Study Master’s in Counseling in Oregon
A career as a counselor is a noble one that offers you many opportunities to make a positive impact on other people. But before you can be a practicing counselor in Oregon, you must first complete an appropriate training program. In this case, a master’s degree in counseling is the perfect program to help you achieve your career goals.
Both public and private universities in Oregon offer online master’s degrees in counseling. And, thanks to the accessibility of online education, you can get your degree from an out-of-state program that prepares you for practice equally well.
This guide explores some of the popular counseling programs available for Oregon residents. In each case, you’ll find a rigorous curriculum that includes coursework and field experiences that help you become a well-rounded counselor.
Online Master’s in Counseling in Oregon
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online master’s in counseling programs in Oregon:
- Eastern Oregon University
- George Fox University
- Seattle University
- Bellevue University
- Pepperdine University
- The Chicago School
- National University
- Walden University
- Northwestern University
Eastern Oregon University
Online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Oregon University offers you the flexibility of 100 percent online coursework. Though some classes are synchronous—meaning you must participate in live class meetings—you still get the advantage of being able to participate in online classes from anywhere in the world.
Furthermore, this program, which requires 90 quarter credits to graduate, can be completed in two years of full-time studies. During that time, you’ll explore many aspects of the counseling profession. This includes developing your personal counseling style and professional identity. Upon graduation, you’ll meet the educational requirements for licensure in Oregon as well as 38 other states.
The curriculum consists of core courses, elective coursework, and field experiences. The core coursework focuses on fundamental aspects of counseling. For example, one of the first classes you’ll take is Introduction to Counseling and Ethical Practice. This course ensures you understand the historical development of this profession, the current credentialing requirements, and the essential ethical principles by which you must abide.
Next, you’ll take Developmental Theory: Counseling Across the Lifespan, which prepares you to work with clients of all ages. You’ll learn about the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of humans at all stages of life while also gaining an appreciation for multiculturalism. Upon completing this class, you’ll have the tools needed to assist children, adolescents, and adults with life’s challenges, no matter what they might be.
Another early course you are required to take is Counseling Theories I: Individual Applications and Techniques. This class examines the major theories of counseling and explores numerous counseling techniques you might use with clients with an array of mental health needs. Furthermore, you’ll discuss effective methods for building rapport with clients, analyze current research in counseling, and study the history of major counseling theories as well.
Other core coursework you’ll complete includes the following:
- Assessment and Evaluation Techniques in Counseling
- Career Development in Counseling
- Diagnostic Systems, Psychopathology, and Advanced Assessment in Counseling
- Counseling Theories II: Couples and Families Applications and Techniques
- Research and Program Evaluation in Counseling
You’ll take some highly specialized classes as well. Crisis and Trauma Counseling is a good example of this. You’ll learn about the various types of events that might cause psychological trauma, such as natural disasters, sexual abuse, or emotional neglect. Likewise, you’ll discuss crisis intervention theories and strategies, which prepare you to provide specialized counseling to people in crisis.
As another example, you must take Counseling Substance Use Disorders and Behavioral Addictions. In this class, you’ll learn how to assess clients to determine their current state of mental health and identify possible disorders or addictions. This class examines comorbidity issues, best practices in treating substance use disorders, and the basics of group counseling for people with addictions.
There are two residencies in this program. The first residency focuses on counseling and helping relationships. You’ll acquire key interviewing skills, practice consultation procedures with your classmates, and take part in case conceptualization exercises. The residency is remote but requires participation in two weekend-long synchronous online experiences.
The second residency focuses on group counseling theories and models. You’ll learn about group counseling theories, the stages of group work, and techniques you can use to enhance the group counseling experience. Improving leadership skills in group work will also be a point of emphasis. You’ll gain these skills as part of a 10-hour group experience that takes place over two weekends.
As for the elective component, you must choose two from the following list to take:
- Human Sexuality in Multicultural Counseling
- Psychopharmacology and Advanced Psychopathology in Counseling Practice
- Counseling Special Populations and Advanced Techniques in Counseling
- Counseling Children and Adolescents
- Technology in Counseling and Consultation
Lastly, you’ll complete two fieldwork experiences. The first is a 100-hour practicum, during which time you’ll work on the conceptual and professional skills required of counselors. Of the 100 hours you accumulate, 40 must be direct service hours with clients.
Meanwhile, the internship is a 600-hour, two-semester experience that helps you integrate your knowledge and skills in counseling in preparation for graduation and your subsequent career. Of the 600 hours you complete, at least 240 must be directly with clients. Both the practicum and internship are supervised on-site and require weekly supervision with your professors and classmates.
The admissions requirements are as follows:
- Have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide three letters of recommendation.
- Complete the two required essays on becoming a counselor and self as counselor.
George Fox University
Online Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
George Fox University offers an online Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that’s accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program requires the completion of 60 semester credits, which requires two years of full-time studies or up to four years of part-time studies.
The bulk of the classes required for this degree are online and synchronous via Zoom. However, some courses are asynchronous, which allows you to complete the course requirements on your own time. In addition to these online classes, you must take part in a two-day on-campus intensive residency. You’ll complete a practicum and internship as well.
Your coursework is divided into numerous categories, including counseling core coursework, elective classes, and spiritual integration classes. The core coursework is by far the largest part of this program. You’ll begin by taking basic courses that introduce you to the field of counseling. For example, Introduction to Systems Theory and Practice explores the family system, marital relationships, and the family life cycles. Furthermore, you’ll learn about core counseling skills that are used in systems therapy.
A more broad-based class you’re required to take is Principles and Techniques of Counseling. This class focuses on techniques you can use when counseling individual clients. You’ll also learn how to develop an effective helping relationship and analyze essential ethical principles, too.
As is common for degrees like this, a course on Human Growth and Development is required. You’ll learn about the human life cycle and the developmental stages and milestones people achieve as they get older. You’ll explore the influence of society and culture on human development. Moreover, you’ll practice using developmental theories as part of the assessment and diagnostic phase of counseling.
Additional core courses include the following:
- Sexual Issues in the Clinical Setting
- Introduction to Trauma-Informed Practice
- Professional Orientation
- Group Theory and Therapy
- Addictions
This program also requires you to take classes that focus on enhancing your clinical skills. For example, the Advanced Clinical Skills class helps you develop a framework of counseling skills that help you promote positive growth in your clients. You’ll learn about treatment planning, influencing skills, and the concepts of transference and countertransference. Additionally, the Psychopathology and Appraisal class discusses how to treat individuals, couples, and families using a multifaceted approach (e.g., taking psychological, systemic, biological, and cultural factors into consideration).
You’ll also complete a Clinical Portfolio as part of this degree. The portfolio is a summative collection of your experiences. You must develop a clinical thesis that speaks to your coursework and training. You must also demonstrate mastery of essential counseling skills, ethical standards, and treatment planning, to name a few.
The elective requirement is simple: you must take one three-credit course. You can choose from any of the graduate-level counseling courses that aren’t already required for the degree. Meanwhile, the spiritual integration component includes two classes: Spirituality and Clinical Praxis and Shame and Grace.
Your first field experience is a supervised clinical practicum that takes place at an approved counseling location. You’ll observe experienced counselors at work, and over the semester, you’ll begin taking on duties ranging from intake and assessment to file management to developing treatment plans.
The internship is the final aspect of your training and takes place during the program’s final year. During the internship, you’ll put your training into deeper practice as you begin working more independently. You’ll practice counseling skills, demonstrate the ability to conceptualize cases, and learn how to work with clients with varying mental health needs. You’ll be supervised on-site and will also take part in case consultation and supervision with one of your instructors.
You can apply to George Fox University online at any time. You must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Submit an essay.
- Submit a professional resume.
Seattle University
Online Master of Arts in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Seattle University’s Master of Arts in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a three-year online program accredited by CACREP that’s available to you as an Oregon student. The degree requires you to complete 90 credits, most of which are online courses. The remaining credits are earned by completing field experiences that help you connect what you learn in class with the real-world application of your learning.
The course requirements include 68 credits of counseling classes and 22 credits of clinical mental health counseling-specific courses and training. The counseling coursework focuses on critical topics in this field. For example, you’ll take a series of classes focusing on Fundamental Counseling Skills, which give you insights into skills like building rapport, clinical interviewing, and active listening. This class also emphasizes the importance of ethics in clinical practice.
You’ll pair your instruction in counseling skills with a semester of study on Counseling Theories. In addition to exploring major theoretical frameworks for counseling, you’ll also examine the history of counseling, ethical issues, and current issues in the field. This class further discusses advocacy opportunities, multicultural issues in counseling, and social justice.
Other fundamental coursework you’re required to complete includes the following:
- Research for the Counseling Profession
- Counseling Across the Lifespan
- Professional and Ethical Issues in Counseling
- Career Counseling
- Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling
This program also emphasizes the importance of mastering group counseling techniques. As such, you’ll complete a two-part course on Group Counseling that analyzes the theoretical bases for group work and the dynamics of working with groups. The second part of this course is experiential—you must complete ten hours of group counseling in a synchronous online group setting.
Another important component of your training is the Diagnosis and Assessment class. Unsurprisingly, this course explores the processes of assessment and diagnosis and the skills required on your part to make accurate determinations of what is likely going on with your clients. Furthermore, you’ll discuss substance abuse and its effect on assessment and diagnosis, particularly as it pertains to co-occurring disorders.
You’ll receive specialized training in counseling young people as well. The Child and Adolescent Counseling course focuses on developmental theories, child counseling strategies, and case conceptualization for working with children and adolescents. This course also includes studies of chemical dependency issues for children.
Other core studies include the following:
- Crisis Counseling
- Human Sexuality
- Psychopharmacology for Counselors
- Family Systems
- Counseling and Case Management
The clinical mental health requirements include an Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Practice course that offers a comprehensive review of the counseling field. You’ll study the roles of counselors and their functions, as well as credentialing issues and professional identity issues. Next, you’ll take Consultation and Supervision, which discusses the importance of seeking input from colleagues on cases and the necessity of appropriate supervision from experienced counselors.
Finally, you’ll take part in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum at an approved site. You’ll learn the ropes of what it means to work as a counselor by participating in day-to-day activities like client intakes and assessments, co-counseling in individual and group therapy sessions, and maintaining case notes. This is a supervised experience, so you’ll benefit from the guidance of a licensed counselor as you complete your practicum hours.
The internship expands on your field experience by giving you greater responsibilities. For example, instead of co-counseling with your supervisor, you’ll provide counseling services on your own, and then debrief with your supervisor to ensure you’re on the right track. Like the practicum, the internship is completed in person at an approved site near where you live.
The admissions criteria are as follows:
- Have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Submit official or unofficial transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Submit a two-page letter of intent.
- Submit a professional resume.
- Provide two recommendation forms.
If selected for the program, you’ll also be required to participate in a group interview with other applicants and the counseling faculty.
Bellevue University
Online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Another program worth your consideration is the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bellevue University. This CACREP-accredited program requires 60 credits to graduate. The degree aligns with national licensing standards and satisfies the educational requirements for licensure in many states.
As you work your way through this program, you’ll acquire many different crucial counseling skills, including the following:
- Demonstrate the professional skills and competency of counseling theory to provide services to a range of clients.
- Demonstrate an understanding of essential content related to the counseling profession.
- Show a commitment to multicultural diversity and an understanding of how to work with diverse clients.
- Show an understanding of professional ethics.
- Develop a professional identity that focuses on helping others, self-care, and advocacy.
You’ll acquire these and other skills by completing a comprehensive counseling curriculum. Your coursework begins with a 21-credit sequence of foundational classes that explore counseling theories and techniques, assessment procedures, and human development.
More specifically, you’ll take a Helping Relationships class that focuses on the basic helping skills needed to facilitate change in your clients’ lives. This class also looks at strategies you can use to facilitate rapport with clients, characteristics of counselors that enhance the helping relationship, and the counseling behaviors to emphasize as you build client relationships.
Additionally, the Orientation to Clinical Mental Health Counseling class explores the underlying philosophies of counseling as well as the history of this field. You’ll examine the functions of counselors, relevant legislation, and ethical standards that govern practice. Advocacy is a central part of this course, too. You’ll discuss how to provide support for clients and advocate for the rights of people with behavioral, mental, or neurodevelopmental conditions.
The other foundational coursework you’re required to complete includes the following classes:
- Introduction to Counseling Theories
- Research Methods and Program Evaluation in Counseling
- Human Development Throughout the Lifespan
- Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in the Practice of Counseling
- Assessment
The next component of this degree is the advanced course sequence. You must complete 27 credits of coursework in areas like Social and Cultural Diversity, Career Development, and Couples and Family Counseling. Furthermore, classes in Group Process and Facilitation, Foundations of Addiction Counseling, and Couples and Family Counseling are required.
Another key advanced course is Diagnosis of Mental and Behavioral Disorders. Your studies in this class focus on psychopathology and the processes of diagnosis. You’ll become familiar with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Classification of Diseases as a means of understanding disorders that affect people of all ages. You’ll supplement your studies in this class with additional coursework in Advanced Counseling Skills and Trauma Counseling.
The remaining coursework includes one elective of your choice, which you can choose from the following options:
- Theories of Psychopathology
- Applied Neuroscience and Psychopharmacology
- Treatment of Child and Adolescent Disorders
- Human Sexuality
- Orthodox Judaic Theoretical Perspectives
The final components of this program are two residencies focusing on clinical mental health counseling and skill development. A 100-hour supervised practicum, which focuses on building professional skills, is also required. A 600-hour clinical internship is also required, during which you are required to show proficiency in all manner of counseling tasks, from counseling skills to diagnosis to self-care for counselors.
Before applying, ensure you meet these criteria:
- Have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Have a 2.5 GPA in the most recent 60 undergraduate credits or a 3.0 GPA for all graduate work.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Submit a current resume.
- Provide two letters of recommendation.
- Provide a 1,000-word statement of interest.
- Complete a background check.
How Much Do Licensed Mental Health Counselors Make in Oregon?
As of January 2026, the average annual salary for a licensed mental health counselor working in Oregon is $111,143. More experienced and top earning licensed mental health counselors working in Oregon make over $135,000 per year.