- Overview
- Defining CACREP
- Programmatic vs. Institutional Accreditation
- What Happens If You Choose a Non-CACREP Program?
- CACREP-Accredited Online Master's in Counseling Programs
- Specializations in CACREP-Accredited Online Master's in Counseling Programs
- Tuition and Financial Aid
- Faculty Credentials and Ratios
- Verify Accreditation Directly
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
- Expert Reviewed By Brandon Mario D'Souza
CACREP accreditation is the single most consequential credential when choosing an online master’s in counseling. It directly determines whether you’ll qualify for licensure in most states, whether your degree transfers if you relocate, and how employers assess your training. This page evaluates the strongest CACREP-accredited online master’s programs available — covering clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and other recognized specializations.
Below, you’ll find a clear explanation of what CACREP accreditation actually means and why it matters, quick-pick recommendations for common priorities, detailed program evaluation cards, a comparison table for side-by-side scanning, and practical guidance for choosing between programs that all share the same accreditation. If you’re exploring broader accreditation standards across disciplines, our guide to accredited online master’s programs covers the landscape. This page focuses exclusively on counseling and CACREP.
Defining CACREP
CACREP — the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs — is the specialized programmatic accreditor for graduate counseling programs in the United States. It is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and sets the training standards for master’s and doctoral programs in counseling disciplines.
Programmatic vs. Institutional Accreditation
Every legitimate university holds institutional (regional) accreditation — this verifies the institution as a whole. CACREP accreditation operates on top of that, evaluating the specific counseling program’s curriculum, clinical training requirements, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes. Think of it this way: institutional accreditation confirms the school is real; CACREP accreditation confirms the counseling program meets professional training standards. The same distinction applies in other fields — AACSB accreditation matters for business programs , CSWE accreditation matters for social work , and APA accreditation matters for doctoral psychology programs . CACREP is the counseling-specific equivalent.
Why CACREP Matters for Your Career
State licensure. A growing number of states require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program to sit for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) exam. Even in states that don’t yet mandate it, licensing boards strongly prefer CACREP graduates and often waive additional coursework requirements for them.
Licensure portability. If you might ever practice in a different state, CACREP accreditation dramatically simplifies the process. Many state licensing reciprocity agreements assume CACREP-standard training.
Employer confidence. Community mental health agencies, hospitals, VA facilities, school districts, and private practices increasingly list CACREP graduation as a hiring preference or requirement.
Clinical training standards. CACREP-accredited programs must include a minimum of 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship under qualified supervision — a standardized clinical floor that non-accredited programs are not required to meet.
What Happens If You Choose a Non-CACREP Program?
If your program lacks CACREP accreditation, you may face:
- Additional graduate coursework required by your state licensing board before you can sit for the exam
- Difficulty transferring your license if you move to another state
- A longer, more uncertain path to licensure — some states are moving toward CACREP-only requirements
- Potential skepticism from employers who use CACREP status as a quality signal
None of this means non-CACREP programs can’t produce competent counselors. But the professional and regulatory infrastructure increasingly favors CACREP graduates, making it the default smart choice for most students.
These quick picks highlight standout CACREP-accredited online programs for specific student priorities. All hold current CACREP accreditation.
Wake Forest’s online Master of Arts in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) combines a top-tier institutional reputation with a rigorously designed online CACREP program, strong faculty mentorship, and embedded practicum placement support.
UNT’s online M.S. in Counseling offers CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling at public university tuition rates, making it one of the lowest-cost CACREP options with a strong program reputation.
SNHU’s online M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is CACREP-accredited and built for working adults, with asynchronous coursework, multiple start dates per year, and a self-arranged practicum model that accommodates students nationwide.
Northeastern’s online M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling carries CACREP accreditation and benefits from the university’s experiential learning model, with robust clinical placement support networks.
Liberty’s online M.A. in School Counseling is CACREP-accredited, fully online with residency intensives, and one of the largest school counseling programs in the country — producing graduates who meet certification requirements in most states.
Every program on this page was evaluated using the following criteria:
- CACREP accreditation status: Verified as currently accredited through the CACREP program directory. Programs with expired, revoked, or pending-only accreditation are excluded.
- Program specializations: Which CACREP-recognized specialty areas (clinical mental health, school counseling, rehabilitation, marriage and family, addiction, career counseling) are available online.
- Clinical practicum model: Whether the program arranges clinical placements for students or requires self-arrangement, and whether support exists for out-of-state students.
- Tuition and affordability: Published tuition rates or per-credit costs, with attention to whether in-state rates are available to online students.
- Online format quality: Synchronous vs. asynchronous delivery, residency or intensive requirements, cohort vs. rolling admission, and overall flexibility for working professionals.
- Student outcomes, where reported: Licensure exam pass rates (NCE/CPCE), graduation rates, and employment data when publicly available.
- Faculty and supervision ratios: CACREP requires specific faculty-to-student ratios; programs that exceed minimum standards received a favorable evaluation.
Programs are organized by overall evaluation strength, not alphabetically or randomly. Where programs are close in quality, we prioritized those with stronger practicum support and documented student outcomes.
CACREP-Accredited Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$1,010/credit | Blended (online + brief residencies) | Cohort model
Wake Forest delivers a rigorously structured CACREP program with strong faculty engagement, embedded clinical placement coordination, and high NCE pass rates. The blended format includes short on-campus residency intensives, which some students view as a strength (hands-on skills practice) and others as a constraint. Tuition is high, but outcomes and institutional reputation are among the best in online counseling.
Standout : Consistently high licensure exam pass rates; dedicated placement coordinator.
Caveat : Premium pricing; residency intensives required.
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$1,060/credit | Online + practicum | Rolling admission
Northeastern University ‘s experiential learning DNA translates well to counseling. The program offers robust clinical placement support through Northeastern’s network, CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling curriculum, and a flexible online delivery model. Tuition is on the higher side, but the practicum support and university brand carry weight.
Standout : Experiential learning model with strong practicum coordination.
Caveat : Higher tuition tier; no school counseling specialization in this program.
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$530/credit (in-state) | Online with synchronous sessions | Cohort
UNCG’s counseling program is one of the most established CACREP-accredited programs in the country, now available in online format. Offers clinical mental health counseling and school counseling tracks. Strong faculty research profile and historically high licensure pass rates.
Standout : Legacy CACREP program with deep alumni network; public university pricing.
Caveat : Synchronous sessions require scheduled availability; limited flexibility vs. fully asynchronous programs.
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$460/credit (in-state rates available to online students) | Online, asynchronous | Rolling start dates
University of North Texas offers one of the most affordable CACREP-accredited options with legitimate program quality. The clinical mental health counseling track is fully online and asynchronous, and UNT provides practicum placement guidance for distance students. A strong value pick for students prioritizing cost without sacrificing accreditation.
Standout : Exceptional cost-to-quality ratio; in-state tuition available to all online students.
Caveat : Practicum is largely self-arranged with guidance, not fully placed.
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$627/credit | Fully online, asynchronous | Multiple start dates
Southern New Hampshire University is one of the largest providers of CACREP-accredited online counseling education. The program is designed for maximum accessibility — asynchronous coursework, frequent enrollment windows, and a self-arranged practicum model with field placement support. SNHU’s scale means extensive student services, though the trade-off is a less intimate cohort experience.
Standout : Maximum flexibility and frequent start dates; broad state authorization.
Caveat : Self-arranged practicum requires student initiative; large program scale may feel impersonal.
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$565/credit | Online with residency intensives | 8-week terms
Liberty University offers both clinical mental health and school counseling tracks under CACREP accreditation — one of the few large-scale online programs with a CACREP-accredited school counseling option. The Christian worldview is integrated into the curriculum, which is a draw for some students and a mismatch for others. Residency intensives are required.
Standout : Rare CACREP-accredited school counseling track online; competitive tuition.
Caveat : Faith-integrated curriculum; residency intensives required.
CACREP-accredited | 60-70 credits | ~$545/credit | Online, asynchronous | Quarterly starts
Capella’s CACREP-accredited program offers clinical mental health counseling with an asynchronous format and virtual residency components. The program includes practicum placement support through a dedicated field experience team. Capella’s quarter-based system means more frequent progress milestones but a different pacing than semester-based programs.
Standout : Dedicated field placement team; virtual residency option.
Caveat : Quarter system pacing may not suit all learners; for-profit institution.
CACREP-accredited | 60+ credits | ~$530/credit | Online, asynchronous | Rolling admission
Walden is one of the largest CACREP-accredited online counseling providers, offering clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and several specialty tracks (addiction, forensic, trauma). Practicum placement is supported by a field experience office. Walden’s scale means broad state authorization coverage.
Standout : Wide range of specialty tracks under one CACREP umbrella; extensive state authorization.
Caveat : For-profit institution; large class sizes.
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$550/credit | Online with practicum | 8-week courses
Grand Canyon University ‘s CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling program is designed for working professionals, with 8-week course blocks and an online delivery model. GCU provides practicum placement assistance, and the program has grown significantly in enrollment and state authorization reach.
Standout : 8-week course blocks allow focused study; competitive pricing.
Caveat : Faith-affiliated institution; practicum placement support varies by region.
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$530/credit | Online, asynchronous | Monthly start dates
National University ‘s one-course-at-a-time model is unique among CACREP-accredited programs, allowing students to focus intensely on a single subject per month. The clinical mental health counseling program is CACREP-accredited and built for adult learners managing work and family obligations.
Standout : One-course-at-a-time immersive model; monthly enrollment.
Caveat : Accelerated pacing isn’t for everyone; limited name recognition outside the West Coast.
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$490/credit | Online with synchronous components | Cohort
Texas Tech’s CACREP program offers both clinical mental health and school counseling tracks in an online format with synchronous class meetings. As a major research university, TTU brings strong faculty credentials and a well-resourced counselor education department.
Standout : R1 research university; dual-track options; solid tuition.
Caveat : Synchronous requirement reduces scheduling flexibility.
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$300/credit | Online, asynchronous | Rolling admission
Cumberlands is notable primarily for its exceptionally low tuition — one of the most affordable CACREP-accredited programs available. The program is fully online and asynchronous. Clinical outcomes data is less publicly available than at larger programs, so students should verify recent NCE pass rates.
Standout : Among the lowest per-credit costs of any CACREP-accredited program.
Caveat : Smaller program with fewer public outcomes data; self-arranged practicum.
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$415/credit | Online, asynchronous | Semester-based
Adams State is a small public university in Colorado offering CACREP-accredited counseling education at public-school rates. The program is intimate in scale, which means smaller class sizes and more faculty access, but also fewer specialty tracks.
Standout : Small-school experience with accessible faculty; public university tuition.
Caveat : Limited specialization options; smaller alumni network.
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$620/credit | Online with limited residency | Cohort
Kent State is a well-established CACREP-accredited counselor education program that has expanded to online delivery. The clinical mental health counseling track includes brief on-campus or regional residency experiences. Strong faculty-to-student ratios.
Standout : Established legacy program; strong faculty credentials.
Caveat : Residency component; out-of-state tuition applies to most online students.
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$770/credit | Online, asynchronous | Rolling admission
St. Bonaventure offers a fully online, CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling program with a Franciscan values orientation. The program emphasizes community mental health and social justice perspectives in counseling practice.
Standout : Social justice and community mental health emphasis; small cohorts.
Caveat : Higher tuition than many competitors; faith-oriented mission.
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$400/credit | Online, asynchronous | Semester-based
ULM offers a CACREP-accredited program at one of the lowest price points among public universities. The fully asynchronous format and affordable tuition make it accessible, though practicum placement is largely self-arranged.
Standout : Very affordable public university pricing; fully asynchronous.
Caveat : Limited practicum placement support; smaller program profile.
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$910/credit | Online with practicum | Semester-based
Palo Alto University is psychology-focused and brings a clinical depth to its CACREP-accredited counseling program that reflects its heritage in clinical training. The program is rigorous and clinically oriented, though tuition is on the higher end.
Standout : Deeply clinical orientation; strong psychology-adjacent training.
Caveat : Premium tuition; smaller institutional footprint.
CACREP-accredited | Competency-based (approximately 60 CUs) | ~$4,295/six-month term | Online, self-paced | Open enrollment
Western Governors University ‘s competency-based model is unique among CACREP-accredited programs. Students pay a flat rate per six-month term and progress as quickly as they demonstrate mastery. This makes WGU potentially the fastest and most affordable path for experienced professionals. The trade-off is a less traditional learning experience.
Standout : Competency-based pacing; flat-rate tuition model can yield significant savings.
Caveat : Non-traditional format may not appeal to all learners; newer CACREP counseling program.
CACREP-accredited | 60 credits | ~$810/credit | Online with residency | Cohort
Sacred Heart offers a CACREP-accredited program with a strong emphasis on clinical skill development and residency-based intensive experiences. Located in Connecticut, the program draws from strong northeastern clinical training traditions.
Standout : Clinical skill emphasis; cohort community.
Caveat : Higher tuition; residency requirement; regional focus.
Specializations in CACREP-Accredited Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
CACREP accredits programs in several distinct specialty areas, and not all specializations are equally available in online formats. Here’s what you can pursue:
The most widely available CACREP specialty online. Prepares you for licensure as an LPC, LMHC, or LCPC (title varies by state). You’ll learn psychopathology, assessment, treatment planning, and evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Almost every program on this page offers this track.
Prepares you for state certification as a school counselor (K-12). Curriculum focuses on academic/career/social-emotional development, consultation, and program evaluation. Fewer online options than clinical mental health — Liberty University, Walden, and Texas Tech are among the programs offering CACREP-accredited school counseling online.
Focuses on helping individuals with disabilities achieve independence and employment. Leads to certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Online availability is limited — check the CACREP directory for current programs.
Trains counselors to work with relational systems rather than individuals alone. Some states have a separate marriage and family therapist (MFT) license; others fold this under the LPC umbrella. A few CACREP programs offer this specialty online, though it’s less common than clinical mental health.
Prepares counselors for work in substance use disorder treatment settings. May lead to additional certifications beyond the LPC (e.g., CASAC, CADC). Some programs (like Walden) offer this as a track within their CACREP-accredited framework.
The least commonly available online, career counseling focuses on vocational development, assessment, and workforce transition. Most students pursuing counseling licensure choose clinical mental health or school counseling, but career counseling fills a niche in workforce development and higher education settings.
If you’re weighing counseling against adjacent helping professions, our pages on CSWE-accredited MSW programs and APA-accredited psychology programs cover the social work and psychology pathways, respectively.
Once you’ve confirmed a program is CACREP-accredited, every program on this page clears that bar. The real differentiation happens in these areas:
This is the single biggest operational difference between CACREP online programs. Some programs — like Wake Forest, Northeastern, and Capella — have dedicated placement coordinators who arrange clinical sites for you. Others — like SNHU, Adams State, and University of the Cumberlands — require you to find your own practicum site with varying levels of guidance. If you live in a rural area or a state with fewer clinical training sites, placement support matters enormously.
Synchronous programs (live class meetings at scheduled times) provide more structure and peer interaction but less flexibility. Asynchronous programs let you complete coursework on your own schedule. Some programs blend both. Your preference here should match your work schedule and learning style.
Cohort programs start groups of students together and move through the curriculum in lockstep — this builds community but limits start-date flexibility. Rolling or open-enrollment programs let you begin sooner but may lack the peer cohort experience.
Tuition and Financial Aid
CACREP-accredited programs range from approximately $300/credit (University of the Cumberlands) to over $1,000/credit (Wake Forest, Northeastern). Most counseling students rely on federal student loans; some programs offer graduate assistantships or employer tuition reimbursement pathways. If cost is a primary driver, our guide to the most affordable online master’s programs may also be useful.
Faculty Credentials and Ratios
CACREP mandates minimum faculty requirements, but programs vary in how far they exceed those minimums. Look for programs where core faculty hold counselor educator (Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision) degrees and are actively engaged in research or clinical practice.
Verify Accreditation Directly
Always confirm a program’s current CACREP accreditation status on the CACREP directory before enrolling. Accreditation statuses can change — programs may be on probation, in a teach-out phase, or may have recently been granted or lost accreditation.
For students also exploring whether a counseling master’s is the right degree for their goals, our most useful master’s degrees page compares career return across fields, and fastest online master’s degree programs can help if time-to-completion is a priority. For more ways to compare programs across disciplines, visit our online master’s degree rankings.
| University | Program / Specialization | Credits | Tuition Range | Format | Practicum Model | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest University | M.A. in Counseling — CMHC | 60 | ~$1,010/cr | Blended (online + residency) | University-arranged | High NCE pass rates |
| Northeastern University | M.S. in CMHC | 60 | ~$1,060/cr | Online + practicum | University-supported | Experiential learning model |
| UNC Greensboro | M.S. in CED — CMHC/School | 60 | ~$530/cr (in-state) | Online, synchronous | University-supported | Legacy CACREP program |
| University of North Texas | M.S. in Counseling — CMHC | 60 | ~$460/cr | Online, async | Guided self-arrangement | In-state rates for all |
| Southern New Hampshire University | M.A. in CMHC | 60 | ~$627/cr | Online, async | Self-arranged w/ support | Max flexibility; many start dates |
| Liberty University | M.A. in Counseling — CMHC/School | 60 | ~$565/cr | Online + residency | Guided self-arrangement | CACREP school counseling track |
| Capella University | M.S. in CMHC | 60-70 | ~$545/cr | Online, async | Dedicated field team | Virtual residency option |
| Grand Canyon University | M.S. in CMHC | 60 | ~$550/cr | Online, 8-wk blocks | University-assisted | 8-week focused courses |
| National University | M.A. in Counseling — CMHC | 60 | ~$530/cr | Online, async | Self-arranged w/ support | One-course-at-a-time model |
| Western Governors University | M.S. in CMHC | ~60 CUs | ~$4,295/6-mo term | Online, competency-based | Self-arranged w/ support | Flat-rate; pace yourself |
| University of the Cumberlands | M.A. in CMHC | 60 | ~$300/cr | Online, async | Self-arranged | Lowest tuition on this list |
| University of Louisiana Monroe | M.S. in CMHC | 60 | ~$400/cr | Online, async | Self-arranged | Affordable public university |
Frequently Asked Questions
Not yet, but the trend is clearly moving in that direction. As of 2025, a majority of states either require CACREP graduation for licensure or grant CACREP graduates a streamlined application process with fewer additional requirements. Several states are actively legislating CACREP-only pathways. Even in states where it’s not strictly required, graduating from a CACREP program is the safest path to licensure without complications.
No — clinical practicum and internship hours must be completed in-person at an approved clinical site, regardless of whether your coursework is online. What varies is whether the university helps arrange your placement or whether you find your own site. Expect a minimum of 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours.
Most programs require 60 credit hours and take 2-3 years for full-time students or 3-4 years for part-time students. Competency-based programs like WGU may allow faster completion for experienced professionals. Programs with cohort models typically have fixed timelines of 2.5-3 years.
CACREP graduates generally report higher first-attempt pass rates on the National Counselor Examination (NCE), faster licensure timelines, and fewer additional requirements imposed by state boards. Non-CACREP graduates may need to document additional coursework, supervised hours, or content-area coverage that CACREP programs include by default.
Not necessarily. Programs on this page range from roughly $300/credit (University of the Cumberlands) to over $1,000/credit (Wake Forest). Several public universities offer CACREP-accredited programs at in-state tuition rates for online students. The cost range is wide enough that affordability and CACREP accreditation are not mutually exclusive.
Yes — this is one of CACREP’s most significant practical benefits. Many state licensing boards have reciprocity agreements that assume CACREP-standard training. Moving with a non-CACREP degree often means petitioning the new state’s board to evaluate your transcript course-by-course, which can delay your ability to practice.
CACREP is a U.S.-based accreditor. International recognition varies. Some countries and international organizations recognize CACREP as a quality standard, but if you plan to practice outside the U.S., research the destination country’s specific credentialing requirements.
Use the official CACREP program directory at cacrep.org/directory. Do not rely solely on a university’s website — accreditation statuses change, and you want to confirm the specific program and specialty area you’re enrolling in is currently accredited, not just the institution or a different program within the department.