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This page provides readers with information about Missouri counseling degrees, including career outlook data.
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Counseling programs in Missouri prepare you to pursue careers as a licensed professional counselor in mental health, rehabilitation, and marriage and family therapy. This helpful guide covers the education requirements and processes for becoming licensed in Missouri. Explore projected employment outlooks and average annual salaries for different roles in the field.
Popular Online Counseling Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Counseling Degree Programs in Missouri
Explore our ranking of the top best counseling degrees in Missouri. Graduates of these programs can pursue licensure or further education and training.
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestCounselingDegrees.net is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
#1 Counseling Degree Programs in Missouri
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit: In-State | $356 Out-of-State | $712
Credits to Graduate: 54-60
Students can pursue the University of Central Missouri's MS in counseling on the Warrensburg or Lee's Summit campus. Specializations in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling, respectively, lead to professional licensure and certification.
All enrollees complete core coursework in topics, such as development across the lifespan, counseling theories, and mental health issues in counseling. Advanced courses explore key concepts in each specialization.
Practicum and internship experience provide hands-on clinical training in relevant settings. Notably, graduates of the school counseling program earn an Ed.S. in human services, professional counseling.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,758
Out-of-state
$15,495
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,836
Out-of-state
$15,672
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
10,530
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Counseling Degree Programs in Missouri
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit: In-State | $730 Out-of-State | $730
Credits to Graduate: 60
Webster University's MA in counseling features a clinical mental health counseling emphasis available at the St. Louis campus or in hybrid format. The curriculum introduces students to foundational counseling theories, diagnostic tools, and specialty areas.
For instance, participants learn how to counsel clients with substance abuse challenges and people experiencing trauma and crises. Enrollees can expand their professional practice with elective training in children's counseling and/or couples, marriage, and family counseling.
Participants can also develop expertise in human sexuality theory and sexual counseling. The Missouri counseling degree provides extensive clinical experience through a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,500
Out-of-state
$28,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,500
Out-of-state
$13,500
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
6,779
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
61%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Counseling Degree Programs in Missouri
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: In-State | $551 Out-of-State | $551
Credits to Graduate: 60
Lindenwood University's MA in counseling provides a customizable and flexible curriculum. Students complete a clinical mental health counseling or school counseling track in traditional classroom settings. The program fulfills the academic requirements for professional counselor licensure and school counselor certification in Missouri.
Each curriculum provides specialized training in the major, and participants apply their learning during practicum and internship experiences. Enrollees culminate either track with a comprehensive exam.
Evening classes at several convenient locations accommodate the needs of working professionals and other busy students. Graduate students pay very competitive tuition rates to earn this Missouri counseling degree.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$18,540
Out-of-state
$18,540
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,684
Out-of-state
$9,684
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
7,003
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Counseling Degree Programs in Missouri
Missouri Baptist University
Saint Louis, MO
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit: In-State | $724 Out-of-State | $724
Credits to Graduate: 60
The master's in clinical health counseling at Missouri Baptist University blends Christian faith tenets with rigorous counseling education. Students complete this Missouri counseling degree on campus in St. Louis or through Livestream. The curriculum provides the educational requirements necessary for LPC licensure in Missouri.
Students move through the CACREP-accredited, 36-month curriculum as part of a cohort. Participants explore general counseling theories and techniques and develop expertise in specialized areas, such as substance abuse counseling and child and adolescent counseling.
Enrollees also learn how to address the needs of clients in crisis and traumatic situations. In addition to a 100-hour practicum, participants complete 600 hours of field experience in a mental health setting.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,076
Out-of-state
$29,076
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,670
Out-of-state
$10,670
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
4,983
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Counseling Degree Programs in Missouri
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
Fayette, MO
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit: In-State | $390 Out-of-State | $390
Credits to Graduate: 60
Central Methodist University's MS in clinical counseling is delivered partially online through the College of Graduate and Extended Studies. The degree meets the educational requirements for professional counselor licensure in Missouri.
Students complete the 60-credit curriculum as part of a cohort that meets in the evenings. Participants learn evidence-based counseling theories, techniques, and best practices to address specific client needs. Topics covered include addictions counseling, group counseling, and behavioral emergencies and crisis intervention.
A practicum and two internships provide 700 hours of supervised clinical experience. CMU charges low tuition, making this a very affordable Missouri counseling degree.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,240
Out-of-state
$6,240
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,075
Out-of-state
$6,075
Retention Rate
33%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Students Enrolled
3,242
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Counseling Degree Programs in Missouri
Avila University
Kansas City, MO
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
Cost per Credit: In-State | $600 Out-of-State | $600
Credits to Graduate: 60
Avila University's MS in counseling psychology prepares licensed mental health counselors for practice in Kansas and Missouri. Students complete the 60-credit degree on campus in Kansas City. In addition to learning core counseling theories and treatment approaches, students can elect to specialize in child and adolescent counseling.
Enrollees can broaden their expertise by participating in research with faculty. The degree requires 600 clinical hours of practicum and internship experience. Participants take the counselor preparation comprehensive examination to culminate this Missouri counseling degree. Competitive tuition may add to this program's appeal.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$21,740
Out-of-state
$21,740
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,598
Out-of-state
$8,598
Retention Rate
66%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
1,376
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Currently, 17 programs in Missouri hold CACREP accreditation, which indicates that this third-party organization has evaluated the programs to ensure they meet quality standards. CACREP assesses coursework and clinical training in core areas.
How to Become a Counselor in Missouri
The Missouri Division of Professional Registration's Committee for Professional Counselors provides credentials for licensed professional counselors (LPCs), provisional licensed professional counselors (PLPCs), and licensed and provisional licensed marriage and family therapists (MFTs). This section covers the general licensing steps.
Education Requirements
Missouri counseling licensure requires a master's degree in counseling, counseling and guidance, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or school psychology. Programs should hold CACREP accreditation and typically comprise 48 credits or equivalent quarter hours.
Most counseling master's programs take two years to complete. The committee lists the programmatic educational requirements, such as coursework in the appraisal of individuals, counseling theory, group dynamics, human growth and development, and research methods. The curriculum must also offer six hours of practicum experience.
Missouri's requirements for counselor and MFT licensure include 3,000 hours and 24 months of supervised, post-master's experience within five years, and 1,200 hours of direct client contact and individual or group therapy.
Provisional licenses allow counselors to gain supervised practice experience in preparation for full licensure. Each provisional licensee needs to be engaged in supervised counseling at least 15 hours per week.
Licenses expire every two years, and renewal requires 40 hours of continuing education (CE) before each expiration date. The 40 hours must include 20 formal hours, with at least two in suicide assessment, referral, treatment, and management training, and 20 self-study hours.
Examples of formal hours include post-graduate courses, professional meetings, CE courses, seminars or workshops, and written contributions in professional publications.
Salary and Career Outlook for Counselors in Missouri
The tables below list wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2023, along with Projection Central's employment outlook percentages for 2020-2030.
Average Salary for Counselors in Missouri
Depending on the counseling role you pursue, you can expect average wages between $34,910 and $63,410 per year, with MFTs earning the highest salaries in Missouri. Pay rates can vary depending on the workplace, employment in an urban or rural area, educational level, and years of experience. Additionally, Missouri's 2023 average cost-of-living index is 88.5 making it the sixth most affordable U.S. state.
Average Annual Salary for Counselors in Missouri
Occupation
Average Annual Salary
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
$66,990
Marriage and Family Therapists
$68,730
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Projections Central lists positive career outlooks for Missouri counselors across all categories for 2020-2030. Substance abuse, behavioral, and mental health counselors register the highest projected increase in employment at nearly 14%. MFTs take the second spot with an 11% employment growth rate projection.
These projections are consistent with KFF research, which found that 34% of adults in Missouri reported anxiety or depression symptoms during the first half of February 2023. In addition, 28% of those who reported symptoms had an unmet need for counseling or therapy.
Career Outlook for Counselors in Missouri
Occupation
Change in Employment 2020-2030
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
+13.8%
Rehabilitation Counselors
+8.6%
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Programs in Missouri
How long does it take to become a counselor in Missouri?
Generally, a Missouri counselor needs four years to earn a bachelor's degree and two years to complete their master's. Adding another two years to complete post-masters supervised training puts the total needed to become a counselor at about eight years.
What are the requirements to be a counselor in Missouri?
Counselors in Missouri need a master's degree in counseling or a closely related field, passing scores on the National Counselor Examination and state jurisprudence exam, and a background check.
How much does a licensed counselor make in Missouri?
According to May 2023 BLS data, rehabilitation counselors earn an average wage of $48,430 per year, behavioral and mental health counselors make $60,080, and its category of "all other counselors" take home $52,360. MFTs earn an average of $68,730.
How do I verify my professional counselor license in Missouri?
You can request license verification by submitting a written request via mail or email to the Committee for Professional Counselors. Be sure to list the state and address where the verification can be mailed or emailed.
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