The first thing to look for in a master’s counseling program

While there are many factors involved in selecting a master’s level counseling program, the first thing you should look for is accreditation.

Graduating from an accredited program means you’ll receive an education that meets professional standards. You’ll also find it an important credential when seeking employment and state licensure.

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is an ongoing quality-assurance process. The university or programs earn accreditation by adhering to commonly accepted high standards set by the accreditor. Accreditation is an important way in which colleges, universities, and programs assure students and the public of quality. Accredited status shows that an institution or program meets standards for its faculty, curriculum, student services, libraries, fiscal stability, and more.

Who accredits counseling and therapy programs?

If you want to pursue an accredited master’s in counseling or therapy program, look for accreditation from the following organizations:

• CACREP: The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit masters and doctoral degree programs in counseling and its specialties that are offered by colleges and universities in the United States and throughout the world. Capella University’s master’s degree programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling, and the PhD program in Counselor Education and Supervision are CACREP-accredited.
• COAMFTE: The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as the only accrediting agency for graduate degree and clinical training programs in Marriage and Family Therapy in the United States and Canada. Capella’s MS in Marriage and Family Therapy program is COAMFTE-accredited.

Learn more about Capella University’s MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and MS in School Counseling degree programs.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Learn more about university and program accreditations.