Graduate students are faced with a number of challenges when they begin a master’s degree program. Some of these include funding and location.
Pepperdine’s affordable online counseling master’s can be completed in as few as 27 months with no GRE required. The program is accredited by MPCAC and top-ranked for return on investment.
A master of counseling psychology is an advanced degree that provides students with the tools to become licensed counselors. The program combines practical training with classroom strategies to help students learn how to treat patients or clients. It also teaches the legal and ethical guidelines of counseling. It is important to choose a counseling program that is accredited by the Master’s in Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
University of Louisiana Monroe offers an affordable online master of counseling program with five concentrations. The program requires 60 credits of coursework, and students must complete internships and practicums as part of their degrees. Courses include Introduction to Counseling, Skills in Helping Relationships, Applied Psychopathology and Diagnosis of Adults, and Crisis and Trauma Counseling.
The University of Denver’s master of counseling program is designed to prepare graduates for licensure as professional counselors. Its courses are taught by world-class faculty members and cover topics like career counseling, family counseling, and marital & couples therapy. Its curriculum is based on current research and best practices in the field of counseling.
Prepare for the MC - Master of Counseling exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
The field of mental health counseling is a highly rewarding one. Counselors help their clients make positive changes in their lives and achieve the goals they have set for themselves. The average salary for counselors is higher than for other professionals with the same education level, and can be even more lucrative if you specialize in your area of expertise.
Many people choose to pursue a career in this field because they want to help others. But, if you are considering this career path, you may be concerned about the pay. There are a few factors that can affect your earnings potential, including location and specialization.
SNHU’s MA in clinical mental health counseling program is designed to prepare students for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). The MA in clinical mental health counseling has a flexible, online format that fits your schedule and enables you to earn a master’s degree in only 18 months. The program is also CACREP-accredited, allowing you to take the next step toward your dream career in behavioral health.
A postgraduate professional degree is the Master of Counselling or Master of Counseling (MC, M.C., M.Coun., or M.Couns.). Students who earn this degree are prepared for careers as counselors or counseling psychologists in mental health facilities, nonprofit groups, public institutions of higher learning, K–12 settings, private practices, and government agencies. Students often select a specialization, such as art therapy, marital & couples counseling, school counseling, counseling psychology, or counseling in general.
If you want to get a degree in counseling but are unable to enroll in a full-time program on campus, online learning can help you reach your objective.
The typical yearly tuition cost for an in-state graduate student seeking a Master’s in counseling for the 2019–2026 academic year is around $12,170, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Things to Think About When Selecting an Online Graduate Counseling Program:
• Determine Your Career Objectives
• Choose the degree that is appropriate for you
• Recognize the State’s licensing requirements
• Set your professional certification and licensing goals
• Validate Regional Accreditation
• Study the use of technology
• Identify the requirements for residency
• Explore regional resources for internships
• Take a look at the Total Expected Cost
The master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling will prepare graduates to offer counseling services to individuals, families, couples, and groups and to assist clients in resolving a wide range of problems, such as depression, anxiety, grief, and low self-worth.
Yes, a master’s degree is typically required for counselors.
Job opportunities:
• Marriage and family therapy
• School counselor
• Career counseling
• Community health
• Forensic psychology
• Rehabilitation counseling
• Clinical psychologist
• Counseling psychology
• Mental health counselor
• Psychotherapist
Counseling graduate students can prepare for the NBCC CPCE with our free CPCE Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam practice test — covering human development, counseling theories, group work, assessment, and research.
For related clinical assessment practice, explore our MCMI practice test covering personality inventory questions.
CDCP candidates often also prepare with our CASAC practice test since both cover addiction counseling and chemical dependency support worker competencies.
Counseling and psychology professionals pursuing certification may also benefit from the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam 2026 resources, which cover assessment, diagnosis, and counseling theory.
The most common licensure exam for counselors, the National Counselor Examination (NCE), consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. However, only 160 of these questions are scored; the remaining 40 are unscored field-test items. Candidates are given 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete the entire exam. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your state's 2026 licensure process as they can vary.
The difficulty of counseling licensure exams like the NCE or NCMHCE is subjective but they are designed to be challenging. Passing requires a deep understanding of the eight core CACREP areas and clinical application. Success rates are high for those who prepare adequately. Using a FREE online practice test is the best way to gauge the difficulty and identify areas needing more study for your 2026 exam date.
To pass on your first attempt, create a structured study plan at least 3-4 months in advance. Focus on high-yield topics like ethics, assessment, and counseling theory. Consistently use our FREE online mock test resources, which provide instant feedback with questions and answers. Analyzing your practice test results is crucial for targeting weak areas and ensuring you are fully prepared for the 2026 exam format.
The primary cost is the exam registration fee. For the National Counselor Examination (NCE), the fee is currently $275. This fee is paid directly to the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Always verify the most current fee on the official NBCC website, as prices are subject to change for the 2026 testing year. Additional costs may include study materials and state licensure application fees.
Practice Test Geeks offers a comprehensive FREE MC Master of Counseling practice test with detailed questions and answers. Our online mock test simulates the real exam experience, covering critical domains like Ethical Guidelines and Trauma Response. This is an excellent tool to begin your 2026 exam preparation, and you can review your answers or download a summary in PDF format to study offline.