- Bradley University: Best Online Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling
- University of Southern California: Best Online Master’s Degree in School Counseling
- Golden Gate University: Best Online Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology
- University of Holy Cross: Best Online Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling
- Governors State University: Best Online Master’s Degree in Addiction Counseling
Online counseling degrees offer a flexible, convenient path for aspiring counselors, therapists and psychologists to acquire specialized counseling knowledge and training. To become a licensed professional counselor, you must earn a master’s in counseling or a closely related field and fulfill the state’s licensing requirements where you intend to practice.
Numerous niches exist within counseling, catering to specific client needs and areas of expertise. The online counseling degree programs featured in our list reflect the broad spectrum of specialization areas, including programs focusing on addiction, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, school counseling and counseling psychology.
This article overviews the best online counseling master’s programs for five specialization areas, highlighting distinctive features and delving into notable considerations for prospective online students.
Our Methodology
- Best Online Counseling Master’s Degree Options
- Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Counseling Program?
- Accreditation for Online Master’s in Counseling
- How To Find the Right Online Master’s in Counseling Program for You
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Best Online Counseling Master’s Degree Options
Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Counseling Program?
Before committing to an online counseling master’s program, it’s important to research the licensing requirements of the state where you plan to practice. Doing so ensures your chosen program provides the necessary coursework, fieldwork opportunities and specialized training to fulfill your state’s academic requirements for licensure.
Each program varies in its delivery format; therefore, if you need more flexibility to balance your studies alongside personal or professional commitments, consider enrolling in an asynchronous program. Alternatively, you might prefer a synchronous or hybrid format if you thrive in more structured, conventional classroom environments.
Accreditation for Online Master’s in Counseling
Institutional accreditation rigorously assesses a school’s academic programs, curricula, faculty credentials, student outcomes and student services. This level of accreditation applies to an entire college or university and encompasses both its on-campus and its online offerings. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education oversees the accrediting bodies that award accreditation.
Additionally, specific departments or academic programs can seek programmatic accreditation. This level of accreditation ensures programs meet industry-specific quality standards to prepare students for professional opportunities in their field effectively.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs accredits counseling programs and plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of counseling programs nationwide. Some states require aspiring counselors to hold CACREP-accredited degrees before pursuing licensure.
If you plan to enroll in a specialized program, like a marriage and family therapy degree, you might prioritize programs that hold accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
How To Find the Right Online Master’s in Counseling Program for You
Consider Your Future Goals
Determining your academic and professional goals is a vital step in your educational journey. Earning a master’s in counseling can prepare you for diverse clinical and non-clinical roles in various settings, including private practices, mental health clinics, schools and community organizations.
To find a program that aligns with your career objectives, ensure it meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state where you intend to practice. Your chosen program should offer specializations that interest you and can bring you closer to your professional goals.
Master’s in counseling programs incorporate supervised clinical experience through practicums and internships. Consider how your program supports distance learners in securing suitable placements locally and whether it has strong connections for field clinical placements.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the 2022-23 academic year, the average cost of tuition and fees for full-time graduate students at public schools was $11,554, or $20,015 for private schools. This amounts to around $20,000 to $40,000 for a two-year master’s degree. Comparatively, the programs in our list require an average of 52 credits and cost approximately $57,000 on average for a full degree.
The cost of earning an online master’s in counseling can vary widely due to factors like in-state or out-of-state status, part-time or full-time enrollment, and public or private school status. Most counseling master’s programs require between 50 and 60 credits and involve extensive field experience, which can impact the cost of this degree.
Several financing options exist for graduate students, including scholarships, assistantships and grants. Submitting the FAFSA is a solid first step to determining your federal aid eligibility, which could qualify you for federal loans, grants and work-study opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Can I get my master’s in counseling online?
Yes, you can pursue a master’s in counseling online. Many accredited universities and colleges offer online counseling master’s degrees; start with those featured on our list. Ensure your prospective online program is accredited by a recognized body and meets licensing requirements for the state you plan to practice.
What is the difference between a MA and a MS in counseling?
The main difference between an MA and an MS in counseling is the scope of the curriculum. An MA in counseling might focus more on theoretical and humanistic approaches, offering a broader variety of elective courses. An MS program may focus on scientific and research-based approaches to counseling.
How to become a licensed mental health counselor?
Becoming a licensed mental health counselor involves several steps. These professionals must earn a master’s degree in a related field such as counseling or social work, gain a certain number of supervised clinical hours and pass licensing exams. It’s vital to research state-specific licensing requirements in the state you plan to practice, and you can tailor your education and training accordingly.