Counseling Degrees & Licenses in Oklahoma
Counseling Schools Search
Working as a counselor in Oklahoma can be a very rewarding career for the person interested in working with people in need. The need for counselors, in Oklahoma and in general, will grow as a growing population seeks mental health counseling.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) forecasts that careers in counseling fields will grow 15 percent nationally from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS predicts the job outlook for substance abuse counselors to grow at an even higher rate during that same decade (25 percent). Demand for rehabilitation counselors is expected to grow at a rate of 10 percent. On the other hand, the job outlook for marriage and family therapists is expected to grow at a rate of 22 percent.
As a graduate with a counseling degree in Oklahoma, students can expect to find a strong job market. To reach that goal, the state of Oklahoma requires that counseling graduates complete a program from a regionally accredited college or university, recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health recognizes counseling licensing for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Marital and Family Therapists (LMFTs), and Licensed Behavioral Practitioners (LBPs).
In order to qualify for Licensed Professional Counselors licensure in Oklahoma, students must have at least a master’s degree in counseling (or a mental health degree that is content-equivalent). Approved programs consist of at least 60 semester-credits (or 90 quarter-credits) of graduate counseling-related coursework, including a supervised internship. These specifications typically match up with programs that are approved by CACREP, or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs, an organization that accredits counseling education programs.
Choosing an accredited program can not only expand job opportunities but also can meet Oklahoma requirements for counseling education, along with those of many other states. The following programs are pre-approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health and accepted as schools offering programs for counseling degrees and licenses in Oklahoma.
| Featured Counseling Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Maryville University | Online BA - Psychology | Visit Site |
| Maryville University | Online BSW - Bachelor of Social Work | Visit Site |
| Pepperdine University | Online MA - Clinical Psychology (LMFT or LPC prep) | Visit Site |
| Capella University | BS - Psychology Pre-Counseling | Visit Site |
| Capella University | MS - Addiction Studies | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders (Graduate Certificate) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Behavioral Health - Clinical (DBH) | Visit Site |
| Sponsored | ||
Accredited Counseling Degree Programs in Oklahoma
Cameron University is a public university that emphasizes liberal arts, science and technology, and graduate and professional studies. The Department of Psychology’s master of science in behavioral science with general psychology, counseling, and marriage & family tracks is pre-approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health.
The counseling track is designed for graduate students who would like to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). The marriage and family track is designed for graduate students who would like to become Licensed Marital and Family Therapists (LMFT). Students who do not wish to pursue licensure who want to increase their understanding of human behavior or who wish to pursue a PhD would choose the general psychology track.
Although the counseling track is a 48-hour program, to complete state-mandated licensure requirements, students must complete an additional 12 hours of electives, making it a 60-credit program. The marriage and family track curriculum has been pre-approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health to meet the academic requirements for licensure as a marital and family therapist in Oklahoma. In addition to the 21-credit core, marriage and family students will complete an additional 27 credits for a total of 48.
- Location: Lawton, Oklahoma
- Duration: The counseling track is 48 credits plus 12 elective credits; the marriage and family track is 48 credits; the general psychology track is 33 credits (non-licensure)
- Accreditation: Cameron University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $255 per semester credit plus fees, Oklahoma resident; $628 per semester credit plus fees, non-resident
East Central University is one of Oklahoma’s public universities. The school’s College of Education and Psychology provides students with the following programs: an MEd (school counselor – LPC), an MS (psychological services – counselor psychology), and an MS (human resources – counselor).
The above three programs are pre-approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health. The master of psychology degrees allow students to choose from three master of science options. Students who successfully complete the school psychology track will be eligible to seek state school psychologist and school psychometrist certification. Students who complete the counseling psychology MS are eligible to seek state LPC and LBP licensure.
There is also a sports psychology MS, which prepares students to work specifically with athletes. Students in either the clinical rehabilitation or clinical mental health counseling programs are eligible for certification (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor – CRC) and licensure (Licensed Professional Counselor— LPC). An applicant for admission to the program must show evidence of professional potential.
- Location: Ada, Oklahoma
- Duration: The human resources, school counseling, option is 33 credits; counseling psychology and school psychology are 60 credits; sport psychology is 60 credits; clinical rehabilitation and clinical mental health counseling are 60 credits
- Accreditation: The clinical mental health counseling and clinical rehabilitation counseling programs are CACREP-approved; school counseling and school psychometry programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Tuition: $3,426.60 for 12 credits plus fees, Oklahoma resident; $4,285.80 for 12 credits plus fees, non-resident
Langston University is a public land-grant university (meaning it was established on federal land for the purpose of education). Langston University is also the only historically Black college in the state.
Their master of science, rehabilitation counselor – licensed professional counselor option is pre-approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health. The Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies (DRDS) offers an undergraduate rehabilitation services (RSP) and a CACREP-accredited master’s of science degree in rehabilitation counseling program (RCP).
- Location: Langston, Oklahoma
- Duration: 24 months, 48 credits
- Accreditation: CACREP
- Tuition: Estimated program cost $13,295, Oklahoma resident, $21,093 nonresident
Mid-America Christian University
Mid-America Christian University is a private liberal arts college that was initially founded as the South Texas Bible Institute in 1953 in Houston, Texas. The school’s master of science in counseling is pre-approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health. Classes for the MS in counseling degree are available 100 percent online or in-person weekly at MACU’s campus in south Oklahoma City.
All classes are scientifically based while also integrating faith-based principles. The degree program includes a practicum and internship at the end. The practicum will total a minimum of 100 hours over a minimum of a ten-week period. The internship will total a minimum of 600 hours of service.
The counseling program also has a substance abuse counseling master’s program, along with a marital, couples, and family counseling/therapy emphasis. Students in the substance abuse counseling graduate program will be prepared to seek licensure as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) or mental health counselor in Oklahoma. This program prepares graduates for a fulfilling career as a marriage and family therapist after obtaining state licensure. Courses are online and cohort-based. On-campus instruction in Oklahoma City may also be available for some classes.
- Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Duration: 60 credits
- Accreditation: Mid-America Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $642 per credit
Northeastern Oklahoma State University
Northeastern Oklahoma State University is a public university. The university has campuses in Tahlequah, Muskogee, and Broken Arrow, as well as online.
The master of science in counseling at Northeastern Oklahoma State University is both CACREP-approved and pre-approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health. the master of science in counseling: clinical mental health counselor program has a school counseling option, a master of counseling psychology – Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) track option, and a substance abuse counseling track.
All programs are 60 credits and include a 600-hour supervised internship experience. This program meets or exceeds the educational requirements for becoming either a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), or a Certified School Counselor (K-12) in Oklahoma and most other states.
The master of science in occupational therapy program is a 30-month program consisting of 81 hours. It focuses on training occupational therapists for the rural region of Eastern Oklahoma, and in particular to serve the Native Americans in the area. The program is designed to meet the requirements for the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association for professional accreditation. The program addresses the curricular standards of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
- Location: Tahlequah, Oklahoma
- Duration: 60 credits, occupational therapy is 30 credits
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; aaddiction counseling program is CACREP-approved
- Tuition: $291.65 per credit, Oklahoma resident; $606.15 per credit, non-resident
Oklahoma State University is a public land-grant research university that is the flagship institution of the Oklahoma State University System. Oklahoma State University, master of science in counseling is CACREP-approved and pre-approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health. Degree options include mental health counseling or school counseling.
- Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
- Duration: Students must complete 60 credits for the mental health counseling option or 57 credits for the school counseling option; school counseling students who wish to pursue licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) must complete 63 credits
- Accreditation: CACREP
- Tuition: $233.80 per credit, Oklahoma resident; $879.75 per credit, non-resident
Oral Roberts University is a private evangelical university founded in 1963 and named after its founder, evangelist Oral Roberts. The school’s MA in professional counseling (MAPC) is pre-approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health. All programs are faith-based. The MAPC degree offers three tracks toward state licensure with three possible concentrations:
- MA in professional counseling, professional counseling track (preparation for Licensed Professional Counselor credential or LPC)
- MA in professional counseling, marital and family therapy track (preparation for Licensed Marital and Family Therapist credential or LMFT)
- MA in professional counseling, addictions counseling track (preparation for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential or LADC)
- MA in professional counseling, professional counseling track, with a concentration in marital and family therapy (preparation for LPC and LMFT)
- MA in professional counseling, professional counseling track, with a concentration in addictions counseling (preparation for LPC and LADC)
- MA in professional counseling, marital and family therapy track, with a concentration in addictions counseling (preparation for LMFT and LADC)
These degrees are capable of meeting licensure requirements in all 50 states, and the school says their staff work with students to ensure that their degree is license-eligible in the state where they desire to reside. Courses are offered in a modular or residential learning format. The modular format combines 100 percent online courses with blended courses, in which most of the coursework is completed online while attending either a half-week or full-week of classes on on the Tulsa campus.
- Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Duration: 63+ credits
- Accreditation: Oral Roberts University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $560 per credit, plus fees
Rogers State University is a public university in Claremore, Oklahoma, with branch campuses in Bartlesville and Pryor Creek. Rogers State University’s Department of Psychology & Sociology offers a master of science in community counseling degree program which is pre-approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health.
The master of science in community counseling (MSCC) prepares students to sit for the National Counselor Exam (NCE) and the Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Exam (OLERE) required by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health for application as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) candidate.
- Location: Claremore, Oklahoma
- Duration: Two years attending full-time (15 credits per semester)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $166 per semester credit, Oklahoma resident; $449 per semester credit, non-resident
Southern Nazarene University is a private Nazarene liberal arts college. The school’s master in counseling psychology is pre-approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health. Students can choose from a master of arts or a master of science which is more research-focused.
Several concentrations are available for this program, including becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), becoming an MFT, becoming a play therapist, or a drug and alcohol counselor. All classes are faith-based.
- Location: Bethany, Oklahoma
- Duration: 60 credits
- Accreditation: Southern Nazarene University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $575 per credit
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a small public university in Durant, Oklahoma. All of the school’s counseling programs, which include a master of arts in clinical mental health counseling, a master of science in community counseling, a master of education in school counseling – LPC Option, and a special Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) curriculum, are all pre-approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health.
SOSU’s 100 percent online MEd in school counseling requires students to have a teaching certificate to enroll. Courses are accelerated and flexible, so students can complete their master’s online while continuing to work full time. Graduates of the master of arts in clinical mental health counseling are qualified to be licensed at the state level.
- Location: Durant, Oklahoma
- Duration: 60 credits
- Accreditation: Southeastern Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: Online school counseling: $11,424 total tuition; classroom $289 per credit; online $337
University of Central Oklahoma
The University of Central Oklahoma is a public university that is also the third-largest university in Oklahoma. The school’s College of Education and Professional Studies offers a master of education in school counseling, master of arts in psychology – counseling, a master of education – professional counseling degree program, and a clinical mental health counseling degree through the Department of Human Relations, all of which are pre-approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health.
The master’s degree in counseling psychology is a three-year, full-time program. Students in this counseling program are typically working towards Licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) or Behavioral Practitioner (LBP).
The master of education in school counseling degree prepares professional counselors who specialize in the PK-12 school environment. The program prepares both master’s students and post-master’s for the School Counselor Certification examination. The master of education in school counseling — school and professional counseling combines 33 hours of the necessary coursework to be eligible to take the Oklahoma School Counseling exam to become a School Counselor at the K-12 level. This program also includes the additional 27 hours required to be eligible to take the Licensed Professional Counselor exam in the state of Oklahoma.
The school also offers a certificate in licensed professional counseling, which is embedded within the master of education degree in school counseling and school and professional counseling only. This certificate provides students with the additional 27 credits and is designed for UCO school counseling students who wish to complete academic requirements for a licensed professional counselor in the state of Oklahoma.
Finally, the Department of Human Relations clinical mental health counseling degree prepares graduates to pursue a career as an LPC. Students who complete this program will meet the academic requirements for the LPC license in Oklahoma.
- Location: Edmond, Oklahoma
- Duration: 60 credits
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $337.87 per credit, Oklahoma resident; $417 per credit, non-resident
How Much Do Counselors Make in Oklahoma?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2020—the latest data available as of September 2021.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
| United States | Oklahoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 292,230 | 3,530 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $61,000 | $48,760 |
| 10th percentile | $34,380 | $27,060 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $57,040 | $47,060 |
| 90th percentile | $96,090 | $73,900 |
Marriage and Family Therapists
| United States | Oklahoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 60,850 | 600 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $54,590 | $65,050 |
| 10th percentile | $32,070 | $34,740 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $49,610 | $55,450 |
| 90th percentile | $87,700 | $114,650 |
Rehabilitation Counselors
| United States | Oklahoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 100,260 | 1,620 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $40,160 | $34,170 |
| 10th percentile | $23,820 | $17,350 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $39,950 | $25,010 |
| 90th percentile | $63,790 | $58,020 |
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
| United States | Oklahoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 293,620 | 3,630 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $49,950 | $47,470 |
| 10th percentile | $29,520 | $26,630 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $46,240 | $44,290 |
| 90th percentile | $76,080 | $74,640 |
Counseling Professional Associations & Resources in Oklahoma
- Mental Health Association Of Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Counseling Association
- Oklahoma Mental Health Counselor Association
- Oklahoma Association Of Colleges And Employers
- Oklahoma College Student Personnel Association
- Oklahoma School Counselor Association
- Oklahoma Career And Technical Education
- Oklahoma Works
- Career Guidance Network Of Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Drug & Alcohol Professional Counselor Association
- Oklahoma Department Of Mental Health And Substance Abuse
Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) Licenses in Oklahoma: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| State Board of Behavioral Health |
Oklahoma credentials Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). Applicants who have not completed their required supervised work experience may be licensed as Licensed Professional Counselor Candidates (LPC Candidates). To apply for an LPC license, candidates must:
|
Renewals for LPC licenses in Oklahoma are completed in three time periods: initial, interim, and annual. For an initial renewal candidates must renew two years from when it was first issued. Fees vary based on the expiration date. The next renewal is the interim cycle and is from the expiration date of the initial renewal till the 30th of June. Then, licenses renew annually. Continuing education requirements for interim renewals vary based on when the length of the license. In general, a license holder must complete 20 hours of continuing education hours. Three of those hours must be in ethics. |
School Counseling Licenses in Oklahoma
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma State Department of Education |
The Oklahoma State Department of Education certifies school counselors. The requirements for this certificate are:
|
Standard school counselor certificates issued in Oklahoma are valid for five years. To renew, school counselors must submit a completed application, pay a $50 renewal fee, and complete 125 professional development units. |
Substance Abuse Counseling Licenses in Oklahoma
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (OBLACD) | The Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors issues Licensed Alcohol Drug Counselor (LADC) licenses and Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC) certifications. CADC certificate candidates must:
LACD candidates must:
|
Renewals for LADCs and CADCs through the OBLACD are due annually. Renewals cost $125. In order to be eligible for renewal, counselors must complete 20 hours of continuing education, of which three hours must be in ethics. |
Rehabilitation Counseling Licenses in Oklahoma
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Rehabilitation counselors in Oklahoma are credentialed as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). Applicants who have not completed their required supervised work experience may be licensed as Licensed Professional Counselor Candidates (LPC Candidates). To apply for an LPC license, candidates must:
|
Renewals for LPC licenses in Oklahoma are completed in three time periods: initial, interim, and annual. For an initial renewal candidates must renew two years from when it was first issued. Fees vary based on the expiration date. The next renewal is the interim cycle and is from the expiration date of the initial renewal till the 30th of June. Then, licenses renew annually. Continuing education requirements for interim renewals vary based on when the length of the license. In general, a license holder must complete 20 hours of continuing education hours. Three of those hours must be in ethics. |
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Licenses in Oklahoma
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Licensed Behavior Analyst Board (OLBAB) |
The Oklahoma Licensed Behavior Analyst Board (OLBAB) licenses Behavior Analysts and Assistant Behavior Analysts. Requirements for certification or licensure are:
|
Licenses and certifications issued by the OLBAB must be renewed by April 30 of odd-numbered years. To renew, applicants must pay a $100 fee for behavior analysts (or $50 for assistants), as well as supply proof if current BABC certification. |
Marriage and Family Therapy Licenses in Oklahoma
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| State Board of Behavioral Health |
Oklahoma crdentials Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT). Applicants who have not completed their required supervised work experience may be licensed as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Candidates (LMFT Candidates). To apply for an LMFT license, candidates must:
|
Renewals for LMFT licenses in Oklahoma are completed in three time periods: initial, interim, and annual. For an initial renewal, candidates must renew two years from when the license was first issued. Fees vary based on the expiration date. The next renewal is the interim cycle and is from the expiration date of the initial renewal till the 30th of June. This renewal costs $100. Then, licenses renew annually and the fee is $100. Continuing education requirements for interim renewals varies based on when the length of the license. In general, a license holder must complete 20 hours of continuing education hours. Three of those hours must be in ethics. |
Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapy Licenses in Oklahoma
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Child therapists in Oklahoma are credentialed as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). Applicants who have not completed their required supervised work experience may be licensed as Licensed Professional Counselor Candidates (LPC Candidates). To apply for an LPC license, candidates must:
|
Renewals for LPC licenses in Oklahoma are completed in three time periods: initial, interim, and annual. For an initial renewal candidates must renew two years from when it was first issued. Fees vary based on the expiration date. The next renewal is the interim cycle and is from the expiration date of the initial renewal till the 30th of June. Then, licenses renew annually. Continuing education requirements for interim renewals vary based on when the length of the license. In general, a license holder must complete 20 hours of continuing education hours. Three of those hours must be in ethics. |
Vanessa Salvia
WriterVanessa Salvia is an Oregon-based freelance writer and editor with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. As fun as rigorous studies in math and science were, Vanessa took an independent path and developed a prolific career covering lifestyle and healthcare topics for magazines and newspapers, important industries such as concrete construction and building waterproofing, and even hard science. You can get in touch at Sage Media and Marketing.