11 Best Masters in Counseling Programs in Georgia [2025 Guide]
A master’s in counseling from Georgia programs can launch your career in this fast-growing field. Psychology remains one of the nation’s most popular undergraduate majors, and graduate-level counseling professionals command competitive salaries that match their expertise. Licensed mental health counselors in Georgia can expect to earn $65,925 per year, while top performers make more than $90,000 annually.
The job outlook for counseling graduates shows great promise. Experts predict an 18% growth by 2032, which means about 42,000 new job openings each year. These numbers are significant for Georgia, where a growing population of 9.6 million residents creates more demand for qualified mental health professionals. The state’s educational landscape offers various paths to match your career goals, whether you want clinical specializations or LPC programs that lead straight to licensure.
Your counseling degree can lead to many rewarding careers. Intervention specialists earn around $74,310 yearly, while community outreach coordinators make $51,620 annually. Let’s take a closer look at the 11 best master’s in counseling programs Georgia has to offer for 2025, so you can make the right choice for your future.
1. University of West Georgia
The University of West Georgia offers a powerful Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in Professional Counseling that prepares graduates for rewarding careers in counseling. This program ranks among Georgia’s most respected masters in counseling options.
Key features
UWG provides a complete program with two specialized tracks: School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Both programs have full accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Educational Related Programs (CACREP). This ensures quality education that meets industry standards. Students can complete the School Counseling track’s 60 semester hours in 2.5 years of full-time study. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track also needs 60 semester hours, usually finished in 3 years.
UWG’s student outcomes speak volumes. The 2023-2024 academic year showed remarkable results:
- 100% pass rate on the National Counselor Examination (NCE)
- 100% pass rate on the GACE School Counseling Content Tests
- Nearly 100% job placement rate for graduates
Clinical mental health focus
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track readies you to work in community settings, mental health facilities, hospitals, and clinical environments. The program maintains small cohorts with 42 active majors and 11 graduates in 2023-2024. This ensures individual attention.
The curriculum focuses on:
- Brief counseling approaches as foundations for client work
- Drug classification and effects on users
- Addiction and treatment models
- Assessment, diagnosis, and prevention strategies with individuals, families, and groups
UWG’s faculty prepares professional counselors to work with diverse populations across race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, class, ability, and religion.
Fieldwork and internships
Practical experience is the life-blood of UWG’s counseling programs. The fieldwork includes:
- Practicum: Students complete 100 site hours plus 52.5 supervision hours. They engage in individual and group counseling with diverse clients.
- Internship: Students gain ground experience through 600 on-site hours, including 240 direct service hours. They provide counseling services in field settings and receive biweekly group supervision focused on ethical issues, professional development, and case presentations.
Students often work at the UWG Counseling Center. They counsel 12-14 clients weekly and serve as co-therapists in counseling groups.
Admission and format
The program offers a flexible hybrid format. About one-third of courses are online, one-third hybrid, and one-third face-to-face. This helps students balance education with life commitments.
Admission requirements include:
- Minimum 2.7 undergraduate GPA
- Resume
- Personal statement (3-5 pages about your application reasons, strengths/weaknesses, and analysis of a current counseling issue)
- Faculty interview
The interview helps review emotional maturity, professional experience, program readiness, and communication skills. UWG also ranks among Georgia’s most affordable accredited universities for counseling master’s programs.
2. Mercer University
Mercer University shines among Georgia’s counseling master’s programs with a remarkable 95% first-time pass rate on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) in 2023. The institution’s College of Professional Advancement in Atlanta provides several paths to become a counseling professional.
Key features
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited Mercer’s counseling programs through March 31, 2033. The university stands out because it:
- Creates intimate classroom environments where students build lasting connections with professors and peers
- Employs faculty with strong credentials and rich clinical experience
- Provides continuous guidance from day one until graduation
- Doesn’t require GRE or MAT scores
Students who graduate from Mercer’s counseling programs score higher than the national average on professional examinations. This success spans their specializations in clinical mental health, school counseling, and clinical rehabilitation counseling.
LPC program structure
Students need 60 credit hours to complete the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The curriculum teaches students to help people from many backgrounds who face challenges like addiction, family problems, and emotional disorders. The core courses cover:
- Career development
- Group counseling and group work
- Counseling skills and techniques
- Psychopathology and diagnosis
- Social and cultural issues in counseling
Students attend a mix of online and in-person classes at the Atlanta campus. The program schedules in-person classes one night weekly during 16-week semesters to help working professionals. Full-time students typically finish in 30-42 months, though clinical fieldwork might need extra time.
Fieldwork and licensure
Students get hands-on experience through extensive clinical practice. The clinical mental health counseling program requires:
- Three semesters at an approved clinical site
- 15-20 weekly hours at the placement location
- 700 total clinical hours
Graduates can apply for the Associate Professional Counselor (APC) provisional license and later pursue full Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials. The program’s graduates achieved a 98.4% licensure examination pass rate in 2023-2024.
Admission and flexibility
The program adapts to student needs with:
- Three yearly start dates in January, May, and August
- Options to study part-time or full-time
- A blended format that mixes online learning with face-to-face classes
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with a good GPA from an accredited institution. The application package should include official transcripts, two professional recommendation letters, a résumé showing relevant experience, and a personal statement explaining their counseling career goals.
Graduates find rewarding careers in mental health centers, community agencies, private practices, hospitals, and various human services settings.
3. Georgia State University
Georgia State University offers a Clinical Mental Health Counseling MSc program that leads to licensure as a professional counselor. The CACREP-accredited program ranks among Georgia’s top counseling master’s programs. Students receive detailed clinical training at the Atlanta campus.
Key features
GSU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program runs as a full-time, 24-month curriculum. Students learn to work with clients of all backgrounds throughout their lives. The program focuses on:
- Psychological and emotional wellness
- Professional ethics and identity
- Social justice and advocacy
- Counseling theories and interventions
- Assessment and program evaluation
Students take core courses like Social/Cultural Issues in Counseling, Group Counseling Systems, and Professional Identity and Ethics in Mental Health Counseling. GSU serves a diverse student population. This diversity creates excellent opportunities for cross-cultural counseling experiences.
Clinical mental health counseling programs in Georgia
GSU stands out as one of Georgia’s premier clinical mental health counseling programs. The curriculum prepares students to work in mental health agencies, private practice, and community organizations. Students learn both theory and practical skills.
The program starts with foundation courses before moving to specialized clinical training. A three-semester practicum-internship concludes the program. Students work with real clients in community settings. This approach builds both theoretical knowledge and hands-on counseling skills.
Practicum and supervision
The practicum experience forms the life-blood of GSU’s counseling program. Students will:
- Work directly with clients in community settings
- Receive intensive individual supervision from licensed psychologists
- Participate in weekly case conferences
- Take part in group supervision sessions
Licensed psychologists help students develop therapeutic methods based on theory and research. The program builds on each student’s unique strengths. Each intern becomes part of the Counseling Center’s daily operations.
Admission and cost
Admission requirements include:
- Online application with a $50 fee
- Goals statement
- Resume
- Three recommendation letters
- Official transcripts (minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA)
- GRE scores (not more than five years old)
Tuition costs vary based on residency status. The full program costs:
- Georgia residents: approximately $9,552 per year
- Non-Georgia residents: approximately $30,216 per year
Students can apply for graduate assistantships through various colleges. These positions offer stipends and tuition waivers. The university notes that master’s degree holders earn about $10,000 more annually than those with bachelor’s degrees.
4. University of Georgia
UGA stands out as a top choice for future counselors with its MPCAC-accredited Mental Health Counseling program and its #1 ranked School Counseling specialization. Students can choose between clinical training and school-based counseling paths that match their career goals.
Key features
UGA’s M.Ed. in Professional Counseling (Mental Health Counseling) is a detailed two-year program that runs full-time with a cohort model. Students learn to work with different populations through 60 semester hours of coursework. The program puts a strong focus on social justice and helping underserved communities.
Graduates can apply to become licensed professional counselors (LPC) in Georgia. The program has these core areas:
- Interpersonal relationships and individual appraisal
- Ethics and professional issues
- Multicultural counseling and group counseling
- Cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodiagnosis
- Research methods and psychopharmacology
School counseling specialization
UGA offers something unique – a prestigious dual M.Ed./Ed.S. in Professional Counseling with School Counseling emphasis. This CACREP-accredited program earned the #1 spot nationwide in 2024 from U.S. News & World Report. Students complete 66 credit hours over two years to become certified school counselors in Georgia (S-6).
The program works closely with schools in metro Atlanta and Athens. Students who get picked for behavioral health training receive a $10,000 stipend during their internship year.
Internship and practicum
Hands-on experience is the foundation of UGA’s counseling programs. Mental health counseling students work with clients in four out of five semesters. Faculty members and on-site counselors provide close supervision. This real-life application helps students become skilled at clinical work.
School counseling students must complete 100 clock hours of practicum and 660 hours of internship in schools. They spend at least 40 hours during practicum and 240 during internship working directly with clients. This work includes one-on-one counseling, group support, and service-learning projects.
Admission and tuition
You’ll need these items to apply:
- Graduate School application
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement of purpose
- Current resume
- Three letters of recommendation
Starting Fall 2026, you won’t need GRE scores. Both programs share a December 1 application deadline.
In-state students pay about $8,878 for tuition plus $2,290 in fees each year. Out-of-state tuition is nowhere near as affordable at $25,186 plus the same fees. All the same, qualified students can get assistantships that cover tuition and provide stipends.
5. Thomas University
Thomas University in Thomasville, Georgia offers a unique online Master of Science in Counseling program. The program helps address the shortage of mental health professionals, particularly in rural communities.
Key features
The MSC program stands out with four specialized tracks: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Addiction Counseling, and Professional School Counseling. Students benefit from small class sizes with a 1:12 faculty-to-student ratio in core classes and a more focused 1:6 ratio during fieldwork supervision.
Doctoral-level professors with real-world experience teach all courses. Students complete a 60-credit hour program that has 45 foundational credits meeting licensure requirements and 15 credits focused on their chosen specialty.
Online counseling master’s programs in Georgia
Thomas University ranks among the few universities offering fully online counseling master’s programs in Georgia. Working professionals can balance their commitments while getting individual attention from faculty through the online format.
Graduates qualify to take both the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam and state professional counselor credentials. Students can take these exams after finishing 75% of their coursework, which means many graduate with certifications already earned.
Practicum and capstone
Clinical preparation requires 100 hours of practicum and 900 hours of internship fieldwork. Students can complete their clinical experiences in their local area. The program ends with a complete capstone class that prepares students for credentialing exams.
Students use the Typhon online tool for fieldwork documentation with a one-time $80 fee. The program achieves an 80% pass rate on the National Counselor Exam, well above the 63% national average.
Admission and affordability
Fall, Spring, and Summer terms accept new students without GRE or GMAT requirements. Graduate tuition costs $635 per credit plus a $100 per credit Graduate Program Fee.
Financial aid options make the program available to more students. The Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) grant provides stipends for students working in medically underserved areas. Students can also apply for graduate assistantships, which offer 9 credits of tuition remission for 225 work hours per semester.
The program’s success shows in its 100% employment rate for recent graduates.
6. Columbus State University
Columbus State University provides a unique Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Graduates can build careers in community settings such as mental health centers, hospitals, and residential treatment centers.
Key features
The counseling program holds national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Students benefit from a creative blend of hybrid, online, and face-to-face courses that match different learning priorities. This flexible format helps you maintain a balance between your studies and personal life.
The complete 60-semester hour curriculum covers eight essential areas:
- Human Growth and Development
- Social and Cultural Foundations
- The Helping Relationship
- Group Dynamics and Processes
- Lifestyle/Career Development
- Appraisal of Individual
- Research and Evaluation
- Professional Orientation
Dual track options
The counseling program helps create connections in various fields. Graduates can work among health professionals in different settings like hospitals, nursing homes, community agencies, and corporations. Many alumni also learn to establish their own private practices.
Fieldwork and licensure
The program meets educational requirements for Georgia’s Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) credential through the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists. CSU’s curriculum satisfies state educational requirements for licensure in both Georgia and Alabama.
Students must complete their fieldwork placements in Georgia. This requirement ensures proper supervision and alignment with state licensing standards.
Admission and cost
Application deadlines vary by semester:
- Fall: June 30th
- Spring: November 1st
- Summer: March 1st
Students need a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75. CSU makes education accessible through various financial aid options, including scholarships and federal student aid.
7. Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley State University ranks as the #1 affordable online degree in rehabilitation counseling according to Best Counseling Degrees. This 128-year old historically black university brings a unique approach to counseling education through its research and scholarship legacy.
Key features
The College of Education offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that requires 60 credit hours. The curriculum lines up with standards set by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and meets Georgia’s Composite Board of Professional Counselors requirements. Students learn about:
- Counseling theories and processes
- Career and lifestyle development
- Group theory and multicultural counseling
- Substance abuse and addictions counseling
- Clinical diagnosis and treatment
Hybrid format
FVSU’s approach differs from other Georgia counseling master’s programs by focusing on face-to-face or hybrid instruction. Students learn through lectures, internet activities, videos, community learning, guest speakers, and presentations. The program isn’t designed for online learning, but students might receive permission to take online courses in special cases.
Fieldwork and licensure
The practical training consists of three complete field experiences—a supervised practicum and two internships. These clinical placements give students hands-on experience in mental health settings and prepare them for professional practice. Graduates can pursue licensure as professional counselors in Georgia after completing supervised practice and passing required examinations.
Admission and affordability
Students need to submit:
- Completed graduate application with processing fee ($20 domestic, $75 international)
- Professional resume and statement of purpose (550-600 words)
- Three professional recommendations
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
FVSU’s tuition costs $3,788 less than the state average for CACREP-accredited counseling programs. The Warner Robins Center hosts all classes, making this academically strong program available at a reasonable price.
8. Piedmont University
Piedmont University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program takes a modern approach to counselor education through a fully online format that works well for professionals. This 60-semester credit hour program has 9 hours of supervised field experience and stands out as one of the most available counseling master’s programs in Georgia.
Key features
Students connect directly with faculty and peers through bi-weekly live synchronous sessions. You can earn your degree in just two years or take more time based on your schedule. Piedmont’s steadfast dedication to high educational standards shows in their active pursuit of CACREP accreditation.
Telemental health focus
Piedmont stands out among Georgia’s clinical mental health counseling programs by offering specialized training in telemental health counseling through their CNSL 6230 course. This innovative course helps you understand ethical, legal, clinical, and technical aspects of virtual counseling. The training prepares you for remote mental health services – a field that grows faster each year.
Practicum and licensure
The practical training gives you a detailed 700-hour supervised field experience. Students attend one-day residency/clinical training sessions at either the Demorest or Athens campus. Out-of-state students can choose virtual options. Graduates meet all educational requirements to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Georgia.
Admission and tuition
Students must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program doesn’t require GRE scores. Each credit hour costs $670, plus a $130 technology fee per semester.
9. LaGrange College
LaGrange College’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is CACREP-accredited. The program balances academic excellence with flexibility to meet each student’s needs.
Key features
Students can complete this complete 60 credit-hour program in two calendar years. The program prepares you to become a licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia. You’ll study addiction counseling, family counseling, and crisis/trauma/grief counseling. The learning experience combines readings, discussions, case presentations, and multimedia content.
Clinical mental health counseling programs in Georgia
LaGrange stands out by offering both campus-based and digital learning options. Students on campus attend weekly classes with hybrid elements. Online students can choose between live sessions or self-paced learning. This makes LaGrange one of Georgia’s most flexible counseling master’s programs.
Fieldwork and flexibility
The practical training starts with one semester of practicum where you’ll complete 40 direct hours and 60 indirect hours. This leads to three semesters of internship with 240 direct and 360 indirect hours. Your first year focuses on counseling theories, while the second year emphasizes real-life clinical experience.
Admission and cost
LaGrange makes quality education accessible with a free application process. The tuition cost is $740 per credit hour. Students can access financial aid, including a cancelable loan up to $20,000 per year if they plan to practice in Georgia.
10. Albany State University
Albany State University makes education accessible through their online Counselor Education Program. Students learn to help people from different backgrounds. The program gives aspiring mental health professionals flexibility and ground application.
Key features
ASU’s online Counselor Education Program offers Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling concentrations. Both CACREP-accredited programs need 60 semester hours. The program stands out because of its focus on multicultural competence and evidence-based interventions. Students can:
- Complete coursework at their own pace through accelerated or traditional paths
- Get ready for the National Counselor Examination
- Do fieldwork in their local area
- Graduate ready for licensure
Counseling master’s programs in Georgia
The clinical mental health counseling curriculum teaches evaluation, short-term counseling, and crisis intervention. Students in the School Counseling program learn academic, career, and social/emotional development support. Both programs build practical skills and teach advocacy to help remove barriers to client success.
Practicum and licensure
Students gain hands-on experience through a practicum (100 clinical hours) and two internships (600 clinical hours). Clinical mental health students work at local counseling centers and community agencies. School counseling students practice in elementary, middle, and high schools. Program completion leads to national certification and state licensure eligibility.
Admission and tuition
Regular status admission needs a 2.8 undergraduate GPA. Students with a 2.5 GPA can get provisional admission. Applicants must submit a professional statement and three references. The program accepts new students in summer and fall semesters. The Counselor Education Admissions Committee conducts interviews.
11. Agnes Scott College
Agnes Scott College’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling stands out with its unique approach to mental health counseling through an intersectional lens. Students complete this 60-credit hour program while learning about cultural influences on human behavior.
Key features
The program uses a cohort model that students complete in five consecutive semesters with face-to-face classes. Students can pick daytime or evening cohorts that fit their schedule. The application process is more straightforward since no GRE scores are needed.
Multicultural counseling approach
The program’s focus on cultural diversity makes it special. Students learn to review each theoretical framework through a multicultural perspective to understand how it applies to different populations. The program helps students understand their cultural background and hidden biases that shape their counseling approach.
Practicum and licensure
Students gain hands-on experience through Agnes Scott’s partnerships with over 25 placement sites, including art therapy centers, state universities, and mental health clinics. Graduates meet all requirements to become Licensed Professional Counselors in Georgia.
Admission and tuition
Students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to apply. The program costs about $57,600, and students pay a $110 program fee each semester.
Start Your Masters in Counseling in Georgia Today
Picking the right master’s in counseling program is a crucial step toward a rewarding mental health career. Georgia offers 11 exceptional counseling programs with distinct strengths, specializations, and learning formats. Students can choose from fully online programs at Thomas University and Albany State, hybrid models at University of West Georgia, or traditional campus learning at Agnes Scott College. These educational pathways match different career goals and personal needs.
These programs share key strengths – CACREP accreditation, detailed practicum experiences, and curricula that prepare students for Georgia counseling licensure. The focus on multicultural competence and evidence-based interventions prepares graduates for today’s diverse clinical settings.
The job market looks promising for counseling graduates. The field projects 18% growth through 2032, creating 42,000 job openings yearly nationwide. Licensed mental health counselors in Georgia earn $65,925 on average, while top professionals make over $90,000 yearly.
Your program choice should go beyond reputation. Public universities like Fort Valley State offer more affordable tuition than private colleges. Admission requirements vary between schools. Some need standardized test scores, while others focus on GPA and personal statements.
The best program depends on your career path – school counseling, clinical mental health practice, rehabilitation counseling, or addiction treatment. Georgia’s educational landscape provides specialized training for each path that aligns with professional goals.
This guide gives you the tools to pick a counseling program matching your career objectives, learning style, and budget. Building the right educational foundation starts your path to becoming a licensed counseling professional. Georgia’s diverse academic options provide excellent stepping stones for this career journey.