Choosing a counseling degree in New York means choosing a career pathway: a school counseling program will not necessarily prepare you for mental health licensure, and the lowest tuition may not mean the lowest total cost. This guide compares credentials, program formats, fieldwork, costs, and career prospects so you can build a shortlist around your goal. It also features a 2027 Best Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in New York, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about which programs are worth considering.
Key findings about Counseling degrees in New York
Choose the credential before the school: New York mental health counselor licensure and school counselor certification have different education and training requirements (New York State Education Department).
The national median annual wage was $59,350 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in May 2025; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% employment growth for that occupation in 2025-2035. Neither figure predicts an individual graduate's pay or hiring prospects.
For a New York mental health counseling applicant, verify that the master's curriculum meets the state's 60-semester-hour education standard and ask how the program arranges required fieldwork before comparing tuition (New York State Education Department).
What can I expect from a Counseling degree in New York?
A counseling degree teaches assessment, helping relationships, ethics, and supervised practice, but the credential it supports depends on its specialization. A bachelor's degree can lead to some human-services positions; it is not, by itself, the graduate preparation required for New York licensure as a mental health counselor or certification as a school counselor (New York State Education Department).
The central decision is whether you want to provide clinical mental health services, work as a school counselor, or pursue a different counseling-related role. Clinical mental health students should examine New York's licensure-qualifying education requirements; school counseling applicants should examine the state's certification pathway. Rehabilitation counseling has a different vocational focus, and its graduates should check the requirements of their intended jobs rather than assume it leads to a clinical license.
Expect skills practice, supervised fieldwork, and coursework that requires careful attention to confidentiality and professional boundaries. Before enrolling, request the program's written explanation of which New York credential its specific degree and track are designed to support.
Where can I work with a Counseling degree in New York?
Clinical mental health counselors may work in outpatient practices, community mental health organizations, hospitals, or substance-use treatment settings. School counselors work in educational settings, while rehabilitation counselors may support people navigating disability, employment, and independent-living goals (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). An employer may require a particular license, certification, or experience level even when a degree title appears relevant.
Location affects the experience you can gain during school. A student seeking a particular client population should ask where a program's recent students completed placements and whether comparable sites are accessible from home. For working adults, commute time to a placement may matter more than commute time to campus.
Pay depends on occupation, setting, location, experience, and credentials - not the degree title alone. In the United States, the median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025. The comparable median for school and career counselors and advisors was $64,330 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook; May 2025 wage reference period). These are national occupational medians, not New York starting salaries or reported outcomes for the programs in this guide.
For an investment decision, compare the occupations each program actually prepares you to enter. Ask schools for recent, clearly defined graduate employment data, then compare likely earnings with your current pay, expected borrowing, and the time you may spend completing supervised experience after graduation. A higher occupational median does not automatically offset a substantially more expensive degree.
These program-specific distinctions are most useful after you choose a career pathway. They describe what to investigate in each program, not a claim that every track leads to the same credential; confirm current credits, placement arrangements, accreditation status, and outcomes directly with the department.
SUNY Brockport - school counseling master's: Its explicitly school-focused degree is the relevant Brockport option for applicants targeting educational settings. Ask how its supervised school placements and curriculum align with the New York certification route you plan to use (SUNY Brockport).
SUNY Brockport - counselor education master's: The broader counselor education program warrants a track-level check rather than an assumption based on the degree title. Applicants interested in clinical work should obtain written confirmation of the exact curriculum's New York licensure-qualifying status (SUNY Brockport).
Lehman College, City University of New York - school counseling: This counselor education option sits within Lehman's education offerings, making school-based preparation the key point of comparison. It is worth examining for applicants who need a school placement plan that fits their schedule in the Bronx and surrounding area (Lehman College).
Alfred University - school counseling: Alfred offers a separately identified school counseling graduate program. Compare its school-based training sequence with clinical programs if you are undecided: the intended credential, not the shared word "counseling," should settle the choice (Alfred University).
Alfred University - mental health counseling: This distinct mental health counseling graduate program is the Alfred option to investigate for clinical practice. Request its current licensure disclosures and field-placement expectations before treating it as interchangeable with Alfred's school counseling degree (Alfred University).
SUNY Oswego - mental health counseling MS: Oswego identifies this degree specifically as a mental health counseling MS. For prospective clinical students, the useful comparison is its documented course and supervised-training sequence against New York's licensure education requirements (SUNY Oswego).
SUNY New Paltz - school counseling MS: Housed in psychology, this school counseling MS offers a discipline setting distinct from education-department options on this list. Ask how that setting shapes school-focused coursework and placement support; the department name alone does not establish certification eligibility (SUNY New Paltz graduate catalog).
SUNY New Paltz - clinical mental health counseling MS: The catalog identifies a clinical mental health track alongside its school counseling degree. This is the New Paltz option to examine if your objective is clinical licensure, with particular attention to the track's approved coursework and supervised practice (SUNY New Paltz graduate catalog).
SUNY Plattsburgh - clinical mental health counseling master's: Plattsburgh explicitly identifies its graduate program as clinical mental health counseling. Applicants considering study in northern New York should ask about the locations and availability of clinical placements, since completing fieldwork may be a more consequential constraint than attending classes (SUNY Plattsburgh).
University at Buffalo - rehabilitation counseling master's: Rehabilitation counseling is the clearest specialized vocational focus in this group. It merits consideration if you want to work at the intersection of disability and employment; verify separately whether any intended clinical role requires additional licensure preparation (University at Buffalo).
A counseling bachelor's degree commonly takes about four years of full-time study. A master's typically takes about two to three years full time, while part-time study can take longer; the actual schedule depends on course sequencing, fieldwork, and whether summer study is available. Ask for a term-by-term plan rather than relying on an advertised "time to degree."
Graduation is not always the end of the timeline. New York mental health counselor licensure also requires supervised experience and an examination after the qualifying education requirements are met (New York State Education Department). If you need to keep working, ask whether required classes and placements can be scheduled around employment - and how that choice changes your expected completion date.
An online program can reduce travel for coursework, but it does not eliminate supervised practice. A campus program may simplify access to nearby faculty and placement networks, yet neither format is automatically more suitable for New York licensure or certification. The decisive questions are whether the specific program meets the applicable education rules and whether you can complete its fieldwork where you live (New York State Education Department).
Online study is often a better fit when classes must work around a job and the school can document a viable local placement process. Campus study may be preferable when you want regular in-person skills practice or established placement relationships in the area where you intend to work. If you live outside New York, ask about the requirements of the state where you plan to practice; credentials do not automatically transfer across states.
There is no single useful average price for the programs here: public resident and nonresident rates, private-university charges, required credits, and enrollment pace vary. A published tuition rate also leaves out fees, books, travel to placements, and possible lost earnings. Use each school's current graduate tuition schedule and required-credit total to build a comparable estimate; do not apply undergraduate tuition figures to a master's degree.
A lower-cost program can be attractive if it satisfies your intended credential requirements and offers placements you can reach. Start with most affordable counseling programs, then request a written full-program cost estimate from each finalist. Compare net cost after aid, not just the advertised per-credit rate.
Start by submitting the FAFSA and asking each graduate program about federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, institutional scholarships, assistantships, and any employment-based tuition benefits for which you qualify (Federal Student Aid). Aid differs by degree level and individual eligibility; a scholarship advertised by a university may not be available to students in your counseling track.
New York State aid programs have their own residency, enrollment, and eligible-program rules, so check the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation before counting an award in your budget. Ask the financial aid office for an estimate covering every term, including fieldwork terms. Borrowing less matters, but delaying graduation to reduce a single semester's bill can also have an opportunity cost.
View the chart data as a table
Pay vs projected growth by counseling career path (U.S., BLS) (Source: BLS)
Name
Median annual wage (USD/year)
Projected growth (%)
Mental Health Counselors
59,350
18
School & Career Counselors
64,330
3
Rehabilitation Counselors
46,850
2
Marriage & Family Therapists
66,940
14
Psychologists
99,110
6
Postsecondary Teachers
85,330
7
Master's applicants generally need a bachelor's degree and must meet the individual school's academic and application requirements. Programs may request transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, interviews, or prerequisite coursework; confirm the current list with each admissions office rather than assuming that a psychology major is mandatory.
Check requirements beyond admission, too. A school or placement site may require a background review or other clearance before fieldwork. If you have graduate credits already, obtain a written transfer-credit evaluation that identifies which required courses remain. Transfer acceptance does not, by itself, prove that the resulting degree will satisfy New York's credential requirements.
Common master's subjects include counseling theory, ethics, assessment, group counseling, research, and supervised practicum and internship. A clinical mental health track may place greater emphasis on diagnosis and treatment planning; a school track may focus more on student development and counseling in educational settings. Review the actual catalog and fieldwork handbook, because course titles alone may conceal important differences in content and hours.
For clinical licensure planning, map the school's required courses against New York State Education Department education requirements. If a school describes a track as licensure-qualifying, ask which credential it means and whether that designation applies to your particular campus, format, and catalog year.
The clearest choices among the programs discussed here are school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. School counseling fits applicants who want to support students in educational settings; clinical mental health counseling fits those pursuing psychotherapy-related roles; rehabilitation counseling centers on disability-related and vocational needs. Each can require a different employment credential or professional scope (New York State Education Department; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do not confuse a program's elective or concentration with a separate license. For example, an interest in addiction services may influence electives and placements, but New York's Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor pathway has its own requirements administered by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. Check the intended credential before choosing a specialization.
Start with the job you want, then work backward to its credential and the education it requires. A ranking can narrow the field, but a highly placed program is a poor personal fit if its track, schedule, or placement geography prevents you from finishing or meeting your goal.
Use these checks when speaking with finalists:
Ask which New York license or certificate the exact degree, track, delivery format, and catalog year are designed to support; confirm the rules with the New York State Education Department.
Verify current institutional accreditation and, where relevant to your goal, the status of the specific program with CACREP; programmatic accreditation and state licensure eligibility are related questions, not synonyms.
Request the required-credit plan, placement handbook, recent program-level completion and exam outcomes where available, and an itemized cost through graduation.
Compare total net cost, time out of the workforce, likely borrowing, completion probability, and potential earnings over a realistic career horizon; account for your current earnings rather than treating an occupational median as your future salary.
If cost is central but you also want to examine outcomes, use most valuable counseling programs as another shortlist tool. A red flag is a school that cannot clearly explain credential alignment or who secures supervised placements. Those uncertainties can matter more than a modest tuition difference.
View the chart data as a table
Programs by specialization (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
17
School Counseling
11
Rehabilitation Counseling
3
Counselor Education and Supervision
3
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
1
A master's-level clinical pathway may lead toward licensed mental health counselor roles after New York's additional supervised-experience and examination requirements are completed. A school counseling pathway points toward school-based work under the state's certification rules. Rehabilitation counseling graduates may pursue disability-service and vocational roles, subject to employer requirements (New York State Education Department; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
A bachelor's-level human-services job can be a way to test your interest in client-facing work before paying for graduate study, but it is not a shortcut to a graduate-level counseling credential. If your goal is research, university teaching, or counselor education, investigate doctoral admission expectations separately; a practice-oriented master's and a doctoral path serve different purposes.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
78-79
1
80-82
7
82-84
0
85-86
4
88-89
8
90-92
8
92-94
5
95-96
2
National demand provides context, not a forecast for a particular New York graduate. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% U.S. employment growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3% for school and career counselors and advisors over the same period (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025-2035). The difference suggests that clinical and school applicants should not treat "counseling" as one labor market.
For a local decision, examine current openings for your intended credential in the part of New York where you plan to live. Compare required licenses, supervision expectations, and work settings - not job counts alone. Students open to several placement locations may have more ways to gain relevant experience, while those tied to one area should confirm that the program can support fieldwork there.
You can also explore most popular counseling programs to broaden a shortlist, but popularity is not evidence of local hiring or an individual return on investment.
2027 Best Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in New York
Investing in a counseling degree is an important decision, especially when program requirements can affect eligibility for a New York credential. Research.com developed its rankings to help readers compare programs using documented measures rather than reputation alone. Its team reviews data for quality, credibility, and accuracy; readers should still confirm current requirements and outcomes with each school.
For the Best ranking, Research.com first combines program completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), applicable licensure exam pass rates (20%), applicable CACREP programmatic accreditation (16%), and institutional Title IV eligibility (4%). When a measure does not apply, its share is redistributed among the applicable measures. Program cost contributes a smaller component - about 7% of the final score. The method is the same for online and on-campus programs; other Research.com counseling rankings order programs by the dimension named in each ranking.
The ranking draws on these data sources:
IPEDS database - institutional enrollment, completions, and cost data.
The resulting ranking is a starting point for a shortlist, not a substitute for checking whether a particular track meets your credential goal. See Research.com's methodology for more information about how its rankings are created.
# 1 position
SUNY Brockport
Master
Master of Science in Education in School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.55
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: April 15; Spring: November 15; Summer: April 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree required, with an expected minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional requirements
Online graduate application with written objective, all undergraduate/graduate transcripts, contact info for three recommendations (employer, professor, character reference), and a group interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
SUNY Brockport earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.55/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 2 position
SUNY Brockport
Master
Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.39
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
96% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: April 15; Spring: November 15; Summer: April 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree required with an expected minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; students are encouraged to consult individual course descriptions for prerequisites.
Additional requirements
Online graduate application with written objective for entering the program; all undergraduate and graduate transcripts; three recommendations (employer, professor, character reference); group interview with Counselor Education faculty.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
SUNY Brockport earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.39/100, supported by 96% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 3 position
Lehman College, City University of New York
Master
Master of Science in Education: School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.35
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: March 15
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Completed bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; 3.0 GPA; two letters of recommendation; 5 essay questions; resume; group interview; TOEFL for certain international applicants
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Lehman College, City University of New York earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.35/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 4 position
Alfred University
Master
MSEd/CAS in School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.97
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
95% (2025-26)
Offers with funding
100
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE general test required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
Application; three letters of recommendation; official undergraduate and graduate transcripts; GRE scores if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0; brief personal statement of program interest; required on-campus interview.
Additional requirements
Completed application; three letters of recommendation; official undergraduate and graduate transcripts; GRE general test scores if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0; personal statement of program interest; required on-campus interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Alfred University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.97/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 95% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 5 position
Alfred University
Master
M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.93
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
96%
Licensure exam pass rate
98%
Offers with funding
100
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Additional requirements
Completed application form and fee; three letters of recommendation; official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework; GRE General Test scores if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0; a brief personal statement of program interest;
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Alfred University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.93/100, supported by 98% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 6 position
State University of New York at Oswego
Master
M.S. in Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.80
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
96.8%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
89% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
95% (2023-24)
Application deadline
February 1
Class size
19
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree; at least nine credit hours of sequential coursework including CPS 503 and CPS 510, plus instructor permission, required to begin practicum; Mandated Reporter Training required prior to practicum.
Additional requirements
Official transcript(s), minimum 3.0 GPA, optional GRE scores, possible department interview, statement of purpose (500 words), resume/CV, two letters of recommendation; international applicants need English proficiency scores.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
State University of New York at Oswego earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.8/100, supported by 89% program completion rate and 95% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 7 position
State University of New York at New Paltz
Master
MS in School Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.73
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years full-time
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
February 1 (Fall Admission)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Successful completion of 9 undergraduate credits in the social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, education, philosophy, anthropology, political science, history, economics, geography, criminology, gender studies, communication)
Additional requirements
Bachelor's degree; official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA or strong recent academic achievement; 9 undergraduate credits in social sciences; resume; essay responses; dispositions self-assessment; three professional recommendation letters.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
State University of New York at New Paltz earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.73/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 8 position
State University of New York at New Paltz
Master
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.11
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
February 1 (Fall Admission only)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's degree; 9 undergraduate credits in the social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, education); preferred coursework in abnormal psychology, personality, counseling theories, lifespan development, and statistics.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts of all undergraduate/graduate work; updated resume; response to essay admissions questions; completed dispositions self-assessment; three professional letters of recommendation; additional requirements for international students.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
State University of New York at New Paltz earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.11/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 9 position
State University of New York at Plattsburgh
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
91.77
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
93% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Feb. 1; Summer: Rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Requires at least 12 credits in a human service or related field.
Additional requirements
Statement of purpose, resume, one to three letters of recommendation, official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, and a required faculty interview (scheduled after the Feb. 1 deadline).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
State University of New York at Plattsburgh earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.77/100, supported by 90% program completion rate and 93% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 10 position
State University of New York at Buffalo
Master
Rehabilitation Counseling, MS
Delivery mode: campus
91.48
/ 100
Final score
Program length
4 to 6 full-time semesters
Specialization
Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Online application; $50 fee; two recommendation letters; unofficial transcripts; statement of intent; required interview; GRE not required (test-blind review).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
State University of New York at Buffalo earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.48/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 11 position
Niagara University
Master
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
90.87
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 academic years full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's degree (no specific major required); minimum 3.0 GPA (those below may be asked to interview); two professional/academic letters of recommendation; resume; CMHC applicants must also complete an admissions interview.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, minimum two letters of recommendation, statement of intent, resume, and an admission interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Niagara University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.87/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 12 position
St. John Fisher University
Master
M.S. in Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
90.64
/ 100
Final score
Program length
5 semesters (20 months)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
71.8%
Program completion rate
92% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
88% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Recommended undergraduate courses in abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, research methods, theories of personality, statistics, and tests and measurement
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
St. John Fisher University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.64/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 92% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 13 position
New York Institute of Technology
Master
School Counseling, M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
90.56
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years full-time
Specialization
School Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
B.S. degree or equivalent from an accredited institution; background in psychology, education, sociology, behavioral sciences, or related work experience is ideal but not required.
Additional requirements
Completed application; department portfolio with a 250-word goal statement and three reference forms/letters; undergraduate transcripts; proof of degree; possible structured faculty interview; international requirements if applicable.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
New York Institute of Technology earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.56/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 14 position
Hofstra University
Master
Rehabilitation Counseling, M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
90.33
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Internship generally taken during the second year of the program (implying approx. two years full-time)
Specialization
Rehabilitation Counseling
Application deadline
Fall: August 15; Spring: January 15
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Students must complete COUN 210 (beginning counseling course) and at least 9 to 12 semester hours of study before registering for practicum (REHB 236).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Hofstra University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.33/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 15 position
Hofstra University
Master
Rehabilitation Counseling in Mental Health, M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
90.33
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Internship generally taken during the second year of the program (implying approx. two years full-time)
Specialization
Rehabilitation Counseling
Application deadline
Fall: August 15; Spring: January 15
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Students must complete COUN 210 (beginning counseling course) and at least 9 to 12 semester hours of study before registering for practicum (REHB 236).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Hofstra University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.33/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 16 position
St. John's University-New York
Master
School Counseling, Master of Science in Education
Delivery mode: campus
89.83
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years including one summer (full-time)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
88% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: April 1
Class size
8
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university, normally with a 3.0 GPA overall and in major field; minimum of 18 credits in behavioral and social sciences and/or professional education courses (deficits may need to be made up)
Additional requirements
Two letters of recommendation from college instructors or field supervisors; one-to-two-page personal essay on reasons for pursuing the degree, work experience, and career goals; demonstrated aptitude for school counseling; GRE not required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
St. John's University-New York earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.83/100, supported by 88% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 17 position
Canisius University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)
Delivery mode: hybrid
89.44
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
92% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
96% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2023-24)
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE/GMAT may be required by the program director if cumulative GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree completed or in progress.
Additional requirements
Personal statement, resume, Counseling Disposition Rating Form, transcripts, and two recommendation letters. Applicants below 3.0 GPA get director review and may need an interview or GRE/GMAT.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Canisius University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.44/100, supported by 90% licensure exam pass rate and 92% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 18 position
CUNY Hunter College
Master
School Counseling (MSEd)
Delivery mode: campus
88.55
/ 100
Final score
Program length
On-time completion defined as 3 years (20 credits per year); part-time or full-time study permitted
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
64.8%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
85% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
73% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Class size
21
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0; 15 to 25 credits of approved courses from anthropology, economics, education, guidance, health sciences, political science, psychology, sociology, and related areas.
Additional requirements
Statement of purpose (400-600 words), an additional essay (400-600 words) on a counseling scenario, two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references; relevant work/volunteer experience highly recommended.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
CUNY Hunter College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 88.55/100, supported by 85% program completion rate and 73% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 19 position
University of Rochester
Master
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
88.26
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
81% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Priority: November 1, 2026 (Start Any Semester; rolling thereafter)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree, preferably related to mental health counseling (e.g., psychology, human development, education, sociology); preference for GPA 3.0+; demonstrated interest via volunteer/paid helping-profession experience.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
University of Rochester earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 88.26/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 81% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 20 position
Syracuse University
Master
School Counseling PreK-12, M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
88.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
approximately 2 years, including two summers (full-time)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025-26)
Application deadline
January 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, no specific undergraduate major required; transcript reviewed for classes relevant to counseling.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; 500-word personal essay; 3 letters of recommendation (at least two from faculty); resume or CV; TOEFL 80+/IELTS 6.5+/Duolingo 120+ for international students; virtual group interview with faculty for advancing applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Syracuse University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 88.2/100, with 100% employment or doctoral admission rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about Counseling degree in New York
Do I need a master's degree to become a mental health counselor in New York?
Yes. New York's licensed mental health counselor pathway requires qualifying graduate education, along with supervised experience and an examination; a degree alone does not confer licensure (New York State Education Department).
Is school counseling the same as mental health counseling?
No. They prepare students for different roles and New York credential pathways. Choose based on whether you intend to work in schools or pursue clinical mental health practice (New York State Education Department).
Can an online counseling degree qualify me for New York licensure?
Potentially, but delivery format alone establishes nothing. Confirm that the specific program meets New York's education requirements and that you can complete its supervised fieldwork.
Does CACREP accreditation guarantee a New York license?
No. CACREP accredits programs; New York determines licensure eligibility and also requires applicants to meet other conditions. Verify both the program's status and the state's current rules (CACREP; New York State Education Department).
Is a counseling master's degree worth the cost?
It may be if the credential is required for your target role and the program's net cost and completion timeline fit your finances. Compare debt, lost earnings during study, your current pay, and realistic job options rather than assuming a national median salary will be your starting wage.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
