4 Accredited Master’s in Counseling Programs in Alaska

Alaska’s long, dark winters create a high need for mental health services, making it an ideal place to get a master’s degree in counseling. The state has fewer than 15 degree-granting institutions, but these schools provide excellent options to start your educational experience.

CACREP accreditation is the gold standard that you should look for in Alaska’s mental health counseling programs. The University of Alaska Fairbanks meets this standard and provides fully online, CACREP-accredited programs. These programs help students make a real difference in educational settings.

A master of science degree in counseling opens promising career paths. Clinical Mental Health Counseling program graduates earn an average of $66,730 annually. Marriage and family therapists can expect around $59,190 per year. The licensing process requires 1,500 hours of direct client contact and 200 hours of supervision. This piece looks at four accredited master’s degree counseling programs that will help you choose the right educational path.

1. University of Alaska Fairbanks – M.Ed. in School Counseling

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has a Master of Education in School Counseling program that leads to rewarding careers in school and career counseling positions throughout Alaska. This CACREP-accredited program is unique in the state. Students become culturally responsive professionals who can meet the needs of students in both rural and urban settings.

Program overview

UAF’s M.Ed. in School Counseling helps you become a certified school counselor while earning your master’s degree. The program takes a natural view that helps you develop skills to address students’ academic, personal, and career needs in K-12 education. Students get hands-on experience through research-based curriculum and practical field work.

The program stands out because it creates culturally aware counselors who can respond well to rural Alaskan communities’ needs. Students work with diverse student communities through partnerships with school districts of all types across the state. This hands-on experience helps develop practical skills suited to Alaska’s educational world.

On top of that, the program gives you detailed professional development to:

• Work directly with students across all educational levels
• Cooperate with parents, administrators, and educators
• Support student achievement through multiple intervention strategies
• Meet the needs of Alaska’s diverse student population

Great candidates for this program are caring, patient, and adaptable people who truly care about student success and wellbeing.

Accreditation and format

The program earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which means it meets the profession’s highest standards. UAF’s School of Education’s educator preparation programs also have Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation. These two accreditations prove the program’s quality in counselor education.

Students can access the program from anywhere. Classes happen through:

• Web-based synchronous class meetings
• Asynchronous online learning modules

Students can complete their education from any location in Alaska thanks to this flexible system. Most classes run in early evening, with some afternoon options now available for different schedules. Students who want in-person components can choose options in Anchorage or Fairbanks, with fieldwork chances throughout Alaska.

Admission requirements

The M.Ed. in School Counseling program needs you to meet several requirements. A bachelor’s degree is essential, preferably in human service areas like education, social work, psychology, or human services. The program also welcomes graduates from other majors who have human services experience or show strong motivation to enter counseling.

Here’s what you just need for the application:

1. Official transcripts with a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA
2. Resume/curriculum vitae showing relevant education, work, and volunteer experience
3. Statement of academic goals about your motivations and intentions
4. Three recommendation letters from professional, academic, or character sources
5. Faculty interview

Fall semester applications are due February 10. Space permitting, spring admission might be available with an October 15 deadline. The program doesn’t ask for GRE scores, which makes applying easier.

Curriculum highlights

Students must complete 60 credit hours and earn a B or better in all counseling courses. The curriculum covers counseling basics, theories, and applications while diving into topics specific to school counseling professionals.

Core courses include:

• Research in Counseling and Educational Settings (3 credits)
• Foundations of Counseling (3 credits)
• Counseling Skills (3 credits)
• Counseling Theories and Applications (3 credits)
• Developmental Interventions (3 credits)
• Child and Adolescent Development (3 credits)
• Career Development (3 credits)
• Appraisal for Counselors (3 credits)
• Professional Ethics (3 credits)
• Counseling for Addictions (3 credits)
• Multicultural Counseling (3 credits)
• Family and Couples Counseling (3 credits)
• Group Counseling (3 credits)

Students take extra concentration-specific courses based on their chosen path – Elementary, Secondary, or K-12 School Counseling. The Elementary concentration, as an example, needs 21 more credits in Field Practicum, Internship I and II, Introduction to School Counseling, Advanced School Counseling, Child Psychopathology, and an approved elective.

Students get real experience through supervised field placement. They must submit an FBI national-level criminal background check before working with clients.

Pricing and financial aid

UAF’s graduate program costs depend on where you live. Alaska residents pay $555 per credit. Non-residents pay $1155 per credit. The 60-credit program costs about $33,300 for residents and $69,300 for non-residents.

Here’s what a typical 9-credit semester of 600-level courses costs:

• Alaska residents: $5,670 for tuition and fees
• Non-residents: $11,070 for tuition and fees

Students can get help paying for school. The Financial Aid Office helps with scholarships, grants, loans, and jobs. You can get aid if you’re in an eligible program, are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, maintain good grades, and meet other basic requirements.

UAF offers several aid options. Alaska high school graduates might qualify for the Alaska Performance Scholarship, which gives up to $7,000 yearly. Students can also work on campus – UAF has over 1,000 student jobs across its locations.

Career outcomes

Recent graduates work in many educational settings. All recent school counseling graduates now work in Alaska’s education field. Common jobs include:

• School counselors at elementary, middle, and high school levels
• Career counselors
• College prep counselors
• Graduation success coaches

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says school counselor jobs will grow by 13% over the next decade – much faster than other jobs. More students nationwide create this high demand for qualified professionals.

Graduates can expect good salaries. Alaska’s school counselors earn about $66,730 on average. This amount beats the national median of $56,310, showing Alaska’s high demand for qualified counselors.

Program graduates can become certified school counselors in Alaska. Requirements vary by state for those seeking certification elsewhere, so check your state’s specific guidelines.

2. University of Alaska Fairbanks – M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has Alaska’s only Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program. The program prepares students to become licensed professional counselors. Students learn through a challenging curriculum based on current research and get chances to apply their knowledge in ground settings.

Program overview

UAF’s Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares culturally aware counselors who serve Alaska’s diverse communities well. Students learn to work with rural clients and address the state’s unique mental health needs in communities of all sizes.

Students get the best of both worlds. They have a large university’s resources and the personal attention typical of smaller colleges. Faculty members with extensive practical experience guide students throughout their educational trip.

Graduates are ready to serve Alaska’s unique communities. They understand the challenges of working in rural and remote locations. This specialized knowledge makes employers throughout the state eager to hire UAF graduates.

Accreditation and format

The program has accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This quality mark helps graduates find jobs and makes the licensure process easier in many places.

Students can take the program from anywhere since it’s fully online. The program uses:

• Live web-based class meetings
• Self-paced online learning modules

Classes usually meet in early evening. The program now offers afternoon sessions to fit different schedules. Working professionals can earn their degree without moving or leaving their jobs.

Admission requirements

The program has specific entry requirements. Fall semester applications are due February 10. Spring admission might be available if space allows (deadline October 15). You’ll need:

1. A bachelor’s degree, preferably in human services like education, social work, psychology, or human services
2. A 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA
3. A professional resume showing relevant education, work, and volunteer experience
4. A statement about your academic goals, motivations, and plans
5. Three recommendation letters from professional, academic, or character sources

You must interview with counseling faculty as part of the process. The program doesn’t require or look at GRE scores, which makes applying easier.

You’ll need to submit an FBI background check before starting client work during field practicum or internship.

Curriculum highlights

Students must complete 60 credit hours and earn a B or better in all counseling courses. The curriculum covers core counseling skills and specialized training for clinical mental health practice.

Core courses include:

• Counseling Interventions for Adults
• Field Practicum
• Internship I and II
• Adult Development
• Multicultural Psychopathology
• Department-approved elective

Students get hands-on experience through supervised field placement. They work with licensed counselors in actual clinical settings during practicum and internship. Many students also publish research with faculty and present at professional conferences.

Students must pass a comprehensive exam to graduate. The program’s graduates have a 100% pass rate on comprehensive examinations, which suggests excellent academic preparation.

Pricing and financial aid

The program is an investment in your future career. Recent data shows UAF’s graduate program tuition varies based on where you live. Alaska residents pay less than non-residents.

Non-resident graduate students pay about $22,140 yearly, while Alaska residents pay about $11,340. These costs add up since you need 60 credits to graduate.

Students can use federal loans and scholarships to help with costs. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check if you qualify for federal aid.

Career outcomes

UAF’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates find jobs easily. About 85% work in their field within Alaska, and 15% work elsewhere. These numbers show how well the program prepares counselors for the job market.

Graduates earn good salaries too. UAF counseling graduates in Alaska make around $67,000 yearly, more than the $51,000 average for those working in other states. This shows how valuable a UAF degree is in Alaska’s job market.

Graduates work in many settings:

• Community health centers
• State and local government agencies
• Outpatient care centers
• Child and family service agencies
• Hospitals and trauma centers
• Employee assistance programs
• Private practice settings

Jobs look promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 23% more jobs for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2016 to 2026—much faster than average.

The program’s success shows its quality education and Alaska’s high demand for mental health professionals. Students come from different backgrounds, ages (22-69 years), and locations. Most are women, and they represent both urban and rural areas. This mix enriches learning and helps counselors serve Alaska’s diverse communities better.

3. Walden University – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Walden University lets you earn a master’s degree in counseling with its online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Unlike campus-based Alaska programs, you can complete your degree from anywhere and still keep up with your work and personal life.

Program overview

Walden University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program gets you ready for licensing exams and meets academic licensure requirements in many states. You can choose between a General Program track and six specialized paths that match your career goals. The specializations include Addiction Counseling, Forensic Counseling, Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, Military Families and Culture, Trauma and Crisis Counseling, and others.

Students build essential counseling skills throughout the program. The university uses counseling simulation software called Skillsetter that helps you practice critical skills in a safe environment before working with real clients. This hands-on approach works alongside classroom learning to prepare you for your counseling career.

The program stands out by letting you switch to their MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling program anytime during your studies. You can earn two counseling master’s degrees at once, which opens up more career paths.

Accreditation and format

The program has accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes. Many states require this accreditation for licensure.

You can complete the entire program online from anywhere. Working professionals find this format valuable since it lets them balance their education with other commitments. Online learning means you can study when it fits your schedule best.

Admission requirements

The program’s admission requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree from a CHEA or US Department of Education accredited institution
• Unofficial transcripts showing institution name, student name, grades earned, credits earned, degree earned, course names/numbers, and dates of attendance
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

The application process is simpler than many traditional programs. Walden doesn’t require GRE scores, which makes applying easier for many prospective students.

Curriculum highlights

You need 90 credits of core courses to complete the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program includes two pre-practicum labs for hands-on experience. Labs come in virtual format ($1,450 each) or in-person format ($1,550 each, plus travel, lodging, and other expenses).

Students learn about the mental health counseling profession’s history, philosophy, and theoretical foundations with a focus on real-life application. Core content areas cover:

• Introduction to mental health counseling profession
• History and theoretical foundations of counseling
• Scope of practice and credentialing
• Professional competencies
• Evidence-based treatment planning
• Therapeutic relationships with diverse populations

The program teaches professional counselor behaviors in clinical settings and shows you how to assess unique client needs in clinical mental health contexts.

Pricing and financial aid

Here’s what the program costs:

The Believe & Achieve Scholarship can reduce your tuition by $7,490, bringing the total down to about $45,540.

Several options can help with these costs. Walden offers tuition reductions including:

• 10% off for service members, veterans, or VA employees (or their spouses)
• 5% off for students referred by Walden alumni
• 25% off for spouses, parents, or children of enrolled Walden University students
• Up to 15% off for family members starting a new Walden program on the same date

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check if you qualify for federal aid. Books and materials cost extra, up to $4,500.

Career outcomes

The program shows strong results for graduates. Recent data shows 76% of graduates had full-time jobs after finishing. Among those who reported their status, 96% worked in their field or entered a doctoral program.

Graduate performance on licensing exams proves the program’s quality. In 2023-2024, 75% of eligible students passed the National Counselor Examination from the National Board for Certified Counselors. This beats the 69% pass rate from 2020.

Mental health counselors have excellent job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 18% job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. This is a big deal as it means that the growth rate surpasses most other jobs. Mental health counselors can earn between $36,700 and $70,130 annually.

Graduates can work in various settings like:

• Community mental health centers
• Private practice settings
• Addiction treatment facilities
• Marriage and family counseling centers
• Crisis intervention services

Walden also offers doctoral programs in counseling and related fields for those wanting to advance their careers further.

4. Walden University – MS in School Counseling

Getting your master’s degree in counseling online gives you more flexibility than traditional programs. Walden University’s MS in School Counseling offers a CACREP-accredited path to become a qualified school counselor. You retain control of your current professional and personal commitments.

Program overview

The MS in School Counseling program at Walden University prepares you to get licensure or certification as a school counselor. You’ll learn to support students of all backgrounds in PreK-12 settings. The program offers a General Program option and five specializations that match your career goals. These specializations help you build expertise in specific areas like addiction counseling, military families and culture, or trauma and crisis counseling.

Walden’s exclusive Virtual School stands out with realistic simulations. You’ll develop your professional counseling skills in a controlled environment before starting actual field experiences. You can switch to Walden’s MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling program anytime. This option lets you earn two counseling degrees at once and opens up more career paths.

Accreditation and format

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited this program. CACREP is a specialized accrediting body the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes. This prestigious accreditation shows quality assurance and many states require it for licensure.

The program has approval in Minnesota and Ohio. Many states need school counseling programs to have approval in at least one state. Most states accept this approval when they require state approval, but some might not.

You can complete the entire program online from anywhere. This flexible format helps you balance your education with work and family life.

Admission requirements

You’ll need these qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or US Department of Education
• Unofficial transcripts showing institution name, student name, grades, credits, degree, course details, and attendance dates
• A 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA

The application process is simpler than many traditional programs. You don’t need GRE scores, which makes applying easier for more students.

Curriculum highlights

You must complete 90 quarter credits. The program includes two pre-practicum labs for hands-on experience. Choose between virtual labs ($1,450 each) or in-person labs ($1,550 each, plus travel and lodging).

The curriculum teaches you about the school counseling profession’s history, roles, functions, and professional identity. You’ll study current school counseling program models, including the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national model. The program covers current issues, future directions, and challenges of being a professional school counselor.

After graduation, you’ll know how to:

• Combine counseling knowledge into evidence-based action plans
• Build collaborative relationships with diverse populations
• Create a professional counselor identity for school counseling

Pricing and financial aid

Here’s what you’ll invest in this program:

The Believe & Achieve Scholarship cuts your tuition by $7,490, bringing the total to about $45,540. Books and materials cost extra, up to $4,500.

Walden helps manage costs through various tuition reductions. These include discounts for service members, veterans, alumni referrals, and family of current students. Eligible students can get federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA.

Career outcomes

The job outlook for graduates looks promising. Among employed graduates, 82% work in their field or study in doctoral programs. From September 2023 to Fall 2024, 86% of eligible students passed the Praxis Exam.

Graduation rates show improvement. About 33% of students who started in 2018-2019 finished their degree. This beats previous years’ numbers. Many students work while studying, which can make completion take longer than traditional programs.

Graduates can work as school counselors in PreK-12 settings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% job growth for educational, guidance, and career counselors. Annual wages range from $40,140 to $78,780.

Keep in mind that licensing requirements differ by state. Research your state’s specific requirements. You might need a state-approved program, a license from Minnesota or Ohio first, or extra requirements before getting licensed.

Choose an Alaska Master’s in Counseling

Alaska’s master’s degree programs in counseling open unique doors to your professional growth. The state’s four CACREP-accredited programs provide different paths to meet the most important need for qualified mental health professionals. The University of Alaska Fairbanks emerges as the sole institution with in-state accredited programs. Walden University gives you flexible online options whatever your location.

Your career outlook remains promising after completing these programs. Alaska’s counseling professionals earn higher salaries than the national average. School counselors can expect approximately $66,730 annually. Clinical mental health counselors might earn around $67,000 per year in the state.

These programs need 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits along with practical field experiences that prepare you for ground challenges. The programs ask for a big investment. You can manage costs through scholarships, loans, and tuition reduction opportunities.

Alaska’s licensing requirements need your attention before program selection. The state asks for 1,500 hours of direct client contact and 200 hours of supervision after graduation. Programs with reliable practicum and internship components will prepare you better for these requirements.

Your specific career goals, preferred learning format, and geographic flexibility will shape which of these four counseling programs fits best. Alaska’s unique mental health needs combined with these quality educational pathways create excellent opportunities. Aspiring counselors can make a real difference in educational settings or clinical practice throughout the state.