8 Top Counseling Master Degrees in Massachusetts
Want to reshape your career path with a counseling master’s degree? Massachusetts emerges as a top choice with 38 Master’s degrees in Counseling throughout the state.
The state’s reputation for educational excellence shines through its prestigious colleges and universities. Students can choose from 34 Master’s in Counseling degrees that come in different formats. These include online counseling master’s degrees, on-campus options, and blended learning experiences. On top of that, the state offers 7 CACREP accredited programs that meet strict professional standards.
Professional counselors in Massachusetts earn an average salary of $49,090 per year. The state’s programs offer excellent career prospects. Boston University’s MA program stands out with a strong 4.1/101 rating. Students can focus on specialized areas like Clinical Mental Health Counseling with School Adjustment emphasis. These options provide both variety and academic strength.
This piece explores 8 top-rated counseling programs in Massachusetts to help you find the right match for your career goals and learning style.
1. Bay Path University – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Bay Path University runs a reliable MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Students get ready for professional practice through complete coursework and supervised clinical experiences. The program stands out from other counseling master’s degrees in Massachusetts because it’s fully online and offers a clear path to licensure.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bay Path University has an integrated curriculum. It covers nine core areas: counseling theory, human development, psychopathology, social and cultural foundations, clinical skills, group work, special treatment issues, appraisal, research, and professional orientation. This 60-credit program blends academic rigor with hands-on skills development. Students must finish 48 semester hours of academic coursework, a 100-hour practicum, and a 600-hour supervised internship.
The program meets Massachusetts licensing requirements for Mental Health Counselors (LMHC). It also prepares students for similar licenses in other states, like the LPC in Connecticut. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. This ensures graduates can deliver quality, science-based services to their communities.
Key features
Graduates develop a complete skill set in mental health counseling. Here’s what they learn:
- Major counseling and psychotherapy theories with practical application skills
- Human development and how it affects mental health
- Critical thinking to analyze personality differences and psychopathological behavior
- Cultural competence to handle issues about diversity, gender, and sexual identity
- Group therapy facilitation and family systems understanding
The program puts ethics first. Students learn professional behavior standards in psychology. They also build scientific literacy to understand research findings and use evidence-based approaches.
Students say the program works well for career preparation. Lindsay Thompson, G’18, now a Clinician at Behavioral Health Network, shares: “This program has helped me with my career goals. It helped me get an internship and the job I have now”.
Tuition and format
The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling runs completely online. This makes it available to anyone looking for online counseling master’s degrees. Tuition costs $935 per credit, and you need 60 credits total.
Students can apply year-round, with classes starting every January, May, and September. The university suggests having some background in statistics, research methods, abnormal psychology, personality, and development.
Students get 5 years to complete the program. This flexibility helps working professionals balance their education with other commitments. The online format lets students manage their studies around work and personal life.
Licensure and career outcomes
Graduates can take licensing exams and apply to become Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) in Massachusetts. Getting licensed usually takes two years of supervised clinical experience after graduation and passing a licensing exam.
The program meets educational requirements for Massachusetts licensure. The university points out that requirements differ by state. Students who plan to practice elsewhere should check their state’s specific requirements.
Career prospects look good for graduates. Alumni work as clinicians in behavioral health networks, family services organizations, and guidance clinics. The university reports that 65% of students found full-time jobs within six months of graduating.
Bay Path offers a structured path to professional development in mental health. This makes it a solid choice if you want a counseling master’s degree in Massachusetts with clear steps to licensure.
2. Merrimack College – MEd in School Counseling
Merrimack College runs a flexible MEd in School Counseling program with multiple paths to professional certification. The program stands out among counseling master’s degrees by combining adaptable learning formats with substantial field experience.
Program overview
Merrimack College’s Master of Education in School Counseling is a detailed 48-credit program with three distinct tracks. Students can choose between two Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)-approved licensure tracks and one non-licensure option. The licensure tracks prepare students for school counselor (PreK-12) licensure or school social worker/adjustment counselor (PreK-12) licensure based on their career goals.
The curriculum matches American School Counselors Association (ASCA) standards. Graduates learn to guide students through complex challenges like emotional and mental health issues, healthy relationships, substance abuse, domestic violence, trauma, juvenile justice involvement, cultural dynamics, and socioeconomic circumstances. Students become skilled at working with youth from different backgrounds through this intensive program.
Key features
The program’s standout feature is its extensive hands-on training component. Students spend 600-1,200 hours gaining practical experience. This includes a full-year practicum monitored through a School Counseling Candidate Assessment of Performance (SC-CAP) that mirrors licensed counselors’ expectations.
Students learn together in cohorts, taking similar classes throughout their degree program. Merrimack’s diverse network of partner schools and community organizations helps match practicum assignments with each student’s strengths and career interests.
The college offers fellowship opportunities that cut tuition costs substantially:
- Presidential Fellowships provide 100% tuition coverage with a 9-month, 25-hour weekly placement
- Provost Fellowships cover 50% of tuition with a 9-month, 15-hour weekly placement
Keep in mind that fellowships last only one year (up to 36 credits).
Tuition and format
The MEd in School Counseling program costs $700 per credit, bringing the total investment to about $33,600. Students can take each course online or on-campus. This flexibility makes it perfect for those seeking online counseling master’s degrees with customizable options.
Full-time students can finish in two years, while part-time students may take longer. The program starts three times yearly with no GRE or GMAT requirements. Evening classes fit work schedules and practicum requirements.
Beyond tuition, comprehensive fees cover academic support (advising, library access, writing center), student success resources (counseling services, health services, success coaching), career development opportunities, technology support, and campus facility access.
Licensure and career outcomes
The program’s graduates find great career success. U.S. News and World Report ranks Massachusetts among the top five states for school counseling salaries. Job opportunities should grow by 10% over the next decade. Massachusetts ranks third highest in median annual salary for educational, guidance, and career counselors at $79,670.
Employers actively seek Merrimack’s alumni for their broad skills, hands-on experience, and theoretical knowledge. Recent graduates work at Boys and Girls Clubs, Catholic schools, charter schools, community-based behavioral health organizations, human resources departments, higher education institutions, and public school districts.
Merrimack College offers one of the best master’s in counseling programs in Massachusetts. The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience prepares graduates to make an immediate professional impact.
3. Assumption University – MA in School Counseling
Assumption University ranks among the top counseling master’s degrees in Massachusetts. Its MA in School Counseling program earned the prestigious “approved with distinction” designation from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This recognition places it among just three institutions statewide that received this highest level of approval.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in School Counseling at Assumption University offers a detailed 60-credit program that shapes culturally competent school counselors. Students learn about public policy, leadership development, child advocacy, and social justice. The program takes two years to complete with full-time study. Students receive exceptional training that goes beyond state and national standards for school counselors.
The program teaches students to work with children and adolescents in academic, career, and social-emotional areas. Students learn counseling strategies and evidence-based interventions that help address students’ diverse needs. We focused on developing ethical and reflective school counselors who use a strengths-based approach dedicated to social justice, equity, and anti-bias education.
Key features
Assumption University stands out with several unique advantages:
- National Recognition: Every student meets or exceeds DESE standards for school counselors (Initial Licensure, All Levels) with Distinction
- Interstate Mobility: Graduates can work in 27 states through the NASDTEC interstate agreement
- Experiential Learning: Students experience real-life practice through workshops at the Institute for School Counseling and School Psychology
- Professional Development: Undergraduate students can attend the Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MASCA) conference with faculty
The core team includes counselor educators, licensed school counselors, school psychologists, educational psychologists, and social adjustment counselors. They bring their practical expertise into the classroom. The admissions committee takes an all-encompassing approach to evaluate applicants, though they typically look for a 3.0 GPA.
Tuition and format
The School Counseling program charges $710 per credit. This brings the total program cost to about $42,600. The university gives eligible alumni a 10% discount for each term they enroll at least part-time in the graduate program.
The program now runs in a fully remote format. Students attend synchronous Zoom class sessions along with asynchronous lessons. Classes meet once weekly Monday through Thursday in the late day or evenings. This makes it a convenient option for students seeking online counseling master’s degrees with flexible schedules.
Students can choose between full-time (3+ courses per semester) or part-time (1-2 courses per semester) study. Students must take at least 6 credits per semester to qualify for Federal Financial Aid.
Licensure and career outcomes
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approves this School Counseling Program. It meets Initial licensing requirements for School Guidance Counselor (PreK-8 or 5-12). Students complete a 75-hour non-credit pre-practicum and a clinical practicum (600 hours) that gives them extensive hands-on experience.
The coursework and practicum meet requirements for national certification through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). This includes both the National Certified Counselor (NCC) and National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credentials. This preparation helps graduates meet professional standards nationwide.
Students can choose between two specialized tracks: School Counselor and Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor. The School Counselor practicum needs three full days per week in a school setting. The School Adjustment Counselor practicum requires five full days weekly.
Students looking for master’s in counseling Massachusetts programs will find Assumption University offers strong national recognition and flexible format options. Site supervisors and employing schools consistently give high marks to the curriculum.
4. Fitchburg State University – MS in School Counseling
Fitchburg State University offers a detailed MS in School Counseling program. The program helps professionals work with students of all backgrounds, including those who face serious emotional, cognitive, and behavioral disorders.
Program overview
The Master of Science in School Counseling at Fitchburg State is a robust 60-credit program that creates skilled counselors for educational settings. Students usually finish their coursework in three years by taking 2-3 courses each semester. The university gives students up to six years to complete the program. Students who start in summer can finish everything, including the yearlong practicum, in just over two years through an accelerated option.
The program follows a well-laid-out sequence. Core courses cover counseling theories, professional practice, lifespan development, research methods, and school counseling techniques. Students spend their final year completing a 600-hour practicum across fall and spring semesters. This hands-on experience in schools proves invaluable.
Key features
Fitchburg State’s program stands out because of its accreditation. The university belongs to the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a recognized national accrediting organization. Full accreditation runs through December 31, 2030. This status shows the program creates effective educators who grow professionally.
The core team brings both academic knowledge and real counseling experience to their teaching. Students learn based on the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards’ core propositions and Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) standards. This approach gives graduates well-rounded skills.
School counselors from Fitchburg State help students in three main areas:
- Academic achievement
- Social-emotional development
- College and career readiness
Students become skilled at evidence-based interventions, advocacy, school improvement initiatives, and leadership in educational settings.
Tuition and format
Classes happen mostly in the evenings. Some courses are available online or in hybrid formats. This setup works well for students looking for flexible online counseling master’s degrees. Graduate tuition was $3,420 with extra fees of $2,592 for 2019-2020. These rates might have changed, so new students should check current costs.
The program works for both full-time students who want to finish quickly and working professionals who need part-time options. Students can keep their jobs while getting their education.
Licensure and career outcomes
After graduation, students can apply for initial licensure as elementary school (PreK-8) or secondary school (5-12) counselors. The detailed curriculum and extensive practicum help students meet Massachusetts licensing requirements.
Graduates now work in many Massachusetts school districts, including Leominster, Clinton, and Gardner. Some alumni have been hired at Fitchburg State. The program excels at preparing counselors to work with students from different cultures and those with serious emotional and behavioral challenges.
Students learning about master’s in counseling options in Massachusetts will find Fitchburg State’s program offers a clear path to professional school counseling credentials. The program’s graduates have strong job prospects in the region.
5. Lesley University – MA in Counseling Psychology (School Counseling Specialization)
Lesley University’s MA in Counseling Psychology (School Counseling Specialization) has been around since 1975. The program takes an integrated approach to trauma-informed counseling practices. It ranks among New England’s top counseling master’s degrees. Students get hands-on field experience along with deep academic learning.
Program overview
Students can earn Massachusetts licensure through this 48-credit Master’s program. They can choose between PreK-8 or 5-12 grade levels. The curriculum blends developmental and multicultural viewpoints with psychology-based foundations. Three core principles shape the program: deep theoretical study, extensive field work, and dedication to social responsibility.
Students learn counseling theories and build clinical skills through a well-planned course sequence. A yearlong supervised internship gives them significant hands-on experience with students in schools.
Key features
Several unique elements make this program stand out among other Massachusetts counseling masters:
- Mind-body behavioral health approaches
- Trauma-informed counseling techniques
- Social justice training
- Learning opportunities through Boston-area school partnerships
The program takes an integrated look at admissions instead of requiring entrance exams. This makes it available to diverse candidates who care about student well-being. Students learn from “scholar-practitioners” who lead in their fields.
Learning happens through cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions. Students grow personally while developing professional skills. They understand how social and cultural contexts affect individual behavior and professional work.
Tuition and format
Campus-based study costs $1,350 per credit. The rate goes up to $1,410 per credit in later academic years. Students can choose between full-time or part-time study in this hybrid program that mixes online and in-person learning.
The format works well for students who want both online and face-to-face learning. A yearlong internship adds vital supervised field experience to regular coursework.
Licensure and career outcomes
Graduates qualify for Massachusetts school counseling licensure in PreK-8 or 5-12 grade levels. They become counselors who understand mental health, trauma effects, and social justice in schools.
The university’s career services help students grow professionally. They offer:
- Job placement help for all undergraduates
- On-campus employer recruitment
- Group and individual career counseling
- Resume help, interview practice, and career testing
Students can access the university’s job bank for employment opportunities. The Career Center gives graduates many resources to find jobs where they can use their counseling skills.
The program builds strong foundations in theory and practice. Its focus on trauma-informed approaches helps graduates support students’ overall well-being throughout their careers.
6. Bridgewater State University – MEd in School Counseling
Bridgewater State University offers an affordable MEd in School Counseling program. The program’s CACREP accreditation and integrated approach to student development make it stand out. Students learn practical tools to help today’s youth tackle complex challenges.
Program overview
BSU’s Master of Education in School Counseling helps counselors support students’ academic, emotional, and psychosocial growth. The program blends theory with hands-on practice to prepare counselors who can help students overcome major challenges during their crucial developmental years. Students can complete their master’s degree or post-master’s licensure programs in about two years. The Department of Counselor Education’s CACREP accreditation ensures students receive quality education.
Key features
The School Counseling program uses several teaching methods like group discussions, lectures, projects, and problem-solving exercises. The program’s highlights include:
- Faculty members with rich experience in school counseling settings
- Small class sizes that enable customized learning
- Professional growth opportunities at local, state, and national levels
- Strong focus on critical thinking and communication skills
The program develops professional leadership skills while keeping tuition costs lower than other accredited Massachusetts schools.
Tuition and format
Graduate tuition costs $535.50 per credit hour. A typical 3-credit graduate course comes to $1,606.50 with tuition and fees. Additional costs include a $4.00 technology fee, $23.50 capital fee, and $438.00 in student fees. Students can choose between two specialized tracks: PreK-8 and 5-12, based on their preferred age group.
Licensure and career outcomes
The program prepares students for the school counseling licensure exam. Many graduates work as school counselors in elementary, middle, or high schools across Massachusetts. Some alumni advance to become College or Career Coordinators or Lead Counselors in schools or districts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% growth in school counseling careers over the next decade, which suggests bright job prospects for program graduates.
7. Boston University – MA in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine
Boston University has created a groundbreaking MA in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine program. This program stands out as the only CACREP-accredited counseling program in the United States within a medical school. Students pursuing advanced counseling master degrees experience an exceptional learning environment here.
Program overview
The Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine Program leads to a Master of Arts degree in two years. Students can meet Massachusetts’s educational requirements for licensure as mental health counselors. The program’s location within Boston University’s School of Medicine makes it special. Students learn traditional counseling alongside specialized training in behavioral medicine, neuroscience, and psychopharmacology. The curriculum prepares students with mental health assessment, counseling theory application, and work with diverse client populations.
Key features
The program stands out because of several unique elements:
- The only medical school-based program with CACREP accreditation
- Clinical training opportunities throughout greater Boston are exceptional, with placements at Boston Medical Center, VA Hospitals, trauma centers, and forensic settings
- Faculty members maintain active clinical practices and share real-life experiences
- An all-encompassing approach combines behavioral medicine and neuroscience coursework
Tuition and format
Full-time tuition for 2022-2023 was $61,050. Selected students can receive Provost scholarships worth $10,000 annually. Students follow a full-time, intensive format and complete about 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Licensure and career outcomes
The program’s impressive outcomes show its success:
- 3% completion rate (Classes of 2021-2023)
- 100% pass rate on credentialing exams
- 100% of graduates found mental health counseling positions within six months after graduation
Graduates work in various roles such as trauma clinicians, substance abuse counselors, college counseling center staff, residential facility directors, and clinical research team members. Many alumni continue their education in prestigious PhD programs in Counselor Education, Clinical Psychology, or even MD programs. This shows the program’s strength as a foundation for advanced studies in counseling in Massachusetts.
8. American International College – MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
American International College’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program runs completely online. The program lets professionals advance their careers without leaving home, making it both accessible and flexible.
Program overview
The MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program teaches clinicians through a curriculum that blends theory, research, and clinical skills. Students complete 60 credits to become licensed mental health counselors in Massachusetts and other states. Graduates can work at mental health agencies, hospitals, and clinics. The program meets all counseling licensure requirements while teaching students about mental health issues, human dynamics, and social justice.
Key features
Students benefit from several unique advantages. The coursework runs 100% online with no need to visit campus. Clinical experience comes through 700 hours of hands-on work – a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour clinical internship. AIC helps students find suitable practicum sites through their field placement services. The curriculum aligns with CACREP standards and teaches specialized topics like crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and multicultural studies.
American International College tuition and format
Students pay $830 per credit hour, bringing the total program cost to $49,800. Eligible students might qualify for financial aid. Full-time students can graduate in two years, while part-time students typically finish in three years and three months. Working professionals find this flexibility perfect for earning their online counseling master’s degree.
Licensure and career outcomes
The field shows strong growth potential with a projected 19% increase over 10 years. Job opportunities grew significantly with 161,588 postings in 2021 – a 28% jump from 2018 Most counselors work in outpatient care centers (41%), individual and family services (16%), and educational institutions (10.5%). The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 48,900 job openings annually for mental health counselors.
Pick the Best Massachusetts Master’s in Counseling for You
Massachusetts stands out as a top choice to get quality counseling education. This piece highlights eight outstanding programs that match different career goals. Each program shows off Massachusetts’s educational excellence. Students can choose from Bay Path’s online format or Boston University’s unique medical school environment.
Your career goals should guide your choice among these counseling master’s degrees. Students headed toward educational settings will find great options at Merrimack, Assumption, Fitchburg State, Lesley, and Bridgewater State. Bay Path, Boston University, and American International College give you the tools to practice in broader clinical mental health settings. Program formats vary by a lot. Online options work best for professionals with jobs, while hybrid and on-campus programs are a great way to get hands-on learning experience.
Money plays a big role too. Tuition costs range from $32,000 at places like Bridgewater State to $60,000+ at Boston University. In spite of that, most programs help manage costs through fellowships, scholarships, and financial aid.
The job market looks bright for counseling graduates in Massachusetts. School counselors earn competitive salaries, especially in Boston. Clinical mental health counseling jobs continue to grow steadily. Without doubt, CACREP-accredited programs boost credibility and make getting licensed easier.
Take time to check each program’s licensure success rates and alumni achievements. Reach out to program directors about curriculum specifics, practicum options, and career services. Your program choice will shape your professional path for years ahead. These eight exceptional Massachusetts programs open doors to rewarding careers where you can help others through counseling expertise.