Master’s in Counseling Degrees in Colorado – Explore 5 Online and On-Campus Options

If you’re looking to become a counselor, you may consider doing so in Colorado. The most common pathway to becoming a counselor in the state is to earn a master’s degree and obtain Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure. This license may open doors to a variety of roles and professional areas, such as supporting students in schools, working with individuals in rehabilitation centers, or providing valuable mental health counseling services. This guide is designed to help you find a program that aligns with your interests. 

In This Article:

Education and Other Requirements for Counseling Licensure in Colorado

Becoming a counselor in Colorado requires completing specific requirements. To obtain your LPC credential, the first step is completing an accredited master’s program—the minimum degree required. Accreditation ensures your degree touches on the areas of study necessary to prepare you for work as a counselor, including human growth and development, relationships, and more. 

During a master’s program in counseling, you’ll complete supervised fieldwork, typically a practicum and internship. In many CACREP-aligned programs, that baseline is at least 100 hours of practicum plus 600 hours of internship (700 total hours), with a defined portion of those hours completed as direct client service.

After graduation, Colorado requires additional supervised experience before you can be licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Specifically, you must complete at least 2,000 hours of post-master’s practice in professional counseling under supervision, including at least 1,500 hours of face-to-face direct client contact, as defined in the Board’s rules.

Once you’ve met the education and supervised-experience requirements, you’ll apply for licensure through Colorado’s State Board of Licensed Professional Counselor Examiners and complete both required exams: a jurisprudence exam and a national counseling exam administered under contract with NBCC.

Finally, many counselors choose to join professional associations to stay connected and supported in the field. The Colorado Counseling Association (CCA), Colorado’s state branch of the American Counseling Association, offers professional community, advocacy, and continuing education resources for counselors and counselors-in-training.

Salary and Career Outlook for Counselors in Colorado

Part of your career decisions may come down to the potential salary and job outlook. What does that look like in Colorado? We’ve gathered some information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

University of Denver

Morgridge College of Education Online

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Master of Arts in School Counseling

Advocate for P-12 students and become an agent of change in your community. With no GRE required, earn your Master in School Counseling online in as few as 24 months from the University of Denver. Gain valuable skills through a CACREP accredited curriculum centered on social justice.

  • No GRE required  
  • Live, online classes   
  • Complete in as few as 24 months 

Northwestern University

The Family Institute at Northwestern University

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Master of Arts in Counseling

Earn a CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling online from top-9 ranked1 Northwestern University.
 

1U.S. News & World Report: 2022 Best National University Rankings 

  • CACREP Accredited
  • Earn your MA in Counseling from Northwestern in as few as 18 months
  • Accelerated full-time, traditional, or part-time tracks available

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FAQs

Still wondering about potential counseling jobs and pay? Here are some questions and answers you may reference as you gather information about this field.

How much do mental health therapists make in Colorado?

According to BLS data, Colorado therapists working in substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health made a mean yearly salary of $66,280 in 2024.

What jobs can I get with a master’s degree in counseling in Colorado?

With a master’s degree in counseling and a valid license, you may pursue jobs in schools, in mental health practices, in rehab facilities, or provide family and marriage counseling services.  

How much money can a counselor make in private practice?

It depends on your specialty, caseload, and fees, and private-practice earnings aren’t captured cleanly in BLS wage tables because the BLS OEWS wage estimates exclude self-employed workers. For a benchmark, the BLS reports the May 2024 national median pay of $59,190 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors and $63,780 for marriage and family therapists. In private practice, your income is typically driven by the number of sessions per week × the average collected fee, minus overhead and taxes.

Is mental health counseling a good career in Colorado?

If you are passionate about helping people work through a variety of mental health conditions and transform their mindsets, working as a mental health counselor in Colorado might be a viable option for you. According to the BLS, mental health counselors in Colorado earned an average salary of $66,280 in 2024.

What is the job outlook for school counselors in Colorado?

The state of Colorado employed more than 6,220 educational, guidance and career counselors in 2024. Between 2024 and 2034, nationwide employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow 4%.

How much does a school counselor make with a master’s degree in Colorado?

In 2024, school and career counselors’ pay varied widely. In Colorado, educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors earned about $60,660 per year on average, though wages vary by district, role, and experience.

Information last updated: January 2026