Maybe you’re fresh out of high school and know that helping others is in your future. Or you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree but want a more fulfilling career where you support and advocate for the people in your community. Regardless of your academic history and work experience, pursuing an online counseling degree can put you on the path toward a meaningful career.
The following guide explores today’s best online counseling degrees, the various online counseling degrees available, and the many career options for counseling grads. Keep reading to get answers to your most pressing questions, learn more about what a counseling degree can do for you, and find a program that fits your schedule and goals.
Best Online Counseling Degrees for 2024
We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Greenville, NCPublic $
Eastern Carolina University (ECU) offers the Master of Science in Counselor Education program, which is its only online program in counseling. Depending on how students tailor their education, they will be ready for a future career as a school counselor or as a North Carolina Licensed Professional Counselor upon graduation. Students can choose from three specialization options: school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and student affairs and college counseling. To accommodate the fact that many students will be working while in school, the curriculums for all tracks will consist largely of online coursework. However, all students will also need to complete several in-person internships to apply their knowledge and gain hands-on training.
Program Highlights:
MS in Counselor Education
- Credits: 60
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $18,141.00/year (in-state); $34,418.00/year (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CACREP
Online Programs
7
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Tuscaloosa, ALPublic $$$
The University of Alabama’s online Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling trains students for future careers of helping individuals that are facing a life with a disability or supporting family members who are caring for a loved one with a disability. The online program is offered in a hybrid format, meaning the didactic learning is offered online, but the experiential learning requirements must be completed in person. These consist of a practicum and an internship in rehabilitative counseling. The former consists of 100 hours of real-world experience while the latter consists of 600 hours of real-world experience. In addition to online learning, another flexible feature of this program is that students can enroll in the spring, summer, or fall semesters.
Program Highlights:
MA in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $440.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CACREP
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Tucson, AZPublic $$$
The Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of Arizona is a largely on-campus program, with practicums requiring students to attend in-person classes for experiential learning. However, many courses are offered in an online or hybrid format for greater learning flexibility. The curriculum is comprised of 48 credits for core coursework and 12 credits for electives. Theses electives are where students can choose among different areas of specialization including school counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or clinical mental health counseling. The goal of all of these programs is to prepare students for future careers as licensed and certified counselors.
Program Highlights:
MA in Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $14,000.00/year (in-state); $34,000.00/year (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CACREP
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Raleigh, NCPublic $$
NC State University offers three master’s-level programs for students seeking a degree that will prepare them to become licensed and certified counselors in the state of North Carolina. Completion of each program results in a Master of Education degree, with students getting to choose from the following concentrations: college counseling and student development, school counseling, and clinical mental health counseling. All of these programs are offered in a remote learning format that students will attend on a part-time basis. The classes are delivered in a hybrid model with both online and in-person learning. The latter consists of on-campus (weekend) courses as well as in-person internships and practicums.
Program Highlights:
M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Development
- Credits: 60
- Length: Three years
- Cost: $11,700.00/year (in-state); $30,906.00/year (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CACREP
M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: Three years
- Cost: $11,700.00/year (in-state); $30,906.00/year (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CACREP
M.Ed. in School Counseling
- Credits: 57
- Length: Three years
- Cost: $11,700.00/year (in-state); $30,906.00/year (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CACREP
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Jonesboro, ARPublic $$
Students interested in earning an online counseling degree from Arkansas State University have two programs to choose from. Both are master of science degrees in education (school counseling), but with two specializations to choose from: crisis and trauma and special populations. Because they are offered online, students can set their learning pace to one that is best suited to them, potentially allowing them to graduate in as little as 24 months. However, not all of the coursework can be completed online as students must complete the experiential learning requirements with clinicals. Even though the curriculum is designed for incoming students who already have teaching experience and/or a teaching certificate, neither are required for admission.
Program Highlights:
MS in Education in School Counseling – Crisis and Trauma Concentration
- Credits: 48
- Length: Two to three years
- Cost: $331.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CACREP
MS in Education in School Counseling – Special Populations Concentration
- Credits: 48
- Length: Two to three years
- Cost: $331.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CACREP
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Bozeman, MTPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Las Vegas, NMPublic $
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Vermillion, SDPublic $$
Online Programs
7
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Lexington, KYPublic $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Columbia, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
6
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Logan, UTPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Buffalo, NYPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Durham, NCPublic $
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Monroe, LAPublic $$
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Odessa, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
University, MSPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Manhattan, KSPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Magnolia, ARPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Bismarck, NDPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Russellville, ARPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Silver City, NMPublic $
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Williamsburg, VAPublic $$$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Richmond, VAPublic $$$
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Cincinnati, OHPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Chadron, NEPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Livingston, ALPublic $$
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Morehead, KYPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Topeka, KSPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Kearney, NEPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Huntington, WVPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Alamosa, COPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Corvallis, ORPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Clarion, PAPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Billings, MTPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Grand Forks, NDPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
6/1
-
Montgomery, ALPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
San Angelo, TXPublic $
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
New Orleans, LAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Natchitoches, LAPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Wichita Falls, TXPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Jackson, MSPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Morgantown, WVPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
California, PAPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Augusta, MEPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Prairie View, TXPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Winston-Salem, NCPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Montgomery, ALPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Kingsville, TXPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Shell Lake, WIPublic $
The Substance Abuse Counselor Education program from Northwood Technical College (formerly known as Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College) is a one-year diploma program. It’s designed to train students to obtain their Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselor certification by completing the necessary 360-hour education requirements needed for certification. To provide a flexible learning environment, many of the course requirements can be completed online. However, due to experiential learning elements in the curriculum, students will need to need to receive part of their training in-person. The program is also set up so that after graduation, students can continue their education at Northwood Technical College and obtain their Human Services Associate of Applied Science degree.
Program Highlights:
Substance Abuse Counselor Education Technical Diploma
- Credits: 27
- Length: One year
- Cost: $4,177.oo total program cost
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
7/1
-
Dryden, NYPublic $$
At Tompkins Cortland Community College, students interested in chemical dependency counseling can choose from several academic track options. First, there’s the associate of applied science degree which is perfect for students seeking New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services certification in addition to earning a degree. Second, there’s the certificate track which will also prepare students for their state certification, but take less time to complete because no college degree is conferred. The bulk of the academic requirements for the chemical dependency certificate can be completed online, though all students must obtain the necessary field experience which consists of 120 to 150 hours of supervised on-site educational training.
Program Highlights:
AAS in Chemical Dependency Counseling
- Credits: 62
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $9,9862.00/year (in-state); $27,482.00/year (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling
- Credits: 26
- Length: About one year
- Cost: $9,9862.00/year (in-state); $27,482.00/year (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Wausau, WIPublic $
Students at Northcentral Technical College who want to attend an online program have two counseling programs to choose from. Those seeking a college degree can enroll in the hybrid Substance Abuse Use Disorder associate degree program. All of the classroom training can be completed online, although the required field training must be completed at approved locations and in person. If a college degree isn’t needed, there’s the Counseling Skills in the Helping Profession certificate that is fully online and takes about one year to finish given the part-time course pacing. However, prior learning credits are available allowing certificate students to graduate in just one academic term.
Program Highlights:
Associate degree in Substance Use Disorder Counseling
- Credits: 61
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $10,475.00 total program cost
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
Counseling Skills in the Helping Profession Certificate
- Credits: 15
- Length: About one year
- Cost: $2,553.00 total program cost
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Green Bay, WIPublic $
The technical diploma program in Substance Abuse Counselor Education from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is designed for students who already have an associate or bachelor’s degree in a human services, social work, or health science field, but need additional training to become a certified substance abuse counselor. As a result, it’s pre-approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Most classes can be completed online on the student’s chosen schedule. However, some online courses may have set start times and a few classes may have in-person, hands-on training necessary to complete the program. The bulk of the learning takes place over the fall and spring semesters, although students must complete one course during a summer session before the fall semester.
Program Highlights:
Substance Abuse Counselor Education Technical Diploma
- Credits: 37
- Length: About one year
- Cost: $209.60/credit (in-state); $304.05/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Baltimore, MDPublic $$
At Community College of Baltimore County, students can choose from several online counseling programs. If a college degree is required, then the associate degree in human services counseling will be a good option to consider. Its curriculum is designed to meet the Maryland state requirements for certification as an alcohol and drug counselor. Most of the classes are offered through remote learning, although several clinical field placements and internships will be needed before graduating. If a prospective student already has a college degree and is interested in helping adolescents, then the credit certificate in adolescent behavior health counseling might be a better fit, with online only classwork and about one-third the course requirements as the associate degree program.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science in Human Services Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $122.00/credit (in-county); $242.00/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Adolescent Behavioral Health Counseling Credit Certificate
- Credits: 21
- Length: 12 months
- Cost: $122.00/credit (in-county); $242.00/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Blackwood, NJPublic $
Camden County College offers two hybrid online programs for those seeking future careers in helping counsel individuals suffering from addiction. The associate degree in addictions counseling is intended for students who want or need a college degree to begin working as an addiction counselor. For those who may already work as a certified counselor or already have a college degree, there’s the certificate of achievement in addictions counseling. Regardless of which program a student chooses, they’ll receive the training necessary to become licensed addiction counselors in the state of New Jersey. The classes in both programs are almost all offered online, although some in-person training will also be necessary
Program Highlights:
Associate in Applied Science in Addictions Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $99.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Certificate of Achievement in Addictions Counseling
- Credits: 24
- Length: About one year
- Cost: $99.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Finding the Right Online Counseling Degree for You
Whether you’re looking for a new career or a working counselor wanting to expand career options, counseling degrees exist at every level of higher education. Because counseling is a wide field that encompasses numerous specialization areas, there’s likely some area of study that mirrors your skills, academic interests, and career goals. Below, we spotlight the different counseling degree levels, who they’re for, and what you can expect as a student. Discover which counseling degree is right for you.
Online Bachelor’s in Counseling: Learning Key Concepts and Skills
Completing a bachelor’s in counseling is a solid first step toward a counseling career. While an undergraduate counseling degree won’t lead to state licensure, these programs introduce the key concepts and skills that act as a foundation for future coursework in advanced degree programs and may enable you to pursue counseling support staff jobs.
Whether you’re attending on-campus or online, you’ll complete a mix of general education, major, minor, and elective classes in the pursuit of your counseling bachelor’s degree. Core classes for counseling students often include topics such as introduction to counseling, counseling diverse populations, and crisis intervention, along with psychology courses. Full-time students are often able to complete their bachelor’s in counseling in about four years.
Online Master’s in Counseling: Specializing and Preparing for Licensure
To earn state licensure in counseling, you typically need to complete a master’s degree in counseling. In addition to learning foundational counseling knowledge and best practices, you’ll choose an area of clinical expertise as you maneuver through a program’s curriculum. Common specialization areas include addiction, mental health, school, family, and Christian counseling.
Most counseling master’s programs take about two years of full-time study to finish and require students to complete about 60 credits of master’s level coursework. Even if you attend an online counseling degree program,
you’ll also complete extensive, hands-on learning opportunities through internships and practicum experiences alongside your online coursework. Attending an accredited program ensures you’ll gain the requisite clinical hours to meet certification standards.
Online Doctorate in Counseling: The Highest Level of Expertise
An online doctorate in counseling is a terminal degree that places graduates at the top of their field, often in leadership positions. Whether you want to expand your clinical skills, tackle a research position, or secure a teaching job at a college or university, a doctorate can expand career options and increase earning potential.
Whether you attend online or on-campus, these doctoral programs typically take between two and four years of intensive study to complete. Throughout your counseling doctorate program, you’ll conduct extensive research, gain expert-level knowledge, and further hone your skills as a clinical practitioner. Counseling programs at the doctoral level traditionally require you to focus on a specialization area. Common academic concentrations include school, addiction, mental health, and marriage and family counseling.
Non-Degree Counseling Education Routes
In addition to the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees you can pursue, non-degree counseling options enable you to secure specialized skills and competencies to supplement the counseling degree you already hold. These academic options are typically targeted in their content, allowing you to earn resume-boosting credentials in a relatively short time. Whatever your academic level, there are often non-degree coursework and certificate programs for you.
Online Undergraduate Certificate in Counseling
While most certificate programs are earmarked for graduate-level learners, that doesn’t mean undergrads are entirely out of luck. One of the most common undergraduate certificates is for future substance abuse counselors. National University offers an undergraduate certificate in alcohol and drug abuse counseling that can meet the standards for counseling certification. Students tackle foundational counseling classes while gaining extensive hands-on experience in clinical settings as they prepare to pursue support staff jobs or continue their education.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a mental health undergraduate certificate, and while this academic pathway won’t offer licensure, you’ll encounter foundational information and complete a practicum experience in a real-world clinical setting in your community. The certification is ideal for students who are studying for their bachelor’s degree, but you need not be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in order to take part in the program.
Online Graduate Certificates in Counseling
One popular way to enhance your credentials, career prospects, and earning potential is by completing a graduate certificate in counseling. These programs offer various pathways to learn new skills and competencies that can translate into better care for your clients. For those without counseling licensure, these programs sometimes help students meet the requirements necessary for professional certification.
Capella University has a deep catalog of online programs and offers an array of counseling certificates in areas like addictive behavior, school-based services, mental health services, and couple and family therapy. Additionally, the University of South Dakota offers a mental health counseling certificate. This 12-credit program includes classes like foundations of addiction, psychopharmacology for non-medical mental health professionals, and childhood through adulthood psychopathology.
Individual Online Counseling Courses
Whether taken directly through universities or websites like EdX, individual online counseling courses can offer you an inexpensive way to expand your counseling toolbox and continue developing new skills. Schools like Stanford University offer one-off classes in topics including counseling and psychotherapy theory, existential well-being counseling, and introduction to food and health. For licensed counselors, some of these individual counseling classes may count toward the continuing education requirements necessary to maintain their license.
FAQs: Your Counseling Degree Online
Information provided throughout this guide likely cleared up many of your questions about the process of earning a counseling degree online, what these degrees focus on in terms of curricula, and how they prepare you for licensure. However, you probably still have a few more questions about the overall process. This section answers some of the more common questions prospective counseling students ask before enrolling.
-
Are online counseling degrees accredited?
While not all online counseling degrees maintain accreditation, any that you consider attending should hold both institutional and programmatic accreditation. While institutional accreditation focuses on the school as a whole and helps ensure students receive proper support and resources, programmatic accreditation focuses on the degree program. Look for programs accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP).
-
How much can I expect to pay for my online counseling degree?
The cost of an online counseling degree can vary significantly based on several factors, including degree level. CollegeBoard reports that learners attending an in-district community college paid an average of $3,800 during the 2021-2022 school year, while those attending in-state at a public four-year institution paid $10,740. If you plan to attend a private college, expect to pay an average of $38,070 each year. Completing a degree online can often help you save money on things like room and board, transportation, and any campus-based fees.
-
Is financial aid available for online counseling degrees?
In the same way that learners studying on-campus can receive financial aid, so can you as an online student. Colleges offer various merit and need-based scholarships, as do professional counseling associations, philanthropic foundations, for-profit businesses, and other sources. You can also apply for grants, loans, and different types of financial aid through both state and federal government student aid offices.
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How much do professionals with an online counseling degree make?
After completing a counseling degree, the amount you earn depends on factors such as your highest degree level, practice location, experience level, and employer. For instance, those who work in private practice often earn more than counselors employed by nonprofits or mental healthcare organizations. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earned median salaries of $48,520 in 2021, while marriage and family therapists took home $49,880 during the same year. Meanwhile, school and career counselors commanded median salaries of $60,510 annually.
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Are counseling degree grads in high demand?
As with salaries, the demand for counseling degree grads also depends on specific jobs and counseling fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected an 10% growth for school and career counselors between 2021-2031, leading to 32,400 new positions by the end of the decade. Jobs for marriage and family therapists are projected to grow by 14% during the same timeframe, creating 9,100 new roles. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors can expect the greatest growth at 22% — leading to more than 75,000 new jobs.
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What skills and traits will help me succeed in a counseling degree program?
Before committing years of your life to an online counseling degree, it’s worth considering if your natural skills and traits align with this area of study. The most effective counselors possess a genuine and sustained interest in others, a desire to help clients overcome obstacles, and a non-judgmental posture that creates an open and safe environment. An ability to solve problems, communicate effectively, listen carefully, demonstrate patience, and embrace flexibility will help you thrive in these programs.
Essential Resources for Students in Counseling Degree Programs
After deciding to pursue an online counseling degree, it can feel overwhelming to gather all the required documents, stand out from the competition on your application, and prepare for potential interviews. In this section, we highlight six reputable resources that can help you build awareness of the admissions process as well as the confidence to walk through each step.
Counselor Education Program Application Tip Sheet
The University of Toledo provides these helpful resources to applicants for its MA and PhD in counseling programs, but the tips shared can be used for many different programs. Follow the steps highlighted in this resource to craft a well-polished and thoughtful application.
What Degree Do I Need to Become a Counselor or Therapist?
Palo Alto University clearly answers this question, offering you information on counseling job requirements, including those set forth by state licensure bodies. This resource also highlights the benefits of earning a master’s degree in counseling.
Career Guide for Counseling Students
This comprehensive resource provided by Pace University highlights some of the many locations and settings you can work in after earning a counseling degree. Students can also learn more about how to prepare their cover letters and resumes to stand out.
Ace that Counseling Job Interview
The American Counseling Association offers this resource on how to properly prepare for interviews, including a helpful list of dos and don’ts for first-time interviewees. By keeping these tips in mind, you can feel confident before, during, and after an interview.
Counseling Internship Strategies for Success
Because internships and field placements are common components of counseling degrees, William & Mary provides these helpful tips for finding a workable schedule, maintaining balance, and making the most of the counseling internship experience.
30 Interview Questions for a Therapist
Whether applying for a counseling degree, internship or field placement, or job, these 30 questions posed by Indeed can help you think through questions of motivation, background, previous work experience, and reasons for entering the field before the big interview.