Online Counseling Master's Degree
Academic title: Counseling, M.A.
60 Credits
to Graduate
August 30
Next start date
*Deadline to apply is February 1
Online master's program in counseling
Make a difference in the lives of others with our online master's program in counseling. Designed for future counselors, this online master in counseling program prepares you to support individuals, families and communities through evidence-based counseling practices, while meeting the requirements for professional licensure.
With three online concentrations in counseling to choose from, you can pursue the path that best aligns with your career goals. Select from addiction counseling, clinical mental health counseling or school counseling. We also offer a clinical mental health concentration with an addiction focus.
Each pathway includes local practicum and internship placements, allowing you to gain supervised clinical experience while studying online. As Michigan's only public university offering a CACREP-accredited online counseling program, we combine flexible learning with the hands-on experience needed to prepare for professional practice.
The Central Michigan University Counseling Program has been granted accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Online counseling overview
| Core credits | 48 |
|---|---|
| Concentration credits | 12 |
| Total credits to graduate | 60 |
How much does an online counseling master's program cost?
The cost shown below is based on the current tuition and fee estimate. Your actual cost of attendance for financial aid purposes may vary based on your assigned tuition rate, the number of credits you're enrolled in and the length of your enrollment period. If you're enrolled in a single module instead of a full semester, your housing and food, transportation and personal expenses will be adjusted based on the number of weeks you're enrolled (for example, 12-week or 8-week modules). If you're enrolled less than half-time, your cost of attendance will not include housing and food, personal expenses or loan fees.
- Military tuition benefits: Active duty, veterans and military-affiliated students may qualify for reduced tuition, waived fees and need-based awards.
What can you do with an online master's counseling degree?
A master's degree in counseling can prepare you for a successful career supporting individuals across a variety of settings. Depending on your concentration, you could work for schools, community agencies, hospitals, private practice and addiction treatment programs. Our program also prepares students to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure and certification.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| School Counselor | $65,140 |
| Family/Behavioral Therapist | $63,780 |
| Addiction Counselor | $59,190 |
All data and statistics in this section are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Online counseling concentrations
Addiction Counseling
Prepare for licensure and certification: The addiction counseling concentration prepares you to pursue licensure as a professional counselor and certification as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. All licensure and certification requirements are embedded throughout the curriculum.
Gain hands-on experience: Complete a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship in your local area with support from a dedicated practicum and internship coordinator.
Strong student outcomes: Graduates reported a 99% job placement rate, and students have achieved a 95% National Counselor Examination pass rate.
Possible careers and outcomes: Licensed professional counselor, addiction counselor, substance use counselor, behavioral health counselor and more.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Prepare for professional licensure: The clinical mental health counseling concentration prepares you to meet the educational requirements for professional counselor licensure in all 50 states.
Gain hands-on experience: Complete a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship in your local area with support from a dedicated practicum and internship coordinator.
Strong student outcomes: Graduates reported a 99% job placement rate, and students have achieved a 95% National Counselor Examination pass rate.
Possible careers and outcomes: Clinical mental health counselor, private practice counselor, community mental health counselor, hospital counselor and more.
School Counseling
Prepare for school counseling licensure: The school counseling concentration prepares you to earn a school counseling license or endorsement along with professional counselor licensure in Michigan.
Gain hands-on experience: Complete a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship in your local area with support from a dedicated practicum and internship coordinator.
Strong student outcomes: Graduates reported a 99% job placement rate, students have achieved a 95% National Counselor Examination pass rate and a 100% MTTC pass rate.
Possible careers and outcomes: School counselor, student support specialist, college counselor, academic advisor and more.
Admission requirements
Application Deadlines: February 1 for Fall admission
September 1 for Spring admission
Early applications for Mt. Pleasant Fall Cohort are welcome!
To be eligible for Admission to the M.A. in Counseling program, a complete application includes:
- A graduate application
- Transcripts from undergraduate degree-granting institution and any/all graduate transcripts
- Résumé or short statement of relevant work or volunteer experience
- Two completed letters of recommendation are required for your application. Both letters should be professional references from an academic instructor, current/past supervisor, professional colleague etc. Recommendation letters must speak to the applicant’s ability to perform in a professional work and/or academic setting. Professional colleagues are considered individuals the applicant has worked with in a professional work or professional volunteer setting. The counseling program will not accept recommendation letters from the following sources: family members, friends, individuals the applicant supervised and/or currently supervises, or individuals who provide the applicant with professional health services (therapist, doctor, etc.).
- A written statement of purpose that consists of a 3-page APA formatted essay covering all four topics listed below. These four topics are accreditation required areas and must be addressed for consideration:
- State your career goals
- Describe how completing an M.A. in Counseling will help you fulfill those goals
- Describe your readiness to engage in a digital learning environment in the hybrid (face-to-face and online) or fully online program
- Describe your strengths and areas for growth as a graduate student
Your undergraduate grade point average (GPA) (2.8 minimum), two letters of recommendation, resume (or work experience statement), written statement of purpose, and general plans for graduate study are all considered in determining admission. Students who have below a 2.8 minimum undergraduate GPA are still encouraged to apply and will receive consideration. All application materials must be received in the Department of Counseling, Educational Leadership and Higher Education before a decision will be made regarding whether to invite the applicant for a virtual group interview.
If an applicant has met all of the requirements and is invited for a virtual group interview by department faculty, attendance at the interview is mandatory and the dates of the interview will be made available in advance so that you may make accommodations to be there.
Upon successful completion of the initial screening process and interview, you will be recommended for admission. This decision will be sent to Graduate Studies and if approved, you will receive Regular Admission.
Hear from the people behind the program
Do you have questions about earning your master's in counseling? Program director Dr. Sheri Pickover is here to answer some of the most common questions prospective students ask.
You'll also hear from graduates in each concentration as they share their experience and what it's like to prepare for a career in counseling at CMU.