Best Online Master's in Counseling Degrees
Updated April 23, 2024
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Online master's in counseling programs offer flexibility for working students who want to advance their career and salary potential. Graduates can pursue careers as licensed professional counselors (LPC), school or career counselors, Christian counselors, marriage and family therapists, or addiction counselors.
Discover the top online master's in counseling programs. Learn about becoming a licensed or certified counselor and salary expectations for various careers.
Featured Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Counseling Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees
New York University
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
NYU's master of arts in counseling for mental health and wellness tops our list of the best online master's in counseling programs. Accredited by the Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council, the curriculum comprises 60 credits and prepares graduates for licensure or certification.
Students can enroll full or part time and attend weekly live online classes. The program offers counseling labs with interactive simulations and 24/7 access to asynchronous course content. Field placement team counselors help distance learners identify qualified internship sites in their local areas.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree and, preferably, experience in the mental health field.
#2 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Northwestern University's online master's in counseling holds accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. The program offers full-time, part-time, and accelerated options, along with a bridge track for newcomers to the clinical mental health counseling field. Students can opt for the child and adolescent specialization.
Synchronous online classes pair with in-person experiences that include two immersions in Chicago and clinical training secured with the help of campus placement specialists. The program culminates with an online capstone conference.
Admission requires a bachelor's degree, preferably in psychology or human services. Select candidates may be invited to a group interview.
#3 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Southern California's master of education in school counseling prepares students to become K-12 counselors and earn their California school counseling credentials. The program consists of live online classes, self-paced coursework, and field experiences in or near students' home communities. Distance learners choose between two-year full-time and 30- to 36-month part-time tracks.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs-accredited curriculum focuses on three key school counseling areas: college and career readiness; restorative justice; and trauma-informed practice.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and submit transcripts, two recommendation letters, two short answer responses, and a personal statement.
#4 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Designed for working professionals, Wake Forest University's online master's in mental health counseling requires 60 credits, along with completion of internships and practicums at industry partner sites. The curriculum focuses on eight areas:
- Appraisal
- Career and lifestyle development
- Group work
- Helping relationships
- Human growth and development
- Professional orientation
- Research and program evaluation
- Social and cultural foundations
The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and has a 95% pass-rate on the National Counselor Exam.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, a personal statement, three recommendation letters, and a virtual interview with an enrollment advisor.
#5 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees
Ottawa University-Surprise
Surprise, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The hybrid master of arts in counseling at Ottawa University ranks as one of the best counseling master's programs. The curriculum includes 39 credits of core classes, nine credit hours of community field placements, and 15 credits of concentration courses in expressive arts therapy, gerocounseling, or treatment of trauma abuse and deprivation.
Core courses include group counseling and dynamics; substance abuse and related disorders; social and cultural concerns in counseling; and theory and techniques in marriage and family counseling.
The program meets counselor licensing requirements for Arizona, Kansas, and Wisconsin. Residents of other states should check with their state boards. Admission requires undergraduate transcripts with a 3.0 GPA.
#6 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Los Angeles-based Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online master of arts in clinical mental health counseling that students can complete in less than four years. Degree-seekers receive training in counseling areas that include advocacy, multiculturalism, program evaluation, and research.
Flexible online courses include diagnosis of mental health issues, lifespan development, and theories of counseling and psychology. In-person requirements consist of two on-campus residencies and fieldwork experiences in their local communities.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, an essay response to prompts, three recommendation letters, and an admissions interview. The program holds accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
#7 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees
William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
William Carey University's hybrid master's in counselor education offers a clinical mental health counseling concentration. The program readies graduates for Mississippi counselor licensure and national certification exams.
The 60-credit curriculum combines online and in-person learning. Courses include crisis counseling, diagnosis, drug and alcohol abuse counseling, marriage and family counseling, and psychological statistics. Students secure program-approved practicum and internship sites at human services organizations and agencies.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA in the last 30 hours of coursework, or a cumulative 2.5 GPA. They also must submit GRE or MAT scores.
#8 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees
National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online
Students at National University can earn an online master of arts in counseling psychology that prepares marriage and family therapists (MFT) for practice in California. Students can choose between a standard MFT track or a combined MFT and licensed clinical counselor (LPCC) option.
The curriculum comprises four-week courses that follow a flexible, one-to-one learning model. Courses include community mental health; cultural and social justice issues; and lifespan and sexual development. The MFT/LPCC track requires extra courses in career counseling, research and evaluation, and testing and assessment. Degree-seekers also complete on-site supervised practicums.
The program holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.
#9 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Lehigh University offers a master of education in international school counseling in a hybrid format. Designed for students who live outside of the U.S. and work at international schools, the 48-credit program takes 30 months to complete.
Students take online classes during the academic year and in-person classes in the summer. Summer courses meet in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, or at an international site. Learners complete in-person field internships at a school outside of the U.S. and prepare a comprehensive portfolio.
Courses include culture-centered career intervention, helping skills in international settings, and inclusion and exceptional education. Admission requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
#10 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Completing our list of best online counseling programs, Keiser University awards a master of science in clinical mental health counseling. Degree-seekers complete 60 credits in 36-48 months. Graduates can pursue state licensure and launch careers in such areas as addiction and substance abuse, crisis counseling, and mental health counseling.
Core coursework blends mental health counseling theories and approaches with evidence-based treatments for a diverse clientele. Students attend weekly live online classes and can access tutoring, role-playing exercises, faculty office hours, and text and email discussions. Clinical experience and an on-campus residency require in-person attendance.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree and a 3.0 GPA.
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How to Choose an Online Master's in Counseling Program
There are many options for online counseling degree programs. Below are some guidelines and essential factors to consider.
When choosing an online master's program, initial considerations include:
- Ensure the prospective program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
- Research online master's in counseling programs and list of 3-5 possible options.
- Familiarize yourself with each prospective program’s admissions requirements and prerequisites to ensure you meet the requirements.
- Select between a master of arts (MA) in counseling, a master of science (MS) in counseling, or a master of education (MEd) in counseling, depending on your experience and career goals.
- If you plan to specialize, be sure the program you select offers the specialization/licensure/certification concentration you plan to pursue.
- Evaluate the program's mandatory field experience. Find out if institution helps set up supervised field experience, number of required hours, and if the school requires field experience to occur at one of their partner sites.
- Find out if your work experience can apply to transfer credits or field experience hours.
- Check out the admission requirements (e.g., GPA, required degree, and required GRE or GMAT test scores).
- Check the program delivery mode (e.g., 100% online or hybrid)
- Compare tuition rates; distance learners should find out if there are additional fees for in-person residency weekends and if out-of-state tuition applies.
What Can I Expect From an Online Counseling Master’s Program?
Most online counseling master's programs also prepare students for professional examinations and state licensing requirements for licensed professional counseling. Check that a program provides the support and meets the licensing requirements you need to achieve your goals.
Online master's in counseling programs include advanced classes and capstone requirements. Students learn counseling theories, evidence-based research, and strategies for diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders.
How Long is a Master's in Counseling Program?
The length of a master's in counseling program can differ depending on various factors (e.g., which degree you have when you begin the program, whether you attend full-time or part-time, and more).
On average, full-time students can complete the program in four semesters, which translates to approximately two years. Part-time students can finish the program in three or more years.
Specializations Within Counseling
Before applying for an online master's in counseling degree, students must choose a specialization.
Addiction Counseling
An addiction counselor commonly works with clients with substance use disorders and their family members. They facilitate educational groups to teach clients tools for coping with stress or other addiction-related symptoms. Addiction counseling in many states does not require a master's degree.
Christian Counseling
Christian counseling integrates traditional therapy modes (e.g., talk therapy) with Christian beliefs. Christian counseling can incorporate other specializations. For example, Christian counselors may specialize in marriage and family, alcohol and drug, or mental health counseling.
Marriage and Family
Marriage and family counselors focus on conflict resolution for couples (whether married or not) and the family unit, which can include immediate and extended family members. Anyone can receive marriage and family counseling, regardless of whether they have a mental health diagnosis.
Mental Health Counseling
Mental health counselors, also called clinical mental health counselors or licensed professional counselors (LPC), work with people with mental health diagnoses that align with the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5).
Examples include major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Mental health counselors often work closely with psychiatrists legally authorized to prescribe medications and monitor client's medical status.
They work with individuals, families, and groups to counsel them about their relationships and emotional health.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation counselors teach life skills to clients of any age with disabilities or diseases like multiple sclerosis, autism, or spina bifida. Some clients in need of rehab have terminal diseases such as cancer. Others may need support while recovering from debilitating injuries. Rehabilitation counselors help their clients improve the quality of their daily lives.
School Counseling
School counselors, once referred to as guidance counselors, work with children from Pre-K through 12th grade. School counselors see children with issues that impact their social interactions or academic achievement during school.
Curriculum for an Online Master's Degree in Counseling
When pursuing an online master's degree in counseling, the specific courses you take can vary depending on your specialty or concentration. However, there are several foundational courses that provide a strong basis for any counseling specialization.
- Advanced research methodology: This is a foundational course available in most master's in counseling online programs. It teaches students how to conduct research according to the standards of the field, including how to write a proposal, analyze data, handle human subjects, and apply for funding.
- Professional ethics and law: This class teaches students how to understand and apply ethical codes, federal and state laws, and field-specific regulations. Course content may also include analyzing ethical dilemmas and vignettes, including historical cases that have shaped the field.
- Child abuse and neglect: In this course, students learn to identify signs of maltreatment, provide counseling and support to children, and trauma-informed intervention. These skills prepare students for careers as family therapists, child advocates, and school counselors.
- Human development: Human development is a common topic in clinical counseling programs. This course guides students through the stages of human development, including psychological, cognitive, and biological theories of growth.
- Group counseling: This course trains students to become effective group facilitators, covering the types of group sessions. Students also learn techniques related to engaging group members and evaluating success.
Featured Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Master's in Counseling Careers
Earning a master’s in counseling provides a pathway to an array of careers helping people confront challenges, solve problems, and develop coping skills. Although the educational and licensing requirements for counselors vary by state and specialization, in most cases, counselors complete the following steps to enter the field:
-
1
Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. -
2
Complete any necessary prerequisites or training required for enrollment (i.e., some programs require related on-the-job experience, but most do not have this requirement). -
3
Complete an accredited graduate degree (e.g., master’s in counseling), including a minimum of 100 practicum hours and an additional 600 hours for internships. -
4
Apply for licensure in your state. -
5
Finish required post-graduate supervised field experience after obtaining a professional counselor training license (e.g., 2,000-4,000 supervised post-degree hours). Note the validity of a temporary license may vary per state. -
6
Apply for and pass the National Counseling Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). -
7
Maintain your professional counseling license.
Counseling Salaries
Counselors make an average mean salary of $61,790 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, several factors influence earning potential, including specialty, location, and educational level.
| Counseling Specialization | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Substance Abuse Counseling | $53,710 |
| Christian Counseling | $46,130 |
| Marriage and Family Counseling | $58,510 |
| Rehabilitation Counseling | $44,040 |
| School Counseling | $61,710 |
Master’s in Counseling Certifications and Licenses
Each state issues counseling licenses that grant individuals permission to practice and identify as a licensed counselor. In contrast to required state licensure, certification is a voluntary credential demonstrating that the counselor has met national standards established by the profession.
Not all licensed counselors obtain certification, but many choose to get certified to distinguish themselves in their specialty. Certification may also be required to earn licensure in some states.
State licensing boards use several titles to identify licensed counselors, including licensed professional counselor (LPC) and licensed mental health counselor (LMHC). Certification titles reflect national recognition such as the national certified counselor (NCC) credential. They can also indicate specializations such as the certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) or national certified school counselor (NCSC) designation.
National Counselor Examination
Students must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) exam to become licensed professional counselors in most states. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, which assess the test taker’s ability to provide effective counseling and related services. Eligibility requirements include a traditional or online master’s in counseling and 3,000 hours of post-graduate field experience, 100 hours of which must be supervised.
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) is an integral step to becoming a licensed mental health counselor in many states. The test tasks students with treating clinical issues in 10 simulated mental health cases, each of which is broken down into sections that lead students through the decision-making and treatment process. To sit for the NCMHCE, candidates must hold a master's degree and 3,360 hours of supervised postgraduate work experience.
Accreditation for Online Master's in Counseling Degrees
Colleges and universities in the U.S. must be regionally accredited to confer valid degrees recognized by most professional bodies and employers. Organizations that have received authority from the U.S. Department of Higher Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) grant accreditation. Accreditation determines a school's eligibility for federal funding and the quality of its programs, respectively.
Additionally, an online master's degree program in counseling may hold accreditation from an industry-specific accrediting body, such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs or the Master of Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council. This programmatic accreditation ensures graduates qualify for licensure, employment, and further education.
Masters in Counseling FAQs
What Can You Do With a Master's in Counseling?
With a master's in counseling, graduates can work in clinics, hospitals, or private practice. Counselors can also work with specialty populations, including children or adults, address issues related to substance use or rehabilitation, or work within healthcare or educational organizations.
Is a Master of Psychology the Same as Counseling?
No, a master's of psychology is not the same as a master's degree in counseling. The primary difference between psychology and counseling is the theoretical models they are based on.
A master's in counseling operates from a wellness or strength-based model. Master's in counseling degree programs focus on learning about therapeutic methods, such as psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other modalities, to support clients in a clinical or school environment.
In master's level counseling programs, the primary focus is helping clients learn tools for healthy communication, positive coping strategies, and dealing with trauma. In contrast, a master's in psychology operates from a medical or symptom-based model.
Although both degrees can prepare students to work in clinical mental health, master's in psychology programs take a more scientific and research-based approach to the field.
Should I Get a Master's in Social Work or Counseling?
The decision to pursue a master's in social work or counseling depends on the type of career graduates wish to pursue. While there is a crossover between professional outcomes, those enrolled in a master of social work or counseling receive training in different models of care.
What Degree Is Best for Counseling?
Those interested in pursuing master's degrees in counseling first need undergraduate degrees in psychology, sociology, social work, or another related field.
The best degree for counseling at the graduate level depends on individual career goals. Degree specialty options include substance use counseling, marriage and family counseling, and rehabilitation therapy.
Is a Counseling Master's worth it?
The job growth outlook for licensed or certified counselors is very good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for mental health professionals, such as counselors, is expected to grow much faster than the national job growth from 2022-2032 as more people seek counseling services.
For example, substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors have an 18% projected job growth rate, while marriage and family therapists have a 15% projected growth rate.
What is the difference between an MA and an MS in counseling?
A MA is a humanities-based program that often focuses on theoretical knowledge. In contrast, a master of science (MS) in counseling is a research-based postgraduate degree, offering an evidence-based, hands-on approach.
Ultimately, a master's in counseling program that meets board requirements and your needs should be the deciding factor.
Page last reviewed on April 15, 2024. Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by The Best Schools.
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