8 Top Masters in Counseling Programs in Oregon: Campus & Online Options

Masters in counseling programs in Oregon offer exceptional career opportunities. Mental health counselors in Oregon will see a 27% job growth by 2030. Substance abuse counselor positions across the nation should grow 18% between 2022 and 2032.

Oregon leads the way in progressive mental health treatment. The state stands alone in decriminalizing all substances and remains among the few states that provide psychedelic mental health treatment. Mental health counselors in Oregon earn $57,570 on average each year—substantially higher than the national average of $49,710. Students learning about master’s in counseling programs in Oregon discover institutions with deep roots. Oregon State University’s counseling program ranks as the second oldest worldwide, with its foundation dating back to 1917.

These programs give you many paths to success. The Oregon Institute of Technology features hybrid Marriage and Family Therapy programs. George Fox University offers specialized tracks that let you become both a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Eight top-rated programs help you build expertise in substance use disorder treatment or multicultural approaches to mental health. Each program adapts to your career goals with flexible learning options.

Oregon State University – Master of Counseling

Oregon State University is one of the best masters in counseling programs in Oregon with its hybrid Master of Counseling (M.Coun.) degree. This decades-old program combines academic excellence with practical skill development to prepare future mental health professionals.

Accreditation

OSU’s Master of Counseling program offers top quality counseling education through its Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling tracks have CACREP accreditation through October 31, 2032. This recognition will give you education that meets national standards. The program also has approval from the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) for school counseling candidates, which adds credibility when graduates seek positions in educational settings.

Program Format

The master’s in counseling programs at OSU have a flexible hybrid format that works well for working professionals:

• Balanced Delivery Method: The program runs 50% online and 50% in-person
• Weekend Classes: Face-to-face sessions happen twice per term in Corvallis, Oregon
• Cohort Model: Students take courses together and build strong professional networks
• Part-Time Schedule: Perfect for students who need to balance work and education

Face-to-face meetings happen on the second and ninth weekends (Friday and Saturday) during fall, winter, and spring terms. Summer sessions run on the first and seventh weekends. Students from Oregon and Washington can easily attend while getting the benefits of in-person learning.

Tuition and Duration

Students need 90 quarter credits (equal to 60 semester credits) to complete the Master of Counseling program. Here are the costs:

• Per-Credit Cost: $614 for all students, with no extra fees for non-residents
• Total Program Credits: 90 quarter credits needed to graduate
• Duration: Students typically finish in 3-3.5 years on a part-time schedule
• Academic Calendar: Four 11-week quarters each year

Students can plan their finances easily because the program charges the same rate for everyone. This is especially helpful for out-of-state students who usually pay higher rates at other schools.

Specializations

The Master of Counseling program offers two specialized tracks:

Clinical Mental Health Counseling: You’ll learn to provide professional counseling services in community organizations, hospitals, agencies, group practices, or other mental health settings. The courses focus on counseling knowledge, clinical skills, and personal growth you need to practice effectively.

School Counseling: This track helps you prepare for a career as a K-12 school counselor. You’ll take specialized courses about development, educational systems, and school-appropriate interventions.

Both paths give you thorough training that aligns with your career goals in counseling.

Licensure Preparation

The Master of Counseling program prepares you for professional licensure:

• Clinical Mental Health Track: Meets requirements for initial licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oregon through the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT)
• School Counseling Track: You can qualify for the Oregon Preliminary School Counselor license through the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC)
• National Certification: You’ll be ready to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) for certification as Nationally Certified Counselors

Counselor trainees typically need 2-3 years of supervised experience before getting full licensure. OSU suggests checking your state’s specific requirements since they vary by location.

George Fox University – Clinical Mental Health Counseling

George Fox University stands out with its unique approach to counseling education through its Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s degree. This top-tier counseling program in Oregon blends academic excellence with spiritual integration to prepare graduates who can work with clients from all backgrounds.

Accreditation

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at George Fox University has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This recognition shows the program’s high educational standards. The Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists has approved the program as it meets all educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor licensure. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) accredits the university. Both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize this accreditation.

Program Format

The counseling program offers flexible options that fit different student schedules:

• Online Synchronous Track: Live Zoom classes and self-paced courses come with a mandatory two-day in-person Fall Residency at the Portland campus in the first year
• In-Person Synchronous Track: Students attend most classes at the Portland campus and can take some online masters courses when space allows

You can finish the program in two to four years and adjust your pace throughout your studies. This flexibility helps you balance life commitments with your academic goals. Small class sizes with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio in clinical-year supervision classes ensure you get personal attention.

Tuition and Duration

Here’s what you need to know about costs at George Fox University:

• Cost per credit: $826 per semester credit hour
• Total program cost: $49,560 for the complete program
• Program length: Most students complete it in 2-4 years

The program lets you adjust your course load to spread out costs. Financial aid can help with expenses, and the university works with you to create a degree path that fits your budget and academic needs.

Specializations

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares you to work with people of all ages in various settings:

• Private practice
• For-profit organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Educational institutions

Beyond core courses, you can get specialized training at the Trauma Response Institute or the Northwest Center for Play Therapy Studies—the Pacific Northwest’s largest university-based center. The curriculum covers spirituality and clinical practice, systems theory, counseling techniques, human development, and personality theory.

Licensure Preparation

The program readies you for the national licensure exam to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oregon. The curriculum meets all educational requirements set by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists.

Note that most licensure steps happen after graduation. Graduates usually apply for registered intern status with the Oregon board after finding a position that provides direct client contact hours and supervision. Getting your license takes about two to three years while you gather supervised hours.

If you plan to practice outside Oregon or Washington, reach out to that state’s licensing board to learn about their requirements and application process.

Lewis & Clark College – Professional Mental Health Counseling

Lewis & Clark College stands out among Oregon’s prominent masters in counseling programs. Their Professional Mental Health Counseling program has earned recognition for creating skilled clinical practitioners. Students learn both theory and hands-on clinical work. The program teaches them to connect social justice with their clients’ well-being.

Accreditation

The Professional Mental Health Counseling program has earned CACREP accreditation under the 2016 standards for Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs. This recognition shows the program meets national counseling education standards. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) accredits the college. The Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT) has also approved the program. This approval confirms it meets state counseling education requirements.

Program Format

The program offers a well-laid-out curriculum that combines classroom learning with clinical practice:

• Practicum Experience: Students complete two terms of practicum (6 semester hours total) at Lewis & Clark’s Community Counseling Center
• Internship Requirement: Students head over to one of 100+ approved agency sites in Portland and nearby communities for two terms of internship (6 credit hours total)
• Weekly Commitment: Students spend 16-20 hours weekly at their internship site plus attend group supervision on campus

Students must create a portfolio of their coursework, field work, and professional activities. The program director must approve this complete portfolio before students can work with clients.

Tuition and Duration

Students should plan for these program costs:

• Standard Program Cost: $68,640 for the 60-credit MA in Professional Mental Health Counseling
• Specialization Cost: $70,928 for the 62-credit MA in Professional Mental Health Counseling with Specialization in Addictions
• Per-Credit Rate: $1,144 per semester hour for on-campus courses
• Enrollment Deposit: A non-refundable $200 deposit secures your program spot after acceptance

Specializations

The counseling program offers different paths based on career goals:

Professional Mental Health Counseling (60 credits): Students learn to work in community mental health agencies, family programs, criminal justice settings, and private practice. They can focus on:

• Adult counseling
• Child and adolescent counseling

Professional Mental Health Counseling—Specialization in Addictions (62 credits): This path helps students meet licensing requirements for both professional mental health and addiction counseling. It’s ideal for those interested in substance use treatment.

Students can also earn certificates in eating disorders and ecopsychology to gain expertise in these growing fields.

Licensure Preparation

The program readies graduates for professional credentials:

• National Certification: Program completion allows students to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and seek Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) status
• Oregon Licensure: Graduates meet Oregon’s educational requirements to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
• Interstate Portability: Most states accept the program’s credentials, but some might need extra educational requirements

Students planning to practice outside Oregon should check their state’s specific licensing requirements. The college’s Career & Licensing web page helps graduates understand licensing processes across states.

Western Seminary – MA in Counseling

Western Seminary’s MA in Counseling program stands out by combining Christian theology with professional counseling education. Students learn clinical skills while developing a spiritual framework to help their clients’ mental health needs.

Accreditation

The Portland campus MA in Counseling program has earned the prestigious Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation. This gold standard credential shows the program meets national requirements and makes getting licensed easier in multiple states. The school also has accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. These credentials confirm Western Seminary meets the educational standards recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Program Format

Western Seminary combines traditional and modern learning approaches:

• Primarily On-Campus: The MA in Counseling runs as a physical program with some online courses to complement in-person learning
• Portland-Based: Core classes usually meet on Mondays at the main Portland campus
• Online Opportunities: Western Global offers some online courses to reduce campus visits
• Upcoming Online Pathway: Summer 2025 brings an online cohort option with eight credits per semester through web conference and a one-week yearly residency in Portland

Students get hands-on training while keeping flexibility for work and family life. The program lets students work with clients as early as their second semester, so they can practice what they learn right away.

Tuition and Duration

Here’s what you’ll invest in Western Seminary’s counseling program:

• Credit Cost: $721 per credit hour for 2025-2026 academic year
• Education Resource Fee: $220 per term
• Total Credits: 68 credit hours for the full curriculum
• Program Length: Most students finish in three years
• Application Fee: $50 processing fee

Extra fees might apply, including a $400 counseling internship continuation fee if needed. The seminary helps students manage costs through various payment options.

Specializations

The MA in Counseling program has specialized training paths:

Clinical Mental Health Counseling: The main program prepares you for counseling practice with clients of all types.

Addiction Studies Certificate: This optional track gives you skills to work with substance abuse, dependency, sexual addiction, and other addictive disorders. You’ll take three extra classes and complete specialized practicum hours in addiction treatment. This meets most requirements for the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO).

The seminary setting creates a unique blend of biblical and theological studies with counseling theories and techniques.

Licensure Preparation

The program really prepares graduates for professional credentials:

• Oregon Licensure: You’ll meet all educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure through Oregon’s Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists
• National Examination: Students can take the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination before graduating. Western’s graduates have a 98% first-time pass rate
• Supervised Experience: After graduation, you need three years of supervised experience (1,900 direct contact hours with at least 1,500 post-degree) for full licensure
• Interstate Portability: CACREP accreditation makes getting licensed in other states easier with minimal extra requirements

Students planning to practice outside Oregon should contact their state’s board early to understand specific requirements.

University of Oregon – Couples and Family Therapy

The University of Oregon runs a specialized Couples and Family Therapy (CFT) master’s program. Students learn to become relationship systems therapists through this program. The 90-credit curriculum stands out because it blends hands-on clinical training with theoretical education.

Accreditation

The Couples and Family Therapy master’s program has managed to keep continuous accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy since 2003. This prestigious credential shows the program meets national standards for marriage and family therapy education. The Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists has also approved the program. These two recognitions prove that graduates receive education that meets and goes beyond Oregon’s MFT licensure requirements.

Program Format

The program puts a strong emphasis on clinical training:

• 90-Credit Curriculum: Students complete a master of science (MS) degree program
• Clinical Practicum: Students need 350 client contact hours with at least 150 hours spent on relational systems (couples, families)
• Dual Training Sites: Students work at both the Center for Healthy Relationships and a community externship site
• Early Clinical Exposure: Students start watching therapy sessions in their first few weeks
• Extensive Supervision: Students get about 5 hours of supervision weekly, which includes review of recorded and live sessions

The Center for Healthy Relationships at the HEDCO Clinic serves as the main training site. Students work in small practicum groups of 6-8 under AAMFT-approved faculty supervisors. Later, they pick from 15 community externship sites in the Eugene/Springfield area that match their career goals.

Tuition and Duration

Program costs change based on where you live and how many credits you take. However, University of Oregon’s graduate programs follow consistent financial patterns:

• Cost Components: Tuition covers mandatory fees, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, living expenses, transportation, and personal expenses
• Fee Structure: Graduate tuition rates depend on your residency status, program type, credit hours, and when you enroll
• Additional Expenses: You’ll pay a one-time matriculation fee and possibly some course-specific fees
• Health Insurance: The university automatically enrolls international students in the UO International Student Health Insurance Plan unless they show equivalent coverage

This program needs a big investment, but financial aid options like unsubsidized federal student loans and credit-based loans can cover all attendance costs.

Specializations

The CFT program is a chance to build specialized skills:

Spanish Language Psychological Service and Research: This 16-credit specialization helps address the lack of family-centered prevention services for Spanish-speaking Latino communities. CFT students who meet eligibility requirements can improve their language skills and multicultural understanding to serve Latino populations better. They learn to provide culturally relevant mental health services while understanding the social, historical, political, and cultural contexts that shape Latino experiences in the United States.

Licensure Preparation

The program really prepares graduates for professional credentials:

• LMFT Licensure: The curriculum meets educational requirements for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist credentials in Oregon
• National Portability: Since it’s COAMFTE-accredited, the degree satisfies licensure requirements in many states
• Post-Graduation Requirements: Graduates must complete three years of supervised clinical work (2,400 client-contact hours, 400 from the program count) under a Board-approved supervisor
• Interstate Considerations: Requirements vary by state, so students who plan to practice outside Oregon should check with relevant licensing bodies early

Faculty members help students plan their clinical hours to meet specific state requirements after graduation.

Corban University – Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Corban University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program stands out with its Christ-centered approach. The program combines professional counseling education with biblical foundations. Students graduate ready to work as Licensed Professional Counselors in a variety of settings while staying true to their faith.

Accreditation

The counseling program holds prestigious CACREP accreditation through March 2025. This national recognition shows the program meets or surpasses counseling education standards. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes this specialized accrediting body. This credential makes graduates more marketable and opens direct paths to licensure in different states.

Program Format

Students move through the curriculum together in cohorts. This builds strong friendships and creates professional networks that last beyond graduation. The program structure works like this:

• One night per week on campus plus online coursework
• New cohorts start each fall, with March 1 application deadlines
• A 600-clock-hour internship connects training to real practice

Working professionals can balance their studies with life commitments. They get the best of both worlds – online flexibility and valuable face-to-face learning with peers.

Tuition and Duration

Students complete 60 semester credit hours in two years of full-time study. Corban offers the best value among private Christian colleges in the West without compromising quality. Graduate students can get scholarships if they are:

• Corban alumni
• Parents of Corban students
• Military personnel
• Members of partner network churches
• Employees of non-profit or ministry organizations

Specializations

The program focuses on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Graduates can work effectively in both secular and faith-based environments. Core courses cover:

• Counseling theory and skills
• Ethical and legal issues
• Social and cultural foundations
• Psychopathology and diagnosis
• Group counseling
• Crisis, disaster, and trauma counseling

Three theology courses blend faith with counseling practice. This gives graduates the tools to address spiritual aspects of client care when needed.

Licensure Preparation

Students get solid preparation for Oregon’s Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) path. After graduating, students need to:

• Send clinical hours documentation to Oregon’s Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists
• Complete required supervised experience set by the licensing board

Students planning to get licensed outside Oregon should check with their state’s board early. This helps them understand specific requirements in their area.

Southern Oregon University – Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Southern Oregon University’s CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program combines hands-on experience with academic excellence. Students become culturally aware, ethical counselors who can serve communities of all types.

University Accreditation

The CMHC program’s prestigious CACREP accreditation lets graduates work anywhere in the United States. The program meets every educational requirement needed to become a Licensed Professional Counselor through the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists. The university also has institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Program Format

Students move through the program together as a cohort over two years. New classes start each September after acceptance. The hands-on training begins right away. Students take Introduction to Helping Skills in their first fall term to learn core counseling micro skills. The program has a 100-hour practicum with 40 hours of direct client contact, followed by internship opportunities.

Tuition and Duration

The program costs about $52,000 for in-state students and those who qualify for the Western Regional Graduate Program. Out-of-state students pay around $59,000. SOU helps students with financial aid through:

• Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) award that lets students from 14 western states outside Oregon pay resident tuition rates
• Oregon Lottery Scholarships based on ethnic/cultural diversity, financial need, and academic achievements

Specializations

Students learn to work in community organizations, hospitals, agencies, and private practices. They build essential skills in helping relationships and understanding psychological disorders. This knowledge fits into the broader context of psychological science.

Licensure Preparation

Graduates can become Licensed Professional Counselors anywhere in the United States. They can also earn recognition as Nationally Certified Counselors from the National Board of Certified Counselors after passing the National Counselor Examination. SOU graduates step into their careers ready to pursue licensure wherever they choose to practice.

Eastern Oregon University – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Eastern Oregon University launched a new MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program to tackle the shortage of mental health providers in rural communities. The program aims to develop providers from within Eastern Oregon’s local population who want to serve their communities.

Accreditation

EOU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program isn’t CACREP accredited yet. The program aligns with the 2024 Standards of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. After graduating its first cohort around August 2025, the program will seek CACREP accreditation. EOU holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), which both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize.

Program Format

The program runs completely online and includes:

• Synchronous and asynchronous coursework
• Online weekend residency components
• No in-person requirements

Each cohort accepts 25 students with three start dates throughout the year. Students can complete their clinical experiences in their local area, and the program helps them find suitable placement sites. Students get hands-on experience through 700+ hours of counseling in community settings.

Tuition and Duration

The program charges $558 per credit hour for all students, no matter where they live. Students need 90 quarter credits (equal to 60 semester credits), making the total cost about $50,265 without fees, books, and supplies. Students who follow the full-time cohort model can finish in two years. Online students pay a one-time $250 matriculation fee.

Specializations

Students learn evidence-based, ethical practices through courses in:

• Trauma-informed care
• Substance use disorders and behavioral addictions
• Working with children and adolescents
• Rural mental health practice

The program stands out for its focus on rural populations. This emphasis runs through every course, with a dedicated specialty course on rural mental health practice.

Licensure Preparation

The program meets counseling licensure requirements in Oregon and most other states. The program doesn’t meet requirements in Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Students should check their state’s counseling board requirements as these might change.

Choose an Oregon Master’s in Counseling Now

A master’s degree in counseling from Oregon’s top-rated programs can launch your rewarding career with excellent growth potential. Oregon stands out as an ideal place to study and work as a counselor. The state takes a forward-thinking approach to mental health treatment and pays counselors above-average salaries.

These programs come with their own unique benefits. Most programs have CACREP accreditation that meets strict national standards and will give you the flexibility to work in different states. You’ll find various program formats that match your lifestyle and learning priorities. Oregon State University offers a 50/50 hybrid model, while Eastern Oregon University runs a fully online program.

You can specialize in many different areas through these programs. Lewis & Clark College and George Fox University let you earn dual licenses to boost your professional credentials. The programs help you build expertise in substance abuse counseling, trauma therapy, family systems, or school counseling.

The eight institutions have different tuition costs that work for various budgets. Students who qualify can access financial support through scholarships, assistantships, and special rates.

Your career goals, ideal learning environment, and personal situation should guide your final choice. The sort of thing I love about Oregon’s reliable counseling education system is that you’ll find a program that fits. You can visit campuses, talk to program directors, and meet current students to help make your decision. This preparation will help you make a real difference in the growing mental health field while reaching your professional goals.