10 Fully Funded Master's Programs in Counselling in the US
University of Wyoming Programs Offered:MS in Counseling Location:1000 E. University Avenue Laramie, WY 82071 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Wyoming offers a Master of Science degree program in Counseling
The program has concentrations in school counseling and mental health counseling. This CACREP-accredited program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience necessary to work with a diverse range of clients, from children and adolescents to adults, families, and couples. Through small classes and clinical experiences, students develop their counseling identity under the guidance of an award-winning faculty team.
The school counseling concentration prepares students to become school leaders who promote culturally relevant P-12 student growth, while the mental health concentration trains students to serve in various settings, including community agencies, hospitals, addiction treatment centers, and private practice. The program is offered in two convenient formats: in-person courses on the Laramie campus and an online/in-person hybrid at UW Casper for working professionals.
Graduates of the counseling program pursue careers as school counselors, private counselors, mental health therapists, and vocational rehabilitation counselors, among other roles. Some also go on to doctoral programs at prestigious universities such as Purdue University, Texas Tech, and the University of Wyoming itself.
The counseling program at UW is distinguished by its two location options, the opportunity to obtain a post-master's certificate in play therapy, involvement in the WellSpring Counseling Clinic, available scholarships, internships, travel grants, and the chance to participate in events like Psychological First-Aid Day. Students also benefit from studying with faculty-practitioners who are conducting research in critical areas such as counselor development, underserved populations, and counselor supervision.
The University of Wyoming offers various financial assistance options for students pursuing a Master of Science in Counseling. The College of Education provides graduate scholarships specifically designated for counseling students, such as the Evelyn Milam Scholarship, Patricia B. Ferris-Hawley Scholarship, and the Relaxation Foundation Donald R. Austin Student Scholarship Fund. Additionally, graduate students can take advantage of travel funds available from the dean's office to offset expenses associated with attending or presenting at professional conferences.
Graduate assistantships are another valuable opportunity for students, providing stipends and health benefits in exchange for working in departments across campus. These assistantships may involve teaching responsibilities, such as serving as an instructor, reader, or laboratory assistant, or research functions funded by various organizations. Stipends vary depending on the tasks assigned and the student's experience, and most assistantships include tuition and fee reductions.
Villanova University Programs Offered:MS in Counseling Location:Education & Counseling St. Augustine Ctr.- Rm 302 Villanova University 800 Lancaster Avenue Villanova, PA 19085 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
Villanova University's Graduate Programs in Counseling, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), offer students the opportunity to develop their counseling skills and experience personal growth. The programs emphasize the development of genuine, accepting, and nonjudgmental counseling relationships, providing students with the necessary training and experiences to cultivate their unique counseling identity and orientation.
The Clinical Mental Health Concentration is tailored for students aspiring to become licensed professional counselors, working with individuals, families, and groups to address a wide range of mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, addictions, career development, discrimination, relationship problems, and grief. On the other hand, the School Counseling program trains students to become school leaders and advocates, equipping them with the skills to provide evidence-based counseling services that support the social, emotional, academic, and career development of youth across the school system.
Throughout their coursework, counselor-trainees gain knowledge of human development, individual differences, human behavior, and diversity. They acquire the skills to appraise and select appropriate counseling materials, employ effective evaluation procedures, make timely referrals, offer consultative services, and counsel individuals, families, and groups, irrespective of their age, sex, religion, racial/ethnic background, socio-economic status, or physical ability/disability.
Villanova has forged partnerships with a diverse array of clinical mental health and school settings, allowing students to gain extensive hands-on experience during their pre-practicum, practicum, and internship. These partnerships enable counseling students to serve their populations of interest in various settings, enhancing their practical skills and knowledge.
The program offers several graduate Tuition Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships to support students financially. Tuition Scholarships cover the cost of tuition, while Graduate Assistantships provide both tuition coverage and a stipend. To be considered for these funding opportunities, students should apply for admission in the fall semester. Additionally, assistantships offered by other Villanova departments and offices are available, and applying for these does not preclude students from being considered for internal department funding.
the University of Southern Mississippi Programs Offered:MS. in Counseling Psychology Location:118 College Drive Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Southern Mississippi offers a Master of Science (MS) program in Counseling Psychology, which admits approximately 15 full-time students each fall from a pool of around 60 applications. The program emphasizes psychological health, adaptive development, vocational issues, prevention, and diversity, aligning with the historical focus of counseling psychology.
One of the program's strengths is its high-quality clinical training in evidence-based interventions. Students gain experience working with diverse populations, settings, and presenting issues under the supervision of licensed professionals at community training sites. The coursework, largely overlapping with the Counseling Psychology doctoral program, is delivered by experts and provides opportunities for interdisciplinary training with other psychology specialties.
The program's mission is to equip students with the knowledge, dispositions, and skills necessary to become competent professional counselors and/or pursue further graduate study. This is achieved by providing training in the foundations required of proficient consumers of psychological science, enabling students to utilize psychology to inform sound diagnostic and evidence-based interventions in line with the philosophical underpinnings of Counseling Psychology.
The training model integrates supervised clinical experience and the application of research to practice, creating a true scientist-practitioner foundation. Small class sizes allow for individualized training opportunities, and core courses are taken alongside graduate students from other programs within the School, such as Clinical Psychology, School Psychology, and Brain and Behavior. Counseling Psychology faculty provide discipline-specific training in counseling interventions, ethics, multicultural issues, diagnosis, and assessment.
The program's Training Director assists students in securing Graduate Assistantships (GA), which provide a full tuition scholarship and a 9-12 month stipend. While positions are not guaranteed, nearly all students seeking GA positions obtain one, often working in offices such as Career Services and Financial Aid. These assistantships offer a modest monthly stipend and tuition waiver in exchange for 20 hours per week of department, university, or community-based work.
Ball State University Programs Offered:MA in Counselling, MA in Social Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Location:Health Professions Building, Room 434 Muncie, IN 47303 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
Ball State University provides programs of MA in Counselling and MA in Social Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The counseling program offers concentrations in clinical mental health counseling and rehabilitation counseling, preparing students to become dedicated professionals in helping others and promoting social justice. Graduates of this program provide services in various settings such as counseling centers, agencies, and academic institutions.
The combined master's degree in social psychology and clinical mental health counseling integrates the academic rigor of social psychology with the practical application of counseling. Graduates may pursue careers in fields like education, criminology, and personnel services, working in environments that include counseling centers, nonprofit organizations, human resources offices, and academic institutions. The program covers topics in social psychology and explores current trends, professional identity, organizational structures, and ethical and legal considerations in mental health counseling.
The Department of Counseling Psychology, Social Psychology, and Counseling offers graduate assistantships to support students financially and provide hands-on experience in their field. Assistantships are available for master's students, Graduate assistants receive partial tuition and fee remission, with the amount dependent on their full-time or half-time status.
For the 2020-2021 academic year, master's assistants in the department receive a stipend of $9,000, while pay for master's students in other campus offices may vary. Full-time graduate assistants receive fee remission covering a portion of basic tuition, non-resident fees, and student services fees, leaving an average cost of approximately $1,500 per fall/spring semester for graduate assistants, excluding special course or program fees.
Master's assistants in the department typically support the Graduate Admissions Coordinator and the master's program directors, and may be assigned research duties with faculty members. Many master's students hold assistantships in other campus departments, such as Bracken Library, the Rinker Center for Global Affairs, the Learning Center, and the Fisher Institute of Health and Well-Being.
University Of Kentucky Programs Offered:M.S. Program in Counseling Psychology Location:Lexington, Kentucky 40506 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Kentucky offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Education program designed to prepare students for competitive admission into Counseling Psychology doctoral programs. With an acceptance rate of less than 12% for Counseling Psychology PhD programs (APA Graduate Study in Psychology Summary Report, 2017), many students opt to pursue a master's degree first to develop their professional identity and skills.
The M.S. in Education at the University of Kentucky is a full-time, two-year program consisting of 48 credit hours. The program provides comprehensive, foundational training aimed at helping students successfully apply to Counseling Psychology doctoral programs. Graduates of this program have a strong track record, with an 89% success rate in gaining admission to Counseling Psychology PhD and/or PsyD programs.
The program's philosophy is grounded in the values and goals of a socially just society, recognizing that optimal health and well-being for all individuals is essential for achieving this aim. The program seeks to train future mental health professionals who can facilitate well-being and transform unhealthy and oppressive societal structures through engagement with science and practice.
On-campus funding opportunities, such as graduate assistantships, are available to M.S. students through the UKJobs website (https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/search). Between 2020 and 2022, an average of 70% of the program's M.S. students secured full-time funding, which includes a 20-hour per week graduate assistantship that provides full tuition remission, a monthly stipend (minimum of $14,520 for a 9-month assistantship), and a student health insurance plan. This percentage is higher than that of many mental health master's programs across the country.
Oklahoma State University Programs Offered:Master of Science in Counseling Location:434 Willard Hall Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK 74078 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
Oklahoma State University provides Master of Science in Counseling programs, offering students the opportunity to pursue careers as licensed professional counselors in various settings, including mental health, community, human services, and schools. The programs, accredited by the Council for Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), emphasize social justice and serving underrepresented populations. Students can choose between two degree options: mental health counseling or school counseling.
To complete the mental health counseling or school counseling options, students must earn a minimum of 60 credit hours, which includes 100 clock-hours of practicum, 600 hours of internship, and a creative component portfolio demonstrating competency. Alternatively, students may opt for a thesis, which requires 66 credit hours. Those pursuing the school counseling option who also wish to obtain licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) in Oklahoma must complete 63 credit hours that satisfy the state's licensing board requirements.
The university offers courses at both the OSU-Stillwater and OSU-Tulsa campuses, with well-equipped training clinics available at each location.
Full-time students in the Counseling program may qualify for departmental financial aid, such as tuition waivers and a limited number of graduate assistantships. Part-time employment opportunities are also typically available both on and off-campus. Additionally, currently enrolled graduate students may be eligible for annual scholarships provided through the College of Education and Human Sciences.
Graduate assistantships, which are paid employment opportunities, contribute to the student's professional development while supporting the department's instructional, research, and extension efforts. Half-time (50 percent) assistantship appointments include a monthly stipend, full non-resident tuition waiver, full resident tuition waiver, and health insurance benefits. Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) involve direct interaction with students in classroom or laboratory settings, while Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) focus on assisting with research activities, such as working on externally-funded projects or conducting research intended for professional dissemination.
Boise State University Programs Offered:Master of Arts in Counseling, School Counseling cognate, Master of Arts in Counseling, Addiction Counseling cognate Location:Education Building, 2133 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, ID 83706 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
Boise State University offers two Master of Arts in Counseling programs: the School Counseling cognate and the Addiction Counseling cognate. These programs prepare professionals to work in various settings, providing counseling services to individuals and families facing different challenges.
The Addiction Counseling cognate equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to assist those struggling with substance abuse and other addictive behaviors. The program emphasizes assessment, treatment, relapse prevention, and models of prevention and intervention for addiction. Graduates may pursue careers in private practice or in community agencies that offer substance abuse counseling services.
On the other hand, the School Counseling cognate focuses on preparing professionals to support students from kindergarten through high school in their academic, career, and personal/social development. This program concentrates on designing and implementing comprehensive school guidance and counseling programs, which include individual and group counseling, classroom guidance, and consultation within the school setting. Graduates of this cognate may work in both private and public school systems at various levels.
The College of Education at Boise State University also offers a limited number of competitive graduate assistantship opportunities. These assistantships typically provide a 9-month research assistantship position, which includes an approximate $9,588 stipend, tuition and fee waiver, and student health insurance. To be eligible for these assistantships, graduate students must enroll in a minimum of nine credit hours each semester and meet other requirements set by the Graduate College.
Southeast Missouri State University Programs Offered:MA in Mental Health Counselling Location:One University Plaza, MS 5700 Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701 Admission: Admission to the program is competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is more competitive.
Southeast Missouri State University's MA in Mental Health Counseling program prepares aspiring counselors for a fulfilling career in various mental health settings. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a positive impact on the lives of others, whether in schools, clinics, grief counseling, or substance abuse treatment.
The curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in counseling core courses, ensuring that graduates are eligible for both counselor licensure and national certification. Students benefit from close collaboration with faculty mentors who provide constructive feedback and support throughout the program. Hands-on experience is gained through practicum and internship opportunities, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, students have the chance to present alongside faculty at state and national professional conferences.
Graduates of the program have found success in securing internships and employment within local agencies, often taking on leadership roles such as clinical coordinators. Some have chosen to further their education by pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision.
To support students during their full-time graduate study, Southeast Missouri State University offers graduate assistantships (GAs). These assistantships provide valuable professional experience and help alleviate the financial burden of graduate school. GAs receive a stipend of $9,491 for the academic year and tuition coverage for up to 9 credits of graduate-level coursework in both the fall and spring semesters, as well as up to 6 credits during the summer semester.
There are two primary types of assistantships available: teaching and administrative. Teaching assistants (TAs) participate directly in teaching courses, tutoring, or providing teaching support activities. They are required to take the GR603 course, which provides intensive practical training in effective classroom teaching. Administrative assistants (AAs) assist in the daily operations of a university administrative unit, developing competencies beyond routine clerical support.
Eastern Illinois University Programs Offered:M.S. in Counseling Location:Counseling and Higher Education Eastern Illinois University 600 Lincoln Avenue Charleston, IL 61920 Admission: Admission to the program is competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is more competitive.
The Department of Counseling and Higher Education at Eastern Illinois University is committed to becoming a premier training facility for master's level professional counselors through its state-of-the-art technology, facilities, and research-based training practices. The department offers a Master of Science in Counseling, which is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and provides two concentrations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.
Students who complete the Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration are prepared to seek licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) and Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Illinois. This program meets the requirements set forth by CACREP and equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of mental health counseling.
The School Counseling concentration, also CACREP-accredited, prepares students for certification as School Counselors in Illinois, granting them a Professional Educator License upon completion. This program focuses on developing the competencies required to effectively support students in educational settings.
Graduate assistantships are available both within the department and across the Eastern Illinois University campus. Students in the Counseling and Higher Education Department have the opportunity to work in various departments, gaining valuable experience and financial support. Interested individuals should apply for graduate assistantships and contact the relevant offices and departments to inquire about their specific hiring procedures.
The Department of Counseling and Higher Education has established guidelines for graduate assistants (GAs), which include working 18 hours per week, submitting scheduled hours to the Department Chair and faculty members, and potentially assisting with course facilitation. GAs are not expected to work during school holidays and may receive stipend payments on the last working day of each month, from September to May.
Prospective students are encouraged to secure a graduate assistantship position before admission to the department, as positions may become limited later in the application process. By pursuing a Master of Science in Counseling at Eastern Illinois University, students can expect to receive a high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers in clinical mental health counseling or school counseling.
University of Dayton Programs Offered:MSE in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MSE in School Counseling Location:300 College Park Dayton, Ohio 45469 937-229-1000 Admission: Admission to the program is competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is more competitive.
The University of Dayton offers two distinct Master of Science in Education (MSE) programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Both programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their respective fields.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares students to become successful counselors in community-based and private counseling settings. Embracing a holistic approach, students learn to work effectively with individuals, families, and communities using leading methodologies. The program offers flexibility, allowing students to choose between a 2.5-year or 3.5-year track. To obtain a Professional Counseling License (PC) in Ohio, graduates must pass a test from the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT). After completing two additional years of supervised experience and passing a second test (PCLE), they can become licensed as Professional Clinical Counselors (PCC).
The School Counseling program focuses on preparing students to advocate for the academic, career, and social/emotional needs of children in PK-12 school systems. Courses blend professional practice with the latest advances in school counseling and education. Faculty members encourage students to adopt holistic, ethical, and innovative approaches to their personal lives, professional endeavors, and the school systems they serve. The program recognizes the value of diversity in enriching the learning environment and expanding institutional ability, intelligence, and creativity. To obtain licensure, students must pass the Ohio Assessment for Educators exam in school counseling.
Both programs offer competitive and limited graduate assistantships to students accepted into the program and enrolled full-time at UD's main campus in Dayton. Graduate assistants (GAs) typically work 20 hours per week on a 9-month contract, receiving partial tuition remission and a monthly stipend. Most GA positions are for research assistants, with a limited number of teaching assistant positions available.
Admission to the program is more competitive.
Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
Admission to the program is competitive.