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Masters In Counseling Online
Being in a position in which you help people overcome adversity is rewarding at any level of practice, but pursuing a master’s degree for a professional edge and superior income is the best use of your time and money. Counseling degrees equip leaders with the skills needed to address important issues like substance addiction, counseling techniques, and mental health counseling. It takes a certain type of person to want to help others.
A master’s degree in counseling helps prepare students to work with people suffering from a wide range of problems. Counseling professionals have at least a bachelor’s degree and are trained to assess patients’ situations through interviews and then diagnose and recommend solutions. Employed as therapists, counselors evaluate patients who need help dealing with poor communication, alcoholism, or drug abuse. They may also treat mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.
The growing acceptance of counseling as a form of treatment and personal progress has led to employment growth that far exceeds the national average. Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, jobs for substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health counseling will increase 25% between 2019 and 2029. The media pay as per 2021 is $47,660.
Online Masters In School Counseling
Counseling is among the fastest growing professions. If you are passionate about human development and relationships, consider pursuing an online master’s in counseling program for a rewarding career as a counselor in school, business, mental health agency, hospital or private practice. In our master’s in counseling program guide, you will find information on career opportunities, how to choose a program, and admission requirements.
15 Best Online Masters in Counseling Online Programs
1. LeTourneau University
LETU is a Christian school located in Longview, Texas, offering over 140 master’s and undergraduate courses, as well as an online MA in clinical mental health counseling and online Master’s degree in psychology. A 93% placement rate is the university’s boast for counseling graduates.
Format
Hybrid
Tuition
$615/credit
Duration
2-3 years
Credits
66 credits
This program emphasizes a holistic approach in counseling skills and clinical assessments related to individual, couples, family, and group counseling. Graduates of the program can apply for both licenses as a professional counselor and a marriage and family therapist. The curriculum prepares students to sit for the National Counseling Exam, and LETU graduates have a 94% passing rate.
The degree consists of 66 credits, 45 of which are core credits and six of which are clinical theology credits. Students must also complete 15 credits of specialization courses, with options such as addictions counseling and couples therapy, as well as a practicum and internships. In addition, students must attend a four-day intensive lab at the Longview campus.
Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Status: Private
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.5 minimum
Standardized Tests: GRE (recommended)
Graduation Rate: 59%
Location: Longview, TX
2. Clarks Summit University
CSU is located near the Pocono and Endless Mountain regions of Pennsylvania and is one of the most beautiful Bible colleges in the U.S. It offers 21 master’s degree options for distance learners, including an MS in counseling that prepares students for counseling careers that emphasize biblical principles.
Format
Hybrid
Tuition
$565/credit
Duration
2 years
Credits
60 credits
The program consists of 60 credits and features nine electives designed to give students a chance to concentrate on their specific area of interest. The elective courses include counseling children, spiritual issues in counseling, and understanding and dealing with addictions. Graduates of the fully accredited program are prepared to sit for the National Certified Counselor exam and apply for licensure as a licensed professional counselor.
Each year, five eight-week sessions are offered. Most courses are entirely online, but students must complete three one-week modules on-campus. Discounts are available for Christian workers and military personnel.
Program: Master of Science in Counseling
School Status: Private
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum
Graduation Rate: 60%
Location: South Abington Township, PA
3. Liberty University
Liberty University, a Christian university in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia, was founded by the late Jerry Falwell in 1971. The school has not raised its tuition in several years and does not require standardized admission testing.
Format
Hybrid
Tuition
$565/credit
Duration
2.5 years
Credits
60 credits
Graduates of the school’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are prepared to become licensed counselors. All classes are taught from a Christian perspective, including classes such as integration of spirituality and counseling and crisis counseling. The program requires two on-campus intensive courses, while the practicum and two-semester internship can be completed in the student’s local area.
A student can transfer in 30 approved credits. The counseling program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs.
Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Status: Private
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.7 minimum
Graduation Rate: 63%
Location: Lynchburg, VA
4. Eastern University
Eastern University, which began as Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, now has campuses in St. Davids, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. All of the school’s educational programs are founded on the core values of faith, reason, and justice.
Format
Online or hybrid
Tuition
$743/credit
Duration
3 years
Credits
60 credits
For generalists, the university offers a 60-credit online MA in clinical counseling program. Students can also select between two concentrations. The applied behavior analysis certification track focuses on behavioral assessments, intervention, and prevention strategies. It is available online and prepares graduates for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination.
Alternatively, the trauma studies concentration teaches students about the effects of trauma as well as the prevention and treatment of traumatic stress. This program includes evening classes on the main campus of the university as well as asynchronous online courses.
Program: MA in Clinical Counseling
School Status: Private
Instruction Style: Asynchronous and synchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum
Standardized Tests: GRE or MAT scores recommended
Graduation Rate: 30%
Location: Saint Davids, PA
5. Concordia University Wisconsin
As a Lutheran Christian university, CUW offers students an education that is focused on the well-being of the body, mind, and spirit. Students can pursue a professional counseling track or a school counseling track in the school’s 45-credit M.S.Ed in counseling program.
Format
Online
Tuition
$630/credit
Duration
1-2 years
Credits
45 or 60 credits
By completing additional coursework, students may get a certificate of substance abuse counselor training from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, as well as an advanced certificate in Christian counseling. The 15-credit counseling training program may be of interest to students who wish to work as a counselor for a church or Christian organization.
All courses are available online. Candidates must complete a three-part portfolio as part of the Wisconsin licensing requirement for school counselors. Participants must also complete a practicum and an internship, both of which provide 600-700 hours of direct, hands-on experience.
Program: Master of Science in Education – School and Professional Counseling
School Status: Private
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum
Graduation Rate: 37%
Location: Mequon, WI
6. Crown College
Crown College, located in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, began offering online instruction in 1999. The Christian-focused flexible programs at this school benefit students who work full time, and most assignments are due on Thursdays and Sundays by midnight.
Format
Hybrid
Tuition
$555/credit
Duration
2 years
Credits
60 credits
Additionally to taking online courses, students pursuing Crown’s master’s in counseling must complete a four-day residency on campus every May. The 60-credit program includes 12 elective credits as well as a 700-hour structured internship. Students pursuing this degree may add an emphasis in alcohol and drug counseling, which would take up nine of their 12 elective credits.
The program lasts eight weeks, and graduates qualify to sit for the Minnesota licensure exam for licensed professional clinical counselors. The Crown College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program: Master of Arts in Counseling
School Status: Private
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Graduation Rate: 55%
Location: Saint Bonifacius, MN
7. Hope International University
HIU, which was founded in 1928, joined the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities in 1993. HIU, located in Fullerton, California, has a 14-to-1 student-to-professor ratio, providing students with a personalized education.
Format
Online
Tuition
$650
Duration
2-3 years
Credits
61 credits
Students can earn an online master’s degree in counseling while preparing for licensure as a licensed professional clinical counselor.
All students are required to complete at least 280 direct client hours and 50 hours of professional development. These two requirements are to gain experience providing therapy to children, individuals, and groups, as well as to attend approved seminars, workshops, personal therapy, and community service. Courses last between 8 and 16 weeks, and the program can be completed in 2-3 years.
Participants put their newly acquired counseling skills to the test in community settings where they are mentored by mental health professionals. Graduates must also complete 3,000 supervised hours before taking the licensure exam.
Program: Master of Science in Counseling
School Status: Private
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Graduation Rate: 57%
Location: Fullerton, CA
8. University of the Cumberlands
UC, located in the heart of Appalachia near the Cumberland River in Kentucky, has over 18,000 students, making it one of the state’s largest private universities. It is also one of the most affordable. The school offers two online master’s programs in counseling, each of which consists of 60 credits.
Format
Online
Tuition
$400/credit
Duration
2 years
Credits
60 credits
The MA in addiction counseling program is the nation’s only online addiction counseling program to be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This dual-licensure program trains students to become licensed/certified addiction counselors as well as licensed professional counselors. Up to 30 approved credits may be transferred in by students.
If you prefer, UC’s online master’s program in clinical mental health counseling will prepare you for a career as a licensed professional counselor or marriage and family therapist. Students may transfer in up to 18 approved credits.
Students may need to attend synchronous sessions once a week in some courses.
Program: Master’s in Addiction Counseling; Master’s in Clinical Health Counseling
School Status: Private
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronous
Graduation Rate: 50%
Location: Williamsburg, KY
9. Lamar University
Located in Beaumont, LU distinguishes itself as one of the fastest-growing universities in Texas. Students at LU can choose between two master’s-level counseling programs.
Format
Online
Tuition
$300/credit
Duration
2.5 years
Credits
60 credits
There are two concentration options for the M.Ed. in counseling and development programs. The professional school counselor pathway prepares students for a career as a school counselor. To be eligible, candidates must have at least two years of full-time teaching experience.
Alternatively, the marriage, couple, and family counseling concentration satisfies the requirements for employment as a licensed professional counselor or marriage and family therapist. A one-week residency course at LU, a 15-week practicum, and a 15-week internship are required for these concentrations.
The M.Ed. program in clinical mental health counseling prepares students to pursue professional counselor licensure, allowing successful graduates to provide mental health and substance abuse care. The program includes two five-day residency seminars in addition to practicum and internship requirements.
Program: M.Ed. in Counseling and Development; M.Ed. in Clinical Mental
School Status: Public
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.75-3.25 minimum, depending on the program
Graduation Rate: 61%
Location: Beaumont, TX
10. Prairie View A&M University
A land-grant university, PVAMU is located in a small town 50 miles northeast of Houston, Texas. A part of the Texas A&M University System, it is the second-oldest public university in the state. The school offers 30 master’s programs and five doctoral programs.
Format
Online
Tuition
$283/credit in state; $787/credit out of state (based on taking eight credits per term)
Duration
1.5-2 years
Credits
48 credits
Among these is an online master of arts program with a focus on school counseling. Students in this program are prepared to work in an educational setting. The 48-credit curriculum includes 15 credits of core classes as well as concentration courses such as counseling techniques, psychology of abnormal behavior, and school counseling program organization and administration..
Participants also complete a school counseling practice and internship in a school.
Program: Master of Arts, Emphasis on School Counseling
School Status: Public
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Graduation Rate: 59%
Location: Prairie View, TX
11. Concordia University Irvine
CUI offers a master’s degree in counseling in clinical mental health through the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling. Students in this program study online with Dr. John Townsend, a well-known psychologist and author of over 30 books, and other master clinicians.
Format
Hybrid
Tuition
$615/credit
Duration
2-3 years
Credits
60 credits
The curriculum is founded on the most recent neuroscience research as well as biblical principles. Focused lessons cover 20 skills that help counselors use the power of relationships, emotions, and perception to help clients change for the better.
The four-day intensive in Irvine kicks off the 60-credit program. Students must attend a three-hour virtual classroom session twice a month, which concludes with a Q&A session. The program consists of seven-week online courses, and participants should expect to take one or two classes at a time and spend 10-14 hours per week on learning activities.
Program: Master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health
School Status: Public
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum
Graduation Rate: 61%
Location: Irvine, CA
12. Mid-America Christian University
ACU in Oklahoma City presents more than two dozen programs in addition to being one of the first private universities in Oklahoma to offer online courses.
Format
Online
Tuition
$642/credit
Duration
2 years
Credits
60 credits
The online MS in counseling program at the university is founded on biblical principles and prepares students to work in both Christian ministries and clinical settings. MACU’s counseling program includes spiritual, faith-based fundamentals in addition to scientific counseling theories.
Child/adolescent psychopathology, career counseling and development, and addiction and chemical dependency counseling are among the 18 courses offered in the 60-credit program. In addition, students complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. Approximately 85 percent of students receive a job offer from their practicum site.
Program: Master of Science in Counseling – Licensed Professional Counselor Emphasis
School Status: Private
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.75 minimum
Standardized Tests: MAT or GRE may be required
Graduation Rate: 52%
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
13. California Baptist University
This university offers more than 30 masters programs, with 45 concentrations, located in the Magnolia Avenue historic district. They operate as a top-rated Christian college in Southern California.
Format
Online
Tuition
$745/credit
Duration
2 years
Credits
60 credits
The 60-credit MS in counseling psychology program at the university prepares students for careers in professional clinical counseling or marriage and family therapy. Lessons cover psychological and spiritual principles, as well as professional counseling topics from a Christian standpoint. In order to qualify for the professional clinical counselor designation in California, students must complete six additional credits.
There are two learning options available at the school. Synchronous online interactions are included in the virtual hybrid format. Students can work at their own pace with the asynchronous option. Students in either format have the option of interacting online with their peers and teachers.
Program: Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
School Status: Private
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.5 or higher for conditional admission, 2.75 or higher for unconditional admission
Graduation Rate: 53%
Location: Riverside, CA
14. Lindsey Wilson College
LWC was founded in 1903 in Columbia, Kentucky. Today, the college has over 20 community campuses spread across Kentucky and has granted over 5,000 degrees through its extended partnership program.
Format
Hybrid
Tuition
$484/credit
Duration
2 years
Credits
60 credits
The college also offers an online M.Ed. in counseling and human development, which prepares students with clinical skills and practical experience to work as a professional mental health counselor. The diverse and multicultural influences of the program set it apart from other counseling courses.
Counseling Latino clients, multicultural counseling, and Adlerian play therapy are among the topics covered in classes. Students are required to attend a three-day intensive residency session on campus, which prepares them for success by addressing learning resources and connecting them to the college. The 60-credit program is comprised of eight-week courses delivered in an asynchronous learning environment.
M.Ed. in counseling and human development with a specialization in clinical mental health counseling is awarded to graduates. Students who complete additional coursework may also earn a certificate in substance abuse.
Program: Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development
School Status: Private
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Graduation Rate: 44%
Location: Columbia, KY
15. Adler University
Adler University is named after Alfred Adler, a psychotherapist and physician who founded Adlerian psychology.
Format
Online
Tuition
$1,366/credit
Duration
2 years
Credits
62 credits
It has main campuses in Chicago, Illinois, and Vancouver, Canada. Adler’s mission is based on the principles of this type of psychotherapy and focuses on social responsibility, healthy communities, and advancing social justice.
Students who complete the MA in counseling with a specialization in clinical mental health counseling at the university are prepared to work in hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, and other social service agencies. In addition to online courses, the counseling program at the university requires two five-day residencies on campus each year.
The social justice practicum at the school is a 200-hour internship in which students select a civic-minded field of interest and then work 8-10 hours per week at a related community outreach site. The eight-week online courses in the program include synchronous components that require students to attend video conferencing classes at specific times.
Program: Master of Arts in Counseling: Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Status: Private
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 or higher is recommended
Graduation Rate: 33%
Location: Chicago, IL
Similar Programs
What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Counseling Program?
Graduates of a master’s in counseling are prepared to work with a diverse group of people in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, and private practice. A counselor must be able find the root causes of emotional stress, behavioral problems, and more.
A master’s degree in counseling provides you with the understanding and knowledge necessary to help others develop healthy relationships. You will learn how to work with patients and students in a variety of settings, such as private practice, schools, and hospitals. When you complete a counseling master’s program, you will be qualified for entry-level counseling positions that serve people of all ages.
Most online master’s degrees in counseling require 60 credits and can be completed in 2-3 years. Practica and internships provide the hands-on experience needed for state and occupation-specific licensure.
Many master’s in counseling programs will have an area of specialization that students can choose to focus their studies. A specialization is an area of study that allows students to obtain a master’s degree in counseling. While each program may offer different specializations, the main options are: school counseling , clinical mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy .
The following specializations are available in counseling at some schools.
ADDICTION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING
This specialization provides students with the skills required to evaluate and treat individuals with addictions.
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
This concentration prepares students to work as a licensed professional clinical counselor or marriage and family therapist.
APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
The specialization in this field focuses on behavioral assessments and the application of psychological principles to modify behavior. The board certified behavior analyst examination is taken by students preparing for it.
TRAUMA STUDIES
In this concentration, students learn about traumatic stress, its impact, prevention, and treatment.
SCHOOL COUNSELING
If you are interested in working in an education setting, consider this specialization.
CHRISTIAN COUNSELING
The specialization focuses on faith-based principles and prepares students to work in Christian ministries or churches.
Admission Requirements for Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Master’s in counseling programs generally have the same admission requirements across schools. However, there may be slight differences. Most online master’s in counseling programs require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree. While most programs do not require a bachelor’s in counseling, some prefer coursework in relevant fields like psychology, statistics, or research methods. Most programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7-3.0.
Most programs require three letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors in addition to official transcripts. A master’s degree in school counseling may require professional experience in a school setting or a teaching license.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master’s in Counseling Program?
A master’s in counseling online program builds on a student’s undergraduate education, emphasizing advanced skills. Although program curriculum varies, most programs include courses in assessment and testing, group counseling, ethical practice, and cultural diversity. The following section describes typical classes to be found in an online master’s degree program in counseling.
Group Counseling
Small groups are the focus of this course as it covers group dynamics and counseling techniques. The lessons examine how to engage members of a group and evaluate relationships within a group setting. Also covered are the stages of group therapy and how to evaluate the effectiveness of group counseling.
Counseling Diverse Populations
Students in the Counseling Diverse Populations minor learn how to evaluate and counsel people from various social groups. With this focus, students become more aware of and sensitive toward issues relating to prejudice, discrimination, sexism, and realistic alternatives to violence.
Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards
Ethical Practice of Counseling is a recommended course for students in our Master’s programs who are pursuing LPC licensure after graduation. Counseling practitioners are called upon daily to make ethical decisions that impact their clients and their careers. PGCU’s required Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards course will help you become aware of laws and ethical codes that pertain to the counseling profession. This course focuses on legal and ethical issues specific to counseling practices. Coursework covers topics such as confidentiality requirements in the counseling realm. Students investigate state-specific licensure standards and professional organizations. Research methods related to ethics and law are also emphasized.
Crisis Counseling
Crisis Counseling analyzes the effect of trauma and crisis intervention practices on degree-seeking students from suicide risk assessment and prevention to providing a counselor’s role in an emergency management response team.
Addiction Counseling
This course provides an overview of the counseling practices for alcohol and drug addiction. Included are 12-step facilitation and other models of recovery, at-risk populations, and available community resources. Further topics include the evaluation and treatment of eating, gambling, shopping, hoarding, and sex addictions.
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Counseling Degree?
Students with a master’s degree in counseling are prepared to help individuals, families, and groups suffering from mental and behavioral disorders. There are a variety of settings where these professionals work, including private practice, hospitals, community service organizations, addiction centers, correctional facilities, and schools.
Counseling should be in high demand over the next decade. According to the BLS, jobs for marriage and family therapists are expected to grow 22% between 2019 and 2029 and jobs for substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health counselors are predicted to grow 25% between 2019 and 2029.
Addiction and Recovery Counselor
Addiction and recovery counselors help people recover from both chemical and behavioral addictions. These professionals work with many types of addicts, including those who are addicted to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or compulsive spending. They also work with patients suffering from sex addiction, as well as acquired addictions, such as hoarding, eating disorders and others.
Trauma Response Counselor
A trauma response counselor works in the mental health field with people who have experienced trauma, and is an important part of the healing process. Trauma can be caused by a multitude of events, including car crashes, sexual assault, violent attacks, and other types of physical and emotional harm to self or others. The experience of trauma is not easy to endure; it often results in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or acute stress disorder (ASD) accompanied by feelings of depression, anxiety and fear. Trauma response counselors work hard to help people manage the emotions that can accompany these disorders so they can lead normal lives.
School Counselor
School counselors help students excel academically and socially. They provide support to students by helping solve personal problems, motivate students to achieve their goals, and encourage them to make better choices. By connecting with peers, school counselors are able to identify issues of bullying, alcohol or drug abuse, and domestic violence.
Marriage and Family Counselor
Marriage and family counselors provide services to children, adolescents, and families on a range of issues. Through observation, evaluation, and diagnosis, these professionals help family members learn coping skills and understand the underlying causes of their interpersonal challenges. They typically work with clients who are experiencing issues such as excessive fighting between parents or resentment toward one of the parents; communication problems between parents which affect the child’s school performance or social life; a substance abuse problem in the family; or children with behavioral problems such as lying, stealing, fighting with other kids, running away from home, drinking alcohol or using drugs.
Mental Health Counselor
Mental health counseling is the primary field of practice for many counselors. A mental health counselor can work in various settings, including hospitals, correctional centers, rehabilitation centers, and social service agencies. These professionals help people with social and emotional difficulties, phobias, anxieties, and other mental health challenges. Licensed mental health counselors may need to evaluate whether a person requires hospitalization or if they are eligible for community-based programs such as alcohol, drug abuse rehabilitation or family counseling.
FAQs about Master’s in Counseling Programs
Is a master’s in counseling worth it?
Yes. If you have the drive and passion to help people overcome psychological and behavioral challenges, a master’s degree in counseling will provide you with the education you need to succeed in this field. Most counseling careers necessitate a master’s degree, as well as internships, postgraduate clinical hours, and a state license. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor ranked 16 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the 100 best jobs for 2021, while marriage and family therapist ranked 20.
What can I do with a master’s in counseling?
Graduates of a counseling master’s program go on to become counselors specializing in addiction, mental health and behavioral disorders, trauma, education, or marriage and family counseling. Counselors may concentrate on treating certain populations, such as the elderly, children, or veterans.
Are counselors in demand?
According to the BLS, the already high demand for counselors will continue to rise. As states shift away from incarceration and toward treatment and counseling programs to combat drug addiction, the number of addiction counseling job opportunities will increase. Counselors for mental health are also in high demand, particularly in underserved communities and rural areas. According to the BLS, job opportunities for these counselors will increase by 25% between 2019 and 2029.
How much money can I make with a master’s in counseling?
Annual salaries for master’s degree in counseling graduates vary depending on the counselor’s specialty and industry. Substance abuse and mental health counselors earned a median annual salary of $46,240 in 2019, according to the BLS. In 2019, the median annual salary for substance abuse and mental health counselors in the government sector was $52,720.
What are the highest paying jobs with a master’s in counseling?
According to the BLS, marriage and family therapists employed by state government agencies earned a median annual salary of $72,230 in 2019. Moreover, school and career counselors in elementary and secondary schools earned a median salary of $64,060 that same year.