Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling Programs

Last Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Counseling is a broad field with several different focuses and career paths. With a bachelor’s degree in counseling, students can learn the necessary skills to work with individuals and families in various settings.

If you enjoy helping people, this degree program might be a good fit. The program covers counseling practices and theories, human development, research methods, and psychopathology. People with a bachelor’s degree in counseling can work in various settings, such as mental health clinics, hospitals, and schools.

Overview of Online Bachelor’s in Counseling Programs

There are a few different ways to obtain a bachelor’s degree in counseling, including online, in-person, and hybrid. Not only that, but many programs offer an accelerated program for those who can attend full-time and want to complete the program quickly.

An online program gives the most flexibility, whereas you get the benefit of a traditional classroom with an in-person program. A hybrid program combines the best of both program types.

Regardless of the program type, you’ll get to work on a specialization that interests you the most, including substance abuse, rehabilitation, or mental health.

Below is a list of some of the more than 80 online bachelor’s degrees in counseling programs, covering topics such as psychology, substance abuse, and addiction counseling.

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

Tips for Choosing a Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling

1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. This guarantees that the education you receive meets industry standards and is recognized by employers.
2. Specializations Offered: Look for programs that offer specializations aligning with your career interests, such as substance abuse, rehabilitation, or mental health counseling.
3. Flexibility and Format: Consider whether an online, in-person, or hybrid format suits your lifestyle and learning preferences. Evaluate the flexibility of the program in terms of course schedules and part-time/full-time options.
4. Faculty Expertise and Resources: Research the qualifications of the faculty and the resources available for students, such as counseling labs, research opportunities, and practical training components.
5. Career Services and Alumni Network: Investigate the school’s career support services and the strength of its alumni network in the counseling field.
6. Cost and Financial Aid: Consider the tuition costs and available financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
7. Student Support Services: Look into the support services provided, such as academic advising, mental health resources, and tutoring.
8. Program Outcomes and Success Rates: Examine the program’s success rates, including graduation rates, job placement rates in counseling fields, and student satisfaction surveys.

What Can You Do With an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling?

With a bachelor’s degree in counseling, graduates can pursue various careers in the mental health and counseling fields.

The most common career paths include:

Case Manager

A Behavioral Health Case Manager coordinates and oversees services for individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges. They ensure clients receive the right mix of services and support from multiple providers — but they do not independently provide psychotherapy unless separately licensed.

Salary

• Median: $71,389

Core Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients’ behavioral health needs.
• Develop and implement individualized service and care plans tailored to client goals.
• Coordinate care across systems (medical, social, housing, education, employment, justice).
• Act as a liaison and advocate between clients, families, providers, and systems to reduce barriers to care.
• Monitor progress and update plans as clients’ needs change.
• Provide crisis intervention and basic support, often in collaboration with clinicians.

Typical Settings:

• Community mental health centers
• Hospitals and outpatient clinics
• Social service agencies
• Managed care organizations

Key Distinguishing Features:

• Focused on coordination and access to services, not on providing psychotherapy unless also a licensed clinician.
• Often works alongside clinicians (therapists, psychiatrists) to implement treatment goals.

Behavioral Technician

A Behavioral Technician (often synonymous with Behavioral Health Technician or Registered Behavior Technician when certified) provides direct support and implementation of treatment plans developed or overseen by licensed professionals. They work in day-to-day client care, measuring outcomes and supporting behavioral goals — but do not independently design treatment.

Salary

• Median Average: $35,000-$45,000

Core Responsibilities:

• Implement treatment protocols under direct supervision of licensed clinicians or behavior analysts.
• Monitor and document behaviors and progress (e.g., responses to interventions).
• Provide direct patient support — aiding with daily activities, emotional support, coping skills, and safety.
• Assist with data collection and reporting to inform clinical decision-making.
• Help maintain a therapeutic environment and support structured programming.

Supervision & Certification Notes:

• A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) must complete BACB-aligned training and is supervised closely by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
• Not licensed to independently adjust clinical strategies — they follow protocols set by clinicians/analysts.

Typical Settings:

• Outpatient clinics
• Schools and home-based programs (especially for autism services)
• Residential treatment centers
• Psychiatric or behavioral health facilities

Key Distinguishing Features:

• Positioned as a paraprofessional delivering structured support, behavior intervention, and monitoring.
• More front-line implementation than case coordination.

Addiction Support Worker

Addiction Support Workers provide non-clinical support and recovery assistance for people navigating substance use challenges. They help clients build recovery skills, connect to resources, and maintain progress — but they do not diagnose or independently provide clinical therapy.

Salary

• Median: $49,095

Core Responsibilities:

• Emotional support and encouragement tailored to individuals in recovery.
• Assist in developing and implementing recovery plans and coping strategies.
• Facilitate support groups, meetings, or wellness activities that reinforce sobriety.
• Educate clients and families about addiction and the recovery process.
• Help clients identify triggers and prevent relapse.
• Connect clients with community resources (housing, employment, medical services).

Supervision & Scope Notes:

• Works under clinical supervision or within a structured program — not independently licensed to counsel clinically.
• May operate alongside clinicians, case managers, and peer support specialists.

Typical Settings:

• Outpatient addiction treatment centers
• Recovery support programs
• Community health organizations
• Residential rehab facilities

Key Distinguishing Features:

• Bridges clients to treatment and recovery resources.

• Emphasis on support, coping skills, and community integration rather than clinical therapy.

Comparing Bachelor’s vs. Advanced Counseling Careers

Career Title	Education Level Typically Required	Can Provide Independent Therapy?	Median Annual Salary (2024/2025)
Case Manager	Bachelor’s Degree	No (service coordination, not independent clinical therapy)	~$71,389
Behavioral Technician	Bachelor’s Degree	No (works under supervision; not licensed to practice therapy)	~$35,000–$45,000 estimated typical range¹
Addiction Support Worker	Bachelor’s Degree	No (non-clinical support role)	~$49,095 typical for support roles¹
School Counselor	Master’s in School Counseling	Yes (within school scope & state credentialing)	$65,140 (School & Career Counselors)
Mental Health Counselor / Substance Abuse Counselor	Master’s in Counseling / related field	Yes (licensed counselors)	$59,190 (combined category)
Rehabilitation Counselor	Master’s (required/strongly preferred)	Yes (often independent within scope)	$46,110 (Rehabilitation Counselors)
Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)	Master’s in MFT	Yes (independent therapy with licensure)	≈ $58,500 (typical BLS estimate)²

Notes about the chart:

• “Independent Therapy” is defined as the ability to conduct psychotherapy or clinical treatment without direct supervision under typical U.S. licensure rules. Licensed roles (LPC/LMHC, MFT, etc.) can practice independently in most states after licensure; support/coordinator roles generally cannot.
• Median salary figures are from U.S. government and professional estimates, reflecting the most recent available BLS categories and published guides.

Advanced Counseling Careers (Requires Master’s Degree or Higher)

School Counselor

School counselors work in K-12 settings to assist students with academic and social skills. The median annual wage for school and career counselors and advisors was $60,140 as of May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment in this field is projected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations​​.

Mental Health Counselor or Substance Abuse Counselor

These professionals assist clients with issues such as addiction, alcoholism, and depression. The median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $49,710 in 2022, according to the BLS. The field is expected to see a growth of 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average​​.

Rehabilitation Counselor

Rehabilitation counselors help people with emotional or physical disabilities live independently. In 2022, the median annual wage for rehabilitation counselors was $39,990, with an expected job growth of 2% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the BLS​​.

Marriage and Family Therapist

These therapists help couples and families work through their relationship issues. In 2022, the median annual wage for marriage and family therapists was $56,570, according to the BLS. Expected job growth from 2022 to 2032 is 15%.

Each of these roles requires specific skills and qualifications, and while a bachelor’s degree in counseling is an important first step, additional training or education may be necessary, especially for licensure. This degree can also be a stepping stone to further education and advanced roles in the field.

Which Bachelor’s Degree is Right for Me: Counseling vs. Psychology vs. Social Work

Dimension	Bachelor’s in Counseling	Bachelor’s in Psychology	Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW)
Core Focus	Mental health support, counseling theories, interpersonal skills, helping relationships	Human behavior, cognition, emotion, and research foundations	Social justice, systems-based practice, community resources, advocacy
Typical Coursework	Counseling theories, helping skills, ethics, human development, abnormal psychology	Cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, statistics, research methods	Social welfare policy, case management, human behavior in social environments, ethics
Practice vs. Theory	More practice-oriented and skills-based	More theoretical and research-oriented	Practice-oriented with a systems and policy lens
Primary Career Paths (Bachelor’s Level)	Case manager, behavioral health technician, counseling aide, intake coordinator	Research assistant, behavioral technician, program coordinator, HR roles	Case manager, social services assistant, child welfare worker, community outreach
Direct Clinical Therapy at Bachelor’s Level	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No
Licensure at Bachelor’s Level	❌ No independent licensure	❌ No clinical licensure	✅ Possible in some states (e.g., Licensed Social Worker / LSW)
Graduate School Alignment	Master’s in Counseling (LPC, LMHC, CMHC)	Master’s or Doctorate in Psychology	Master’s in Social Work (MSW → LCSW)
Client Interaction Style	One-on-one support, psychoeducation, structured helping roles	Varies; often indirect unless clinically trained	Direct client support plus resource coordination and advocacy
Scope of Impact	Individual mental and emotional well-being	Individual and population-level understanding of behavior	Individuals, families, communities, and social systems
Best Fit For Students Who Want To…	Become a licensed counselor or therapist	Understand psychology broadly or pursue research/doctoral paths	Work in social services, policy, advocacy, or clinical social work

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Is a Bachelor’s in Counseling Right for You?

Choosing the right undergraduate major is the most important step in your professional timeline. Use this decision tree to see if a Bachelor’s in Counseling aligns with your 2026 career goals.

1. What is your primary career goal?

• A: I want to work in a private practice or hospital as a Licensed Therapist.
  • Path: You must eventually earn a Master’s degree. A Bachelor’s in Counseling is an excellent foundation, but ensure your program is regionally accredited to guarantee grad school entry.
• B: I want to work in community outreach, case management, or social justice.
  • Path: Consider a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). This may allow you “Advanced Standing” in graduate school, potentially shaving one year off your Master’s degree.
• C: I am interested in human behavior research, IQ testing, or forensic psychology.
  • Path: A Bachelor of Psychology is likely the better fit, as it leans more heavily into statistics and research methodology.

2. How soon do you want to start working?

• A: I need to start a career in 4 years (No Grad School immediately).
  • Verdict: A Bachelor’s in Counseling is a strong choice. You can qualify for roles like Substance Abuse Counselor Aide or Behavioral Health Technician immediately upon graduation.
• B: I am prepared for a 6–8 year educational journey.
  • Verdict: Start with the Bachelor’s in Counseling, but look for “4+1” accelerated programs that allow you to earn your Master’s in just one additional year.

3. What is your preferred “helping style”?

• A: Deep, one-on-one emotional processing. → Choose Counseling.
• B: Connecting people to resources and changing laws. → Choose Social Work.
• C: Understanding the science of the brain and patterns. → Choose Psychology.

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Key Clarifying Takeaways

If You Want to Become an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

If a student’s long-term goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is the strongest and most efficient undergraduate option.

Why the BSW Matters:

• Graduates of CSWE-accredited BSW programs are eligible for Advanced Standing in many MSW programs
• Advanced Standing allows students to skip foundational MSW coursework
• This typically:
  • Reduces graduate school by ~1 year
  • Lowers total tuition costs
  • Speeds up the path to LCSW licensure

In contrast, students with bachelor’s degrees in counseling or psychology do not qualify for MSW Advanced Standing and must complete the full two-year MSW curriculum.

Source:
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) – Advanced Standing MSW Programs
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – Social work education pathways

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If You Want to Become an LPC / LMHC (Licensed Professional Counselor)

If the goal is to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), students have more flexibility at the bachelor’s level.

Key Point:

• A Bachelor’s in Counseling or a Bachelor’s in Psychology is typically acceptable preparation
• LPC/LMHC licensure is determined at the master’s level, not the bachelor’s level
• What matters most is:
  • Completing a CACREP-aligned or licensure-eligible master’s program
  • Meeting state-specific coursework and supervised clinical hour requirements

A bachelor’s in counseling may feel more practice-oriented, while psychology provides a broader theoretical foundation, but both are valid pathways to becoming an LPC.

Source:
American Counseling Association (ACA) – Counselor licensure and education pathways
CACREP – Counseling degree standards and preparation

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One of the most common misconceptions is that a Bachelor’s degree in counseling leads to zero licensing opportunities. While Clinical Mental Health Counseling (LPC/LPCC) almost universally requires a Master’s degree, several states offer specialized “Mid-Tier” licenses for Bachelor’s graduates—particularly in the high-demand field of Substance Use Disorders (SUD).

State-by-State Certification Highlights

State	License/Certification	Education Requirement	Clinical Hours Required
California	CADC I (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor)	Bachelor’s + 315 hours of SUD education	3,000 hours (waived with degree)
Texas	LCDC (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor)	Associate or Bachelor’s Degree	4,000 hours of supervised work
Florida	CAP (Certified Addiction Professional)	Bachelor’s Degree in related field	6,000 hours (reduced with degree)
Pennsylvania	CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor)	Bachelor’s in Human Services/Counseling	300 hours of relevant education
New York	CASAC-T (Trainee Certificate)	350 hours of specific education	Initial entry-level certificate

The “Trainee” Status Advantage

In states like New York and Ohio, a Bachelor’s degree allows you to apply for “Trainee” status (e.g., CASAC-T). This is a massive competitive advantage. It signals to employers that you have completed the required 350 hours of education and are legally authorized to work in state-funded facilities while you accumulate your supervised hours.

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Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling Program Admission Requirements

 Prerequisites

While the admissions process varies for each program, most schools require a 3.0 minimum GPA for consideration. You will also need to show proof of a high school diploma or GED, along with transcripts.

 Application Requirements

Application

While each program has different application requirements, you can use the Common App to streamline the process.

Application Fee

Application fees range from program to program, some as low as $40, while others can be as high as $100. However, don’t let this deter you from applying, as many programs offer application fee waivers.

Transcripts

All programs require you to submit your high school transcripts or proof of your GED. Additionally, if you’ve completed any college courses, you must include a college transcript with your application.

Test Scores

Unless you’re transferring from another college, you’ll likely need to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application. And while some programs have a minimum score requirement, others look at your application as a whole.

Letters of Recommendation

Many programs require you to submit letters of recommendation to show your academic and personal worth. These recommendations are often written by teachers or those in the community that can speak to your work ethic and values.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities

When pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, understanding the available financial aid options is crucial.

• Types of Scholarships: Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for counseling students, alongside general academic scholarships. Research for scholarships that align with your interests, background, or area of study.
• Federal and State Aid: Apply for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This can qualify you for grants, which don’t need to be repaid, and federal loans with favorable terms.
• Work-Study Programs: These programs provide part-time employment while you study, helping finance your education. Check if your chosen institution offers such opportunities.
• Institutional Aid: Many colleges and universities provide their own scholarships, grants, or bursaries. Contact your institution’s financial aid office to learn about available aid specific to counseling programs.

Understanding these options can significantly impact your ability to finance your education and reduce financial stress, allowing you to focus more on your studies.

Tips for Choosing a Bachelor’s in Counseling Program

Choosing a suitable bachelor’s in counseling program can be overwhelming, especially if you are just starting your research. But the following tips can help you narrow down your options.

 Determine what’s important to you.

The first step is determining what’s important to you in a prospective program. Factors include location, cost, degree specialization, program length, curriculum requirements, accreditation, and the type of program (in-person, online, or hybrid).

Choose an accredited program.

While seemingly endless programs may offer a bachelor’s in counseling degree, it’s essential to ensure that you choose a regionally accredited university or college. There are many benefits to attending an accredited program, including the capability to apply for financial aid, the ability to transfer to other colleges more seamlessly (if needed), and the guarantee of knowing the program is academically sound.

 Look for additional educational opportunities.

If your long-term plan is to complete your bachelor’s in counseling degree and then apply for a master’s and doctorate, you may want to consider the available post-graduate options at each school.

 A master’s degree in counseling can significantly increase your job opportunities, while a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) can help you secure high-level counseling jobs.

Counseling Bachelor’s Degree Curriculum

 While there are numerous options for counseling programs across the US, there are usually courses that most students take regardless of their program or specialization.

 The options below highlight some standard bachelor in counseling courses:

Introduction to Psychology

This course is a primer for all counseling students, highlighting the principles and theories regarding the human mind and behavior. In addition, students learn the history of psychology and its evolution over time.

Introduction to Counseling

The Introduction to Counseling course reviews the history of counseling, along with theory and practice. In addition, students will explore the counseling relationship, ethical principles, and credentialing requirements.

Methods of Counseling

Students will learn about interviewing techniques in counseling, including guiding a session, assisting the client in defining their concerns, and communicating their goals.

Crisis Intervention

This course teaches students the crisis intervention theory and introduces advanced interviewing techniques and assessment tools for issues such as abuse, trauma, substance abuse, and depression.

Diversity Issues in Counseling

As a counselor, you will be exposed to clients from various cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. This course teaches students how attitudes, biases, racism, and personal beliefs can affect counseling.

Other typical courses in a bachelor of counseling degree include:

• Human development
• Personality theories
• Family therapy
• Abnormal psychology

Specializations

Once you get past the general coursework for your bachelor’s degree, you can focus on your specialization.

Some of the more popular disciplines are:

• Addiction counseling
• Career counseling
• Clinical mental health counseling
• Clinical rehabilitation counseling
• Marriage, couple, and family counseling
• Rehabilitation counseling
• School counseling
• Mental health counseling

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling?

Like most bachelor’s degree programs, completing a bachelor’s degree in counseling usually takes four years. Depending on the type of program you choose, the required credits can range between 120-180 credits, depending on whether the program uses a semester or quarter-based system.

 Full-time students will complete the program faster than part-time students, but there are also options for accelerated bachelor’s degree programs. These faster-paced programs allow students to complete their degrees in as little as three years.

How Much Does a Counseling Bachelor’s Degree Cost?

The cost of obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling varies based on several factors including the type of institution (public or private), whether the program is online or in-person, and the student’s residency status (in-state or out-of-state).

• Public vs. Private Institutions: Public universities typically charge lower tuition for in-state residents compared to private institutions. However, out-of-state students may pay higher rates at public universities, closer to those of private colleges.
• Online Programs: Online programs can sometimes be more cost-effective due to lower overhead costs for the institution. However, this is not always the case, and tuition fees can vary widely between programs.
• Tuition Fees: According to the College Board, the average annual tuition and fees for a public four-year college were about $11,260 for in-state students and $29,150 for out-of-state students for the 2023-2024 academic year. For private colleges, the average was around $41,540. These figures give a general sense of the potential cost differences.
• Additional Costs: Beyond tuition, students should consider other expenses like books, supplies, and living costs. Online programs may have different cost structures, potentially saving on commuting and housing costs.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships: Students should explore financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Many students utilize these resources to help offset the costs of their education.

Post-Graduation Certification and Licensures

Certificates and licensures can help counselors gain employment in more fields or get promoted to advanced positions. They can also help counselors become more competitive in their area, with the potential for higher salaries. These are just a few of the more common ones:

 State Counseling License

Every state has different licensing requirements, but most will require a counseling degree, the completion of an internship, and a state licensure exam.

 National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I

The NCAC I certificate is the way to go if you want to be an addiction counselor. It requires state licensure, three years of experience, 270 hours of substance abuse disorders training, and a passing score on the NCAC I exam.

 National Certified Adolescent Addictions Counselor

If you want to work with children as an addictions counselor, the NCAAC requires state licensure, five years of experience, 270 hours of substance abuse disorders training, and a passing score on the NCAAC exam.

 Sexuality Counselor Certification

If you want to work as a sex therapist or counselor, the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) offers a sex counselor certificate. In addition to three years of counseling experience, you must do field experience and complete at least 90 hours of sexual education.

Online Bachelor’s in Counseling FAQ

List of Programs

Still Looking For A Counseling Degree?

Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you will find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.

• Highest Paid Counseling Jobs
• Online Counseling Degrees
• Online Masters in Counseling
• Bachelors in Counseling
• Masters in Counseling
• Counseling Schools by State
• Counseling Career Guide

List of Programs