An online master’s in counseling is designed to prepare students for professional counseling roles and state licensure, offering both flexibility and academic rigor. These programs typically blend foundational theory, applied skills, and supervised clinical experience to ensure graduates are ready to serve diverse client populations.
Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from) Walden University : MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited) Walden University : MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (CACREP Accredited) Walden University : BS in Psychology (HLC Accredited) Walden University : MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from) Walden University : MS in Psychology (HLC Accredited) Walden University : PhD in Clinical Psychology (HLC Accredited) Walden University : Master of Social Work (MSW) (CSWE Accredited) Walden University : PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, General (HLC Accredited)While every school structures its curriculum differently, most online master’s in counseling program curricula share common core elements alongside specialization-specific coursework. Students can expect a mix of general counseling courses, targeted classes in their chosen focus area, and hands-on practicum or internship placements that meet licensure requirements. The result is a well-rounded educational experience that combines evidence-based knowledge with real-world application.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements | Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Walden University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Learn how to support the well-being of your students as they cope with complex personal and family challenges. Explore human sexual development as well as the relationships and family dynamics impacting young people’s lives today. Build the cross-cultural competencies and skills required to understand family structures, life-cycle dynamics, intergenerational influences, and healthy family functioning. The optional accelerated track is designed for students who are interested in taking three courses per quarter and potentially finishing their program in a shorter time frame. The accelerated track has the same curriculum, residencies, and field experience requirements as the general track, but requires a strong time commitment and is best suited for students who can dedicate themselves full time to their studies. Learn More |
| Walden University
BS in Psychology
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Prepare to transform lives with a BS in Psychology from Walden University. Our program introduces you to a wide range of theories, approaches, and perspectives within the field while providing you with insight into issues affecting diverse individuals and social groups. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
The counseling field is in need of qualified, compassionate professionals like you to meet the demand for services. In Walden's clinical mental health counseling and school counseling dual degree program, you’ll gain the insights and hands-on training to positively impact the lives of children, adults, and families. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in Psychology
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Benefit from this specialization’s comprehensive study of the social, cultural, and cognitive aspects of human behavior as you explore the fundamentals of psychology, including its theories, methods, and principles. You can evaluate and design research methods and examine multicultural and/or global perspectives of psychology. This specialization also offers an optional doctoral preparation track, for those who want a head start on their doctorate. If you choose Walden’s competency-based Tempo Learning® format, you’ll have access to three-month, all-you-can-learn subscriptions, no weekly deadlines, and faculty and coach support when needed. Learn More |
| Walden University
PhD in Clinical Psychology
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Gain the skills to assess mental wellness and provide interventions. Taught by respected psychology faculty, coursework explores current theories and empirically supported practice. You can combine scholarly research with practical experience. Learn More |
| Walden University
Master of Social Work (MSW)
CSWE Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Walden’s CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program can empower you to shape a better, more equitable world. Our program combines a purposeful curriculum with immersive learning experiences to help you become the confident and highly capable social work practitioner you know you can be. Learn More |
| Walden University
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, General
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
If you’re looking for a clear path to teaching in CACREP-accredited counseling degree programs, Walden’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program can help you take the next step. In our core path of study, you’ll acquire an advanced understanding of counseling theory and learn to evaluate theory and practice through qualitative and quantitative research. Build advanced individual and group counseling skills, teaching and supervision competencies, and research skills designed to help you reach your potential. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - BS in Psychology (HLC Accredited)
Walden University - MS in Psychology (HLC Accredited)
Walden University - PhD in Clinical Psychology (HLC Accredited)
Walden University - Master of Social Work (MSW) (CSWE Accredited)
Core Courses in Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Whether you choose a traditional or an accelerated master’s in counseling program, most accredited programs share a similar foundation designed to prepare students for licensure and professional practice. If you enroll in a CACREP-accredited online counseling program, you can expect coursework that aligns with national standards, ensuring you meet educational requirements for most states.
Typical core courses in an online master’s in counseling program include:
- Counseling Theories and Techniques – Overview of major counseling approaches and their application in different settings.
- Human Growth and Development – Examination of psychological, emotional, and social development across the lifespan.
- Multicultural Counseling – Skills for working effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling – Exploration of professional ethics, confidentiality, and legal obligations.
- Group Counseling Methods – Theory and practice of facilitating therapeutic groups.
- Assessment and Appraisal in Counseling – Training in psychological testing, evaluation, and interpretation.
- Research Methods in Counseling – Preparation to understand, evaluate, and apply research to practice.
These core classes lay the groundwork for more specialized study and also prepare students for licensure exams such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
Specialization-Specific Coursework
Once you complete your core counseling classes, most programs allow you to focus on a specific area of practice through specialized courses. These concentrations prepare you for targeted licensure paths and client populations while building advanced expertise.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders – Understanding DSM-5 criteria, treatment planning, and intervention strategies.
- Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling – Skills for supporting clients in acute distress or post-trauma.
- Advanced Psychopathology – In-depth study of complex mental health conditions and evidence-based interventions.
School Counseling
- Counseling in K–12 Educational Settings – Strategies for academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support.
- Academic and Career Development Counseling – Guiding students toward postsecondary success.
- Child and Adolescent Counseling Techniques – Age-appropriate counseling methods for younger clients.
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
- Family Systems Theory – Analysis of family dynamics and intergenerational patterns.
- Couples Therapy Techniques – Interventions for improving communication and resolving conflict.
- Conflict Resolution Strategies – Mediation skills for families and couples.
Addiction Counseling
- Substance Use Disorder Assessment and Treatment – Screening, diagnosis, and treatment planning for addiction.
- Co-occurring Disorders – Addressing mental health and substance use issues together.
- Prevention and Recovery Models – Community-based prevention and long-term recovery strategies.
Rehabilitation Counseling
- Vocational Evaluation and Career Counseling – Helping individuals with disabilities identify and achieve employment goals.
- Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Disability – Understanding the impact of disabilities on clients’ lives.
- Case Management – Coordinating services and resources for client success.
Practicum and Internship Requirements
A crucial part of any online master’s in counseling program curriculum is the supervised clinical experience that bridges classroom learning with real-world practice. Most programs include both a practicum and one or more internships, each designed to help students apply counseling theories and techniques in supervised settings.
Practicum
- Typical Hours: About 100–150 hours over one academic term.
- Purpose: Serves as an introduction to the counseling field, focusing on observation and limited client interaction under close supervision.
- Activities: May include role-playing, shadowing experienced counselors, and providing counseling to a small caseload.
Internship
- Typical Hours: Often 600–900 hours, completed over two or more terms.
- Purpose: Provides in-depth, hands-on counseling experience, allowing students to take on more responsibility with clients.
- Activities: Includes individual and group counseling, case management, and participation in staff meetings or treatment planning.
Placement for Online Students
Online programs typically help coordinate local placements so students can complete their fieldwork near their own community. Placement coordinators may assist with finding approved sites that meet state licensure requirements.
Clinical Supervision
All practicum and internship work is completed under qualified clinical supervisors, who provide feedback and ensure ethical and professional standards are met. This supervision is essential for skill development and counts toward post-graduation licensure requirements in most states.
Electives and Enrichment Opportunities
In addition to core and specialization courses, many online master’s in counseling program curricula include electives and optional training opportunities that allow students to tailor their education to specific interests or career goals.
Common Elective Topics
- Play Therapy – Techniques for working with children through structured play activities.
- Expressive Arts Therapy – Use of art, music, and drama as therapeutic tools.
- Grief and Loss Counseling – Approaches for supporting clients coping with loss.
- Counseling for Military Families – Addressing the unique needs of service members and their loved ones.
Professional Certification Opportunities
Some electives are designed to meet partial requirements for specialized credentials, such as:
- Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) certification
- Substance Abuse Counseling credentials
Benefits of Enrichment Options
These electives can:
- Broaden your professional skill set.
- Help you stand out in competitive job markets.
- Allow you to serve more diverse client populations.
How the Online Format Impacts the Curriculum
The online master’s in counseling program curriculum is designed to deliver the same academic rigor as its on-campus counterpart, but the format can shape how students experience coursework and clinical preparation.
Learning Modalities
- Asynchronous Learning – Students access lectures, readings, and assignments on their own schedule, ideal for those balancing work or family obligations.
- Synchronous Learning – Live virtual classes allow for real-time interaction with faculty and peers, closely replicating an in-person classroom.
Many programs blend both formats to offer flexibility while maintaining engagement.
Skill-Building in a Virtual Environment
Online programs often use:
- Virtual Role-Playing – Simulated counseling sessions conducted via video conferencing.
- Video-Based Supervision – Students receive feedback on recorded practice sessions from licensed faculty.
- Online Discussion Boards – Forums for case study analysis, peer collaboration, and reflective learning.
In-Person Requirements
While coursework may be entirely online, some programs require:
- Residencies or Intensives – Short in-person sessions for skills training, networking, and assessments.
- Local Clinical Placements – Practicum and internship experiences completed at approved sites in the student’s community.
These elements ensure that graduates are not only academically prepared but also meet the clinical contact requirements for licensure.
Preparing for Licensure Through Your Coursework
A well-designed online master’s in counseling program curriculum is built with state licensure requirements in mind, ensuring graduates are ready to enter the profession.
Alignment with Accreditation Standards
Most programs follow CACREP standards, which outline essential knowledge areas such as human development, counseling theory, assessment, ethics, and multicultural competency. This alignment helps ensure that coursework meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in most states.
Licensure Exam Preparation
Core and specialization courses cover topics tested on national and state licensing exams, including:
- National Counselor Examination (NCE) for LPC/LPCC licensure
- National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) for clinical counseling tracks
- State-specific jurisprudence or ethics exams, where applicable
State-Specific Requirements
While CACREP-accredited programs provide a strong foundation, students should confirm that their curriculum matches their state’s licensure regulations. Some states require additional coursework, such as:
- Suicide prevention training
- Substance abuse counseling
- Family and relationship counseling
Practicum and Internship for Licensure Readiness
Fieldwork hours completed during practicum and internship not only fulfill degree requirements but also contribute to meeting the supervised clinical hours mandated for licensure. Programs often coordinate with local sites to ensure students gain relevant, hands-on experience under qualified supervision.
FAQ
Can I specialize in more than one area during my counseling master’s?Some programs offer dual-specialization or dual-licensure options, allowing students to prepare for two distinct counseling roles. However, this may extend program length and cost, and students should confirm licensure eligibility in their state for both areas.
Do online programs cover the same material as on-campus programs?Yes. Accredited online counseling master’s programs typically follow the same curriculum as their on-campus counterparts, with equivalent academic rigor and clinical requirements.
Will my practicum or internship be in person or virtual?While coursework can be completed online, most states require in-person practicum and internship experiences. Online programs generally help coordinate local placements that meet licensure standards.
How do electives work in an online program?Electives allow students to explore niche counseling areas, such as grief counseling or play therapy. Selection may depend on program offerings, faculty expertise, and alignment with licensure requirements.
Moving Forward
Selecting an online master’s in counseling program means more than simply checking off required courses—it’s about finding the right combination of academic preparation, specialization, and clinical experience to meet your licensure and career goals. Take the time to compare program curricula, practicum opportunities, and faculty expertise before committing.
Review course catalogs from several programs, and keep your state’s licensure requirements front and center during your search. If you have questions about curriculum alignment, reach out directly to program directors or admissions counselors for clarity. By carefully matching your education to your professional ambitions, you can position yourself for a successful, fulfilling career in counseling.
