Counseling Degree Programs in Ohio

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Updated April 10, 2024

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Want to complete a counseling degree in Ohio? This guide explores licensure and career requirements for the top Ohio counseling degrees.

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Employers in Ohio need counselors to address the mental health care shortage in the state. In February 2023, around 33.1% of Ohio's adult population exhibited signs of anxiety and/or depressive disorders, surpassing the national rate of 32.3%.

Whether applying as a trainee or supervisor, Ohio offers licenses at all levels in clinical counseling, marriage and family therapy, and substance abuse counseling.

This page features the best counseling degree programs in Ohio and step-by-step details on how to become a counselor in Ohio.

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 Ohio

Explore our ranking of the best counseling degrees in Ohio. Graduates of these programs can pursue licensure or further education and training.

Read our ranking methodology

#1 Counseling Degree Programs in Ohio

Franciscan University of Steubenville

  • Steubenville, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $720
Out-of-State | $720

Credits to Graduate: 60

Franciscan University's MA in clinical mental health counseling equips students with an understanding of current clinical practices and helps prepare them for the National Counselor Examination (NCE). The school reports a 100% success rate on the NCE exam over the past three years. 

The program features two concentration options: Christian counseling and crisis and trauma counseling. There's also a 600-hour internship and 100-hour practicum. The school offers some evening and hybrid classes, along with traditional on-campus daytime classes.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,720
Out-of-state
$29,720
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,600
Out-of-state
$12,600
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
3,415
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Counseling Degree Programs in Ohio

University of Dayton

  • Dayton, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation:  Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $730
Out-of-State | $730

Credits to Graduate: 60

The University of Dayton's MS.Ed. in clinical mental health counseling explores private and community-based counseling practices and prepares you to take Ohio's Professional Counseling (PC) licensure exam. Students complete a supervised practicum and internships along with traditional and mental health counseling courses. There's also study abroad and graduate assistantship opportunities available. 

The program offers two tracks, a 2.5-year option and a 3.5-year option. Students can attend classes at the Dayton campus or the DeSales Campus in Columbus, Ohio. They can also pursue an ecotherapy certificate by completing a few additional classes. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$44,890
Out-of-state
$44,890
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,090
Out-of-state
$18,540
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
11,756
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
31% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Counseling Degree Programs in Ohio

John Carroll University

  • University Heights, OH
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Year:
In-State | $47,300
Out-of-State | $47,300

Credits to Graduate: 120

In JCU's BS in psychology with a concentration in clinical and counseling psychology, students can lay the groundwork for careers, graduate degrees, and professional credentials in counseling. In the program, they complete core psychology classes and labs in areas like learning and behavior and sensation and perception. There's also a one-semester practicum at minimum. 

Students can add a data science and statistics minor. They can also pursue the substance use disorder counseling certificate at the same time. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$43,740
Out-of-state
$43,740
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,082
Out-of-state
$16,082
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
2,941
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
25% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Counseling Degree Programs in Ohio

Kent State University at Kent

  • Kent, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $536
Out-of-State | $999

Credits to Graduate: 60

Graduates of Kent State University's (KSU) M.Ed. in clinical mental health counseling can qualify for the 

Licensed Professional Counselor credentialing exam in Ohio. Along with courses in clinical assessment and diagnosis in counseling, the program features two clinical internships. Learners can complete their fieldwork at a site near them or in the student-run training clinic on campus. 

KSU's mental health counseling students can attend the program full time or part time. While part-time students pay per-credit tuition, full-time students enjoy a capped tuition at 12 credits, allowing them to take up 18 credits per semester for the same price. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,471
Out-of-state
$21,578
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,071
Out-of-state
$22,522
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
25,636
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
89% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Counseling Degree Programs in Ohio

Xavier University

  • Cincinnati, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $704
Out-of-State | $704

Credits to Graduate: 60

Xavier University's MA in clinical mental health counseling provides the training and requirements for state clinical counseling credentials and careers. The program prepares students to manage crises, abnormal behavior, and addictive disorders. Along with their class work, learners complete a counseling practicum, internship, and a pre-practicum counseling lab.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. As a private university, Xavier charges the same tuition rate to both in-state and out-of-state students. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$42,230
Out-of-state
$42,230
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,060
Out-of-state
$12,060
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
6,632
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Counseling Degree Programs in Ohio

University of Akron Main Campus

  • Akron, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $463
Out-of-State | $783

Credits to Graduate: 60

The University of Akron's MA in clinical mental health counseling gives students the skills to diagnose and treat various conditions in individuals and groups, including children, adolescents, and people with addiction. The program meets the educational requirements for the state licensure exam, for which the University of Akron boasts a pass rate of 95-100%. 

The program features a practicum and two internships, which students can complete at the school's clinic for individual and family counseling. While learners typically take two and a half years to complete the program full time, they can also opt for part-time studies.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,097
Out-of-state
$13,170
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,958
Out-of-state
$13,464
Retention Rate
68%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
13,507
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
63% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Counseling Degree Programs in Ohio

Walsh University

  • North Canton, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $745
Out-of-State | $745

Credits to Graduate: 60

Walsh's MA in counseling and human development specializing in clinical mental health counseling meets the educational requirements for Ohio's clinical mental health counseling licensure. The online program features 600 hours of internships and a 100-hour practicum.

Except for your in-person fieldwork, you can complete your classes entirely online in eight-week sessions with no campus visits. The program offers five annual start dates, allowing you to graduate in just over three years. You need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,205
Out-of-state
$30,205
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,410
Out-of-state
$13,410
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
2,440
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
79% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Counseling Degree Programs in Ohio

Union Institute & University

  • Cincinnati, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $795
Out-of-State | $795

Credits to Graduate: 60

With Union's MA in clinical mental health counseling, you can qualify for state certification and licensure in a flexible part-time or full-time schedule. The program features 16-week asynchronous classes, two on-campus residencies each year, and on-site internships and practicums. Along with online classes, you can complete courses at the Ohio, Florida, and California academic centers.  

In 2020-21, Union boasted a 100% program graduation and credentialing exam pass rate. You need a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,841
Out-of-state
$16,841
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,911
Out-of-state
$15,911
Retention Rate
100%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
776
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 Counseling Degree Programs in Ohio

Wright State University-Main Campus

  • Dayton, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $7,363
Out-of-State | $12,357

Credits to Graduate: 60

Wright State University's M.Ed. in school counseling qualifies graduates for the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) licensure exam and prepares them to offer counseling services to K-12 students. Wright State's program and OAE pass rate was 100% for its 2023 graduating class. For added flexibility, you can complete more than half the classes online.

The school counseling program features a practicum and internship spanning three semesters. Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Wright State charges flat-rate tuition between 11-18 credits, allowing students to save money with heavier course loads. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,784
Out-of-state
$19,202
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,298
Out-of-state
$24,286
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
9,620
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 Counseling Degree Programs in Ohio

Heidelberg University

  • Tiffin, OH
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $550-$598
Out-of-State | $550-$598

Credits to Graduate: 50-60

Heidelberg University's MA in counseling offers two concentration options: a 50-credit school counseling track and a 60-credit clinical mental health counseling track. Both paths prepare graduates for their respective licensure exams. Heidelberg reports a 98% first-attempt pass rate on the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) licensure exam. 

By the end of their program, students complete an internship, practicum, and comprehensive exam.

Along with daytime classes, Heidelberg offers evening and online classes. Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.9 GPA.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,900
Out-of-state
$32,900
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,636
Out-of-state
$12,636
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
1,197
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
71% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Accredited Counseling Programs in Ohio

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits master's and doctoral programs at 454 colleges across the nation. In Ohio, students can enroll in 50 CACREP-accredited graduate programs across 21 schools and six specialty areas. Counseling students in Ohio can specialize in addiction counseling, school counseling, student affairs and college counseling, clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, counselor education and supervision, school counseling, and student affairs and college counseling.

Ohio's counseling board recommends only attending CACREP-accredited programs to meet licensing requirements, including criteria for national exam registration. About 27 states recommend CACREP-accredited programs to ensure that applicants meet educational requirements. Students can also look for institutions accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

How to Become a Counselor in Ohio

Ohio's Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) Board controls counselor licensing in the state. Counselors can apply for a counselor trainee, licensed professional counselor, or licensed professional counselor credentials. Ohio's Center for Addiction Studies and Research, managed by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board, issues substance abuse certification and licenses.

Education Requirements

Candidates need a master's degree at minimum to become a licensed counselor in Ohio. In about 2-3 years, you can graduate with a master of counseling degree. Ohio's restricted counselor trainee license also requires enrollment in a master's program.

The exception to this rule goes to substance misuse counselors. The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board issues lower-level chemical dependency counseling licenses and certifications to candidates with associate and bachelor of nursing or behavioral science degrees.

Licensing Requirements

Ohio's CSWMFT board issues counseling, social worker, and marriage and family therapist licenses. Counselors can apply for the counselor trainee, licensed professional counselor (LPC), or licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) licenses.

Students enrolled in master's-level counseling degree programs in Ohio can apply for the counselor trainee license within 4-6 weeks before their internship. During their 100-hour practicums and 600-hour internships, counselor trainees must work under the supervision of licensed professional counselor supervisors or licensed professional clinical counselor supervisors.

After earning a master of counseling degree, candidates can apply for an LPC license, which requires passing the National Counselor Examination. The LPCC license requires at least 24 months and 3,000 hours of supervised experience, including 150 hours of training supervision. After applying, LPCC candidates must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination.

Additionally, Ohio offers four licensing options in marriage and family therapy. Master's or doctoral students can apply for the marriage and family therapist trainee license while they complete their internship hours. Master's degree-holders and doctoral degree-holders can apply for a marriage and family therapy license by passing the marriage and family therapy (MTF) examination.

The independent marriage and family therapist license requires two years of supervised training, 200 hours of in-person training supervision, 1,000 direct client hours, and passing scores on the MFT exam. The independent marriage and family therapist supervisory license also requires two years of clinical experience after earning an MFT license and a 30-hour supervision course.

Salary and Career Outlook for Counselors in Ohio

In every category except marriage and family therapy, Ohio counselors earn salaries above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment in most counseling positions to grow faster than the national average.

Average Salary for Counselors in Ohio

Among all counseling professions in Ohio, educational, guidance, and career counselors earn the highest annual mean wage of $68,700, as of May 2022, surpassing the national average of $64,200. Marriage and family therapists in Ohio earn an annual mean wage of $54,810, while nationally, they make $63,300.

Factors, such as location and experience, influence counseling pay. The bottom 10% of education, guidance, and career counselors earn an average of $38,300 annually. The top 90% of these counselors make $98,500 a year.

Average Annual Salary for Counselors in Ohio
Occupation Average Annual Salary
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $68,720
Marriage and Family Therapists $54,810
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $53,310
Rehabilitation Counselors $47,070
Counselors, All Other $45,080
Source: BLS, 2022

Occupation Outlook for Counselors in Ohio

The BLS forecasts a rise in counseling occupations from 2022-2032. Ohio's fastest-growing counseling occupation is substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, expected to rise by 20.8%. There is a projected 15.6% increase in the number of rehabilitation counselors in the next 10 years.

In terms of mental health care provider shortage areas, Ohio is ranked 15th in the nation, according to the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation.

Out of the adults in Ohio who reported anxiety and depressive disorder symptoms in May 2022, around 25.6% expressed their inability to access the required help. Nationally, that rate is 28.2%.

Career Outlook for Counselors in Ohio
Occupation Change in Employment 2022-2032
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors 20.8%
Rehabilitation Counselors 15.6%
Marriage and Family Therapists 12.5%
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors 8.9%
Counselors, All Other 1%
Source: Projections Central

Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Degree Programs in Ohio

How long does it take to become a counselor in Ohio?

Becoming a licensed counselor in Ohio takes at least six years, including the time it takes to complete a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. Licenses, such as the LPCC license, require two years of clinical experience.

What is the difference between LPC and LPCC in Ohio?

Ohio allows both LPCs and LPCCs to practice counseling with a license. An LPC can practice with a wider scope, often specializing in areas, such as rehabilitation counseling. LPCCs focus on clinical counseling, working primarily in mental health.

How often do counselors have to renew their license in Ohio?

All licenses issued through Ohio's CSWMFT board require renewal every two years. The board sends out renewal notices to counselors 15 days before the renewal date. Counselors must complete the continuing education hours prior to renewal, including a three-hour ethics course and three hours of supervision training. The cost of renewal is $83.50-$103.50.

How much does it cost to apply for your counseling license in Ohio?

Ohio's counseling licenses require application fees. The LPC and MFT licenses require an $80 application fee. Becoming an LPPC or IMFT requires an application fee of $100. Substance abuse counselors in Ohio pay a $50 application fee.

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