Michigan Master’s in Counseling Programs

Michigan is a state in the Midwestern United States once known for being a leader in the auto industry. When the industry started to leave, it led to economic despair. However, Michigan has been reinventing itself and has invested in social services. This investment has led to a need for more mental health counselors in the state. According to O*Net Online, the need for mental health counselors is expected to grow by 21% by 2030. This is higher than the expected national growth of 18%.

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Master of Counseling Programs in Michigan

To become a counselor in the State of Michigan, it is required for all applicants to graduate from a program that is either CACREP-Accredited or contains courses in diagnosing and treatment of mental and emotional disorders and all other graduate coursework required by CACREP including practicum and internship. Many programs in the state meet the requirements for licensure and fall under the categories of Online Programs, CACREP-Accredited Programs, and programs that do not require the Graduate Records Examination (GRE).

Online Master of Counseling Programs in Michigan

There are many benefits to attending an online program in counseling. Some of those benefits include continued access to course materials, flexibility of courses, and enjoying the beautiful Great Lakes while attending class. Three programs in Michigan are fully online with there being others that are in-person with hybrid options.

CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in Michigan

There are many benefits to attending a CACREP-accredited Master of Counseling program. The greatest benefit is that you will meet the licensing requirements for most states. There is also the benefit of uniformity among other counseling programs nationwide. Eight programs in Michigan fall under this category. There is one program under the Online Programs category that is CACREP-Accredited. This program is located at Central Michigan University.

Michigan Online, No GRE & CAREP Accredited Counseling Masters Programs

Specialty	University Name	Degree	City	State	Accreditation	Modality	GRE Required?	Program Length
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Oakland University	M.A.	Rochester	MI	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
School Counseling	Oakland University	M.A.	Rochester	MI	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
School Counseling	Spring Arbor University	M.A.	Spring Arbor	MI	CACREP
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Spring Arbor University	M.A.	Spring Arbor	MI	CACREP
School Counseling	University of Detroit Mercy	M.A.	Detroit	MI	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	1 Years
Addiction Counseling	University of Detroit Mercy	M.A.	Detroit	MI	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	1 Years
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	University of Detroit Mercy	M.A.	Detroit	MI	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
Rehabilitation Counseling	Wayne State University	M.A.	Detroit	MI	CACREP
School Counseling	Wayne State University	M.A.	Detroit	MI	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	1 Years
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Wayne State University	M.A.	Detroit	MI	CACREP		No GRE Required
School Counseling	Western Michigan University	M.A.	Kalamazoo	MI	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Western Michigan University	M.A.	Kalamazoo	MI	CACREP
Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling	Western Michigan University	M.A.	Kalamazoo	MI	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
School Counseling	Central Michigan University	M.A.	Mount Pleasant	MI	CACREP	Online & Campus	No GRE Required	3 Years
Counseling Psychology	Eastern Michigan University	M.A.	Ypsilanti	MI	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years
Counseling	Central Michigan University	M.A	Mount Pleasant	MI	CACREP	Campus		2 Years
Counseling Psychology	Western Michigan University	M.A.	Kalamazoo	MI	CACREP	Online & Campus	No GRE Required	48 credit hour
Counseling	Eastern Michigan University	M.A.CMHC	Ypsilanti	MI	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
Mental Health Counseling	Davenport University	M.A.	Grand Rapids	MI	CACREP	Online	No GRE Required	2 Years
Applied Behavior Analysis	Michigan State University	MA-ABA		MI	CACREP	Online		2 Years
School Counseling	Grand Valley State University	M.Ed.	Allendale	MI	CACREP	Hybrid	No GRE Required	36 credits

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No GRE Required Master of Counseling Programs in Michigan

The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used to determine the aptitude of potential college admitants. However, many people get anxious about standardized tests or do not want their college admission based on test scores. 11 programs in Michigan do not require the GRE. 

There are three programs under the Online Programs category that do not require the GRE and are located at Central Michigan University, Davenport University, and Cornerstone University. 

There are six programs under the CACREP-Accredited programs category that do not require the GRE and are located at Andrews University, Oakland University, Spring Arbor University, University of Detroit Mercy, Wayne State University, and Western Michigan University. There is one program that does not require the GRE but scores may be submitted dependant on undergraduate GPA which is located at Eastern Michigan University.

Most Affordable Master in Counseling Programs in Michigan

Choosing an affordable Master in Counseling program is sometimes just as important as finding one that is academically sound. Under the Online Programs category, the most affordable program is located at Cornerstone University for a price of $565 per credit hour. The most affordable program under the CACREP-Accredited Programs category is located at Spring Arbor University for a price of $652 per credit hour. The most affordable program located under the No GRE Required Programs category is located at Sienna Heights University for a price of $680 per credit hour. 

The most affordable Master in Counseling program in Michigan overall is located at Cornerstone University.

Accelerated Master in Counseling Programs in Michigan

Due to the nature of Mental Health Counseling programs, most take about two to three years to complete. This is dependant on how often courses are offered and the speed at which programs allow their students to take those courses. This being the case, there are not many programs that are advertised as accelerated. However, the programs at Davenport University and Andrews University advertise that their programs are able to be completed in two years. This means that those are likely the programs that offer courses more frequently.

Required Courses for Licensure in Michigan

While it is not required that programs be CACREP-Accredited, the courses that meet the 2016 CACREP standards are also required for Licensure in Michigan. If the program is not CACREP-Accredited, additional courses are required. Those courses must include graduate coursework and training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. 

The following course topics are required for CACREP-Accreditation and therefore required for licensure in Michigan:

• 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 Michigan

The Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing gives the requirements to obtain licensure in the State of Michigan. There are two stages of licensure in Michigan. Those two stages are Limited Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor. The Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) licensure is the first stage of licensure. This stage requires supervision and the counselor with this license is unable to practice independently. The second stage is the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license. This is the second stage of licensure and does not require supervision. This counselor is able to practice independently without supervision.

Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC):

To obtain this licensure, the State of Michigan requires that applicants a criminal background check, good moral character questions, social security number, human trafficking training, english language proficiency (if English is second language), and implicit bias training. Official transcripts must be submitted from university program, a course evaluation (for programs not CACREP-Accredited), submit a copy of Professional Disclosure Statement, and an LPC Supervison form. 

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC):

To obtain this licensure, the State of Michigan requires that applicants meet all criteria of the LLPC license as well as certification of test scores of the National Counselor Examination (NCE), the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE), or the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). It is also required to upload working hours as an LLPC. This must include 3,000 hours of supervised experience gained over a period of two years and 100 hours of supervision.

Michigan Counseling FAQs (Obtained via the Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensure)

How long is a professional license issued for? 

An initial Professional Counselor license is valid until the next license expiration date of the profession unless the license is issued less than 120 days prior to the expiration date and then it will carry to the following year. After the first renewal, the license will be valid for three years.

Do I need to complete Continuing Education? 

The law for Counseling does not require continuing education for renewal.

How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make in Michigan

According to O*Net Online, a mental health counselor in Michigan makes an average of $50,460. This is slightly higher than the national average of $49,719.

How to Become a School Counselor in Michigan

According to the Michigan Department of Education:

“Applicants who are enrolled in a school counselor program at an approved Educator Preparation Institution will be evaluated for eligibility of a School Counselor License (SCL) by the in-state university certification officer based upon the program they are completing. While completing a program an applicant may initially be recommended for a Preliminary School Counselor License (PSCL) to support employment and school placement/assignment during internship.”

The School Counselor License (SCL) can be issued to those who have completed 30 credit hours of graduate coursework in an approved school counselor program resulting in a master’s degree, an internship of 600 hours or more under the supervision of a credentialed school counselor with 300 hours being direct student time, and passage of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) School Counselor Examination.

How Much Does a School Counselor Make in Michigan

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a school counselor in Michigan is $51,340. This is significantly less than the national average which is listed at $60,140.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Michigan

According to the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP), there are three stages of licensure of substance abuse counselors in the state. These three stages are: Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC), Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC), and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). 

Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC):

Requires a master’s degree or higher in counseling, social work, psychology, addiction studies, or marriage and family therapy. There is also an additional requirement of 2,000 hours providing counseling to those with addiction or substance use disorders. 186 hours of education are required with 180 hours specific to substance use disorders and six hours related to ethics. A total of 100 hours of post-masters supervision is required. 

Certified Drug & Alcohol Counselor (CDAC):

Requires a high school diploma/GED with 6,000 hours of providing addiction counseling to those with substance use disorders, an associate’s degree with 5,000 hours providing counseling to those with substance use disorders, a bachelor’s degree with 4,000 hours of providing counsleling to those with substance use disorders, or a master’s degree with 2,000 hours of providing counseling to those with substance use disorders. 

If applying with a bachelor’s degree this licensure requires a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, addiction studies, marriage and family therapy, family studies, sociology, human services, criminal justice, public health, nursing, or social science. 

If applying with a master’s degree this licensure requires a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, addiction studies, marriage and family therapy, or criminal justice. 

300 total hours of education are required with 180 being required to be in substance use disorders, 120 hours optional for substance use disorder, and six hours required of ethics. 

Those with a high school diploma/GED are required to have 300 hours of supervision. Those with an associate’s degree or higher are required to have 200 hours of supervision. 

Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS): 

To hold this licensure in the State of Michigan, it is required that on has a master’s degree with 6,000 hours of counseling those with substance use disorders with 4,000 of those hours being required in supervision.

How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Make in Michigan

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a substance abuse counselor in Michigan is $50,460. This is slightly higher than the national average of $49,710.

What Other Career Options Are Available For a Master’s in 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.