Published September 2016
Welcome to our ranking of the four top master’s degrees in counseling in Minnesota.
If you’re thinking about earning your master’s or Ph.D. in counseling and you live in Minnesota (or you would like to) take a look at these top-ranked schools. Minnesota’s state public schools dominate this ranking, comprising three of the four top colleges for counselor education in the state. But you may be happy to hear that Minnesota’s private colleges are virtually indistinguishable from their government-run counterparts – at least when it comes to annual tuition. In fact, all of the universities on this list feature tuition rates of less than $10,500 a year, proving that a top-tier education doesn’t have to come at a top-tier cost.
Click here to see the methodology we used for this best master’s in counseling degree ranking.
4. St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN
Community Counseling, M.S.; School Counseling, M.S.; Student Affairs, M.S.
Website
Individuals who are interested in the helping professions will be in good hands at St. Cloud State University, which houses an impressive School of Health and Human Services (SHHS). Within this school of 2,500 students, the Department of Community Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy stands out as a main attraction for those who are both fascinated by the human mind and passionate about helping others. In addition to three CACREP accredited counseling master’s degrees, St. Cloud also boasts a CORE-accredited Rehabilitation Counseling program and an AAMFT-accredited Marriage and Family Therapy degree. And in 2015, the department received a generous $1 million grant to fund scholarships specifically for rehab and addictions counseling students.
Tuition and Fees: $10,105/yr
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3. Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, MN
Counselor Education and Supervision, Ed.D.; Community Counseling, M.S.; School Counseling, M.S.; Student Affairs, M.S.; Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
Website
The second-largest public university in the state, Minnesota State University at Mankato is a force to be reckoned with in the Midwest. Counted amongst its more than 80 graduate programs are three CACREP accredited master’s in counseling degrees and a Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision. The selection alone puts MSU-Mankato head and shoulders above most colleges with counseling graduate programs, but that’s just the beginning. MSU Mankato’s seriously rock-bottom tuition rates make it the most affordable counseling master’s degree program in Minnesota. But despite the cheap price, the department is rich and resources. As a student, you’ll have access to modern facilities like the CSP Clinical Laboratory and popular events like the Annual Fall Play Therapy Conference.
Tuition and Fees: $7,547/yr
2. Winona State University
Winona, MN
Community Counseling, M.S.; School Counseling, M.S.
Website
Located just two hours from Mankato on the banks of the Mississippi River, Winona State University is busy offering a “progressive” counselor education for contemporary students. Perhaps the best master’s degrees in counseling for busy, nontraditional students, WSU’s programs feature evening and weekend classes; coursework available on multiple campuses; and a variety of scheduling options that include face-to-face, hybrid, and online delivery. Winona State has even established partnerships with local organizations, such as the Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center and Hawthorne Learning Center, to facilitate experiential learning opportunities for counseling students.
Tuition and Fees: $9,140/yr
1. Minnesota State University-Moorhead
Moorhead, MN
Community Counseling, M.S.; School Counseling, M.S.; Student Affairs, M.S.; College Counseling, M.S.
Website
The second of two Minnesota State University public schools on this list and the 1st place winner of our master’s in counseling degree ranking, MSU Moorhead is a top choice for Minnesota residents and visitors alike. The school’s Counseling and Student Affairs (CNSA) program is characterized by an eclectic, integrative approach to education. At its core, the program has a “generalist orientation” that emphasizes a combination of interpersonal skill development, theoretical understanding, and practical techniques in all areas of study. However, you will still have plenty of opportunities to customize the counseling graduate degree to your own needs by choosing one of three focus areas and selecting internships specifically suited to your career goals.
Tuition and Fees: $10,434/yr
This concludes our ranking of the best graduate degrees in counseling in Minnesota.
You might also like: Are the Kids Alright? Young People and Mental Health
Sources:
College Navigator
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Thomson Reuters Essential Science Indicators