MPCAC Accredited Programs Guide for 2026

If you’re planning to pursue a graduate degree in psychology or counseling, one term you’ll likely encounter is MPCAC accreditation. Standing for the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council, MPCAC focuses on ensuring high-quality, evidence-based education in psychology-rooted counseling programs.

This guide explains what MPCAC is, how it compares to other accreditors, and why it matters when choosing a master’s program. You’ll also find a current list of MPCAC accredited programs for 2026, along with practical advice for evaluating which schools best align with your academic and professional goals.

What Is MPCAC?

The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) is a programmatic accreditor that evaluates graduate-level programs focused on mental health training grounded in psychological science. Unlike broader institutional accreditation, which applies to entire universities, MPCAC accreditation specifically reviews the quality and rigor of a program’s curriculum, supervision, and clinical preparation.

MPCAC-accredited programs are typically housed in psychology departments and emphasize the integration of theory, research, and applied practice. These include graduate programs in counseling psychology and clinical mental health counseling, as well as some hybrid models that combine elements of both. Many of these offerings are available in flexible or online formats—such as online master’s in counseling psychology programs—designed to prepare students for evidence-based clinical practice.

Mission and Focus

MPCAC’s mission centers on ensuring that students receive comprehensive, scientifically informed mental health training. Accredited programs must demonstrate:

• A foundation in psychological science
  
• Competency in multicultural and ethical practice
  
• Supervised clinical experience and research literacy
  
• Integration of evidence-based approaches
  

This focus makes MPCAC accreditation especially relevant for students who want to combine the scientific principles of psychology with applied counseling skills.

Academic and Professional Pathways

Graduates of MPCAC-accredited programs often pursue careers as licensed professional counselors (LPCs) or continue to doctoral training in psychology. Many students who plan to become a counseling psychologist begin their journey in MPCAC-accredited programs, which provide a strong academic bridge between undergraduate study and doctoral-level licensure preparation.

MPCAC Accredited Programs (2026)

These programs represent a diverse mix of institutions offering master’s-level education in counseling psychology, clinical mental health counseling, and other psychology-based mental health disciplines.

Because accreditation status can evolve, prospective students should always verify details directly through the official MPCAC directory or the program’s university website before applying.

Institution	Program	State
Alverno College	M.S. in Community Psychology	WI
Arcadia University	M.A. in Counseling Psychology	PA
Arizona State University	Master of Counseling	AZ
Assumption University	M. A. in Clinical Counseling Psychology	MA
Augusta University	M.S. in Psychology, Clinical Track	GA
Ball State University	M.A. Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration	IN
Ball State University	Dual Program: Masters in Social Psychology & Clinical Mental Health Counseling	IN
Barry University	M.S. in Clinical Psychology	FL
Bastyr University	M.A. in Counseling Psychology	CA
Bastyr University	M.A. in Counseling Psychology	WA
Boston College	M.A. in Mental Health Counseling	MA
Brenau University	M.S. in Clinical Counseling Psychology	GA
Bridgewater State University	M.A. in Clinical Psychology	MA
Chatham University	M.S. in Counseling Psychology	PA
Chestnut Hill College	M.S. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology	PA
Clayton State University	M.S. in Clinical Counseling Psychology	GA
College of Staten Island, City University of New York	M.A. in Mental Health Counseling	NY
Columbia University, Teachers College	Ed.M. in Counseling Psychology	NY
Delaware Valley University	M.A. in Counseling Psychology	PA
Eastern University	M.A. in Counseling Psychology	PA
Felician University	M.A. in Counseling Psychology	NJ
Florida International University	M.S. in Psychology: Professional Counseling Psychology	FL
Fordham University	M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling	NY
Fordham University	M.S.Ed. in School Counseling	NY
Francis Marion University	M.S. in Applied Psychology	SC
Frostburg State University	M.S. in Counseling Psychology	MD
Indiana University	Department of Applied Psychology in Education and Research Methodology	IN
Lehigh University	M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling	PA
Midwestern State University	M.A. Program in Clinical and Counseling Psychology	TX
Morehead State University	M.S. Program in Clinical Psychology	KY
Murray State University	M.A. or M.S. in Clinical Psychology	KY
New Mexico Highlands University	M.S. Program in Clinical Counseling Psychology	NM
New York University	M.A. in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness	NY
New York University	M.A. in School Counseling	NY
Pacific University	M.A. in Applied Clinical Psychology	OR
Robert Morris University	M.S. in Counseling Psychology	PA
Russell Sage College	M.A. in Counseling and Community Psychology	NY
Sonoma State University	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	CA
SUNY Old Westbury	M.S. in Mental Health Counseling	NY
Texas A&M International University	M.A. in Counseling Psychology	TX
The Chicago School	M.A. in Counseling Psychology	IL
The Citadel	M.A. in Clinical Counseling	SC
Towson University	M.A. in Psychology, Counseling Psychology Concentration	MD
University at Albany	M.S. in Mental Health Counseling	NY
University of Baltimore	M.S. in Applied Psychology, Counseling Psychology Concentration	MD
University of Buffalo, SUNY	M.S. in Mental Health Counseling	NY
University of Central Florida	M.A in Clinical Psychology	FL
University of Central Oklahoma	M.A. in Counseling Psychology	OK
University of Denver	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	CO
University of Georgia	M.Ed. in Professional Counseling-Mental Health Emphasis	GA
University of Hawaii at Hilo	M.A. Program in Counseling Psychology (Mental Health Counseling Specialization)	HI
University of Indianapolis	Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling	IN
University of Kansas	M.S. in Counseling Psychology	KS
University of Massachusetts Boston	M.S. in Mental Health Counseling	MA
University of Massachusetts Boston	M.Ed in School Counseling	MA
University of Miami	M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling	FL
University of Missouri-Kansas City	M.A. in Counseling	MO
University of Pennsylvania	M.S.Ed. Executive Program in School and Mental Health Counseling	PA
University of Pennsylvania	M.Phil.Ed. in Professional Counseling	PA
University of South Carolina Aiken	M.S. in Applied Clinical Psychology	SC
University of Southern Mississippi	M.S. in Counseling Psychology	MS
University of Utah	M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	UT
University of Utah	M.Ed. in School Counseling	UT
University of West Florida	M.A. in Psychology, Counseling Concentration	FL
University of Western States	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	OR
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	WI
University of Wisconsin-Madison	M.S. in Counseling	WI
Western Illinois University	M.S. in Clinical Community Mental Health	IL
Whitworth University	M.Ed. in School Counseling Program	WA
William Paterson University	M.A. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology Program	NJ

How MPCAC Fits Into the Accreditation Landscape

Understanding where MPCAC fits within the broader landscape of psychology and counseling accreditation can help you make sense of its unique role. In the U.S., there are several key accrediting bodies that evaluate graduate programs in mental health and behavioral science—but they serve different educational traditions and professional pathways.

How MPCAC Differs from Other Accreditors

• APA (American Psychological Association): Accredits doctoral-level programs (PhD and PsyD) in psychology, along with predoctoral internships and postdoctoral residencies. APA accreditation is essential for becoming a licensed psychologist in most states.
  
• CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs): Accredits master’s and doctoral programs in counselor education, often located in schools of education rather than psychology departments.
  
• MPCAC: Focuses on master’s-level programs that stem from psychology, emphasizing evidence-based counseling and applied psychological science.
  
• PCSAS (Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System): Accredits doctoral-level programs in clinical science, typically PhD programs that prioritize research and academic training. PCSAS complements MPCAC by serving a similar scientific mission at the doctoral level.
  

This distinction means that MPCAC-accredited programs often appeal to students who want clinical training grounded in psychology rather than education. These programs may prepare students for licensure as professional counselors or provide a foundation for doctoral study in counseling or clinical psychology.

Licensure and Recognition

Because MPCAC is relatively newer than APA or CACREP, its recognition varies by state. Some states fully recognize MPCAC-accredited programs for licensure, while others still specify CACREP accreditation. For this reason, students should always verify their state’s licensing requirements before enrolling.

MPCAC is gaining visibility, however, particularly among universities that emphasize scientific rigor and multicultural competence. Its accreditation signals that a program meets nationally recognized standards for psychology-based mental health education.

Why Choose an MPCAC Accredited Program?

For students pursuing graduate education in mental health, MPCAC-accredited programs offer a distinctive balance of scientific rigor, clinical preparation, and psychological depth. Choosing an MPCAC program means enrolling in a master’s curriculum designed to integrate counseling skills with evidence-based principles rooted in psychology.

Key Strengths of MPCAC Programs

• Psychology-Based Curriculum: MPCAC programs emphasize research literacy, psychological theory, and evidence-based practice rather than focusing solely on counselor education. Students learn to evaluate and apply psychological research to clinical settings.
  
• Commitment to Multicultural Competence: Programs must demonstrate a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion—preparing graduates to serve clients from varied cultural and social backgrounds.
  
• Small Cohorts and Close Mentorship: Because most MPCAC-accredited programs operate within psychology departments, students often benefit from smaller class sizes and direct faculty mentorship.
  
• Preparation for Licensure or Doctoral Study: Graduates are well positioned for state-level counselor licensure (depending on local regulations) or for advancing into PhD or PsyD programs in counseling or clinical psychology.
  

Who Should Consider an MPCAC Program

An MPCAC-accredited master’s program can be an excellent fit for students who:

• Plan to become a counseling psychologist or pursue doctoral study in a psychology-based field.
  
• Value training grounded in science and critical thinking rather than purely educational models.
  
• Want a program that combines clinical skill development with research competence.
  
• Are drawn to programs emphasizing ethical practice, cultural sensitivity, and social responsibility.

FAQ: MPCAC Accredited Programs

What’s the difference between MPCAC and CACREP?
The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) accredits psychology-based master’s programs—often housed in psychology departments—while CACREP (the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accredits counseling programs typically based in education schools. Both uphold rigorous standards, but CACREP is more widely required for counselor licensure in certain states.

Are MPCAC programs recognized for licensure?
Yes, but recognition varies by state. Many states accept MPCAC-accredited programs for counselor licensure, though others explicitly require CACREP. Before enrolling, always confirm your intended state’s requirements with its counseling licensure board.

Can I go on to a PhD or PsyD after completing an MPCAC program?
Absolutely. MPCAC-accredited programs provide strong preparation for doctoral-level study, particularly for students interested in counseling psychology or clinical psychology. Graduates often apply to PhD or PsyD programs after gaining clinical or research experience.

Do MPCAC programs include internships or practicum training?
Yes. All MPCAC-accredited programs must include supervised practicum and internship experiences to ensure students gain hands-on clinical training before graduation.

Are any MPCAC-accredited programs online or hybrid?
A growing number offer hybrid or low-residency formats that combine online coursework with in-person practicum components. However, fully online MPCAC-accredited programs are still uncommon, so students should check program websites for current delivery formats.

Final Thoughts on Choosing an MPCAC Program

MPCAC-accredited programs stand out for their psychology-based, evidence-driven approach to mental health training. They offer rigorous preparation for counseling licensure, doctoral study, or clinical practice rooted in psychological science.

When comparing graduate options, focus on fit and licensure alignment as much as accreditation. Confirm your state’s requirements, explore program outcomes, and contact admissions offices directly to clarify training models.

Ultimately, the best MPCAC-accredited program is one that supports both your career goals and your commitment to competent, compassionate practice.