Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling FAQs

Yes, quality online counseling programs maintain rigorous accreditation standards. Eastern Oregon University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), ensuring that your degree meets high educational standards and is recognized nationwide. Additionally, Eastern Oregon University’s online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed for you to meet the educational and clinical experience requirements for counseling licensure in Oregon and most states, this program is not currently accredited by CACREP. Our program will apply for CACREP accreditation as soon as it is eligible, which is upon graduation of the first cohort, estimated for August 2025.

EOU’s online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program requires no on-campus attendance or travel to the university . All coursework is delivered 100% online through a blend of synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (self-paced) learning formats. You’ll complete your practicum, internship, and potentially an advanced internship at a counseling site in your local community.

EOU’s program includes 700 total clinical hours divided across three supervised field experiences: Practicum (100 hours), Internship (300 hours), and Advanced Internship (300 hours). These clinical experiences occur during the final three terms of the program after you complete your core coursework. The practicum requires 40 direct client contact hours and 60 indirect service hours, while each internship requires a combination of direct and indirect hours working with clients under supervision. Learn more about the individual requirements on our courses page.

EOU has designed a straightforward admissions process to help you begin your counseling career. To apply for the online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, you’ll need to provide transcripts from a regionally accredited college or university, a GPA of at least 3.0, two essays, three letters of recommendation, and the application fee.

No, EOU does not require the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or any other standardized test for admission to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. We believe your undergraduate academic performance, professional experiences, personal essays, and letters of recommendation provide a comprehensive picture of your readiness for graduate study. Learn more on our admissions page.

A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred for admission to EOU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. However, applicants with GPAs between 2.5 and 2.9 are encouraged to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis through a holistic review process We encourage all interested candidates to apply and discuss their qualifications with an enrollment counselor. Learn more on our admissions page.

Yes, EOU has a generous transfer credit policy for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. You can transfer up to 135  quarter credit hours (equivalent to 9 semester credit hours) of graduate-level coursework from other accredited institutions. Transfer credits must be relevant to the counseling curriculum, completed with a grade of B or better, and approved by the program director. To discuss your specific situation and determine which credits may transfer, contact an enrollment counselor at 855-805-5399 or email onlineadmissions-group@eou.edu.

The total tuition for EOU’s online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is $50,310 based on current rates. The program requires 90 quarter credits (equivalent to 60 semester credits) at a flat rate of $558.50 per credit hour, regardless of whether you’re an Oregon resident or out-of-state student. This transparent pricing structure ensures affordability and no hidden fees. Explore the tuition page for more information.

EOU offers multiple financial aid options to help make your graduate education affordable. Approximately 92% of online students receive financial assistance. Explore the tuition and financial aid page for more information. 

Graduates of EOU’s online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are prepared for diverse and rewarding careers in the mental health field. Beyond direct counseling services, you can pursue roles as a clinical supervisor, program director, consultant, crisis responder, or professional advocate. Explore career opportunities to learn more about your professional pathways.

Yes, practicing as a professional mental health counselor requires state licensure. After completing your master’s degree, you’ll need to fulfill your state’s specific licensing requirements, which typically include passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and completing 2-3 years of supervised clinical experience (generally 2,000-4,000 hours).