Online Counseling Programs: An Overview
Counseling degree online programs may offer more flexible alternatives to traditional degree programs. With the growth in interest in counseling, more students are looking for advanced methods of learning that can be done alongside other careers or commitments.
Why Consider an Online Program?
Here are the top three reasons to consider a counseling program online:
- Technological advances have taken the world by storm. Recent innovations have allowed collegiate students to get degrees remotely.
- More educational systems are accepting this method of instructing and implementing them into their own degree programs.
- Students in online counseling programs will find that the curriculum is just as advanced as traditional learning and can contribute to future success in the counseling field.
Online students in counseling are given more independence and flexibility while working on their degrees. Online course rooms include the same, if not more, interaction found in typical universities. Learners are often required to take part in class discussions, research-oriented projects, group studies, and examinations.
Online Counseling Programs
- Online CACREP Accredited Programs
- Online MPCAC Accredited Programs
- 100% Online Counseling Programs
- Schools with Online MA in Counseling
- Online Master of Arts in Counseling (MA)
- Online Master's in School Counseling
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
---|---|---|
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 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 |
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 |
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 |
Liberty University
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
Capella University
Counseling & Therapy
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Offering master’s degree programs in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Doctoral degree program available in counselor education & supervision. No GRE required. Learn More |
Capella University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
|
✔ Online
|
Choose from General Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis or Pre-Counseling specializations Learn More |
Capella University
BS in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis
|
✔ Online
No GMAT or GRE required |
Gain skills and knowledge to help transform the lives of people living with autism and other intellectual disabilities. Study with confidence in a program that meets the educational requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA) examination. Applicants must meet additional requirements to qualify. Learn More |
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 |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Finding Accredited Counseling Online Programs
A large number of accredited counseling online programs are available. Researching the available degree programs as well as the transferability of courses and financial aid availability should be the first steps in determining which school to attend. Accredited degree programs are the only ones accepted by individual states for licensure.
Online counseling programs can also provide the most experienced instructors and reliable curricula of available universities. In accordance with degree standards, accredited degrees also provide the same residency requirements as traditional universities. Clinical counseling degrees at a graduate level require students to engage in a residency.
Most colleges allow students to attend weekend retreats that are counted toward the residency requirement. Traditional residency requirements may eliminate the ability to continue with employment responsibilities and can impede on family requirements since they are weekslong and over several months.
Who Should Seek Counseling Degrees Online?
Freedom and convenience are vital to online counseling degree programs and with online learning, jobs and family are kept in mind. Those who work full-time jobs or who have kids to take care of can especially benefit from the flexibility that counseling degree online programs offer.
Is It for Everyone and Anyone?
While flexible degrees may be especially beneficial for those with busy schedules, people at many different stages of life are getting degrees online. Most online counseling degree programs offer flexible scheduling, permitting those enrolled to log in at their own convenience. Due dates for assignments are scheduled in long time frames to accommodate the needs of busy students.
Teachers in online programs are knowledgeable of the subjects taught and are often more than willing to work with students to ensure success.
Often, the best fit for an online counseling program is someone who is self-disciplined. Many may find that earning a graduate degree in counseling at their own pace is a good fit, as they can manage their own schedules.
Technology Allows for Flexibility
Technology has proven an integral part of education and careers. Elementary students and college students alike are using the internet for a variety of purposes. Collegiate education has greatly benefited from the internet as a means to provide flexible online coursework.
Since the internet has been proven a worthy source for education, employers are increasingly accepting and supportive of online degrees. Restrictions and accreditations for online universities prevent false advertising on degree programs, and only authorized degree programs are listed.
Growing Number of Programs
An increasing abundance of online degree programs are reputable and provide a respectable education. Accredited universities providing counseling degrees online are reliable sources for degree programs, and the demand for them continues to rise.
What to Expect From Counseling Degree Online Programs
The systems used in counseling degree online programs should be user-friendly and contain reference information and contact information for technical support.
These courses are designed with students in mind, catering to fast responses and user convenience overall. It can be intimidating when taking part in new technology, but students should find this method to be effective and more convenient than standard college attendance.
The curriculum often consists of comparative courses in traditional learning, including ethics, career counseling, and group counseling. Each degree path includes similar prerequisite requirements such as arts and mathematics followed by core courses that are relative to each major. Students will find that courses are structured to provide maximum exposure to the subject and extensive research.
What to Expect After Graduating
Getting a degree online can allow students to gain coinciding work experience while pursuing their education, building both their professional and their academic skills.
This advantage is one that traditional college students may find difficult to achieve. It may be more beneficial to work while attending courses to fully comprehend the application of the techniques being taught. Students with coinciding work and education can become more seasoned and effective professionals at the end of their online counseling degrees.
With online counseling programs, students can also choose degrees based on their credentials rather than their locations. This may eliminate distance restrictions for many prospective students, potentially giving them opportunities to specialize in focus areas that were previously unavailable and helping them find specific careers suited to their interests.
Discover More Counseling Degrees Online
If you are interested in a counseling career, a counseling online program may be a productive starting point. There are accredited degree programs that cater to a variety of specializations and offer relevant coursework for working in the field. Explore some of the available resources for program specifics, the licensing process, and admissions advice to start your career as a counselor.
- Online Counseling Programs
- Online MA in Counseling Degrees
- Bachelors Degrees in Counseling – 81 Programs
- Master’s Degrees in Counseling
- Counseling Degrees for Every State in the US
- Counseling Career Guide for Students
- The 12 Highest-Paying Counseling Jobs To Consider
Source List
Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Counseling Specialties
Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Find a Program
Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
National Board for Certified Counselors
National Board for Certified Counselors, Board Certification