Best Counseling Schools in Oregon

How to Find a Counseling Program in Oregon

There is more to finding a good counseling program in Oregon than simply choosing any college or university that offers a counseling program. A good Oregon counseling program provides students with the knowledge and skills that they need to become competent counselors. Many things, including counseling specialties and accreditation, are some considerations for choosing an Oregon counseling program.

Counseling Degree Pathways in Oregon

Students have the opportunity to choose a variety of counseling degree pathways from among the Oregon counseling programs.

• Associate's Degree – This is a two-year degree and provides the minimum education for some entry-level counseling jobs.

• Bachelor's Degree – This is a four-year degree and provides a basic level of education for a counselor.

• Master's Degree – The most common degree amongst counselors. It requires a bachelor’s degree and an additional two years of study.

• Graduate Certificate – A graduate certificate is not a degree, but it is helpful in providing a better understanding of a counseling specialty. It can be achieved in less than a year.

• Doctorate Degree – The highest level of education for a counselor. It requires either a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree and an additional three to six years of study.

Choose a Counseling Specialty

Many students start their counseling education journey having already chosen a counseling specialty. Some students choose to explore available counseling specialties when they consider a particular Oregon counseling program.

The counseling psychology program at the University of Oregon offers a Spanish-language specialization.

George Fox University provides students with the opportunity to choose three specializations in the School Counselor program. Choose the master's degree in school counseling track I, the master's degree in school counseling track II, or the certificate in school counseling, which is a licensure-only program.

Check School Accreditation

It is important to check school counseling program accreditation before enrolling in a program. Schools in Oregon that offer counseling programs often provide accreditation information on the counseling program page. Usually, accreditation is provided either by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling or Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the American Psychological Association (APA).

Oregon State University provides accreditation information that is easy to locate on the page. The Western Seminary Counselor page also displays easily identifiable accreditation information on its page that lists counselor programs in Oregon.

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Oregon

Most counseling programs in Oregon are offered in the traditional format. Students who want to pursue a counseling program in an online format do have options.

Oregon State University offers a Ph.D. in Counseling in a hybrid format. Students complete some degree requirements in class, and some requirements online.

Becoming Licensed As a Counselor in Oregon

Becoming licensed in Oregon is required for students who want a counseling career. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that they complete the licensure and credentialing requirements for their Oregon counseling degree program.

The Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists regulates the counselors in Oregon.

List of Counseling Degree Programs in Oregon

Are you searching for a counseling degree program in Oregon? 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.