• Apply By
    Rolling Deadlines
  • Admission GPA
    3.0
  • Total Credits
    60
  • Format
    Primarily online
  • Time to Complete
    2.5-3 years
  • Cost
    $884 per credit

Why Earn a Master’s in Sex Therapy?

Are you ready to make a tangible difference in mental health? The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Sex Therapy is a fully online degree that puts you on the direct path to LPCC licensure in Minnesota and optional AASECT Sex Therapist certification. This unique, career-focused major combines an online curriculum with the essential experience offered through an in-person internship.

Plus, the degree was created in collaboration with the Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School. This ensures that your training is grounded in evidence-based research. 

Keep a Work-Life Balance with Our Flexible Format

The MPS in Sex Therapy is offered in a flexible online format that allows you to complete all of your coursework remotely, making it easier for you to balance professional, personal or geographic constraints. You engage in interactive, asynchronous and remote synchronous learning with access to faculty support, peer collaboration and virtual resources. 

Comparing the MPS in Sex Therapy vs. the MPS in Sexual Health 

Deciding between the MPS in Sex Therapy and the MPS in Sexual Health? In both programs, you’ll join a diverse and supportive group of students who share a passion for helping others. Here is the essential difference:

  • The MPS in Sex Therapy is a license preparation program designed to make you an LPCC in Minnesota, while also fulfilling the majority of requirements for AASECT Sex Therapist certification.
  • The MPS in Sexual Health is not a license preparation program but is ideal for enhancing a professional or clinician's practice in healthcare, education, public policy or advocacy. Coursework also counts toward AASECT Sexuality Educator certification.

Still not sure?

CCAPS offers a range of graduate programs for students interested in furthering their career in the mental or sexual health space. Compare all of our related degrees and certificates to find the one that works for you.

Who Should Apply?

  • Future sex therapists and counselors who want to practice as an LPCC in Minnesota
  • Career changers ready to enter the counseling field and specialize in sex therapy
  • Recent undergraduates seeking a master’s path to becoming a licensed mental health counselor, specializing in LGBTQ+ clientele

Sex Therapy Courses

The courses in this degree are offered via asynchronous, remote synchronous and blended formats to provide maximum flexibility.

Asynchronous: Access lectures, assignments and course materials on your own schedule. No required live sessions. Complete coursework at times that work best for you within set deadlines.

Remote Synchronous: Attend live, scheduled classes via video conferencing. Sessions mimic a traditional classroom experience with real-time discussions, lectures and group activities.

Blended Asynchronous and Remote Synchronous: Combine the flexibility of self-paced, online learning activities with scheduled, real-time virtual meetings for instructor-led lectures, discussions or group work. 

Required Courses (60 credits)

All courses are 3 credits.

Career Outlook in Minnesota

Minnesota is a great spot for LPCC professionals: mental health and substance use disorder social workers; substance use disorder, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors; and marriage and family therapists. Compared to other areas, Minnesota has more total employment and job postings.

  • 15KRelated jobs in 2024 (the national average for an area the same size is 12K)*
  • 543Related job postings per month (the national average for an area the same size is 346)*

*Lightcast.ai February 2025

Your Pathway to Licensure

The MPS in Sex Therapy prepares students to meet the educational and internship requirements for the following two Minnesota licenses:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Minnesota Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

All additional post degree supervision hours or other requirements for these licenses are not part of or fulfilled by the MPS in Sex Therapy program. For detailed information on the LPC, and LPCC licensing requirements, visit the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (MN BBHT) website.

Professional licensure is regulated individually by each state, meaning educational and experiential requirements can vary significantly across state lines due to differing legislative standards and public health needs.

For most other states, the individual applicant’s credentials (education and experience) are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine what, if any, additional education and/or experience is required for licensure in that state. State requirements may change and students are advised to contact the applicable licensing board(s) in the state where they may want to pursue licensure before beginning an academic program to verify whether a program meets educational requirements for licensure in the state.

States with licensure requirements that may not be met by the degree program at this time: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.

States with licensure requirements that are not met by the degree program: FL, KY, MO, NC, NY, OH.

AASECT Certification

This program is the first in the country to directly integrate AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) Sex Therapy and LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) training.

As part of this program, you'll fulfill the majority of training requirements needed for the optional AASECT Sex Therapist certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. Students are responsible for understanding all AASECT requirements and managing their activities in accordance with AASECT’s certification requirements. For further information please contact [email protected].

Both the LPCC and AASECT certification require completion of post-degree supervision hours independent of the MPS in Sex Therapy program. These post-degree hours take a minimum of two years.

Faculty and Staff

CCAPS is invested in your success and well-being. From your academic advisor to the Director of Graduate Studies, we are here to help you navigate an educational and career path that works for you. Meet your team of supporters in this short video.

Read the video transcript.

In addition, the MPS in Sex Therapy program is guided by skilled instructors, advisors, and industry professionals.

Meet the Faculty

Apply

The MPS in Sex Therapy is now accepting applications for fall 2026. 

Admission Requirements

We strive to be fair in the admissions process. Our program thrives when we have students from different backgrounds and cultural experiences. The admissions committee completes a holistic review of all required application materials to ensure that you will be successful in the program. We do not require standardized test scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

We welcome applications from students who have:

  • a bachelor's degree from an accredited post-secondary US institution or its international equivalent
  • an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00*
    * If your GPA is lower than 3.00, please provide an explanation in the extenuating circumstances part of your professional statement.

To be considered for admission, you must also meet one of the following conditions:

  • Currently reside in a state where the program meets the state’s licensure requirements, or
  • Plan to seek licensure in a state where the program meets the state's professional licensure requirements.

Please note: Applicants who submit an application and do not meet one of these conditions will have their application withdrawn (the application fee is nonrefundable). 

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