9 Best Masters in Counseling Missouri Programs
Mental health conditions affect nearly a million adults and 68,000 youth in Missouri, making qualified counseling professionals more important than ever. These numbers represent real people who need support to handle life’s challenges.
The career outlook for mental health counselors looks promising with a projected 14% growth by 2030. This makes counseling degrees in Missouri a smart investment for your future. Missouri offers plenty of options for aspiring counselors. Students can choose between flexible online master’s programs or traditional campus learning. The state’s educational landscape includes respected institutions like the University of Missouri, Evangel University, and Missouri State University. These schools provide CACREP-accredited programs that cover clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. This piece explores the top 9 Master’s in Counseling programs in Missouri to help you choose the right path for your career.
Truman State University – MA in Counseling
Truman State University leads Missouri’s counselor education with its complete Master of Arts in Counseling program. Students looking for a counseling degree in Missouri will find specialized tracks that prepare them for licensure and build core skills for professional practice.
Program overview
Truman’s MA in Counseling program gives students the knowledge they need to become thoughtful practitioners in counseling. Students can choose between two specialized tracks:
- Mental Health Counseling: Prepares you for community-based work as a Licensed Professional Counselor
- School Counseling: Gives you skills to meet academic, career, and personal/social needs of culturally diverse students as a Certified/Licensed School Counselor
The specializations focus on developing five key areas:
- Building effective counseling relationships
- Enhancing cultural awareness
- Developing professional counseling skills
- Practicing ethical reflection
- Implementing wellness, prevention, and intervention strategies
Each track needs 60 credit hours with practicum and internship experiences that give supervised field-based training. Graduates meet all curricular requirements to pursue entry-level licensure or certification in their chosen area.
Accreditation & format
The program’s curriculum lines up with the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. Both Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling tracks have earned CACREP accreditation. This recognition shows the program meets professional standards and helps with licensure in multiple states.
Students can complete this program entirely online through a research-supported cohort model built for working professionals. The cohort approach promotes a supportive learning community while offering flexibility for busy adults.
New students can start in fall or spring semesters. Fall and spring courses follow traditional semester timing, while summer classes run for 10 weeks. Students can transfer up to six hours from a CACREP-accredited counseling program toward their degree.
Tuition & affordability
Students pay flat-rate tuition of $541 per credit hour. The total estimated tuition reaches $32,460 for all 60 required credits. Truman keeps costs lower by not charging extra fees for campus attendance or online learning.
Full-time students’ estimated annual cost for 2025-26 breaks down to $27,492:
- Tuition: $10,512
- Books and supplies: $1,000
- Living expenses: $12,050
- Personal expenses: $2,500
- Transportation: $1,430
Students enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester can get financial aid. Full-time aid status requires nine credit hours. Truman’s Financial Aid Office can provide more details about assistance options.
Career preparation
Truman State University’s Career Center offers extensive resources to help students succeed after graduation:
- Individual and group career counseling sessions
- Alumni networking opportunities
- A dedicated career library
- Interview preparation workshops
- Resume development and employer referrals
- On-campus recruitment events
Last year, students connected with 110 recruiting organizations at Truman State University. The program’s practicum and internship experiences provide supervised training under university faculty and qualified counselors.
Licensed Professional Counselor candidates typically complete additional post-master’s internship hours under qualified supervision before full licensure. School Counseling graduates face similar requirements in some states. Truman maintains an updated website with state licensure information to help graduates through this process.
Evangel University – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Evangel University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program blends Christian principles with professional counseling theory and practice – perfect for students looking to add faith-based elements to their counseling degree.
Program overview
The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Evangel University teaches students to blend Christian faith with evidence-based interventions and trauma-informed care. Students need 60 credit hours to meet the coursework requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification in Missouri. The curriculum also meets licensing requirements in other states, which makes it great for students planning to practice outside Missouri.
Students learn both theory and hands-on application. The program builds your skills to provide mental health services in:
- Community mental health facilities
- Private practices
- Medical facilities
- Substance abuse programs
- Correctional facilities
The program prepares students for key licensing exams like the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) and National Counselor Exam (NCE). Students can take these exams before graduation, which gives them an early start in the licensing process.
Accreditation & format
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has fully accredited this Clinical Mental Health Counseling program through October 31, 2027. This respected accreditation shows the program’s quality standards, stability and reputation in counselor education.
The program follows this timeline:
- Summer semesters combine residency with two courses in a 7-week block
- Fall/Spring semesters last 15 weeks
- Students usually take 6-9 credit hours each semester
- Classes mix live sessions with self-paced learning
Students typically finish in nine consecutive semesters, though qualified candidates can choose a faster 7-semester track. The program starts with a 7-week summer session in mid-June and requires an evening orientation.
Tuition & affordability
Students find the program’s tuition rate of $420 per credit hour very competitive. The total tuition for this 60-credit program comes to about $25,200.
Full-time graduate students (6 credit hours) pay these costs each semester:
| Expense Category | Cost per Semester |
| Tuition (6 hrs) | $2,076 |
| Fees | $100 |
| Books & Supplies | $342 |
Living expenses range from $3,388 to $4,368 per semester, depending on housing choices.
Evangel provides several financial aid options. Students must complete the FAFSA for federal aid access. Those with employer tuition reimbursement need to provide relevant information.
Career preparation
Graduates can work in many mental health settings. The program fulfills all educational requirements for the LPC credential in Missouri. This opens doors to careers in community mental health, private practice, medical facilities, substance abuse programs, and correctional institutions.
The program’s focus on combining Christian faith with ethical counseling practices gives graduates a unique advantage in addressing client mental health concerns. Many employers and clients value this comprehensive approach to counseling.
Lindenwood University – MA in Counseling
Lindenwood University’s Master of Arts in Counseling program at its St. Charles campus stands out as one of the best in the St. Louis region. Students become skilled mental health professionals through a practical approach to counseling education. The program fits working professionals’ schedules with evening classes.
Program overview
The MA in Counseling gives you the foundation in psychology and hands-on training in counseling skills. Students can choose between two specialized tracks:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Prepares you to work in mental health settings with people of all ages and backgrounds
- School Counseling: Helps you become a certified counselor in K-12 settings with focus on academic, social-emotional, and career planning
Each track needs 48 credit hours of coursework and practical experience through practicum and internship components. The clinical mental health track has courses in grief counseling, appraisal of individuals, and adult diagnosis. Students complete one semester of practicum and two semesters of internship experience. The school counseling track features classes in human development, family consulting, and career services.
Accreditation & format
The Higher Learning Commission accredits Lindenwood University. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has applied for Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation. This credential makes it easier to transfer licenses between states.
Students can choose between on-campus and distance learning formats. Even the on-campus option needs some online classes to graduate. Evening classes run at convenient locations with small class sizes. This setup helps create strong mentoring relationships with faculty.
Tuition & affordability
The 48-credit MA in Counseling program costs $551 per credit hour, bringing the total tuition to about $26,448. Students in the College of Education and Human Services pay competitive rates compared to other graduate programs at the university.
| Payment Options | Details |
| Direct Corporate Invoicing | Available for employer-sponsored students |
| Corporate Promissory Note | For tuition reimbursement plans |
| Monthly Payment Plans | Available through student portal |
Half-time students taking at least three credit hours can apply for federal loans. Students over 60 can get a 50% scholarship. Employees of select companies, municipalities, and school systems might qualify for partial institutional grants.
Career preparation
The program’s graduates achieve great success. Recent data shows 93.8% of them found jobs or continued their education within six months of graduating. Graduates work in schools, mental health agencies, private practice, and specialized fields like marriage and family therapy or substance abuse counseling.
Recent surveys show impressive results. About 75% of graduates found full-time jobs while 25% work part-time. Graduates rated their job satisfaction at 8.75 out of 10 and felt exceptionally prepared by the program (9.25 out of 10).
Students complete hands-on internships throughout the St. Louis region. Faculty members’ professional connections boost these opportunities. After graduation, you’ll be ready to meet Missouri’s licensure requirements and start making a difference in the counseling profession.
University of Missouri-St. Louis – M.Ed. in Counseling
The University of Missouri-St. Louis has an M.Ed. in Counseling program that gives students specialized skills for mental health careers of all types. The program stands out because of its accreditation credentials and resilient career preparation resources.
Program overview
UMSL’s M.Ed. in Counseling program helps clinical mental health counselors serve the mental health needs of culturally diverse individuals, groups, couples, and families. Students can choose between two main specializations:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Students can pick electives in areas like couples and family counseling, addictions, career counseling, multicultural counseling, and play therapy
- School Counseling: Students learn to become counseling professionals in educational settings
The program has these core courses:
- Counseling theory and practice
- Ethical and professional issues
- Multicultural counseling
- Group procedures
- Individual inventory
- Helping-relationship skills
Students can tailor their education by choosing electives that match their career goals. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program got its original accreditation as a Community Counseling program in 2001 and changed to its current name in January 2014.
Accreditation & format
The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has fully accredited UMSL’s counseling programs. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track earned its CACREP accreditation in July 2012 and stays accredited through October 31, 2025.
Most classes meet on campus once a week from 5:30 pm to 8:20 pm, which works well for working professionals. On top of that, some courses are available online, either live or recorded, giving students flexibility to balance work and school.
Tuition & affordability
Graduate tuition at the College of Education for 2025-26 is $729 per credit hour for Missouri residents and $1,662 for non-residents. Students from Midwest Student Exchange Program states pay reduced tuition at $1,094 per credit hour.
| Expense Category | Missouri Resident | Non-Resident | Midwest Exchange |
| Tuition (per credit) | $729 | $1,662 | $1,094 |
| Books & supplies | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Food & housing (off-campus) | $14,656 | $14,656 | $14,656 |
| Personal expenses | $6,364 | $6,364 | $6,364 |
| Transportation | $2,000 | $2,000 | $1,944 |
Students can complete the program for about $26,911. They need at least six credit hours each semester to get financial aid, and nine credit hours to be full-time students.
Career preparation
UMSL’s counseling students get extensive career development resources. The program offers:
- Student Organizations: Recognized Student Organizations are a great way to get professional networking and skill development
- Career Services: Professional career counselors help with resumes, interview prep, internship placement, and full-time job connections
- Networking Advantages: The region’s largest alumni network connects students with leaders in business, research, non-profits, government, and community organizations
- Research Opportunities: Students can join the annual Graduate Research Fair and Three Minute Thesis challenge to showcase their research and possibly win cash prizes
The program aims to build a culturally diverse student community from local, regional, national, and international backgrounds. This mix of perspectives enriches learning and helps graduates work well with clients from different backgrounds. Graduates get lifelong access to career management programs, services, and resources that help at every career stage.
Missouri State University – MS in Counseling
Missouri State University stands out as a top choice for future counselors through its Master of Science in Counseling program at the McQueary College of Health and Human Services. The program gives students detailed training to help them make a real difference in the counseling field.
Program overview
Students can choose between two specialized tracks in the CACREP-accredited program at Missouri State:
- School Counseling (SC): Meets all requirements for elementary (K-8) and secondary (7-12) school counselor certification in Missouri
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC): Prepares students to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
Students need 60 credit hours to graduate from either track. The curriculum combines eight essential areas: professional identity, social/cultural foundations, human development, career development, helping relationships, group work, assessment, and research/program evaluation. Students learn to become ethical counselors who can work effectively with clients from different backgrounds.
Accreditation & format
The program has managed to keep its accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) since 2015. Each year, about 60-70 students join both specializations. Students need a bachelor’s degree and must have at least a 2.75 GPA (or 3.00 for the last 60 hours).
The selection team looks beyond grades. They review each candidate’s personal growth, people skills, emotional stability, and career potential. Students must keep a 3.00 GPA and follow professional ethics throughout their studies.
Tuition & affordability
Here’s what graduate students can expect to pay in 2025-26:
| Category | Missouri Resident (9 hours) | Non-Missouri Resident (9 hours) |
| Tuition and fees | $4,562 | $8,090 |
| Books and supplies | $400 | $400 |
| Total base cost | $4,962 | $8,490 |
Missouri residents pay around $9,124 for a full academic year (18 credit hours), while non-residents pay about $16,180. Some students might pay less through the Midwest Student Exchange Program or Missouri Outreach Graduate Opportunity scholarship.
Career preparation
School Counseling graduates can get their professional certification after they earn a valid Missouri teaching certificate or finish extra teaching courses. Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates meet the education requirements for LPC licensure, but they need 3,000 hours of supervised work after graduation.
Every student must pass a four-hour Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination before graduating. The program helps students become skilled professionals who can support their clients’ dignity, well-being, and growth in different settings.
University of Central Missouri – MS in Counseling
The University of Central Missouri runs a detailed MS in Counseling program that produces skilled counselors ready to practice in a variety of settings. The program stands out as one of just four public institutions in Missouri with prestigious accreditation and specialized pathways that meet professional standards.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Counseling at UCM comes with two specialized tracks:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Students learn to help clients with mental health challenges, relationship issues, and substance abuse problems
- School Counseling: Students can earn certification through DESE to work as counselors in K-12 settings
Both tracks need 60 credit hours, with a 3-credit practicum and 6-credit internship that totals 600 clock hours. Students get hands-on experience through unique programs like the Play Therapy Institute, where they can earn certification from the Association for Play Therapy.
Accreditation & format
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has certified UCM’s Counseling Program until October 31, 2026. UCM holds the honor of being Missouri’s longest continuously CACREP-accredited public institution.
The program helps graduates qualify for licensure across all 50 states. UCM’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling meets every state’s educational requirements from Alabama to Wyoming.