Professional counselors empower people to achieve their personal and professional goals, and it takes at least a master's in counseling to become a professional counselor. The degree provides broad opportunities to work as a career counselor, school counselor, clinical mental health counselor, or marriage and family counselor.
This page explores the best online master's in counseling programs, including curriculum expectations, tuition expectations, and certifications and licenses available to graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Master's Programs
Can you complete a master's in counseling program online?
Yes. The best online master's in counseling programs offer a remote school schedule that fits your busy lifestyle. You can juggle work and family life while going to school remotely — with few, if any, on-campus requirements. However, prepare to complete an in-person practicum experience and/or internship under the supervision of a licensed counselor, especially if you want to get a state credential.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in counseling?
Expect to spend 2-3 years earning an online master's in counseling degree. Studying on a part-time basis can increase completion times.
Are master's in counseling graduates in demand by employers?
Employers in a variety of industries need counselors. However, demand for counselors depends on the specialty. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for school and career counselors to grow by 5% from 2022-2032, compared to 18% for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.
Is an online master's in counseling as reputable as on-campus programs?
Yes. Reputable universities and colleges offer online master's in counseling degrees with the same instructors who teach on-campus courses. The Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) accredits both on-campus and online master's in counseling programs.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Get a Master's in Counseling Degree?
Professional counselors need at least a master's degree to apply for doctoral study or pursue a clinical counseling career. Graduates of the best master's in counseling programs have received training for a variety of high-demand careers, such as addiction counseling, mental health counseling, school counseling, or family counseling.
Earning a master's degree can also boost your earning potential in any field. Master's degree-holders make median weekly income of $1,660, while bachelor's degree-holders make about $1,430 per week, according to the BLS.
How Much Does an Online Counseling Master's Cost
You can get an idea of what it costs to earn an online master's in counseling degree by analyzing national education data. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), public institutions charged graduate students an average tuition rate of $12,390 in the 2020-2021 school year, while private institutions — nonprofit and for-profit colleges — charged an average of $14,300-$28,440.
What you pay depends on factors, such as your residency status. The best online master's in counseling programs may offer in-state tuition regardless of where you live. Otherwise, expect to pay more if you live out of state. Also consider other costs associated with college, including technology fees, childcare, and transportation to your practicum experience.
If you need help paying for college, consider filing a FAFSA to get federal and state financial aid. Your financial aid office can also provide you with scholarship information.
How Much Do Counseling Master's Graduates Make?
Salaries for counselors vary for many reasons. Your specialty area of counseling determines your pay as does your location, degree level, industry, and work experience. For instance, educational, guidance, and career counselors make a mean annual wage of $64,200, according to the BLS. They can earn more in specialty hospitals, making an annual mean salary of $82,250. Surgical hospitals pay an annual mean wage of $73,690.
Similarly, the BLS reports that substance misuse counselors make a mean annual wage of $56,230. However, religious organizations pay substance misuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors an annual mean wage of $86,480. Alaska pays these counselors the most, while California pays career counselors the highest wages.
Common Courses in Counseling Master's Programs
Fieldwork remains a core component of all counseling master's programs, providing clinical experience under the mentorship of a licensed counselor. Internships and practicums offer the chance for you to integrate theory and research into your practice. Programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) require at least 100-hour practicums that provide 40 hours of direct work experience.
CACREP-accredited programs also commonly require a 600-hour internship and 240 direct hours in your specialization area. You need this documented experience to get licensed.
Courses you can expect to take in an online master's in counseling include:
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Human Growth and Development
This course explores all of the milestones in human growth and development expected in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. You'll examine the biological, cultural, and environmental factors that influence development throughout the lifespan.
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Group Dynamics and Group Counseling
This course teaches students various ethics of group counseling and the techniques used to lead a group. Learners study the process theories and dynamics of group counseling in providing interventions to people across the lifespan.
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Multicultural Issues in Counseling
A course in multicultural issues in counseling examines the influences of culture on the counselor-client relationship. Future counselors can examine their own cultural background and biases to better understand how that could come into play in a counseling setting.
Counseling Certifications and Licensure
You need a license to work as a professional counselor. Licensing requirements differ by each state. Common requirements include at least a master's in counseling, passing a national exam, and completing the required post-graduate counseling hours.
Counselors can also earn certifications to demonstrate their expertise in specific areas, such as addictions or mental health counseling. Getting certified can help you negotiate a better salary. Below you can find three common certifications available through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
To apply for NCC certification, you must have completed a master's or doctoral degree in counseling, with courses including social and cultural foundations, assessments in counseling, and human growth and development. If you did not graduate from a CACREP-accredited program, the NBCC usually conducts an experience verification and educational review.
Eligible candidates need at least 100 hours of post-master's supervised work experience and 3,000 hours of counseling work. After passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), you must pay $250 to apply for certification.
Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
CCMHC certification serves as one of the top credentials you can receive in counseling. You can only receive the credential after becoming an NCC and meeting academic and clinical work experience requirements. As for education, you need at least 60 credits of graduate study in courses, such as advanced clinical skills and addictions of substance misuse counseling. Coursework must include nine credits of supervised fieldwork.
In terms of clinical experience, you need 100 hours of post-master's clinical supervision, a professional endorsement, and 3,000 hours of clinical work experience. This qualifies you to take the NCMHCE and apply to become a CCMHC, which costs $250.
Master Addictions Counselor
You can get recognized as a specialist in addictions counseling by earning a master addictions counselor credential. As a first step, you must earn the NCC credential.
To apply, you need at least 12 graduate-level credits in addictions counseling or the equivalent continuing education hours, three years of supervised work experience as an addictions counselor, and a passing score on the master addictions counselor exam.
Best Online Master's in Counseling Programs
#1 Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Full-time | $565
Part-time | $615
Credits to Graduate: 60
Liberty University, an evangelical Christian school in Lynchburg, Virginia, tops our list of the best online master's in counseling programs. Graduates can earn a master of arts in clinical mental health in an average of 2.5 years, satisfying education requirements to become licensed professional counselors. The online curriculum includes two on-campus intensives and a two-semester internship.
Liberty has not increased its tuition in eight years and offers scholarships and flexible payment plans. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, and students can transfer up to 50% of the degree's total credits.
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
University of New Haven
- West Haven, CT
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $769
Credits to Graduate: 60
The online master of arts in clinical mental health counseling at Connecticut's University of New Haven takes three years to complete. Grounded in advocacy and social justice principles, the curriculum features entirely online coursework, 700 hours of supervised training, and two residencies. Students can opt to specialize in forensic mental health.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school, a 3.0 GPA, a statement of purpose, and two recommendation letters. Enrollees can apply for financial aid and grants.
Percent Online Enrollment
37%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#3 Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Cameron University
- Lawton, OK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $272
Out-of-State | $645
Credits to Graduate: 48-60
At Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, students can earn a master of arts in mental health with licensure-focused concentration options in counseling and marriage and family therapy. The curriculum includes core courses in counseling skills, human development, and systems theory; concentration coursework; clinical practicums or practicums in marriage and family therapy; and an embedded certificate in alcohol and drug counseling.
Applicants submit undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate transcripts showing a 3.0 GPA. Enrollees can apply for federal and state financial aid.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
- Waxahachie, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $545
Credits to Graduate: 60
Pentecostal-affiliated Southwestern Assembly of God University lists a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling among its graduate options. The Waxahachie, Texas-based program prepares graduates for state-licensed professional counselor credentials and doctoral study. The curriculum includes professional and research components and practicum and internship field experiences.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA and must submit a personal essay and a letter of recommendation. The university reports that students graduate with 20% less debt on average compared to those at other private schools.
Percent Online Enrollment
73%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Ottawa University-Online
- Ottawa, KS
- 4 years
- Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $635
Credits to Graduate: 54
Ottawa University offers a hybrid master of arts in counseling with concentrations in expressive arts therapy, gerocounseling, and treatment of trauma, abuse, and deprivation. Graduates complete 39 core class credits, 15 concentration and elective credits, and 900 field placement hours. The program meets licensing requirements in Arizona, Kansas, and Wisconsin.
Ottawa encourages applicants to contact an enrollment advisor and schedule a professional college advisory session. Submission requirements include undergraduate transcripts showing a 3.0 GPA. Admitted students are automatically considered for institutional scholarships.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
New York University
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $2,101
Credits to Graduate: 60
New York University's online master's in mental health counseling builds professional skills with coursework, counseling labs, a 100-hour practicum, and a 600-hour internship. Students can graduate in two years, ready to apply for licensure.
A rolling admissions process requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA. NYU looks for candidates with paid or volunteer experience in mental health and a commitment to promoting equity and social justice. Financial aid, payment plans, and assistantships help graduate students with costs.
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#7 Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Prairie View A & M University
- Prairie View, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $346-$363
Out-of-State | $845-$872
Credits to Graduate: 48
Texas' Prairie View A&M University's graduate programs include a master of arts with an emphasis on school counseling that can be completed online. Graduates are prepared to become professional school counselors in diverse school environments or to work in private practice.
Admission requirements include official transcripts showing a 2.75 undergraduate GPA and/or a 3.0 graduate GPA, three recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose. Financial aid options include loans, work-study, scholarships, and fee waivers.
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
University of West Alabama
- Livingston, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $429
Credits to Graduate: 60
The University of West Alabama in Livingston offers an online master's in clinical mental health counseling that students can complete in 2-3 years. The curriculum comprises nine hours of professional courses, 45 hours of clinical concentration courses, and six hours of electives in areas like addictions and family counseling. Concentration hours include an in-person residency, practicum, and internship experiences.
Graduate admission requires official transcripts. Admitted students can transfer up to nine graduate semester credits. Financial aid includes federal loans, work-study programs, payment plans, and outside scholarship opportunities.
Percent Online Enrollment
82%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Concordia University-Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $695
Credits to Graduate: 60
Southern California-based Concordia University Irvine grounds its online master of counseling program in Christian thought. Students can earn their master of arts in counseling: clinical mental health at Concordia's Townsend Institute and qualify for licensure in most states. The accelerated 24-36-month program features online coursework, a four-day, on-campus residency, and on-site practicums and internships.
To apply, candidates submit official transcripts showing a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school with a 3.0 GPA. Concordia lists graduate merit-based scholarships and employer-paid tuition partnerships.
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#10 Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $265
Out-of-State | $579
Credits to Graduate: 60
The online master of science in clinical mental health counseling at Lubbock-based Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center emphasizes telehealth. Twelve credit hours of practicum and internship experiences combine with courses that include crisis counseling, human growth and development, and treatment planning and case management.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, preferably in a mental health-related field, and a 3.0 GPA. Rolling admissions requires submission of a personal essay and 2-3 recommendations. The School of Health Professions offers scholarships to qualifying students.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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