Best Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
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Online master’s in counseling programs prepare you for a career as a licensed professional counselor (LPC). They typically cover counseling techniques, assessment strategies, crisis intervention, case management, and professional practice standards.
If you’re looking to become an LPC or another type of advanced mental health practitioner, a master’s in counseling can help you reach your goals. Get started by exploring top-ranked master’s in counseling programs offered through accredited providers.
Best Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Ottawa University-Online
Ottawa, KS- 4 year
- Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $635
Credits to Graduate: 63
Kansas-based Ottawa University offers a hybrid master of arts in counseling program that meets licensure requirements in Arizona, Kansas, and Wisconsin. Each enrollee completes 39 credits of core coursework, nine credits of field placements in their communities, and 15 credits of concentration and elective courses.
Admission requirements include undergraduate transcripts demonstrating a 3.0 GPA, a professional career development essay, and three references. Ottawa maintains credit transfer agreements with more than 50 two-year colleges.
- In-State$11,976
- Out-of-state$11,976
- In-State$11,682
- Out-of-state$11,682
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled957
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
Prairie View A & M University
- Prairie View, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $577 fixed; $560 variable
Out-of-State | $1,099 fixed; $1,404 variable
Credits to Graduate: 48
Prairie View A&M University students can pursue a master of arts in educational leadership and counseling with an emphasis in school counseling. The Texas-based program offers courses exploring counseling techniques, crisis and trauma counseling with children, and school counseling in a multicultural society. Students complete internships and practicums in local schools.
Each applicant must submit a cover letter/writing sample, three recommendation letters, a valid teaching certificate, and their teaching service record. The department prefers two years of teaching experience but considers candidates with one year.
- In-State$7,387
- Out-of-state$22,590
- In-State$5,191
- Out-of-state$14,353
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled9,517
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
University of West Alabama
- Livingston, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $429
Credits to Graduate: 60
University of West Alabama's online graduate programs include a master of science in clinical mental health counseling. Each enrollee completes nine credits of professional courses and six credits of electives. A student must also engage in 45 concentration coursework, practicum, and internship hours, along with a five-day residency on the Livingston campus.
In addition to college transcripts, each applicant submits a portfolio that includes a resume outlining education, professional, and volunteer experiences; a professional goals essay; three recommendations; and a video interview. The program may accept up to nine graduate transfer credits.
- In-State$9,100
- Out-of-state$18,200
- In-State$6,678
- Out-of-state$13,356
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled6,194
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
Why Accreditation Matters
Institutional and programmatic accreditation are both very relevant to online master’s in counseling programs, especially if you want to become an LPC.
First, consider if your school has institutional accreditation. You must attend an accredited institution to qualify for federal financial aid and to guarantee that employers recognize your coursework and degree. Check that your school is accredited by an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Next, check for programmatic accreditation. Your state’s counseling licensure requirements may state that you need a graduate degree from an academic program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
Even if it’s optional in your state, CACREP or MPCAC accreditation indicate that a program meets high educational and professional standards.
Master of Arts vs. Master of Science in Counseling
Most master’s-level counseling programs lead to a master of arts (MA) or master of science (MS) degree. MA and MS programs have similar lengths and credit requirements, but they’re marked by subtle differences.
In general, MA programs have more interdisciplinary profiles and a stronger grounding in the social sciences and humanities. On the other hand, MS programs often cover more technical topics like research design, research methods, and quantitative analysis in greater depth.
Both tracks lead to similar careers, and you’ll likely find few functional differences between the two degree types. However, a third option — the master of education (M.Ed.) track — has a distinct profile.
M.Ed. programs emphasize specialized skills development techniques. They can lead to LPC licensure, but also make a good match if you’re considering a career as a counseling educator — which would require a doctorate degree — or a school counselor.
Popular Concentrations Within Counseling
- Christian Counseling
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Marriage and Family Counseling
- Rehabilitation Counseling
- School Counseling
- Substance Use or Addiction Counseling
Is an Online Master’s in Counseling Worth It?
Earning your master’s in counseling online can help you qualify for LPC licensure as long as the program satisfies your state’s accreditation and academic content area requirements. As a starting point, research these requirements and ensure a program meets them before you apply.
Next, consider the unique advantages and limitations of online learning formats and evaluate whether it’s right for you. Students often find that online programs support an easier school-life balance, thanks to the convenience and scheduling flexibility they offer.
However, online learning inherently has fewer face-to-face networking opportunities. It may also be better suited to independent students with strong time management skills. Consider these factors if networking is a high priority for you or if you feel more comfortable with the structure of a traditional classroom environment.
From a career training perspective, an online master’s in counseling can make an excellent investment: The degree sets you up for licensure and prepares you for further study at the doctoral level.
FAQ About Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Undergraduate majors that can prepare you well for a master’s in counseling include psychology, education, human services, social work, and theology. However, many master’s in counseling programs do not have specific bachelor’s degree requirements. In these cases, schools may put more emphasis on application materials like personal essays and letters of recommendation.
