Master's in Professional Counseling Online Programs

A master’s in professional counseling is a graduate-level degree designed to prepare students for licensure as a mental health counselor, most commonly under titles such as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). While program names vary by institution—some may use terms like clinical mental health counseling—the “professional” designation typically signals that the curriculum is aimed at meeting state requirements for independent counseling practice.

Consider an online counseling program: 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.

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Counseling Degrees Online » Counseling Programs » Master’s in Professional Counseling Online Programs

Programs Currently Accepting Applicants

Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from)

Walden University : MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Northwestern University : Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (Complete your COAMFTE-accredited MFT online program in as few as 21 months. No GRE required.)

Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition.)

Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (Online with required intensives)

National University : Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available)

University of Denver : Master of Arts in School Counseling (No GRE required)

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) : Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (100% Online, No GRE Required)

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What Is a Master’s in Professional Counseling?

A master’s in professional counseling is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and supervised experience needed to pursue licensure as an LPC or LPCC. These programs emphasize both theoretical and applied training, blending coursework with real-world clinical practice.

Core curriculum areas typically include:

Counseling theories and approaches
Ethics and legal issues in counseling
Human growth and development
Assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions
Multicultural competence and diversity awareness

In addition to academic coursework, students complete supervised clinical experiences—usually a practicum (about 100 hours) and an internship (about 600 hours)—to develop hands-on counseling skills in a professional setting.

Graduates of an online master’s degree in counseling in the professional counseling track are often eligible for LPC/LPCC licensure in many states, though requirements vary. These degrees open doors to a variety of counseling careers, including work in private practice, community mental health agencies, hospitals, and schools.

Many of the strongest options are designed as a CACREP-accredited online counseling program, ensuring that the curriculum meets national standards for counselor education and is widely recognized by state licensing boards. This accreditation can simplify licensure portability if you plan to move between states during your career.

“Professional Counseling” vs. Other Master’s-Level Counseling Degrees

While the term professional counseling often appears in degree titles aimed at preparing students for LPC or LPCC licensure, many programs without this exact wording—such as clinical mental health counseling—offer nearly identical training and meet the same licensure requirements in most states.

Similarities

Both professional counseling and clinical mental health counseling programs typically include the same core coursework in counseling theory, ethics, human development, and assessment.
Both require supervised practicum and internship experiences.
Both can lead to state licensure as an LPC, LPCC, or equivalent, depending on where you plan to practice.

Differences

Specialized counseling degrees—such as school counseling or marriage and family therapy—prepare graduates for different credentials (e.g., school counseling certification, LMFT licensure) and may include coursework or clinical hours unique to those roles.
Non-licensure counseling programs—often in fields like academic advising, life coaching, or human services—focus on counseling-adjacent skills but do not qualify graduates for independent clinical practice.

Why Licensure Alignment Matters

Regardless of the degree title, always verify that your chosen program meets the licensure requirements for your intended state. Some states are flexible about degree names, focusing instead on whether the curriculum covers required competencies and meets accreditation standards. Checking early can save time and ensure you’re on the right educational track for your professional goals.

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
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 Full-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available Learn More
Northwestern University Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy COAMFTE Accredited	✔ Online GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required	The COAMFTE-accredited MFT@Northwestern is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More
Grand Canyon University Master's Degree in Counseling HLC and NASAC Accredited	✔ Online	Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree emphases include: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Trauma. Designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and 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
National University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling WSCUC Accredited	✔ Online GRE Scores Not Required	The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is focused on training highly skilled counselors to provide impactful and culturally sensitive mental health services in their communities. Learn More
University of Denver Master of Arts in School Counseling Designed to adhere to CACREP standards	✔ Online No GRE Required; Minimum GPA 2.5 Required	Earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Complete in as few as 24 months. Learn More
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Higher Learning Commission (HLC)	✔ Online 100% Online	Expand your impact with an online counseling degree rooted in faith-based practice. Mid-America Christian University offers the largest Master of Science (MS) in Counseling program in Oklahoma, with emphasis areas in addiction and substance abuse, applied behavioral science, clinical mental health counseling, and marriage and family therapy. Explore the online MS in Counseling at MACU. Learn More

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*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)

Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)

Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)

Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)

National University - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (WSCUC Accredited)

University of Denver - Master of Arts in School Counseling ( Accredited)

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) - Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited)

Accreditation and Why It Matters

Accreditation plays a central role in determining whether a counseling program will qualify you for licensure. For most students pursuing an LPC or LPCC, enrolling in a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the safest route.

Why CACREP Accreditation Is Important

Licensure eligibility: Many states require or strongly prefer graduates from CACREP-accredited programs when issuing counseling licenses.
Portability: If you move to another state, CACREP accreditation can make it easier to meet new licensing requirements without taking additional coursework.
Quality assurance: CACREP standards ensure that programs provide comprehensive training in counseling theory, ethics, multicultural competence, and supervised clinical experience.

CACREP Categories Relevant to Professional Counseling

Clinical Mental Health Counseling: The most common category for programs that prepare students for LPC or LPCC licensure—often interchangeable with “professional counseling” in terms of scope and training.
Community Counseling: An older CACREP category that some universities still list, which is generally accepted for LPC/LPCC licensure.
Other categories: CACREP also accredits specialized tracks like addictions counseling, school counseling, and marriage and family counseling, but these may lead to different credentials.

How to Verify Accreditation

You can use CACREP’s online directory to confirm whether a program is accredited and to see which category it falls under. This is especially important for online master’s in professional counseling students, as licensure boards will look closely at both the program’s accreditation status and its curricular content before granting approval.

CACREP-Accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program with Online Options

If you’re looking for master’-level professional counseling programs with online and hybrid options—or other accredited counseling programs—CACREP’s program directory is an excellent starting point. You can search using multiple filters such as degree level, specialization, and state, with detailed descriptions for each program. For example, the list below, compiled in mid-2025, shows clinical mental health counseling programs with online components.

Institution	Location	Degree
Adams State University	Alamosa, CO	M.A.
Adler Graduate School	Minnetonka, MN	M.A.
Adler University	Chicago, IL	M.A.
Albany State University	Albany, GA	M.Ed.
Antioch University New England	Keene, NH	M.A.
Antioch University Seattle	Seattle, WA	M.A.
Asbury Theological Seminary	Wilmore, KY	M.A.
Auburn University	Auburn, AL	M.Ed./M.S.
Augusta University	Augusta, GA	M.Ed.
Barry University	Miami Shores, FL	M.S.
Bellevue University	Bellevue, NE	M.S.
Bluefield University	Bluefield, VA	M.A.
Bradley University	Peoria, IL	M.A.
Capella University	Minneapolis, MN	M.S.
Catawba College	Salisbury, NC	M.HS.
Central Methodist University	Fayette, MO	M.S.
Central Michigan University	Mt. Pleasant, MI	M.A.
Chadron State College	Chadron, NE	M.A.E.
College of William and Mary	Williamsburg, VA	M.Ed.
Colorado Christian University	Lakewood, CO	M.A.
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven Campus	Lock Haven, PA	M.S.
Concordia University Irvine	Irvine, CA	M.A.
Divine Mercy University	Sterling, VA	M.S.
East Carolina University, College of Education	Greenville, NC	M.S.
Emory & Henry University	Emory, VA	M.S.
Evangel University	Springfield, MO	M.S.
Freed-Hardeman University	Henderson, TN	M.S.
Geneva College	Beaver Falls, PA	M.A.
George Fox University	Portland, OR	M.A.
Grace College	Winona Lake, IN	M.A.
Grand View University	Des Moines, IA	M.S.
Husson University	Bangor, ME	M.S.
Illinois Institute of Technology	Chicago, IL	M.S.
Indiana Wesleyan University	Indianapolis, IN	M.A.
John Carroll University	University Heights, OH	M.A.
Keiser University	Fort Lauderdale, FL	M.S.
LaGrange College	LaGrange, GA	M.A.
Liberty University, Counselor Education & Family Studies	Lynchburg, VA	M.A.
Lindsey Wilson University	Columbia, KY	M.Ed.
Long Island University Post and Brentwood	Brookville, NY	M.S.
Malone University	Canton, OH	M.A.Ed.
Marquette University	Milwaukee, WI	M.S.
Marshall University	South Charleston, WV	M.A.
Marymount University	Arlington, VA	M.A.
Messiah University	Mechanicsburg, PA	M.A.
Midwestern State University	Wichita Falls, TX	M.A.
Mississippi State University	Mississippi State, MS	M.S.
Montreat College	Montreat, NC	M.A.
National Louis University – Tampa	Tampa, FL	M.S.
Nelson University (formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University)	Waxahachie, TX	M.S.
North Carolina Central University	Durham, NC	M.A.
North Carolina State University	Raleigh, NC	M.Ed./M.S.
Northern State University	Aberdeen, SD	M.S.Ed.
Northwestern University	Evanston, IL	M.A.
Nova Southeastern University	Fort Lauderdale, FL	M.S.
Old Dominion University	Norfolk, VA	M.S.Ed.
Palo Alto University	Palo Alto, CA	M.A.
Pennsylvania Western University	Edinboro, PA	M.S.
Pentecostal Theological Seminary	Cleveland, TN	M.A.
Prescott College	Prescott, AZ	M.S.
Regent University	Virginia Beach, VA	M.A.
Richmont Graduate University	Atlanta, GA	M.A.
Sacred Heart University	Fairfield, CT	M.A.
Saybrook University	Pasadena, CA	M.A.
Seattle University	Seattle, WA	M.A.Ed.
Southern New Hampshire University	Manchester, NH	M.A.
St. Bonaventure University	St. Bonaventure, NY	M.S.Ed.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center	Lubbock, TX	M.S.
The Chicago School – Online	Los Angeles, CA	M.A.
The Chicago School, Dallas Campus	Richardson, TX	M.A.
Thomas University	Thomasville, GA	M.S.
Trinity International University	Deerfield, IL	M.A.
Troy University	Troy, AL	M.S.
Truman State University	Kirksville, MO	M.A.
University of Alaska Fairbanks	Fairbanks, AK	M.Ed.
University of Bridgeport	Bridgeport, CT	M.S.
University of Holy Cross	New Orleans, LA	M.A.
University of Kentucky	Lexington, KY	M.A.
University of Louisiana at Monroe	Monroe, LA	M.S.
University of Mount Olive	Mount Olive, NC	M.S.
University of Phoenix – Online	Phoenix, AZ	M.S.C.
University of Saint Thomas Houston	Houston, TX	M.S.
University of Tennessee at Martin	Martin, TN	M.S.Ed.
University of the Cumberlands	Williamsburg, KY	M.A.
University of the Southwest	Hobbs, NM	M.S.
University of West Alabama	Livingston, AL	M.S.
Wake Forest University	Winston-Salem, NC	M.A.
Walden University	Minneapolis, MN	M.S.
Walsh University	North Canton, OH	M.A.
Waynesburg University	Waynesburg, PA	M.A.
Webster University, South Carolina	Columbia, SC	M.A.
Western Kentucky University	Bowling Green, KY	M.A.E.
Western New Mexico University	Silver City, NM	M.A.

Typical Admissions Requirements

While each school may set its own criteria, most online master’s in professional counseling programs share a common set of admissions requirements designed to ensure students are prepared for graduate-level coursework and eventual clinical training.

Common requirements include:

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, often with a preference for majors in psychology, human services, social work, or related fields (though many accept applicants from other academic backgrounds).
Minimum GPA, typically between 2.75 and 3.0. Some programs may offer conditional admission for students with lower GPAs who have strong professional or academic experience.
Letters of recommendation, usually two or three, from academic instructors, professional supervisors, or other relevant references.
Personal statement or statement of purpose explaining your career goals, interest in counseling, and reasons for selecting the program.
Resume or curriculum vitae (CV) detailing relevant education, work experience, volunteer service, and any professional development activities.
GRE scores, if required. Many programs have waived the GRE, but some may still request it in certain circumstances (such as a lower undergraduate GPA).

Meeting these requirements is the first step toward entering a program that can prepare you for LPC or LPCC licensure. However, because licensure rules vary by state, it’s wise to confirm that the program’s curriculum meets your intended state’s educational criteria before applying.

Program Format and Curriculum

Online master’s in professional counseling programs are designed to balance flexibility with the rigorous academic and clinical training needed for licensure. While delivery models vary, most fall into one of two categories:

Fully online programs – All coursework is completed remotely, with clinical practicum and internship hours arranged in approved local sites.
Hybrid programs – Combine online coursework with periodic in-person residencies or on-campus intensives, often for skills-based training or networking.

Common Core Courses

Most programs include foundational classes such as:

Counseling Theories and Techniques
Human Growth and Development
Psychopathology and Diagnosis
Assessment and Appraisal
Multicultural Counseling
Group Counseling
Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling

Clinical Training Requirements

Licensure-track programs require extensive supervised experience, including:

Practicum – Approximately 100 hours, with a set number of direct client contact hours under faculty or site supervision.
Internship – Typically 600 hours or more, offering deeper immersion in counseling work and client care.

Specialization and Elective Options

Some programs allow students to tailor their studies with electives or concentration tracks, such as:

Trauma and Crisis Counseling
Substance Use Counseling
Child and Adolescent Counseling
Marriage and Family Counseling

Regardless of format, the combination of academic coursework and structured clinical training ensures graduates are prepared to meet the educational requirements for LPC or LPCC licensure in many states.

Career Outcomes with a Master’s in Professional Counseling

Graduates of an online master’s in professional counseling are typically prepared to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), depending on the state. Once licensed, counselors can work with individuals, couples, families, and groups to address mental health concerns, life challenges, and personal growth.

Common Work Settings

Private practice – Providing individual and group therapy directly to clients
Community mental health agencies – Serving diverse populations with a range of needs
Hospitals and healthcare systems – Offering counseling as part of integrated behavioral health teams
Schools and universities – Supporting students’ mental and emotional well-being
Government and nonprofit programs – Addressing issues such as crisis intervention, homelessness, and substance use recovery

Salary and Job Outlook

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors—a category that includes many licensed professional counselors—showed a median annual wage of $59,190 in May 2024, with higher earnings possible in private practice and healthcare settings. The BLS projects 19% job growth from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations, driven by increasing demand for mental health services.

Other Possible Roles

In addition to traditional counseling positions, graduates may pursue related roles such as:

Program director in mental health or social services
Clinical supervisor (with experience and licensure)
Case manager or care coordinator
College student services or wellness program staff

Licensure is the key to unlocking the broadest career opportunities in professional counseling, but even before obtaining it, graduates may qualify for supportive or supervised roles in the mental health field.

How to Choose the Right Online Program

Selecting the right online master’s in professional counseling program requires careful consideration of factors that will directly affect your ability to gain licensure and succeed in your career.

Verify Licensure Alignment

State laws determine the coursework, clinical hours, and supervision requirements for LPC or LPCC licensure. Before applying, confirm that the program’s curriculum meets your intended state’s licensing criteria. Some schools publish detailed licensure alignment charts, but it’s wise to cross-check with your state licensing board.

Check CACREP Accreditation

Enrolling in a CACREP-accredited program helps ensure your education meets widely recognized professional standards and may streamline licensure approval both in your state and in others if you move. Accreditation is also valued by employers and can simplify portability between jurisdictions.

Compare Tuition, Format, and Faculty Expertise

Evaluate the total program cost, including fees and any travel expenses for on-campus intensives if the program is hybrid. Review faculty profiles to see whether instructors have experience in your areas of interest, such as trauma counseling, substance use, or child and adolescent work.

Look for Strong Internship Placement Support

Securing practicum and internship sites can be challenging for online students. The best programs offer assistance in locating and approving local placements, as well as clear guidelines to ensure those experiences meet licensure standards.

By balancing accreditation, licensure compatibility, cost, flexibility, and support services, you can choose a program that sets you up for both short-term success in graduate school and long-term success in your counseling career.

FAQ

Is a “professional counseling” degree different from “clinical mental health counseling”?In most cases, no. Many states treat these degree titles as equivalent for LPC or LPCC licensure, provided the curriculum meets required competencies. Always confirm with your state licensing board, as program naming conventions can vary by school and region.

Can I get licensed in another state with this degree?Possibly. Licensure portability depends on how closely your program matches the educational standards of the new state. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program often improves your chances, but you may still need to complete additional coursework or supervised hours.

Are there 100% online LPC-eligible programs?Yes. Many accredited universities now offer fully online master’s in professional counseling programs, though you’ll still complete your practicum and internship in approved, in-person sites in your local community.

How long does it take to complete the program?Most full-time students finish in about two to three years. Part-time students may take three to four years, depending on course load and how quickly they complete required clinical hours. Accelerated formats are also available at some schools for highly motivated students.

Next Steps

Earning an online master’s in professional counseling can open the door to a rewarding career as a licensed mental health professional, but success starts with choosing the right program. Verify that your chosen school meets your state’s licensure requirements, confirm CACREP accreditation, and ensure the curriculum and clinical training align with your career goals. By taking the time to research, connect with admissions advisors, and plan your application timeline, you can position yourself for both a smooth path to licensure and a meaningful future in the counseling field.