Best Online Master’s In Counseling Psychology Of 2024

• Golden Gate University
• California Baptist University
• National University
• Southern California Seminary

Before committing to any online master’s in counseling psychology program, you should consider several factors. Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether an online program is the right fit:

• How much flexibility do you need? Flexibility is one of the main draws of distance learning. If you have significant obligations outside of school, such as parenting or working full time, you may want to consider an online program. Counseling psychology programs that deliver coursework asynchronously—without set class times—are particularly flexible.
• What’s your learning style? Online learning requires a great deal of self-discipline, drive and organization. If you prefer the structure and support of a physical classroom and a group of peers, on-campus and hybrid programs might provide a better fit.
• What’s your budget? Online programs are often more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. Many public universities allow students who only enroll in online courses to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates, even if they live out of state. Moreover, distance learners generally save on campus-related costs like transportation and housing.

There are two main types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the agencies that administer institutional accreditation. Institutionally accredited schools meet strict standards for faculty, finances, student services and student outcomes.

You should only enroll at schools that hold institutional accreditation. Otherwise, you typically cannot qualify for federal student aid, and employers and doctoral programs may not recognize your degree. To check if a school is accredited, you can visit its accreditation webpage or search on CHEA’s directories.

Programmatic accreditation applies to individual programs and departments in specific fields. In counseling, you can keep an eye out for programmatic accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Consider Your Future Goals

If you want to become a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist or licensed clinical professional counselor, you must earn state licensure, which requires a master’s degree in most states. As such, if you ultimately plan to practice counseling or therapy, a master’s degree in counseling psychology can help you achieve that goal.

To qualify for licensure as a counselor, you usually need to complete a certain number of fieldwork hours under the supervision of a licensed counselor. Most master’s in counseling psychology degrees build these hours into the program through either a practicum or an internship experience. Online programs usually allow you to complete these requirements at a placement site in your local community.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Per-credit tuition rates for the four online master’s in counseling psychology programs in our guide range from $620 to $1,090. Credit requirements range from 60 to 72 semester credits. As such, the average online master’s in counseling psychology degree will cost you somewhere between approximately $37,000 and $78,000 in total tuition.

By comparison, the National Center for Education Statistics found that during the 2022–2023 school year, the average public-school graduate program charged $11,554 in annual tuition for in-state students. Private schools charged $20,015 on average. Over the course of a typical two-year master’s program, this translates to an average of approximately $23,000 to $40,000 in total tuition for a graduate degree; the schools on our list are relatively costly.

To fund your education, you should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)®. The FAFSA is the portal to federal aid opportunities like loans, work-study programs and scholarships. You can also pursue private loans and gift aid opportunities through your school and third-party organizations.

Many master’s in counseling psychology graduates pursue licensure in mental health counseling roles such as marriage and family therapist or professional counselor. Others go on to become counseling psychologists after earning doctoral degrees in psychology. In any of these careers, professionals can specialize in areas such as substance abuse, grief, or families and relationships.