Best Counseling Schools in Kansas
Kansas has a large population that’s struggling with addiction, trauma, poverty, family troubles, and other issues. Counselors help these and others through professional services, and knowing how to render those services requires education. If you want to become a counselor, here are the best counseling programs in Kansas.

2026 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Kansas
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS - Public 4-Year - emporia.edu
Master's - Master of Science in School Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Emporia State University's Master of Science in School Counseling offers a comprehensive online program specifically designed for educational professionals seeking dual licensure. CACREP-accredited and spanning 60 credit hours, this innovative curriculum prepares students for PreK-12 counseling roles without requiring a teaching license. The flexible program accommodates working professionals through synchronous and asynchronous classes, featuring experienced faculty with real-world school counseling expertise. With an affordable $355 per credit tuition and available scholarships, students can efficiently advance their counseling career while maintaining professional commitments.
- CACREP-accredited program.
- 60-hour online curriculum.
- Dual licensure in KS.
- $355 per credit tuition.
- No teaching license required.
- Flexible class schedules.
- Experienced faculty.
- Scholarships available.
- Synchronous and asynchronous classes.
- Prepares for PreK-12 counseling.
Master's - MS, Clinical Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Emporia State University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program delivers a robust hybrid learning experience for aspiring mental health professionals. This nationally CACREP-accredited curriculum provides comprehensive training in integrated treatment, psychopharmacology, and relationship counseling. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing personalized academic progression. The program's flexible online and on-campus format supports working professionals, ensuring accessibility while maintaining high educational standards. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, participants receive individualized attention and comprehensive preparation for diverse clinical counseling environments.
- Nationally CACREP accredited program
- Hybrid learning format
- Comprehensive mental health curriculum
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Low student-to-faculty ratio
Master's - Clinical Counseling
Concentration: Addictions Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Emporia State University's Clinical Counseling program with Addictions Counseling concentration offers a specialized hybrid graduate experience. CACREP-accredited, the curriculum comprehensively addresses addiction treatment, psychopharmacology, and co-occurring disorders. Students benefit from a flexible learning model combining online and on-campus instruction, accommodating professional schedules. The program emphasizes personalized attention through its low student-faculty ratio and prepares graduates for professional counseling roles focused on addiction treatment. Scholarships are available, making this an accessible pathway for those committed to addressing complex addiction challenges.
- Hybrid program format
- CACREP accredited
- Focus on Addictions Counseling
- Low student-faculty ratio
- Scholarships available
- Includes psychopharmacology
- Covers co-occurring disorders
- Prepares for professional roles
- Personalized attention
- Flexible coursework
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS - Public 4-Year - wichita.edu
Master's - M.Ed. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling track
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Wichita State University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program offers a comprehensive 60-credit hybrid degree preparing professionals for licensure. The program uniquely blends theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experiences, enabling students to develop advanced counseling skills across diverse domains including addiction, career, family, and play therapy. Graduates can pursue careers in clinics, hospitals, and private practice settings. The CACREP-accredited program requires a 3.00 GPA for admission and includes a clinical internship. With flexible hybrid learning options, students benefit from both on-campus and online course delivery, ensuring accessibility and comprehensive professional training.
- 60 graduate credit hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Prepares for LPC licensure
- Multiple counseling specialties
- Clinical internship required
- 3.00 GPA admission requirement
- Professional licensure preparation
- Diverse career opportunities
- CACREP accredited program
Master's - M.Ed. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling track
Concentration: Addiction Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Wichita State University's M.Ed. in Counseling with an Addiction Counseling concentration provides specialized training for mental health professionals seeking expertise in substance abuse treatment. This rigorous 60-credit hybrid program focuses intensively on advanced addiction intervention techniques, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based counseling strategies. Students gain comprehensive skills in assessment, treatment planning, and crisis counseling, preparing for Professional Counselor licensure. The program includes professional ethics training, clinical internship opportunities, and meets Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board requirements, positioning graduates for diverse career paths in rehabilitation centers, clinical settings, and private practice.
- 60 graduate credit hours
- Hybrid course delivery
- Prepares for LPC licensure
- Advanced addiction counseling focus
- Clinical internship included
- 3.00 GPA admission requirement
- Criminal background check required
- CACREP accredited program
- Multiple counseling specializations
- Professional ethics coursework
Master's - M.Ed. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling track
Concentration: Sports Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Wichita State University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling track offers a dynamic hybrid master's program emphasizing comprehensive mental health professional development. With a 60-credit curriculum, the program prepares students for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) eligibility through extensive training in diverse counseling domains. Students explore multicultural counseling, professional ethics, research methods, and career development strategies. The program's hybrid format provides flexibility, enabling students to balance academic pursuits with professional commitments. Featuring clinical internship opportunities and a 3.00 GPA admission requirement, graduates are equipped to excel in clinics, hospitals, and private practice environments.
- 60 graduate credit hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Licensure preparation track
- Multiple counseling specializations
- Clinical internship opportunities
- Professional ethics training
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Research methods included
- Career counseling components
- 3.00 GPA admission requirement
Ottawa University-Ottawa
Ottawa, KS - Private 4-year - ottawa.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Gerocounseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Ottawa University's Master of Arts in Counseling specializes in Gerocounseling, offering a transformative hybrid program designed for professionals passionate about geriatric mental health. Students engage in comprehensive training focused on understanding aging populations, developing advanced therapeutic skills for senior care settings. The program requires a comprehensive exam and provides 900 hours of supervised field placement, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for licensure. With a robust curriculum emphasizing family systems, ethical practice, and specialized counseling techniques, students gain expertise in addressing complex emotional and psychological needs of older adults. The program integrates professional growth seminars and clinical foundations to support holistic professional development.
- Marriage and Family Therapy concentration
- Prepares for state licensure
- 900 hours field placement
- Professional growth seminars
- Multiple counseling specializations
- Clinical foundations courses
- Ethical and professional training
- Advanced psychodiagnostic planning
- Supervised counseling experience
- Comprehensive exam required
Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Ottawa University's Master of Arts in Counseling delivers a flexible hybrid program spanning 60-63 credit hours, preparing students for diverse mental health careers. With multiple concentration options including Expressive Arts Therapy and Trauma Treatment, students receive comprehensive training applicable across various clinical settings. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience through 900 clinical contact hours, positioning graduates for significant career opportunities in a field projected to grow 23%. Students develop advanced counseling skills applicable in schools, clinics, and private practices, with a curriculum designed to meet multi-state licensure requirements and foster professional competence in mental health counseling and human services.
- Hybrid degree program format
- 39 core credit hours
- 15 concentration credit hours
- 900 clinical contact hours
- Meets licensure requirements
- Multiple concentration options
- Career growth expected 23%
Master's - Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Ottawa University's online Master of Science in Addiction Counseling provides comprehensive training for professionals seeking to specialize in substance abuse treatment. The program covers critical areas including ethics, treatment planning, and co-occurring disorders, preparing students for licensure in multiple states. Designed for maximum flexibility, this online format enables students to pursue advanced credentials like Arizona's LASAC and California's ACCBC certification. Graduates develop sophisticated counseling skills tailored to addiction treatment, positioning themselves to make meaningful interventions in rehabilitation centers, private practices, and diverse mental health settings. The curriculum is accredited and meets most state licensure requirements.
- Online program format.
- Covers ethics, treatment planning.
- Prepares for LASAC credential.
- Accredited by CAADE.
- Meets most state licensure requirements.
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS - Public 4-Year - fhsu.edu
Master's - M.S. in Counseling - School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Fort Hays State University's M.S. in Counseling - School Counseling program stands out as a comprehensive hybrid educational pathway for aspiring school counselors. Fully CACREP-accredited, this 60-hour program uniquely bridges academic theory with practical field experience, specifically targeting student academic, social, and emotional development. Designed to meet Kansas State Department of Education licensure requirements, students gain extensive training in counseling theories, developmental issues, and evidence-based interventions. The program's strategic blend of online and on-campus learning accommodates working professionals while ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for diverse educational environments. Extensive practicum and internship components provide critical hands-on experience in supporting student success.
- CACREP-accredited program
- 60-hour hybrid format
- Prepares for Kansas licensure
- Focuses on student development
- Includes practicum and internship
- Covers counseling theories
- Emphasizes evidence-based practices
- Supports diverse educational settings
- Meets KSDE requirements
- Combines coursework with practical experience
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling-Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Fort Hays State University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers an innovative hybrid program that prepares students for licensure as Professional Counselors. This 60-credit curriculum distinguishes itself through specialized telemental health courses, addressing emerging remote counseling needs, particularly in rural communities. CACREP-accredited, the program comprehensively covers multicultural counseling, human development, and career counseling techniques. Students benefit from a dynamic learning environment that combines online flexibility with essential on-campus interactions. The program's robust practical training through practicum and internship opportunities ensures graduates are equipped with advanced clinical skills and cultural competence necessary for contemporary mental health counseling practice.
- CACREP-accredited program
- 60-hour curriculum
- Hybrid online and on-campus
- Prepares for Kansas licensure
- Includes telemental health courses
- Focus on multicultural counseling
- Practical practicum experience
- Internship opportunities available
- Meets national and state standards
- Faculty mentorship provided
Ottawa University-Online
Overland Park, KS - Private 4-year - ottawa.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Education - School Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Ottawa University's online Master of Arts in Education - School Counseling provides a comprehensive pathway for professionals seeking to excel in K-12 educational environments. This dynamic program emphasizes trauma-informed care, multicultural counseling techniques, and innovative student support strategies. Designed to meet certification requirements in Kansas and Arizona, the curriculum prepares graduates for a growing field with projected 8% job growth. Featuring 8-week accelerated terms and practical training in school settings, students develop advanced skills in career development, educational leadership, and ethical counseling practices. The program is CAEP accredited and offers flexibility for working professionals seeking meaningful career advancement in school counseling.
- Online and campus options
- CAEP accredited program
- Meets Arizona/Kansas licensure
- 8-week accelerated terms
- Practicum in school settings
- Career outlook: 8% growth
- Comprehensive counseling model
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Professional ethics training
- Career development strategies
Master's - Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Ottawa University's online Master of Science in Addiction Counseling offers a comprehensive training program for professionals committed to addressing substance abuse and dependency disorders. Students gain in-depth knowledge of addiction treatment, professional ethics, and comprehensive counseling strategies. The curriculum prepares graduates for various professional settings, including rehabilitation centers and private practices. Aligned with multiple state licensure requirements, including LASAC and ACCBC certification pathways, the program provides robust preparation for careers in addiction counseling. CAADE accreditation ensures high-quality education, with coursework designed to equip students with practical skills and theoretical foundations essential for effective intervention and client support.
- Online program format
- Prepares for LASAC credential
- CAADE accredited
- Covers ethics and treatment
- Meets most state requirements
How to Find a Counseling Program in Kansas
Counseling programs have many features to consider, including tuition, location, specialty, schedule, degree level, and other details. Take into account your financial, familial, and vocational needs as you evaluate programs, and also consider your vocational aspirations.
Counseling Degree Pathways in Kansas
Counseling degrees from Kansas schools are available at all levels of postsecondary education. Which degree is right for you depends on your current academic resume and vocational aspirations:
- Associate Degrees: Choose an associate degree if you don't have a postsecondary degree, and want a quick way to enter the field. These are two-year programs that require only a high school diploma. You'll likely be qualified for entry-level work with patients.
- Bachelor's Degrees: Choose a bachelor's degree if you haven't yet completed one, and want advancement potential. These are four-year programs that require at least a high school diploma. You'll likely be qualified for entry-level work, and have opportunities to advance after gaining some experience.
- Master's Degrees: Choose a master's degree if you have a bachelor's already, and want to become a licensed professional counselor in Kansas. These are one-year to two-year programs that require a bachelor's degree. A master's is needed for licensure.
- Doctorate Degrees: Choose a doctorate degree if you want to work in research or supervisory clinical roles. These require a bachelor's, and many competitive programs require a master's degree. Programs can last three to six (or more) years, after which you'll be qualified for high-level positions. Ph.D. degrees are research-oriented, and Psy.D. degrees are clinically oriented.
- Graduate Certificates: Choose a graduate certificate if you want to specialize, either beyond what a degree program offers or after completing a degree. These are one-year programs at most, and they require at least a bachelor's degree. They could help you distinguish yourself in a particular counseling specialty.
Choose a Counseling Specialty
Not all counselors specialize, but many choose one or two specialties. Examples of specialties that are available through counseling degree programs include:
- School counseling
- Clinical mental health counseling
- Clinical addictions counseling
- Clinical rehabilitation counseling
- Rehabilitation with autism spectrum disorder specialization
- Rehabilitation with deaf & hard of hearing specialization
- Art therapy and clinical counseling
Base any specialization choice on what population you would ultimately like to work with long-term.
Check School Accreditation
Accredited counseling degrees have been vetted by other academic institutions, and the degrees meet standard requirements. Make sure any counseling degree you enroll in is accredited.
Counseling degrees in Kansas may be accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) and/or the American Psychological Association (APA).
Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs
Accredited programs can be online or traditional. An online program will probably have lower tuition costs, won't require you to pay for room and board, and will have a flexible schedule. A traditional program will give you the classic college experience, and provide more interaction with professors and peers.
Base your choice between an online or traditional degree program on your current needs and future goals.
Becoming a Licensed Counselor in Kansas
To become licensed in Kansas, you must complete a 60-credit master's degree, internship, and 4,000 hours of post-graduate supervised work. You also have to pass an exam and pay a fee.
Renewing your license must be done bi-annually, and requires 30 hours of continuing education.
2026 Affordable Master's in Counseling Program Options
School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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Emporia State University |
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Pittsburg State University |
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University of Saint Mary |
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List of Counseling Degree Programs in Kansas
Are you searching for a counseling degree program in Kansas? Browse our comprehensive list of schools offering counseling programs, both online and on-campus, and follow the links to learn more about what each program has to offer.
Emporia, KS
Emporia State University
- Bachelor's - Rehabilitation & Disability Studies
Concentration: Addiction Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- 44 semester hours required
- Starts sophomore or junior year
- Internship in final semester
- Covers psychopharmacology
- Substance abuse counseling focus
- Case management training
- Scholarships available
- Master's - Clinical Counseling
Concentration: Addictions Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- CACREP accredited
- Focus on Addictions Counseling
- Low student-faculty ratio
- Scholarships available
- Includes psychopharmacology
- Covers co-occurring disorders
- Prepares for professional roles
- Master's - MS, Clinical Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Nationally CACREP accredited program
- Hybrid learning format
- Comprehensive mental health curriculum
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Low student-to-faculty ratio
- Master's - Master of Science in School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- CACREP-accredited program.
- 60-hour online curriculum.
- Dual licensure in KS.
- $355 per credit tuition.
- No teaching license required.
- Flexible class schedules.
- Experienced faculty.
- Scholarships available.
Hays, KS
Fort Hays State University
- Bachelor's - Sociology - Addictions Counseling Track
Campus Based - Website
- Licensed Addictions Counselor Track
- BS and BA Options Available
- 30 Credit Hours Addiction Specific
- Two Practicum Experiences
- Comprehensive Sociological Foundation
- Works with Individuals/Groups
- Prevention and Recovery Focus
- Master's - M.S. in Counseling - School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program
- 60-hour hybrid format
- Prepares for Kansas licensure
- Focuses on student development
- Includes practicum and internship
- Covers counseling theories
- Emphasizes evidence-based practices
- Supports diverse educational settings
- Master's - Master of Science in Counseling-Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program
- 60-hour curriculum
- Hybrid online and on-campus
- Prepares for Kansas licensure
- Includes telemental health courses
- Focus on multicultural counseling
- Practical practicum experience
- Internship opportunities available
Leavenworth, KS
University of Saint Mary
- Master's - Master's in School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 48 Credits.
- Finish in 2.5 Years.
- Hybrid program.
- No GRE required.
- $410 per credit hour.
- Flexible learning options.
- For teachers and non-teachers.
- KSDE accredited.
Manhattan, KS
Kansas State University
- Bachelor's - Addiction Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- Undergraduate program in Addiction Counseling
- Hands-on experiential learning
- Real-world practice focus
- Practicum experience included
- Supports vulnerable communities
- Master's - Master's in School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP accredited.
- Hybrid program format.
- 100% Praxis exam pass rate.
- Quick employment post-graduation.
- Certificate in Military Counseling.
- Scholarships available.
- Assistantships offered.
- No teaching license required.
- Doctorate - Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online
- CACREP-accredited
- 96 credit hours
- Focus on counseling theories
- Includes dissertation
- Prepares for academia
- Admission requires bachelor's
- Scholarly writing sample
Olathe, KS
MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health track with Christian Faith & Counseling emphasis
Concentration: Christian Faith & Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format.
- 60 credit hours required.
- Complete in 33 months.
- Prepares for licensure in multiple states.
- Focus on Christian Faith & Counseling.
- Admission requires bachelor's degree.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 for admission.
- Includes comprehensive interviews.
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health track
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP Accredited Program
- Hybrid Learning Option
- 60 Credit Hours Total
- 33-Month Completion Timeline
- Meets State Licensure Requirements
- Remote Attendance Available
- Diverse Counseling Settings Preparation
- Professional Faith Integration
Ottawa, KS
Ottawa University-Ottawa
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Degree Program
- Accelerated 8-week Course Terms
- Practicum/Internship Experience
- Nationally Accredited Program
- Multicultural Counseling Focus
- Comprehensive Addiction Curriculum
- Career Growth Potential
- Flexible Learning Options
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid degree program format
- 39 core credit hours
- 15 concentration credit hours
- 900 clinical contact hours
- Meets licensure requirements
- Multiple concentration options
- Career growth expected 23%
- Master's - Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- Covers ethics, treatment planning.
- Prepares for LASAC credential.
- Accredited by CAADE.
- Meets most state licensure requirements.
Overland Park, KS
Ottawa University-Online
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online accelerated degree
- 23% job market growth projected
- Practicum/internship experiences
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Prepares for substance abuse careers
- Master's - Master of Arts in Education - School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Online and campus options
- CAEP accredited program
- Meets Arizona/Kansas licensure
- 8-week accelerated terms
- Practicum in school settings
- Career outlook: 8% growth
- Comprehensive counseling model
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Master's - Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Prepares for LASAC credential
- CAADE accredited
- Covers ethics and treatment
- Meets most state requirements
Pittsburg, KS
Pittsburg State University
- Master's - School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- 48-hour program
- Online learning
- No GRE required
- Thesis or coursework options
- Prepares for PRAXIS II
- Affordable tuition
- Flexible for non-education majors
- Strong regional reputation
Salina, KS
Kansas Wesleyan University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Concentration: Addiction Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Specialized Addiction Counseling Track
- On-campus program format
- Professional ethics course included
- Internship opportunities available
- SPSS statistical software training
- Multiple career pathway options
- Research and counseling skills development
Topeka, KS
Washburn University
- Bachelor's - Family & Human Services
Concentration: Addiction Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- NAADAC approved
- Kansas BSRB compliant
- Associate to Master's pathway
- Local internship opportunities
- Flexible scheduling
- Financial aid available
- Practical experience focus
- Master's - Master of Arts in Family & Human Services/Addiction Counseling
Concentration: Addiction Counseling - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program.
- Prepares for Kansas licensure.
- No test scores required.
- Full-time or part-time options.
- Addiction Counseling concentration.
- Holistic, integrative approach.
- Fieldwork in your community.
- Diverse academic backgrounds welcome.
Wichita, KS
Wichita State University
- Master's - M.Ed. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling track
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60 graduate credit hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Prepares for LPC licensure
- Multiple counseling specialties
- Clinical internship required
- 3.00 GPA admission requirement
- Professional licensure preparation
- Diverse career opportunities
- Master's - M.Ed. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling track
Concentration: Addiction Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60 graduate credit hours
- Hybrid course delivery
- Prepares for LPC licensure
- Advanced addiction counseling focus
- Clinical internship included
- 3.00 GPA admission requirement
- Criminal background check required
- CACREP accredited program
- Master's - M.Ed. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling track
Concentration: Sports Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60 graduate credit hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Licensure preparation track
- Multiple counseling specializations
- Clinical internship opportunities
- Professional ethics training
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Research methods included
- Graduate Certificate - Clinical Mental Health Counselor to School Counselor Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 18 total credit hours
- Hybrid program format
- 3.25 minimum graduate GPA
- Licensure preparation program
- Professional counselor transition
- Kansas state licensure focus
- Two professional references required
- Internship and practicum included