Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A.
Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Earn your CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from WKU. Our fully digital pathway is designed to fit your studies around your life, not the other way around.
Program at a Glance
Credit Hours
60
Program Format
Digital
GRE Requirement
None
Completion Time
2 - 4 Years
Program Information
A 60-credit hour program designed for a meaningful and successful counseling career.
Why Choose Our Program?
Flexible & Practice-Ready
Fit your education around your life with flexible online coursework. This program is enhanced by required on-campus residencies to ensure you master the essential, hands-on skills for your counseling career.
Accredited Online Excellence
Our digital pathway features the same CACREP-accredited curriculum and expert faculty as our residential program. Receive a gold-standard WKU education trusted by employers and licensing boards.
A Clear Path to Licensure
Graduate ready to pursue your career. Our curriculum meets the educational requirements for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credential in Kentucky and beyond.
Expert Practitioner Faculty
Learn from professors who are also seasoned clinicians, supervisors, and leaders in the counseling profession. Gain real-world insights and mentorship that bridge the gap between academic theory and clinical practice.
CMHC Residency Requirement
To comply with accreditation policy, all counseling students must attend two mandatory on-campus weekend Counseling Residencies.
Top Questions
Choosing a graduate program is a significant decision, and we know you have important questions about what your journey will look like. To help you get started, we've gathered the most common questions from prospective students about our counseling programs.
What are the main application requirements, and is the GRE required?
That's a great question! We're excited you're interested in our program. The good news is we do not require the GRE or a specific undergraduate degree for admission.
Our primary requirements for applicants include:
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (or 3.0 on the last 60 hours)
- A completed online application
- A Statement of Interest according to the Department's instructed prompts, a current resume, and three letters of recommendation
How does the digital pathway work? Is it self-paced?
Our digital pathway provides the same quality experience as our residential program through a mix of live, synchronous classes via Zoom and other online coursework. The live Zoom classes are not self-paced; they meet on the same dates and times as the face-to-face courses. You can find the specific schedule of classes on TopNet.
Is the program completely online? Are there any on-campus requirements?
On-Campus Residencies Requirement
(For students starting Fall 2026 or later)
Per CACREP Policy, all counseling students, including digital and residential, must attend two mandatory Counseling Skills Residencies held at WKU's Bowling Green campus. These (face-to-face) residencies are embedded within the CNS 559 Techniques in Counseling course (offered fall semester, first Friday & Saturday in November) and CNS 554 Group Counseling (offered spring semester, first Friday & Saturday in April) in addition the regular weekly meetings required within the courses.
What to Expect
CNS 559: Techniques in Counseling - First Friday & Saturday in November
CNS 554: Group Counseling - First Friday & Saturday in April
Schedule: Friday afternoon/evening & all day Saturday
Requirement: Full attendance is mandatory to pass these courses and graduate.
Student Responsibility: Transportation & lodging arrangements.
How do I apply specifically for the digital pathway?
When you complete the WKU Graduate School application for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, you must select the "Digital" pathway option to be considered for the online program. Click to learn more about applying to the Digital Program.
When can I start the digital program? Is it different from the residential start dates?
Admission for the digital pathway is for the fall semester only. This differs from the residential pathway, which accepts applications for both fall and spring semesters.
Who should I contact for questions about tuition and financial aid?
We strongly recommend you consult with financial offices before the March 31 confirmation deadline. For specific questions, please contact:
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The Office of Billing and Account Services for questions about tuition, fees, and payment deadlines.
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The Office of Student Financial Assistance for guidance on financial aid and scholarships.
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The Graduate School for questions about the admissions process or your application status.
Have questions? We're here to help.
Department of Counseling
and Student Affairs
Gary A. Ransdell Hall 3036
1906 College Heights Blvd. #51031,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030
(270) 745-4953
Program Info
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
- JUMP in Counseling
- Student Affairs
Department Info
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