Purdue University Global : Bachelor of Science in Psychology (100% Online, Multiple Start Dates)
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) : Online Psychology Degrees (Bachelors and Masters. Flexible. Affordable. And achievable.)
Capella University : Bachelor of Science in Psychology (FlexPath lets you finish the degree you started, with a bachelor’s in psychology in 16 months for $15,000. Fastest 25% of Students. Pace & Price Vary—Fees Apply.)
Post University : BS in Human Services (100 percent online)
National Louis University : B.A. in Psychology (Online. No application fee. Top 25 Most Diverse National Universities. ) Capella University : Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (FlexPath lets you finish the degree you started, with a bachelor’s in psychology in 16 months for $15,000. Fastest 25% of Students. Pace & Price Vary—Fees Apply.) Post University : BA in Psychology (100 percent online)
University of West Alabama : Online Bachelor of Psychology (Online Bachelor’s Degree Program)Overview of Online Bachelor’s in Counseling Programs
To become a counselor, students normally complete a bachelor’s in psychology or a related field and then move on to a master’s in counseling before applying for licensure. Along the way, students can also choose to specialize in an area of psychology or counseling that’s a good fit for them. Each branch of psychology addresses different disorders related to mental health, the acuteness of those disorders, and patient treatment, so specialization can be a good way to refine your knowledge and skill set for specific positions.
When deciding where to start, some individuals have found that the most flexible path to a bachelor’s degree is through online educational platforms. Online degree programs can be convenient and effective for those with busy schedules, making education more feasible and accessible. Below is a list of some of the more than 80 online bachelor’s degrees in counseling programs, covering topics such as counseling psychology, substance abuse, and addiction counseling.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements | Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Purdue University Global Bachelor of Science in Psychology HLC Accredited | ✔ Online High School Diploma or GED | The BS in Psychology program is designed to provide you with knowledge of the major concepts, values, theories, psychological studies, research methods, and historical trends in psychology and apply them to human behavior, learning, and development. Learn More |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Online Psychology Degrees Bachelors and Masters NECHE Accredited | ✔ Online No application fee or GRE/GMAT scores required | With our unique programs - from child and adolescent development to forensic psychology - you'll be prepared for a wide variety of careers in case management, research, human resources, youth services and social services. Learn More |
| Capella University Bachelor of Science in Psychology | ✔ Online FlexPath lets you finish the degree you started, with a bachelor’s in psychology in 16 months for $15,000. Fastest 25% of Students. Pace & Price Vary—Fees Apply. | Choose from General Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, or Pre-Counseling specializations Learn More |
| Post University BS in Human Services Accredited | ✔ Online | Our Human Services program will equip you with the skills to work at the individual, group, and community level. Additionally, our required internships will further provide you with opportunities to apply what you are learning in the classroom and gain experiences in the human services field. Learn More |
| National Louis University B.A. in Psychology HLC Accredited | ✔ Online High School Diploma or GED | Prepares students to use psychological concepts and theories, and provides a foundation for working in community or business settings, as well as furthering your study in a graduate program. Enhance your degree with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. Learn More |
| Capella University Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis | ✔ Online No GMAT or GRE required | Designed to meet the academic requirements for eligibility to pursue the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. Learn More |
| Post University BA in Psychology Accredited | ✔ Online | As a student in the BA in Psychology degree program, you will study the science of behavior and mental processes while developing strong academic and social skills including critical thinking, collaboration, oral and written expression, interpersonal effectiveness, and social maturity. Learn More |
| University of West Alabama Online Bachelor of Psychology | ✔ Online | Bachelor of Psychology is an online undergraduate program with a flexible online environment. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Counseling Degree Areas of Focus
Online bachelor’s in counseling programs are designed to provide learners with relevant coursework to help them be efficient and knowledgeable professionals. They can also gain more specialized knowledge and choose to pursue a focus area in counseling. Below is a breakdown of what types of online undergraduate counseling programs are available.
Specific Bachelors in Counseling Programs
Purdue University Global - Bachelor of Science in Psychology (HLC Accredited)
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) - Online Psychology Degrees (NECHE Accredited)
Capella University - Bachelor of Science in Psychology (HLC Accredited)
Post University - BS in Human Services ( Accredited)
National Louis University - B.A. in Psychology (HLC Accredited) Post University - BA in Psychology ( Accredited)
University of West Alabama - Online Bachelor of Psychology (SACSCC Accredited)What Does a Counselor Do?
Counselors are the leading source of support for individuals with minor mental health disorders or those who need support at various points of their lives. Counselors can develop and implement support and treatment to help their patients lead better lives.
Undergraduate Course Schedule Expectations
At the beginning of their undergraduate degrees, students will normally be required to take a set of prerequisite courses including basic algebra, history, and arts. These courses are a general requirement for all bachelor’s degree programs and prepare students for further learning in their respective majors. Alongside or after completing their prerequisite courses, students can pursue more psychology or counseling-related coursework.
Expect Psychology, Counseling, Family Therapy Courses
General Psychology, Individual Counseling, and Family Therapy are a few of the many courses that students will likely be required to take during their degree programs. These courses outline the many different aspects of counseling that students will need to know while in the field.
A Note on the Impact of Psychology on Counselors
Psychology is a very broad field, and students should become familiar with its varying facets to be well-rounded professionals. Psychology degrees and courses can give students some of the essential skills and knowledge to succeed in their careers.
What Can You Do With an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling?
With an online bachelor’s degree in counseling, individuals can find job opportunities in a wide variety of settings. Many students also choose to continue their education at a graduate or doctorate level, potentially increasing job opportunities and salaries. After completing their graduate education, students can apply for licensure.
Bachelor’s degree holders can usually work as mental health technicians or behavioral health specialists, although job requirements may vary. Some community health departments and social services rely on bachelor’s degree holders to be helpful assets within their organizations, meaning that this degree program could be profitable for individuals without a graduate degree or licensure.
Specializations
Since counseling is a varied field, there are several specializations that students can choose to pursue. Some of the specializations students may choose to focus on are:
- Addiction counseling
- Career counseling
- Clinical mental health counseling
- Clinical rehabilitation counseling
- Marriage, couple, and family counseling
- Rehabilitation counseling
- School counseling
- Mental health counseling
Salary Expectations
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that substance abuse and mental health counselors earned a median annual salary of $47,660 (May 2020). The potential to earn in this field can vary based on the individual’s experience and location. The job outlook for counselors is expected to grow by 25% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than the projected national average for all positions, meaning that there’ll likely be more positions available as time goes on.
Work Environment
The work environments and schedules for counselors can vary as much as the field itself. According to the BLS, counselors work primarily in outpatient and substance abuse mental health centers, individual and family services, hospitals, private practices, residential care, and government facilities. These can include prisons, juvenile detention facilities, and probation or parole agencies.
Depending on their work environments, counselors can work traditional or nontraditional hours, and some can create their own schedules.
List of Programs
Purdue University Global 🗹 Online 🗗 Bachelors
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Bachelors
Capella University 🗹 Online
Post University 🗹 Online
National Louis University 🗹 Online 🗗 Bachelors
Capella University 🗹 Online
Post University 🗹 Online
University of West Alabama 🗹 Online 🗖 Bachelors
