University of Kentucky®
Masters Degree (MAC) in
Counselor Education
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 60
CREDENTIALS MAC Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$753.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Masters Degrees
- Counselor Education (MAC)
About this Program
Learn from some of the nation's best counseling educators in this fully online master's of counseling program. Our program has been consistently ranked in the country's top 10 rehabilitation counseling programs by U.S. News and World Report. Help individuals improve their well-being and quality of life with an impactful career in counseling. Students can choose from two tracks of specialization.
Tracks available in the Master's of Counseling Education program
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counseling utilizes a range of therapeutic techniques to treat a wide range of emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues. This includes depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and relationship problems. Clinical mental health counselors work in various settings, including private practices, mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, and community agencies. Broad training in this area often includes a focus on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, crisis intervention, and developing therapeutic relationships.
Rehabilitation Counseling
Rehabilitation Counseling focuses on helping individuals with physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities achieve their personal and professional goals. This includes assisting with adjustments to disability, vocational training, and improving daily living skills. Rehabilitation counselors commonly work in vocational rehabilitation centers, disability services agencies, healthcare settings, and community organizations focused on disability and employment.
Both specialty areas in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling are accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
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Designed For
A Master's in Counselor Education is suited for individuals passionate about helping others navigate personal and emotional challenges through counseling and therapy. Prospective students often have a background in psychology, social work, or related fields, and are dedicated to acquiring the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to become licensed counselors or therapists.
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What You’ll Learn
Students are encouraged to review the current year's student handbook to best understand program requirements.
- Foundations of Counseling Theories and Techniques:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of various counseling theories, such as cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and multicultural approaches.
- Learn practical techniques for establishing rapport, active listening, empathy, and effective communication with clients.
- Explore ethical considerations and legal regulations relevant to counseling practice.
- Assessment and Diagnosis Skills:
- Gain proficiency in administering and interpreting psychological assessments and tests to evaluate clients' mental health, personality traits, and emotional well-being.
- Learn how to use assessment results to formulate accurate diagnoses and treatment plans for clients with diverse backgrounds and needs.
- Understand the importance of ongoing assessment and its role in tracking client progress and adjusting therapeutic interventions.
- Counseling Strategies for Diverse Populations:
- Acquire culturally sensitive and inclusive counseling techniques to effectively work with clients from various ethnic, racial, religious, gender, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Explore the challenges and unique considerations when providing counseling services to specific populations, such as children, adolescents, couples, families, and individuals with disabilities.
- Develop strategies for addressing social justice and advocating for marginalized and underserved communities within the counseling context.
- Clinical Supervision and Professional Development:
- Learn the principles of clinical supervision, including how to provide guidance, feedback, and support to supervisees and counseling trainees.
- Develop skills in case conceptualization, treatment planning, and crisis intervention to prepare for real-world counseling scenarios.
- Explore strategies for self-care, burnout prevention, and ongoing professional growth as a counselor, including maintaining ethical standards and staying updated on best practices in the field.
Fieldwork Requirements
As part of the M.A.C, you will complete fieldwork experience and a practicum at an approved site in your geographic area. Some students secure 100% online practicums and internships.
- Practicum (3 credit hours): a supervised practicum experience of 200 hours
- Internship (9 credit hours): a supervised internship experience of 600 hours
Course Examples
- CED 516 Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities: Psychiatric Disabilities
- CED 520 Foundations of Professional Counseling
- CED 525 Human Growth, Disability, & Development Across the Lifespan
- CED 530 Social & Cultural Foundations of Counseling
- CED 550 Ethics for the Counseling Profession
- CED 620 Assessment in Rehabilitation & Mental Health
- CED 630 Career Development Counseling and Job Placement
- CED 650 Counseling Theories
- CED 660 Counseling Techniques
- CED 670 Group & Family Mental Health Counseling
- CED 750 Counseling Research and Program Evaluation
- CED 710 Clinical Practicum in RC & CMHC
- CED 730 Clinical Internship in RC & CMHC
- Plus 15 credits in the track you choose
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from the Counselor Education program to talk about your unique situation.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
Application Requirements
Our program requires applications to be submitted by April 1 to start in the summer or fall term. Please contact Dr. Keith B. Wilson (keithbwilson@uky.edu) if you would like to start in the spring term.
- CV/Resume
- A personal interview with program faculty
- Three references indicating appropriateness of student for the program (Only an email address is required. Our system will ask them to upload their letter.)
- A personal statement indicating interest in and goals for the degree program
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2026
Summer 2026
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Join an upcoming information session to learn more about the program, curriculum and faculty
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
No test scores required.
Degrees are conferred by the University of Kentucky, an accredited university.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Explore the many options available to help fund your education.
Frequently Asked Questions
About
How long does it take to complete the MAC program?
It depends on how many courses a student elects to take each semester. Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling are the two specialties offered by the Counselor Education program. Each specialty requires 60 credits and 200 practicum hours. The length of time it takes students to accomplish their degree program will depend on how many courses they take each term, and how quickly they accomplish their practicum hours. In the accelerated program, students take 12 to 16 credit hours a semester (including the summer) to complete the program in 4 to 5 semesters.
Can I pursue the online MAC program part-time while working?
Yes, the program offers 8-week semesters of intensive courses for Spring and Fall classes that are designed for working professionals. Courses are offered in a mix of asynchronous and synchronous formats that can vary based on the course. Practicum and internships are offered over 12 weeks in the Summer.
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
Is there a tuition cap?
Yes! For graduate students who enroll full-time (9+ credit hours) exclusively in a distance education program, will receive a capped tuition rate. To see the current term’s capped tuition rate, please visit https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition and look for “Graduate Students Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses -- full-time.” This is the per semester rate you will pay when enrolled for 9 or more credit hours. Please note, this rate only applies to programs using the standard graduate tuition rate.
Are scholarships or financial aid available for online students?
Yes! Online students enrolled in a degree-bearing program are eligible to receive financial aid and scholarships. Learn more at https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships
What tuition assistance is available for graduate students?
Graduate students should review the Student Funding information available through the Graduate School. Specific programs may offer additional funding that is unique to that program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the department in which you wish to enroll with questions about the availability of assistantships and the application process.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully online programs, state of residence does not affect tuition rate. Tuition is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
Should I enroll as a full-time graduate student?
This depends on each student and their ability to manage the heavy course load of enrolling full-time, which is 9 credit hours (typically, 3 classes) per semester. Students who enroll full-time may find it difficult to keep even a part-time job. Students who are able to manage a full-time courseload can take advantage of our Graduate Tuition Cap and save on tuition, which offers a flat tuition rate per semester when enrolled in 9 or more credit hours.
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Will this program lead to licensure in my state?
Students should consult with their licensure board to verify if this program will meet licensure requirements for the state in which they will practice. UK has assembled a database of licensure information for different states. However, the ultimate responsibility for verifying this information prior to enrollment lies with the student.
Internship / Practicum
Does the MAC program help students secure fieldwork (i.e., practicum and internship)?
The responsibility to secure fieldwork is primarily the student's responsibility. However, it is possible that talking to faculty may facilitate this process.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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