10 Top Masters in Counseling Colorado Programs: Online & Campus Options
Want to build a rewarding career with a master’s in counseling degree from Colorado? You’re on the right track. Colorado stands among the five top-paying states for marriage and family therapists. These professionals earn an impressive mean annual salary of $73,040 as of 2021. The employment outlook looks even better – marriage and family therapists in the state will see a 22.1% growth between 2020 and 2030. This rate substantially exceeds the national average of 16%.
The state’s counseling programs let you shape a career path that matches your interests. Colorado houses 14 schools with programs in five main counseling areas. These range from mental health to substance abuse counseling. The job market shows promise too. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors will see reliable job growth of 23% over the next decade. Mental health counselors specifically can expect a 36% rise in job openings by 2030.
Students who just need flexibility can choose from seven schools in Colorado that offer hybrid and online counseling degrees. The University of Northern Colorado stands out with its hybrid Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. This piece covers 10 top schools offering Masters in Counseling programs in Colorado. You’ll find details about programs, accreditation, admission requirements, and costs that help you pick the right path for your counseling career goals.
1. University of Northern Colorado
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) stands out as one of the best masters in counseling programs with its complete Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program. This nationally recognized program will give you the skills you need to work with clients of all ages through academic preparation, clinical training with live supervision, and field experience opportunities.
Program overview
UNC’s master’s program helps you become skilled at individual and group counseling, diagnosis and treatment planning, counseling theories, and ethical practices. You’ll learn from expert faculty members who bring their research and clinical experiences to the classroom. The curriculum includes these key areas:
- Theories of counseling and treatment approaches
- Individual and group counseling techniques
- Diagnosis and treatment planning
- Ethical and legal aspects of clinical mental health counseling
- Family systems and psychological consultation
The field shows a projected growth rate of nearly 30% – almost three times higher than other professions. Graduates work successfully in community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, health care facilities, residential treatment centers, and private practices.
Accreditation & format
The CMHC program has full accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This respected accreditation helps you become a Nationally Certified Counselor after graduation and will give you academic preparation that meets licensure requirements nationwide.
UNC offers three location options to match different student priorities:
- Greeley campus: Traditional semester-long format with weekly classes, Monday through Thursday during daytime hours, and some weekend courses
- Denver Center: Intensive weekend format that works well for professionals
- Loveland Center: Weekend-based format like Denver
The Denver and Loveland centers run courses on an intensive weekend schedule (Friday 4pm-10pm, Saturday 8am-5pm, Sunday 8am-4pm). Students take one course at a time over two weekends. This schedule lets professionals keep their full-time jobs while studying.
Admission requirements
The program’s admission requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from your most recent degree
- Three academic or professional recommendation letters
- A statement of goals
- Attendance at a pre-admission workshop (offered three times yearly)
Students with GPAs below 3.0 must submit GRE scores: minimum 140 Quantitative, 146 Verbal Reasoning, combined score of 297, and 3.5 Analytical Writing.
Each location has different application deadlines – Greeley (December 1 for fall/summer), Denver (rolling admissions), and Loveland (March 1 priority, April 15 standard).
Tuition & duration
UNC’s Masters in Counseling program needs 60-72 credit hours to graduate. The core program requires 60 credits, but you might need extra elective credits for specific certifications. Most students take full-time loads (9+ credits per semester), though part-time options exist.
The university charges tuition per credit hour with a cap at nine credit hours each semester for most graduate programs. Check UNC’s tuition estimator tool for current rates, which change based on your program and residency status.
UNC also offers a path to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) through extra courses at the Denver Center and Greeley campus.
2. Colorado Christian University
Colorado Christian University (CCU) stands out among Colorado’s counseling masters programs with its faith-based counselor education approach. CCU runs one of America’s largest counseling programs. Students can choose from several specializations that prepare them for counseling careers while learning Christian principles throughout their studies.
Program overview
CCU’s School of Counseling offers CACREP-accredited master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Students can focus on Marriage and Family Therapy or Substance Use Disorders. The program combines faith, hands-on experience, and counseling theory. This creates a complete learning environment that shapes culturally aware professional counselors. Students learn counseling theories through both Christian and cultural perspectives.
CCU’s program lineup includes:
- Master of Arts in School Counseling
- Dual Degree track combining Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling
- D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Undergraduates can take advantage of CCU’s dual degree program. This lets them earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology while getting credits for their Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Accreditation & format
CCU’s counseling degrees hold prestigious accreditations that guarantee quality education. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs have national accreditation from CACREP. The Ph.D. program follows CACREP standards and is working toward accreditation. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association accredits all CCU counseling degrees.
Working professionals can choose from flexible formats:
- 100% online or hybrid in-seat/online options
- Seven-week course blocks, two courses at once
- Classes in Lakewood and Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Three mandatory on-campus residencies
Admission requirements
CCU carefully reviews each candidate through several factors. You’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- At least 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (2.0-2.49 GPA might qualify for conditional admission)
- A complete application with essay, transcripts, and fees
- An updated resume or curriculum vitae
- A clean criminal background check
- A writing sample
- Success in admission interviews
New students go through an assessment in their first semester. This reviews their academic work, counseling skills, and professional behavior to ensure they’re on track.
Tuition & duration
Students can finish the 60-credit Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in 30 months while working full-time. Clinical Mental Health Counseling courses cost $698 per credit hour. School Counseling courses run $557 per credit hour.
Course fees include residency costs ($650-$800 each), technology resources ($51 per credit), and materials ($20 per credit). Military members get special rates for School Counseling at $350 per credit hour.
Graduates are ready to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). These tests help them get licensed in Colorado and many other states.
3. University of Denver
The University of Denver (DU) has a Masters in Counseling program that shapes thoughtful, self-reflective practitioners through a blend of theory, research, and hands-on clinical experience. The Counseling Psychology program at DU’s Morgridge College of Education connects theory, research, practice, and policy while tackling critical social justice issues.
Program overview
DU’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology gives you two distinct paths:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration (90 credit hours): This path will prepare you for licensure as a Professional Counselor in Colorado. The program has practical experience through community-based practicums and internships, among training at DU’s in-house Counseling and Educational Services Clinic.
- Research concentration (72 credit hours): This path works best if you plan to pursue doctoral studies or research-focused careers.
The faculty brings expertise in key areas like racism and mental health, access and equity in higher education, multicultural processes in counseling, and culturally sensitive health promotion. Their knowledge will improve your readiness for various career opportunities in independent practice, community health settings, and higher education.
Accreditation & format
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). This accreditation shows the program meets high standards for counselor education. You can apply to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado after completing the program and gaining two years of post-master’s field experience.
The program takes an all-encompassing approach to mental health education by combining innovative research with practical clinical skills. Students get extensive hands-on training through the university’s in-house clinic, which sets DU’s counseling program apart.
Admission requirements
You’ll need these qualifications for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum 2.5 GPA (overall or in last 60 semester/90 quarter credits)
- A complete application with:
- Two essays: Statement of Personal/Professional Goals and Statement of Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice
- Current resume/CV
- Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Two letters of recommendation (three encouraged for PhD applicants)
- $65 application fee
Program faculty might invite qualified applicants for an interview, though not everyone needs one for admission. International students must pass English proficiency tests with minimum scores of 80 (TOEFL iBT), 6.5 (IELTS), or 169 (CAE).
Tuition & duration
You can complete the program in 24 months. This focused timeline helps you enter the profession quickly compared to longer programs. The program welcomed 41 new students and celebrated 65 graduates in the 2022-2023 academic year, showing strong enrollment and completion rates.
The Morgridge College of Education provides some form of tuition assistance to all admitted students, which might include Dean’s Scholarships and/or GRA/GTA/GSA tuition waivers. Students who qualify can also get federal/state financial aid through FAFSA.
4. Adams State University
Adams State University serves students from various backgrounds in rural Colorado through its readily available masters in counseling program. The university combines academic excellence with flexibility. This makes it a great choice for future counselors who want quality education without location restrictions.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Counseling at Adams State University features two specialized tracks: School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This 60-credit hour program meets state academic requirements for licensure as both a school counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado. Students receive detailed training that addresses the unique needs of people from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, especially when you have rural Colorado communities in mind.
Key program features include:
- Specialized tracks in school or clinical mental health counseling
- Detailed 60-credit curriculum
- Focus on serving diverse populations in rural settings
Accreditation & format
The program holds triple accreditation through The Higher Learning Commission, CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs), and the Colorado Department of Education. This prestigious recognition will give graduates the confidence that they meet professional standards across all delivery models.
Students can complete their counseling masters online with just two required one-week in-semester lab residencies on campus. The program takes 25-47 months to complete, based on your study pace. This setup helps students across the state, with special focus on Southeast and Southwest regions.
Admission requirements
Students need a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. The application steps include:
- Completing the online application
- Paying a $30 non-refundable application fee
- Responding to short essay questions (200-300 words each)
- Submitting two online recommendation forms from professional sources
- Providing all official transcripts from previously attended institutions
New cohorts start every Fall and Spring semester with rolling admissions.
Tuition & duration
Graduate tuition and fees for 2024-2025 academic year cost about $10,425 for Colorado residents and $5,898 for out-of-state students. Other costs include:
- Technology fees ($17.80 per credit hour)
- Capital fees ($97.38 per credit hour)
Students typically complete the program in 25-47 months. Fall cohort students follow a five-semester plan while Spring cohort students work through a seven-semester timeline. This well-laid-out approach helps students balance their studies with work and personal life.
5. Colorado State University
Colorado State University gives future counselors specialized training through its Counseling and Career Development (CCD) Master of Arts program. The well-laid-out curriculum creates a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Graduates learn to handle mental health challenges in a variety of populations.
Program overview
The CCD program at Colorado State University combines academics, research, and hands-on work to create ethical and culturally-responsive counselors. These counselors improve and promote mental health, well-being, and life quality for everyone. Students must finish a complete 48-credit-hour core curriculum and a 12-credit-hour specialization. The program has two key clinical experiences:
- A 100-hour counseling practicum
- A 600-hour internship in settings that match your specialization
Students who choose the Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization will become experts at providing integrated counseling services. They can work in settings of all types including inpatient and outpatient hospitals, residential facilities, hospice care centers, and private practice. This preparation meets American Counseling Association and American Mental Health Counselors Association standards.
Accreditation & format
The program holds accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This ensures your education meets strict professional standards and makes you eligible to become a National Certified Counselor.
Students who live in Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) member states or territories might qualify for resident tuition rates in the on-campus format. This makes the high-quality masters in counseling Colorado program available to more students throughout the western United States.
Admission requirements
The application process looks at candidates from all angles, though specific admission criteria aren’t detailed in the available information. Students who want to learn more should contact the department directly about requirements and application deadlines.
Tuition & duration
This Colorado program needs 60 total credit hours. Summer 2022 resident graduate tuition started at $601.90 for one credit hour. A full-time load (9+ credits) cost $5,417.10 per semester before fees. Non-resident rates began at $1,475.80 for one credit hour, with full-time tuition at $13,282.20.
Students must also pay general fees, technology fees, facility fees, and alternative transportation fees. The well-organized curriculum lets students complete their studies while keeping their jobs, though exact program duration details aren’t mentioned in the available materials.
6. Regis University
Regis University’s Masters in Counseling program aligns with its mission through a thought-provoking question: “How ought we to live?” This unique approach helps counselors to promote positive change while they retain their professional integrity.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Counseling at Regis delivers a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum that specializes in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. You’ll learn to treat mental health conditions in community agencies and private practices. The university’s Regis Center for Counseling, Family and Play Therapy lets students get hands-on experience. They provide mental health services to community members under faculty supervision at reduced costs. The program follows a scientist-practitioner-advocate model that combines empirical science with compassionate practice and social justice.
Accreditation & format
The counseling program has earned prestigious accreditation from three major bodies: the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs (IRCEP). Students attend most classes at the Thornton Campus, with some courses at the Northwest Denver campus. The flexible schedule offers:
- 7-week and 16-week on-campus terms
- Evening and weekend classes that work well for professionals
Admission requirements
The admission process requires you to:
- Have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Submit your online application
- Join an admission interview day that includes group discussions, a reflection essay, and peer evaluations
- Complete a criminal background check
The program values applicants with backgrounds in psychology or helping relationships, which can be shown through undergraduate studies, work experience, or personal psychotherapy.
Tuition & duration
Students typically complete the program in three years. Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year costs $896 per credit hour, bringing the total to about $53,760 for all 60 credits. Students must pay a non-refundable $350 deposit after acceptance. Regis College, a separate institution, charges $970 per credit hour for its MA in Counseling. Students should check current rates before applying. Graduates meet Colorado’s academic requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification.
7. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers a challenging path for future counselors who want complete preparation. The curriculum blends theory with hands-on skills and helps graduates succeed in a variety of mental health settings.
Program overview
UCCS’s 60-semester hour Clinical Mental Health Counseling program gives students expertise in human development, learning theory, group dynamics, and mental illness diagnosis. The well-structured curriculum combines core counseling basics with specialized clinical training through:
- 18 credit hours of foundation courses that cover individual counseling theories and human growth development
- 18 credit hours of professional counseling foundations that focus on measurement, career development, and crisis counseling
- 15 credit hours of community system training with practicum and internship experiences
Students can tailor their education by choosing electives or pursuing the Substance Use and Recovery Counseling emphasis. This path prepares them for Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) certification.
Accreditation & format
The program holds CACREP accreditation, which ensures it meets national excellence standards. Students can take the National Counselor Examination during their final semester thanks to this accreditation. The program runs in person with day and evening cohorts starting each June. Currently, no online option exists.
Admission requirements
Students must submit applications by December 1, 2025, for Summer 2026 admission. The selection process looks at:
- Academic performance history
- Written and oral communication abilities
- Experience in counseling or human services
- Personal growth dedication
- Career goals’ match with program objectives
- Recommendation letters
New students must finish the six-course “Core Experience” in their first year.
Tuition & duration
Students typically complete the program in 2-3 years. During 2023-2024, Colorado residents paid about $6,174 for 9 credit hours each semester. Non-residents paid approximately $12,429. The program’s participation in the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) allows students from western states to pay resident tuition rates.
8. University of Colorado Denver
University of Colorado Denver offers a comprehensive Master of Arts in Counseling program. Students can choose from five concentration tracks that prepare them for roles in community agencies and higher education institutions.
Program overview
The program features specialized tracks in clinical mental health, clinical mental health-multicultural, couple and family therapy, school counseling, and higher education and student affairs. Each pathway leads to specific career outcomes. The first four tracks help students qualify for professional licensure. The faculty’s research focuses on spiritual aspects of counseling, multicultural diversity, adolescent suicide, and career development.
Accreditation & format
The program requires 63 semester hours for most tracks, while the multicultural track needs 66 hours. All tracks maintain prestigious CACREP accreditation. Students complete core requirements before moving to specialization coursework. Clinical tracks require a 150-hour practicum and 600-hour internship. Students attend weekday evening classes with some weekend sessions.
Admission requirements
Students must have a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. The application package should include a resume, letter of intent, and three recommendation letters. Candidates participate in a half-day group interview that combines orientation, small group discussions, a writing task, and group activities.
Tuition & duration
Students typically finish the program in three to three-and-a-half years. The 2024-2025 graduate resident tuition costs about $9,606 per year. Non-resident students pay approximately $19,878.
9. Denver Seminary
Denver Seminary offers a unique blend of clinical counseling education and biblical studies through its Colorado-based master’s programs. This trailblazing institution made history as the first seminary to receive CACREP accreditation for its counseling program. Today, the program boasts a remarkable 96% pass rate on the National Counselor Exam.
Program overview
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) concentration equips students to practice effectively in a variety of clinical, educational, and ministry environments. Students get hands-on experience at the on-site Denver Counseling Center and can choose from more than 150 local clinics for internships. The school counseling track develops clinically skilled counselors who blend faith with K-12 school counseling education. Students in both tracks take part in the Personal Formation Program to enhance their professional development.
Accreditation & format
The seminary’s 60-year old status as the first CACREP-accredited seminary program continues today. This prestigious accreditation will give students quality educational preparation for their journey as Professional Counselors. Such recognition validates that the program meets industry standards and delivers consistent, high-quality education for counselor credentials. Students need three years of full-time study to complete the 60-credit hour curriculum.
Admission requirements
Students must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. The program requires all counseling applicants to pass a criminal background check. On top of that, candidates must verify they have read and follow the NAE Statement of Faith while agreeing to the Seminary’s Community Values.
Tuition & duration
The 2025-2026 tuition runs $720 per credit hour, with total program costs around $43,200 for all 60 credits. Students pay various fees, including a $225 Academic Resources and Technology fee during fall and spring semesters. Full-time students typically finish the counseling program in three years.
10. Metropolitan State University of Denver
Metropolitan State University of Denver offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Clinical Behavioral Health program with an Addictions Counseling focus that makes graduates stand out. Students can earn dual licensure as Licensed Addiction Counselors (LAC) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Colorado through this well-laid-out program.
Program overview
The curriculum blends research, skill development, treatment education, evidence-based practices and hands-on fieldwork effectively. Students learn through strengths-based approaches, systemic work, and cognitive-behavioral strategies. The coursework emphasizes ethical decision making, self-care, cultural awareness, professional writing, critical thinking and conflict resolution skills.
Accreditation & format
MSU Denver has Higher Learning Commission accreditation and actively seeks specialized credentials from the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program’s flexible schedule includes evening and weekend classes through a mix of on-campus, hybrid, and online formats.
Admission requirements
The program requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA minimum. Additional requirements include a resume, 500-1000 word essay, letters of reference, and an in-person interview.
Metropolitan State University of Denver tuition & duration
Students complete 60-66 credits at $585 per credit, with total program costs between $35,100-$38,610. Full-time students typically finish in 2.5-3 years, while part-time students take about 4 years.
Choose Your Colorado Masters in Counseling
Your career path as a mental health professional depends heavily on picking the right master’s in counseling program. Colorado makes an excellent choice for counseling education with great salary potential and strong job growth. Marriage and family therapists in the state will see a 22.1% growth through 2030 – this is a big deal as it means that it’s well above the national average. Mental health counselors can expect an even better outlook with a 36% rise in jobs.
You’ll find excellent schools with master’s-level counseling programs in Colorado. Each school brings something special to the table. Some offer specialized tracks in addiction counseling, clinical mental health, or school counseling. Others give you choices between online, hybrid, and traditional campus learning. Their teaching approaches range from faith-based methods to social justice frameworks.
These programs mostly have the prestigious CACREP accreditation that ensures high professional standards. You’ll need to complete 60-72 credit hours over 2-3 years. Working professionals can take longer with part-time options.
Program costs range from $35,000 to $54,000, and many schools offer financial help. Some universities are part of the Western Regional Graduate Program, which lets qualified out-of-state students pay the same rates as in-state students.
Colorado’s counseling programs cater to all kinds of learning styles, career goals, and personal situations. You might prefer the traditional campus life at the University of Northern Colorado, faith-based learning at Colorado Christian University or Denver Seminary, addiction counseling focus at Metropolitan State, or the innovative partnerships at Red Rocks Community College. There’s a program that lines up with your career dreams.
Your choice will come down to what works best for you: program style, specialty options, location, cost, and teaching philosophy. Whatever program you pick, these top Colorado schools will give you the knowledge, skills, and credentials you need. You’ll be ready to succeed in this fast-growing field and make real changes in people’s lives.