8 Accredited Counseling Grad Programs in Utah: Part-Time & Full-Time Options
Considering a counseling graduate program in Utah? The timing is perfect. O*Net Online projects that Utah will experience a 37% increase in the need for mental health counselors over the last several years. This growth is crucial since one in five Utah adults struggle with poor mental health.
Utah’s educational landscape offers excellent options to meet this rising need. The state has six schools that provide programs in five major counseling categories. Students can choose from mental health counseling grad programs, MFT programs, or school counseling programs in Utah. These schools offer traditional in-person classes along with flexible online or hybrid options. Utah Valley University stands out with its Master of Education in School Counseling program. The program doesn’t require GRE scores and charges $441 per credit hour. Best of all, it maintains a 100% licensure and employment rate for its graduates.
Utah Valley University – M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Utah Valley University runs a strong Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that stands out from other counseling grad programs in Utah. The program combines theory with hands-on clinical experience to help graduates build successful careers in mental health counseling.
Program overview
UVU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program is a complete 61-credit hour master’s degree that prepares you to become a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Utah. The program gives you the skills to handle mental health concerns, from cognitive and emotional symptoms to behavioral and interpersonal issues.
Students learn everything about individual and group counseling, psychotherapy theory and practice, human development, psychological assessment, psychopathology, diagnostics, professional standards, and ethics. The program builds clinical competence and ethical practice. It promotes inclusion and diversity through self-awareness and respect for everyone.
Graduates can work in mental health, human services, education, private practice, government, military, business, and industry. The program’s results speak for themselves with a 100% job placement rate. Many students find jobs before they even finish their studies.
Accreditation & licensure
The program meets all the criteria set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and is working toward accreditation. Students can still get licensed in Utah while the program completes this process.
Students who graduate within 18 months of the program’s accreditation count as graduates from an accredited program. The curriculum meets Utah’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) requirements, so graduates can apply for state licensure. Students also prepare for the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification.
The program’s graduates achieved a 100% pass rate on credentialing exams for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Program format
Each semester combines three different formats:
- At least one online course per semester
- At least one hybrid course per semester
- At least one face-to-face course per semester
Classes happen in the afternoon (1:00-5:15 pm) or evening (5:30-9:30 pm). This schedule helps working students and makes practicum and internship placements easier. Most students take two in-person classes, two hybrid classes, and one online class each semester.
Duration & credit hours
Students complete 61 credit hours over five semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring). Full-time enrollment is expected, though students have up to 4 years to finish according to university policy.
Every course needs a minimum ‘B’ grade, and students must keep their overall GPA above 3.0. They also need 700 clinical hours through practicum and internship placements to meet state licensure requirements.
GRE requirement
UVU stands out from other mental health counseling programs by not requiring the GRE. Getting in isn’t easy though – the 2024 cohort had just a 22% acceptance rate.
The program takes at least 50 students each year, starting every August. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with a 3.4 minimum GPA and must complete prerequisite courses in General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Introduction to Counseling, Research Methods, and Statistics.
Tuition & affordability
Here’s what you’ll pay compared to other Utah counseling programs:
| Expense | Cost |
| Per 3-credit hour class (in-state) | $1,361.76 |
| Total program cost | $27,236.00 |
These rates apply to the 2025-26 academic year and may change yearly. Financial aid and scholarships can help with costs.
The 2026 cohort application window runs from October 15th, 2025, to January 6th, 2026, with a $50 application fee.
University of Utah – M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The University of Utah offers a well-respected Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program helps future clinicians grow through a balanced mix of theory and practice. This 60-year old program ranks among Utah’s top counseling graduate programs and focuses on evidence-based techniques and multicultural understanding.
Program overview
The program aims to educate counselors who help individuals, families, groups, and communities reach their full potential. Students learn skills within a multicultural and social justice framework. The curriculum helps graduates turn research-backed practices into effective strategies for different populations.
Graduates work in many settings like outpatient clinics, inpatient facilities, community mental health agencies, and private practice. The program teaches culturally-relevant, research-supported, and strength-based approaches to mental health care.
Faculty members want to create a manageable study program with personal attention. They accept only 12-15 students each year, which creates a friendly, collaborative atmosphere with smaller classes.
Accreditation & licensure
The Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) has accredited this program. It also aligns with the Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards.
The program meets Utah Division of Occupational Licensure (DOPL) requirements for licensure qualification. After graduation, students need 3000 hours of clinical mental health counselor training under licensed supervision. They must also pass two national licensure exams (NCE & NCMHCE) to get their license.
Program format
Required courses meet weekly in early evening hours, mostly face-to-face on campus. Students can balance school with work since there’s no thesis requirement for the M.Ed. degree.
The program combines in-person classes with online learning options, though some daytime courses are needed. Working professionals find this structure helpful for career growth.
Duration & credit hours
Students complete this M.Ed. program in three years over six semesters (fall and spring required). Summer classes in Salt Lake City are optional, but required in St. George. The program totals 60 credit hours. Students must take courses in the order listed in the program handbook. Any changes need approval from the program director.
The final year features an internship in professional counseling. Students complete 8 credit hours of internship across at least two semesters. Graduation requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA, minimum 3.0 GPA each semester, and B- or higher in all required courses.
GRE requirement
The University of Utah no longer asks for GRE scores. Students with lower GPAs can submit scores to show their academic potential, but it’s not required.
The program reviews applications once yearly, with a December 1 deadline. Applicants go through video interviews in January. Selected candidates attend a group interview/open house in February.
Tuition & affordability
The University’s tuition rates are lower than most research universities:
| Category | Cost per semester (12 credits) |
| Utah Residents | $4,218 |
| Non-Residents | $12,103 |
Students pay an extra $65.85 per credit hour in differential tuition. This rate is the lowest at the University of Utah.
Students can get financial support through teaching assistantships, research positions, university scholarships, and work at local mental health sites. Many use student loans and work-study programs to cover remaining costs.
Utah State University – M.Ed. in School Counseling
Utah State University offers a nationally accredited Master of Education program that gives you the skills needed for K-12 school counseling. The program ranks among Utah’s best school counseling programs. Graduates can qualify for professional licensure to work as school counselors anywhere in the state.
Program overview
The Psychology Department runs this specialized program to prepare students for K-12 school counseling careers. Students learn essential skills in behavior assessment, education evaluation, ethical standards, individual and group counseling, and career development. The program has practical training through internships at public and private K-12 schools.
K-12 teachers often choose this degree to enhance their teaching careers. The degree opens doors to college career services, academic advising, and program coordination roles, even though it doesn’t specifically target higher education positions.
Accreditation & licensure
The program has full accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). The Utah State Board of Education approves it for school counseling licensure.
You need these things for Utah licensure:
- Complete the master’s program with a recommendation from USU
- Score 153 or higher on the Professional School Counselor Praxis exam (5422)
- Meet all Utah State Board of Education requirements
Meeting these requirements qualifies you for the College and Career Readiness Certificate under state regulations.
Program format
Fall 2022 brought changes to the program. Students now learn through Zoom and online courses. This setup lets students from Utah and beyond join the program remotely without sacrificing education quality.
Classes run during afternoon and evening hours throughout the week. This schedule works well for professionals who want to advance their careers. Students must attend orientation sessions, learning intensives, and residency requirements in person. These dates are announced one semester ahead.
Duration & credit hours
Students need 48 semester credits over six semesters. Most students study part-time with evening classes. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required to graduate.
Practical training involves:
- 100-hour practicum in K-12 setting (5th semester)
- 600-hour internship in K-12 setting (final year)
Licensed school counselors with at least two years of experience must supervise both experiences.
GRE requirement
The Fall 2024 cohort won’t need graduate entrance exam scores. This change makes the program more available than other Utah counseling programs.
Tuition & affordability
The program costs less than many other counseling programs:
| Tuition Type | Annual Cost |
| In-state | $8,592 |
| Out-of-state | $25,537 |
These rates apply to full-time annual tuition. Students can get financial help through fellowships, research and teaching assistantships, institutional loans, scholarships, and federal work-study programs.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Domestic students pay a $55 application fee.
Westminster University – M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Westminster University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling ranks among Utah’s top mental health counseling grad programs. The program’s unique approach to counselor education sets it apart. Since its founding in 2007, it has grown into the university’s largest graduate program with 75 students currently enrolled.
Program overview
Students learn counseling theory and practice in an environment that sparks personal and professional growth. The curriculum builds strong foundations in ethical behavior, counseling theories, contemporary research, and professional skills. The program prepares counselors who work effectively with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of backgrounds.
The university opened a low-fee community clinic in January 2023. This clinic serves underserved populations and provides students with intensive faculty supervision. Local provider shortages led Westminster to double its entering graduate cohort size.
Accreditation & licensure
The program has accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the gold standard for counselor training. Graduates meet all academic requirements to become licensed associate clinical mental health counselors in Utah.
Licensed counselors in Utah need 3,000 clinical practice hours over at least 2 years. This qualification allows them to work in community mental health agencies, residential treatment facilities, and hospitals.
Program format
Students learn in a full-time, residential, cohort-based model that creates a dynamic learning environment. Small classes create a student-centered, interactive approach. Classes run during fall and spring semesters, Monday through Friday in daytime hours.
The university has partnerships with over two dozen clinical internship and practicum sites. Students choose from various supervised training experiences and build relationships with licensed clinical mental health counselors. These carefully picked placements give hands-on training and help build professional networks in mental health.
Duration & credit hours
The program requires 61 credit hours of graduate coursework. Students must enroll full-time for 3 years, not counting summers. Eight core curricular areas shape the program:
- Professional counseling orientation and ethical practice
- Social and cultural diversity
- Human growth and development
- Career development
- Counseling and helping relationships
- Group counseling and group work
- Assessment and testing
- Research and program evaluation
Clinical training combines practicum (minimum 100 hours with 40 hours of direct service) and internship (minimum 600 hours with 350 hours of direct service). These hours surpass Utah licensure and CACREP requirements.
GRE requirement
Westminster doesn’t require GRE scores for admission. The application process needs:
- $50 application fee (waived for online or on-campus visits)
- Official college transcripts showing proof of baccalaureate degree
- Professional statement (approximately 2 pages)
- Professional résumé
- Three letters of recommendation
- Academic writing sample (waived for applicants with 3.2+ GPA)
- Statement of academic history (waived for applicants with 3.2+ GPA)
Tuition & affordability
Each credit hour costs $982, bringing the total to $58,920 for the 60-credit program. Here’s what you can expect to spend:
| Expense Category | Estimated Amount |
| Tuition and Fees | $58,920 |
| Room and Board | $19,560 |
| Transportation | $2,556 |
| Personal Expenses | $3,036 |
Financial support options include the MSCMHC Scholarship Award. This award gives $1,000 per semester for up to six semesters ($6,000 total) to two students in each incoming cohort. Students who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can access federal financial aid.
Rocky Mountain University – M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Rocky Mountain University stands out among mental health counseling graduate programs with its limited-residency Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program’s innovative format makes shared learning possible for working professionals who want to advance their counseling education while keeping their current jobs.
Program overview
The program combines hands-on training with didactic curriculum. We designed the program to prepare counselors in a variety of professional settings and give you the skills to help different client populations. Graduates can work in mental health centers, private counseling agencies, substance abuse treatment centers, family counseling centers, and pastoral counseling settings. Students looking for broader qualifications can choose dual master’s in School Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling options.
Accreditation & licensure
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s degree program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through October 31, 2031. This accreditation validates the program’s professional standards. The curriculum meets Utah State Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing requirements for Clinical Mental Health Counselor licensure. The program also satisfies licensure standards in many other states, though students should check with advisors about specific state requirements.
Program format
The program employs a limited-residency model with Zoom evening classes to create a flexible, manageable experience. Weekly Zoom sessions help students understand material and connect with their cohort. Students can advance their education while maintaining their professional careers.
Duration & credit hours
The program has 60 credit hours aligned with CACREP standards and takes 2½ to 3 years to complete. The curriculum has:
- Core counseling courses (professional ethics, social/cultural counseling, assessment)
- Clinical mental health specialization courses
- Practicum (100 clock hours with 40 client contact hours)
- Internship (600 clock hours with 240 client contact hours)
GRE requirement
Students with undergraduate GPAs above 3.0 or conferred master’s degrees don’t need standardized test scores. Students with GPAs below 3.0 must submit acceptable GRE, MAT, or PLT scores from the last five years.
Tuition & affordability
| Category | Cost |
| Cost per Credit | $760.00 |
| Total Credits | 60 |
| Total Tuition | $45,600.00 |
| Other Program Fees | $700.00 |
| University Resource Fee | $39.00 per credit (max 15 credits per semester) |
Rocky Mountain University guarantees fixed tuition rates throughout your degree program, which helps you plan your total costs from beginning to end.
University of Phoenix – M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The University of Phoenix runs a nationally accredited online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Working professionals who want to enter the counseling field will find this distance learning option perfect. Students can work toward licensure without compromising academic excellence.
Program overview
This 60-credit program helps you become a practitioner who can work with clients from all backgrounds in mental health settings. You’ll learn to merge behavioral sciences principles with your counseling practice in clinical settings. The program has 22 core courses that cover individual and family development, personality theories, multicultural counseling, psychometrics, clinical assessment, individual counseling, group counseling, and psychopharmacology.
Accreditation & licensure
CACREP accredited the program’s online format in February 2025, valid through March 2033. Students who graduate now count as CACREP graduates back to February 2023. The curriculum meets National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification requirements and matches licensure needs in many states. The program also meets California’s requirements to register as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor.
Program format
Students can pick between full online study or campus classes that meet once a week. Online students must join some synchronous activities with classmates and teachers. Weekly work includes papers and research projects, while field experience courses need 1.5 hours of weekly live sessions.
Duration & credit hours
Students typically finish the program in 37 months, which includes practicum and internship requirements. The program requires 1,000 supervised clinical hours in mental health counseling settings.
GRE requirement
The program stands out because it doesn’t need GRE scores. You just need an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a 2.5 GPA or higher.
Tuition & affordability
| Category | Cost |
| Standard Tuition | $46,170.00 |
| Military Rate | $37,290.00 |
| Liability Insurance | $105.00 |
Students benefit from the university’s Tuition Guarantee, which keeps their rate fixed from start to finish.
Utah Tech University – M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Utah Tech University offers a specialized Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy program. Students learn to become competent mental health professionals who help improve lives through prevention and intervention strategies.
Program overview
The program helps students become licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. Students gain practical skills through clinical practicum courses. The faculty teaches from a multilevel, systemic viewpoint that considers both individual internal relationship processes and cultural meanings. They place special emphasis on working with children. Students learn to serve others as practicing marriage and family therapists through varied experiences, research opportunities, and dedicated supervision.
Accreditation & licensure
The program is working toward COAMFTE accreditation and prepares graduates to meet Utah licensure requirements. While the curriculum lines up with state licensure standards, students should check with licensing bodies where they plan to practice since requirements differ between states.
Program format
Students attend traditional on-campus classes with faculty providing dedicated supervision throughout their studies.
Duration & credit hours
Students must complete 51 credits. The core coursework has sections on Individual and Family Life Cycle, Couples Therapy, Introduction to MFT Theories, Ethics, Assessment, and specialized courses about working with children. Students also need to finish 8 credit hours of practicum experience.
GRE requirement
The program has temporarily suspended the GRE requirement. Before this change, preference went to applicants who scored at or above the 40th percentile.
Tuition & affordability
Students pay approximately $24,915 in annual tuition. The program requires a 3.2 minimum GPA to graduate. Admission needs a 3.0+ GPA from the last 60 semester credits.
Brigham Young University – M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Brigham Young University runs one of Utah’s 55-year-old MFT programs, which received its first accreditation in 1967. The Master of Science program takes a relational viewpoint to enhance the wellbeing of individuals, couples, and families.
Program overview
BYU undertook the task to train therapists in theory, clinical practice, and research while promoting multicultural diversity. Students learn to work in clinical settings of all types. The program blends research with clinical practice and emphasizes relational approaches to therapy.
Accreditation & licensure
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) fully accredits the program. Graduates meet Utah’s licensing requirements, and their credentials transfer smoothly to other states. This accreditation qualifies graduates to receive insurance reimbursement.
Program format
Students start their clinical training in the first semester. Faculty members provide supervision through video recordings and live observation. The program’s facilities feature 16 therapy rooms with video recording systems and 11 rooms equipped with one-way mirror observation.
Duration & credit hours
Students need 61 credit hours to graduate. The program typically takes 2 years to complete, including spring and summer terms. The clinical requirements include 500 direct hours, with 251 hours focused on relational therapy.
GRE requirement
The program recommends but does not require GRE scores from applicants.
Tuition & affordability
BYU leads all MFT programs in financial support with:
- Every admitted student receives half-tuition scholarships ($531 yearly)
- Paid assistantships for 10 hours weekly (around $9,620 per year)
- Students can apply for more scholarships and grants
Take the Next Step to Your Counseling Career
Picking the right counseling graduate program is a major step to help with Utah’s increasing mental health needs. Mental health counselors are in high demand, with Utah expecting a 37% rise in job openings. This career path promises both meaning and stability.
Eight accredited programs give you different paths based on what interests you most. You can choose clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Each specialty prepares you for unique and vital roles in mental health.
Programs of all types fit various schedules. Westminster University’s full-time options give you an unmatched experience. Utah Valley University’s hybrid models and University of Phoenix’s online options let you balance your studies with work. Many schools have dropped GRE requirements, making these programs available to career-changers and working professionals.
Yearly tuition varies by a lot—Utah State University charges around $8,500, while private schools cost more. In spite of that, most schools are a great way to get financial help through scholarships, assistantships, and federal programs.
Accreditation is a vital factor in choosing your program. CACREP accreditation for counseling programs and COAMFTE accreditation for marriage and family therapy programs meet national standards. These credentials help you get licensed in Utah and possibly other states.
Hands-on clinical experience runs through all these programs. Supervised practicum and internship opportunities build your professional network and develop core skills before you graduate.
Your choice depends on what specialty you want, program format, location, and costs. Each program brings something special—Utah Valley University boasts great job placement rates, while Brigham Young University gives generous financial help to MFT students.
Utah needs mental health professionals to tackle its mental health challenges. These graduate programs give you the skills, knowledge, and credentials to make a real difference in people’s lives across Utah’s communities.