8 Accredited Masters in Counseling Programs in Minnesota
Choosing the right masters in counseling Minnesota program might feel daunting with 40 counseling degree programs spread across the state. You need to think carefully about your career goals, whether you’re just beginning your search or finalizing your choices.
The Master’s in Counseling degree stands as Minnesota’s most sought-after credential in this field. Students can pick from a variety of paths – from online masters in counseling Minnesota programs to specialized University of Minnesota masters in counseling tracks. Masters in mental health counseling Minnesota programs offer specific training for licensure if clinical practice interests you. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that professional counselors in Minnesota earn $39,210 on average per year – something to think about before making this big investment in your future.
Our complete guide ranks 8 accredited counseling programs throughout Minnesota. This will help you make smart choices about your educational journey. We take a closer look at each school’s specializations, admission requirements, program formats, and their approach to preparing students for professional licensure.
1. Capella University – Online Master’s in Counseling
Capella University shines in Minnesota’s educational scene with its online master’s counseling programs. These programs help working professionals advance their careers without moving or leaving their jobs. Students from Minnesota and other states can earn advanced counseling credentials through the university’s virtual campus.
Program overview
Students can choose between two learning formats: GuidedPath and FlexPath. GuidedPath follows a quarter-based calendar with weekly deadlines and structured learning. FlexPath lets students set their own pace and finish faster based on their experience and study time. Both options provide a complete counseling education that focuses on practical skills through virtual simulations and supervised field work.
The university blends theory with hands-on practice in its counseling curriculum. Students learn core counseling theories while building real-world skills in virtual counseling labs and field experiences. This setup works great for people switching careers or those who need to balance their education with other commitments.
Accreditation and format
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program holds CACREP accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This credential proves essential for getting licensed in many states and shows the program meets high-quality education standards. The Higher Learning Commission also accredits Capella University.
Students complete their coursework through an online platform that features interactive lessons, virtual simulations, and residency experiences. The program includes hands-on components through in-person field experiences near students’ homes.
Specializations offered
Students can pick from several counseling paths that match their career goals:
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Readies students for professional counselor licensure with broad mental health training
- MS in School Counseling: Targets K-12 educational settings with proper licensure preparation
- MS in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy: Focuses on relationship counseling using systemic approaches
- MS in Addiction Studies: Centers on treatment methods for substance abuse and behavioral addictions
Each path has specific courses and field experiences that align with licensing requirements.
Admission requirements
Students need these items to join Capella’s counseling programs:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale (some programs might need higher scores)
- Completed application with fee
- Official transcripts from previous schools
- Letters of recommendation
- Goal statement showing professional aims
- Resume or CV with relevant experience
The university looks at both academic background and personal qualities suited for counseling when reviewing applications.
Program duration and flexibility
Program length varies by format and course load. Most GuidedPath students finish their MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in about 3 years while working part-time. FlexPath students might graduate sooner if they can study more or have relevant experience.
Students must attend residencies that last 3-4 days at specific locations. Field work, including practicum and internship placements, adds practical experience while extending program length.
Career and licensure preparation
The counseling programs meet licensing requirements in multiple states, including Minnesota’s Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy standards. Students learn everything needed for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
Students get help with post-graduation requirements through dedicated support services. This includes tracking supervised practice hours and preparing for exams. Graduates work in community mental health centers, healthcare organizations, schools, and private practice.
Minnesota residents can use these CACREP-accredited programs to meet educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credentials. This opens doors for career growth in Minnesota’s mental health field.
2. Walden University – Online Counseling Degrees
Walden University provides detailed online counseling programs for students who need flexible education options in Minnesota and beyond. Students can balance their work and personal life while pursuing advanced counseling credentials through the virtual learning environment.
Program overview
The counseling programs at Walden help students develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills they need for professional practice. Students can choose from several master’s level options. The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling stand out as their flagship programs. The university also offers a chance to earn an MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. This program lets graduates seek licensure or certification in both mental health and school counseling to expand their career options.
Accreditation and format
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited Walden’s counseling programs through March 31, 2025. CACREP accreditation represents excellence in professional counseling education and many states require it for licensure. The Higher Learning Commission also provides institutional accreditation to Walden University.
Students complete most coursework online with some required in-person elements. The program includes two mandatory pre-practicum labs available virtually ($1,450 each) or in-person ($1,550 each). These labs help students develop essential skills through supervised practice before their field experiences begin.
Specializations offered
Students can choose from many specializations in their counseling programs:
For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling:
- Addiction Counseling
- Forensic Counseling
- Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
- Military Families and Culture
- Play Therapy
- Rehabilitation Counseling
- Trauma and Crisis Counseling
- Telehealth Counseling, Private Practice, and Supervision
The School Counseling and Dual Degree programs offer similar specializations so students can align their education with specific career goals.
Admission requirements
Students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to apply. Walden’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences asks some program applicants to submit a goal statement about their professional objectives. Students should check their specific program guidelines because additional requirements might apply.
Program duration and flexibility
The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling requires 90 credits ($535 per quarter hour) with total tuition around $48,150. Most students finish in 33 months. The optional Accelerated Track lets students take three courses each quarter to graduate faster.
Students can complete their coursework when it fits their schedule thanks to the flexible online format. A student shared their experience: “Walden’s Tempo Learning was perfect for me… I loved the flexibility of not having due dates for assignments”.
Career and licensure preparation
Students in CACREP-accredited programs can qualify for licensing exams and meet academic licensure requirements in many states. The accreditation allows students to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) during their final quarters instead of waiting until after graduation. Graduates can start working on their remaining licensure requirements with this important credential.
Graduates work in community mental health centers, private practices, schools, and healthcare organizations. The counseling programs follow professional standards that prepare students for real-life practice and licensure examinations.
3. Minnesota State University Mankato – CACREP Accredited Programs
Minnesota State University Mankato has one of the 30-year-old masters in counseling Minnesota programs. The program stands out with its thorough curriculum and modern training facilities. MSU Mankato offers hands-on learning experience that shapes well-rounded counseling professionals, unlike fully online programs.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Counseling and Student Personnel at Minnesota State Mankato prepares students to handle real-life client needs in settings of all types. The program’s practitioner-based approach combines challenging academic coursework with personal mentorship. Students learn in the university’s modern counseling skills training facility. This facility has helped both master’s and doctoral students for over three decades. The program uses a cohort structure that promotes a supportive learning community throughout your studies.
Accreditation and format
MSU Mankato’s counseling program has earned CACREP accreditation through March 2026. This accreditation shows the program’s steadfast dedication to meeting national standards in eight core counseling areas: human growth and development, social/cultural foundations, helping relationships, group dynamics, career development, appraisal, research, and professional orientation.
The courses run mainly in-person at the Mankato campus. Some classes might include hybrid components with less classroom time. The face-to-face environment helps students build strong relationships with faculty mentors who care deeply about their professional growth.
Specializations offered
The program has two CACREP-accredited specialization tracks:
- Mental Health Counseling – Trains counselors to work in clinical settings of all types including mental health centers, family counseling agencies, hospitals, treatment centers, and private practice.
- Professional School Counseling – Gives graduates the skills to work as K-12 professional school counselors who help students with personal, educational, and career development.
Students can match their education with specific career goals while meeting strict accreditation standards.
Admission requirements
The program accepts applications through January 15th each year. You need:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (competitive applicants usually have higher GPAs)
- Three recommendation letters about academic potential and counseling abilities (one must come from an instructor or academic advisor)
- Personal statement answering specific prompts
- Current resume
- Mental Health Counseling track students need an Abnormal Psychology prerequisite course
Program duration and flexibility
Most students complete the program in two years of full-time study. The tuition rates differ between residents and non-residents:
- Minnesota residents pay $530 per credit hour
- Non-residents pay $795 per credit hour
The 60-credit Mental Health Counseling program includes core counseling courses, research methods, specialization coursework, and hands-on clinical experiences through practicum and internship placements.
Career and licensure preparation
MSU Mankato’s CACREP-accredited program makes the path to licensure smoother. The program readies students for:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credentials
- National Certified Counselor Exam (NCE) and National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
Minnesota state laws define required coursework and qualifying clinical experiences using CACREP standards. This makes the accreditation valuable for practicing in the state. Students get extensive supervised clinical experience to handle the challenges of professional counseling work.
Graduates work in mental health centers, family counseling agencies, community organizations, schools, and private practice settings. Their work has altered the map of education and mental health in their communities.
4. Minnesota State University Moorhead – Counseling Master’s Programs
Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) offers outstanding master’s programs in counseling that combine traditional on-campus learning with flexible scheduling options. The university sits in the heart of Moorhead, and stands out because it puts students first and helps develop skilled counselors.
Program overview
MSUM’s counseling programs blend theory with practical skills through a well-laid-out curriculum designed for working professionals. Small cohort sizes in the counseling department give students personal attention and mentorship throughout their educational experience. Faculty members bring their extensive field expertise to class and create an enriching environment where real-life cases shape academic discussions.
The programs also give students hands-on training at MSUM’s on-campus counseling center. Students develop clinical skills under faculty supervision before moving to external practicum placements. This mix of theory and practice creates well-rounded counseling professionals ready to serve clients of all backgrounds after graduation.
Accreditation and format
MSUM’s Counseling and Student Affairs programs have earned prestigious CACREP accreditation, proving it right that they meet strict professional standards. This accreditation helps graduates get licensed in different states.
The program uses a hybrid approach with evening classes once a week from 4:30-10:00 PM. This setup works great for working professionals. Students can keep their jobs while getting advanced education – a perfect option for those who can’t do fully online or regular daytime programs.
Specializations offered
MSUM has two main specialization tracks:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: A 60-credit program that prepares graduates to work in various mental health settings
- School Counseling: A 48-credit program focused on K-12 educational environments
Both tracks start with core counseling principles before moving into specialized courses for each career path.
Admission requirements
You’ll need to submit:
- Completed graduate application
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (lower GPAs might get conditional admission)
- Official transcripts from all previous schools
- Three professional references
- Personal statement about your career goals and why you want to pursue counseling
- Current resume
The admissions team looks at applications as a whole, weighing both academic achievements and personal qualities suited for counseling.
Program duration and flexibility
Clinical Mental Health Counseling needs 60 semester credits, usually taking 2.5-3 years of part-time study. School Counseling has 48 credits and takes 2-2.5 years. Students move through the program together as a cohort, building strong professional relationships and support networks.
The weekly evening class schedule creates a great balance between education and other commitments. Counseling faculty work with each student to create individual degree plans that match their career goals.
Career and licensure preparation
MSUM’s counseling programs really prepare graduates for professional licensure exams and requirements. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program meets all educational requirements for Minnesota’s Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credentials.
The program’s focus on supervised clinical experiences will give graduates substantial hands-on practice through practicum and internship placements. Graduates work in community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, private practices, and social service agencies across Minnesota and nearby states.
5. St. Cloud State University – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
St. Cloud State University offers a unique master’s in counseling program in Minnesota. The program stands out for its focus on cultural fluency and hands-on clinical training. Students get one of the best counseling education experiences in the state, with plenty of real-life practice opportunities.
Program overview
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Master of Science program shapes students into thoughtful practitioners with strong clinical abilities. Future mental health counselors learn to deliver the highest standard of culturally aware care. The program’s innovative curriculum helps students develop self-awareness, knowledge, and skills they need to succeed as clinical counselors in various settings.
This program stands out as the only accredited graduate program that uses the Integrative Course Design teaching model throughout its curriculum. Students learn through a Taxonomy of Significant Learning and Team-Based Learning approach. This creates an educational experience that keeps students engaged and interested.
Accreditation and format
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has earned full accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This respected credential confirms the program meets strict national standards and helps graduates get their licenses more easily.
Classes take place on campus at St. Cloud. The schedule works well for students who have jobs. The program uses state-of-the-art clinical spaces with modern recording and observation technology that boosts learning.
Specializations offered
The program focuses on building expertise in clinical mental health counseling rather than splitting into different tracks. Students learn evidence-based therapies that match DSM-5/ICD-10 classifications, including special training in trauma-informed care. The curriculum covers mindfulness-based approaches, integrated health, holistic wellness, and prevention models. This gives students a detailed preparation for many clinical challenges.
Admission requirements
The program carefully selects its students through these requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Detailed goal statement/letter of intent that answers specific questions
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Group interview with faculty members and current students
The interview process takes a unique approach. Applicants join a group interview where faculty and current students ask questions. Then, the group discusses a case study together. The whole process runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Program duration and flexibility
Students need 61 credits to graduate. The program accepts 18 full-time students each year as a cohort. Classes meet two days weekly, which lets students plan their schedules from start to finish. This predictable timeline helps students who need structure in their studies.
Students get extensive hands-on training. They complete a full year of supervised clinical experience on campus before starting their internship. This approach ensures students develop strong practical skills before working at external sites.
Career and licensure preparation
The program readies graduates for Minnesota’s two-tier licensing system as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC). Students meet all educational requirements set by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapies.
Graduates work in many settings like crisis clinics, correctional facilities, schools, community mental health centers, and private practice. Every recent graduate has found work within a year of finishing the program, with starting salaries averaging above $65,000. The program’s focus on practical learning, community experience, and cultural awareness makes graduates highly sought after, especially given the current mental health field’s growth and staff shortages.
6. Winona State University – School and Mental Health Counseling
Winona State University achieves a remarkable 100% job placement rate for counseling graduates. This makes it a leading choice for students looking to pursue their masters in counseling in Minnesota. The university’s counselor education programs take a practical, student-centered approach to professional development.
Program overview
The Counselor Education Department offers four graduate programs for aspiring mental health professionals. Students learn through hands-on experience and community involvement with schools and mental health agencies. The class schedule runs from 5:00-8:00 PM with no Friday sessions. This schedule works well for working professionals.
Accreditation and format
Winona State’s Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling programs have CACREP accreditation through March 31, 2026. This respected credential guarantees quality education that meets national standards in eight core curricular areas. Classes take place at both Winona and Rochester campuses. Students benefit from a mix of online hybrid and face-to-face learning.
Specializations offered
The university offers four graduate paths:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS): Students prepare for licensure as professional counselors in community settings
- School Counseling (MS): Graduates work with PreK-12 students in educational environments
- Human Services Professional (MS): A non-clinical option for those seeking advanced knowledge of professional collaboration
- Addiction Counseling Certificate: Students can earn Minnesota LADC licensure
Admission requirements
Applicants need to submit a resume, 2-5 professional references, and a personal statement (maximum 3 pages). Selected candidates then visit campus to meet faculty, take part in a structured group interaction, and learn more about the program.
Program duration and flexibility
Students complete each program in 2-4 years. The School Counseling track needs 60 credits with internship experiences. Students can choose to pursue both School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling tracks.
Career and licensure preparation
These programs prepare graduates for their respective counseling licenses. School Counseling graduates can apply for licensure in most states. The program follows the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National model. Students become skilled counselors ready to make positive changes in schools and communities through their focus on academic, career, and social-emotional development.
7. University of Minnesota – Counseling Psychology Track
The University of Minnesota stands out with its research-intensive masters in counseling program. The program follows the scientist-practitioner model and emphasizes both scholarly investigation and clinical practice. Students work on collaborative research with faculty right from their first semester. This helps them build valuable research expertise along with their counseling skills.
Program overview
The Counseling Psychology program at UMN creates graduates who excel as both scholars and practitioners. The program represents various psychological points of view while students develop specialized knowledge in the counseling domain. Students learn evidence-based diagnostic and intervention methods that help them serve people from different backgrounds.
Accreditation and format
The UMN’s Counseling Psychology program holds prestigious American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation, unlike programs with CACREP accreditation. The program has managed to keep this accreditation since 1952. Graduates can sit for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) after completing their degree.
Specializations offered
Students can shape their education through specialized tracks and research opportunities. The curriculum covers clinical skills, professional ethics, client advocacy, and integrated behavioral health approaches. Some tracks offer youth specialization options with a graduate minor in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.
Admission requirements
Strong applicants typically have GPAs of 3.80 (mean) and 3.89 (median). Students must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and resume. The program looks for candidates who show both academic excellence and personal qualities suited for counseling.
Program duration and flexibility
Students typically finish their degree within six years. The program structure has coursework, practica, and internship experiences. Working professionals can take advantage of evening classes.
Career and licensure preparation
Graduates work in a variety of settings including college counseling centers, VA healthcare systems, community clinics, and private practice. The program prepares students for Minnesota’s Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credentials. The university’s Career Counseling and Assessment Clinic gives students practical training while serving community members.
8. Northwestern University – Online MA in Counseling
The Family Institute at Northwestern University offers a premier online Master of Arts in Counseling program that serves aspiring mental health professionals across the country. The program’s foundation rests on self-reflection, diversity, and intensive clinical training.
Program overview
Students learn to become self-aware clinical mental health counselors who can apply various counseling theories and evidence-based practices. The curriculum combines psychodynamic thinking with modern best practices. Students explore how developmental histories and sociopolitical forces shape identity.
Accreditation and format
The program maintains CACREP accreditation through 2024. Students benefit from an engaging online format that features weekly virtual classes, in-person immersions, and clinical training opportunities in their local communities.
Specializations offered
Students passionate about youth mental health can choose the Child and Adolescent Specialization. This five-course specialization teaches specific techniques to work effectively with young people.
Admission requirements
The program requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. They must submit transcripts, two professional/academic recommendations, a resume, and a personal statement. A background check is mandatory.
Program duration and flexibility
The program takes 18-36 months to complete based on student preference. Students can choose from three timelines: accelerated full-time (18 months), traditional, or part-time.
Career and licensure preparation
The program awards the same degree as its on-campus counterpart and readies graduates for nationwide licensure. Students receive comprehensive preparation for state licensure requirements, though specific qualifications differ by state.
Choose a Minnesota Master’s in Counseling Today
Picking the right master’s in counseling program needs you to think about your career goals, priorities, and lifestyle needs. These eight accredited Minnesota programs each have their own advantages based on your situation.
Your top priority should be accreditation. CACREP accreditation will give a solid foundation that meets national standards and makes getting licensed easier. The program format also makes a big difference. Schools like Capella and Walden offer fully online options for flexibility. Campus-based programs at St. Cloud State and Minnesota State Mankato give you hands-on training and face-to-face mentoring.
Programs differ by a lot in their specialization options. Some schools focus only on clinical mental health counseling. Others let you specialize in school counseling, addiction treatment, marriage and family therapy, or working with specific populations. You need to arrange your program choice with your intended practice area to prepare for your career.
Programs vary in length and structure. You can complete them in 18 months to 3+ years depending on your schedule. Working professionals might prefer evening classes or hybrid formats that need fewer campus visits while keeping high educational standards.
Your career success depends on how well a program prepares you for Minnesota’s LPC or LPCC licensure requirements. Most programs here design their coursework to meet these standards, though they approach practical training differently.
The ideal counseling program balances academic reputation, cost, convenience, and fits your professional goals. Minnesota counselors start at around $39,210, but specialized training and continuing education can boost your earning potential over time.
The counseling field is growing faster across Minnesota, creating many opportunities for well-trained graduates. Any program you choose will set you up for success if you focus on building both theory and practical skills. Your trip to becoming a skilled, compassionate counselor starts with picking the right educational path that matches your needs and goals.