Comparing MPCAC vs CACREP | An Extensive 2024 Guide to Accreditation

When it comes to counseling and psychology degrees, there are plenty of factors to consider. One of the most important, though, is the difference between MPCAC vs CACREP accreditation. MPCAC and CACREP review and accredit graduate-level programs in the counseling and psychology fields. This means the degrees with their stamp of approval are industry-standard. They have the requirements and coursework to push students into long-term success helping others.

Many states now require aspiring licensed counselors to have graduated from accredited graduate programs. But if you don’t know which accreditor is which, you could end up paying for the wrong type of degree. Don’t miss the mark, and read on to learn more about CACREP vs MPCAC!

Article Navigation: MPCAC Accredited Programs | CACREP Accreditation Requirements | What’s the Difference Between MPCAC vs. CACREP Accreditation? | CACREP Accredited Programs Online | MPCAC Accredited Master’s Programs in Psychology and Counseling | Counseling/Psychology Accreditation | What if My Program is Not CACREP Accredited? | How to Become a Licensed Therapist Through CACREP or MPCAC Programs | Career Options Through CACREP and MPCAC Accredited Programs | Use GetEducated to Find the Best CACREP vs MPCAC Accredited Programs

MPCAC Accredited Programs

The Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) formed in 2011. It provides curricular guidelines and accrediting standards for master’s degree programs in both counseling and psychology. Like all programmatic accrediting bodies, MPCAC reviews the quality, rigor, and student support resources of qualifying master’s-level programs.

The most recent update to the MPCAC’s standards came in 2017, and it includes renewed and updated standards such as:

• Appropriate program missions and objectives
• Strong program orientation resources
• A core curriculum consisting of at least two years of full-time study and 60 credits
• Requirements for supervised experiences and a minimum of 600 hours across at least two semesters
• Research and clinical instruction or practicum courses/internships
• Requirements for the institution or college hosting the given master’s program
• Faculty and staff support and engagement practices with students

Keep in mind, however, that as of October 1, 2023, MPCAC will only review programs that meet its new 2024 Standards.

When a program seeks accreditation by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council, it must go through the following process:

• Notify the MPCAC Chair via email
• Send an application fee
• Upload materials regarding the program for review
• Wait for MPCAC to send site visitors to the program
• The site visitors will then observe the program’s classes and processes

Where Are MPCAC Accredited Programs? MPCAC vs CACREP

In total, it can take up to two years for a given psychology or counseling program to receive MPCAC accreditation. Because MPCAC is a newer accreditor compared to CACREP, only about half of all 50 states have psychology or counseling programs accredited by MPCAC vs CACREP. These states include:

• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• New York
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• Wisconsin

Still, many states have MPCAC-accredited programs, including stellar online programs! MPCAC is recognized as official and legitimate by CHEA, as well.

Right now, no state requires an MPCAC-accredited graduate program in counseling or psychology completion to be a licensed counselor or psychologist. However, as time goes on, that might change. Having an MPCAC-accredited program under your belt could certainly be a major benefit as you look for jobs!

CACREP Accreditation Requirements

CACREP, or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, is another independent accrediting body. Its formation came in 1981. Currently, it accredits master’s and doctoral-level programs in mental health counseling and clinical counseling.

But what does CACREP-accredited mean? CACREP includes similar standards for schools as MPCAC, including:

• An accurately described clinical or mental health counseling program
• Graduate programs that consist of at least 60 semester credit hours or 90 quarter credit hours
• Practical or internship experience hours of no fewer than 600 hours total across two years
• Supportive faculty and staff
• Up-to-date and academically robust classes

Accreditation of graduate programs in counseling by CACREP is a multistage process involving:

• Meeting with initial reviewers and submitting program materials
• Receiving site team visitors, who observe the program, analyze its teachers, and interview students
• Reviewing the accreditation materials via the CACREP Board of Directors

At the time of this writing, every US state has at least one CACREP-accredited program.

What States Require CACREP Accreditation for Licensure? CACREP vs MPCAC

As of 2023, many states require CACREP-accredited master’s or doctoral degree to practice as a licensed counselor, including:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New York
• Ohio
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Utah
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

In other words, if you want to be a licensed counselor in one of the above states, your program must be accredited by CACREP! When it comes to CHEA approval, you don’t have to pit MPCAC vs CACREP,  they are both approved by CHEA.  The Council for Higher Education Accreditation is an independent body of schools and review organizations that make sure accrediting organizations are legitimate.

What’s the Difference Between MPCAC vs CACREP Accreditation?

There aren’t monumental differences between MPCAC vs CACREP. However, one big difference is clear: MPCAC accredits only master’s-level programs in counseling and psychology, while CACREP accredits both master’s and doctoral-level programs in only counseling, not psychology.

Furthermore, CACREP has been around for longer compared to MPCAC. It has had the opportunity to accredit more schools and become seen as a legitimate accrediting body in the industry. Thus, several states do require CACREP-accredited degrees from licensed counselors. No state licensing boards currently require MPCAC-accredited degrees.

But that’s not the whole story. Yes, some states don’t explicitly require MPCAC-accredited programs. But their counseling or psychology licensing boards nonetheless recognize that accredited psychology and counseling programs meet the licensure requirements for most specialists. So, in effect, having an MPCAC-accredited degree could be wise anyway. If you have such a degree, you’ll likely qualify to take the relevant exams for your chosen profession.

CACREP Accredited Programs Online

Since program accreditation is so crucial, it helps to know which online counseling programs you can check out. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top CACREP accredited programs online in 2023:

1. Capella University

   Degree: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Master of Science in School Counseling; PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $497-$730 per credit hour

   Capella University offers a handful of accredited psychology programs and counseling programs. We’ll start with the MS in clinical mental health counseling. While you can take the MS as a generalized degree, you can also specialize in child and adolescent counseling or addiction treatment and recovery. Regardless, you’ll benefit from supportive faculty and real-world learning experiences, such as a residency.

   The school counseling program also has a couple of tracks to pursue. There is Child and Adolescent Counseling, Addiction Treatment and Recovery, and General School Counseling. Expert core faculty lead each course, and a required in-person residency only happens once throughout the online program. It’s fully accredited by CACREP. This program does have high admission requirements, like a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and a 3-6 page essay.

   If you want a doctoral degree, the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision is perfect. It’s available online and in-person. Overall it is comprised of 12 core courses plus a practicum and internship. You can start your dissertation properly if you so choose, and you can also take advantage of special scholarships. For example, $5000 toward your doctorate with the Capella Progress Reward.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
   Master of Science in School Counseling
   PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

    

2. Walden University

   Degree: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; MS in School Counseling; Master of Science Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $45,450-$56,055

   Walden University also offers several excellent CACREP-accredited programs. To begin with, the MS in clinical mental health counseling. It takes about 33 months on a part-time basis to complete. The program offers a wealth of different hands-on learning experiences and internships as well. You can complete a general program or five different areas of focus to tailor your education to your goals.

   The MS in school counseling also takes around 33 months online. It thoroughly prepares students to pursue licensure or certification as a school counselor and is fully CACREP-accredited. Notably, you’ll receive personalized guidance and support throughout the program. In addition, you can choose between a general program or one of four different specializations. Faculty and students all come from diverse academic backgrounds. As far as format goes, there are some group lab activities and a few pre-practicum labs with synchronous attendance requirements.

   Alternatively, you can attend a dual degree in both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling if you want to broaden your career. It takes 48 months to complete from start to finish. But it gives you all the credentials you need to pursue either of these potential professions. You’ll earn two different degrees simultaneously, plus participate in over 1000 hours of internship and practicum experiences. The staff will support you through a professional development plan and licensure plan from day one.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
   MS in School Counseling
   Master of Science Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling

    

3. Regent University

   Degree: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; MA in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling; MA in School Counseling; PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $730-$900 per credit hour

   Regent University’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is another top-notch CACREP-accredited program. It’s 60 credit hours in total and has three start dates throughout the year, including one in summer. There’s an on-campus residency requirement, but otherwise, it’s 100% online. Experienced, renowned faculty in the field lead each course with a Christian worldview.

   The MA in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling prepares you to acquire licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) licensure. It also includes hands-on clinical experiences and real-world fieldwork. In addition, you’ll need to complete two in-person residencies throughout both of the years comprising the program.

   If you attend the MA in School Counseling, you’ll find that it can take just two years and has several start dates. It’s 60 credits in total and allows you to integrate both science and faith to inform and specialize your career. You’ll be prepared to be a counselor at private and public schools, including charter schools, when you complete the program.

   The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program is 66 hours in total. While it is primarily online, it includes a residency component. This degree includes a lot of hands-on mentor supported and guided instruction, too. It teaches students how to apply spiritual and biblical interventions as scholars, teachers, or counselor practitioners. Special scholarships are available specifically for this program.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
   MA in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling
   MA in School Counseling
   PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision

    

MPCAC Accredited Master’s Programs in Psychology and Counseling

Next, let’s check out some high-quality MPCAC-accredited online programs. Many of which are available in states with lots of open counselor and psychologist positions.

1. University of Massachusetts Boston

   Degree: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling; MEd in School Counseling
   Tuition (In-State): $7,262
   Tuition (Out of State): $14,175

   At the University of Massachusetts Boston, you can take an MS in mental health counseling. It takes at least two years and is available online or in a hybrid format. In either case, there’s only one start date each year in summer. Students progress through this program with a cohort of fellow students.

   You’ll have to complete a two-week in-person study at or near the campus, where you’ll get to know your fellow students. You’ll also complete some of the required clinical fieldwork hours so you are ready for licensure after graduation. The online program is almost exactly the same as the on-campus program in terms of faculty, course requirements and inclusions, and more.

   If you’re interested in the education side of things, the MEd in school counseling is available online or in a hybrid format. Like the MS degree, it’s MPCAC-accredited, can be completed in two years, and starts in the summer with your cohort.

   Students can add an optional counseling concentration to their plan of study if they so choose. It requires extra internship hours and two additional courses, but it could be worthwhile when applying for the most competitive positions. In either case, it’s flexible and available in full-time or part-time schedules, and it’s relatively affordable compared to other online degrees.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
   MEd in School Counseling

    

2. Eastern University

   Degree: MEd in School Counseling; MA in Clinical Counseling
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $781 per credit hour

   Eastern University’s M.Ed. School Counseling degree is an excellent online program option. It is 100% online or blended, in which case you can combine online classes with evening classes. It takes two years full-time or three years on a part-time basis to complete. Financial aid such as grants and military benefits are available.

   Aside from that, the program starts in August and January. Importantly, Pennsylvania Certified Educators have reduced practicum and internship requirements, so it’s a potentially excellent degree choice for working teachers who want to upgrade their educational credentials. The program allows all graduates to meet requirements for licensure exams as behavior specialists and professional counselors.

   On the other hand, the MA in clinical counseling offers three program tracks:

   – The General track
   – A Trauma Studies concentration
   – An Applied Behavior Analysis concentration

   It’s 100% online and can be completed in three or four years depending on your pace. Two start dates are available each year, and you can benefit from several financial aid as well. With this MA under your belt, you can work as a professional counselor in Pennsylvania. Also, students can further concentrate or specialize their degrees with a variety of different elective choices. All faculty are practitioner-scholars who offer real-world experience to their students.

   Find Out More:
   MEd in School Counseling
   MA in Clinical Counseling

    

3. New York University

   Degree: Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness; Master of Arts in School Counseling
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $2,101 per credit hour

   New York University’s MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness is 60 credits and available full-time or part-time. Notably, there are only two start dates per year in fall and winter. All students will complete interactive simulations in a counseling lab, as well as 700 hours of practicum and internship experiences.

   All students must also complete a three-day on-campus immersion in New York City. Students benefit from various scholarships and grants, plus electives that they can choose from to tailor the degree according to their interests in topics like Marriage and Family Counseling, Responses to Trauma, and more.

   Or you can take the MA in School Counseling. It’s taught by expert faculty and is available full-time or part-time with no GRE scores required. It’s anywhere between 48 and 51 credits in total, and there’s only one start date per year in the fall. The online curriculum is data-driven and taught by the same faculty as the on-campus classes.

   Students will meet as needed with their professors and be able to access asynchronous content 24/7. Students can also access their class materials and lessons on a mobile app, offering ease of use and access. Classes are small and consist of approximately 15 students at maximum.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
   Master of Arts in School Counseling

    

Counseling/Psychology Accreditation – MPCAC Vs CACREP

Counselor Licensure

Accreditation is important for licensure eligibility.

Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) are technically medical professionals, as they are authorized to make diagnoses of certain issues and, in some circumstances, prescribe medication. Because of this, states regulate who is legally allowed to call themselves licensed counselors/clinical counselors. A clinical counselor is a professional who works directly with people to treat conditions, while other counselors might focus more on research. When it comes to MPCAC vs CACREP for counseling licensure, you’ll find that both types of accreditation can meet requirements.

To meet licensure eligibility and complete all LPC licensure requirements, you must pass the National Council Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). When you complete an online counseling program accredited by CACREP or MPCAC, you can rest assured that you’ll meet the entrance requirements to take this exam upon graduating.

Psychologist Licensure

To become a psychologist, you have to be licensed through your state licensing board, which means you also need a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited or government-chartered institution. Most states require applicants to have at least a master’s degree in psychology from a regionally accredited program, and degrees programmatically accredited by the American Psychological Association, MPCAC, or COAMFTE are especially valuable. Again, you’ll need to take an exam to acquire your license.

To recap, attending accredited psychology master’s programs and counseling programs is important because:

• Your state’s licensing board might require that you have a program accredited by one of these organizations
• Completing this program means you are ready to take your state’s licensing exam, as any accredited program will have all the entrance requirements needed, like completing 600 supervised, clinical practice hours

More broadly, completing an MPCAC or CACREP-accredited program is valuable because you can rest assured that you receive a rigorous, accurate, and up-to-date education for your field. You’ll be well prepared for any challenges you may face in your professional future with an accredited psychology master’s or counseling master’s program.

What if My Program is Not CACREP Accredited?

If your program isn’t CACREP-accredited, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t practice as a licensed counselor.

Remember, only some states require CACREP accreditation from licensed counselors. If your state doesn’t have such a requirement, you don’t technically need to complete a CACREP-accredited program anyway, though it’s still a good idea.

Be sure to review your state’s license board requirements before signing up for any online counseling or psychology program. That way, you can ensure that you attend the right program for your future job needs and licensure requirements. Furthermore, if your program is not accredited by CACREP, but is accredited by MPCAC, it might still be a good choice – if your state doesn’t require CACREP accreditation, MPCAC accreditation is still valuable for the reasons mentioned above.

How to Become a Licensed Therapist Through MPCAC Vs CACREP Programs

If you want to be a licensed therapist, you’ll need to qualify for the NCE exam, plus qualify for your state’s licensing board, to meet all LPC licensure requirements. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of MPCAC vs CACREP licensure requirements.

CACREP Accreditation Requirements for Licensure

CACREP requirements for licensure include a 100-hour practicum course component, as well as 40 hours minimum of direct service with clients. Furthermore, students must complete a 600-hour internship with clients, plus another 240 hours of direct service with clients.

Once you complete these, you’ll be eligible to sit for the NCE exam and become a licensed counselor in your state of residence.

MPCAC Accreditation Requirements for Licensure

MPCAC has its own set of practical and internship requirements for master’s in psychology and counseling accreditation. Specifically, you need 600 hours enema of supervised experiences across at least two semesters, at least 40 of which should be direct contact hours with clients or patients. The supervisors have to be appropriately credentialed, and the experiences can be part of practicum courses or internships.

As with the CACREP’s requirements for licensure, completing these makes you eligible to sit for the NCE exam and become a licensed counselor.

Career Options Through MPCAC Vs CACREP Accredited Programs

Once you’ve completed a MPCAC vs CACREP accredited program, a wealth of different career opportunities may open up for you. Some examples include:

• Rehabilitation counselor, with an average salary of $39,990 per year. This job is growing at a rate of 2% per year on average
• Marriage and family therapist, with an average salary of $56,570 per year. This job is growing at a rate of 15% per year on average
• School and career counselor, with an average salary of $60,140 per year. This job is growing at a rate of 5% per year on average
• Psychologist, with an average salary of $85,330 per year. This job is growing at a rate of 6% per year on average
• Clinical and counseling psychologist, with an average salary of $102,740 per year. This job is growing at a rate of 3.1% per year on average

As you can see, there are many jobs available for those who complete CACREP and MPCAC-accredited programs, especially those who complete excellent internships and have some work experience right off the bat.

Use GetEducated to Find the Best MPCAC Vs CACREP Accredited Programs

Ultimately, CACREP and MPCAC-accredited programs could be just what you need to become a licensed counselor or psychologist. However, keep in mind that, at the time of this writing, many states still require CACREP accreditation specifically, while MPCAC accreditation is excellent and valuable, but not strictly required by any state licensure boards.

You can use GetEducated to find the best online CACREP vs MPCAC-accredited programs, so check out our catalog today!