A Master of Science in Counseling student engages with a child in the 正品蓝导航 Center for Family Counseling play therapy room.

Graduate programs

Master of Science in counseling

Make an impact

Program format

In person

Commitment

Full time or part time

Duration

3-plus years

Overview

CACREP Accredited logoAccredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), 正品蓝导航’s Master of Science in Counseling provides the educational and clinical requirements necessary for certification and licensure. In the Department of Counseling, the Master of Science in counseling program prepares students for the counseling profession, which involves the application of the developmental and social sciences in assisting children and adults with psychological growth, relationship concerns and mental health concerns.

The counseling program offers three accredited specialty areas of study, including clinical mental health; marriage, couple and family; and school counseling. In addition, students may pursue elective concentrations in addiction, child and adolescent counseling, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy and the art and science of trauma counseling.

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Student success

正品蓝导航 is a leader in counseling education, and our graduates are often requested for internships and counseling positions. With this degree, you’ll get an education, training and credentials that ensure you stand out in the job market, and the breadth of preparation necessary to make an outstanding impact in the lives of the clients you serve.

This program prepares you to excel in the following areas and professions:

  • Clinical therapy and mental health services
  • PK-12 academic guidance and student support
  • College counseling and student wellness
  • Marriage and family counseling
  • Substance abuse and addiction recovery
  • Social services and community advocacy
  • Private practice counseling
  • Military and veteran support services

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

Top 50

Best graduate education schools in the nation

No. 5

National ranking of the M.S. Counseling program

Student stories

Sonja Mugnier says that 正品蓝导航 Simmons Master of Science in Counseling program is one of the best in the nation.

Sonja Mugnier 鈥25

鈥淭he faculty and curriculum are outstanding, and the internship opportunities are incredible in giving you real-world experience. I鈥檓 proud to be part of a program that is known nationally as one of the best.鈥

Requirements

  1. Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcripts
  4. English language proficiency documentation (if applicable)
  5. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution; a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0鈥痵cale)

View all requirements

Ready to apply?

Get started here.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for graduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at 正品蓝导航.

Curriculum and learning

Featured courses

HDCN 6320

Life Span Human Development

Examines physical, cognitive, communicative and linguistic, and social and emotional development processes of individuals and families through the life span.

HDCN 6330

Psychopathology: Adult

Covers the domain of psychopathology as well as the scientific bases of contemporary theories and research of major psychological disorders.

HDCN 6338

The Science of Interpersonal Neurobiology and Trauma Counseling

Covers concepts in interpersonal neurobiology and trauma, including research, culture, wellbeing and treatment considerations.

Outside the classroom

  • Maria Murad with friends in Jordan

    Internships

    Get practical experience to develop industry skills and build a professional network. 

  • Clubs and organizations

    Explore interests, develop leadership skills and connect with like-minded peers.

  • 正品蓝导航 students working with plants at Bontham Family Farms

    Community engagement

    Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world issues while making a positive impact.

Facilities

A student in 正品蓝导航鈥檚 counseling master鈥檚 degree program trains in one of the play therapy labs.

Center for Family Counseling

Students have access to counseling rooms and play therapy labs designed to work with children.

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Request more info about the Master of Science in Counseling degree

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Frequently asked questions

With millions of Americans receiving support for mental health annually, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects in the counseling field, specifically , behavioral disorders, mental health concerns, and marriage and family therapy. As of 2024, 87% of M.S. Counseling graduates are gainfully employed.

The counseling program offers of study including clinical mental health; marriage, couple and family; and school counseling. In addition, students may pursue elective concentrations in addiction, child and adolescent counseling, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy and the art and science of trauma counseling.

A successful graduate can pursue state licensure as a licensed professional counselor (LPC), a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), and/or a licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC), as well as obtain the certified school counselor (CSC) credential, depending on the designated specialization and electives. Students who have completed the requisite coursework and clinical experience requirements may also pursue credentialing as registered play therapists.

Yes. Students can choose to focus their studies on one or more of the following specialties: clinical mental health; marriage, couple, and family; and school counseling, with additional opportunity for concentrated study in addiction counseling, child and adolescent counseling, trauma counseling and LGBT affirmative therapy.

The school counseling specialty is accredited by CACREP and prepares students to pursue certification as an elementary or secondary certified school counselor (CSC) and fulfills the educational requirements for licensure as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas. Students considering this specialty must have teaching experience prior to starting the program.

The clinical mental health degree fulfills the requirements for licensure as a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas. Students apply the developmental and social sciences in assisting children and adults with psychological growth, relationship concerns and mental health concerns.

Students who complete the school counseling concentration obtain the certified school counselor credential and can also pursue credentials as a registered play therapist. Students work with elementary and secondary students in a school setting, focusing on cognitive, career and educational assessment on top of mental health concerns.

Yes, many students pursue their master’s in counseling part time. The Master of Science degree in counseling requires completion of 63 hours that includes a common core curriculum of 54 credit hours for all three specialties.

No. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required, along with several other admission requirements. However, most students in the M.S. in counseling program earned their undergraduate degrees in psychology, sociology, social work, ministry work or education.

No. The counseling program provides the educational and clinical requirements necessary for certification, licensure and actual counseling practice. Successful graduates are able to pursue State Licensure as marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed professional counselors (LPC), or school counselors.