What Are the Benefits of a CACREP-Accredited Program?

When considering options for a master’s or doctoral degree program in counseling, be sure to seek out a CACREP-accredited program.

Whether you’re interested in an on-campus or online program, CACREP accreditation signals that the program aligns with professional standards of quality, and you’ll receive a graduate-level counseling education that will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in the field.

First things first: What is CACREP?

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, commonly known as CACREP, is an independent accrediting agency that assures graduate counseling programs throughout the United States and the world meet standards within the counseling profession.

Why is CACREP accreditation important?

CACREP accreditation indicates that a program’s content and quality have been evaluated and meet strict, consistent standards set by the profession. Choosing a CACREP-accredited program also means the curriculum contains the academic knowledge necessary for professional licensure in many states.

What is the value of CACREP accreditation?

CACREP-accredited programs assure students—and the public they will one day serve—that a program’s curriculum includes appropriate counseling coursework and skill development. It also shows that those responsible for the program are committed to ongoing assessment to maintain and improve program quality. 

Why should I attend a CACREP-accredited program?

Whether you’re considering a campus-based or online program, there are several benefits to graduating from a program accredited by CACREP, including: 

• A wider range of employment opportunities..
• An advantage when applying to doctoral degree programs.
• A streamlined state counseling licensing application process.

Additionally, completing a CACREP-accredited program can fulfill the education requirements to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE), the certification exam to become a licensed counselor.

Ready to enter a CACREP-accredited counseling program? Learn about Walden’s CACREP-accredited online programs: MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; MS in School Counseling; MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling; and PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision..

Accreditation: Walden University’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and MS in School Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CACREP accreditation is a requirement for licensure in many states. 

Notes on licensure: The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for licensing exams and to meet the academic licensure requirements of many state counseling boards. The MS in School Counseling program meets the standards for school counseling licensure or certification and is a state-approved program in Minnesota and Ohio. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide guidance on licensure issues; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with all state licensure requirements. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure.

The PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed counseling professional.