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For aspiring counselors, a master's degree is one of the final steps to becoming a licensed professional in the field.
Graduate counseling programs teach students the skills they need to become licensed mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and school counselors, among several other counseling jobs. Plus, some learners prefer an online degree, which they can better adapt to their lifestyles and responsibilities.
If you find yourself curious to explore distance learning, then read to learn about the best online master's degrees in counseling, including what to expect from counseling programs and careers.
Why Earn an Online Master's in Counseling
Many people become counselors because they want to help others. They consider counseling a fulfilling and rewarding career.
In terms of job outlook, it is also a stable career. Nearly 390,000 people worked as counselors in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That number is projected to increase by over 70,000 in the next decade.
To become a licensed clinical mental health counselor, candidates need a master's degree. For some prospective students, however, the thought of going back to school might seem daunting, expensive, and time-consuming. Online degrees offer more flexibility for students who attend to other responsibilities, such as working or caring for a family.
Did You Know...
- The BLS projects the counseling field could grow by 18% from 2022 to 2032 — much faster than average.
- Colleges and universities ran about 900 counseling programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) in 2022.
- For the most part, enrollment and graduation numbers increased from 2020 to 2021 across most counseling concentrations, according to CACREP.
- Clinical mental health remains by far the most popular concentration for counseling students, CACREP data show.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Online Master's in Counseling Programs
With so many high quality online master's in counseling programs available, it can be difficult to narrow down the options for prospective students. By utilizing the rankings list below, prospective students can compare the best online master's in counseling programs based on factors like student-to-teacher ratios, costs, and graduate rates.
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Full-time | $565
Part-time | $615
Credits to Graduate: 60
Liberty University's master of arts in clinical mental health counseling features online coursework with required intensives on its Lynchburg campus in Central Virginia. Distance learners can complete practicums and internships in their communities. The program prepares graduates to become licensed professional counselors.
Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 2.7 GPA and submission of two references and a personal statement. Admitted students can transfer up to 50% of the degree's total credits and apply financial aid toward accommodations when attending campus intensives.
#2 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
Ottawa University-Online
Ottawa, KS - 4 years
- 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.
#3 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
Prairie View A & M University
Prairie View, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
#4 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
#5 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
Concordia University-Irvine
Irvine, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Avg. Cost per Credit: $695
Credits to Graduate: 60
Concordia University Irvine offers an online master of arts in counseling with a focus on clinical mental health. Enrollees can finish the accelerated program in 24-36 months and become eligible for licensure in most states. The curriculum emphasizes counseling skills integrated with Christian thought and includes a four-day residency on the Irvine, California, campus.
Application requirements include official transcripts indicating completion of a bachelor's degree and a 3.0 GPA; a two-page essay responding to prompts; two professional references; a resume; and a program faculty interview.
What to Know About an Online Master's in Counseling Degree
Learners choose to earn a master's degree in counseling for several reasons. Students may want to become a clinical mental health counselor, which typically requires a master's degree. They might aim to generalize in a certain field, or they could be switching careers or the area of study after earning their undergraduate education. They might also pursue a master's in preparation for a Ph.D.
A master's in counseling can fulfill these goals by teaching students the theory and skills they need to provide guidance to clients. This degree typically lasts two years, although some universities might offer accelerated programs. Some master's candidates might also enroll part time, extending their completion timeline. Online programs typically offer students flexibility and accessibility that traditional programs may not provide.
Core Principles and Skills Learned in an Online Master's in Counseling Program
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Ability to Assess, Diagnose and Treat Clients
This is the basis of what counselors do, and many of the core classes in an online master's in counseling program typically contribute to students learning these skills. Courses like clinical diagnosis, treatment planning and personality testing will often introduce students to clinical assessment, diagnosis techniques, and treatment planning. The required practicum and internship hours may provide the hands-on experience necessary for students to practice and hone these skills they can later apply to their own practice. -
Apply Research, Statistics and Counseling Theories to Practice
These are all tools counselors use to provide counseling, treatment, and resolution to clients seeking help. Theories of counseling and statistics and research methods are examples of courses that can teach students how to gather information, theories, and techniques they can apply to their counseling practice. -
Ability to Interact with Diverse Populations
This is an important skill to have as students will often work with a diverse client base during their practicum and internship and later as professional counselors. Classes, such as multicultural counseling and community and agency counseling, are examples of courses that often contribute to students learning this skill. -
Strong Professional Ethics
It is of utmost importance that students and professional counselors follow ethical standards and guidelines in counseling and are familiar with ethical and legal issues and procedures in counseling. Online master's in counseling students will typically become familiar with a code of ethics for counselors and learn about ethical issues and professional challenges counselors may face in classes, like ethical and legal issues in counseling.
What Courses are Offered in an Online Master's in Counseling Program?
While each master's program in counseling offers a unique curriculum, students generally need to take core courses, along with specialization classes or electives. Core courses might include:
- Professional, ethical, and legal issues in counseling
- Abnormal psychology
- Basic counseling skills and techniques
- Human growth and development
- Psychopathology
Additionally, students may need to complete special requirements before they graduate, such as a practicum or supervised internship. This internship allows learners to gain professional experience to direct client contact.
What Concentrations are Available for an Online Master's in Counseling Program?
Many master's in counseling degrees offer concentrations for students aiming to specialize in a certain area. These focus areas can help graduates go into a specific area of counseling, such as substance abuse or school counseling. Below you can find three of the most common concentrations for master's degrees.
Mental Health Counseling
A concentration in mental health prepares students to earn licensure and ultimately practice clinical mental health counseling. This specialization equips aspiring counselors to work in clinical, community, and human service settings. The curriculum involves supervised fieldwork as well.
School Counseling
Master's candidates who want to work with children might prefer the school counseling concentration. Graduates work in K-12 settings, often in low-income schools. The concentration may focus on either younger or older children. Some schools may also place an emphasis on urban schools, while others may train students to work in rural schools.
Addictions Counseling
A specialization in addictions counseling prepares students to work with people experiencing addictive behaviors. Master's candidates practice skills like assessing client needs, creating treatment plans, and teaching coping skills for the recovery process.
How Can I Choose a Quality Online Master's in Counseling Program?
The best online master's program in counseling varies by person, depending on what they value and look for in a degree. Aspiring graduate students should consider these three factors when choosing a quality online counseling master's program.
- Accreditation: Accreditation ensures that students receive a quality education. Accreditation agencies operate as independent organizations that evaluate higher education institutions and programs. They grant accreditation status to programs and schools that adequately prepare students for their careers. Aspiring counselors may need accredited degrees to apply for licensure or jobs.
- Internship opportunities: Although campus location does not matter for many online students, the internship opportunities offered by the university do matter. Choose a school with internship placements that fit your career goals at locations within a reasonable distance from your home.
- Cost: Pragmatic students understand that higher education is an investment in their future. Consider whether the cost is worth your potential earnings, and whether you can receive financial aid to help cover tuition. With online schools, you should also explore out-of-state vs. in-state tuition rates.
Career Opportunities with an Online Master's in Counseling Degree
Typically, master's graduates go on to become professional counselors. Just as schools offer various concentrations, counselors can choose from different niches in their careers.
Mental health counselors remain among the most common. With over 380,000 mental health counselors employed in 2022, the BLS still projects the profession could grow by 18% over the next decade.
Mental Health Counselor
Many people pursue master's degrees in counseling to obtain clinical licensure and become practicing mental health counselors. These professionals work with clients dealing with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and grief. They can also specialize in working with a specific part of the population. Mental health counselors might work with older adults or children, for example.
Job-seekers can find opportunities in both private and public settings, like outpatient mental health clinics, hospitals, or individual and family services.
- Median Salary: $49,710, according to the BLS, 2022
- Currently Employed: 388,200
- Projected Job Growth: 18% (2022-2032)
Marriage and Family Therapist
Some universities offer concentrations in marriage and family therapy. Students who earn a degree with this specialization become counselors who help people manage their relationships. They often work in private practice, and with individuals as well as units, such as couples and families.
Marriage and family therapists might work with married couples encountering problems in their relationships, or families who have experienced traumatic events. They usually offer goal-oriented techniques to help people work through the issues troubling them.
- Median Salary: $56,570 according to the BLS, 2022
- Currently Employed: 71,200
- Projected Job Growth: 15% (2022-2023)
Rehabilitation Counseling
Rehabilitation counselors work with a specific purpose. These professionals help people dealing with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities to live more independent lives. They work closely with these individuals, creating treatment plans and connecting their clients with the right services and resources. Rehabilitation counselors might work in community and vocational rehabilitation centers, senior citizen centers, residential care facilities, or youth guidance organizations.
Some colleges and universities offer rehabilitation counseling as a concentration only.
- Median Salary: $39,990 according to the BLS, 2022
- Currently Employed: 84,800
- Projected Job Growth: 2% (2022-2023)
Professional Organizations for Careers in Counseling
The following list includes resources that may be helpful for online master's in counseling students and those thinking about pursuing a career as a counselor.
The American Counseling Association (ACA)
The ACA is a membership-based, non-profit organization for counseling professionals and students designed to promote, develop and advance the field of professional counseling. The website contains various professional and educational resources, such as job search options, webinars, publications and continuing education opportunities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides information on different career paths. Readers can search specific occupations, including counseling and related occupations. They can also find an overview of what the career entails, such as expected growth and salaries in areas across the United States.
The Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE)
The CCE is a non-profit organization that offers business support, licensure, and credentials to counseling professionals and organizations. The CCE is an affiliate of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and offers the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE), a standard for graduating master's in counseling students.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
The CACREP is the accrediting body for master's and doctoral degree programs in counseling. Prospective master's in counseling students can use this website to learn the value of accreditation when selecting a school and find accredited master's in counseling programs.
How to Pay for an Online Master's in Counseling Degree
Pursuing an online master's degree in counseling can become an expensive venture. That said, students can take advantage of funding options to help finance their degrees.
Several online resources offer advice on how to find financial aid. One of the most popular options includes scholarships, which give students money to cover tuition they do not need to repay. Students can find scholarships from universities, professional organizations, local groups, charities, and other sources. Applicants may need to compete for scholarships by showing their academic promise through grades or personal statements.
Students often opt for another popular option too, or federal student loans. They borrow money from the government and later repay this money with interest.
Some universities offer fellowships or assistantships for their graduate students who may carry out research or work at the school. Graduate learners may also find paid internships to help fund their studies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's in Counseling Programs
What is the average salary for counselors with a master's degree?
Counselors with a master's degree earn average salaries of $59,000 per year, according to data by Payscale. Many learners pursue a master's degree because a higher level of education can sometimes lead to better salary prospects, although other factors like location and experience matter too.
How do you become a licensed counselor after completing an online master's in counseling program?
The requirements to become a licensed counselor vary in each state. Generally, after graduating with your master's degree and completing practicum and internship hours, candidates must take and pass a licensing exam to apply for licensure.
How can you determine if an online master's in counseling program is accredited?
Colleges and universities with accredited programs usually list the accreditation on their websites. If you are finding it difficult to track down accreditation, you can search the accreditation agency's directory of programs. Alternatively, you can contact the school directly to ask.
Is a master's degree required to become a counselor?
Aspiring counselors do not necessarily need to earn their master's degree to get started in the field. They may be able to become a substance abuse or behavioral disorder counselor with a bachelor's degree. That said, each state outlines different requirements for counselors. In many states, licensed mental health counselors need a master's degree.
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.