If you’re interested in becoming a licensed counselor, an online master’s in counseling offers the knowledge and skills you need to enter this fulfilling career field. These counseling programs introduce and build on core topics and provide hundreds of hours of hands-on clinical experiences through flexible, virtual formats. Standout online programs also allow you to complete coursework at your own pace while keeping up with personal and professional responsibilities. This guide spotlights the best online master’s in counseling programs, previews typical learning outcomes and key courses, answers common questions you likely have, and shows what you can expect in terms of job opportunities and income potential once you earn your degree. Start your search for the online master’s in counseling that’s right for you.
Best Online Master’s Degrees in Counseling 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.
-
Raleigh, NCPublic $$
Graduate counseling students at NC State University have several online programs to choose from. Both of these result in a Master of Education degree and provide the necessary training and instruction to become licensed mental health practitioners and professional school counselors in North Carolina. The first program is in clinical mental health counseling, where its curriculum places a heavy emphasis on clinical counseling practice and theoretical concepts. Next, there’s the school counseling program where students will learn the skills needed to facilitate student learning and social and intellectual development at the kindergarten through high school education levels. Students wishing to enroll in the online tracks of these programs will take classes at a part-time pace, with coursework completed in both online and in-person format. The face-to-face learning consists of internships, practicums, and weekend campus visits.
Program Highlights:
M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: Three years
- Cost: $11,700.00/year (in-state); $30,906.00/year (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CACREP
M.Ed. in School Counseling
- Credits: 57
- Length: Three years
- Cost: $11,700.00/year (in-state); $30,906.00/year (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CACREP
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profit $$
Students attending Liberty University have two Master of Arts counseling programs to consider. First, there’s the addiction counseling track, which prepares graduates to become a certified substance abuse counselor. Second, there’s the clinical mental health counseling track designed for students who want to become licensed professional counselors. No matter which track a student chooses, they can take the majority of their classes online. To offer even more learning flexibility, classes last just eight weeks and students can begin their program at one of the eight start dates each year. Transfer students will also appreciate Liberty University’s generous transfer policy, where up to 50% of the required master’s degree credits can come from another school.
Program Highlights:
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: About two to three years
- Cost: $565.00/credit (full-time); $615.00/credit (part-time)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CACREP
MA in Addiction Counseling
- Credits: 48
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $565.00/credit (full-time); $615.00/credit (part-time)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Montreat, NCPrivate not-for-profit $$
The CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling program offers students a convenient way to earn their master of arts degree and meet the requirements to become a licensed professional counselor in North Carolina. Much of the coursework is offered online, with students having to complete their assignments and class requirements on a weekly basis, although on their own schedule. During odd-numbered weeks, students must attend class in-person, but during even-numbered weeks, students will take classes asynchronously online. Students must also complete one practicum and two internship classes, which have face-to-face requirements and consist of 700 hours of supervised clinical practice.
Program Highlights:
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: About three years
- Cost: $595.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CACREP
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
8/1
-
Henniker, NHPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
New England College’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program is designed to help students meet the educational requirements for professional licensure as a counselor in their home state. This means in addition to the mostly online curriculum, students must complete several hundred hours of in-person training. These will take place through two internships and one practicum course. Even though these must be completed face-to-face, students can work with New England College to find an appropriate clinical site that’s at a convenient location and will offer the clinical experience in an area of interest of the student’s choosing.
Program Highlights:
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Credits: 60
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $576.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: NECHE
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Seward, NEPrivate not-for-profit $$
The Master of Arts in School Counseling offered by Concordia University has been designed for maximum flexibility and convenience. Classes last eight weeks, making it easier for students to learn at their own pace. This means students can graduate in as little as 32 months or as many as 40. All of the classroom instruction is delivered through remote learning, but students are also required to complete a 100-hour practicum and gain 450 hours of internship experience which necessitates in-person learning. All of these face-to-face learning portions of the curriculum will occur within a pre-kindergarten to 12th grade school environment.
Program Highlights:
MA in School Counseling
- Credits: 50-62
- Length: About three to four years
- Cost: $340.00/credit (in-state); $425.00/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: NCATE
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Surprise, AZPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Montgomery, ALPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Durham, NCPublic $
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Buffalo, NYPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Bourbonnais, ILPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Jonesboro, ARPublic $
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Redding, CAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Huntington, INPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Lubbock, TXPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Saint Bonaventure, NYPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Livingston, ALPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Lubbock, TXPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
7/1
-
Odessa, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Fresno, CAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Monroe, LAPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Grand Rapids, MIPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Greenville, NCPublic $
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Columbia, KYPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Greenville, SCPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Magnolia, ARPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Beaver Falls, PAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Huntington, WVPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Williamsburg, VAPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Henderson, TNPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Columbia, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Omaha, NEPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Cleveland, GAPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Vermillion, SDPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Lexington, KYPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Watertown, WIPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Silver City, NMPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Longmeadow, MAPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Winona Lake, INPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
Peoria, ILPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Kingsville, TXPublic $
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Kearney, NEPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Lakewood, COPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Alamosa, COPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Alpine, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Wichita Falls, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Bismarck, NDPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Logan, UTPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Tuscaloosa, ALPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Waxahachie, TXPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
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
Learning Outcomes of an Online Master’s in Counseling
Online master’s in counseling programs differ in their goals, outcomes, and specializations, but accredited programs that prepare you for state licensure must meet a set of academic and clinical standards. They must give you an in-depth understanding of the counseling field, develop your cultural competency to enhance your compassionate care, and help you become a better communicator and listener. Below are four learning outcomes common for most master’s in counseling programs.
Foundational Counseling Topics
During your master’s in counseling program, you’ll learn and apply the major theories and methods that inform competent and compassionate professional practice. You’ll also become comfortable with diagnostic and standard therapeutic methods for individuals and groups and gain a functional understanding of various specialization areas like family therapy, childhood development, trauma, and addiction and recovery.
Communication Skills
Communication skills are paramount for counseling professionals, and your master’s program will hone your communication skills through written exercises, collaborative group activities, presentations, and mock counseling activities. Additionally, you’ll enhance your listening skills while learning to evaluate clients based on verbal and non-verbal cues. A master’s program in counseling also gives you experience communicating in a professional environment.
Cultural Competency
The most effective counselors cultivate a cultural awareness that allows them to effectively serve their clients regardless of their backgrounds. The best counseling programs do the same. During your graduate counseling coursework, you’ll be challenged to assess your own biases and preconceptions while examining institutional and structural barriers based on race, sexual orientation, class, gender, age, and religion.
Preparedness for Licensure
A master’s in counseling is a professional program that arms you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you need to be an effective counselor. While many programs offer you various competencies, the best programs prepare you to successfully sit for your state licensure exam. Standout programs also facilitate extensive hands-on training through internships and practicum experiences.
What You’ll Learn in a Counseling Online Master’s: Key Courses
Specific coursework varies among programs and academic specializations, but they also share many similar courses. During your online counseling program, you’ll likely encounter a curriculum that requires core, foundational classes accompanied by more specialized coursework. Below are some of the courses you’ll likely see when completing your online master’s in counseling.
Theories of Counseling
This course introduces you to the various theories that inform the discipline of counseling. It explores the evolution of counseling theories, including how and why they’ve changed and how they inform contemporary best practices. It also examines how theories inform professional practice and how to approach work with individuals and groups.
Group Counseling
Alongside individual counseling, counselors often work in group settings. It’s an effective therapeutic tool, and this course helps you examine the theoretical foundations of group counseling, its development, and the skills and methods essential to the process. A course in group counseling emphasizes the fundamental techniques of leading group therapy and teaches you how to facilitate an effective session for a group of diverse people.
Crisis Counseling
This counseling course prepares you with the theoretical ideas and practical skills essential to crisis counseling. You’ll explore the role of the counselor when clients experience crises and consider the various tools, including healthcare, education, and community resources, available to you. Additionally, you’ll learn to prioritize active and effective listening and examine how to diffuse challenging situations.
Counseling Law and Ethics
Laws and ethics help guide professional counselors, and this course digs into this field’s legal and ethical standards, their history and evolution, and how they inform professional practice. It begins with a broad view of counseling law and ethics and explores state-specific rules and regulations. In addition to theoretical ideas, you gain experience applying ethical and legal standards to real-world scenarios.
Counseling Diverse Populations
This offering examines how the identities of clients and counselors can influence the therapeutic process. You’ll delve into how identifying factors like sexual orientation, gender, class, ethnicity, religion, and gender expression impact counseling. This course takes a close look at individual and institutional biases and how to detect them, all while examining the theories behind multicultural counseling. You’ll also look inward to uncover your assumptions and biases.
Theory and Treatment of Trauma
A course in the theory and treatment of trauma introduces the various theories and frameworks that inform the study and treatment of trauma. Additionally, it reviews the multiple types of traumas and how they can impact individuals, families, and communities. It gives you an understanding of evidence-based practice, effective intervention strategies, and the clinical tools to address complex trauma. You’ll also learn to take a culturally competent approach and how cultural experiences can inform elements like generational trauma.
FAQs About Online Counseling Master’s Degree Programs
Committing to an online counseling master’s program is a significant undertaking and involves an equally hefty investment of time and money. As you investigate what counseling master’s program is right for you, you’ll likely have some questions. The questions below are common for most students considering an online counseling master’s degree program.
-
Are online master’s programs in counseling completely online?
Many graduate-level counseling programs are available online. Online counseling programs offer a flexible—and often affordable—pathway to complete the academic and clinical requirements necessary for state licensure. While you can complete most coursework online, in-person internships and practicum experiences are in-person at an approved clinical site convenient to your location. Some online counseling programs also require in-person orientations or campus visits, so review prospective programs to see if there are any face-to-face requirements.
-
What careers can I pursue with a master’s degree in counseling?
Because the best master’s in counseling degrees offer students a pathway to state licensure, most graduates pursue counseling careers. A master’s in counseling can also prepare you for leadership roles in government, non-profits, and clinical mental health organizations. Some graduates also use their master’s in counseling as a launching pad for doctoral coursework, research positions, and teaching roles in higher education. Common careers for graduates with a master’s in counseling include:
- Christian Counselor
- Marriage and Family Counselor
- Mental Health Counselor
- School Counselor
- Substance Abuse Counselor
-
What accreditation should I look for in an online master’s counseling degree program?
When reviewing potential master’s programs in counseling, prioritize schools that hold both institutional and programmatic accreditation. Institutional accreditation means a school meets a set of rigorous standards relating to academics, student services, and finances. Since a master’s in counseling typically meets the academic requirements for licensure, programmatic accreditation is also vital. Find counseling programs that hold accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
-
What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s in counseling?
Admission requirements vary among programs, but there are similar expectations from school to school. Prospective counseling students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and usually an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Counseling programs typically look at candidates holistically, considering factors such as academic performance, life experiences, work history, and extracurricular activities like volunteer work. Common admission requirements include:
- Online application
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Professional resume
- Personal essay
- GRE scores
-
How much does an online master’s degree in counseling cost?
Whether in-state or out-of-state, online or in-person, a counseling master’s typically requires a significant investment of both time and money. Some programs are more expensive than others, though. For example, Fort Hays State University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling masters and Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online Master of Education in School Counseling both cost less than $300 a credit while Assumption University’s per credit rate for its School Counseling Program is $785. The most expensive counseling master’s programs are traditionally at private institutions, while the most inexpensive are offered through public schools where you can access in-state tuition. Either way, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, teaching assistantships, and loans provide financial assistance as you invest in your counseling career.
-
How long does it take to earn a master’s degree in counseling online?
Master’s degree counseling programs vary in their academic requirements, but most allow full-time students to graduate in two to three years. During your counseling master’s, you’ll complete about 60 credits of coursework and hands-on learning opportunities in clinical settings. Part-time students take longer to graduate, but accelerated programs allow learners the chance to fast-track their coursework.
-
What are the available specializations or concentrations for a master’s degree in counseling?
Many master’s in counseling programs have curriculums that include core classes and specialization or concentration coursework. As a result, you gain foundational counseling knowledge while dedicating time to a specialized area that mirrors your academic and career goals. Specializations are not consistent from school to school, though. Common concentration areas include:
- Christian Counseling
- Gerontology
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- School Counseling
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Trauma Studies
Examining the Value of an Online Master’s Degree in Counseling
The job market for counselors is projected to grow by as much as 22% over the next decade (much faster than average), so earning a master’s in counseling is a safe bet in terms of a solid salary and job security. This growing field offers fulfilling, meaningful work for individuals who want to dedicate themselves to a helping career. To give you an idea of what to expect, the table below lists several careers for master’s in counseling graduates along with how much they pay and their respective job growth rates over the next decade.
| Career | Median Annual Earnings (2021) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Counselor | $48,520 | 22% |
| Substance Abuse Counselor | $48,520 | 22% |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $49,880 | 14% |
| School Counselor | $60,510 | 10% |
| Social Service Manager | $74,000 | 12% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics