The first thing to look for in a master’s counseling program
June 3, 2025
Pursuing an online master’s degree in counseling can be a big decision. While there are different factors when it comes to selecting your program, it’s important to research if your program is accredited.
Graduating from a program with specialized accreditation means you’ll receive an education that meets professional standards. This can be important for you when seeking employment and state licensure.
What is accreditation?
Accreditation is an ongoing process of quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Universities and programs earn accreditation by adhering to commonly accepted high standards set by the accreditor. Institutional accreditation is specifically earned by a university as a whole and is required for universities to receive federal financial aid. Accreditation plays an important role in whether a school accepts transfer credits.
Since 1997, Capella University has maintained institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit degree granting colleges and universities.
Individual programs or schools within an accredited institution can also earn specialized or programmatic accreditation.
Why is specialized accreditation important?
When a program receives specialized accreditation, it has met the standards of a recognized accrediting agency. This can indicate that it has a rigorous curriculum, qualified faculty and adequate resources to meet recognized high standards for a specific field or discipline.
For those exploring master’s counseling programs, specialized accreditation is especially important when it comes to certification or licensure. Counseling practice generally requires licensure in addition to a master’s degree – and some programs are designed to prepare students to seek professional licenses or certifications. Take time to research the requirements for your state, including whether licensure or an accredited master’s degree is aligned to your broader professional goals and desired field.
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Who accredits counseling programs?
If you want to earn an accredited master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling or school counseling, look for accreditation from the following organizations.
- CACREP: The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs is an independent agency recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit master’s 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 MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling programs are accredited by Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
- CAEP: The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation accredits education programs in U.S. colleges and universities.
The Capella University Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through 2031. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.
Capella University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is accredited by CACREP, and Capella’s MS in School Counseling is accredited by both CACREP and CAEP.
Explore online counseling programs from Capella. Learn more about university and program accreditations.
