CACREP Accredited Online Counseling Programs

Considering a counseling degree online? If you’re searching for a program that meets high educational and professional standards, choosing one that’s CACREP-accredited is a smart first step. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) sets the benchmark for quality in counselor education—and many state licensure boards recognize its stamp of approval.

In this guide, you’ll explore CACREP-accredited online counseling programs, learn why CACREP accreditation matters for your future licensure and career, and get tips on finding the right online counseling degree for your goals.

Overview of CACREP Accredited Counseling Degree Programs

CACREP-accredited counseling programs are designed to meet rigorous academic and professional standards. Whether you’re pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, choosing a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) ensures your education aligns with national expectations for counselor preparation.

Today, CACREP accredits hundreds of programs are offered both on campus and online. Many of these online CACREP-accredited counseling degrees provide the same quality instruction as their in-person counterparts—making them a smart choice for students seeking flexibility.

Before choosing a program, consider your career goals, time availability, and preferred learning format. For many aspiring counselors, online CACREP programs offer the ability to learn from home while managing work or family responsibilities.

What Is CACREP and Why Does It Matter?

What Is CACREP?

CACREP stands for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. It is an independent accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Since 1981, CACREP has evaluated counseling and counseling-related programs to ensure they meet high standards for academic quality and professional preparation.

Why Is CACREP Accreditation Important?

Earning your degree from a CACREP-accredited counseling program can have a major impact on your career. These programs are vetted for academic rigor, faculty qualifications, and clinical training—all of which help prepare students for success in the field.

Many states require or strongly prefer a CACREP-accredited degree for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or related credentials. Employers also value CACREP accreditation because it signals that you’ve received a well-rounded, evidence-based education.

Key Benefits of CACREP Accreditation:

• Easier pathway to state licensure
• Trusted by employers and professional boards
• Programs meet high standards for curriculum, faculty, and fieldwork
• Enhances your credibility with clients and colleagues

CACREP Accreditation Standards: What’s Reviewed?

CACREP evaluates counseling programs based on rigorous academic, clinical, and operational standards. These key CACREP standards ensure that accredited programs prepare students to become competent, ethical, and effective counselors. Here are the core areas CACREP reviews during its accreditation process:

📚 Curriculum Standards

Programs must cover CACREP’s eight common core areas, including:

• Professional counseling orientation and ethical practice
• Social and cultural diversity
• Human growth and development
• Career development
• Counseling and helping relationships
• Group counseling and group work
• Assessment and testing
• Research and program evaluation

👩‍🏫 Faculty Qualifications

CACREP assesses whether instructors hold appropriate academic credentials, licensure, and professional experience. Faculty are also evaluated based on ongoing professional development in their areas of instruction.

🎓 Student Support & Standards

CACREP reviews policies for:

• Student admission, retention, remediation, and dismissal
• Advising, mentorship, and support services
• Accessibility and resources for online counseling students

🎯 Program Mission & Objectives

The program’s mission, goals, and learning outcomes must align with CACREP’s standards and support ongoing improvement efforts.

🧑‍⚕️ Practicum & Internship Requirements

Programs must provide robust clinical training, including:

• Supervised practicum and internship experiences
• Minimum required hours and learning outcomes
• Qualified supervisors

📈 Program Evaluation & Outcomes

CACREP ensures programs gather and use data on:

• Student learning outcomes
• Graduate success
• Ongoing program quality and effectiveness

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Why It Matters:
CACREP-accredited counseling programs are thoroughly vetted to ensure high educational quality. These standards give students confidence that their degree will prepare them for licensure and real-world counseling practice.

CACREP Accredited Online Counseling Program Curriculum

CACREP-accredited online counseling programs follow a standardized curriculum designed to prepare students for professional licensure and clinical practice. While each program may differ slightly by institution or specialization, all must cover eight CACREP-required core areas.

🧠 The 8 CACREP Core Curriculum Areas

1. Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice
   Explore the history, philosophy, roles, and responsibilities of the counseling profession—along with legal and ethical standards.
2. Social and Cultural Diversity
   Learn how culture, ethnicity, identity, and social systems impact the counseling relationship and therapeutic outcomes.
3. Human Growth and Development
   Study psychological development across the lifespan, including theories of personality, learning, and behavior.
4. Career Development
   Gain skills in career counseling, occupational assessment, and helping clients navigate education and work transitions.
5. Counseling and Helping Relationships
   Understand counseling theories, relationship-building techniques, and evidence-based interventions for individuals and families.
6. Group Counseling and Group Work
   Examine group dynamics, leadership strategies, and the ethical facilitation of therapeutic group processes.
7. Assessment and Testing
   Learn how to administer, interpret, and ethically apply psychological assessments in diverse counseling settings.
8. Research and Program Evaluation
   Build competence in research design, data analysis, and using evidence to evaluate counseling programs and outcomes.

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🧪 Practicum and Internship Requirements

In addition to coursework, CACREP-accredited programs require students to complete a supervised practicum and internship, giving hands-on experience with real clients in clinical settings.

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🎯 Specializations Within Online CACREP Programs

Many online CACREP programs offer specialized tracks such as:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• School Counseling
• Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
• Addictions Counseling
• Rehabilitation Counseling

These concentrations include additional coursework tailored to specific career paths. If you’re unsure which path to take, you can often explore through elective courses or speak with an advisor to identify your strengths and interests.

How to Find CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs

The easiest way to find CACREP-accredited counseling programs is to use the official CACREP program directory. This searchable tool is available on the CACREP website and lets you:

• Search by institution name, state, or program area
• Filter for online or on-campus formats
• View detailed accreditation information for each counseling program

If you’re looking specifically for online CACREP-accredited counseling degrees, many schools highlight this accreditation on their websites. You can also use third-party resources—like this guide—to compare programs by cost, format, and specialization.

Is CACREP Accredited Important for Counseling Programs?

Yes — CACREP accreditation is critically important when choosing a counseling program, whether online or on campus. It signals that a program meets the highest standards in counselor education and is aligned with licensure, employer, and professional expectations.

Here are key reasons why CACREP-accredited counseling programs matter:

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🎓 1. High Academic Standards

CACREP sets rigorous standards across eight core curriculum areas. Accredited programs ensure students gain the knowledge and clinical training needed for ethical, effective counseling practice.

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🛠️ 2. Aligned with Best Practices

Accredited programs stay current with evidence-based practices, industry trends, and ethical guidelines—preparing students to work in real-world counseling settings.

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💼 3. Better Job Prospects

Many employers—especially in the public and nonprofit sectors—prefer or require candidates with degrees from CACREP-accredited programs, knowing these graduates are well-prepared.

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🧾 4. Streamlined Licensure Process

In many states, graduating from a CACREP-accredited counseling program is required or preferred for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or similar credential.

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🎓 5. Doctoral Program Readiness

If you’re considering a doctoral degree (like a PhD or EdD in Counseling), a CACREP-accredited master’s is often a prerequisite or highly valued by admissions committees.

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✅ 6. Quality Assurance & Peace of Mind

CACREP accreditation provides assurance that the program delivers a comprehensive, high-quality education—something especially valuable when committing time and money to graduate study.

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🔁 7. Easier Credit Transferability

If you transfer schools or pursue further graduate study, credits from CACREP-accredited programs are more likely to be accepted by other accredited institutions.

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Bottom line: Choosing a CACREP-accredited program shows your commitment to professional excellence and increases your chances of licensure, employment, and long-term success in the counseling field.

How Do Online Counseling Degrees Become CACREP Accredited?

Online counseling programs become CACREP accredited through a multi-step process that ensures the program meets national standards for counselor education and professional training. Here’s how the CACREP accreditation process works:

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CACREP Accreditation Process: Step-by-Step

1. Self-Study & Application
The institution completes a comprehensive self-study, reviewing its curriculum, faculty, student support services, clinical training, and alignment with CACREP’s core standards. This report is submitted along with an official application.

2. CACREP Review of Self-Study
CACREP reviews the submitted materials to evaluate whether the program meets accreditation criteria. They may request additional information or clarification.

3. Site Visit (Virtual or In-Person)
A CACREP site visit team meets with faculty, administrators, and students and may observe classes or review documents. For online programs, this step is often conducted virtually.

4. Accreditation Team Report
The visiting team prepares a report detailing its findings and recommendations, which is then submitted to CACREP’s Board of Directors.

5. Board Review & Accreditation Decision
CACREP’s Board reviews the self-study and site visit reports and issues an accreditation decision. If the program fully meets the standards, it is officially CACREP-accredited.

6. Ongoing Review & Reaccreditation
CACREP accreditation is typically valid for eight years. Programs must undergo periodic reviews and submit updated documentation to maintain their accredited status.

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✅ Why Accreditation Matters

This rigorous process ensures that CACREP-accredited programs—whether online or on campus—deliver a high-quality, evidence-based education that prepares students for professional counseling licensure and success.

How Long Does CACREP Accreditation Last?

CACREP accreditation is valid for eight years. After this period, the program must apply for reaccreditation to maintain its status.

During the eight-year term, programs are expected to:

• Continue meeting CACREP standards
• Document continuous improvement efforts
• Submit periodic reports if requested by CACREP

As the renewal date approaches, the program must go through the full CACREP reaccreditation process, including a self-study and review. This ensures the program continues to offer high-quality counselor education aligned with national standards.

Is CACREP Accreditation Required for Licensure?

Not always—but in many states, CACREP accreditation is required or strongly preferred to become a licensure professional counselor. Even when it’s not explicitly required, graduating from a CACREP-accredited program often makes the licensure process easier.

Here’s why CACREP accreditation matters for licensure:

• ✅ Meets state board requirements: Many state counseling boards list CACREP-accredited degrees as meeting core educational criteria for licensure.
• ✅ Simplifies the application process: Programs already aligned with CACREP standards may reduce the need for additional coursework or documentation.
• ✅ Reduces post-grad supervision hours (in some states): Graduates of non-CACREP programs are often required to complete more clinical hours.
• ✅ Improves licensure portability: If you plan to move between states, CACREP accreditation can ease the transition and help you meet requirements in multiple jurisdictions.

What if your program isn’t CACREP-accredited?
Some non-CACREP programs are still accepted, but you’ll need to verify with your state board. You may be asked to:

• Submit syllabi or coursework equivalency documentation
• Complete extra supervised clinical hours
• Undergo a more rigorous application review

Always check with your state licensing board to confirm their specific requirements before enrolling in a counseling program.

Finding Your CACREP Accredited Institution

CACREP accredits hundreds of graduate counseling programs across the U.S., including both online and on-campus formats. To verify a program’s accreditation status, use the official CACREP Directory, where you can search by school, state, or program area.

Online and On-Campus Options Are Growing

Since the pandemic, the number of CACREP-accredited online counseling programs has expanded significantly. Today, you can find high-quality, flexible options that meet CACREP standards—alongside traditional, in-person programs if you prefer classroom-based learning.

Why Accreditation Should Guide Your Decision

Choosing a CACREP-accredited online counseling program is a smart investment in your future. These programs:

• Meet rigorous academic and clinical training standards
• Prepare you for licensure and national certification
• Are trusted by employers and state licensing boards
• Offer the flexibility many working professionals need

Align Your Program with Your Goals

Whether you plan to work in schools, mental health clinics, private practice, or nonprofit organizations, a CACREP-accredited degree provides the foundation for a successful career in counseling.

Before applying, be sure to:

• Compare programs carefully based on cost, format, specialization, and location
• Verify licensure alignment with your state’s requirements
• Consider your personal schedule and learning preferences

By taking the time to choose the right program, you’ll position yourself for success in a meaningful and rewarding counseling career.

❓ FAQ About CACREP-Accredited Online Counseling Programs