Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (Affordable Program with No Out of State Tuition)
University of Southern California : Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling (No GRE required)
Capella University : Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accreditation. Master's and PhD options avaialble. )
Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
NYU Steinhardt : Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC accredited, GRE not required)
Pepperdine University : Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor) (No GRE required) NYU Steinhardt : Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling (Accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) under the Masters in Counseling Accreditation Committee (MCAC) standards.)
Our Lady of the Lake University : Online Master of Arts in Counseling (No entrance exam required to apply)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology : M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online Programs. CACREP Accredited.)Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees
Prospective students should choose a college that best fits their needs or may offer a specialization they are interested in. A multitude of online master’s degree programs across the country can prepare students for counseling licensure and working in the field. Students can also choose from accelerated counseling programs, as well as master's in counseling programs with no GRE requirement.
Typically, students with undergraduate degrees in psychology or a related field are the best fit for these master’s programs. Those with degrees from other social or humanities-related majors can also complement their degrees with a master’s degree in counseling.
Taking an Online Counseling Degree Master’s Program
The flexibility of online college programs has allowed more individuals to get back into school and take graduate programs in fields such as counseling. Likewise, those that might already be working in counseling, psychology, or social work may have a great opportunity to continue their education with an online master’s in counseling degree. Many programs are built with the following in mind:
- High-Quality Programs: The same faculty and curriculum as an in-person, campus-based program.
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) accreditation is a highlight for any counseling program.
- Premium Learning Experience: Learning environment differentiation, with synchronous and asynchronous learning, can foster a better education.
- Admissions Benefits: Removing barriers for admissions/entry, including GRE waivers. Some programs have no GRE requirement.
- Short Program Length: Keeping the length of the program under two years, with flexibility included for many programs.
Top Master’s in Counseling Online Programs
Many resources can help prospective students find the right online master’s counseling degree for them. Students should consider factors such as specialization, admissions requirements, program length, and accreditation when doing program research.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ 100% Online
Over 14 Specializations Available |
Affordable with No Out of State Tuition Learn More |
| University of Southern California
Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling
Prepares you for school counseling credential |
✔ Live, online classes
No GRE requirement |
Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required Learn More |
| Capella University
Counseling & Therapy
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Offering Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling; and Advanced Studies in Human Behavior and Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD). Learn More |
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| NYU Steinhardt
Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
 MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required |
As few as 21 months to complete Learn More |
| Pepperdine University
Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
|
✔ Online
No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree Required |
Bachelor's holders can prepare to become a licensed professional counselor online. With no GRE scores required to apply, the 24 month online MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine allows you to advance your career and be a catalyst of change. Learn More |
| NYU Steinhardt
Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling
MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's required. GRE scores are not required. |
Prepare to become a school counselor with NYU Steinhardt’s online master’s in Counseling and Guidance program. The online MA degree gives you the knowledge and skills to pursue certification and employment in pre-K–12 schools nationwide in as few as 18 mos. Bachelor’s required: Learn more. GRE scores are not required. Learn More |
| Our Lady of the Lake University
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
|
✔ Online
No GRE required. |
Help students navigate the emotional terrain of getting an education, empower people of all ages to overcome mental health hurdles, or support someone recovering from drug addiction as they obtain or maintain a job, with the Master of Arts in Counseling from OLLU. Learn More |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree Required. |
This online CMHC program prepares students for a career offering mental health services in a variety of settings; helping diverse clients through issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, and suicidal impulses. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Typical Graduate-Level Coursework for Master's in Counseling Online Programs
A graduate counseling program includes courses that break down the various aspects of counseling for the learner. Courses can cover topics such as:
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Grief therapy
Although many degree programs can be completed online, most programs require that students take part in supervised clinical experience prior to graduation.
Counseling Licensure Requirements
Students who have completed their graduate degree in counseling and associated requirements can normally apply for licensure in counseling. Licensure requirements typically include graduation from an accredited university, a period of supervised work experience, and completion of a state board exam. However, the requirements may vary from state to state, so students are required to review their own state’s requirements before applying for licensure.
Online Master’s of Counseling Program Specialties
Depending on an individual’s interests, there are specialty majors that concentrate fully on a specific path. Some of the most popular specializations students can choose to pursue in a master’s of counseling program are:
- Mental health counseling
- Substance abuse counseling
- Marriage and family counseling
- School or career counseling
Mental Health Counseling Master’s Degrees
A variety of different specialty areas are available to students pursuing an online counseling master’s degree. Mental health counseling involves working directly with individuals with mild to moderate emotional distress. Working in this area includes planning and implementing action plans that will contribute to the success of a life improvement strategy. Individuals that earn a master's degree in mental health counseling will be on track to become a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC)
Marriage and Family Counseling Master’s Degrees
Marriage and family counselors specialize in individual and group therapy. Conflict resolution and communication are a couple of the main concerns of individuals in this field, in an attempt to better relationships and understanding within marriage and family units.
School Counseling Master’s Degrees
School counselors work in educational settings and provide students of all grade levels with the counseling and support needed to deal with everyday struggles within the school systems. These counselors also work one-on-one with students to develop effective college plans or technical path schedules.
Many resources can help prospective students find the right online master’s counseling degree for them. Students should consider factors such as specialization, admissions requirements, program length, and accreditation when doing program research.
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)
University of Southern California - Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling
Capella University - Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
NYU Steinhardt - Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC Accredited)
Pepperdine University - Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
Our Lady of the Lake University - Online Master of Arts in Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health CounselingOnline Master’s in Counseling Curriculum
A graduate counseling program includes courses that break down the various aspects of counseling for the learner. Courses can cover topics such as:
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Grief therapy
Although many degree programs can be completed online, most programs require that students take part in supervised clinical experience prior to graduation.
Counseling Licensure Requirements
Students who have completed their graduate degree in counseling and associated requirements can normally apply for licensure in counseling. Licensure requirements typically include graduation from an accredited university, a period of supervised work experience, and completion of a state board exam. However, the requirements may vary from state to state, so students are required to review their own state’s requirements before applying for licensure.
Master’s of Counseling Specialities
Depending on an individual’s interests, there are specialty majors that concentrate fully on a specific path. Some of the most popular specializations students can choose to pursue in a master’s of counseling program are:
- Mental health counseling
- Substance abuse counseling
- Marriage and family counseling
- School or career counseling
Mental Health Counseling Master’s Degrees
A variety of different specialty areas are available to students pursuing an online counseling master’s degree. Mental health counseling involves working directly with individuals with mild to moderate emotional distress. Working in this area includes planning and implementing action plans that will contribute to the success of a life improvement strategy.
Check out our online mental health degrees page to learn more about this type of counseling degree.
Marriage and Family Counseling Master’s Degrees
Marriage and family counselors specialize in individual and group therapy. Conflict resolution and communication are a couple of the main concerns of individuals in this field, in an attempt to better relationships and understanding within marriage and family units.
Learn more about marriage and family therapy:
School Counseling Master’s Degrees
School counselors work in educational settings and provide students of all grade levels with the counseling and support needed to deal with everyday struggles within the school systems. These counselors also work one-on-one with students to develop effective college plans or technical path schedules.
Many resources can help prospective students find the right online master’s counseling degree for them. Students should consider factors such as specialization, admissions requirements, program length, and accreditation when doing program research.
More information on school counseling can be found on the school counseling master’s degree page.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Counseling Degree?
There are many different specializations, locations, and positions for prospective counselors to consider. Licensed counselors can work in a variety of different environments, including inpatient or outpatient medical centers, hospitals, government facilities, and even private practices. They also work with individuals struggling in various areas of their lives. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2021, many of the positions in this field pay above-average salaries and are projected to experience growth that is faster than average.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
These kinds of counselors work with groups and individuals in a number of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and clinics. While they serve similar populations and sometimes have overlapping services, there are some differences between them. Specifically, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, also known as addiction counselors, work with clients who suffer from drug addiction, alcoholism, and other forms of addiction. Mental health counselors, on the other hand, offer treatment to clients who struggle with conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
According to the BLS, the median salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $48,520. At a growth rate of 22%, employment for these counselors is projected to grow much more quickly than average over the next several years.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Students who complete a master’s in counseling online may also be qualified to work as marriage and family therapists. In this role, they engage with individuals, couples and families who are facing challenges. They offer guidance and techniques for coping with stressful relationship dynamics, trauma, addiction, and low self-esteem.
Marriage and family therapy is experiencing rapid growth, and the BLS projects that employment will expand by 14% between 2021 and 2031. The median annual salary for a marriage and family therapist was $49,880.
Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation counselors generally work with individuals who have physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities. They are commonly employed in rehabilitation facilities, veteran agencies, and senior citizen centers. They may help individuals work through the psychological effects of their disabilities, seek employment opportunities, and develop skills that will allow them to live more independently.
The BLS states that the median salary for rehabilitation counselors as of 2021 was $38,560 per year, which is slightly lower than average. As with many other counseling positions, however, the need for counselors over the next several years is high, with a projected growth rate of 11% through 2031.
School or Career Counselor
Many public and private schools hire counselors who can help support students achieve academic success. If you are interested in becoming a school counselor, you may have the option of working with students of different ages, from elementary school to college. In this role, you would help students determine their future career paths, address mental health struggles, and cope with behavioral issues.
School counselors are in high demand, with a projected growth rate of 10%, according to the BLS. They also make above-average income, with a median yearly salary of $60,510.
Clinical Social Worker
Some students who complete a master’s in counseling program opt to become social workers. Professionals in these positions assist individuals with receiving vital services and resources, such as food stamps, childcare, and healthcare. They also help clients cope with significant life events such as death, divorce, and abuse.
Employment for social workers is expected to grow quickly over the next several years at a rate of 9%, according to the BLS. The median salary for a social worker in 2021 was $50,390, which is higher than average for all careers in the United States.
Learn more about licensed clinical social work.
Find the Right Master’s Program For You
Counseling is a growing field with increasing career opportunities. If you are interested in obtaining licensure and starting your career as a counselor, an online counseling master’s degree could be a great place to start. Explore our resources for more information on program details, licensure tips, and admissions information.
List of Masters Programs
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
University of Southern California 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 🗹 Online
Capella University 🗹 Online Masters
Sacred Heart University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Bachelors
Rivier University 🗹 Online
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of West Alabama 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of New Haven 🗹 Online
University of Wisconsin – Superior 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of Wisconsin – Superior 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly
