7 Top Masters in Counseling Degree Programs in Indiana
A counseling master’s degree from Indiana opens doors to amazing career opportunities, and qualified professionals will find plenty of job openings. The career path pays well too – counselors in the Hoosier State earn an average of $45,530 annually.
Indiana’s educational landscape features 31 counseling degree programs that span mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, and substance abuse counseling. Students can choose from various learning formats. More than 10 schools across the state provide hybrid and online masters in counseling programs. Note that Indiana requires graduation from an accredited university to practice as a counselor. This piece dives into the 7 best masters in mental health counseling programs in Indiana to help you chart your educational journey.
1. Indiana Wesleyan University – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Indiana Wesleyan University shines as a top choice when you want to get a masters in mental health counseling in Indiana. The program combines tough academic work with real clinical experience to create counseling professionals who can serve all kinds of communities.
Overview
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Indiana Wesleyan University helps you get ready to assess and treat individuals, groups, families, and organizations in their environment. This detailed 60-credit hour program takes you beyond your undergraduate degree. You’ll learn to think about every aspect of wellness and mental health. You’ll also develop treatment strategies that work from both pathology and wellness viewpoints.
The program stands out with its goal to create a Christ-centered academic community that helps both professional and personal growth. Your studies will blend faith, learning, and professional practice. These principles will shape your future career.
This program will help you:
- Express a clear understanding of professional identity in clinical mental health counseling
- Give mental health services with multicultural competence
- Blend developmental concepts into case planning
- Know how work relates to personal well-being and other life roles
- Show essential counseling skills with competence
Accreditation and format
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which is part of the American Counseling Association. This respected accreditation shows the program meets high quality standards and prepares you well for professional practice.
The program first got its accreditation in March 1998 as a Community Counseling program. It changed to Clinical Mental Health Counseling in July 2013 and has managed to keep its accreditation since then. The current accreditation runs through October 31, 2030. This long-term approval shows the program’s stability and quality.
You can choose from several ways to attend classes. The program runs at accredited locations in Marion and Indianapolis campuses. There’s also an online option that got its first accreditation in January 2017. Whatever your location or schedule, you can earn your counseling degree in Indiana.
Online students use Brightspace as their learning platform with full technical support. You’ll need a computer that can run approved browsers, handle extra plug-ins, create documents compatible with recent Microsoft Office versions, and keep up with streaming videos and live meetings.
Tuition and duration
The 60-credit hour program costs $610.00 per credit hour. The total investment comes to about $36,600. You should plan your budget carefully. Your tuition stays the same if you keep taking classes in the same program.
You can make your masters in counseling Indiana more affordable through grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement programs. The university’s financial aid webpage shows estimated costs to help you plan.
While the exact program length isn’t stated, you must finish all degree requirements within six years. Most students complete their studies in about 2-3 years, depending on their course load.
Special features
Clinical experience is the life-blood of IWU’s master’s in mental health counseling program. You start building skills under faculty supervision in your first semester. This continues through on-site practicums and ends with community-based internships.
The program employs live supervision and digital recording of sessions. This tailors clinical training to what you need and where you excel. Such personal attention helps you grow more as a counseling professional.
The Graduate Counseling Clinics stand out as state-of-the-art facilities that serve the Marion and Indianapolis communities. Working in these clinics lets you help diverse groups with typical issues found in community and university settings.
After you finish the program and pass the National Counselor Examination, you can apply for a mental health counselor associate license. The program gets you ready for licensing in multiple states, meeting educational requirements in 36 states.
The program values both academic excellence and practical skills. You need at least a ‘C’ in each course and a 3.0 GPA to graduate. Christian faculty teach from a biblical worldview while preparing you for a rewarding career in mental health counseling.
2. Butler University – School Counseling
Butler University takes a unique approach to school counseling education. The program creates professionals who blend educational expertise with mental health knowledge to help K-12 students. Students get both theory and hands-on skills needed to succeed in today’s complex schools.
Program overview
Butler University’s Master of Science in School Counseling prepares students to become licensed K-12 counselors. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based and student-centered counseling methods. The program meets all state and national standards and tackles modern student challenges head-on. Butler’s on-campus program has achieved remarkable success with almost 100% job placement over the last ten years.
Students learn key topics like counseling ethics, human development, diversity, career planning, and modern counseling theories. The program also covers new trends including evidence-based practices, diversity/equity/inclusion, child mental health, and trauma effects. Butler’s goal is to create caring, skilled professionals who can provide ethical, client-focused counseling services in all educational settings.
Graduates can work as school counselors, career advisors, or take on other education-related roles. The job market looks promising – school counselor positions are expected to grow 10% from 2021 to 2031, adding 32,000 new jobs.
Accreditation and format
The program has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This recognition shows it meets or surpasses strict national standards. Butler University has Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation, and its College of Education is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Students learn by putting theory into practice. While most work happens on your own schedule, there are live virtual classes during practicum and internship phases. These sessions help build strong connections with teachers and fellow students. Each three-credit course needs about nine hours of weekly work or class participation.
The curriculum follows CACREP national standards and covers eight core areas: Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice, Social and Cultural Diversity, Human Growth and Development, Career Development, Helping Relationships, Group Work, Assessment, and Research and Program Evaluation.
Tuition and duration
The 60-credit program costs $700 per credit hour, bringing total tuition to around $42,000. This price doesn’t include fees, books, or supplies. Butler helps students find ways to pay through FAFSA, scholarships, and grants.
Most students finish in three years (eight semesters). Students who can handle a heavier course load might graduate in six semesters. The program works best as a part-time study with a cohort, but some students can finish in two years with full-time study.
Special features
The program’s field placement experience stands out. A dedicated coordinator helps find convenient school locations for your 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship. This real-life experience builds essential counseling skills.
Students can customize their learning with six elective credits to:
- Study abroad for a global point of view
- Explore deeply into specific interests
- Get dual licensure as a mental health counselor
Students interested in dual licensure can take two extra courses (as electives). This brings the total to 66 credits and qualifies them for both school and mental health counseling licenses in Indiana. This option opens more career paths, though requirements differ by state.
Butler uses innovative technology for clinical supervision to maximize learning and boost faculty-student interaction. The program values and includes diversity in its curriculum and expects graduates to demonstrate this knowledge through their skills and attitudes.
3. Ball State University – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Ball State University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program combines social psychology viewpoints with hands-on clinical training to create an all-encompassing approach to mental health education. Students learn about individual counseling and the broader social contexts that shape mental health.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration at Ball State needs 60 credit hours of coursework. The curriculum has core counseling courses and specialized mental health counseling instruction.
Ball State’s master of arts program in social psychology and clinical mental health counseling offers a unique dual approach. The program combines academic foundations with ground application. Graduates can pursue careers in:
- Counseling centers
- Nonprofit organizations
- Human resources positions
- Academic institutions
Students become skilled at these key areas:
- Professional counselor identity development
- Social and cultural diversity awareness
- Human growth and development understanding
- Career development knowledge
- Counseling relationships and techniques
The curriculum balances theory and practice. Students study counseling theories, psychopathology, psychopharmacology, and research methods. The program starts with foundational knowledge and moves to specialized coursework and hands-on experiences.
Accreditation and format
The program earned accreditation from the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) from September 2024 through September 2032. Ball State held CACREP accreditation from February 1980 until July 2019.
Ball State’s faculty chose to withdraw from CACREP accreditation in May 2018. Two main factors led to this decision:
- CACREP’s concerns about faculty being counseling psychologists instead of counselor educators
- The connection between the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and the Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology
MPCAC accreditation better matches their program structure and maintains high educational standards. This change keeps the valuable relationship between masters and doctoral programs, offering excellent training opportunities for all students.
Tuition and duration
The program costs $22,842 per year (2025 rates). Students complete the masters in 7 semesters. Ball State’s tuition rates compete well with other Midwest programs.
The university offers several financial options:
- Graduate assistantships with stipends that cover most graduate tuition
- Various financial aid programs
Special features
The program’s strength lies in its hands-on training approach. Students get real-life experience through:
- Practicum work in the university clinic
- Internships across east-central Indiana
This practical experience leads to high job placement rates. Graduates are ready for licensure as mental health counselors in Indiana and many other states.
The faculty’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity stands out. The program draws students who want to tackle challenging human behavior issues. Faculty members bring expert knowledge while focusing on student excellence and professional leadership.
Ball State’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares students to handle diagnosis, assessment, treatment, referral, and prevention of mental health issues. The program includes two semesters of practica and a 600-900 hour field internship, giving students a unique practical experience.
4. Grace College – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Grace College offers one of the most affordable CACREP-accredited online masters in mental health counseling programs in Indiana. The program combines academic excellence with a biblical foundation and stands out because of its unique blend of professional training and faith integration. Students looking for a counseling degree in Indiana will find this an excellent choice.
Program overview
Grace College’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a detailed 60-credit hour program that creates counseling professionals who are scripturally grounded, professionally skilled, and interpersonally competent. God’s Word serves as the program’s foundation, specifically the belief that God created all humans in His image. This biblical point of view shapes how students learn to help clients work through developmental, emotional, and mental challenges using best practices.
Students will explore key topics like theological foundations in counseling, ethical and legal issues, psychopathology, counseling skills, personality and counseling theories, and human growth and development. The coursework prepares students to provide mental health care in various settings after graduation.
The program’s graduates work in a variety of settings including:
- Addiction recovery organizations
- Youth and family service providers
- Department of Child Services
- Hospitals and schools
- Anti-human-trafficking organizations
Accreditation and format
The program holds prestigious accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This recognition shows that the program’s content and quality meet professional standards. More states, including Indiana, now require counseling licensure applicants to have a CACREP-accredited degree.
The program first earned CACREP accreditation in 2004, which remains central to its identity. The current accreditation runs through March 31, 2029. CACREP’s accreditation process requires a self-study process, an on-site visit, and evaluation from their accreditation team.
Students complete most coursework online but attend a required one-week residency each summer at Grace College’s scenic Winona Lake campus in Indiana. This 6-day on-campus experience lets students learn intensively and build community with peers and faculty. The residency focuses on counselor preparation, training, skill development evaluation, and spiritual growth activities.
Tuition and duration
At $650 per credit hour, the total program cost comes to $19,800. These rates make it one of the most affordable CACREP-accredited online master’s degrees in the United States. Students can access various financial aid options, including federal and state loans.
The residency fee is $400, which covers all classes, meals, extracurricular activities, and snacks for the week. Students can choose optional on-campus accommodation for a reasonable fee. Financial aid might cover these student account fees when applicable.
Students who take about 9 credit hours per semester can finish the program in three years. The program uses a fixed course schedule where cohorts move through each semester together.
Special features
The summer residency experience sets this program apart. Many students say building relationships during this week-long stay becomes one of the most meaningful parts of their educational trip. A 2019 graduate shared, “The residency provided an opportunity to get to know professors on a personal level… It also produced a camaraderie and support system in our cohort that carried us through good times and difficult times as graduate students”.
The program creates a perfect mix of online flexibility and personal connections. With over 100 enrolled students, it achieves “an important balance between the flexibility of online education and authentic connection with peers and faculty”.
Clinical training includes three courses: Practicum (CPY 5700), Internship in CMHC (CPY 6700), and Advanced Internship in CMHC (CPY 6710). These experiences help students develop and refine their clinical skills while meeting state requirements for direct client work in mental health counseling settings.
The program prepares students for licensure as mental health counselors in Indiana. Graduates meet the educational requirements needed to apply for licensure after passing the National Counselor Examination.
5. Indiana State University – School Counseling
Indiana State University’s School Counseling program ranks among the Midwest’s top training grounds for future K-12 counselors. Students receive hands-on fieldwork and strong academic training to become well-rounded professionals who can support students from all backgrounds.
Program overview
The Master of Education in School Counseling at Indiana State helps you meet state educational licensure requirements as a Kindergarten-12 School Counselor. This detailed program requires 60 credit hours and has 760 hours of field-based experiences. Graduates can work in school systems, community mental health organizations, and private practice.
Students learn both theory and practice, with focus on developmental counseling, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies. The program teaches counseling techniques, ethics, multicultural competence, and ways to work with school staff and families. The program shapes counselors who promote change and can create programs that close achievement gaps.
The Education Trust recognized this as one of the first Transforming School Counseling programs. Students get varied experiences to become effective 21st Century School Counselors. Students can earn licensure after passing the Praxis Assessment for School Counselors.
Accreditation and format
The program has accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Indiana State University also has Higher Learning Commission accreditation, and all educator licensure programs are accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) until Fall 2026.
Students learn through a blended/hybrid model that mixes online sessions with required on-campus meetings once monthly on Saturdays during Spring and Fall semesters. Students complete online coursework and meet supervisors between monthly meetings. U.S. and international students who meet admission requirements can join this flexible format.
Tuition and duration
Each year, a new cohort starts in June (first summer term). Full-time students can finish in 24 months by following the recommended course sequence. Students who need more time can extend their studies up to 7 years.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% growth in school and career counselor jobs from 2022-2032, which is faster than average and shows strong job prospects for graduates.
Special features
Students start hands-on work in their first semester, which makes this program unique. They build a two-year relationship with an elementary, middle, or high school, and learn from both faculty and on-site professionals.
Key experiences include:
- Shadowing prominent school counselors
- Teaching and observing at various school levels
- Conducting developmental guidance lessons
- Leading individual and small-group counseling sessions
- Taking part in treatment planning and research activities
- Implementing career guidance activities
The 17-year-old Department of Applied Clinical and Educational Sciences focuses on active participation, critical thought, integrity, and social justice. Students practice at the Norma and William Grosjean Clinic in University Hall and in various internship settings.
6. Valparaiso University – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Valparaiso University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program stands out as the quickest way to get licensed among Indiana’s graduate counseling programs. This CACREP-accredited program lets you finish your coursework in just two years while gaining extensive clinical experience.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at Valparaiso gives you the tools to promote well-being among individuals, families, organizations, and communities. The 60-credit curriculum provides broad-based learning in counseling theories, practices, and social-cultural counseling foundations.
Core coursework has:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Contextual Dimensions
- Foundations of Professional and Ethical Issues
- Human Development: Biological and Learned Bases of Behavior
The program has electives in specialized areas like couples counseling, addiction counseling, LGBTQ+ issues, family counseling, and sibling abuse trauma. Graduates qualify to work in private practice, clinical supervisory positions, hospital settings, residential care facilities, and with families, couples, children, or veterans.
Accreditation and format
The program’s CACREP accreditation since 2009 shows its dedication to quality education. Full-time students can graduate in about two years, which is typically one year faster than other CACREP programs. Students with scheduling constraints can choose part-time options.
Tuition and duration
Graduate tuition costs $706 per credit hour (2024-2025 rates), bringing the total program cost to approximately $42,360. Qualifying students can receive scholarships, and Valpo undergraduate alumni from the last three years may get a 30% tuition reduction. Students must complete 60 credits of coursework and supervised clinical training.
Special features
Unlike many programs, Valpo students can take the National Counseling Exam during their final semester rather than waiting until graduation, which speeds up the licensing process. The program’s track record speaks for itself:
- 100% job placement rate in the last five years
- 97% average pass rate on the National Counseling Exam
- 1,000 hours of supervised clinical training through practicums and internships
Faculty members practice actively in the field while conducting research with graduate students. Their expertise spans animal behavior, cognitive psychology, forensic psychology, organizational psychology, and more. Graduates enter a field that’s expected to grow 23% through 2030.
7. Indiana University – South Bend – School Counseling
IU South Bend’s School Counseling program has prepared professionals in the Michiana region and beyond for over forty years. The program stands as one of Indiana’s larger counselor education programs and enjoys strong recognition throughout the state’s northern region.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Education/School Counseling program requires 60 credit hours and leads to K-12 certification in Indiana. Students progress through the detailed curriculum in cohorts, learning alongside the same group of peers. Graduates gain the skills to work effectively in school settings with students, parents, administrators and various stakeholders.
Accreditation and format
CACREP accreditation extends from July 2005 through October 2030. Evening classes run from 5-8 pm with some online options to fit working professionals’ schedules. Faculty members believe campus-based courses create vibrant classroom environments that enhance mental health professional training.
Tuition and duration
Students complete the program in three years on average. The program’s flat fee tuition structure covers 12-18 credit hours per semester. Prospective students should visit the Bursar’s website for current tuition rates.
Special features
The department hosts an Annual Counseling and Human Services Conference each year. Students can meet potential employers and hear from nationally known speakers at networking sessions. Students must apply by April 1, though submitting applications by February 15 receives priority consideration.
Choose Your Indiana Master’s in Counseling
Your future career depends on picking the right master’s in counseling program. This piece looks at seven excellent counseling programs in Indiana that maintain high academic standards. Each program has its own advantages, and Indiana proves to be a great place to study counseling.
The right accreditation makes a big difference. Most programs in this piece have CACREP accreditation, while Ball State University uses MPCAC accreditation. Both types ensure your education meets industry standards and gets you ready for licensing.
These programs give you options that fit your schedule. You can choose between campus classes, online learning, or a mix of both. Programs take two to three years to complete, so you can pick what works best with your life and timeline.
Money plays a key role in choosing a program. Tuition ranges from $19,800 at Grace College to $42,360 at Valparaiso University. The good news is that schools offer financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships to help cover these costs.
Each program lets you focus on different areas. Clinical mental health counseling prepares you to work in hospitals, private practice, and community organizations. School counseling gives you skills to help K-12 students through guidance and intervention. Some programs even offer dual licenses to expand your career options.
Indiana’s job market looks promising for counseling graduates. The field grows faster than average, and counselors earn around $45,530 yearly. These programs have great job placement rates and turn out professionals ready for work.
These top-rated programs offer more than just classes. Each school has its own learning environment, expert faculty, and clinical opportunities that shape who you become as a professional. Take time to research programs, visit schools, and talk to students or graduates to learn more about these communities.
Becoming a licensed counselor takes commitment and planning. Indiana’s outstanding programs help you find an educational path that matches your career goals and values. Your future in helping others starts with picking the right program, and Indiana has some of the best choices available.