Affordable Online Counseling Degrees
Counselors can work in diverse environments, including schools, private practices, mental health clinics, and nursing homes. Practitioners in the field need special training to gain the skills and techniques necessary to help clients.
Along with helping learners develop the tools required to practice, a master's in counseling often leads to ample opportunities for career growth and advancement. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors to increase 25% from 2019-2029. The BLS projects a growth rate of only 4% for all occupations during the same time period.
Online Counseling Master's FAQ's
What can I do with a counseling master's degree?
Graduates often work in specialized counseling positions. A master's in counseling can also lead to roles in human resources, social work, corporate consulting, and education.
Can you be a counselor with a master's degree?
In some states, a master's in counseling meets the education requirements for licensure as a school or addictions counselor.
How much does a counselor make with a master's degree?
A counselor's salary depends on factors including education level, field of practice, and location. According to BLS data, counselors earn a median salary of $45,760 per year.
The BLS projects a 25% growth rate for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2019-2029, which is much higher than the projected 4% growth rate for all occupations.
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Why Get a Degree in Counseling?
Students earning a master's in counseling typically focus on a specific practice area. Degree-seekers receive instruction and training based on their career goals.
Many colleges and universities offer counseling master's degrees online, allowing learners to pursue specializations not available at institutions in their region. Although several factors influence an individual's salary, higher levels of education typically correlate with higher earnings. According to BLS data, master's degree-holders earn a weekly median salary of $1,545, while bachelor's degree-holders earn a median of $1,305 per week.
How Much Does a Counseling Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in-state graduate students at public schools paid an average of about $12,170 for tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year. Graduate students at private institutions paid an average of about $27,780 during the same school year. In addition to tuition and fees, students pursuing a master's in counseling should budget for books and supplies.
Master's students often apply for fellowship programs and research scholarships. Many fellowships include teaching or research responsibilities. Additionally, some public colleges and universities charge in-state tuition rates to all online learners, regardless of residency. This can save out-of-state students thousands of dollars.
How Much Do Counseling Majors Make?
A counselor's salary depends on several factors, including their specific field, industry, and state. After earning a master's in counseling, graduates often have ample opportunities to advance their career and increase their earning potential.
According to the BLS, education, guidance, and career counselors earn a median salary of $58,120 per year. Positions in the federal executive branch pay these counselors the highest median salary, at $75,230.
Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists earn a median annual salary of $79,820, according to BLS data. These psychologists earn the highest salaries working in outpatient care centers, which pay a median salary of $109,100 per year.
The top-paying states for counselors include New Jersey ($70,410), New York ($61,480), Washington State ($60,300), North Dakota ($60,280), and Pennsylvania ($59,790), according to the BLS. The states with the highest employment levels for counselors include California, Texas, and Louisiana.
Courses in Counseling
Master's students in counseling programs gain a comprehensive understanding of fundamental topics, emerging theories, and effective counseling techniques. Courses typically cover topics including group counseling and psychotherapy, diversity and inclusion, family therapy, and professional issues and ethics.
Learners pursuing a master's in counseling typically complete an internship, during which they interact directly with clients under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. Many programs also require a thesis or capstone project, which allows students to demonstrate mastery of their chosen practice area.
Although curricula vary by program, many master's in counseling programs feature the courses below.
Assessment for Counselors
Learners in this course explore principles and methods of individual assessment, and they prepare to interpret standardized scores. Degree-seekers also learn how to administer tests to linguistically and ethnically diverse populations. Students hone their interviewing skills through supervised client contact.Lifespan Development
Enrollees become familiar with various aspects of human development across the lifespan. Students explore how nature and nurture influence human development from infancy to old age. They study how individuals develop and adapt under various environmental and psychological conditions.Psychopathology
In this class, students conduct an in-depth examination of mental health disorders. Degree-seekers gain the skills to diagnose and treat maladaptive behaviors. Students explore empirical treatment options for clients with various mental disorders. Coursework also covers ethical issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.
Certifications and Licensure for Counseling
All states require counselors and clinical psychologists to hold a license to practice. Licensure requirements vary among states, with many requiring a doctoral degree in counselling or psychology. However, some states license master's degree-holders.
Counselors can also pursue voluntary certifications to demonstrate their dedication and skills in particular areas of the field. Obtaining one or more certifications can lead to increased responsibilities and earning potential.
The American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders administers this certification to professionals specializing in alcohol addiction, eating disorders, sex addiciton, drug addiction, or gambling disorders. Candidates must hold at least a master's degree in a mental health-related field and have at least 6,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Professionals can qualify for this certification with a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or a health-related field. The American Institute of Health Care Professionals administers the credential to candidates with strong educational and professional backgrounds.
Candidates for this certification must hold the National Certified Counselor credential. The National Board for Certified Counselors administers this credential to individuals with at least six graduate credits of field experience and at least 100 hours of postgraduate supervised school counseling experience.
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.
Admission 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
Admission 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
Admission 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
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
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