Adams State University Online Counseling Degrees (PhD, Master’s)
Adams State University offers online graduate programs through its School of Counselor Education, including the master of arts in clinical mental health counseling, master of arts in school counseling, and PhD in counselor education & supervision. These programs prepare students to become professional counselors, educators, supervisors, researchers, and leaders with a focus on ethical practice, cultural competence, and current counseling trends.
All programs emphasize practical skills, theoretical knowledge, personal growth, and professional development through coursework, labs, practicums, and internships. The MA programs require two one-week on-campus residency labs, while the PhD requires three one-week residencies, blending online learning with hands-on faculty interaction, group formation, and supervision. Students develop competencies in multicultural counseling, crisis intervention, group work, assessment, ethics, and advocacy for diverse populations across the lifespan.
The master of arts in clinical mental health counseling is a 60-credit program that can be completed in five to seven semesters. The program trains students for careers in mental health clinics, private practice, hospitals, social services, corrections, and residential facilities. It meets Colorado requirements for licensed professional counselor candidacy with key courses including diagnosis and psychopathology; counseling modalities for clinical mental health; and clinical mental health counseling alongside core requirements like counseling theories; group counseling; and crisis, disaster, and trauma.
The master of arts program in school counseling also requires 60 credits and can be completed in five to seven semesters. The program equips graduates to support K-12 students’ academic, career, and social-emotional growth as special services providers without needing a teaching license. It fulfills Colorado coursework for school counselor licensure, featuring specialized courses such as foundations of school counseling; comprehensive school counseling; and counseling modalities in a school setting, plus core classes like life span development; career development; and assessment in counseling.
The online PhD in counselor education & supervision is a 60-credit program delivered through live synchronous instruction, preparing graduates for roles in teaching, supervision, research, leadership, and advocacy in academic and clinical settings. Students entering with a master’s in counseling or related fields build advanced skills through courses like advanced theories in counseling; supervision and consultation; quantitative research methodology; and leadership and advocacy in counselor education, culminating in a dissertation and internships in counseling, teaching, and supervision.
Admission to the MA programs in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling requires a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. The PhD program requires applicants to have a regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field, a 3.0 GPA or higher, and attendance at interviews, orientations, and residencies. Preferences include CACREP-accredited master’s, two-plus years of post-master’s experience, and current licensure, with small cohorts of 12 or fewer.
Adams State University is located in Alamosa, Colorado, and holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). All programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and the Colorado Department of Education. The MA degrees meet Colorado licensure coursework for school counseling and Licensed Professional Counselor, while students should verify state-specific requirements.
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MA – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
MA – School Counseling
Online Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
208 Edgemont Blvd.Alamosa, Colorado
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
No
2 – Two on-campus residencies required
60
Fall, Spring
Can be completed in 1.5 to 2.5 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.75
MA, RI
Program Tuition
60
$521.80
$31,308.00
$521.80
$31,308.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: School Counseling
No
2 – Two on-campus residencies required
60
Fall, Spring
Can be completed in 1.5 to 2.5 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.75
CT, DE, GA, HI, KY, ME, NE, NJ, TX
Program Tuition
60
$521.80
$31,308.00
$521.80
$31,308.00
Program Essentials
Doctoral Degree
Counseling: Education & Supervision, Counseling Psychology
No
3 – Three on-campus residencies required
60
Fall
Can be completed in 4 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0 or higher for Master's degree
CA, DC, PR
Program Tuition
60
$639.80
$38,388.00
$639.80
$38,388.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Farheen Gani
WriterFarheen Gani has researched degree programs and salaries in counseling since 2020. She has written about topics such as genetic counselor salaries and family and human development bachelor’s degrees. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).