Best Online Master's in Counseling Degrees

Looking to become a counselor? Here, we outline the best online master's in counseling programs, along with their highlights, so you can find the right fit.
by

Updated April 23, 2024

check mark Edited by
check mark Reviewed by

Our Integrity Network

TheBestSchools.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for TheBestSchools.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

TheBestSchools.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.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Online master's in counseling programs offer flexibility for working students who want to advance their career and salary potential. Graduates can pursue careers as licensed professional counselors (LPC), school or career counselors, Christian counselors, marriage and family therapists, or addiction counselors.

Discover the top online master's in counseling programs. Learn about becoming a licensed or certified counselor and salary expectations for various careers.

Featured Online Counseling Programs

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

Best Online Master's in Counseling Programs

#1 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees

New York University

  • New York, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

NYU's master of arts in counseling for mental health and wellness tops our list of the best online master's in counseling programs. Accredited by the Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council, the curriculum comprises 60 credits and prepares graduates for licensure or certification.

Students can enroll full or part time and attend weekly live online classes. The program offers counseling labs with interactive simulations and 24/7 access to asynchronous course content. Field placement team counselors help distance learners identify qualified internship sites in their local areas.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree and, preferably, experience in the mental health field. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$53,770
Out-of-state
$53,770
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$35,982
Out-of-state
$35,982
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
13%
Students Enrolled
58,226
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees

Northwestern University

  • Evanston, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Northwestern University's online master's in counseling holds accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. The program offers full-time, part-time, and accelerated options, along with a bridge track for newcomers to the clinical mental health counseling field. Students can opt for the child and adolescent specialization.

Synchronous online classes pair with in-person experiences that include two immersions in Chicago and clinical training secured with the help of campus placement specialists. The program culminates with an online capstone conference. 

Admission requires a bachelor's degree, preferably in psychology or human services. Select candidates may be invited to a group interview.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$60,276
Out-of-state
$60,276
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$56,067
Out-of-state
$56,067
Retention Rate
99%
Acceptance Rate
7%
Students Enrolled
23,409
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
7% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees

University of Southern California

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Southern California's master of education in school counseling prepares students to become K-12 counselors and earn their California school counseling credentials. The program consists of live online classes, self-paced coursework, and field experiences in or near students' home communities. Distance learners choose between two-year full-time and 30- to 36-month part-time tracks.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs-accredited curriculum focuses on three key school counseling areas: college and career readiness; restorative justice; and trauma-informed practice.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and submit transcripts, two recommendation letters, two short answer responses, and a personal statement.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$60,446
Out-of-state
$60,446
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$60,446
Out-of-state
$60,446
Retention Rate
96%
Acceptance Rate
13%
Students Enrolled
49,318
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#4 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees

Wake Forest University

  • Winston-Salem, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Designed for working professionals, Wake Forest University's online master's in mental health counseling requires 60 credits, along with completion of internships and practicums at industry partner sites. The curriculum focuses on eight areas:

  • Appraisal
  • Career and lifestyle development
  • Group work
  • Helping relationships
  • Human growth and development
  • Professional orientation
  • Research and program evaluation
  • Social and cultural foundations

The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and has a 95% pass-rate on the National Counselor Exam.

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, a personal statement, three recommendation letters, and a virtual interview with an enrollment advisor.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$58,708
Out-of-state
$58,708
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$38,650
Out-of-state
$38,650
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
25%
Students Enrolled
8,947
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
16% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees

Ottawa University-Surprise

  • Surprise, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The hybrid master of arts in counseling at Ottawa University ranks as one of the best counseling master's programs. The curriculum includes 39 credits of core classes, nine credit hours of community field placements, and 15 credits of concentration courses in expressive arts therapy, gerocounseling, or treatment of trauma abuse and deprivation. 

Core courses include group counseling and dynamics; substance abuse and related disorders; social and cultural concerns in counseling; and theory and techniques in marriage and family counseling. 

The program meets counselor licensing requirements for Arizona, Kansas, and Wisconsin. Residents of other states should check with their state boards. Admission requires undergraduate transcripts with a 3.0 GPA.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,600
Out-of-state
$29,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,253
Out-of-state
$11,253
Retention Rate
54%
Acceptance Rate
31%
Students Enrolled
972
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Los Angeles-based Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online master of arts in clinical mental health counseling that students can complete in less than four years. Degree-seekers receive training in counseling areas that include advocacy, multiculturalism, program evaluation, and research. 

Flexible online courses include diagnosis of mental health issues, lifespan development, and theories of counseling and psychology. In-person requirements consist of two on-campus residencies and fieldwork experiences in their local communities. 

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, an essay response to prompts, three recommendation letters, and an admissions interview. The program holds accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,328
Out-of-state
$11,328
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,554
Out-of-state
$22,554
Retention Rate
50%
Acceptance Rate
37%
Students Enrolled
3,260
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#7 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees

William Carey University

  • Hattiesburg, MS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

William Carey University's hybrid master's in counselor education offers a clinical mental health counseling concentration. The program readies graduates for Mississippi counselor licensure and national certification exams. 

The 60-credit curriculum combines online and in-person learning. Courses include crisis counseling, diagnosis, drug and alcohol abuse counseling, marriage and family counseling, and psychological statistics. Students secure program-approved practicum and internship sites at human services organizations and agencies.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA in the last 30 hours of coursework, or a cumulative 2.5 GPA. They also must submit GRE or MAT scores.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,500
Out-of-state
$13,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,875
Out-of-state
$11,875
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
5,738
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#8 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees

National University

  • San Diego, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online

Students at National University can earn an online master of arts in counseling psychology that prepares marriage and family therapists (MFT) for practice in California. Students can choose between a standard MFT track or a combined MFT and licensed clinical counselor (LPCC) option. 

The curriculum comprises four-week courses that follow a flexible, one-to-one learning model. Courses include community mental health; cultural and social justice issues; and lifespan and sexual development. The MFT/LPCC track requires extra courses in career counseling, research and evaluation, and testing and assessment. Degree-seekers also complete on-site supervised practicums. 

The program holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,320
Out-of-state
$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,480
Out-of-state
$15,480
Retention Rate
100%
Acceptance Rate
55%
Students Enrolled
17,135
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
80% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#9 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees

Lehigh University

  • Bethlehem, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Lehigh University offers a master of education in international school counseling in a hybrid format. Designed for students who live outside of the U.S. and work at international schools, the 48-credit program takes 30 months to complete. 

Students take online classes during the academic year and in-person classes in the summer. Summer courses meet in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, or at an international site. Learners complete in-person field internships at a school outside of the U.S. and prepare a comprehensive portfolio. 

Courses include culture-centered career intervention, helping skills in international settings, and inclusion and exceptional education. Admission requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$56,980
Out-of-state
$56,980
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$27,000
Out-of-state
$27,000
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
46%
Students Enrolled
7,263
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
19% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#10 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Completing our list of best online counseling programs, Keiser University awards a master of science in clinical mental health counseling. Degree-seekers complete 60 credits in 36-48 months. Graduates can pursue state licensure and launch careers in such areas as addiction and substance abuse, crisis counseling, and mental health counseling.

Core coursework blends mental health counseling theories and approaches with evidence-based treatments for a diverse clientele. Students attend weekly live online classes and can access tutoring, role-playing exercises, faculty office hours, and text and email discussions. Clinical experience and an on-campus residency require in-person attendance. 

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree and a 3.0 GPA.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$20,800
Out-of-state
$20,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$29,632
Out-of-state
$29,632
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
19,861
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

How We Rank Schools

At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses official government data to present schools without bias, taking into account key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.

Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.

How to Choose an Online Master's in Counseling Program

There are many options for online counseling degree programs. Below are some guidelines and essential factors to consider.

When choosing an online master's program, initial considerations include:

What Can I Expect From an Online Counseling Master’s Program?

Most online counseling master's programs also prepare students for professional examinations and state licensing requirements for licensed professional counseling. Check that a program provides the support and meets the licensing requirements you need to achieve your goals.

Online master's in counseling programs include advanced classes and capstone requirements. Students learn counseling theories, evidence-based research, and strategies for diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders.

How Long is a Master's in Counseling Program?

The length of a master's in counseling program can differ depending on various factors (e.g., which degree you have when you begin the program, whether you attend full-time or part-time, and more).

On average, full-time students can complete the program in four semesters, which translates to approximately two years. Part-time students can finish the program in three or more years.

Specializations Within Counseling

Before applying for an online master's in counseling degree, students must choose a specialization.

Addiction Counseling

An addiction counselor commonly works with clients with substance use disorders and their family members. They facilitate educational groups to teach clients tools for coping with stress or other addiction-related symptoms. Addiction counseling in many states does not require a master's degree.

Christian Counseling

Christian counseling integrates traditional therapy modes (e.g., talk therapy) with Christian beliefs. Christian counseling can incorporate other specializations. For example, Christian counselors may specialize in marriage and family, alcohol and drug, or mental health counseling.

Marriage and Family

Marriage and family counselors focus on conflict resolution for couples (whether married or not) and the family unit, which can include immediate and extended family members. Anyone can receive marriage and family counseling, regardless of whether they have a mental health diagnosis.

Mental Health Counseling

Mental health counselors, also called clinical mental health counselors or licensed professional counselors (LPC), work with people with mental health diagnoses that align with the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5).

Examples include major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Mental health counselors often work closely with psychiatrists legally authorized to prescribe medications and monitor client's medical status.

They work with individuals, families, and groups to counsel them about their relationships and emotional health.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation counselors teach life skills to clients of any age with disabilities or diseases like multiple sclerosis, autism, or spina bifida. Some clients in need of rehab have terminal diseases such as cancer. Others may need support while recovering from debilitating injuries. Rehabilitation counselors help their clients improve the quality of their daily lives.

School Counseling

School counselors, once referred to as guidance counselors, work with children from Pre-K through 12th grade. School counselors see children with issues that impact their social interactions or academic achievement during school.

Curriculum for an Online Master's Degree in Counseling

When pursuing an online master's degree in counseling, the specific courses you take can vary depending on your specialty or concentration. However, there are several foundational courses that provide a strong basis for any counseling specialization.

Featured Online Counseling Programs

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

Online Master's in Counseling Careers

Earning a master’s in counseling provides a pathway to an array of careers helping people confront challenges, solve problems, and develop coping skills. Although the educational and licensing requirements for counselors vary by state and specialization, in most cases, counselors complete the following steps to enter the field:

  1. 1
    Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  2. 2
    Complete any necessary prerequisites or training required for enrollment (i.e., some programs require related on-the-job experience, but most do not have this requirement).
  3. 3
    Complete an accredited graduate degree (e.g., master’s in counseling), including a minimum of 100 practicum hours and an additional 600 hours for internships.
  4. 4
    Apply for licensure in your state.
  5. 5
    Finish required post-graduate supervised field experience after obtaining a professional counselor training license (e.g., 2,000-4,000 supervised post-degree hours). Note the validity of a temporary license may vary per state.
  6. 6
    Apply for and pass the National Counseling Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
  7. 7
    Maintain your professional counseling license.

Counseling Salaries

Counselors make an average mean salary of $61,790 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, several factors influence earning potential, including specialty, location, and educational level.

Counseling Careers and Salaries
Counseling Specialization Average Annual Salary
Substance Abuse Counseling $53,710
Christian Counseling $46,130
Marriage and Family Counseling $58,510
Rehabilitation Counseling $44,040
School Counseling $61,710
Source: BLS, 2023

Master’s in Counseling Certifications and Licenses

Each state issues counseling licenses that grant individuals permission to practice and identify as a licensed counselor. In contrast to required state licensure, certification is a voluntary credential demonstrating that the counselor has met national standards established by the profession.

Not all licensed counselors obtain certification, but many choose to get certified to distinguish themselves in their specialty. Certification may also be required to earn licensure in some states.

State licensing boards use several titles to identify licensed counselors, including licensed professional counselor (LPC) and licensed mental health counselor (LMHC). Certification titles reflect national recognition such as the national certified counselor (NCC) credential. They can also indicate specializations such as the certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) or national certified school counselor (NCSC) designation.

National Counselor Examination

Students must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) exam to become licensed professional counselors in most states. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, which assess the test taker’s ability to provide effective counseling and related services. Eligibility requirements include a traditional or online master’s in counseling and 3,000 hours of post-graduate field experience, 100 hours of which must be supervised.

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

Passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) is an integral step to becoming a licensed mental health counselor in many states. The test tasks students with treating clinical issues in 10 simulated mental health cases, each of which is broken down into sections that lead students through the decision-making and treatment process. To sit for the NCMHCE, candidates must hold a master's degree and 3,360 hours of supervised postgraduate work experience.

Accreditation for Online Master's in Counseling Degrees

Colleges and universities in the U.S. must be regionally accredited to confer valid degrees recognized by most professional bodies and employers. Organizations that have received authority from the U.S. Department of Higher Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) grant accreditation. Accreditation determines a school's eligibility for federal funding and the quality of its programs, respectively.

Additionally, an online master's degree program in counseling may hold accreditation from an industry-specific accrediting body, such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs or the Master of Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council. This programmatic accreditation ensures graduates qualify for licensure, employment, and further education.

Masters in Counseling FAQs

What Can You Do With a Master's in Counseling?

With a master's in counseling, graduates can work in clinics, hospitals, or private practice. Counselors can also work with specialty populations, including children or adults, address issues related to substance use or rehabilitation, or work within healthcare or educational organizations.

Is a Master of Psychology the Same as Counseling?

No, a master's of psychology is not the same as a master's degree in counseling. The primary difference between psychology and counseling is the theoretical models they are based on.

A master's in counseling operates from a wellness or strength-based model. Master's in counseling degree programs focus on learning about therapeutic methods, such as psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other modalities, to support clients in a clinical or school environment.

In master's level counseling programs, the primary focus is helping clients learn tools for healthy communication, positive coping strategies, and dealing with trauma. In contrast, a master's in psychology operates from a medical or symptom-based model.

Although both degrees can prepare students to work in clinical mental health, master's in psychology programs take a more scientific and research-based approach to the field.

Should I Get a Master's in Social Work or Counseling?

The decision to pursue a master's in social work or counseling depends on the type of career graduates wish to pursue. While there is a crossover between professional outcomes, those enrolled in a master of social work or counseling receive training in different models of care.

What Degree Is Best for Counseling?

Those interested in pursuing master's degrees in counseling first need undergraduate degrees in psychology, sociology, social work, or another related field.

The best degree for counseling at the graduate level depends on individual career goals. Degree specialty options include substance use counseling, marriage and family counseling, and rehabilitation therapy.

Is a Counseling Master's worth it?

The job growth outlook for licensed or certified counselors is very good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for mental health professionals, such as counselors, is expected to grow much faster than the national job growth from 2022-2032 as more people seek counseling services.

For example, substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors have an 18% projected job growth rate, while marriage and family therapists have a 15% projected growth rate.

What is the difference between an MA and an MS in counseling?

A MA is a humanities-based program that often focuses on theoretical knowledge. In contrast, a master of science (MS) in counseling is a research-based postgraduate degree, offering an evidence-based, hands-on approach.

Ultimately, a master's in counseling program that meets board requirements and your needs should be the deciding factor.

Page last reviewed on April 15, 2024. Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by The Best Schools.

Popular with our students.

Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.

Take the next step toward your future with online learning.

Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.

woman in an office