The Advantages of a Counseling Education
Prospective counseling students can pursue either an associate or bachelor’s degree in counseling, though career outcomes vary depending on which type of degree they choose. An associate degree typically prepares students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in counseling, but opportunities for jobs in the field are relatively limited. In fact, students may have a difficult time finding a school with an associate degree in counseling.
An online bachelor’s degree in counseling qualifies graduates for positions such as school counselor, mental health counselor, or an entry–level position at a community health center. While a bachelor’s degree opens more career possibilities, learners who want to become licensed counselors should also expect to complete a master’s program. Continue reading to learn about common counseling jobs for those with bachelor’s degrees and their typical salaries.
Choosing an Online Counseling Degree Program
An online counseling degree serves people from many different backgrounds, and it can be a flexible alternative for students with personal or professional commitments that preclude them from pursuing a traditional bachelor’s degree on–campus. However, the sheer amount of available online counseling programs means it is important to do your research to select the best option. Prospective students should consider program requirements such as required campus visits and program length. Individuals should also pay close attention to tuition costs, as most schools offer a more affordable rate for in–state students. Several other important considerations are listed below.
- Program Cost: The cost of any degree program is an important factor. Learners should search for the option that offers the best value for their education. For example, many schools offer a lower rate for in-state students, while others offer a flat rate for online courses. Students should also explore opportunities for scholarships or grants, as these can help make an online counseling program more affordable, lowering the debt a learner must take on.
- Transfer Policie: Most schools accept transfer credits from prior college coursework, but students should expect to complete a certain number of credits at the school. Prospective learners should search for schools that accept most previously earned credits, as this can impact the program's overall length. Acceptance of transferred credits relies on the discretion of the other school, but students can usually appeal for courses from previous institutions to fulfill requirements of their major. Additionally, some schools may offer credit for life experience or relevant vocational training.
- School Size and Type: Factors like class size matter — even for online students. Some students may prefer smaller class sizes where they can receive more one-on-one time with their instructors. Conversely, others may prefer larger class settings so they can learn from their peers. Students typically find larger class sizes at public schools and smaller classes at private schools.
- Program Length: Students can attend a program full or part time, and some schools offer accelerated tracks, too. Students who can complete coursework on a full-time or accelerated basis can finish the program more quickly. Part-time students may take more time to finish their degree, but can also focus on other obligations, like work or family, more easily.
- On–Campus Requirements: Some online counseling degrees may require students to complete some on-campus requirements during their program. For example, some schools expect learners to complete a two-day residency for students to meet their peers and professors, while other programs require weekly face-to-face classroom check-in sessions. To properly plan, note if the program includes any on-campus requirements.
Top Counseling Degree Options Available by State
| State |
Degree Level |
| California |
Bachelors, Masters, phD |
| Florida |
Bachelors, Masters, phD |
| Georgia |
Bachelors, Masters, phD |
| Illinois |
Bachelors, Masters, phD |
| New York |
Bachelors, Masters, phD |
| North Carolina |
Bachelors, Masters, phD |
| Pennsylvania |
Bachelors, Masters, phD |
| Texas |
Bachelors, Masters, phD |
| Virginia |
Bachelors, Masters, phD |
| Washington |
Bachelors, Masters, phD |
Accreditation for Online Counseling Degrees
As you explore prospective programs, accreditation should play an important role in your decision–making process. An accredited institution regularly receives assessments to ensure that it provides a quality education. Schools can earn regional or national accreditation; the former is administered by six regional accrediting bodies throughout the country, and is usually considered more prestigious among future employers.
Students should identify and prioritize online counseling degrees that hold regional accreditation, as they can be assured of receiving a quality, rigorous education. Prospective students should keep an eye out for schools accredited by organizations such as the Higher Learning Commission, New England Commission of Higher Education, and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and other regional accrediting bodies.
Additionally, some schools or programs within an institution can receive programmatic accreditation. For instance, the Council of Accreditation Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) accredits quality counseling and psychology programs.
Accrediting bodies receive permission to evaluate schools from the United States Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The ED is a federal government agency that establishes policy for academic institutions, while CHEA grants accrediting bodies permission to assess colleges and universities. These organizations maintain consistency and quality in what accreditors look for. Either of these institutions may evaluate regional and national accreditors. Readers can find more information and a list of accredited schools on the ED’s or websites.
Counseling Concentrations
The field of counseling is incredibly diverse, and students can take advantage of many different career possibilities. Most counseling professionals must gain certification in a specific area in order to work in their field, and programs offer certifications or specializations to prepare students for careers they aspire to hold.
Individuals interested in studying how humans change and develop may consider a concentration in family and human development. Learners study how people grow socially, mentally, and physically and focus on influences from family and relationships. This specialization prepares individuals for various counseling careers.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For:
Family and relationship counselor; mental health counselor
These professionals provide help to those who suffer from addiction and substance abuse. This concentration requires courses that focus on the science behind addiction and how to help rehabilitate individuals in this situation.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For:
Rehabilitation counselor; addiction counselor
Students who wish to work with people who need help navigating their relationships can pursue this concentration. The types of relationships this concentration focuses on includes marriages, peer relationships, and family dynamics. Some courses also focus on society as a whole and the influence of media and technology on modern day relationships.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For:
Relationships counselor; therapist; school counselor
Professionals with an interest in helping students at a variety of levels may want to choose a program offers a specialization in school counseling. As young students adjust to different changes in their lives, having a reliable adult can help, and a school counselor could be the role model they need. Choosing this concentration provides learners with important skills to give students the attention they need.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For:
School counselor
Some programs offer concentrations in music therapy, allowing professionals to use music to uplift and soothe patients. Professionals in this field might find themselves working in nursing homes, hospitals, or schools. Possessing some kind of musical background prior to enrolling helps students get the most out of their studies.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For:
Music therapist
How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Counseling?
Various factors can impact how long an online counseling degree takes, such as program pace and required credits. For example, most programs require 120–150 credits and take 3–4 years for a full–time learner to complete; students who transfer credits from a previous institution can complete their degree in a shorter time frame. Some programs may also offer accelerated programs to allow for faster degree completion; in this case, students take courses in shorter, more frequent terms, including during the summer.
Taking courses part time provides learners more flexibility to take fewer credits in order to balance school with their other responsibilities. Whichever path you choose, find an online program that offers a program that fits your personal and professional goals.
Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Counseling Program
There are several factors to consider before selecting an online bachelor’s in counseling degree, including your interests and career goals. Most programs include a series of core courses designed to impart fundamental concepts and skills such as counseling theories, human growth and development, and research methodology. Additionally, some programs offer concentrations, or specialized academic tracks that focus on specializations like behavioral analysis, marriage and family therapy, and school counseling. Choosing a concentration lets you develop a specialty while earning a degree, which prepares you to sharpen your skills further in graduate programs or begin a career in a particular field.
An online bachelor’s degree in counseling may also include an internship or practicum component, which requires a period of direct participation in a professional or clinical setting. While some distance learners prefer programs that offer hands–on experience, others may not have the time or resources to fulfill an in–person requirement.
- Introduction to Counseling: Nearly every online counseling degree requires an introductory course that prepares students for the rest of their coursework. This course provides information on the basic theories and fundamentals of counseling, including an overview of various concentrations within the field.
- Marriage and Family Relationships: Because counselors work with people at various stages, students should familiarize themselves with the different family relationships humans have throughout their lifetime. These courses focus on different family dynamics throughout a person's life, from parents and siblings during childhood, to spouses and children in adulthood. Proper knowledge of these relationships allows counselors to better serve their patients.
- Foundations of Addiction and Substance Abuse Disorders: Those with a concentration in addiction and substance abuse often take an introductory course on this subject, however, students pursuing other concentrations may also take this course. Topics include the stages and impact of addiction, and the role professionals play in helping people in these situations.
- Introduction to Psychology: Students must possess a strong understanding of the foundations of psychology in order to fully grasp higher-level counseling courses. This course serves as an introduction to the theories and major themes of psychology, such as human development, behavior studies, and how psychology plays a role in everyday life.
- Conflict Resolution: This course provides students with an overview of helping others work through conflict. Students learn strategies and theories for helping others work through a variety of interpersonal issues in a healthy way.
Counseling Degree Salary Information
Counselors work with diverse populations and specialize in many different areas. Whether you’re interested in assisting the elderly or helping high school students select the right college, your personal strengths and interests will undoubtedly align with one of counseling’s many subfields. Graduates can pursue a variety of jobs, including the following examples.
School counselors work in academic settings to provide guidance for students. This career typically requires a master's degree in counseling, but an online bachelor's degree in counseling serves as an excellent first step towards this position.
Entry Level:
$43,000
Mid-Level:
$45,000
Experienced:
$50,000
Late-Career:
$58,000
These professionals work with law offenders on probation or parole, and provide rehabilitation and correctional treatment. Those who wish to go into this field may have to complete a written, oral, and psychological evaluation.
Entry Level:
$31,000
Mid-Level:
$40,000
Experienced:
$52,000
Late-Career:
$60,000
Counselors who specialize in marriage and family therapy help couples work through issues and encourage couples and families to communicate their feelings with one another. These professionals often need to complete a master's program in order to work in this field, but a bachelor's program in counseling serves as the first step towards this rewarding career.
Entry Level:
$44,000
Mid-Level:
$45,000
Experienced:
$51,000
Late-Career:
$57,000
These individuals help patients grow and become more independent. Rehabilitation counselors work with people with physical, mental, developmental, and emotional disabilities to help them live on their own. This career typically requires additional certification and a master's degree, but earning a bachelor's degree in counseling is the first step.
Entry Level:
$39,000
Mid-Level:
$40,000
Experienced:
$47,000
Late-Career:
$51,000
Source: PayScale
Counseling Membership Associations
This organization represents school counselors at all levels, and provides them with resources to grow in their field. This includes an annual conference to network with other professionals, and a student discount.
Founded in 1976, this organization for licensed mental health counselors serves as a resource for those pursuing careers in this field. Members have access to liability insurance, networking opportunities, and numerous discounts.
By providing resources for multicultural counselors, this organization leads globally in advocating for issues involving race, ethnicity, and more. Members of this organization receive support in their field, networking opportunities, access to important research, and opportunities to publish research of their own.
This organization provides advocacy and support for those who are in the field of grief counseling, including certification and continuing education offerings.
