9 Best CACREP Masters in Counseling Programs: Oklahoma Guide 2025

The demand for masters in counseling programs in Oklahoma has reached new heights. Mental illness affects 592,000 adults and 58,000 youth throughout the state. Oklahoma’s mental health crisis ranks as the 6th worst nationwide, while mental health care remains out of reach for over 1.5 million residents.

Oklahoma universities offer several paths to earn your counseling degree. Students can choose from 17 schools that provide counseling programs of all types. These institutions feature 25 programs ranging from associate’s to doctoral levels. Eight schools now make education more accessible through hybrid and online LPC programs.

Your career prospects depend heavily on CACREP accreditation. The Oklahoma Licensing Professional Counselor Advisory Board requires these accredited programs for licensing. These programs are a great way to get clinical experience – some provide up to 700 hours. Graduates can look forward to a median income of $37,200 in Oklahoma.

This guide explores the 9 best CACREP-accredited masters in counseling programs in Oklahoma to help you choose the right educational path.

Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University leads the way for students who want to earn their master’s in counseling in Oklahoma. The school’s counseling program shapes future professionals through high academic standards and hands-on experience.

Features

NSU has a 60-hour Master of Science in Counseling with three focus areas:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Addiction Counseling
• School Counseling

Students take 42 hours of core classes and 18 hours of courses in their chosen specialty. The program has a demanding 600-clock hour supervised internship that prepares students for real-life counseling situations.

This counseling degree stands out because of its mission to “positively influence the regional and global effect of the counseling field through professional stewardship”. The core team creates an environment where students can analyze their assumptions and build knowledgeable, skillful, and ethical counseling practices.

NSU offers classes at both Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses. The program uses a cohort model, which means students must take courses in a specific order listed in their degree plan. Small class sizes help build stronger bonds between faculty and students.

Accreditation

NSU made history in July 2015 by becoming the first university in Oklahoma to gain CACREP accreditation in three specific counseling programs. This prestigious status shows that students get top-quality education and training that goes beyond national standards.

CACREP accreditation opens up career opportunities. Graduates can work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and TRICARE. Research shows that CACREP program graduates perform better on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification.

The program lets you practice in multiple states, not just Oklahoma. Student learning outcomes line up with CACREP standards.

Tuition and affordability

Graduate division courses (5000 Level) at NSU for 2021-2022 cost Oklahoma residents $254.50 in tuition plus $37.15 in fees per credit hour, adding up to $291.65. Non-residents pay $569.00 plus $37.15 in fees, totaling $606.15 per credit hour.

Students can access different types of financial aid. NSU’s financial aid program rewards outstanding achievement and leadership potential. It helps students who might not otherwise afford to attend. Funding comes from scholarships, grants, part-time jobs, and educational loans.

The Department of Psychology and Counseling offers some paid teaching and research assistantships. These day positions are available at both Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses.

Online availability

NSU runs mostly in-person classes but gives students flexibility with multiple campus locations. Students can take the Master of Science in Counseling program at Tahlequah or Broken Arrow campuses.

NSU calls itself “Oklahoma’s immersive learning institution” and offers in-person, blended, or online learning options in programs of all types. The counseling program uses a cohort model where students take courses in a set order. This structure differs from fully online programs.

Small graduate classes help build meaningful relationships between faculty and students. This shows how important face-to-face learning is for counselor development in this lpc program.

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University runs a dynamic CACREP-accredited counseling program that trains skilled counselors who can put theory into practice effectively. The program blends counseling, pedagogical, and psychological elements into hands-on training that prepares graduates to succeed in school and clinical mental health settings.

Key features

OSU requires you to complete 60 credit hours in either mental health counseling or school counseling specializations. This program has 100 clock-hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship experience. Students who prefer research can choose a thesis option with 66 credit hours instead of the standard creative component portfolio.

School counseling students who want Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials need 63 total hours to meet Oklahoma Licensing Board requirements. OSU’s program shows impressive results – in the 2022-2023 academic year:

• 37 students graduated (35 in Mental Health Counseling, 2 in School Counseling)
• 100% pass rate on the National Counselor Examination
• 100% employment rate for graduates seeking jobs

Faculty expertise covers a variety of areas including:

• Couple and family relationships
• Play therapy and prevention
• Addictions counseling
• LGBTQIA client services
• Body image and disordered eating

Students learn through research with expert faculty and often present at national conferences. The OSU-Tulsa campus houses the Body Image and Disordered Eating (BIDE) Lab where master’s students research how body image connects to social justice, cultural diversity, and health.

Accreditation

OSU’s mental health counseling and school counseling options have full accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This prestigious accreditation shows that the program meets or exceeds national counselor education standards.

The masters in counseling Oklahoma program at OSU ranks among the top 50 counseling programs nationwide.

Tuition and affordability

Graduate tuition rates at OSU for 2025-2026 are $233.80 per credit hour for Oklahoma residents and $879.75 for non-residents. Students in 100% online graduate programs pay different rates: $489 per credit hour for residents and $530 for non-residents.

Full-time students might qualify for departmental financial aid with tuition waivers and graduate assistantships. The College of Education and Human Sciences offers scholarships to current students. Students who commute between campuses can use a shuttle bus service for a small fee.

OSU makes education affordable—more than 50% of students graduate without any student loan debt.

Online availability

You can take courses at both Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, making your educational trip flexible. Both locations have high-quality training clinics to develop practical skills. Students can choose classes at either campus based on what works best for them.

Working professionals can keep their full-time jobs while completing the counseling degree program. Students have the option to enroll full-time or part-time. Full-time status needs at least nine credit hours during fall or spring semesters and four hours during summer.

The OSU-Tulsa campus sits in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District. This metropolitan area has over 1 million residents with diverse mental health needs, creating excellent opportunities for hands-on experience.

University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has lifted professional counselor training to new heights. The program earned prestigious recognition, making it one of the best education options for aspiring mental health professionals in Oklahoma.

Key features

The university’s 60-hour Master of Education (M.Ed.) program helps students become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Oklahoma. Students learn everything they need through a well-crafted curriculum that focuses on:

• Building professional identity
• Becoming skilled at ethical practice
• Learning empirical foundations
• Putting theoretical concepts into practice

Students can finish the 20 required courses in just 30 months. The program creates a welcoming community while we focused on community-based, environmentally conscious research and practice.

Students practice their skills in a cutting-edge counseling lab under expert guidance. The program’s clinical experiences are extensive – a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, with 240 hours spent working directly with clients.

The core team holds doctoral degrees in Counselor Education or Counseling Psychology and professional credentials. Their expertise shows in student success rates: 100% complete their degrees, 100% pass their exams, and 98% find jobs or enter doctoral programs.

Accreditation

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialty earned an eight-year CACREP accreditation through March 31, 2032. This January 2024 accreditation confirms that the program “meets all standards in a satisfactory manner”.

This milestone helps address Oklahoma’s mental health professional shortage. The federal government lists all 77 Oklahoma counties as areas that need mental health professionals. Students from OU’s CACREP-accredited program can apply for counseling licenses more easily.

Program Coordinator Dr. Delini Fernando says: “CACREP accreditation status shows our program’s value and quality through its standards for finances, educational and support resources, and curricula”.

Tuition and affordability

While specific counseling program rates aren’t listed, OU uses flat-rate tuition. Students can take extra credit hours at better value. The university’s financial support includes:

• Scholarships and grants
• Educational loans
• Work-study programs
• Student Financial Center support
• MidFirst Bank MoneyCoach Program

Graduate students can use payment plans without applying, with payments due monthly on the 25th. Military students get special benefits through OU Veteran Student Services.

Online availability

The Online Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program accepts students year-round, with fall and spring start dates. This 60-credit online program matches the on-campus version and prepares students for Oklahoma LPC licensure.

Students complete their clinical work through a one-semester, 100-hour practicum at a supervised mental health site. They then do a two-semester internship with at least 600 practice hours.

Students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA (or 2.8+ graduate GPA), official transcripts, current resume, personal statement, and two recommendation letters to apply.

East Central University

East Central University stands out with its fully online counseling program. Students can still connect personally through live online classes. The program’s dual accreditation makes it unique among Oklahoma’s counseling degrees.

Key features

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling has a 60-hour curriculum. Students attend online classes at scheduled times. This setup gives you flexibility while letting you participate with others. The program prepares counseling professionals to work in many public and private settings. You’ll meet all educational and clinical requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

The program shows great results:

• 81% graduation rate from the Clinical Rehabilitation and Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CRCMHC) program
• All graduates find jobs as rehabilitation or mental health counselors
• Student diversity breaks down as: 72% female, 28% male, with 23.2% First American, 2% African American, 53.4% Caucasian, 4.6% Hispanic, 2% Asian American, and 13.9% identifying as multiracial

Full-time students usually finish in 3 years. Part-time students can take up to 6 years. The program focuses on practical skills through internships to prepare you for clinical mental health counseling.

Accreditation

The program’s biggest strength lies in its dual accreditation. ECU is one of only two schools nationwide accredited by both the Council for Accreditation and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Council of Rehabilitation Education (CORE). This special accreditation improves graduate job prospects by a lot.

Students benefit from dual accreditation through:

• The ability to work with military veterans and Department of Defense employees
• Better license transfer between states
• Qualification for national certification from the Commission on Certified Rehabilitation Counseling

Tuition and affordability

This Oklahoma masters in counseling program costs about $23,500 in tuition and fees. ECU’s graduate costs vary by residency:

Oklahoma residents pay:

• On-campus: $20,586 yearly ($10,293 per semester)
• Off-campus: $28,728 yearly ($14,364 per semester)

Non-residents pay:

• On-campus: $27,560 yearly ($13,780 per semester)
• Off-campus: $35,702 yearly ($17,851 per semester)

ECU offers affordable education compared to national averages. In-state tuition costs $8,784 versus the national average of $12,201.

Online availability

Students attend scheduled online classes. Working professionals find this format ideal. You can balance your classes with work and personal life.

Students still get hands-on training through required internships despite learning online. This mix of online convenience and real-life experience prepares you well for counseling practice.

ECU Online ranks among Oklahoma’s top 15 best value schools. Quality education, easy access, and good value make ECU an excellent choice for your counseling education.

Mid-America Christian University

Mid-America Christian University runs the largest Master of Science in Counseling program in Oklahoma. Students are drawn to its faith-based approach and flexible online format. This Oklahoma counseling degree equips graduates with skills to meet the state’s critical mental health needs through comprehensive professional training.

Key features

MACU’s MS in Counseling program leads the state in size and reach. According to Hanover Research, it graduates more counseling students than any other program in Oklahoma. The program blends professional counseling skills with Christian principles to build an ethical foundation that serves a variety of client populations.

Students can specialize in four areas:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling
• Marital, Couples, and Family Counseling/Therapy
• Applied Behavioral Science (non-licensure option)

The program boasts that 94% of its professors are licensed practitioners who work in private practices, community settings, or agencies. Their ground expertise adds value through case studies and practical discussions.

The program shapes students into skilled, ethical practitioners while supporting their personal growth. Students learn psychopathology, psychotherapy methods, and counseling techniques with a Christian view.

Accreditation

MACU differs from other Oklahoma programs as it lacks CACREP accreditation. The university holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. This institutional recognition will give a quality education that meets established standards.

Tuition and affordability

MACU’s Master of Counseling program charges $675 per credit hour for 2024-2025. The university offers these financial benefits:

• Military members and veterans get 15% off tuition
• MACU alumni receive 10% off their graduate program
• Students pay minimal up-front fees with free placement testing and financial review

Online availability

Working professionals can complete MACU’s counseling program entirely online. Students take one class at a time, which lets them focus on a single course, professor, and set of assignments.

MACU has helped adults earn accredited, accelerated online degrees since 2008. Students gain hands-on experience through practicums and internships at approved sites near their homes.

The online program creates a strong sense of community. MACU keeps class sizes small with a low faculty-to-student ratio. This approach helps online students feel connected to the university community.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University runs a flexible yet rigorous Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that gets graduates ready for careers in mental health settings of all types. The university campus in Durant, Oklahoma focuses on hands-on clinical training while emphasizing ethical practice.

Features

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at SOSU provides a 60-credit hour curriculum that shapes students into skilled counseling professionals. The program structure breaks down into:

• 24 semester hours of core counseling courses that cover ethical practice, human development, and research
• 21 semester hours of specialization courses focused on psychopathology, crisis counseling, and addiction treatment
• 12 semester hours of clinical training through pre-practicum, practicum, and internship experiences

Students show remarkable success with National Counselor Examination (NCE) pass rates reaching 100% during multiple academic years. The program’s job placement rates stand out—100% of graduates who actively looked for work found counseling positions right after graduation. Many students even landed jobs before finishing their degree.

Accreditation

SOSU’s program earned CACREP accreditation in July 2012 and maintained it until December 2020. The program made history as Oklahoma’s first CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. While no longer CACREP accredited, the program still follows CACREP standards for professional counselor training.

Tuition and affordability

Students looking for value will find SOSU’s pricing attractive with graduate tuition at $329 per credit hour. The total program costs about $13,818, which is significantly lower than the national average of $40,000 for similar programs. Military students might qualify for extra benefits through Veteran Student Services.

Online availability

SOSU’s 100% online M.Ed. in School Counseling program lets students complete their 42-credit curriculum in just 16 months. Students can keep their full-time jobs while studying in this flexible format. The program requires a 100-hour supervised practicum and a teaching certificate for admission. SOSU previously ranked second for “Most Affordable Online Colleges for Master’s in School Counseling Degree”.

Oral Roberts University

Oral Roberts University combines professional counseling expertise with Christian principles in their counseling education program. Students pursuing a masters in counseling Oklahoma degree will experience a unique blend of clinical excellence and spiritual awareness.

Key features

The Master of Arts in Professional Counseling program at ORU will give you the tools for licensure and prepare you for counseling ministry in clinical environments, churches, and faith-based organizations. The program smoothly combines 60-year old counseling theories with biblical viewpoints and spiritual guidance.

You can select from three specialized licensure tracks:

• Professional Counseling Track (for LPC)
• Marital and Family Therapy Track (for LMFT)
• Addictions Counseling Track (for LADC-MH)

Students can choose additional concentration options, including marital/family therapy and addictions counseling concentrations. This flexibility helps you tailor your education to match your career goals.

Accreditation

ORU has started a mission to obtain CACREP accreditation for its counseling program. The university currently holds several respected accreditations:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC) institutional accreditation
• Association of Theological Schools (ATS) accreditation for the Graduate School of Theology and Ministry

CACREP accreditation will improve graduates’ professional opportunities across the country. This credential confirms that ORU’s program meets the counseling profession’s strict standards.

Tuition and affordability

The Professional Counseling program’s tuition is $535 per credit hour, with yearly costs around $16,050. Graduate School of Theology & Ministry programs charge $720 per credit hour.

Students can access these financial options:

• Interest-free monthly payment plans for 4-12 months
• Federal financial aid for eligible students
• Military tuition discounts

Online availability

ORU’s distance learning format provides great flexibility. Students experience fully online courses mixed with blended courses that include residential intensives. These on-campus intensives can even be attended virtually.

The university’s membership in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) allows distance education in all but one of these states (California). Your degree remains valuable whatever state you choose to practice in.

Oklahoma City University

Oklahoma City University’s counseling program stands out with its practitioner-wellness model. The program blends creativity with scientific principles. Their online Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling gets you ready for licensure through a complete 60-credit curriculum. Students learn self-reflection as part of their professional growth.

Key features

The curriculum meets several important standards:

• National Board of Certified Counselors approval
• Oklahoma State Board for Behavioral Health approval
• American Counseling Association guidelines compliance

OCU’s modern skills labs use Microsoft Teams technology. Students can schedule practice sessions with lab partners whenever it works best for them. These sessions help students become better at online counseling. They also provide chances to record, review, and get helpful feedback. The program includes required practicum and internship experiences that meet licensure requirements.

Accreditation

OCU is working toward CACREP accreditation. Their faculty members have CACREP certified degrees in Counselor Education and Supervision. Students learn about core CACREP areas. These include counseling theories, treatment planning, and professional practice.

Tuition and affordability

Tuition runs $520 per credit hour for the 2024-2025 academic year. The total program cost comes to about $31,200 for all 60 credits. Students can access various financial support options. These include endowed scholarships and financial aid packages.

Online availability

Students can finish their degree completely online in 2 years with full-time study. Part-time students can take up to 4 years. The program offers great flexibility without compromising quality. OCU keeps classes small to give each student customized attention throughout their studies.

Southern Nazarene University

Southern Nazarene University blends faith-based education with professional counseling training in its graduate counseling program. The university sits in Bethany, Oklahoma and takes a unique approach to helping students earn specialized mental health credentials.

Key features

The university’s 60-hour Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) includes a specialized focus on Marriage and Family Therapy. Students complete 48 core credit hours and a 12-hour elective concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. This systems-based and inter-generational approach helps students develop skills that positively affect couples and families in a variety of clinical settings. Students who graduate can pursue Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT) credentials in Oklahoma. These credentials open career opportunities in community mental health agencies, hospitals, schools, and private practice.

Accreditation

The university maintains accreditation from several organizations, including the Higher Learning Commission and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). SNU has specific accreditation for its Master of Arts programs in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Psychology.

Tuition and affordability

Graduate students in the counseling psychology program will pay $649 per credit hour for 2025-2026. SNU ranks among the most affordable Christian colleges in the country. Support from their denomination helps them provide quality education at lower costs than other similar institutions.

Online availability

The program attracted 214 graduate students who took at least one online class in 2019-2020. Among these, 154 students completed their coursework entirely online. The program’s appeal extends beyond Oklahoma, with 12.99% of fully online graduate students coming from other states.

Find the Right Program Now

The right master’s in counseling Oklahoma program is a vital step to help address the state’s severe mental health crisis. This piece highlights nine exceptional programs that lead to professional counseling licensure. Each program comes with its own strengths and unique specializations.

CACREP accreditation is without doubt the most important factor to evaluate program quality. Programs at Northeastern State University, Oklahoma State University, and University of Oklahoma offer this prestigious credential. These programs give you better license portability, federal employment eligibility, and better results on licensing exams.

Many students need flexible learning options. Several schools now offer fully online or hybrid programs that help you balance your education with work and family life. East Central University, Mid-America Christian University, and Oklahoma City University have designed online programs that maintain quality while being easily accessible.

Your program costs play a big role in making the final choice. Tuition rates differ widely between programs. Southeastern Oklahoma State University charges around $13,818 while other schools cost over $31,000. On top of that, many programs give financial aid, military discounts, and payment plans to manage costs.

Program specializations are a great way to customize your learning experience. Oklahoma universities offer specialized tracks that line up with your career goals – from clinical mental health and school counseling to addiction treatment and marriage therapy. These specializations help you work better with Oklahoma’s critical mental health needs.

Counseling graduates have excellent job prospects. Programs often report 100% job placement rates. This shows both the quality of education and the huge demand for qualified mental health professionals across all 77 Oklahoma counties—which are designated as mental health professional shortage areas.

This detailed information about Oklahoma’s counseling programs helps you pick the path that matches your career goals, priorities, budget, and values. Your choice isn’t just about your professional future – it shows your steadfast dedication to helping solve Oklahoma’s urgent mental health challenges through skilled, compassionate counseling.