semester – fall, spring, winter, or summer.
4. Eastern University
Eastern University takes a unique faith-based approach to its Masters in Counseling Pennsylvania programs that combines Christian principles with professional counseling education. The institution’s campus in St. Davids offers a complete MEd in School Counseling program. Graduates learn to help students overcome various obstacles they face today.
Program overview
The MEd in School Counseling program gives counselors the tools to help students deal with social, emotional, academic, and cultural challenges in modern education systems. Students learn everything needed to meet the standards set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and American School Counseling Association. The program meets all educational requirements for Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials. Expert faculty members bring years of experience from clinical settings and public/private schools to help students become skilled at evidence-based practices and research-based counseling. Students who qualify can earn money during their internship through a five-year U.S. Department of Education grant.
Accreditation
The Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) has accredited the MEd in School Counseling program until August 2025. The Council for Higher Education (CHEA) recognizes MPCAC as an accreditor for masters programs that “educate students in the science-based practice of counseling and psychological services”. This accreditation stands equal to other counseling program accreditors. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education also provides institutional accreditation to Eastern University.
Delivery format
Students can choose from two flexible learning options:
- 100% online program for maximum convenience
- Blended format combining evening and online classes
Students can pick the option that best matches their lifestyle and learning priorities.
Tuition and duration
Students can finish the program in 2 years (full-time) or 3 years (part-time). Current tuition for 2024-2025 costs $790 per credit hour. Each semester/term includes a Graduate Counseling/Education/Psychology Program Fee of $209. Students also pay a Student Service Fee of $157 per semester. In spite of that, Eastern promotes its “affordable tuition rates” and provides financial aid options like partner grants, military benefits, and federal/state financial aid.
5. University of Scranton
The University of Scranton stands out among Pennsylvania’s Masters in Counseling programs with its on-campus counselor training center. Very few universities nationwide give students this exceptional advantage. Students can practice and refine their skills in a supportive learning environment at this facility.
Program overview
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares professionals to provide evidence-based, culturally competent counseling services in a variety of settings. The well-laid-out 60-credit curriculum has four main categories:
- Foundations of Professional Counseling (27 credits)
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Courses (15 credits)
- Clinical Experience (9 credits)
- Electives for Specialization (9 credits)
Graduates can help clients with everyday concerns and those who face emotional, cognitive, and behavioral challenges. Clinical experiences are the foundations of the program. Students must complete 100 hours of supervised practicum and 600 hours of supervised internship experience.
Accreditation
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has earned CACREP accreditation through 2031. This accreditation will give a clear path for graduates to meet all requirements for certification as National Certified Counselors (NCC). Students can take the National Counselor Examination before graduation. The program meets educational requirements for licensure as a Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania, with 3,000 post-master’s supervised practice hours needed for full licensure.
Delivery format
The university’s state-of-the-art facilities host most classes on campus. Students benefit from the dedicated counselor training center where they can practice counseling skills and record sessions to review and improve.
Tuition and duration
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program costs $757 per credit hour, bringing the total investment to approximately $45,420. Full-time students typically complete the program in 2 to 2.5 years. The university’s dedicated faculty mentors help with personal academic planning throughout the program. The job market looks promising, as mental health counselor employment should grow 18% from 2022 to 2032—much faster than the average for all occupations.
6. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana University of Pennsylvania stands out as the only counseling program in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The university serves students from its locations in Indiana, PA and Pittsburgh East with programs that adapt to students of all needs.
Program overview
The Department of Counseling and Human Development offers two master’s degree programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) and School Counseling (MEd). The complete 60-credit Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares graduates to work in community mental health agencies, correctional facilities, and private practice. Students receive extensive clinical supervision and faculty interaction throughout their educational trip. The training facilities feature innovative Landro technology—a system originally developed to analyze football plays. IUP became the first counseling program in the nation to use this system for clinical supervision. The award-winning faculty has earned the Pennsylvania Counseling Association’s Outstanding Counselor Education Preparation award three times.
Accreditation
The counseling programs have earned prestigious CACREP accreditation, which ensures graduates meet professional standards. Students are well-prepared to take the National Counselor Exam with this accreditation. The university holds institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. CACREP accredited the PhD program in Counselor Education and Supervision in January 2020, valid through October 2025.
Delivery format
Students can choose between courses at the main campus in Indiana, PA and Pittsburgh East. Working professionals can take advantage of evening classes for full-time or part-time studies. Both locations offer similar program options, making education accessible whatever your location.
Tuition and duration
The 2025-26 in-state graduate tuition is $534 per credit, while out-of-state students pay $801 per credit. In-state master’s students pay about $704 per credit with mandatory fees, bringing the 60-credit program total to $42,240. The university provides limited graduate assistantships that include partial tuition reduction and stipends for 10 or 20-hour weekly positions. Students typically complete the program in two to three years based on their enrollment status.
7. Villanova University
Villanova University takes a values-centered approach to its Masters in Counseling Pennsylvania programs. The university focuses on theoretical knowledge and practical skills that counselors need. The Augustinian Catholic tradition substantially influences its educational philosophy.
Program overview
The program features a 60-credit Master of Science in Counseling with two specializations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Students in both tracks take common core courses along with their specialized requirements. The clinical experience builds progressively – students start with pre-practicum activities, move to a 100-hour practicum, and finish with a 600-hour internship. These complete experiences have led to an impressive 100% job placement rate for graduates.
Accreditation
The counseling program has earned prestigious CACREP accreditation valid through October 31, 2032. This recognition will give a clear path for graduates to meet professional practice standards. Students consistently achieve a 100% pass rate on the National Counselor Exam. Villanova University also maintains its institutional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Delivery format
The master’s level counseling programs run exclusively on-campus. This setup helps build strong professional relationships between faculty and students, creating trusted classroom environments.
Tuition and duration
The 2025-2026 academic year costs $955 per credit hour. Students should plan for about $57,300 for the complete 60-credit program. The university offers significant tuition reductions – 40% for Catholic school employees and 20% for non-Catholic school employees. Students must also pay a general fee of $150 each semester and around $100 for course supplies.
8. Lock Haven University
Lock Haven University stands out among Pennsylvania’s top Masters in Counseling schools as the only public institution with a CACREP-accredited online counseling program. This difference helped secure its ninth position on Human Services Edu’s list of top 20 U.S. counseling programs for 2019-20.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program needs 60 credits and lets students specialize in Child and Adolescent Counseling or Military and Veterans Counseling. The program has grown to more than 120 students since its start in 2012. Students must complete 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours at locations like JusticeWorks and UPMC Susquehanna Hospital. The university has added certificate programs in foundations of trauma-informed care (6 credits) and trauma-informed counseling (12 credits).
Accreditation
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited the program through October 31, 2024. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education provides institutional accreditation to Lock Haven University through 2020-21.
Delivery format
The program runs entirely online and caters to working professionals. It follows a cohort model and accepts up to 25 students each fall, spring, and summer semester.
Tuition and duration
Students who study full-time can finish the program in 2.5-3 years, while part-time students take 3.5-4 years. Pennsylvania residents pay $759 per credit, and non-residents pay $1,038 per credit.
9. Waynesburg University
Waynesburg University stands out among Masters in Counseling Pennsylvania options as the first to offer a CACREP-accredited Addictions Counseling concentration in the state. This trailblazing institution provides complete counseling education with impressive student outcomes and flexible learning options.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Counseling program features two specialized concentrations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Addictions Counseling. Students need a bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA, personal statement, resume, interview, and writing sample. The curriculum connects theory with clinical practice through a cohort model that promotes community among students. The university’s Substance Use Disorder University Workforce Development Program provides up to $32,000 in stipends and tuition support to qualified students.
Accreditation
The counseling program has earned prestigious CACREP accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Student success rates show remarkable results – 97% completion rate for all graduates and 100% pass rate on the National Counselor Examination. This accreditation will give graduates a solid foundation to meet rigorous standards for professional practice in Pennsylvania.
Delivery format
Students can choose from three flexible options:
- 100% online instruction
- Traditional classroom setting
- Hybrid format combining both approaches
This versatility lets working professionals pick the learning environment that matches their priorities.
Tuition and duration
The 60-credit program costs $715 per credit, with a total cost of approximately $42,900. Full-time students complete the program in 20 months (five semesters). Courses run in convenient 8-week sessions. The educational costs stay competitive compared to many private institutions in Pennsylvania.
10. Gannon University
Gannon University students have achieved a perfect 100% first-time pass rate on the National Counselor Exam for their Masters in Counseling Pennsylvania program. Their scores have consistently outperformed national averages for CACREP programs in the last decade. These remarkable results showcase the program’s excellence in counselor preparation.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program requires 60 credit hours. Students progress through their studies in small cohorts of 20 or fewer participants. This CACREP-accredited program prepares counselors to work in a variety of professional settings. Graduates can work at mental health agencies, hospitals, university counseling centers, and residential treatment facilities. The program’s 1:10 faculty-to-student ratio ensures personalized attention. Students complete over 60 hours of closely supervised counseling lab training before they start their 700 required clinical hours at one of 25+ placement sites.
Accreditation
The program’s prestigious CACREP accreditation comes from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This credential makes shared opportunities available for graduates to get National Counselor Certification (NCC) and licensure as Professional Counselors (LPC) in Pennsylvania. The program’s graduates have successfully earned their licenses in several other states including Ohio, New York, Colorado, Florida, and Connecticut.
Delivery format
Students attend face-to-face courses with some remote modules available. The university believes in-person training plays a vital role in counselor preparation, so no courses run completely online. Classes remain intimate with 9-18 students on average.
Tuition and duration
Students typically complete the program in 2 years and 9 months. Each credit costs $835, bringing the total program cost to $49,500. Students planning for 2025-2026 should budget for additional semester fees: $550 university fee, $10 APB fee, and $20 SGA fee. Qualified applicants may be eligible for financial aid to help with expenses.
11. Neumann University
Neumann University takes a complete approach to its Masters in Counseling Pennsylvania program. The program builds on Franciscan tradition that values human dignity and spiritual well-being. This unique view sets it apart from other clinical mental health counseling master’s programs in Pennsylvania.
Program overview
The Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling provides a 60-credit Master of Science degree program. Students can also pursue certificate programs for advanced study (CAS) and Certified Pastoral Care Specialist (CPCS). The curriculum respects individual dignity and helps students understand people and groups from a developmental view. The program equips counselors to handle mental and spiritual needs in a culturally diverse world. Students must complete 20 required courses that blend counseling with spirituality in a clinically responsible way.
Accreditation
The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The board has extended the current accreditation to October 31, 2025. However, there is a warning sanction that requires a progress report by May 15, 2025. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited Neumann University as an institution.
Delivery format
We offered face-to-face instruction with web-enhanced components and small class sizes. Students attend classes on weekdays during late afternoon and evening hours throughout fall, spring, and summer semesters. This schedule works well for working professionals and creates an interactive learning environment that counselor training needs.
Tuition and duration
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program charged $795 per credit for 2022-2023. The complete program costs approximately $47,700. Full-time students usually finish their degree in 3 years, while part-time students take about 4 years. Students must complete all degree requirements in no less than two years and no more than five years.
12. La Salle University
La Salle University has two distinguished Masters in Counseling Pennsylvania programs that prepare students for different yet complementary mental health careers. Both programs focus on skill training with intensive clinical preparation to help students obtain professional licensure.
Program overview
La Salle has two accredited counseling programs: the M.A. in Professional Clinical Counseling (PCC) and the M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Students need 60 credit hours to complete the PCC program and become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Pennsylvania. Small class sizes give students individual faculty attention and multi-disciplinary training. Students learn to develop their counselor identity, understand their role, and practice ethically. Field experience requirements include a 100-clock-hour practicum with 40 direct client hours and a 600-clock-hour internship with 300 direct client hours.
Accreditation
The Professional Clinical Counseling program maintains CACREP accreditation while the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy accredits the Marriage and Family Therapy program. The MFT program will undergo its next accreditation review in April 2024. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education provides institutional accreditation to La Salle University.
Delivery format
Students can choose part-time or full-time study options that fit their schedules. Working professionals can attend classes scheduled during late afternoon and evening hours.
Tuition and duration
The Professional Clinical Counseling program’s tuition costs $1,015 per credit for 2025-2026. Students pay approximately $60,900 for the complete program. Full-time students typically finish the program in two years.
13. Pennsylvania State University
Penn State University offers a Masters in Counseling program that focuses on professional skills, respect for human diversity, and evidence-based practices. The program’s success speaks through its 100% job placement rate for graduates.
Program overview
The Counselor Education M.Ed. program features three CACREP-accredited specializations:
- Career Counseling
- School Counseling
- Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling in Schools and Communities
Students can prepare themselves to work in a variety of settings through this 60-credit curriculum. These settings include educational institutions, community agencies, hospitals, and addiction services. The program pairs students with university coordinators and agency supervisors to complete required internships.
Accreditation
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited all three program specializations. The university also holds institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Delivery format
Students need two years of full-time study or equivalent time to complete the program. The program starts in fall semester with a well-laid-out course sequence.
Tuition and duration
The 60-credit program costs about $39,248 in total tuition. Pennsylvania residents pay by a lot less than non-residents for the 2024-2025 academic year. New students must prove their English language skills through standardized tests like IELTS.
14. Carlow University
Carlow University’s Masters in Counseling program in Pennsylvania combines compassionate service with professional excellence. The Pittsburgh-based program builds on the Sisters of Mercy’s humanitarian legacy and social justice principles.
Program overview
The MS in Professional Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track needs 60 credits to complete. Students take 51 core courses and 9 electives. The program requires over 700 clinical hours through practicum and internship experiences. Students can choose specialized concentrations in Adult, Child and Adolescent, Clinical Evaluation, Corrections, Trauma-Informed, and Generalist tracks. The core coursework covers human growth, counseling theory, ethics, diagnosis, and trauma-informed approaches.
Accreditation
CACREP accreditation runs through 2029. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education provides institutional accreditation to Carlow University. Graduates meet Pennsylvania’s Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential requirements.
Delivery format
Students learn in a supportive, campus-based environment. The evening class schedule works well for professionals who want to study full-time or part-time.
Tuition and duration
The 2025-2026 tuition rate is $1,015 per credit. The complete program costs about $60,900. Most students finish their degree in 2.5-3.5 years. Full-time students can take three courses each semester, while part-time students take two.
Choose the Right Masters in Counseling in PA
Picking the right Masters in Counseling program requires you to think over multiple factors. You’ve explored 15 outstanding Pennsylvania schools that provide paths to counseling careers. These programs share several qualities and each has unique strengths that could match your professional goals perfectly.
CACREP accreditation is a vital credential most top programs have. It ensures curriculum quality and makes it easier to transfer licenses between states. Program flexibility varies substantially – Lock Haven University offers completely online options while Gannon University focuses on traditional face-to-face teaching. Many schools also provide hybrid formats that work well for professionals.
State universities charge around $42,000 while private schools like La Salle University cost up to $60,900. Your decision should balance program quality and specialization options with these financial aspects.
Pennsylvania schools offer remarkable specialization tracks. You can focus on clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, creative arts therapy, or addiction counseling to match your career goals.
Clinical experience is the life-blood of counselor education. Students complete 100 hours of practicum and over 600 internship hours. This hands-on training is a great way to get ready for professional practice after graduation.
Counseling graduates enjoy excellent job prospects. Many programs have impressive placement rates – some reaching 100%. Mental health counseling positions are expected to grow 18% through 2032, which shows the value of your educational investment.
This complete overview of Pennsylvania’s finest counseling programs helps you review which school best matches your career goals, priorities, and budget. Starting your journey toward becoming a licensed professional counselor begins with picking the right educational foundation – a choice that shapes your professional future.