Published October 2016
Welcome to our ranking of the three top master’s degrees in counseling in Idaho.
Of all the Midwestern and Western states, many of which are sparsely populated and have just a few post-secondary institutions (and thus lack an extensive selection of academic programs), Idaho is particularly impressive. Although it plays host to just three universities with accredited counselor education programs, these three schools offer nearly four times as many top master’s degrees in counseling between them – including Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs!
Click here to see the methodology we used for this best master’s in counseling degree ranking.
3. Boise State University
Boise, ID
School Counseling, M.A.; Counselor Education and Supervision, Ed.D.; Addiction Counseling, M.A.
Website
The Department of Counselor Education at Boise State University is one of the few in the country – and the only one in Idaho – to offer an accredited counseling master’s degree specifically in addiction counseling. Along with this distinct option, BSU also supports The Institute for the Study of Addiction, a multi-departmental initiative that provides addictions-related training, promotes awareness in the region, and facilitates research on the subject. But that’s not all. At Boise State, you’ll also find the Idaho Radar Center, a free resource for local residents interested in learning more about alcohol and drug use.
Tuition & Fees: $15,191/yr
Featured Programs
2. Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID
Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy, M. Coun.; Counselor Education and Supervision, Ph.D.; Student Affairs, M. Coun.; School Counseling, M. Coun.; Mental Health Counseling, M. Coun.
Website
Located in the Southeast corner of Idaho, the town of Pocatello – and Idaho State University by extension – doesn’t exactly scream “center of the action.” And yet, it would be easy to make the case that ISU is smack dab in the middle of counselor education programs, as it offers an incredible five accredited graduate degrees in counseling. That list includes four master’s degrees and one Ph.D., making Idaho State one of the top programs in the country when it comes to variety. Three of these programs (the Ph.D. and master’s degrees in student affairs and school counseling) have been accredited for nearly 30 years!
Tuition & Fees: $14,819/yr
1. Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, ID
Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy, M.S.; School Counseling, M.S.; Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
Website
Northwest Nazarene University has earned the unique honor of being both the highest rated school on this ranking and the home to the most affordable master’s in counseling degree in the state of Idaho. Although there are a variety of factors that influence the quality and affordability of a school, NNU distinguishes itself through its service-oriented, other-centered mission statement. A Christian university, Northwest Nazarene advocates for social responsiveness, servanthood, and strong communities. As a future counselor, you’ll find this attitude sets an inviting tone as you aspire to a life of meaningful work and a career of helping others heal.
Tuition & Fees: $8,814/yr
This concludes our ranking of the best graduate degrees in counseling in Idaho. We’ll be sure to update this list as more schools in Idaho develop accredited counseling programs, so stay tuned!
Related reading: Christian Counseling
Sources:
College Navigator
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Thomson Reuters Essential Science Indicators