The Graduate Record Examination (or GRE for short) is an exam that has been used since 1936 as one piece of the admissions criteria for masters in counseling programs when applicants apply to their programs. Over the last few years, many schools have moved away from this requirement because of the tests unintended consequence of limiting the diversity and total applicant pool of masters in counseling students.
Standardized tests are often flawed and less accurate at predicting success than other, less tangible factors. While a strong understanding of research, statistics, and variables is necessary for mental health counselors, calculus-level math is not. The math skills assessed on the GRE are often not directly related to the mental health counseling profession, which is one of the reasons why the GRE has been slowly moved away from.
We have compiled a list of 50 masters in counseling programs that do not require the GRE for admission. For those interested in providing counseling services in an academic setting, here are a collection of No GRE Required Masters in School Counseling programs.
No GRE Masters in Counseling Quick Facts
- The Year The GRE Introduced For Masters in Counseling Programs: 1936
- The Year Did Most Programs Stop Requiring the GRE: 2020-2021 (COVID)
- The Percentage of Masters in Counseling Programs Still Require the GRE: 4%
- Masters in Counseling Programs Still Requiring the GRE: ~50
- CACREP Accredited Programs Requiring the GRE: 38
Accredited No GRE Required Counseling Programs
Here is a list of twenty-seven accredited and competitive counseling graduate programs that do not require the GRE for admission:
Auburn University
Program: Master of Education (M.ED.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Year The GRE Was No Longer Required: 2020-2021
Named a “Best Value” in Education, Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, has been educating students for 160 years. It is known as Alabama’s top public university and has a population of over 23,000 students.
At a large university such as Auburn, the choice of programs is vast and expansive, and many programs don’t require the GRE for entry. The Graduate School offers several counseling programs with varying degrees, from certificate or Master’s to Ph.D. They offer programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Rehabilitative Counseling, Counseling Psychology, and Counselor Education, to name a few.
The student body at Auburn University is described as a good mix of studious and social, with Greek Life and Athletic events as the main focus of social life.
California State University – Fullerton
Cal State Fullerton is located in the greater Los Angeles area. It is a large public university with a student body of over 27,000 students. Cal State Fullerton offers a Master of Science in Counseling accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
The No GRE Required Master of Science in Counseling program is a total of 63 credits focusing on working with diverse populations. Admission to Cal State Fullerton is less selective, and approximately 60 students are admitted into the program each year.
San Diego State University
SDSU is a large, high-ranking public university in beautiful San Diego, California. They offer an online/in-person hybrid Master of Arts program in Counseling. As part of the School of Education, the MA in Counseling has mostly online courses with some 3-5 day in-person workshops.
The program is CACREP-accredited and typically completed in 3 years. Students will learn contemporary counseling practices that focus on counseling recovery and trauma-informed care. Graduates of this program will be prepared to address the mental health and relational needs of culturally diverse populations. SDSU describes admission to the program as based on a constellation of skills and knowledge.
Colorado State University
Colorado State is a large public university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. They offer 26 graduate programs and have a graduate student body of over 7,000 students. The Master of Arts in Counseling and Career Development comes with a choice of specializations, including Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
The Mental Health Counseling MA is a 60-credit program that generally takes two years to complete and is CACREP-accredited, in addition to not requiring the GRE for entry. With this degree, graduates will be prepared to work as therapists in various settings, such as inpatient and outpatient hospital programs, residential facilities, hospice care, and private practice.
Fairfield University
Fairfield is a private Catholic university on the coast of Connecticut with an NCAA Division I Athletics program. Its graduate school has a student body of over 1,000 and offers CACREP-accredited programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. Fairfield boasts that their CMHC program is Connecticut’s #1 top-value counseling degree.
The Master of Arts degree is a 60-credit hour program with the option for a Sixth Year Certificate of Advanced Study in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This certificate is a separate program for individuals who have already obtained a counseling master’s degree and are looking to be licensed in Connecticut. Graduates of either program will be eligible to apply for licensure in Connecticut.
University of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport is a private university on the coast of Connecticut with an NCAA Division II Athletics program. It is a small school with an undergrad population of over 1,400 students and a grad school population of over 2,000. The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit-hour evidence-based learning program.
The program requires 700 hours of field experience, including 100 hours of practicum and a 600-hour internship. It is CACREP-accredited, doesn’t require the GRE, and generally takes about two years to complete. A strong candidate for admission will have an undergraduate GPA of over 3.0 and over nine months of experience working in a related field.
Wilmington University
Located in New Castle, Delaware, on the outskirts of Philadelphia, this small, private university has a 100% acceptance rate. The Graduate School is extensive, with over 5,700 students and 37 programs. Wilmington University has NCAA Division II Athletics and is listed as a “best value” university in the United States.
In addition to not requiring the GRE for entry, the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is CACREP-accredited and generally takes three years to complete. The first two years are coursework, with the third year devoted to a clinical training experience. Wilmington’s program is a hybrid model that utilizes both asynchronous and synchronous digital learning as well as in-person learning.
Barry University
Barry University, a private Catholic university, sits in Miami Shores, Florida. Barry uses Rolling Admissions and has a 64% acceptance rate. The Graduate School offers 44 programs with a student body of over 3,700.
Barry’s Master of Science in Counseling is CACREP-accredited and offers three specializations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marital, Family and Couple Counseling, and School Counseling. The CMHC program is offered both fully online and in-person. In addition to being offered at the Miami Shores campus, the CMHC program is also available at the Nassau, Bahamas campus of Barry University.
Georgia Southern University
GSU is a large public university located in Statesboro, Georgia. It has over 19,000 undergraduate students and over 3,000 graduate students. GSU also has campuses in Armstrong, GA, and Liberty, GA, and a school dedicated to fully online studies. GSU has rolling admissions and is known for having top activities ranking for Greek Life, Athletics, and food on campus.
GSU offers a Masters in Education in Counselor Education and has two concentrations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. It is a CACREP-accredited in-person program with a 60 credit hour requirement and 600 hours of internship experience. Entry terms for the program are only fall or summer.
The University of Northern Iowa
Located in the picturesque Cedar Valley of Iowa, this institution is known for being a top school for Education and Health Sciences. The University of Northern Iowa offers an Advanced Studies Certificate (ASC) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This program is designed for experienced School Counselors who want to transition to being certified as a Mental Health Counselor.
The ASC is 18 credit hours and delivered in a cohort style. The CACREP-accredited program will take approximately four semesters to complete, including a practicum and internship experience.
Northwest Nazarene University
Situated in Nampa, Idaho, in the Boise Valley lies a learning community that supports students in exploring their passion. NNU is a Christian university with rolling admissions, no GRE for entry, and an 88% acceptance rate. The graduate school is small, with only 600 students.
NNU offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that is CACREP-accredited and requires 60 credits and 1,000 hours of practicum/internship experience. The typical student will complete the program in 3 years. The program is offered at both the Nampa and Twin Falls campuses. Part-time, weekend, and evening classes are available and enable students to work while completing the program.
DePaul University
DePaul is a private Catholic university in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. The large graduate school has over 7,000 students enrolled in one of 100 graduate programs. DePaul University is known for highly rated academics and NCAA Division I athletics programs.
DePaul offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. It is structured in quarters, requires 90 quarter hours, and takes at least three years to complete. The program has a focus on multiculturalism and working with diverse populations. The program is CACREP-accredited.
University of Illinois Springfield
UIS is part of the University of Illinois system. It is known for smaller size classes and being a “Best Value” in education. This mid-size public university offers more than 70 graduate programs, certificates, and in-person and online learning options. Most grad students at UIS are utilizing part-time study and either working or tending to other obligations while completing their degree.
UIS has a Master of Arts in Human Development Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program is CACREP-accredited and can be completed in as little as one year. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Exam in Counseling.
Valparaiso University
This small, private Christian school is located in Valparaiso, Indiana. With only 500 graduate students, the small class size allows for personal attention from professors. They offer rolling admission and pride themselves on providing a quality, affordable education.
The VU Master of Arts Counseling degree is CACREP-accredited, doesn’t require the GRE, and takes two years to complete or longer with part-time study. The MA in Counseling boasts a 100% job placement rate as well as a 100% passing rate on the National Counselor Exam. Strong candidates will have a 3.0 GPA or higher from their undergraduate studies.
Wichita State University
WSU is an affordable, mid-sized public institution located in Wichita, Kansas. They offer NCAA Division I Athletics and are known as one of the best colleges for sports in Kansas. The graduate school has an enrollment of approximately 2,900 students and offers in-person and distance-learning programs.
Wichita State’s Master of Education in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling track prepares students for Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board licensure. The 60-credit hour program is designed to be completed in two years. The program is CACREP-accredited, and in-person, online, or hybrid classes are offered.
Louisiana State University
Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, LSU is a large public university known for its above-average academics and exciting NCAA Division I Athletics. LSU is ranked as the #2 school in the country for College Athletics. LSU Graduate School has a large student body of over 5,700 students and over 70 programs. Many of these programs do not require the GRE, and some of them are offered online.
LSU’s Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit program typically completed in three years. The program focuses on evidence-based practices and advocates for social justice. It prepares graduates to work with diverse populations. The CACREP-accredited program meets the educational requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana.
Johns Hopkins University
In the coastal city of Baltimore, Maryland, lies the large, private institution of Johns Hopkins University. One of the largest graduate schools on this list, the student body is over 20,000 students attending one of the over 100 programs. Johns Hopkins is a highly competitive university with only an 8% acceptance rate.
The Master of Science in Counseling program at JHU is 60 credits and takes three to five years to complete. It is CACREP-accredited and offered in person only. Graduates are prepared to meet the licensure standards for the state of Maryland.
Husson University
This small, private university sits in Bangor, Maine’s beautiful, safe town. Husson prides itself on keeping class sizes small and providing students experiential learning opportunities. The graduate school has an enrollment of 800 students and offers 17 programs.
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at HU is a 63-credit-hour program with 900 hours of internship experience. The program is CACREP-accredited and can be completed in as little as one year. Graduates are eligible to sit for the licensure exams to either become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) or a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) in the state of Maine.
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud State University is located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, on the banks of the scenic Mississippi River. The graduate school has 1,800 students and 57 programs, with seven programs offered online that do no require the GRE. The St.Cloud campus is described as inclusive and vibrant.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at SCSU is a Master of Science delivered in a cohort format. SCSU only admits 18 students to the program per year. Students must complete a supervised clinical experience on campus before interning in the community. They have a 100% placement rate for internships and are CACREP-accredited.
Missouri State University
MSU is an above-average public university located in the small city of Springfield, Missouri. It is known as one of the top institutions in the country for online college programs. The graduate school has 3,500 students in 54 programs, 23 offered entirely online.
The Master of Science program in Counseling is CACREP-accredited and, in addition, offers certificates in Play Therapy, School Counseling, and TeleMental Health. Graduates of the program can apply for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with Missouri. The program takes 60 credit hours; students typically finish in two years.
Campbell University
Campbell is a private Christian university in the small town of Buies Creek, North Carolina. It is primarily known for its strong business programs and small-town suburban living. The graduate school has an enrollment of 2,200 students, with only 10% of students studying part-time.
Campbell University School of Education & Human Sciences offers a CACREP-accredited 60-semester-hour graduate program culminating in a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree. Students are admitted in both the fall and spring semesters. Upon graduation, students will have satisfied the educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC).
University of North Carolina – Greensboro
UNC Greensboro is a mid-sized public university in the North Carolina education system known for its diversity, liberal education, and gorgeous campus. Students report that UNCG is an inclusive and active community with events where people of different backgrounds come together.
UNCG offers a Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program is CACREP-accredited and in-person on the main campus. Classes are offered during the day only and students primarily study full-time. Greensboro’s Department of Counseling and Educational Development (CED) is consistently listed as a top counseling program by the US News and World Report.
North Dakota State University
The large public institution of NDSU is located in Fargo, North Dakota. With NCAA Division I athletics, NDSU is celebrated as one of the country’s best places for college sports. The graduate school has an enrollment of 2,900 students and offers 69 programs, both in-person and online.
The Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is 60 credit hours, including 100 hours of practicum and 900 hours of internship experience. It typically takes a student three years to complete, and the program does not require the GRE for admission. Students can obtain a Master’s of Education or a Master of Science in Counseling.
Montclair State University
A public university with gorgeous Spanish-style architecture sits 12 miles outside New York City in Montclair, New Jersey. It has a graduate study body of just over 4,000, with 60% enrolled in part-time study. The admissions requirement for undergraduate GPA is 3.0 or higher.
Montclair offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program consists of 60 credit hours and three semesters of fieldwork. Classes are offered in the evenings and in the summer session. Graduates meet the qualifications for the initial counselor licensure in New Jersey.
The College of New Jersey
TCNJ is consistently ranked as one of the top universities, public or private, in the United States. With 6,500 undergrads and only 600 graduate students, the smaller size means more individual attention from professors and more competitive admissions standards. The campus is located in Ewing, New Jersey, and boasts beautiful buildings of colonial-style architecture.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program within the MA degree programs in Counselor Education offers Generalist Practice or Addiction Counseling options. The 60-credit Master of Arts program is CACREP-accredited and meets the educational standards for licensure in New Jersey.
Canisius University
Canisius is a private Catholic university located in the city of Buffalo, New York. Canisius has a beautiful, urban campus with a great lawn and chapel. The graduate school offers 29 different programs and has a student body of approximately 1,000 students.
CU’s Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a CACREP-accredited 60-credit-hour program that typically takes about two years to complete. Classes are offered in person, and students can choose part-time or full-time enrollment options. Graduates meet the educational requirement for the New York State License in Mental Health Counseling.
Hofstra University
Hofstra University offers large university sports and programs while keeping a small school feel. This large, private university, located just outside New York City in the suburban town of Uniondale, New York, has an exciting NCAA Division I athletics program and a School of Medicine and Law.
Hofstra’s Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling requires 60 credit hours of coursework, including 600 hours of internship experience. Students can do another 300 hours of internship experience as an elective course. The program is CACREP-accredited and meets the educational standards for the Mental Health Counselor License in New York State.
50 No GRE Required Masters in Counseling Programs
| University | Program | Modality | GRE Policy | Accreditation |
| Northwestern University | MA in Counseling (Counseling@Northwestern) | Online + short immersions | GRE not required | CACREP |
| NYU Steinhardt | MA in Counseling for Mental Health & Wellness (Online) | Online | GRE not required | MCPAP |
| Sacred Heart University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online) | Online (with brief residencies) | No GRE required | CACREP |
| Western Kentucky University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Digital Pathway) | Online | No GRE required | CACREP |
| Western Kentucky University | MAE in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling | Online/Campus | GRE not required | CACREP |
| Old Dominion University | MSEd in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health) | Primarily online options | GRE typically not required (program discretion) | CACREP |
| UNC Charlotte | MA in Counseling (CMHC / School) | Campus / some online | GRE or MAT not required | CACREP |
| Clemson University | Counselor Education (MEd/EdS) | Campus / hybrid | GRE not required | CACREP |
| Northern Arizona University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Multi-site / hybrid | GRE not required if GPA threshold met | CACREP |
| Liberty University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online) | Online (intensives in person or synchronous) | No GRE listed | CACREP |
| Walden University | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Online | No GRE required | CACREP |
| Adams State University | MA in Counseling (CMHC/School) | Online + short labs | GRE not required | CACREP |
| Marshall University | MA in Counseling (CMHC / School) | Online | GRE not required | CACREP |
| University of West Alabama | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online) | Online | No GRE required | CACREP |
| University of the Cumberlands | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online) | Online | No GRE required | CACREP |
| East Carolina University | MS in Counselor Education (CMHC) | Distance Ed (online) | GRE not required for most applicants (policy may vary) | CACREP |
| North Carolina Central University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online) | Online (with residencies) | GRE not required | CACREP |
| Troy University | MS in Counseling / Clinical Mental Health | Online + 2 residencies | GRE not required (per grad admissions exceptions) | CACREP |
| Northern State University | MSEd in Counseling | HyFlex / online-friendly | GRE not required | CACREP |
| Central Methodist University | MS in Clinical Counseling (Digital) | Online | No GRE listed | CACREP |
| Antioch University (Seattle) | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Online/hybrid options | GRE not required | CACREP |
| Antioch University (New England) | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Low-residency/online | GRE not required | CACREP |
| Capella University | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Online | No GRE required | CACREP |
| Regent University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Online | GRE not required | CACREP |
| Bradley University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online) | Online | No GRE required | CACREP |
| Concordia University Irvine (Townsend Institute) | MA in Counseling | Online | GRE not required | CACREP |
| Colorado Christian University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Online | GRE not required | CACREP |
| Saybrook University | MA in Counseling (CMHC) | Online + residential conferences | No GRE required | CACREP |
| Commonwealth University | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 100% online | GRE not required | CACREP |
| Pepperdine University (GSEP) | MA in Clinical Psychology (MFT) | Online | No GRE required | WSCUC |
| Grand Canyon University | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Online | GRE not required | CACREP |
| University of Denver (Morgridge) | MA in Counseling Psychology | Campus/Hybrid | GRE not required | Not CACREP |
| Boston University School of Medicine | MS in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine | Campus | No GRE required | MPCAC |
| University of North Dakota | MA in Counseling | Campus/Online tracks | No GRE required | CAEP & CACREP (for specific tracks) |
| Butler University | MS in School Counseling | Online | No GRE required | CACREP |
| Walsh University | MA in Counseling and Human Development (CMHC/School) | Online | No GRE required | CACREP |
| Lamar University | MEd in Counseling & Development (Clinical Mental Health) | Online | GRE waived/not required for many applicants | CACREP |
| Lamar University | MEd in Counseling & Development (School Counseling) | Online | GRE waived/not required | CACREP |
| University of the Southwest | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Online | GRE not required | CACREP |
| University of West Florida | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Online/Hybrid | GRE not required if GPA threshold met | CACREP |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Online/Hybrid | GRE not required (admissions alternatives) | CACREP |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Online | No GRE required | CACREP |
| University of Mary Hardin–Baylor | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Campus/Hybrid | GRE not required | CACREP |
| Grace College | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Online + residencies | No GRE required | CACREP |
| Missouri Baptist University | MA in Counseling (CMHC) | Online/Campus | GRE not required | CACREP |
| LeTourneau University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Online | GRE not required | CACREP |
| Huntington University | MA in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health) | Hybrid/Online | GRE not required | CACREP |
| Ottawa University | MA in Counseling (CMHC) | Online | GRE not required | CACREP |
| Cornerstone University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Online | GRE not required | CACREP |
Application Requirements For No GRE Masters in Counseling Programs
When seeking acceptance to a master’s degree program in Counseling that doesn’t require the GRE, you can expect to have to provide the following for admission:
- Official Transcripts from your undergraduate studies
- An essay or personal statement of goals
- Letters of Recommendation
- Resume
Let’s look at these requirements more in-depth.
1. Official Transcripts from Undergraduate Studies:
Admission to a graduate program requires first completing an undergraduate degree in a related field. The transcript of your academic record from your undergraduate institution will show that you completed your degree and how you performed in your courses.
2. An Essay or Personal Statement of Goals:
This requirement will vary slightly at every college or university, but almost all require a writing sample for admission. This writing sample gives the admissions officers a look into your personality while assessing your writing skills. They want to learn about you and what motivates you to become a Mental Health Counselor.
3. Letters of Recommendation:
Most graduate programs require one to three Letters of Recommendation in their applications. The best people to recommend you for admission are former professors, teachers, or coaches; your boss or supervisor (past or present); and someone working in a related field who has observed your work and has a desire to enter the field.
4. Resume:
Your resume should be clear and concise, not too long or wordy. It should highlight your education, extra-curricular activities, and ways you have begun to work in the field. If you desire to enter a mental health counselor program, highlighting jobs or volunteerism in that or a related area is best. For example, if you were a camp counselor in the summers of college, that is a relatable area of work.
These requirements are often viewed as more valuable predictors of your ability to succeed in an MHC program than the GRE standardized exam. However, many programs include a clause that if your undergraduate GPA is below a desired standard, they may require you to take the GRE to gain admission.
Additional Counseling Programs That Don’t Require the GRE
The Future of Counseling and Mental Health
Mental Health Counselors are in more demand than ever. As people become more open to receiving support and healthcare companies expand their coverage for mental health concerns, the number of people seeking a supportive and helpful counselor is growing. Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC’s) have similar training and abilities as Social Workers and Psychologists. Many provide different types of therapy and can prescribe medication or work in a partnership or group that can prescribe and manage the medication.
Overall, the field of counseling can be both challenging and rewarding. There are many different paths that an individual can take in the field of counseling, and completing the research upfront can help to ensure that a professional finds a graduate degree and career that is fulfilling.
