Best Online Bachelor’s in Counseling

Counselors help others create positive change in their lives. They work with families, children, couples, and anyone struggling with mental health conditions or substance use disorders.

Attaining your online bachelor’s degree in counseling offers flexibility and convenience and can open the door to rewarding careers. Discover some of the best online bachelor’s in counseling programs in this guide.

What you can expect from the best online bachelor’s in counseling programs varies by school. Most full-time students can complete an online program in four years. Some programs allow students to take classes part time, but all require a minimum of 120 credit hours, and some programs require up to 180 credits for completion. The difference depends on whether the school operates on a quarter or semester system.

Typically, a program allows you to focus on your primary area of interest, such as substance use , school counseling, or marriage and family counseling. Some of the general courses include diversity issues, crisis intervention, and general psychology.

A bachelor’s in counseling degree prepares you to take a national certification and become licensed in your state. State licensure requirements vary by state, but generally, you must pass an exam and complete a supervised internship. Once you are licensed and practicing, you may want to further your education with a master’s in counseling degree. This allows you to provide mental health support and pursue a corporate or research position.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

There are several advantages to pursuing your education from the best online bachelor’s in counseling programs. Since the online format is often more flexible and part-time attendance is easily arranged, you can earn your bachelor’s degree while maintaining your family and work obligations.

A bachelor’s degree is a strong foundation for entry-level counseling roles, providing valuable practical experience. You can also further your career goals and become a licensed counselor by earning a master’s degree in counseling.

Finally, online programs are often more cost-effective since they reduce the program’s overhead costs. The online platform also allows you to complete a program from anywhere in the United States.

Choosing the right online bachelor’s in counseling program can be challenging. Consider several important factors when choosing the option that works best for your needs.

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.

Counselors work with diverse populations and specialize in different areas. Whether you are interested in assisting older adults or helping high school students select the right college, your personal strengths and interests will undoubtedly align with one of counseling’s many subfields. Note that while a bachelor’s degree in counseling can lead to entry-level career opportunities, some positions, particularly those with advanced responsibilities or clinical practice, may require a master’s degree or higher.

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 in advocating for issues involving race and ethnicity on a global scale. Members of this organization receive support in their field, networking opportunities, access to important research, and opportunities to publish their research.

This organization provides advocacy and support for those in grief counseling, including certification and continuing education offerings.

The admission requirements and process vary by school but generally include a minimum 3.0 GPA, application, transcripts, letter of recommendation, and ACT or SAT scores. Some schools waived the requirement for test scores during the pandemic and have not reinstated it.

To become a licensed counselor, you must follow the requirements regulated by your state. In most states, you need a bachelor’s in counseling and supervised clinical hours/ You must also pass a state-approved exam.

Yes, the best online bachelor’s in counseling programs are respected when they are accredited by CACREP. This ensures the program meets the national standards for quality in education.

Yes, if your online bachelor’s in counseling degree was accredited by CACREP, you can pursue a traditional or online master’s degree in counseling. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, states with the highest employment levels include California, Texas, and New York. The top-paying states are California, Washington, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut.