Counseling
WHERE
EMPATHY
MEETS
EXPERTISE
Help navigate life's obstacles
Gain Your Counseling Credentials at GW
In these “unprecedented times,” it is critical for all to have access to quality mental health care and professional support to guide us through life’s challenges. The need for school, rehabilitation, career, and mental health counselors has grown exponentially. The Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) at the George Washington University is dedicated to preparing compassionate and skilled counselors who are ready to answer the call and make a difference in the lives of others.
Whichever your preferred specialization, our comprehensive counseling programs prepare you to become a practitioner, researcher, scholar, and leader in various settings. Our dynamic learning environment is guided by dedicated faculty who are leading voices in the field. Discover the tools to provide healing, foster growth, and promote well-being in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Get the Inside Scoop
Complete the form below to learn more about degree requirements, course descriptions, tuition, and more.
Explore Our Counseling Programs to Find the One that Matches Your Career Goals
- Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
On-Campus (Foggy Bottom)
Prepare to sit for board certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
One of the first of its kind, this 60-credit master's program provides a clinical counseling foundation for serving persons facing physical, mental, emotional, or social challenges.
Gain hands-on, practical experience, whether interning at our Community Counseling Services Center or at one of numerous other counseling settings.
- Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling
Offered Online or On-Campus (Foggy Bottom - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)
Ranked 3rd in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
Prepare to sit for board certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Rehabilitation counselors offer hope and empowerment while facilitating services addressing employment and independent living. This 60-credit master's program combines rigorous course content with supervised, clinical experience to provide a foundation for serving diverse populations.
- Master's in School Counseling
On-Campus (Alexandria, VA - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)
Prepare to sit for board certification as a Certified School Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor with a specialty in Children and Adolescents, and/or a Registered Play Therapist
Accredited by CACREP and CAEP, our program builds on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards of excellence
Learn to lead classrooms, groups and individual counseling sessions successfully addressing the critical concerns affecting the psycho-social, academic and career well-being of K-12 students. Receive professional preparation to become certified as a counselor in public and private schools. Get hands-on, practical lab experience in the Community Counseling Services Center.
- Post-Master's Certificate in Counseling
On-Campus (Alexandria, VA - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)
The 12-credit hour post-masters certificate in counseling is designed to allow students who have obtained a 48-credit master's degree in counseling to gain additional credits necessary for licensure.
- Doctorate (PhD) in Counseling
On-Campus (Foggy Bottom - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)
The 75-credit program is designed to build your capacity to conduct research, publish your findings, provide clinical services, and teach at the graduate level. Gain hands-on counseling experience in our in-house training clinic, the Community Counseling Services Center, to expand your clinical, administration, management, advocacy, and leadership skills.
- Grad Certificate in Foundations of Rehabilitation Services
Offered Online or On-Campus (Foggy Bottom - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)Prepare to sit for board certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Further develop your counseling abilities to effectively guide and place persons with disabilities into steady employment environments.
Earn this graduate certificate now, then transfer the12 credit hours toward a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling.
Learn more about the Transition Leadership Grad Certificate >
The GW Advantage
Access Washington, D.C.
GW's unique location provides unprecedented access to learning and career opportunities in diverse care settings, government agencies, and professional associations. Gain hands-on experience in supervised, clinical settings in the metropolitan area, including our on-campus Community Counseling Services Center.
Top Ranked + Accredited
Our counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
The Rehabilitation Counseling program is ranked 3rd in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.
Gain Credentials
Pursue credentials such as the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential exam, the Licensed Professional Counselor credential (LPC), or the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).
GRE is Not Required
The GSEHD Admissions team completes a wholistic review, considering extracurricular activities, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
No Application Fee
There’s no risk to applying to GSEHD, only reward! So what are you waiting for? Apply today!
Funding Available
Explore opportunities for GW, GSEHD, and external scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options.
New: Save 20% with Federal Service Scholarship
If you are a current U.S. federal civilian employee or a federal employee/contractor affected by the 2025 federal workforce reductions, you may be eligible for GSEHD's Federal Service Scholarship, which provides a 20% tuition discount.
- Eligible program: Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling (On-Campus Program Only)
- Deadline: Apply for Fall 2025 enrollment by June 1
- Additional limitations may apply
Being a part of GSEHD has been one of the best decisions I have made. I now feel well prepared to serve the community while providing counseling services to families and children in the DC area. Completing my education here has taught me to be independent, confident, and resilient.
TATYANA SUARES
M.A. ’20 (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Your Future in Counseling
There is a critical nationwide shortage of special education teachers and experts. Graduates of this program are highly sought after for post-program employment, as well as demonstrate teacher-retention rates many times higher than the national average. Potential positions include:
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
- Registered Play Therapist
- K-12 School / Career Counselor
- Counseling Team Lead
- Program Director / Director of Counseling Services
- Behavior Specialist
- Mental Health Advocate
- Independent Living Program Coordinator
- Assistive Technology Specialist
- Supported Employment Specialist
- Case Manager
- University Professor
- Researcher
- Clinical Supervisor
98.5%
Hire Rate Following Graduation
(Average of GW's
CACREP-Accredited programs in 2023)
