CACREP-Accredited Counseling M.A.

For School Social Workers, Case Managers & Behavioral Health Technicians Ready to Become Licensed Counselors

CMU's CACREP-accredited Counseling M.A. offers the practicum, licensure pathway, and flexibility you need—without quitting your current role.

One click. No forms, no hassle.

View official CMU Counseling program details →
CACREP AccreditedMeets national standards for counseling education
100% Doctoral FacultyAll faculty are licensed counselors with doctoral degrees
Hybrid & Online OptionsBuilt for working professionals

Your Pathway From Clinical-Adjacent to Licensed Counselor

You are already doing the work. CMU's program gives you the credential, supervised hours, and licensure roadmap.

Keep Working While You Study

Choose hybrid on-campus or fully online formats. Both part-time and full-time options are available, so you don't have to leave your job—or your paycheck.

Complete Your Practicum With Real Clients

Every student, including online students, completes a compulsory practicum and internship—managing real client caseloads through CMU's student-run Center for Community Counseling and Development or an approved community site.

Earn Your LLC and Step Into Licensed Practice

Graduate ready to pursue Michigan Limited Licensed Counselor (LLC) status and build toward full licensure, private practice, or school authority.

Choose Your Concentration

All three paths lead to licensure. Pick the one that matches the clients you want to serve.

Addiction Counseling

Support diverse populations—individuals, families, and communities—on their sobriety journeys with evidence-based counseling and long-term support. CMU's program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure and addiction certification.

Addiction Counselor
$59,190

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Treat depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma in clinical settings. This is the path to community mental health centers, hospitals, and integrated care teams.

Family / Behavioral Therapist
$63,780

School Counseling

Support K-12 students with their schoolwork, emotions, and future plans—from kindergarten through high school. Move from a supporting role to licensed school counselor.

School Counselor
$65,140

Your Questions Answered

Clear, practical answers for professionals who don't have time for guesswork.

No. CMU's Counseling M.A. accepts applicants from a range of undergraduate backgrounds. Many strong students come from education, social work, healthcare, and human services. If you are already doing counseling-adjacent work, you likely already have relevant experience.

Yes. The program is designed for working professionals, and many students continue to work while earning their degree. Both hybrid and online formats allow you to complete your supervised practicum and internship through CMU's Center for Community Counseling and Development or an approved community agency or school setting.

After graduating from this CACREP-accredited program, you can apply for Michigan Limited Licensed Counselor (LLC) status. With supervised post-graduate clinical hours, you can then pursue full Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure—opening the door to independent practice.

Careers & Outcomes

Projected salaries for counseling career paths, from CMU's official program page.

Career PathProjected Salary
School Counselor$65,140
Family / Behavioral Therapist$63,780
Addiction Counselor$59,190

Source: Central Michigan University Counseling M.A. program page.

CACREP Accredited 60 Credit Hours Faculty: Licensed + Doctoral

Ready to Talk It Through?

Spring priority deadline (online): September 1

An admissions advisor can map your current role to the licensure pathway in a short call.

One click. No forms, no hassle.