Published November 2016
If you’re thinking about earning your master’s or Ph.D. in counseling, take a look at our ranking of the four top master’s degrees in counseling in Oklahoma. Although its nickname, “The Sooner State” might seem a little outdated to those who know the history behind the title, one could easily re-brand the concept as a reference to how quickly you’ll want to apply for one of the top master’s degrees in counseling that Oklahoma universities offer. For eager, dedicated students, these schools are ready to provide a launch pad to a successful, long-lasting career in the counseling profession.
Methodology
Click here to see the methodology we used for this best master’s in counseling degree ranking.
4. Northeastern State University
Tahlehquah, OK
Addiction Counseling, M.S.; School Counseling, M.S.; Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
Website
Located in the foothills of the Ozarks, Northeastern State University is the oldest post-secondary school in Oklahoma. NSU has a rich cultural history entwined with that of the Cherokee nation, which plays a significant role in many of the school’s educational options. Students in NSU’s affordable counseling master’s degree program have an unusual amount of flexibility in their degrees. With three specializations (each of which occupy 18 hours of coursework) and an optional research thesis, there are plenty of options to choose from at NSU. The cohort-based program format also means that you can expect an intimate academic environment with ample time to get to know your classmates.
Tuition & Fees: $6,543/yr
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3. East Central University
Ada, OK
Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, M.S.
Website
East Central University is the only school on this Oklahoma counseling graduate degree ranking to be both CACREP- and CORE-accredited, and the school believes this dual accreditation makes its graduates significantly more attractive to potential employers. It’s certainly nice to know that ECU’s affordable master’s degree in counseling qualifies graduates to become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors in addition to Licensed Professional Counselors, and the coursework reflects this dual focus, with classes that touch on both disability (like Medical Aspects of Disability) and counseling (like Career and Life-Style Development). With such a specific mission, ECU definitely fulfills a unique need – and produces uniquely qualified counselors.
Tuition & Fees: $7,283/yr
2. Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK
School Counseling, M.S.; Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
Website
As one of three land-grant institutions in Oklahoma, OSU integrates the land-grant obligation to contribute to the public good into its top master’s in counseling degree program. The school aims to train a diverse set of students with its highly multicultural and tolerant program, which features a number of instructors who focus on LGBT and social justice issues. Both degree options include a Multicultural Counseling course, and diversity is an essential element of many of the program’s evaluation metrics. In addition, the College of Education (which administers OSU’s accredited graduate degree in counseling) sponsors regular speakers and workshops with a focus on diversity.
Tuition & Fees: $14,307/yr
1. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A.
Website
Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers the best master’s degree in counseling in Oklahoma because the school provides a comprehensive counseling education at an affordable price. Fields usually reserved for electives, like psychopharmacology and crisis and disaster counseling, are a vital part of SE’s standard coursework, with one elective left up to students. That lack of choice may be off-putting to some, but one look at the sheer variety of subjects covered under this top counseling master’s degree curriculum will quickly quell any fears of a narrow-minded or inflexible academic experience. And there’s plenty to do outside of class, as well; counseling students at SE regularly organize fundraisers and partake in other community-centric events.
Tuition & Fees: $7,302/yr
This concludes our ranking of the best graduate degrees in counseling in Oklahoma. For more master’s in counseling degrees in the Midwest, be sure to check our list of the 3 Top Value Counseling Master’s Degrees in Kansas.
Sources:
College Navigator
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Thomson Reuters Essential Science Indicators