Bachelor’s in Counseling Programs in Florida: Your Complete Guide to 20+ Programs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 22 percent growth in counseling jobs over the next decade, well above the average for all occupations. Florida, with its growing and aging population, sits at the center of that demand. If you are evaluating bachelors in counseling programs in Florida, this guide covers every accredited option in the state, from large public research universities to smaller private colleges, along with the costs, coursework, and next steps you need to know.

A typical bachelor’s program related to counseling in Florida requires 120 credit hours and takes four years of full-time study to complete. The degree usually falls under one of three categories: psychology (by far the most common), human services, or, rarely, counseling itself.

Core Coursework

Regardless of the specific major title, most programs share a common set of courses:

• Abnormal Psychology: Covers diagnostic categories, symptoms, and classifications of psychological disorders
• Developmental Psychology: Studies human development from childhood through older adulthood
• Research Methods and Statistics: Teaches you how to read, evaluate, and conduct psychological research
• Theories of Counseling: Introduces major therapeutic approaches (cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, psychodynamic)
• Counseling Skills or Helping Relationships: Builds foundational interviewing and active listening skills
• Social Psychology: Examines how social context influences behavior
• Ethics in Psychology or Counseling: Covers professional standards, confidentiality, and boundary issues

Practical Experience

Many programs require or strongly encourage an internship, practicum, or field placement during your junior or senior year. These placements put you in community mental health centers, school counseling offices, substance abuse facilities, or nonprofit agencies for 100 to 300 hours of supervised observation and direct client contact.

Why Your Undergraduate Choice Matters for Graduate School

Starting July 1, 2025, all new applicants for LMHC licensure in Florida must hold a master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program. CACREP-accredited graduate programs tend to prefer applicants with a strong undergraduate background in psychology, counseling, or human services. Choosing a bachelor’s program with relevant coursework and research or practicum experience gives you a competitive edge in graduate admissions.

How to Choose the Right Program

Accreditation

Regional accreditation is the non-negotiable baseline. Every program listed in this guide (with one noted exception) holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the regional accreditor for institutions in the southeastern United States. Without regional accreditation, your credits may not transfer and graduate programs may not accept your degree.

Graduate Program Alignment

If you already know you want to pursue LMHC licensure, look at whether the university also offers a CACREP-accredited master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Attending the same institution for both degrees can simplify the transition and sometimes offers priority admission or tuition benefits.

Online Versus In-Person

Several Florida universities now offer fully online or hybrid psychology programs. Online programs are often less expensive per credit hour. For example, the University of Central Florida charges approximately $179 per credit for its online psychology program compared to $212 per credit for on-campus students. However, in-person programs typically provide easier access to research labs, faculty mentorship, and practicum placements.

Public Versus Private Tuition

The tuition gap between public and private institutions in Florida is substantial. Public university tuition ranges from roughly $112 to $215 per credit hour for in-state students, while private university tuition can reach $50,000 or more per year. Cost alone should not drive your decision, but it is a factor worth weighing carefully, especially if you plan to fund a master’s degree afterward.

Faculty and Practicum Access

Consider whether the program has faculty who specialize in clinical or counseling psychology, and whether practicum or internship placements are built into the curriculum or left to you to arrange on your own.

Florida Bachelor’s Programs in Counseling and Psychology

Below is a directory of bachelor’s programs across the state that prepare you for graduate study in counseling. Programs are grouped by institution type and listed alphabetically within each category. Tuition figures reflect approximate in-state rates for public universities and published rates for private institutions; actual costs vary by semester and may change.

Public Universities

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University, based in Boca Raton with satellite campuses across Southeast Florida, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through its Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. The program covers core areas including developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, and research methods. Students can pursue concentrations or elective clusters in areas such as clinical psychology, neuroscience, and applied behavior analysis.

FAU’s psychology department maintains active research labs where undergraduate students can gain hands-on experience, a significant advantage if you are planning to apply to competitive graduate programs. The university’s location in one of Florida’s most densely populated regions also means strong internship and practicum options at nearby mental health agencies and hospitals.

FAU does not offer a CACREP-accredited master’s program in counseling at this time, so you would need to apply to a different institution for your graduate degree.

Visit the official program page →

Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. The BA route allows more flexibility for electives and a foreign language requirement, while the BS track emphasizes research methods and laboratory coursework.

FGCU’s program includes courses in counseling theories, child psychology, health psychology, and psychological testing. The university encourages students to participate in undergraduate research, and several faculty members focus on clinical and applied psychology topics. Fort Myers and the surrounding Lee County area provide internship opportunities at community mental health centers, substance abuse treatment facilities, and youth services organizations.

FGCU is a smaller university compared to some of Florida’s flagship schools, which can mean smaller class sizes and more direct faculty interaction during your upper-division coursework.

Visit the official program page →

Florida International University

Florida International University in Miami offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through its College of Arts, Sciences & Education. FIU is one of the largest universities in the country by enrollment, and its psychology department is among the biggest in Florida.

The program includes coursework in clinical psychology, community psychology, developmental psychology, and neuroscience. FIU also offers some psychology courses online, giving you scheduling flexibility. The university’s Miami location provides access to a wide range of clinical and community placements across a culturally diverse metropolitan area.

FIU offers a master’s program in Counselor Education, though you should verify current CACREP accreditation status when applying. The university’s large alumni network in South Florida can be an asset for building professional connections.

Visit the official program page →

Florida State University

Florida State University in Tallahassee offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology through its College of Arts and Sciences. FSU is a top-tier research university, and its psychology department ranks among the best in the state.

The curriculum covers clinical, cognitive, developmental, social, and neuroscience tracks. Undergraduates can apply to work in faculty research labs as early as sophomore year, and the department offers an honors program for students interested in conducting a senior thesis. FSU also has a CACREP-accredited master’s program in Counseling Psychology & School Psychology, making it a strong choice if you want to complete your bachelor’s and master’s at the same institution.

Tallahassee’s status as the state capital means proximity to state agencies, legislative offices, and policy-oriented mental health organizations for internship opportunities.

Visit the official program page →

The University of Central Florida in Orlando offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology through its College of Sciences. UCF is the largest university in Florida by enrollment and one of the largest in the nation.

UCF’s psychology program is available both on campus and fully online, a major advantage for working students or those who cannot relocate to Orlando. The online program charges approximately $179 per credit hour, compared to about $212 per credit for on-campus students, making the online option one of the most affordable paths to a psychology degree at a major state university.

Imagine you are working full-time as a case manager at a community mental health center in Tampa. You want a bachelor’s degree that leads to a counseling career, but you cannot quit your job to attend classes in person. UCF’s online psychology program lets you complete coursework on your own schedule, keep your current income, and build the academic foundation you need for a CACREP-accredited master’s program.

UCF also offers a CACREP-accredited master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, creating a clear pipeline from undergraduate to graduate study.

Visit the official program page →

University of Florida

The University of Florida in Gainesville offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. UF is Florida’s flagship university and consistently ranks among the top public universities in the country.

The psychology program covers clinical and health psychology, behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, and developmental psychology. Undergraduate research opportunities are extensive, with dozens of active labs across specializations. UF also offers a fully online bachelor’s in psychology through UF Online, with the same degree and faculty as the on-campus version.

UF’s College of Education houses a CACREP-accredited master’s program in Mental Health Counseling, making it one of the best options in the state for students who want a direct undergraduate-to-graduate pathway. The Gainesville campus also provides access to UF Health Shands Hospital and the university’s counseling and wellness center for practicum placements.

Visit the official program page →

University of North Florida

The University of North Florida in Jacksonville offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology through its College of Arts and Sciences. UNF is a mid-sized public university known for strong undergraduate teaching and relatively small class sizes compared to Florida’s larger research institutions.

The curriculum includes courses in abnormal psychology, personality theories, psychological testing, and research design. UNF’s location in Jacksonville, Florida’s largest city by population, gives students access to internship and practicum placements at major health systems, community mental health agencies, and the criminal justice system.

UNF does not currently offer a CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling, so you would apply to graduate programs at other institutions.

Visit the official program page →

University of South Florida

The University of South Florida in Tampa offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through its College of Arts and Sciences. USF is a major research university and one of only three “Preeminent State Research Universities” designated by the Florida Legislature.

USF’s psychology program covers clinical, cognitive, industrial-organizational, and developmental psychology. The department is known for strong research output, and undergraduates can join faculty-led research teams. Tampa’s position as a major metropolitan area means abundant placement options at hospitals, VA facilities, community health centers, and school districts.

USF offers a CACREP-accredited master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through its College of Education, making it another strong option for completing both degrees at one institution. The program also offers a Rehabilitation Counseling track.

Visit the official program page →

University of West Florida

The University of West Florida in Pensacola offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology that is available fully online. This makes UWF one of the few public universities in Florida where you can complete an entire psychology degree without attending classes on campus.

The program covers standard psychology coursework including abnormal psychology, counseling theories, social psychology, and research methods. UWF’s online delivery is designed for students who need flexibility due to work schedules, family responsibilities, or geographic distance from a campus.

Pensacola’s location in the Florida Panhandle means the campus serves a distinct region of the state. Online students, however, can live anywhere in Florida (or beyond) and still earn a degree from a regionally accredited public university.

Visit the official program page →

Private Universities

Barry University

Barry University in Miami Shores offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through its College of Arts and Sciences. Barry is a private Catholic university with a strong emphasis on community service and social justice.

Barry stands out because it offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), making it a good option if you want to complete both your undergraduate and graduate degrees at the same institution. The psychology program includes courses in behavioral research, physiological psychology, and personality theory.

Barry’s Miami location provides access to a diverse client population for practicum and internship placements.

Visit the official program page →

Carlos Albizu University

Carlos Albizu University in Miami offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus on serving bilingual and multicultural communities. The university is named after a pioneering Puerto Rican psychologist and has a long history of training mental health professionals to work with diverse populations.

CAU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), not SACSCOC, which is worth noting if you plan to transfer credits to a SACSCOC-accredited graduate program. Most graduate schools accept degrees from any recognized regional accreditor, but you should confirm with your target program.

The university also offers a master’s in counseling psychology, creating a potential pathway from bachelor’s to graduate study at the same institution. Contact the admissions office directly for current tuition rates.

Visit the official program page →

Flagler College

Flagler College in St. Augustine offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Flagler is one of the most affordable private colleges in Florida, with tuition approximately $19,400 per year.

The program is small, with an emphasis on undergraduate teaching rather than large-scale research. Courses cover developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, social psychology, and research methods. Flagler does not offer graduate programs, so you would apply elsewhere for your master’s degree.

St. Augustine is a smaller city, which means fewer placement options compared to major metro areas, but local mental health agencies and school districts do partner with the college for internships.

Visit the official program page →

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Florida Tech is known for its STEM focus, and its psychology program reflects that with strong research methodology and data analysis components.

The program offers concentrations in forensic psychology and applied behavior analysis (ABA), which can be useful if you are interested in working with the criminal justice system or with individuals on the autism spectrum. Florida Tech also offers some psychology courses online.

Tuition at Florida Tech is among the highest of the private universities listed here, at approximately $45,660 per year. The university does offer merit-based scholarships that can reduce the cost significantly.

Visit the official program page →

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville University offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. JU is a private university in Jacksonville with a student body of about 4,000, providing a smaller campus environment.

The psychology program includes courses in clinical psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and neuroscience. JU emphasizes experiential learning, and students are encouraged to complete internships at local mental health facilities, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations.

Tuition runs approximately $40,000 or more per year. JU offers institutional scholarships and financial aid packages.

Visit the official program page →

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology through its College of Psychology. NSU is one of the largest private, not-for-profit universities in the southeastern United States.

NSU’s undergraduate psychology program benefits from the university’s well-established graduate psychology programs. The College of Psychology offers CACREP-accredited master’s programs, doctoral programs in clinical psychology, and school psychology programs, creating a strong pipeline for students who want to continue at NSU for graduate study.

Coursework covers research methods, behavioral neuroscience, abnormal psychology, and community psychology. NSU’s Fort Lauderdale campus provides access to the university’s Psychology Services Center, where graduate students provide supervised clinical services and undergraduates can observe.

Visit the official program page →

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. PBA is a private, Christian university with a focus on integrating faith with academic and professional development.

The psychology program covers standard areas including developmental, abnormal, and social psychology, with additional coursework that examines the relationship between psychology and Christian thought. If you are seeking a faith-informed undergraduate experience before pursuing a secular or faith-based graduate counseling program, PBA is one of several Florida options.

Tuition is approximately $33,000 or more per year. PBA offers merit and need-based financial aid.

Visit the official program page →

Rollins College

Rollins College in Winter Park (near Orlando) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Rollins is a small, private liberal arts college known for its low student-to-faculty ratio and emphasis on discussion-based courses.

The psychology program at Rollins emphasizes critical thinking, research design, and writing, all of which are valuable preparation for graduate school applications. Undergraduates regularly participate in faculty-led research projects. The Winter Park and Orlando area provides access to a variety of mental health and social service organizations for internship placements.

Rollins is one of the more expensive options on this list, with tuition exceeding $56,000 per year. Significant financial aid is available, and the college reports that most students receive some form of institutional scholarship.

Visit the official program page →

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University, based near Tampa with education centers across Florida, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Clinical/Counseling concentration. This is one of the few undergraduate programs in Florida with a dedicated counseling track built into the degree.

The Clinical/Counseling concentration includes courses specifically designed for students planning to pursue graduate study in counseling or clinical psychology: counseling techniques, psychopathology, crisis intervention, and group dynamics. Saint Leo also offers its psychology program fully online, making it accessible statewide.

Tuition is approximately $24,050 per year, placing Saint Leo in the mid-range of private university costs. The university’s multiple campus locations across Florida can be an advantage if you prefer occasional in-person interaction without committing to a single campus.

Visit the official program page →

Southeastern University

Southeastern University in Lakeland offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. SEU is a private, Christian university affiliated with the Assemblies of God denomination.

The psychology program integrates faith perspectives with standard psychological coursework. Courses cover abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, research methods, and counseling theory. SEU emphasizes community engagement and service-based learning.

Tuition is approximately $28,000 or more per year. If you are looking for a faith-based undergraduate environment in the central Florida area, SEU is a more affordable alternative to some of the other private options.

Visit the official program page →

Stetson University

Stetson University in DeLand offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Stetson is the oldest private university in Central Florida and is known for its small class sizes and undergraduate research focus.

The psychology department offers opportunities for independent research, conference presentations, and community-based projects. Faculty specialize in areas including clinical psychology, health psychology, and developmental psychology. DeLand’s proximity to Orlando and Daytona Beach provides access to regional mental health agencies and hospitals for internship placements.

Tuition exceeds $50,000 per year, though Stetson offers merit-based scholarships. The small campus environment (around 3,000 undergraduates) means more personalized attention from faculty.

Visit the official program page →

University of Miami

The University of Miami in Coral Gables offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology through its College of Arts and Sciences. UM is one of Florida’s most prestigious private research universities.

The psychology program covers clinical, developmental, cognitive, social, and health psychology. Undergraduate students can join research teams in well-funded labs and participate in ongoing clinical studies. UM’s proximity to major hospitals and research institutions in the Miami area provides strong practicum and internship opportunities.

UM also offers a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program, which could be relevant if you are considering a doctoral path rather than the LMHC route. Tuition is approximately $50,400 per year before financial aid.

Visit the official program page →

University of Tampa

The University of Tampa offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. UT is a private university located in downtown Tampa, overlooking the Hillsborough River.

The program covers standard psychology coursework with elective options in clinical psychology, health psychology, and child/adolescent development. UT encourages undergraduate research and maintains partnerships with Tampa-area mental health providers for internship placements.

Tuition is approximately $30,000 or more per year. UT’s urban campus location provides easy access to Tampa’s medical and mental health infrastructure.

Visit the official program page →

Faith-Based Programs

Florida Christian University

Florida Christian University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Counseling, one of the few programs in the state that uses “counseling” in the degree title at the undergraduate level. The program requires 126 credit hours and is available in both online and in-person formats.

Important: Florida Christian University is not regionally accredited by SACSCOC or any other recognized regional accrediting body. This means credits earned here may not transfer to regionally accredited institutions, and some graduate programs may not accept this degree for admission. If you are planning to pursue a CACREP-accredited master’s program, verify with your target graduate school that they will accept a degree from a non-regionally accredited institution before enrolling.

Contact the university directly for current tuition information.

Visit the official program page →

State Colleges

St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, the first Florida College System institution to offer a bachelor’s degree in this field. The program requires 120 credit hours and is available both on campus and online.

SPC’s human services program covers case management, crisis intervention, substance abuse counseling, group facilitation, and community resource coordination. The program is designed for students who want to enter the human services workforce immediately after graduation or continue to a master’s program in counseling.

At approximately $112 per credit hour for in-state students, SPC is by far the most affordable option on this list. The total cost for the degree comes to roughly $13,440 for in-state students, less than a single year of tuition at many private universities. If cost is a primary concern, SPC offers a regionally accredited degree that can serve as a foundation for graduate study at a fraction of the price.

Visit the official program page →

Costs and Financial Aid

The cost of a bachelor’s degree related to counseling in Florida varies dramatically depending on the type of institution.

Tuition Ranges

• State colleges: Approximately $112 per credit hour, or roughly $13,440 total for 120 credits
• Public universities: Approximately $206 to $215 per credit hour, or roughly $24,720 to $25,800 total
• Private universities: Approximately $19,400 to $56,000+ per year, for a four-year total that can range from $77,600 to over $224,000

Scholarships and Grants

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship covers 75 to 100 percent of tuition and fees at Florida public institutions, depending on the award level. You must graduate from a Florida high school and meet specific GPA and test score requirements to qualify. It is one of the most valuable financial resources available if you are a recent Florida high school graduate.

FAFSA and Pell Grants: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395 for the 2024-2025 year), subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and work-study programs.

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG): A state-funded, need-based grant for undergraduate students attending eligible Florida institutions. Award amounts vary by institution.

Loan Forgiveness Options

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): If you work full-time at a nonprofit organization, government agency, or other qualifying public service employer after graduation, you may be eligible to have your remaining federal student loan balance forgiven after 120 qualifying payments (10 years). Many counseling positions at community mental health centers and government agencies qualify.

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment: Licensed counselors who work in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas can receive up to $50,000 in loan repayment over two years, with options to extend. This applies after you obtain your master’s degree and licensure, but it is worth factoring into your long-term financial planning now.

The Path from Bachelor’s to LMHC Licensure

A bachelor’s degree is step one of six on the path to becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. Here is the full sequence:

Step 1: Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree (120 Credits)

Complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology, human services, counseling, or a related field. The degree itself does not need to be in counseling specifically, but your coursework should prepare you for graduate-level clinical training.

Step 2: Complete a CACREP-Accredited Master’s Degree (60 Credit Hours)

As of July 1, 2025, all new LMHC applicants in Florida must hold a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Most programs take two to three years of full-time study. Costs typically range from $20,000 to $60,000 depending on the institution.

Step 3: Register as a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI)

After completing your master’s, register with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling as an RMHCI. This allows you to practice under supervision while accumulating clinical hours.

Step 4: Complete 1,500 Supervised Clinical Hours

You must complete at least 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy under qualified supervision, spread over a minimum of 100 weeks. This typically takes two or more years, depending on your caseload and work setting.

Step 5: Pass the NCMHCE Exam

The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) tests your ability to apply clinical knowledge in simulated case scenarios. You must pass this exam before applying for full licensure.

Step 6: Apply for Your LMHC License

Submit your application to the Florida Board with documentation of your education, supervised hours, and exam results. Once approved, you hold the LMHC credential and can practice independently.

Florida Counseling Compact

Florida has joined the Counseling Compact, a multi-state licensure agreement that allows licensed counselors to practice across 30 or more participating states without obtaining a separate license in each one. This is particularly relevant if you plan to offer telehealth services or relocate in the future.

For more on career paths and specializations, visit floridacounselor.org/counseling-careers.

Key Takeaways

• Florida offers 20+ bachelor’s programs in psychology, human services, and counseling across public universities, private institutions, faith-based colleges, and state colleges
• Most programs are psychology degrees (not counseling degrees), and all require approximately 120 credit hours
• A bachelor’s degree alone does not qualify you for LMHC licensure in Florida; a master’s degree, supervised hours, and a licensing exam are required
• Public university tuition ranges from approximately $112 to $215 per credit ($13,440 to $25,800 total); private university tuition ranges from approximately $19,400 to $56,000+ per year
• As of July 2025, CACREP accreditation is required for all master’s programs leading to LMHC licensure
• Several Florida universities offer both bachelor’s and CACREP-accredited master’s programs (UCF, UF, USF, FSU, Barry, NSU), creating a direct undergraduate-to-graduate pathway
• Online options are available at UCF, UWF, Saint Leo, Florida Tech, and St. Petersburg College, among others
• Florida Bright Futures can cover 75 to 100 percent of tuition at public institutions
• The Florida Counseling Compact allows licensed counselors to practice in 30+ states

How to Compare Programs

When you have narrowed your list to a few programs, use this framework to make your final decision:

Tuition and Total Cost: Calculate the full four-year cost, not just the per-credit or per-year rate. Factor in fees, textbooks, and living expenses. If you plan to pursue a master’s afterward, consider the combined cost of both degrees.

Accreditation: Confirm the institution holds regional accreditation (SACSCOC for most Florida schools). If the school also offers a CACREP-accredited graduate program, that is a bonus but not a requirement at the bachelor’s level.

Practicum and Clinical Hours: Does the program include required or optional internship, practicum, or field placement hours? Programs that build clinical exposure into the curriculum give you a stronger graduate school application and earlier exposure to the realities of counseling work.

Online Versus Campus: Be honest about your learning style and life circumstances. Online programs offer flexibility but require strong self-discipline. Campus programs offer more structure, research lab access, and in-person networking.

Clinical Hours and Graduate Pipeline: If a university offers both a bachelor’s and a CACREP-accredited master’s, find out whether bachelor’s graduates receive any admission preference or whether the transition is streamlined.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Be a Counselor with a Bachelor’s Degree in Florida?

You cannot practice as an independently licensed counselor with only a bachelor’s degree in Florida. A bachelor’s degree can qualify you for entry-level positions such as case manager, behavioral health technician, or community outreach worker, but independent counseling practice requires at least a master’s degree and LMHC licensure.

What Bachelor’s Degree Do You Need for Counseling in Florida?

Most students pursuing counseling careers in Florida start with a bachelor’s in psychology, human services, or a related behavioral science. There is no single required undergraduate major for admission to master’s programs in counseling, but programs that include coursework in abnormal psychology, research methods, and counseling theories provide the strongest preparation.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Counselor in Florida?

The full timeline from starting your bachelor’s degree to earning your LMHC license is typically eight to ten years: four years for a bachelor’s, two to three years for a master’s, and two or more years for 1,500 supervised clinical hours. The NCMHCE exam and license application add a few additional months.

What Is the Difference Between a Psychology Degree and a Counseling Degree?

A psychology degree focuses broadly on the scientific study of human behavior, including research methods, cognitive processes, and biological bases of behavior. A counseling degree focuses more specifically on therapeutic techniques, client assessment, and clinical skills. At the bachelor’s level in Florida, psychology degrees are far more common; counseling-specific degrees are rare and mostly found at faith-based or private institutions.

Are There Online Bachelor’s in Counseling Programs in Florida?

Yes. Several Florida universities offer psychology or human services degrees fully online, including the University of Central Florida, the University of West Florida, Saint Leo University, and St. Petersburg College. These programs provide the same degree as their on-campus counterparts and are regionally accredited.

What Is CACREP Accreditation and Does It Matter for Bachelor’s Programs?

CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accredits graduate-level counseling programs, not bachelor’s programs. It matters at the bachelor’s level only indirectly: as of July 2025, Florida requires new LMHC applicants to hold a master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program. Choosing an undergraduate institution that also has a CACREP-accredited master’s program can simplify your path.

How Much Does a Counseling Degree Cost in Florida?

At the bachelor’s level, costs range from approximately $13,440 total (St. Petersburg College, in-state) to over $56,000 per year (Rollins College). Most public university students pay between $24,000 and $26,000 total for their four-year degree. At the master’s level, expect to pay between $20,000 and $60,000 for the full program.

What Jobs Can You Get with a Bachelor’s in Counseling?

With a bachelor’s degree, you can work in entry-level mental health and social service roles: case manager, behavioral health technician, residential counselor, crisis line worker, community outreach coordinator, or youth program specialist. These positions do not involve independent clinical counseling but provide valuable experience and often count toward the supervised hours required after a master’s degree.

Next Steps

Choosing the right bachelor’s program is the first concrete step toward a counseling career in Florida. This directory has covered more than 20 programs across public universities, private institutions, faith-based colleges, and state colleges, along with the costs, coursework, and licensure steps that follow.

For a complete directory of Florida counseling programs at all degree levels, visit floridacounselor.org/counseling-schools. For more on career paths, salary data, and specialization options, visit floridacounselor.org/counseling-careers.