The Best Counseling Programs of 2024

Do you want to help people address issues that are affecting their lives? Do you want a versatile degree that allows you to pursue various careers across many settings? If so, attending a counseling program and earning a counseling degree may offer an ideal pathway.

Explore the top counseling programs, typical counselor job duties, salary ranges, and licensing requirements with this in-depth guide.

Why Enroll in a Counseling Program?

Counseling is one of the key helping professions. Counselors assist people to identify and address problems that are affecting their lives. They work in many settings and specialties, such as family and marriage, health, substance misuse, and school and career counseling. An online bachelor's counseling program can prepare you to pursue work directly in the counseling field or continue into a master's degree.

Each state maintains specific regulations for counseling licenses and scope of practice, including who can carry the professional title of counselor. Check your state or the state where you would like to practice to make sure you understand the requirements.

Counseling Programs Rankings Summary

The Best Counseling Programs

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How Much Does a Counseling Program Cost?

The cost of attending a counseling program depends on several factors, including location, prestige, and financial aid availability. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that, in 2021-2022, the average annual cost of attendance for a bachelor's degree was $30,031 — $21,878 at public schools and $47,962 for private schools. These figures include tuition and fees, along with room and board.

Attending a counseling program online can help you save on costs like travel, relocation, and rent. You may have additional costs to cover a reliable high-speed internet connection, textbooks, and supplies.

Common Courses in Counseling Programs

During your counseling program, you will complete general education courses, specialized classes, and fieldwork observations. Coursework explores ways to apply theoretical concepts, along with effective and ethical practice. You may also be able to pursue a formal or informal concentration focused on a particular type of counseling or client population.

Common courses in undergraduate counseling programs include:

• Mental Wellness Assessment: In this course, learners explore standardized ways of assessing mental well-being and their strengths and weaknesses, along with when and how to apply them.
• Social and Emotional Development: This key class explains how humans develop through their lifetime as individuals and members of society. Coursework covers healthy developmental stages, along with typical challenges and milestones.
• Cultural Competence in Counseling: This course develops your ability to provide counseling for people across many backgrounds. Instructors focus on gender, race, and ethnicity, including ways to work effectively and ethically across cultures.

Career and Salary Outlook for Counseling Program Graduates

Most counseling careers require a degree from a master's in counseling program. As a bachelor's degree-holder, you may still be able to work in a counseling setting, depending on state regulations and certification requirements. Check with your state to confirm regulations and requirements.

Certifications and Licensure for Counseling

Many states require counselors to hold licensure to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically include a master's degree and at least 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice. In addition to licensure, counselors can pursue optional certifications to demonstrate their skills and advance their careers. The three counseling certifications below accept bachelor's-trained applicants.

AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor

A candidate for this credential must hold a bachelor's degree in human services from an accredited college or university, along with at least 1,000 hours of professional sexuality counseling experience.

EAGALA Certified Mental Health Professional

Each candidate must hold an accredited mental health bachelor's degree. They need to complete a pre-training webinar, a five-day onsite course, and other post-training requirements to earn certification.

National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II

To qualify for this credential, a candidate must hold a bachelor's degree in counseling or a related field, along with a state-issued credential in the field and 6,000 hours of relevant work experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Careers

What is the difference between a therapist and a counselor?

In general, a therapist helps in the short term to identify and address problems that affect an individual's internal emotions and behavior. Counseling focuses more on providing support for interpersonal interactions and ongoing advice.

What is the best degree for a counseling career?

The best degree for a counseling career is typically a master's degree. This degree level meets licensing requirements in most states. Master's counseling programs also offer more specialization opportunities than bachelor's programs.

What skills do you need to be a counselor?

Some necessary skills to become a counselor include communication abilities, empathy, attention to detail, and cross-cultural competence. Good counseling programs teach these in both theory and practice.

How long does it take to complete a counseling degree?

Full-time students typically take four years to complete most bachelor-level counseling programs and an additional 2-3 years to complete a master's counseling program. If you have advanced placement credits, an associate degree, or other college credits, you may be able to finish faster. Part-time enrollment extends these timelines.