12 Best Masters in Counseling Degree Programs in Michigan (2025 Guide)

Want a master’s in counseling degree with genuine career prospects? Michigan could be your ideal choice.

Michigan offers 23 different master’s degree programs in counseling throughout the state. These graduate programs are part of a thriving professional field where mental health counselors earn $50,460 on average annually – better than the national average of $49,719.

Qualified counseling professionals just need to keep up with growing opportunities. Michigan’s mental health counselor positions should increase by 21% by 2030, which beats the national growth rate of 18%. Students can choose between budget-friendly options like Cornerstone University and specialized tracks at various institutions.

This piece examines the 12 best masters in counseling programs in Michigan to help you find the right match. You’ll find everything from online programs to accelerated paths and specialized counseling tracks.

1. Central Michigan University – Online & CACREP-Accredited

Central Michigan University shines with its hands-on master’s in counseling degree program that connects theory with real-life application. Students can choose between hybrid on-campus and fully online options. This setup lets you study while you retain control of your schedule.

Program overview

CMU’s master’s degree in counseling puts active learning first. Students work with real people who face actual challenges. The program lets you pick from three CACREP-accredited concentrations:

• Addiction Counseling
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• School Counseling

Students at CMU get direct client experience through required practicum sessions. The program includes a 600-hour internship where you manage client cases, lead counseling groups, or work with K-12 students.

Licensed counselors with doctoral degrees in counselor education make up the entire faculty team. The on-campus Center for Community Counseling and Development helps you gain hands-on experience. Students can practice both in-person and telemental health counseling services.

Program completion time depends on your pace. Full-time students finish in 2.5 years, while part-time students need about 3.5 years.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited CMU’s Counseling Program. This respected accreditation will give a solid foundation that meets requirements for all counseling concentrations. Students can pursue licensure or endorsement in professional counseling.

The program meets Michigan’s Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) requirements. It often satisfies educational needs for licensure in other states too. All the same, licensure rules change by state. CMU suggests you ask the licensing board in your preferred state before starting the program.

Tuition and affordability

U.S. residents will pay $829 per credit hour for graduate tuition in the 2025-2026 academic year. International student rates run higher at $1,029 per credit hour.

CMU helps make your education budget-friendly with several options:

• Graduate assistantships with stipends and tuition waivers
• More than 25 graduate student scholarships
• Employer tuition reimbursement options
• Loan deferment options when enrolled at least half-time

CMU keeps its prices competitive. The university’s total tuition increase is the lowest in Michigan in the last decade. Students get quality counselor education that stays within reach.

2. Spring Arbor University – Affordable & No GRE Required

Spring Arbor University offers a unique masters in counseling degree that combines quality clinical training with a Christian viewpoint. The program attracts many students because it’s affordable and doesn’t require GRE scores.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) at Spring Arbor University has a 61-credit hour core program that readies counselors to work in different settings. Students can pick from three specialized paths:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Gets you ready for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure in Michigan
• School Counseling – Prepares you for K-12 school counselor licensure in Michigan
• Dual Track – Gives you both specializations with extra internship requirements

Students choosing the dual track must finish a 600-hour internship in schools plus 300 hours in clinical settings. This extends their studies by about six months. Dual track graduates earn CACREP accreditation in both areas.

The program stands out by weaving professional ethics, multiculturalism, interpersonal skills, and counseling theory into a Christian framework. Graduates can work effectively in both secular and faith-based settings.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

The MAC program earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This confirms it meets professional standards. Spring Arbor University also holds accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Students completing the clinical mental health track can become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Michigan. The school counseling track leads to K-12 licensed or endorsed school counselor status through the Michigan Department of Education.

Tuition and affordability

The Counseling (MAC) program costs $687 per credit hour for 2025-2026. Students need 61 credits for the core program, with dual track students needing more credits.

Spring Arbor University ranks among Michigan’s most economical CACREP-accredited counseling programs at $652 per credit hour. Christian Universities Online lists it among America’s top 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges.

Each semester includes registration fees of $45 and technology fees of $115 (full-time) or $53 (part-time). Students can explore various financial aid options, including student aid and tax benefits.

3. Oakland University – School Counseling Focus

Oakland University offers a specialized master’s in counseling degree program that prepares school counselors. The program helps you work with children, youth, and families. You can choose between full-time and part-time study options.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Counseling with school counseling emphasis needs 50 graduate-level credits. The program will change to a 60-credit requirement in Fall 2023 to stay CACREP compliant.

The curriculum builds both theory and practical skills. You’ll learn about human growth and development, social and cultural foundations, helping relationships, group work, career development, assessment, research, and professional orientation. The school counseling track has specialized courses like:

• Introduction to School Counseling (2 credits)
• Consultation Theory and Practice (2 credits)
• School-based internship experiences

The program gives you intensive supervision during practicum and internship. You’ll use on-campus lab facilities and approved training sites. This hands-on training helps you build your counseling skills before starting your career.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

Oakland University’s School Counseling program earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The Michigan Department of Education approved the School Counselor Master’s Program in November 2020.

The program prepares you for Michigan counseling licensure with multiple credential options. Students with a valid Michigan teaching certificate can get endorsed in Guidance and Counseling at K-9, 7-12, or K-12 levels based on their coursework. You’ll need to pass a state exam for this endorsement.

Michigan offers a great option for working professionals – Preliminary Authorization for Employment as a School Counselor. You can start working after finishing your coursework, except internship and electives. This authorization lasts three years, giving you time to complete your master’s degree.

Tuition and affordability

The 2025-2026 graduate tuition at Oakland University costs $951.50 per credit hour for in-state students and $1,078.25 for non-residents. Michigan residents pay about $47,575 total for the 50-credit program.

Oakland University stands out as the only public university in Michigan without hidden fees. The university makes it clear that “the cost you see for tuition and on-campus housing, if applicable, is what you will pay”.

Graduates have excellent job prospects. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows school and career counselor jobs growing faster than average through 2032. Schools need more mental health services. This program creates a clear path to a growing field at a reasonable cost compared to similar programs.

4. Wayne State University – Urban Campus with Multiple Tracks

Wayne State University sits at the center of Midtown Detroit and features a comprehensive masters in counseling degree program with multiple specialization tracks. Students learn in an urban campus environment that reflects the diverse communities they will serve.

Program overview

The counseling program ranks among Michigan’s oldest and most respected. Students can choose from several concentration paths:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Graduates work in public/private mental health settings, employment agencies, and community service organizations
• School Counseling – Students focus on K-12 educational environments
• Combined School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Students meet requirements for both professional (LPC) and school (SCL) counselor licensure
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Art Therapy – CAAHEP-accredited concentration

Students in the combined concentration must complete 1,200 internship hours (600 hours more than standard requirements). This hands-on training will give a solid foundation before they start professional practice.

Students learn counseling theories, evidence-based strategies, and practical techniques. Classes start after 5:00 p.m. to help working professionals. The program structure makes advanced education available while meeting clinical requirements.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits the counseling program. This confirms it meets national training standards. The Art Therapy concentration also has separate accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Graduates can pursue these credentials:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• School Counselor Licensure (SCL)
• Registered Art Therapist (for Art Therapy concentration)

The program’s 85-95% licensure exam pass rate shows its educational excellence.

Tuition and affordability

The 2025-2026 graduate tuition in the College of Education costs $832.70 per credit hour for in-state students and $1,803.63 for out-of-state students. Students also pay a registration fee of $387.41 per semester and a service fee of $66.95 per credit hour.

The university awarded 53 master’s degrees in counselor education/school counseling during 2019-2020. The student body shows diversity with 84.9% women and 30.2% racial-ethnic minorities.

Wayne State keeps its tuition rates lower than other major research universities in Michigan. This makes advanced counseling education available to more students.

5. University of Detroit Mercy – No GRE & Multiple Specializations

University of Detroit Mercy has prepared mental health professionals for over 50 years. The university’s masters in counseling degree program features multiple specialization options and does not require GRE scores for admission.

Program overview

The counseling program started in 1964 as one of Michigan’s first graduate counseling programs. Students can now earn a Master of Arts degree in three specialty tracks:

• Addiction Counseling
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• School Counseling

The curriculum builds progressively from theory to practice through a developmentally designed structure. The program’s Counseling Clinic stands out as a unique feature. This no-cost mental health facility lets students complete their practicum before starting internships. Students get intensive clinical training while helping the community.

School counseling students need three years to complete the 60-credit hour program. Students can start working as school counselors through the Preliminary Employment program after completing 39 credit hours and passing the Michigan Guidance Counselor Test.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited all three specialty tracks through October 2025. This accreditation will give graduates recognition for meeting professional standards.

The program shows exceptional results—between August 2023 and August 2024, all sixteen graduates found jobs within two weeks of graduation. Even better, 14 of 16 graduates received job offers from their internship organizations. The school counseling track saw perfect results as all graduates (5/5) passed the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification before graduation.

Graduates can apply for professional licensure as a counselor (LLPC) and school counselor credentials in Michigan.

Tuition and affordability

Graduate tuition at University of Detroit Mercy costs $992 per credit hour for the 2025-26 academic year. The 60-credit program requires a substantial investment, but students have several financial support options:

The university gives about $45,000 yearly through Graduate Research Assistantship scholarships. These let students work with faculty on research projects while getting financial help. The Counseling Underserved Populations (CUSP) Fellowship program adds another option, offering $10,000 incentives to students who plan to serve high-need populations.

The U.S. government recognizes counseling as a national need program, so graduates might qualify for federal loan forgiveness programs.

The program accepts a maximum of 16 students each year. About 95% of enrolled students finish the program within three years.

6. Cornerstone University – Most Affordable Online Option

Cornerstone University stands out as Michigan’s most budget-friendly online masters in counseling degree. Students get the perfect mix of affordability and flexibility without compromising on academic quality.

Program overview

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Cornerstone University is a detailed 60-credit hour program that prepares students to become Licensed Professional Counselors. The program’s curriculum blends scientific training with hands-on counseling skills. Students learn everything through a Christian worldview foundation.

Students can choose from four specialized concentrations:

• Marriage and Family Therapy
• Addictions Counseling
• Christian Counseling
• Trauma Counseling

The program gives students a rare chance to pursue dual licensure. Graduates can become both Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) – something few counseling programs offer nationwide. The curriculum has supervised field experience and three-day in-person residencies. This approach combines online convenience with crucial face-to-face skill development.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) granted Cornerstone University its original accreditation in 1977. The university now has several specialized accreditations, including recognition from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

The counseling program equips graduates to pursue Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials. Students get extensive resources to help with the licensure application process. Requirements differ by state, and the university helps students navigate these differences.

Tuition and affordability

Cornerstone sets itself apart with its exceptional affordability. Professional counseling degrees cost $565 per credit hour. This makes it one of the most affordable private nonprofit universities in the country. Students pay around $33,900 for the complete 60-credit program.

Students can access various financial support options:

• School-specific scholarships
• Federal and state grants
• Employer tuition reimbursement programs

The university lets students pay per course instead of per semester, which gives them more financial flexibility. Students can transfer up to 75% of required credits from previous accredited institutions. This option helps reduce both completion time and total cost.

7. Davenport University – Accelerated Online Program

Davenport University’s accelerated masters in counseling degree program gives working professionals a chance to advance their careers through a 100% online format.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling at Davenport has a complete 60-credit curriculum that teaches students how to help people and families facing life’s most important challenges. The program understands busy professionals’ schedules and offers two yearly start dates (fall and winter) with flexible 15-week online courses.

Davenport’s program stands out with its intensive hands-on learning component, which has:

• 100-hour practicum in mental health settings
• 600-hour supervised internship under qualified providers

Students looking to advance faster can take advantage of Davenport’s innovative 3+2 accelerated pathway. This program lets you earn both a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Service Case Management and a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling in just five years.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Davenport University. The counseling program’s coursework and learning outcomes match the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards.

Graduates can meet licensure requirements in Michigan and several other states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Utah. They can build careers in settings of all types, from private practice to community mental health centers, schools, and substance abuse treatment facilities.

Tuition and affordability

Graduate tuition at Davenport University costs $1,104 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year. With the 60-credit requirement, total program tuition comes to $66,240.

Davenport makes education affordable – 93% of students get scholarships or gift aid they don’t need to pay back. The university gives out over $30 million each year in merit and need-based scholarships. Mental Health Counseling program students pay an extra program fee of $215 per semester.

8. Eastern Michigan University – Counseling Psychology Track

Eastern Michigan University offers a masters in counseling degree program that emphasizes counseling psychology with specialized tracks that match different career goals. The department shows steadfast dedication to preparing graduates who can handle real-life counseling challenges in settings of all types.

Program overview

EMU’s counseling program requires 60 semester hours to prepare students for entry-level positions at elementary, middle/junior high, and high school levels. Students learn both theory and practice through supervised internships that range from 300-600 clock hours. The program allows students six years to complete their master’s degree while they must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited all three professional counseling graduate programs: Clinical Mental Health, College, and School Counseling. Students with teaching certificates can get school counselor endorsement on their Michigan teaching certificates after graduation. Students without certification can apply to the Michigan Department of Education for K-12 school counselor licensure.

Tuition and affordability

Michigan residents pay $1,016 per credit hour for 500-699 level courses in the 2025-2026 academic year, while non-residents pay $1,760. Graduate resident students’ total annual cost comes to $32,638, which includes housing, books, and other fees. EMU helps students with several financial support options like research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and scholarships.

9. Western Michigan University – Multiple Counseling Specialties

Western Michigan University offers a wide variety of master’s degrees in counseling. Students can choose from several specialization options to match their career goals.

Program overview

WMU’s counseling programs include a Master of Arts in Counselor Education with multiple tracks and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. The Counselor Education program gives students three choices: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling, and School Counseling. The Counseling Psychology program requires 48 credits and teaches psychopathology, psychological assessment, and therapy practices. Students who study full-time can finish their degree in two years. Both programs give students ground experience through practicums and internships that prepare them for counseling careers.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

WMU’s counseling programs earned their prestigious CACREP accreditation in 1982. The university got an 8-year extension recently that runs through 2031. The program’s graduates can pursue various credentials. Clinical Mental Health graduates meet requirements to become limited license professional counselors (LLPC). Marriage and Family graduates can work toward both LLPC and limited license marriage and family therapist credentials, which opens up more career paths.

Tuition and affordability

The university’s graduate tuition uses a flat-rate system that covers 12-15 credit hours each semester for all students, whether they live in-state or out-of-state. The Board of Trustees sets these rates, and students must pay their tuition when each semester begins.

10. Andrews University – Accelerated Completion Option

Andrews University offers a master’s in counseling degree program with a fast-track completion path for students who want to start their counseling career quickly. The program blends professional training with a Christian worldview.

Program overview

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Andrews University has a complete 60-credit curriculum that prepares students for community agency and mental health settings. Students learn counseling theory and gain practical experience through required practicums and internships.

Students should start full-time study in fall semester to finish the program within two academic years. The program stands out with its fast-track completion option that lets students earn their undergraduate and graduate degrees faster than standard programs.

The curriculum focuses on:

• Counseling theories and techniques
• Bio-psycho-social-spiritual development
• Multicultural competencies for diverse populations

Accreditation and licensure alignment

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has earned prestigious accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This accreditation makes the licensure process easier for graduates who want to become Licensed Professional Counselors.

The university also maintains institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and the Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges, and Universities.

Tuition and affordability

Graduate tuition at Andrews University costs $1,371 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year. The 60-credit program totals approximately $82,260.

Financial options include:

• Graduate assistantships with stipends and tuition waivers
• Merit scholarships
• Federal financial aid programs

The fast-track pathway helps students save time and money by cutting total educational expenses and starting their career earlier.

11. Siena Heights University – No GRE & In-Person Option

Siena Heights University offers a hybrid masters in counseling degree program that blends online learning with in-person instruction. This Catholic-affiliated institution has removed the GRE requirement to make the program available to a wider range of applicants.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) requires 60 credit hours that cover professional core sequences, counseling core sequences, and field experiences. The complete curriculum has:

• 100-clock-hour practicum (with 40 contact hours)
• 600-clock-hour internship (with 240 contact hours)

Students gain advanced training in counseling techniques, assessment strategies, and intervention approaches that serve a variety of populations. The program’s hybrid format combines flexibility with valuable face-to-face interaction.

Accreditation and licensure alignment

The Higher Learning Commission accredits the CMHC program as part of Siena Heights University’s institutional accreditation. Michigan recognizes it as an approved counselor education program.

Students who complete their degree can immediately qualify for Michigan’s Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) credential. They can pursue full Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) status after completing 3,000 hours of supervised experience and passing the National Counselor Examination.

Tuition and affordability

The university’s “Siena Tuition Advantage” plan locks tuition rates for two consecutive academic years, giving financial stability to undergraduate and graduate students. The university has announced its closure at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.

12. Grand Valley State University – M.Ed. in School Counseling

Grand Valley State University offers a social-first M.Ed. in School Counseling that gives you the professional skills to support students in a variety of educational settings.

Program overview

GVSU’s Master of Education in School Counseling needs 36 credit hours at minimum, making it more streamlined than most other programs. Students learn to become counselors in K-12 public and private schools throughout Michigan. The program structure requires students to complete 100 practicum hours spread across five emphasis area courses and 600 internship hours.

Core coursework includes:

• Social foundations of education (3 credits)
• Research and evaluation (3 credits)
• School counseling emphasis courses (21 credits)
• Internship (6 credits)
• Capstone project or thesis (3-6 credits)

Accreditation and licensure alignment

The program guides students toward a school counselor endorsement on their existing teaching certificate or a school counselor license in Michigan. Students must pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (Subtest 51). The program’s graduates can qualify for certification or licensure in all but one of these 37 states.

Tuition and affordability

Students entering the 2025-2026 academic year will pay $859 per credit hour. The 36-credit minimum requirement brings total program tuition to approximately $30,924. Students should budget for books ($800 yearly), transportation, and personal expenses (estimated at $2,700 per two semesters). Students can access financial support through research assistantships, graduate assistantships, and field-related internships.

Choose a Master’s in Counseling in Michigan Today

Your career in mental health starts with picking the right master’s in counseling program. Michigan shines as a top choice with 23 programs that fit different career paths and learning styles. The state offers great value for future counselors. Mental health counselors here earn more than the national average, and job opportunities will grow by 21% through 2030 – this is a big deal as it means that other professions.

You’ll find plenty of options in these programs. Cornerstone University costs $565 per credit hour, making it budget-friendly. Well-known schools like Central Michigan University and Wayne State University offer complete programs. You can also specialize in addiction counseling, school counseling, marriage and family therapy, or art therapy.

Michigan’s counseling programs let you study your way. Davenport University and Central Michigan University have fully online programs that help you balance work and life while earning your degree. Some schools mix online and in-person learning. Wayne State and University of Detroit Mercy schedule evening classes that work well for professionals.

CACREP accreditation is a vital quality marker for any program. This respected credential will give a smooth path to licensure after graduation. Many Michigan programs proudly hold this accreditation.

Money matters need careful thought when choosing your program. Look beyond credit costs to find scholarships, graduate assistantships, and loan forgiveness options. Schools often provide financial aid packages that can lower your costs.

Success comes from finding a program that fits your career dreams, budget, and study style. Michigan has a counseling program for everyone, whether you care most about cost, specialty areas, flexible schedules, or location. This investment opens doors in a growing field where professionals are needed in many settings.