9 Accredited Masters in Counseling Programs in Ohio: Online & Campus Options

Want to find a quality master’s in counseling program with great career prospects? You’re in luck. Ohio has 31 Master’s in Counseling Programs across 19 different universities, giving you many paths to advance your counseling career.

The good news is that all graduate level counseling programs in Ohio have CACREP accreditation. This means you’ll get an education that meets the highest industry standards. These programs teach you about human behaviors, health issues, ethics, and psychological counseling theories. You’ll learn to help individuals, families, and groups effectively. The job market looks promising too – experts predict the need for counseling psychologists will grow by 7 percent from 2023 to 2033. Ohio’s professional counselors earn around $44,640 per year, making it a great time to pursue your counseling degree.

This guide covers 9 accredited options, including both campus-based and online school counseling programs in Ohio. We’ll help you find the perfect match for your educational and career goals.

Capital University

Capital University sits in the heart of Columbus. Its School of Education offers strong masters in counseling programs that prepare students to succeed in a variety of counseling settings throughout Ohio and beyond.

Program overview

Students can choose between two counseling tracks: a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling. Both are complete 64-credit hour programs. The curriculum focuses on eight core areas: human growth and development, social and cultural diversity, counseling relationships, group counseling, career development, assessment, research and program evaluation, and professional counseling ethics.

Students who study full-time usually finish in two years. Three-year and four-year plans also exist. Classes start at 4:30 PM in the evening. Most students come to campus about two nights each week. This schedule works great especially when you have a full-time job and want to earn advanced counseling credentials.

Accreditation & format

The Counselor Education program has earned CACREP accreditation through 2031. This ensures students receive high-quality education meeting national standards. The Ohio Department of Higher Education, Ohio Department of Education, and Higher Learning Commission also accredit the program.

Students learn through a hybrid format that combines in-person and online masters classes. Face-to-face sessions range from 5-8 meetings per course. Practicum and internship courses meet every week. This mix reduces campus visits while maximizing hands-on learning chances.

Practicum & internship

Clinical experience forms the foundation of Capital’s counseling programs. Students must complete a 100-hour practicum with at least 40 direct client contact hours. They then move on to a 600-hour internship with at least 240 direct contact hours. These experiences happen in schools, hospitals, community agencies, and other clinical settings around Columbus.

Students need professional liability insurance and must pass both FBI and BCI background checks before starting placements. The university helps match students with suitable sites based on their career goals and chosen program track.

Admission requirements

Capital’s counseling programs require:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
• Three letters of professional reference
• Current resume or curriculum vitae
• Official transcripts from all previous institutions
• Personal statement and writing sample
• Successful admission interview

New students join once yearly. Applications open in fall for the next academic year. Students should apply by December 1 for priority consideration. March 15 marks the final application deadline.

Tuition & financial aid

The 2024-2025 academic year costs $710 per credit hour for the Master of Arts in Education program. Total tuition runs about $45,440 for the 64-credit program. Additional fees include technology ($280/year) and health services ($110/year for full-time students).

Students can access federal unsubsidized loans up to $20,500 yearly, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and graduate assistantships when available. Students interested in federal aid must complete the FAFSA using Capital’s Title IV Code (003023).

Best for

Capital University’s counseling programs work great for professionals who need evening classes and flexible hybrid learning. The clinical mental health track prepares students for roles in hospitals, community agencies, college counseling centers, and private practice. The school counseling track gives students skills to help K-12 students with academic and personal growth.

The university’s central Ohio location and extensive practical opportunities make it perfect for building professional networks in Columbus while getting real counseling experience.

Ashland University

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Ashland Theological Seminary blends faith and counseling education. This program distinguishes itself by building professional counseling skills on a Christian worldview foundation.

Program overview

The Master’s program aims to develop exceptional counselors who can provide compassionate care to people of all backgrounds. Students learn both traditional and modern counseling techniques through a Christian worldview lens.

Students meet one full day each week in an innovative cohort model. This creates an immersive learning experience that works well with job schedules. The structure helps build strong bonds between classmates throughout their educational trip.

Program graduates work in many settings. These include private practice, community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment programs, military facilities, correctional agencies, and church-based counseling centers. The program prepares students specifically for Ohio licensure.

Accreditation & format

The counseling program has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through March 31, 2030. A rigorous two-year peer-reviewed process and complete self-study led to this accreditation.

The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT) has approved the program. Ashland University itself holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a regional agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Students attend live, in-person classes at the Ashland, Ohio campus. This face-to-face setting lets students connect directly with professors and peers, which boosts learning.

Practicum & internship

Clinical training is the backbone of Ashland’s counseling program. Students must complete a practicum of at least 100 clock hours over a full academic term (minimum 10 weeks). This includes 40 clock hours of direct client service.

After the practicum, students begin their internships. These provide “post-practicum, on-the-job experience” to refine and improve simple counseling skills. Ohio Counselor and Social Worker Board-approved, independently licensed mental health professionals supervise these internships.

Students receive an hour of weekly supervision during these experiences. The program’s success shows in its impressive 89.6% pass rate on the National Counselor Examination.

Admission requirements

Ashland’s counseling program requires:

• Undergraduate degree with minimum 2.75 GPA for standard admission (probationary admission possible with lower GPAs)
• Completed application (courses start in August, January, and May – no application deadlines)
• Official academic transcripts

The seminary makes the application process simple with its open enrollment policy.

Tuition & financial aid

The exact tuition rates for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program aren’t listed. Recent academic year pricing shows Ashland University’s graduate programs cost between $650-$865 per credit hour.

Students can access:

• Federal and state grants and loans (through FAFSA)
• Achievement-based scholarships
• On-campus jobs

Best for

Students who want to blend Christian principles with professional counseling education will find value in Ashland’s program. The cohort model suits those who enjoy community learning while keeping their jobs.

Ohio-based students benefit most since the program aligns with state licensure requirements. Strong clinical preparation and high exam success rates make it perfect for students who want hands-on experience and theological integration.

Alumni now work in many fields, including community mental health, college counseling, trauma treatment, addiction services, private practice, hospitals, and schools.

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Franciscan University of Steubenville has created a unique Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Students can blend their Catholic faith with counseling education at this Ohio institution where modern counseling techniques complement spiritual values.

Program overview

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program needs 60 semester hours to complete. Students learn both theory and practical skills. The curriculum combines Catholic teachings about human dignity with proven therapy methods. Students study topics that CACREP recommends, which prepares them for National Board of Certified Counselors certification.

Graduates can work in community mental health centers, residential facilities, pastoral settings, addiction treatment centers, and university counseling services. The program’s success shows in its results – 100% of Franciscan students passed the National Counselor Examination during the last three years.

Students who attend full-time usually finish in two years. They take 12 credits each semester for two academic years plus a summer term. The program also welcomes part-time students who need flexibility with their work schedules.

Accreditation & format

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited this program. CACREP is a respected accrediting organization that the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes. The accreditation lasts eight years before renewal.

The program also meets the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board’s requirements. This means graduates can pursue licensure in Ohio and most other states.

Students learn on the Ohio campus from experienced faculty members who share 100 years of combined professional experience. These professors still practice counseling, which lets them bring real-world insights to their teaching.

Practicum & internship

Clinical experience is the main event of the program. Students must complete both a practicum and internship. The practicum requires 100 hours of service, with about eight hours each week spent counseling under supervision.

After the practicum, students begin a 600-hour internship that spans two semesters (CSL 625 and CSL 626). They receive guidance from mental health professionals at their internship sites and additional support from faculty.

Full-time students usually do their practicum during summer between first and second years. They complete internships during their second year’s fall and spring semesters. The program helps match students with placement sites that fit their experience, skills, and interests.

Admission requirements

Students need:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with at least 2.75 GPA
• Three recommendations from academic or professional references
• A current resume or curriculum vitae
• A personal statement describing their counseling profession fit
• An interview with program faculty

Students with GPAs between 2.75 and 3.0 must submit GRE scores and achieve at least 149 on the verbal section. A GPA of 3.0 or higher means no GRE requirement. Regular admission deadlines fall on February 1, with late admission possible until July 1.

Tuition & financial aid

The program costs $750 per credit hour, which totals about $45,000 for all 60 credits. Students can access federal unsubsidized loans, scholarships, and work-study programs.

Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using Franciscan’s school code 003036. The university helps each student find affordable ways to fund their education through various support options.

Best for

This program fits students who want their Catholic values reflected in their counseling education. Students who value a faith-based approach to mental health will appreciate how the curriculum balances human dignity with clinical skills.

The program’s consistent success with the National Counselor Examination shows its strength in preparing students for licensure. Students interested in pursuing doctoral studies will find this program gives them solid preparation for advanced work in counselor education or related fields.

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati excels in counseling education through its research-focused approach. The College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.

Program overview

UC offers two master’s programs: Education in School Counseling and Arts in Mental Health Counseling. The School Counseling program helps students become licensed Professional School Counselors in PreK-12 settings. Students learn evidence-based practices and analytical insights. The Mental Health Counseling program gives you the skills needed for community agencies and private practice roles. The program focuses on integrated well-being and helps improve lives in a variety of communities.

Both programs feature a complete curriculum that meets CACREP standards and state licensing requirements. Students can finish these programs in about two years of full-time study. The university has eight and a half full-time counselor educators, which creates a great faculty-to-student ratio. Faculty members specialize in ecological career development, community counseling, multicultural counseling, trauma/traumatic stress, and chemical dependency.

Accreditation & format

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits UC’s counseling programs. The Mental Health Counseling program received its original accreditation in October 2002. The accreditation runs through October 31, 2025. This will give graduates the educational requirements needed for Ohio licensure.

Most classes happen on campus, with some courses offering hybrid options. Working professionals can attend evening classes while pursuing their advanced degrees.

Practicum & internship

Clinical training forms the heart of UC’s counseling programs. Students must complete a 100-hour practicum that includes at least 40 hours of direct client service. They then move on to a 600-hour internship spread over two semesters. Students receive weekly supervision that averages one hour.

The university’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) provides complete training. Students can gain experience in individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, assessment, and outreach. Placement options include community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, and university counseling services.

Admission requirements

Students need to meet these requirements:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution with minimum 3.0 GPA (for doctoral program)
• Three references (minimum of one required)
• Goal statement and writing sample
• Current resume/CV
• Official transcripts from all previous institutions

The Mental Health Counseling program accepts applications for fall semester until January 15.

Tuition & financial aid

Ohio residents pay graduate tuition of approximately $13,976 per year. Out-of-state students’ tuition runs around $29,310 annually. Financial aid options include:

• Graduate Research Assistantships with tuition remission and stipends
• Graduate scholarships for outstanding academic performance
• Federal unsubsidized loans and work-study opportunities
• The Gabbard Award for students interested in human relations in education

Best for

UC’s counseling programs suit students who want a strong foundation in evidence-based practices. The university focuses on ecological counseling approaches and underserved populations. This makes it perfect for students passionate about addressing social justice through counseling.

The programs work well for future professionals in community mental health, school settings, or private practice. UC boasts impressive licensing exam results—100% of Mental Health Counseling graduates pass. This makes it an excellent choice for students focused on licensure preparation.

Xavier University

Xavier University stands out with its rigorous counseling education based on Jesuit tradition. The university offers evening and weekend classes that work well for busy professionals in Cincinnati.

Program overview

Xavier has two CACREP-accredited counseling programs: a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Arts in School Counseling. Students can complete these 60-credit hour programs in two years of full-time study. Part-time options work well for those with professional commitments. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to help students support mental health and well-being.

The clinical mental health track prepares students for careers in community agencies, private practice, and hospitals. Mental health counselors are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects an 18% growth through 2032—almost six times higher than the national average for all occupations. These counselors earn a median annual wage of $49,710, which can go up to $82,710 based on facility, state, and experience.

Accreditation & format

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) fully accredits both counseling programs. This prestigious recognition shows Xavier’s steadfast dedication to quality instruction that emphasizes service-learning, social justice, and evidence-based practice.

Students attend classes at Xavier’s campus in Cincinnati, Ohio. Late afternoon, evening, and weekend classes help working students balance their education and career.

Practicum & internship

Students must complete 600 hours of supervised clinical counseling experience to meet Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board requirements. Clinical mental health students need:

• 240 hours in direct service counseling activities
• 200 hours in diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders
• Face-to-face meetings with PCC-licensed supervisors at a minimum ratio of one clock hour for every 20 hours of intern activities

Supervisors must have a Professional Clinical Counseling license with a “Supervising Counselor” designation approved by the Ohio Board. Xavier helps coordinate placements, but students must secure their internship sites.

Admission requirements

Students must have:

• Bachelor’s degree with undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above
• Five hundred word minimum statement of purpose
• Two letters of reference about academic/professional potential
• Current resume
• Official transcripts from all previous institutions

Application deadlines change by semester: October 1 for spring, February 1 for summer, and February 1 for fall. Selected candidates get invitations for on-campus interviews after application review.

Tuition & financial aid

Xavier’s counseling programs cost $722 per credit hour, adding up to $43,320 for the complete 60-credit program. Other fees include:

• Student ID fee: $12.50
• Graduate Student Association fee: $15.00 (full-time) or $10.00 (part-time) per semester
• Course-specific fees for testing materials ($40) and liability insurance ($36)

Students can get financial support through graduate assistantships, tuition waivers, and federal loans. Almost all new Xavier students receive some type of financial help.

Best for

Xavier University works best for students who want evening/weekend classes in a Jesuit educational setting. Working professionals who value flexible, face-to-face learning will benefit most from this program. Xavier’s location in Cincinnati—ranked among the top 10 master’s-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for two decades—offers great networking opportunities and quality education.

Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University runs a Community Counseling Clinic that provides free or reduced-cost services to area residents. Students gain valuable hands-on experience early in their program through this clinic.

Program overview

YSU’s four CACREP-accredited masters in counseling programs prepare graduates for different career paths. The programs are Addiction Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and College Counseling & Student Affairs—the only CACREP-accredited College Counseling program in Ohio. Students work in mental health centers, schools, recovery centers, and universities after graduation. The curriculum covers core CACREP areas: professional orientation/ethics, human growth/development, social/cultural diversity, helping relationships, career development, group work, assessment, and research/program evaluation.

Accreditation & format

The university maintains full CACREP accreditation for all four counseling options. YSU’s national recognition comes from the ACES Outstanding Counselor Education Program Award and NCACES Innovative Counselor Education Program Award. Ohio’s Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board recognizes the Clinical Mental Health, College, and Addiction options. Students attend classes on campus, and working professionals can take advantage of evening options.

Practicum & internship

The program requires students to complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship in appropriate settings throughout Northeast Ohio or Western Pennsylvania. YSU’s Community Counseling Clinic serves as the first practicum site for students. Students receive weekly supervision that averages one hour per week during these experiences.

Admission requirements

Admission criteria include:

• Minimum 2.7 undergraduate GPA (higher GPA needed for post-master’s certificate)
• Letter of intent addressing motivation and program interest (approximately 4 pages)
• Three references
• Application deadlines: June 15 (Fall), October 15 (Spring), March 15 (Summer)

Tuition & financial aid

Annual graduate tuition costs approximately $13,967 for in-state students and $14,327 for out-of-state students. Graduate assistantships provide valuable experience and financial support. Most assistantships come with tuition remission and stipends.

Best for

YSU stands out for students seeking specialized counseling programs with strong community ties. The university’s student affairs program boasts 100% job placement within 6 months of graduation. A 50-year history and over 2,200 master’s degree graduates serving the region create excellent networking opportunities and alumni connections that help advance careers.

Heidelberg University

Heidelberg University, nestled in Tiffin, Ohio, welcomes students with two distinct paths toward professional counseling licensure.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Counseling program at Heidelberg features two specialized tracks: a 50-hour School Track and a 60-hour Clinical Track. Both programs excel in academic rigor, counseling skill development, and personal growth through supervised clinical work. Students learn everything in counseling from human growth and social diversity to counseling relationships, group dynamics, career development, assessment, and professional ethics.

Accreditation & format

The program boasts accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). On top of that, it has earned recognition from the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.

Practicum & internship

The program structure includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. Students should note field placement deadlines that come three months before each term: June 1 (Fall), November 1 (Spring), and March 1 (Summer). Each student receives weekly supervision and applies theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

Admission requirements

Requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 2.9 GPA
• 12 hours of behavioral sciences coursework
• Three recommendation letters
• 2-3 page goal statement

Tuition & financial aid

Clinical track students pay $650 per credit hour, bringing the total program cost to approximately $39,000. Students should budget for an additional $25 technology fee per credit hour. Financial support options include federal loans and graduate assistantships.

Best for

Students looking for dual licensure opportunities will find great value at Heidelberg. The program shines especially when you have aspirations in both school and clinical mental health settings through its endorsement options.

Kent State University

Kent State’s Counselor Education and Supervision Program is foundational to Ohio’s counseling education. The program operates from the College of Education, Health, and Human Services.

Program overview

Kent State specializes in three master’s degree areas: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, and School Counseling. Students can prepare for Ohio licensure or certification through these programs. The faculty members promote the counseling profession through their connection with the American Counseling Association. Students looking for higher education can pursue a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Counselor Education and Supervision.

Accreditation & format

Kent State’s counseling programs have accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This recognition will give students a quality education with high standards in learning environment, academic quality, counseling curriculum, and professional practice. Students attend classes at the Kent Campus.

Practicum & internship

The program requires students to complete a 100-hour practicum with at least 40 direct client contact hours and a 600-hour internship. Students can get great training opportunities at the university’s Counseling Center, which provides over 4,000 hours of confidential counseling yearly. Students must get professional liability insurance and pass both FBI and BCI background checks before starting their placements.

Admission requirements

Requirements include:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution (for Educational Specialist program)
• Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA (3.25 recommended)
• Goal statement and supplemental interview form
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview
• English language proficiency (minimum 79 TOEFL iBT, 6.5 IELTS, 58 PTE, or 110 DET)

Application deadlines change by semester. Priority deadlines are December 15 (Fall), September 1 (Spring), and February 1 (Summer).

Tuition & financial aid

In-state graduate students pay about $11,766 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $21,952. The university gives out over $375 million in financial aid each year. Students can get research assistantships, scholarships, and federal work-study positions. Kent State provides more than 8,000 on-campus jobs.

Best for

Kent State’s counseling programs help students become skilled at mental health, rehabilitation, or school counseling. The program works best for students who want to practice in Ohio since it matches the state’s licensure requirements.

Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University gives counseling students specialized training through urban-focused programs that help them understand metropolitan communities’ complexities.

Program overview

CSU provides a 48-semester-hour School Counseling program and a 60-semester-hour Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. These programs are built on counselors serving as facilitators of human development. Students who complete the clinical mental health track meet Ohio’s academic requirements for Professional Clinical Counselor licensure. Starting July 2023, CACREP requires all School Counseling programs to be 60 credit hours.

Accreditation & format

CACREP has accredited both counseling programs. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program earned its first accreditation in November 1994 and maintains it through March 31, 2027. The Higher Learning Commission has also accredited CSU as an institution.

Practicum & internship

The program requires students to complete a 100-hour practicum with 40 direct service hours and a 600-hour internship with 240 direct service hours. Students in practicum must work 16-20 hours weekly spread across at least two different days. Licensed professionals provide on-site supervision throughout these experiences.

Admission requirements

Students must meet these admission criteria:

• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 and graduate GPA of 3.0
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• $40 application fee
• Interview

Tuition & financial aid

Graduate students pay approximately $16,496 per year in tuition. Students can access federal loans, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. The total yearly cost, including food, housing, and personal expenses, ranges from $39,356 to $54,194.

Best for

CSU stands out for students drawn to urban counseling environments. The program prepares counselors to work with diverse urban populations. The curriculum weaves urban issues into coursework, and students must complete at least one practicum in an urban setting.

Find the Right Program Today

Nine accredited counseling programs across Ohio give aspiring professionals excellent education options. Each school brings something special to the table. Franciscan and Ashland focus on faith-integrated approaches. Cleveland State specializes in urban training, while Youngstown State offers a unique College Counseling program.

Your career goals, study preferences, and life situation will help you pick the right program. Some schools work great for professionals with evening classes. Others let students gain hands-on experience through their university counseling centers.

These programs all have CACREP accreditation, which will give you solid preparation for license exams and professional work. The results speak for themselves – many schools’ graduates have a 100% pass rate on their exams.

Money doesn’t have to stop you from pursuing your dreams. Graduate assistantships, federal loans, and scholarships make these programs available to more people. Program costs range from $39,000 to $45,440.

Now is a great time to start your counseling career. Job growth looks strong with a 7% increase expected through 2033. Qualified counselors are needed in schools, community agencies, private practice, and healthcare facilities.

This comprehensived look at Ohio’s counseling programs helps you take your first step toward a career helping others through life’s challenges. Capital’s hybrid format, Xavier’s evening classes, or Kent State’s specialized tracks – you’ll find a program that lines up with your goals and life situation.