CACREP vs. MPCAC Accreditation: Master's in Counseling Program Options for 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

How do CACREP and MPCAC accreditation standards compare in 2025?

When comparing CACREP accreditation and MPCAC accreditation, it is important to recognize that both set quality benchmarks for master’s-level counseling programs, but their emphases differ. 

CACREP accreditation has long focused on counselor education with standardized guidelines across areas such as human development, assessment, and professional ethics. MPCAC accreditation, on the other hand, was established more recently and emphasizes clinical training, with particular attention to psychological foundations, diversity, and evidence-based practice.

In 2025, the differences remain significant for students deciding between counseling and psychology pathways. For instance, CACREP accreditation is most closely tied to counseling licensure boards, while MPCAC accreditation maintains stronger ties to psychology-related training. 

This distinction often overlaps with the differences in clinical psychology vs counseling psychology programs what to expect, where CACREP reflects a counseling orientation and MPCAC aligns more closely with psychology preparation. For prospective students, the takeaway is that neither accreditation is “better” in absolute terms, but each has distinct academic and professional outcomes.

Which accreditation is more common among top-ranked counseling schools?

When looking at top-ranked master’s in counseling programs, CACREP accreditation is more common than MPCAC accreditation. This is due in part to the long-standing history of CACREP accreditation and its widespread recognition across counseling licensure boards. 

According to CACREP, over 75,000 students were enrolled in CACREP-accredited master’s programs in 2023, reflecting both its prevalence and demand among students pursuing the counseling profession.

MPCAC accreditation is less common among nationally ranked counseling programs but has seen steady growth. It is often selected by universities with strong clinical psychology or applied psychology traditions. While MPCAC is not as widespread, it remains an important alternative, especially for students interested in advanced doctoral studies in psychology.

For those comparing program structures, many CACREP-accredited universities also offer flexible pathways, such as the shortest Master's in Educational Counseling online programs, which allow students to complete degrees at an accelerated pace.

How does MPCAC accreditation affect career opportunities compared to CACREP?

Both CACREP accreditation and MPCAC accreditation can lead to successful careers in counseling, but they influence opportunities in different ways. Graduates of CACREP programs often have more straightforward paths to licensure, especially in states where CACREP is explicitly required. This recognition also extends to federal agencies, many of which prioritize candidates from CACREP-accredited programs.

MPCAC graduates, meanwhile, benefit from training that places stronger emphasis on psychological foundations, which can be valuable for clinical or academic roles. According to MPCAC, accredited programs attract, on average, over 130 applicants per institution, showing growing interest in its specialized approach. However, some graduates may need to navigate additional requirements for licensure depending on the state.

For students comparing affordability, CACREP programs can also be found in accessible formats such as cheapest CACREP-accredited programs online, while MPCAC programs may be more concentrated in traditional, on-campus formats. Ultimately, the effect of MPCAC accreditation on career opportunities compared to CACREP depends on a graduate’s location and whether their career goals lean toward counseling licensure or psychology-focused practice.

How does MPCAC structure its counseling curriculum compared to CACREP?

The curriculum requirements for CACREP accreditation and MPCAC accreditation share similarities but also reveal clear distinctions. CACREP accreditation requires coursework in eight core areas, including professional orientation, ethics, and assessment, as well as a supervised practicum and internship. Its framework is highly standardized, which ensures consistency across all accredited programs.

MPCAC accreditation, in contrast, places stronger emphasis on psychological science, multicultural competence, and evidence-based approaches. While it also requires supervised training, MPCAC programs may allow for greater variation in electives and specialized coursework that reflect each institution’s focus. This flexibility can be especially appealing for students interested in integrating counseling with psychological theory or clinical research.

Students looking for flexible options may encounter MPCAC-accredited programs with innovative learning formats, similar to fast-track MFT online master's programs that balance clinical preparation with accessibility. Ultimately, CACREP accreditation provides a standardized counseling curriculum, while MPCAC accreditation allows programs to highlight their distinct academic strengths.

Do counseling program accreditation types affect financial aid eligibility?

Both CACREP accreditation and MPCAC accreditation are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as valid programmatic accreditations, meaning that students in either type of program can typically access federal financial aid. However, eligibility may still depend on the institution itself, rather than the specific accreditation body.

Cost differences between programs can be significant. According to national data, the median tuition for in-state public institutions is just over $7,000 per year, while private institutions average around $34,500. These differences may influence whether students prioritize public or private universities, regardless of whether the program holds CACREP accreditation or MPCAC accreditation.

For students seeking quicker, cost-efficient pathways, programs such as fast-track online masters in school counseling can provide more affordable options. While accreditation type itself does not usually restrict access to financial aid, students should carefully compare tuition, institutional funding, and accreditation recognition when selecting a program.

Which states currently recognize MPCAC-accredited master’s programs for licensure?

MPCAC reports that its accredited master’s programs are currently recognized in more than 20 states, with concentrations in places such as New York (10 programs), Pennsylvania (9), and Massachusetts (5). Other states with multiple MPCAC-accredited programs include California, Georgia, Maryland, and Wisconsin, while states like Arizona, Oklahoma, and Hawaii have one program each. 

Students considering flexible degree formats, such as fast track counseling psychology degree online, should ensure that their chosen program is recognized by the licensing board in their state. Verifying this alignment early can help avoid delays in licensure and ensure that the degree provides the intended professional opportunities.

Which states require CACREP accreditation for counseling licensure?

CACREP programs are widely recognized across all 50 states. Data show that states such as Texas (35 programs), Pennsylvania (25), and New York (24) have particularly high numbers of CACREP-accredited institutions, reflecting both demand and regulatory expectations.

Other states also maintain significant availability, including Illinois (23), Ohio (20), and North Carolina (18), all of which rely heavily on CACREP accreditation to ensure consistent counselor preparation. 

Even states with smaller populations, such as Vermont, Delaware, and Wyoming, require CACREP-accredited training, though they may only have one or two programs available.

For prospective students, this means that CACREP accreditation provides a clearer pathway to licensure in many regions, including the Southeast, Midwest, and parts of the West. And for those who may not meet traditional entry thresholds, some institutions offering CACREP programs are also considered colleges that no longer require sat or act, making access to accredited training more flexible.

Are CACREP-accredited counseling programs available online?

Students can find a growing number of CACREP-accredited counseling programs delivered online. These programs are designed to maintain the same standards of CACREP accreditation as traditional campus-based options, with required coursework, practicum, and internship components completed in supervised settings. Online delivery is particularly valuable for working professionals or students who need geographic flexibility.

Many universities now offer hybrid or fully online counseling master’s programs that meet CACREP accreditation standards. These programs provide flexibility while still preparing students for licensure in states where CACREP accreditation is required. As a result, students no longer have to relocate to access accredited training and can balance education with other personal or professional commitments.

Because CACREP accreditation emphasizes consistency, graduates of online programs typically have the same licensure opportunities as those who studied on campus. This makes online CACREP-accredited programs a practical and accessible option for students in 2025.

For some, these programs may also serve as stepping stones into broader fields, much like non medical biology careers expand options beyond traditional laboratory or clinical tracks, showing how accredited education can create versatile career outcomes.

Do MPCAC-accredited schools offer fully online master’s in counseling programs?

Compared to CACREP, MPCAC-accredited counseling programs are less likely to be offered fully online, though there are some hybrid and partially online options. MPCAC accreditation places strong emphasis on psychological foundations and clinical training, which often require in-person experiences. This makes complete online delivery less common, though institutions have begun experimenting with flexible learning formats.

Students interested in MPCAC programs should carefully check whether their school of choice offers online coursework or requires primarily on-campus learning. In most cases, even when online courses are available, clinical training hours and supervision still occur in person to meet MPCAC accreditation requirements.

While the availability of fully online MPCAC-accredited programs is limited, prospective students can expect continued expansion in this area as demand for flexible counseling education increases. For now, students should anticipate a stronger in-person component if they select MPCAC accreditation over CACREP accreditation. This mirrors the gradual adoption of online formats in other fields, such as online masters degree in database management, where traditional in-person structures are steadily being adapted for distance learning.

Which accreditation better strengthens professional identity as a counselor?

Professional identity is a key outcome of graduate training, and both CACREP accreditation and MPCAC accreditation contribute to shaping how counselors view their role in the field. CACREP accreditation emphasizes counselor education, professional organizations, and consistent training standards, all of which help graduates identify strongly as professional counselors. This alignment with national licensure boards and counseling associations supports a cohesive professional identity.

MPCAC accreditation, in contrast, highlights the integration of psychological science, clinical training, and multicultural competence. Graduates of MPCAC-accredited programs may develop a professional identity that bridges counseling and psychology, allowing for broader perspectives in practice. While this identity can be equally strong, it often differs in focus compared to the counselor-centered model promoted by CACREP accreditation.

Ultimately, both accreditations encourage a strong sense of professional identity but frame it through different lenses. CACREP accreditation is more closely tied to the counseling profession specifically, while MPCAC accreditation situates counselors within a broader psychological and clinical context. Choosing between the two depends on how students wish to align their professional identity within the mental health field. Similar decisions come up in other education pathways, such as weighing the benefits of an Eds degree, where program structure directly shapes long-term professional identity.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About CACREP vs. MPCAC Accreditation

Other Things You Should Know About CACREP vs. MPCAC Accreditation

Is CACREP accreditation mandatory for all counseling programs?

No, CACREP accreditation is not mandatory for all counseling programs, but it is increasingly required for licensure in many states. Some universities choose MPCAC accreditation instead, particularly if they have strong ties to psychology departments. While students can graduate from non-CACREP programs and still become licensed in certain states, this pathway may involve additional coursework or requirements. The trend is moving toward wider CACREP acceptance, especially for federal employment. Therefore, students should carefully compare program accreditation against their career plans.

Is MPCAC accreditation recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)?

Yes, MPCAC accreditation is recognized by CHEA, which means it is considered a legitimate accrediting body in higher education. This recognition gives MPCAC programs credibility and assures students that the curriculum meets professional standards. However, recognition by CHEA does not automatically translate into universal acceptance by all state licensing boards. Students may still need to verify whether their state accepts MPCAC-accredited degrees for licensure. Understanding this distinction helps students plan for both academic and professional outcomes.

What happens if your counseling program is not accredited by CACREP or MPCAC?

Graduating from a non-accredited program can limit your options, especially in states that require CACREP accreditation for licensure. Employers and doctoral programs may also view accredited degrees more favorably, since accreditation signals a certain level of rigor and standardization. Without CACREP or MPCAC accreditation, you may face additional requirements, such as completing supplemental coursework or documenting supervised hours. While it is still possible to work as a counselor in some settings, opportunities may be more restricted. For this reason, accreditation should be a major factor in your decision-making process.