Ohio University Counseling Programs Secure Accreditation Through October 2032
Ohio University’s Patton College of Education has secured a full reaffirmation of its counselor education accreditation, locking in institutional approval through October 31, 2032. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) extended the status following an evaluation of the department’s curriculum, faculty credentials, clinical training structures, and student graduation outcomes against national benchmarks.
The decision applies across the Department of Counseling and Higher Education, covering master’s tracks in School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, as well as the Ph.D. program in Counselor Education and Supervision. Ohio University has held continuous CACREP accreditation for these offerings since the 1980s, according to institutional records.
We are thrilled to achieve reaccreditation as it highlights our continued dedication to the quality of our programs,
said Dr. Tamarine Foreman, associate professor of counselor education and CACREP liaison, in a statement published by Ohio University. It was a team effort and I am thankful for all the support we received from current students, alumni, administration, faculty, and site supervisors.
Program Offerings and Licensure Pathways
The accredited master’s tracks prepare graduates for specific state credentials and professional examinations upon completion. The Master of Education in School Counseling is available on the Athens campus and through an online delivery format. Graduates of this track qualify for the Ohio Pupil Services License in school counseling after passing the Ohio Assessment for Educators exam.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed. curriculum trains students for therapeutic roles in diverse clinical settings. Graduates from this track become eligible to seek Ohio Licensed Professional Counselor status upon passing the National Counselor Examination. Meanwhile, the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling M.Ed. track focuses on supporting clients with disabilities. Graduates qualify for the National Counselor Examination and can also pursue the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credential.
At the doctoral level, the Ph.D. program in Counselor Education and Supervision prepares experienced clinicians for faculty appointments, clinical supervision roles, and leadership positions within the broader profession.
Online School Counseling Cohort Reaches Milestone
This accreditation cycle marks the first evaluation since the department launched its fully online M.Ed. in School Counseling in January 2024. Recognized as the first CACREP-accredited online school counseling program at a public university in Ohio, the digital track produced its inaugural graduating class in May 2026, with graduates achieving a 100% pass rate on the state educator assessment.
Addressing workforce needs in school counseling was one of the primary reasons that we began this program,
said Dr. Christine Suniti Bhat, professor of counselor education and past president of the American Counseling Association for the 2024–2025 term.
The online format requires 60 credit hours, designed to be completed across seven semesters starting in spring or summer terms. Students complete a 100-hour practicum, which includes at least 40 hours of direct client work, followed by a 600-hour internship split across two semesters in an active school setting. The program has expanded its reach beyond state lines, enrolling working teachers and professionals from North Carolina, Colorado, and Florida.
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