Masters in Counseling Programs in Florida: 22 Schools Compared (2026)

Florida requires a master’s degree for licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). The minimum is 60 semester hours, and since July 1, 2025, the degree must come from a program accredited by CACREP or MPCAC. That single rule change eliminated several programs from the licensure pipeline overnight.

There are currently 22 master’s in counseling programs across Florida. Sixteen hold CACREP accreditation, two hold MPCAC accreditation, and four have neither.

Total estimated costs range from $20,880 at the University of South Florida to $158,640 at the University of Miami. Formats include on-campus, hybrid, and fully online options. Clinical practicum requirements range from 600 to 750 hours depending on the program.

The counseling field in Florida is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 22% job growth for mental health counselors in Florida over the next decade, well above the national average for all occupations. That growth, combined with a mandatory master’s degree for licensure, means which program you choose is a significant financial and career decision.

This page covers every accredited program in the state with tuition rates, credit hours, clinical requirements, format, and accreditation status. Programs are grouped by accreditation type, with public universities listed before private institutions within each group. For individual school profiles, see the Florida counseling schools directory.

Florida LMHC Licensure Requirements

Before comparing programs, it helps to understand what the state requires. Florida’s LMHC licensure process has multiple steps, and the master’s degree is only the first one.

Education

You need a master’s degree of at least 60 semester hours (or 80 quarter hours) from a CACREP or MPCAC-accredited program. The degree must include coursework in all 11 content areas mandated by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling:

1. Counseling Theories and Practice
2. Human Growth and Development
3. Diagnosis and Treatment of Psychopathology
4. Human Sexuality
5. Group Theories and Practice
6. Individual Evaluation and Assessment
7. Career and Lifestyle Assessment
8. Research and Program Evaluation
9. Social and Cultural Foundations
10. Substance Abuse
11. Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards

Each area requires a minimum of 3 semester hours. Your program must also include at least 700 hours of university-supervised clinical practicum, internship, or field experience, with at least 280 of those hours in direct client services.

Post-Graduation Requirements

After graduation, you must register as a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) before beginning supervised practice. From there, the requirements are specific:

• 2 years of supervised post-master’s experience under a Board-approved Qualified Supervisor
• At least 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy with clients
• At least 100 hours of supervision over no fewer than 100 weeks
• Minimum 1 hour of supervision every 2 weeks

Exam and Additional Steps

You must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The registration fee is $350 for the initial attempt and $275 for re-examination, paid directly to CCE. You do not need Board approval before sitting for the exam.

Two additional courses are required: an 8-hour Florida laws and rules course and a 3-hour HIV/AIDS course, both completed through board-approved providers on CE Broker. As of July 2025 (per HB 975), electronic fingerprinting for background screening is also required.

Why CACREP Accreditation Matters

Florida HB 713, signed in 2020, made CACREP or MPCAC graduation mandatory for all new LMHC applicants starting July 1, 2025. HB 566 (2022) later added MPCAC as an accepted equivalent. This is not optional or advisory. If you graduate from a non-accredited program after that date, you cannot qualify for Florida LMHC licensure.

Florida joins Ohio, Kentucky, and North Carolina in requiring program-level accreditation for counselor licensure. CACREP accreditation is also required for counseling positions within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Currently, 16 Florida programs hold CACREP accreditation and 2 hold MPCAC accreditation (University of Miami and University of West Florida). Four programs have neither designation.

The practical takeaway: check accreditation status before enrolling. A program that cannot confer a CACREP or MPCAC-accredited degree will not put you on a path to Florida licensure, regardless of tuition, location, or format.

CACREP-Accredited Programs

Public Universities

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University offers an M.Ed. in Counselor Education with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling track through its College of Education. The program is CACREP-accredited through March 2032 and requires 60 credit hours. All coursework is delivered on campus at FAU’s Boca Raton location.

FAU’s clinical requirements are among the highest in the state at 750 total practicum and internship hours. That is 50 hours above the state-mandated minimum, which means additional supervised client contact before graduation. In-state tuition runs $372 per credit hour, putting the estimated total cost at $22,320 for Florida residents. Out-of-state students pay $1,027 per credit hour.

The program admits students for Fall entry only, with a deadline of January 15. The next admissions cycle opens for Fall 2027. If you are considering FAU, plan your application timeline accordingly, as there is no spring or summer start option.

For more details on this program, see the FAU counseling school profile.

Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a CACREP-accredited, 61-credit program based in Fort Myers. Classes are held in the evening, which can work for students with daytime obligations. The program is structured for a 3-year completion timeline.

FGCU requires 700 total clinical hours across practicum and internship placements, meeting the state minimum. The program reports an 82% pass rate on the NCMHCE, a useful data point when comparing programs. In-state tuition is $373 per credit hour, bringing the total estimated cost to $22,753. Out-of-state tuition is $1,301 per credit hour.

The GRE is optional at FGCU. Students with a 3.0 GPA in their last 60 undergraduate hours can apply without submitting GRE scores. The priority application deadline is February 1 for Fall admission.

See the FGCU counseling school profile for additional details.

Florida International University

Florida International University’s MS in Counselor Education with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling focus is CACREP-accredited and requires 60 credit hours. FIU uses a hybrid delivery model: 42 credits are completed in person and 18 credits online. The campus is located in Miami.

The program includes a full-time practicum and a 600-hour internship. This structure places students in supervised clinical settings for extended periods. At $456 per credit hour for in-state students, the estimated total cost is $27,360. Out-of-state tuition is $1,056 per credit hour.

FIU does not publish a fixed application deadline or program duration on its main program page. Contact the program directly for current admissions timelines and completion requirements.

Florida State University

Florida State University offers a dual MS/Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program is CACREP-accredited, requires 60 credit hours, and is completed in 5 full semesters on campus in Tallahassee. That compressed timeline means students move through the curriculum faster than at most other Florida programs.

FSU’s clinical training includes practicum and internship placements in a range of settings. The GRE is waived for admission, and the minimum GPA requirement is 3.0. Applications are due December 1 for Fall entry only. There is no spring or summer start.

In-state tuition at FSU is $959 per credit hour, the highest among Florida public universities for this degree. That puts the estimated total at $57,540 for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition is $2,348 per credit hour. The higher cost reflects the dual-degree structure (MS and Ed.S. conferred together).

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida’s MA in Counselor Education with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling track requires 63 credit hours, 3 more than the state minimum. The program is CACREP-accredited and delivered on campus in Orlando. Students complete 600 total clinical hours, including 240 hours of direct client service.

UCF operates the Community Counseling and Research Center (CCRC), which serves as the primary practicum site for students. This on-campus clinic means you begin seeing clients under supervision without needing to secure an external placement for the initial practicum phase.

In-state tuition is approximately $370 per credit hour, making the estimated total cost around $23,290. Out-of-state students pay approximately $1,276 per credit hour. UCF offers two entry points: February 1 for Fall and September 1 for Spring.

For more information, visit the UCF counseling school profile.

University of Florida

The University of Florida offers a dual M.Ed./Ed.S. in Mental Health Counseling, one of the more intensive programs in the state at 72 credit hours. The program is CACREP-accredited and completed over approximately 2.5 years on campus in Gainesville. Class sizes are small, typically around 15 students per cohort.

UF does not require the GRE. The minimum GPA is 3.0 in upper-division coursework. Clinical training includes both practicum and internship components. The application deadline is November 1 for Fall entry only.

In-state tuition is $449 per credit hour. With 72 required credits, the estimated total cost is $32,328 for Florida residents, higher than most 60-credit programs but comparable when you factor in the additional Ed.S. credential. Out-of-state tuition is $759 per credit hour.

University of North Florida

The University of North Florida’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a CACREP-accredited, 60-credit program delivered on campus in Jacksonville. UNF is the only CACREP-accredited program in the Jacksonville metro area outside of private institutions.

In-state tuition is $494 per credit hour, bringing the estimated total to $29,640. Out-of-state students pay $1,044 per credit hour. UNF does not publish detailed clinical hour requirements, application deadlines, or program duration on its main program page. Contact the Department of Psychology directly for current admissions information and practicum details.

Jacksonville is one of the largest metropolitan areas in Florida, and UNF’s location provides access to a broad range of clinical placement sites across healthcare systems, community agencies, and school districts.

University of South Florida

The University of South Florida’s MA in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling is the lowest-cost option in the state at $348 per credit hour for in-state students. With 60 required credits, the estimated total comes to $20,880. The program is CACREP-accredited through 2032 and delivered entirely online, making it accessible regardless of where you live in Florida.

USF’s program is distinct in that it prepares students for dual credentials: both the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). That dual focus means coursework covers rehabilitation counseling alongside clinical mental health content. The program takes 2 to 3 years to complete and includes practicum and internship components.

USF’s fully online format and $348 per credit hour tuition make it the lowest-cost accredited option for students who need schedule flexibility.

For additional details, see the USF counseling school profile.

Private Universities

Barry University

Barry University’s MS in Counseling is CACREP-accredited and requires 60 to 65 credit hours, depending on the track. The program is offered both in-person at Barry’s Miami Shores campus and fully online. Full-time students typically finish in 2 to 2.5 years. Part-time students should plan for 3 to 3.5 years.

Tuition is $1,050 per credit hour regardless of residency. At 60 credits, that puts the estimated minimum cost at $63,000. Clinical practicum and internship hours are included in the program but specific hour totals are not published on the program website. Contact the program directly for current clinical requirements and application deadlines.

Barry is a Catholic university with a strong emphasis on community-based counseling. The online option makes the program accessible statewide, though you will still need to secure local practicum placements.

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville University offers an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in a hybrid format. The program is CACREP-accredited, requires 60 credit hours, and is based in Jacksonville. The hybrid structure combines on-campus sessions with online coursework.

Tuition is $750 per credit hour, bringing the estimated total to $45,000. JU does not publish detailed information about clinical hour requirements, program duration, or application deadlines on its main website. Contact the admissions office for current details.

JU is one of two CACREP-accredited counseling programs in the Jacksonville area (the other being UNF). The hybrid format may appeal to students who want some face-to-face interaction without committing to a fully on-campus schedule.

Keiser University

Keiser University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is CACREP-accredited and delivered online with required in-person residency components. The program requires 60 credit hours and takes 36 to 48 months to complete. Keiser uses rolling admissions, so there is no single application deadline.

The clinical training structure includes one practicum semester and two internship semesters. Tuition rates are not published on the program website. Contact Keiser’s admissions office for current pricing.

Keiser’s rolling admissions model means you can start in multiple terms throughout the year, which gives more flexibility in planning. The in-person residency requirement means you will need to travel to a Keiser campus for certain components even though the bulk of the coursework is online.

Lynn University

Lynn University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a CACREP-accredited, 60-credit program available both on campus in Boca Raton and online. Tuition is $650 per credit hour, bringing the estimated total to $39,000.

Lynn does not publish detailed information about clinical requirements, program duration, or application deadlines on its main program pages. Contact the admissions office for the most current details.

For more on this program, see the Lynn University counseling school profile.

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University’s MS in Counseling is CACREP-accredited and available in three formats: on-campus, online, and hybrid. The main campus is in Fort Lauderdale. The program requires 60 credit hours. Tuition is $955 per credit hour for all students, bringing the estimated total to $57,300.

NSU is one of the largest private universities in the southeastern United States, and its counseling program benefits from a large clinical training network. However, specific clinical hour requirements, application deadlines, and program duration are not clearly listed on the current program website. Verify these details with the College of Psychology before applying.

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University offers an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that is CACREP-accredited and requires 60 credit hours. The program is delivered on campus in West Palm Beach. Tuition is $695 per credit hour, putting the estimated total at $41,700.

PBA is a Christian university, and its counseling program integrates faith perspectives into the curriculum. Application deadlines, clinical hour requirements, and specific program duration are not published on the current program page. Contact the graduate admissions office for details.

For more information, see the PBA counseling school profile.

Rollins College

Rollins College’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a CACREP-accredited, 60-credit program delivered on campus in Winter Park, just outside Orlando. Tuition is $757 per credit hour, with an estimated total of $45,420.

Rollins is a small liberal arts institution, and its counseling program reflects that in its cohort-based structure and smaller class sizes. Specific information about clinical hours, application deadlines, and program duration is not available on the current Rollins website. Contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admissions information.

Winter Park’s proximity to Orlando provides access to a wide range of clinical placement sites across Central Florida’s healthcare, community agency, and school systems.

Stetson University

Stetson University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is CACREP-accredited, requires 60 credit hours, and is delivered on campus in DeLand. Full-time students complete the program in 2 to 3 years. Clinical training includes 9 credits of practicum and internship coursework.

Tuition is $895 per credit hour, making the estimated total cost $53,700. Stetson’s location in DeLand puts it between Orlando and Daytona Beach, with clinical placement opportunities across both metro areas. Application deadlines are not published on the main program page. Contact the counseling department directly.

MPCAC-Accredited Programs

Two Florida programs hold MPCAC accreditation instead of CACREP. Both are accepted for LMHC licensure under the July 2025 mandate (per HB 566, which added MPCAC as a recognized equivalent). These programs meet the same licensure requirements as CACREP-accredited options.

University of Miami

The University of Miami offers an MSEd in Mental Health Counseling through its School of Education and Human Development. The program is MPCAC-accredited, requires 60 credit hours, and is delivered on campus in Coral Gables.

At $2,644 per credit hour, the University of Miami is the most expensive counseling program in Florida by a significant margin. The estimated total cost is $158,640, more than seven times the cost of the lowest-priced program (USF at $20,880). That price applies to all students regardless of residency status.

UM does not publish clinical hour requirements, application deadlines, or program duration on its current program page. Contact the School of Education directly for the most current admissions information. If cost is a primary consideration, compare UM’s total against public university options before applying.

University of West Florida

The University of West Florida’s MA in Psychology with a Counseling concentration is MPCAC-accredited through September 2032. The program requires 60 credit hours and is delivered on campus in Pensacola.

UWF’s curriculum emphasizes psychological research methods alongside clinical practice, a different focus than most CMHC-specific programs in the state. In-state tuition is $378 per credit hour, putting the estimated total at $22,680. Out-of-state students pay $1,037 per credit hour. At that rate, UWF is among the five lowest-cost accredited programs in Florida.

UWF is the only accredited counseling program in the Pensacola/Northwest Florida region. Clinical practicum and internship are included in the program. Contact the Department of Psychology for current application deadlines and specific clinical hour requirements.

Programs Without CACREP or MPCAC Accreditation

Four Florida institutions offer master’s programs in counseling that do not hold CACREP or MPCAC accreditation:

• Florida A&M University (Tallahassee): MS or M.Ed. in Counselor Education, 60 credits, $811/credit in-state
• Southeastern University (Online): MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 60 credits, $585/credit
• Bethune-Cookman University (Daytona Beach): MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 60 credits, $750/credit
• Albizu University-Miami (Online): MS in Counseling, 60 credits, $717/credit

This is important: as of July 1, 2025, graduates of programs without CACREP or MPCAC accreditation do not meet the education requirements for Florida LMHC licensure. These programs can still confer master’s degrees, but those degrees will not qualify you to register as an RMHCI or sit for the NCMHCE in Florida.

Some of these programs may be pursuing accreditation. Before enrolling, contact the program to ask about its accreditation timeline and verify the information with the CACREP or MPCAC directory directly.

How to Compare Counseling Programs in Florida

With 18 accredited options, narrowing the list requires a systematic look at several factors. Here is what to weigh.

Accreditation status. This is the first filter. Only CACREP or MPCAC-accredited programs qualify for LMHC licensure. If a program does not hold one of these, it is not a viable option for Florida practice.

Cost. Public university in-state tuition ranges from $348 to $959 per credit hour. Private university tuition ranges from $585 to $2,644 per credit hour. Total estimated costs span from $20,880 (USF) to $158,640 (University of Miami). Financial aid, graduate assistantships, and loan forgiveness programs for counselors working in underserved areas can significantly reduce net costs.

Format. Options include fully on-campus, hybrid, and fully online programs. If you are working or have geographic constraints, the format may be a deciding factor. USF’s fully online program and Keiser’s online-with-residency model offer the most flexibility. Hybrid programs (FIU, JU) split the difference.

Clinical hours. Programs range from 600 to 750 required clinical hours. Higher clinical hours mean more supervised client contact before graduation. FAU requires 750 hours, the highest among Florida programs.

Duration. Most full-time programs take 2 to 3 years. FSU’s 5-semester structure is the fastest for a CACREP-accredited program. Part-time options at schools like Barry University extend to 3.5 years.

Location. Consider commute time for on-campus programs, and availability of clinical placement sites near your home. Programs in larger metro areas (Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville) tend to have more placement options.

For more on counseling careers in Florida, see the counseling careers hub.

Key Takeaways

• Florida has 22 master’s in counseling programs: 16 CACREP-accredited, 2 MPCAC-accredited, and 4 without recognized accreditation.
• CACREP or MPCAC accreditation is mandatory for LMHC licensure in Florida as of July 1, 2025 (HB 713). Programs without accreditation do not qualify graduates for licensure.
• Credit hours range from 60 to 72 across programs.
• Public in-state tuition ranges from $348 to $959 per credit hour. Private tuition ranges from $585 to $2,644 per credit hour.
• Total estimated costs range from $20,880 (University of South Florida) to $158,640 (University of Miami).
• Required clinical hours range from 600 to 750, depending on the program.
• After graduation, the path to LMHC includes: RMHCI registration, 2 years of supervised experience, 1,500 face-to-face therapy hours, 100 hours of supervision, and passing the NCMHCE.
• Florida is a member of the Counseling Compact, which allows licensed counselors to practice across 30+ member states without obtaining additional licenses.

All tuition rates, credit hours, and program details reflect the most recently published information from each university’s official program pages. Verify current rates and deadlines directly with the program before applying, as tuition and admissions requirements change.