Best Counseling Schools in Nebraska

University of Nebraska at Kearney's School Counseling - Elementary (PK-8) program offers a transformative pathway for aspiring school counselors. Through a hybrid model, students complete 43 credit hours with flexible online and campus-based learning. The program uniquely accommodates professionals from diverse undergraduate backgrounds, requiring minimal additional teacher education training. Emphasizing equity and social justice, students develop comprehensive clinical skills tailored to elementary education settings. CAEP-accredited and endorsed by the Nebraska State Department, graduates are prepared to effectively support and advocate for diverse student populations across early learning environments.

• 43 total credit hours
• Accredited by CAEP
• Hybrid program format
• Non-teacher pathway available
• Nebraska State Department endorsed
• Online and blended courses
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Professional references needed
• Practicum and internship included
• Diverse counseling skill development

UNK's Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree provides comprehensive training for future mental health professionals. The 60-credit hybrid program combines online flexibility with practical experience, preparing students for diverse counseling roles. CACREP-accredited, the curriculum emphasizes culturally sensitive interventions and advanced assessment techniques. Students gain skills applicable in community agencies, medical settings, and private practices. With projected 23% job market growth, the program offers dual licensure pathways in mental health and substance abuse counseling. Evening and online course options accommodate working professionals seeking meaningful careers in counseling.

• 60 credit hours graduate program
• Blended online/campus delivery
• CACREP accredited program
• Prepares for multiple counseling licenses
• Flexible scheduling for working professionals
• Projected 23% job market growth
• Diverse career placement opportunities
• Evening and online course options

University of Nebraska at Kearney's Secondary School Counseling program prepares professionals to support adolescent mental health and academic success. This 43-credit hybrid master's degree focuses on addressing complex developmental challenges for students in grades 7-12. Graduates receive comprehensive training in ethical practice, multicultural counseling, and rural mental health interventions. The program meets Nebraska State Department of Education endorsement requirements and offers a non-teacher pathway. With a field-based practitioner model, students develop advanced counseling skills and professional identity to become effective advocates in secondary educational settings.

• Accredited by CAEP
• 43 total credit hours
• Hybrid program delivery
• Non-teacher pathway available
• Comprehensive guidance training
• Focus on rural mental health
• Multicultural counseling emphasis
• Online and blended courses
• Field-based practitioner model
• Professional identity development

Creighton University's online Master of Science in School Counseling offers a comprehensive professional pathway for aspiring counselors. Emphasizing Jesuit values of compassion and reflection, the program provides flexible tracks in Elementary, Secondary, and PK-12 Guidance Counseling. Students complete a rigorous 600-hour internship meeting Nebraska certification requirements and aligning with American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards. The program requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA and offers unique benefits like guaranteed scholarships for educators. With multiple start dates and application flexibility, students can customize their educational journey while developing advanced skills in student development and mental health support.

• Online program flexibility.
• 36-48 credit hours.
• 600-hour internship.
• Jesuit values emphasis.
• Scholarships for educators.
• Three specialization tracks.
• ASCA standards-based curriculum.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• Background check required.
• Personal interview possible.

Creighton University's Elementary School Counseling concentration delivers a specialized online master's program targeting education professionals. Designed to cultivate impactful counseling skills, the curriculum integrates Jesuit principles with comprehensive student support strategies. Participants complete a 600-hour internship while exploring advanced techniques in child development and systemic interventions. The program meets national counseling standards, offering 36-48 credit hours with flexible completion options. Educators receive automatic scholarship opportunities, making advanced professional development accessible. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and 3.0 GPA, ensuring high-quality candidate selection for transformative educational leadership roles.

• Fully online master's program
• 600-hour internship included
• Specialized counseling tracks
• Scholarships for educators
• ASCA national model curriculum
• Jesuit values integration
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• 36-48 credit hour program

Creighton University's Secondary School Counseling online master's program prepares professionals for transformative educational leadership. Tailored for working educators, the curriculum provides advanced skills in adolescent mental health, developmental support, and counseling techniques. Students complete 36-48 credit hours aligned with American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national standards, including a comprehensive 600-hour internship. The program offers specialized tracks and automatic scholarships for current educators, with a minimum $3,600 award. Emphasizing Jesuit values and professional growth, graduates develop sophisticated intervention strategies for supporting secondary students' academic and emotional well-being.

• Fully online program
• Multiple counseling track options
• 600-hour internship included
• Scholarships for educators
• Jesuit values-based curriculum
• Meet ASCA national standards
• Customizable degree path
• Professional counseling preparation

Concordia University's Marriage and Family Therapy program delivers an innovative faith-integrated counseling education through a comprehensive 62-64 credit hybrid program. Designed to cultivate compassionate therapists, the curriculum uniquely blends psychological training with Christian perspectives. Students engage in an extensive 300-hour practicum, developing advanced therapeutic skills for diverse professional settings like hospitals, schools, and private practices. The program aligns with COAMFTE standards, preparing graduates for state licensure while emphasizing ethical, holistic mental health counseling approaches. With synchronous online classes, on-campus residencies, and a flexible 24-month completion timeline, students receive robust professional preparation.

• 62-64 credit hour program
• $500 per credit hour
• 8-week course format
• 24 months to complete degree
• Online synchronous classes
• Fall cohort start
• 300-hour practicum required
• COAMFTE standards aligned
• Christ-centered perspective
• Preparation for state licensure

Concordia University's School Counseling Master's program provides a transformative online education for PK-12 educational professionals. Through a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing faith-based instruction, students develop critical skills in academic guidance, personal development, and crisis intervention. The program features an extensive practical training model, including a 100-hour practicum and 450-hour supervised internship. Aligned with ASCA model standards, graduates emerge as skilled advocates prepared to address students' academic, social, and emotional needs. The flexible 50-62 credit hour program offers an 8-week course format, making advanced professional development accessible for aspiring school counselors.

• 100% Online Program
• 8-week Course Format
• 50-62 Credit Hours
• 100-hour Practicum Included
• 450-hour Supervised Internship
• $450 per Credit Hour
• Special Rates Available
• Faith-Based Instruction
• ASCA Model Alignment
• PK-12 Grade Level Experience

University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program stands out as a rigorous two-year hybrid training experience that transforms mental health professionals through advanced therapeutic techniques. Students benefit from a carefully curated 53-credit curriculum emphasizing trauma-informed care and multicultural counseling approaches. The COAMFTE-accredited program ensures comprehensive clinical preparation, offering students over 500 direct clinical contact hours and a robust 12-month internship placement. With a small cohort of 8-12 students, learners receive personalized supervision and innovative training in distance therapy technologies. Graduates are well-positioned for state licensure and diverse clinical settings including agencies, hospitals, and private practices.

• 24-month program completion
• 53 total credit hours
• COAMFTE accredited since 1993
• 500+ clinical contact hours
• 12-month internship placements
• Cohort size 8-12 students
• Application deadline Dec. 1, 2024
• State licensure preparation
• Advanced trauma-informed training
• Distance therapy technology focus

Bellevue University's online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling delivers a robust, CACREP-accredited program designed to transform students into professional counselors. Uniquely structured with no GRE entrance exam requirement, the 60-credit curriculum emphasizes comprehensive mental health training through 100 practicum and 600 clinical internship hours. Students benefit from flexible learning formats, competitive $660 per credit tuition, and potential financial aid opportunities. The program strategically prepares graduates for counseling licensure by developing advanced assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning skills applicable across diverse client populations. Military-friendly and professionally oriented, this program offers a comprehensive pathway to mental health counseling expertise.

• CACREP-accredited online program
• 60 credit hour curriculum
• No GRE required
• $660 per credit
• 100 practicum hours
• 600 clinical internship hours
• Prepares for counseling licensure
• Flexible online/campus options
• Professional counseling skills training
• Diverse client population preparation