North Carolina Master’s in Counseling Programs

North Carolina is a state in the southern United States. A diverse state that spreads from the shores of the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The state is also rapidly growing, with a population increase of 9.5% between the 2010 and 2020 censuses. As a result of high population growth, O*Net Online suggests that North Carolina will see an increase in the need for mental health counselors by 24%. Thankfully, many programs in the state are equipped to fill this need by educating the future counselors of North Carolina.

Featured Accredited Counseling Programs

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Master of Counseling Programs in North Carolina

To become licensed as a mental health counselor in North Carolina, the state statute requires that applicants graduate from a master’s program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) with 60 credit hours or 90 semester hours of coursework. This article will list three categories of programs: online programs, CACREP-accredited programs, and programs that don’t require the GRE for entry.

Online Master of Counseling Programs in North Carolina

There are many benefits to attending an online master of counseling program. Some of those benefits include the flexibility of courses, continued access to course materials, and the ability to take courses at your own pace. Many programs in North Carolina are based online and meet the state’s licensure requirements.

CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in North Carolina

Accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is becoming an increasingly popular feature of many masters of counseling programs nationwide. Some of the benefits of attending a CACREP-accredited program include meeting the requirements for most states and becoming familiar with other programs that are accredited. It is a requirement in North Carolina that an applicant attend a program that is CACREP-accredited to obtain licensure.

Featured Accredited Counseling Programs

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No GRE Required Master of Counseling Programs in North Carolina

The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used to assess the aptitude of potential college students. However, many people feel anxious about standardized tests or do not want their college admission to be based solely on test scores. In North Carolina, nine counseling programs do not require the GRE for admission. While some programs may consider the GRE depending on the undergraduate GPA, all programs listed below do not require the GRE for admission, regardless of the undergraduate GPA.

Three programs in the Online Programs category, located at Catawba College, Montreat College, and Wake Forest University, do not require the GRE.

Six programs in the CACREP-Accredited Programs category, at Campbell University, East Carolina University, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Lenoir-Rhyne University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, also do not require the GRE.

Most Affordable Master of Counseling Program in North Carolina

Choosing an affordable Master in Counseling program is sometimes just as important as finding one that is academically sound. The program under the online programs category that is the most affordable is located at Montreat College. This program costs $595 per credit hour. 

The most affordable program located under the CACREP-Accredited Programs category is at North Carolina A&T State University. The most affordable program in the state is therefore located at North Carolina A&T University.

Application Process and Tips

Applying for an online Master’s in Counseling program in North Carolina requires thorough preparation. Essential components include:

1. Bachelor’s Degree: Must be from an accredited institution.
2. Minimum GPA: Typically around 3.0. Check specific program requirements.
3. Official Transcripts: Request from all post-secondary institutions attended.
4. Letters of Recommendation: Usually 2-3 letters from individuals who know you academically or professionally.
5. Personal Statement: Highlight relevant experience and skills, discuss your motivation for counseling, and outline career goals.
6. Resume or CV: Detail educational background, work experience, volunteer activities, and relevant skills.

Accelerated Master of Counseling Programs in North Carolina

Due to the nature of counseling licensure requirements in North Carolina, all programs must be CACREP accredited. With accreditation comes the requirement that the program contain 60 credit hours. To complete 60 credit hours, a program typically has to last between two and three years. However, some programs on this list require more than the required 60 credit hours. All programs on the list above require 60 credit hours to complete, except for those at East Carolina University (62 credit hours), Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (66 credit hours), and Lenoir-Rhyne University (61 credit hours)

North Carolina Online, No GRE & CAREP Accredited Counseling Masters Programs

Specialty	University Name	Degree	City	State	Accreditation	Modality	GRE Required?	Program Length
School Counseling	Appalachian State University	M.A.	Boone	NC	CACREP	Campus	GRE Required	2 Years
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Appalachian State University	M.A.	Boone	NC	CACREP	Campus	GRE Required	2 Years
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Campbell University	M.A.	Buies Creek	NC	CACREP	Online & Campus	No GRE Required	3 Years
School Counseling	Campbell University	M.Ed.	Buies Creek	NC	CACREP
Rehabilitation Counseling	East Carolina University, College of Allied Health Sciences	M.S.	Greenville	NC	CACREP	Campus	GRE Required	2 Years
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	East Carolina University, College of Allied Health Sciences	M.S.	Greenville	NC	CACREP	Campus	GRE Required	2 Years
School Counseling	East Carolina University, College of Education	M.S.	Greenville	NC	CACREP
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	East Carolina University, College of Education	M.S.	Greenville	NC	CACREP	Campus	GRE Required	2 Years
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Gardner-Webb University	M.A.	Boiling Springs	NC	CACREP
School Counseling	Gardner-Webb University	M.A.	Boiling Springs	NC	CACREP
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary-Charlotte	M.A.	Charlotte	NC	CACREP
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Lenoir-Rhyne University	M.A.	Hickory	NC	CACREP
School Counseling	Lenoir-Rhyne University	M.A.	Hickory	NC	CACREP
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Montreat College	M.A.	Asheville	NC	CACREP
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	North Carolina A&T State University	M.S.	Greensboro	NC	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling	North Carolina A&T State University	M.S.	Greensboro	NC	CACREP
School Counseling	North Carolina A&T State University	M.S.	Greensboro	NC	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
Career Counseling	North Carolina Central University	M.A.	Durham	NC	CACREP
School Counseling	North Carolina Central University	M.A.	Durham	NC	CACREP	Campus	GRE Required	1 Years
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	North Carolina Central University	M.A.	Durham	NC	CACREP
School Counseling	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Education	M.Ed.	Chapel Hill	NC	CACREP
Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine	M.S.	Chapel Hill	NC	CACREP
Addiction Counseling	University of North Carolina at Charlotte	M.A.	Charlotte	NC	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	University of North Carolina at Charlotte	M.A.	Charlotte	NC	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
School Counseling	University of North Carolina at Charlotte	M.A.	Charlotte	NC	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling	University of North Carolina at Greensboro	M.S./Ed.S.	Greensboro	NC	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	University of North Carolina at Greensboro	M.S./Ed.S.	Greensboro	NC	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
School Counseling	University of North Carolina at Greensboro	M.S./Ed.S.	Greensboro	NC	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	University of North Carolina at Pembroke	M.A.Ed.	Pembroke	NC	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	1 Years
School Counseling	University of North Carolina at Pembroke	M.A.Ed.	Pembroke	NC	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Wake Forest University	M.A.	Winston-Salem	NC	CACREP	Online	No GRE Required	2 Years
School Counseling	Wake Forest University	M.A.	Winston-Salem	NC	CACREP	Online	No GRE Required	2 Years
School Counseling	Western Carolina University	M.A.Ed.	Cullowhee	NC	CACREP	Campus	GRE Required	2 Years
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Western Carolina University	M.S.	Cullowhee	NC	CACREP	Campus	GRE Required	2 Years
Rehabilitation Counseling	Winston-Salem State University	M.S.	Winston-Salem	NC	CACREP	Online	GRE Required	2½ Years
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, Addictions Counseling	University of North Carolina at Charlotte	M.A	Charlotte	NC	CACREP	not mentioned	No GRE Required	60 credits
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling,School Counseling	North Carolina A&T University	M.S	Greensboro	NC	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	60 credits
Counseling	Western Carolina University	M.A.Ed.	Asheville	NC	CACREP	Campus	GRE Required	4 Years
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Carolina University	M.A	Winston-Salem	NC	CACREP	Online & Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
Counseling Program	Western Carolina University	M.A.Ed.	Asheville	NC	CACREP	Online & Campus	GRE Required	4 Years
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling	Winston-Salem State University	MSRC	Winston-Salem	NC	CACREP	Campus

Required Courses for Licensure in North Carolina

In North Carolina, it is required that all graduate courses be CACREP accredited to obtain state counseling licensure. To meet CACREP standards, a program must contain courses in all eight core curricular areas. Those eight core curricular areas are as follows:

• Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice
• Social and Cultural Diversity
• Human Growth and Development
• Career Development
• Counseling and Helping Relationships
• Group Counseling and Group Work
• Assessment and Testing
• Research and Program Evaluation

Counseling Licensure Requirements in North Carolina

There are three levels of licensure for mental health counselors in North Carolina. The first stage of licensure is the Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) license; the second is the Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) license; and the third is the Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS) license. The North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors sets the state’s licensure requirements. 

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA):

According to the Board, anyone applying for an LCMHCA license must graduate from a CACREP-accredited program with 60 credit hours or 90 quarter hours of graduate work. The coursework must also submit documentation of the completed practicum and internship (done in all CACREP-accredited programs). An applicant must also pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) as well as a jurisprudence examination. This license requires supervision from a licensed supervisor to practice. 

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC): 

To obtain this licensure, applicants for an LCMHC license must meet all criteria for the LCMHCA license as well as complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience under a licensed supervisor approved by the state and 100 hours of supervision. This licensure is independent and does not require a supervisor. 

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS): 

To obtain this licensure, applicants for an LCMHCS license must meet all criteria for the LCMHC license, have five to eight years of counseling experience, and complete the required supervision training courses. This license gives an applicant the ability to supervise interns as well as those with an LCMHC license.

North Carolina Counseling FAQs (Obtained via Licensed Clinical Counselors of North Carolina)

How many hours of continuing education are required to renew my license? 

40 contact hours are required. Three hours must be completed in the area of ethics.

Can anyone be a clinical supervisor? 

To be a supervisor, one must meet the requirements of supervision licensure as defined by the State Board.

How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make in North Carolina?

According to O*Net Online, a mental health counselor is expected to make an average of $49,050 per year. This is almost similar to the national average salary, which is listed at $49,710.

How to Become a School Counselor in North Carolina

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, to become a school counselor, one must graduate from an accredited master’s program with a degree in school counseling. After graduating from an accredited program, one must pass the Professional School Counselor Praxis Exam.

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree: Start by earning a bachelor’s degree, preferably in education, psychology, or a related field.
2. Earn a Master’s Degree in School Counseling: Enroll in a CACREP-accredited master’s program in school counseling. Complete coursework in child development, counseling techniques, ethics, and school counseling practices, along with a practicum and internship.
3. Complete a State-Approved Educator Preparation Program: This program is often included in the master’s degree curriculum.
4. Pass Required Exams: Take the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests (or provide acceptable SAT/ACT scores) & Pass the Praxis II School Counselor (5421) exam.
5. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
6. Submit Application for Licensure: Apply through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), providing transcripts, test scores, and proof of completed practicum/internship, and pay the necessary fees.
7. Maintain Licensure: Renew your license every five years and complete continuing education requirements, including professional development and in-service training.
8. Seek Employment and Advance: Look for job opportunities in schools, utilizing job boards, networking, and professional organizations. Gain experience and pursue further certifications or advanced degrees for career advancement.

Joining professional organizations like the North Carolina School Counselor Association (NCSCA) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities.

How Much Does a School Counselor Make in North Carolina

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a school counselor in North Carolina is $50,820. This is significantly less than the national average which is listed at $60,140.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in North Carolina

According to the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board, there are three substance abuse counselor licenses. Those three licenses are Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). 

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC):

According to the Board, this license is for those with a high school diploma/GED, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree who do not meet the requirements for the Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) license. Those with this license require constant supervision. Those with this license must first pass the IC&RC examination and complete 300 hours of supervised work with 1 hour of supervision for every 10 hours of work. Upon completion of the internship, those who hope to obtain this licensure must complete 6,000 hours of supervised work, 270 clock hours of education with 190 of those hours specific to substance abuse counseling, and passage of the IC&RC ADC examination. 

Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS):

There are four criteria to obtain this licensure. 

Criteria A requires 4,000 hours (2 years post-Master’s, supervised at a rate of 1:40 hours), 180 hours of SUD-specific education with six hours of special topics in addictions, and passage of the IC&RC AADC Examination. 

Those who fall under Criteria B meet all requirements of the CADC licensure and work experience with that licensure. 

Criteria C includes 2,000 hours of experience (1 year post-Master’s, supervised at a rate of 1:40), completion of all education as part of their degree, and passage of the IC&RC AADC Examination. 

Those who fall under Criteria D meet the requirements for this licensure due to national certification. 

Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS):

To obtain this licensure, one must meet the “Three E’s” of certification. This includes 4,000 hours (2 years) of supervised clinical supervisory experience verified by a CCS, 15 hours of clinical supervisor-specific education, and a passing score on the IC&RC AADC examination.

How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Make in North Carolina?

According to O*Net Online, the average salary of a substance abuse counselor in North Carolina is $49,050. This is similar to the national average salary for a substance abuse counselor, which is $49,710.

What Other Career Options Are Available to Those with a Degree in Mental Health Counseling?

The skills learned in a Master of Counseling program open the door for many positions outside of the counseling profession. Some of the positions opened up with this degree include human resources, governmental social services, education, and non-profit leadership.