CACREP-Accredited Career Counseling Programs

Choosing a master’s degree in Career Counseling is an important decision that can shape your professional future. A career counseling program is designed to prepare graduates to help people make informed career decisions.

Your role as a career counselor is to help another person explore how their education, skills, interests, and personality can inform career planning. Without a doubt, it is an important role.  If your passion is helping people, then career counseling is a field you will thrive in. There are accredited programs that can help you reach your dream role as a counselor.

Quick Facts

• Total CACREP-Accredited Career Counseling Programs: 6
• Average Program Completion Time: 2-3 years
• Average Credit Hours: 48-60 credit hours
• Average Tuition Range: $10,000-20,000
• Total Online Programs: 1

Accredited Counseling Programs Accepting Colorado Students

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CACREP-Accredited Career Counseling Programs 2025

If the institution is CACREP-accredited, then it is the best option for you. These programs have completed all the necessary processes to ensure they are comprehensive for career counseling studies. There are only 6 of them, so admittedly, you are not spoiled for options. Still, these six programs are the best of the best simply due to the intentionality of their structuring and how they cover all the needed specialties in the field. So, they are worth looking into. Let’s get right into them.

1. California State University, Sacramento
2. Colorado State University
3. Florida State University
4. Pennsylvania State University
5. San Francisco State University
6. North Carolina Central University (Online)

Online CACREP-Accredited Career Counseling Programs

Designed for convenience, online programs are increasingly becoming popular. For career counseling, only one program currently offers this modality, so it is worth checking out.

What “CACREP-Accredited” Means for Career Counseling

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the premier accrediting body for master’s and doctoral counseling programs. CACREP accreditation is a specialized accreditation focused on individual programs rather than entire institutions.

Why CACREP Accreditation Matters

Standardized Curriculum: CACREP-accredited programs follow rigorous standards that ensure students receive comprehensive training in counseling foundations, career development theory, assessment, and clinical practice.

License Portability: While not all states require CACREP accreditation for licensure, graduating from a CACREP-accredited program can make it easier to obtain licensure in multiple states. As of 2025, Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, and Kentucky require CACREP accreditation for counseling licensure.

Quality Assurance: CACREP accreditation helps identify high-quality programs and avoid degrees that may not adequately prepare for professional practice.

Professional Recognition: Many employers, especially in educational settings and government agencies, prefer or require candidates with degrees from CACREP-accredited programs.

Verifying CACREP Accreditation

If you want to verify that a program is CACREP-accredited:

1. Look for the CACREP seal on the program’s website
2. Visit the CACREP directory at www.cacrep.org
3. Use the directory filters to search by state, program type, and accreditation status

All the counseling programs highlighted above are CACREP-accredited. 

What You’ll Study in a Career Counseling Program

Career Counseling programs are designed to prepare graduates with specialized knowledge in career development theory, assessment, and counseling techniques. In addition to CACREP’s core counseling curriculum, Career Counseling students complete coursework in:

Core Career Counseling Areas

Foundations of Career Development

• Career development theories across the lifespan
• Historical perspectives on career counseling
• Contemporary issues in career development

Career Assessment and Appraisal

• Administration and interpretation of career interest inventories
• Skills and aptitude assessments
• Personality assessments relevant to career planning
• Use of technology in career assessment

Career Information and Resources

• Labor market information and analysis
• Occupational classification systems
• Educational and training resources
• Use of career information systems and databases

Program Promotion, Management, and Implementation

• Designing career development programs
• Marketing career counseling services
• Program evaluation and outcomes assessment
• Ethical and legal issues in career counseling

Diverse Populations and Social Justice

• Career counseling with diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural groups
• Addressing career disparities and barriers
• Working with special populations (individuals with disabilities, veterans, displaced workers)
• Advocacy and social justice in career counseling

Technology and Innovation

• Online career counseling and resources
• Social media in career development
• Virtual career fairs and networking
• Emerging technologies in career services

Admission Requirements for Career Counseling Programs

While admission requirements vary by institution, most CACREP-accredited Career Counseling programs have similar baseline requirements:

Common Requirements

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum GPA typically between 2.75 and 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Undergraduate degree in any field (though psychology, education, sociology, or related fields may be preferred)

Application Materials

• Completed graduate application
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Personal statement or essay describing career goals and motivation for pursuing a career in counseling
• Letters of recommendation (typically 2-3) from professors, supervisors, or professional references
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Application fee

Entrance Exams

Many programs have eliminated GRE requirements, but some may require it for applicants with GPAs below a certain threshold. Always verify current requirements with individual programs.

Additional Requirements

• Some programs require an admission interview (in-person or virtual)
• A background check may be required before beginning the practicum/internship
• Prerequisite coursework in some cases

Practicum, Internship, and Supervision

Clinical experience is a vital part of Career Counseling training. CACREP standards require substantial supervised experience to ensure graduates are prepared for professional practice.

Practicum Requirements

Duration: Minimum of 100 hours over at least one academic term (typically 10-15 weeks)

Direct Service: At least 40 hours of direct service with clients, which may include:

• Individual career counseling sessions
• Group career counseling or workshops
• Career assessments and interpretation
• Resume and interview preparation
• Job search assistance

Supervision: Minimum of 1 hour of individual supervision per week with a qualified supervisor, plus regular group supervision with fellow students

Activities: In addition to direct client contact, students engage in case documentation, treatment planning, professional development, and site meetings

Internship Requirements

Duration: Minimum of 600 hours over at least two academic terms

Direct Service: At least 240 hours of direct service with clients

Supervision: Minimum of 1 hour of individual supervision per week, plus regular group supervision

Finding Practicum and Internship Sites

Many programs have established relationships with local sites and may assist students in placement. So it is possible that you do not stress about this aspect.  However, it is still the student’s responsibility to find internship sites. The sites must have qualified supervisors. 

Career Paths and Opportunities for Career Counseling Programs

There are numerous options available for career counselors. The field offers flexibility and opportunities for specialization. Some common work settings include:

• Educational Institutions
• Corporate and Organizational Settings
• Government and Nonprofit
• Private Practice
• Specialized Populations

Licensure and Credentials Needed For Career Counseling

Licensure requirements for career counselors vary significantly by state and work setting. Depending on the particular state you want to practice in or the field you decide to specialize in, you need to have a full context of these requirements. 

Professional Counselor Licensure

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): Many career counselors pursue general professional counselor licensure, which typically requires:

• Master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program (or program meeting state requirements)
• 2,000-4,000 hours of post-graduate supervised experience (varies by state)
• Passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or state-specific exam
• State-specific ethics and jurisprudence requirements

Additional Credentials

Outside of the regular and standard credentials, you can still go a step further and acquire some credentials that will put you in the best position career-wise.

National Certified Counselor (NCC): Offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), this is a nationally recognized certification that may facilitate license portability.

Certified Career Counselor: Some organizations offer specialized certifications in career counseling.

Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF): A credentialing program for career development practitioners at various education levels

Choosing the Right Career Counseling Program

With only six CACREP-accredited Career Counseling programs in the United States, the decision process requires careful consideration. With just six, you need to carefully pick the one that works perfectly for you. 

Key Factors to Consider

Geographic Location

Where are you located? Proximity to family, support systems, and the preferred living environment are important factors in making this choice. Not to mention, the cost of living in the area also plays a very important role. Finally, you want to consider the proximity to diverse practicum and internship sites. Choose a program that will set you up for better opportunities going forward. 

Program Philosophy and Approach

Some programs are more diverse than others. So consider the theoretical orientations emphasized in the program. Do they focus on specific populations or settings? Are there research opportunities and faculty interests?  What is the program size and cohort structure?

Financial Considerations

Very importantly, tuition and fees matter in choosing a program. Check the in-state vs. out-of-state program before you commit. Also, check for scholarship and grant opportunities, as well as financial aid. 

Career Goals

Find out whether the program aligns with your desired work setting (education, corporate, private practice). Also, see if there are state licensure requirements where you plan to practice.

Program Culture and Fit

Finally, it is worth finding out whether it simply connects with you on a personal level. Find out about their diversity and inclusion initiatives. Check for the campus facilities and resources. Any little thing that seems like it should matter should always be verified. 

Questions to Ask Programs

When you have narrowed down your options, you can call in to ask them questions. Programs usually welcome questions from applicants. Here are some questions you can ask. 

1. What is the typical timeline for program completion?
2. What percentage of students complete the program on time?
3. What types of practicum and internship sites are available?
4. What support does the program provide for site placement?
5. What are the job placement rates for graduates?
6. Where do graduates typically work?
7. What is the pass rate for licensure exams?
8. Are graduate assistantships available?
9. What professional development opportunities are offered?
10. How does the program support students’ career development?

Online vs. Campus-Based: The Current Landscape

Currently, five CACREP-accredited Career Counseling programs are campus-based or hybrid. The only online program is North Carolina Central University’s. If you want an online modality, sadly, that is the only option available currently. However, some other programs might offer a hybrid option. So, always verify current modality options directly with programs, as formats may evolve.

Alternative Pathways

If attending one of the six CACREP-accredited Career Counseling programs is not feasible due to location or other constraints, consider these alternatives:

Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Career Focus

Many CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) programs allow students to take elective courses in career counseling or develop a career counseling focus. These programs:

• They are much more widely available (many programs are available in different states)
• Provide broader training in mental health counseling
• Often include career development coursework in the core curriculum
• May allow for career counseling internship placements
• Lead to professional counselor licensure

School Counseling

CACREP-accredited School Counseling programs include substantial career development training and prepare counselors to:

• Provide career counseling in K-12 settings
• Deliver classroom guidance on career topics
• Assist with college and career planning
• Work in school-based career centers

Accredited Counseling Programs Accepting Colorado Students

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Colorado Online, No GRE & CAREP Accredited Counseling Masters Programs

Specialty	University Name	City	State	Counseling Accreditation	Modality	GRE Required?
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Adams State University	Alamosa	CO	CACREP	Online & Campus	No GRE Required
School Counseling	Adams State University	Alamosa	CO	CACREP	Online & Campus
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Colorado Christian University	Lakewood	CO	CACREP	Online & Campus	No GRE Required
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Colorado State University	Fort Collins	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
Career Counseling	Colorado State University	Fort Collins	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
School Counseling	Colorado State University	Fort Collins	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Regis University	Denver	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	University of Colorado at Colorado Springs	Colorado Springs	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
School Counseling	University of Colorado at Colorado Springs	Colorado Springs	CO	CACREP	Campus
School Counseling	University of Denver	Denver	CO	CACREP	Online	No GRE Required
Counseling, Clinical Mental Health	University of Colorado Denver	Denver	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	University of Northern Colorado	GREELEY	CO	CACREP	Campus	GRE Required
Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling	Adams State University	Alamosa	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
Counseling	Colorado Christian University	Lakewood	CO	CACREP	Online	No GRE Required
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	University of Colorado Colorado Springs	Colorado Springs	CO	CACREP		No GRE Required
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Regis University	Denver	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
Counseling	University of Colorado Denver	Denver	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
Counseling Psychology	University of Denver	Denver	CO	CACREP	Campus
Clinical Behavioral Health with an Emphasis in Addictions Counseling	Metropolitan State University of Denver	Denver	CO	CACREP
Counseling (Counseling Psychology)	Denver Seminary	Littleton	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CACREP accreditation required to become a career counselor?

It depends on your career goals and where you plan to work. For professional counselor licensure, Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, and Kentucky require CACREP accreditation. Other states may have different requirements. 

However, many career counseling positions in educational settings, corporate environments, and some government agencies do not require counselor licensure and may accept graduates from various programs.

Why are there so few CACREP-accredited Career Counseling programs?

Career Counseling is a specialized focus within the counseling profession. Many students interested in career counseling pursue CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling programs with a career development emphasis. The specialized nature of standalone Career Counseling programs and the resources required to maintain CACREP accreditation mean fewer institutions offer this specific specialty.

Can I practice career counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree?

Yes. CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs include career development in their core curriculum. Many CMHC graduates work as career counselors. However, you may want to seek additional training or coursework in career-specific topics and gain supervised experience in career counseling settings.

What’s the difference between a career counselor and a career coach?

Career Counselors typically have master’s degrees in counseling, are trained in mental health and counseling theories, may be licensed professional counselors, and can address both career and mental health concerns that impact career development.

Career Coaches may have various educational backgrounds, often focus primarily on goal-setting and action planning, may not be licensed or regulated in the same way, and typically work with a generally well-functioning population rather than addressing mental health concerns.

Do I need a specific undergraduate degree to apply?

Most programs accept students with bachelor’s degrees in any field. While undergraduate backgrounds in psychology, education, sociology, or related fields may be helpful, they are typically not required.

Can I work while completing a Career Counseling program?

Many students work part-time while completing their programs. However, the clinical requirements (a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship) require substantial time commitments. Full-time work may be difficult, especially during clinical training terms. Part-time programs or evening/weekend class options may be available at some institutions to accommodate working professionals.

What is license portability, and why does it matter?

License portability refers to the ease with which you can obtain licensure in multiple states throughout your career. CACREP accreditation enhances portability because many states recognize CACREP standards in their licensure requirements. This is particularly important if you might relocate or if you’re unsure where you’ll ultimately practice.

Conclusion

Choosing a CACREP-accredited Career Counseling program is an important decision that will shape your professional identity and career trajectory. With only six programs available nationwide, you can easily go through each one in detail and find the perfect program that brings you closer to your dream role.