There are several benefits to choosing an online counseling program compared to a campus-based one. Convenience and flexibility are obviously among the most appealing reasons to go for such a program. Still, interested individuals will also be glad to know that the majority of online programs today boast an equal level of educational rigor, accreditation, and overall quality as traditional, campus-based programs.
Completing a robust online counseling program allows candidates to start their careers on a solid yet convenient pathway and earn competitive income in one of the fastest-growing disciplines across the country.
Through the guide below, readers should be able to identify the very best and most prominent online counseling programs to consider to begin their journeys successfully.
Enrolling in an Online Counseling Program to Become a Counselor
The journey to become a counselor typically begins with a bachelor’s degree. This may be in psychology, social work, counseling, or related fields.
A bachelor’s degree is necessary to provide a foundation in human behavior and mental health. Afterwards, candidates are expected to pursue a master’s degree.
This can be a master of Arts or a master of Science degree in counseling. Apart from helping candidates develop practical skills and competence, having a master’s degree is also a requirement for licensing and specialization.
Counselors can specialize in various fields, including mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, school counseling, and more. After their programs, it is imperative to gain supervised clinical experience.
Many states require at least 2000 supervised clinical hours as part of the licensing process. Finally, after meeting all of these requirements, candidates can officially apply for a state license and pass the state or national licensing examination.
Top Online Counseling Programs
The following list contains prominent counseling programs that candidates may attend to complete their education online.
Northwestern University
- Master of Arts Degree in Counseling
- $5,743 per unit
Northwestern University is a reputable institution offering several high-quality training programs that utilize both campus-based and distance-based learning approaches. For prospective master’s degree students in counseling, the school offers a robust online master of Arts and Counseling program with qualified instructors and rigorous learning materials.
Students are prepared to become clinical mental health counselors through theory and evidence-based practices. The program can be completed in just 18 months for full-time students and 36 months for part-time students. Even candidates who are learning online will still be able to connect with peers, professors, and other counseling professionals during their online classes.
Arizona State University
- Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling
- $580 per Credit
Arizona State University is one of the most popular places to consider for an online Bachelor of Science degree in counseling. The school offers an official program, known as the online Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science, which comprises 120 total credit hours.
Candidates must participate in 40 classes before they graduate. They will be able to pick up expertise in cultural diversity, counseling strategies, professional ethics, and addiction dynamics, among other key areas of the profession. They will also be able to develop transferable attributes, including adaptability, analytical skills, leadership, interpersonal skills, research methods, and understanding of group dynamics.
Faulkner University
- Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling
- $325 per semester hour
Faulkner University in Alabama has an amazing counseling psychology training program through which candidates can earn a bachelor’s degree online. The program focuses on core psychology and counseling concepts. Still, it ultimately sets up candidates to pursue an array of positions, including counseling, psychology, human services, social work, education, and more.
The online curriculum is notable for its rigorousness despite being very easy to follow. Candidates will learn about the philosophical, cultural, and ethical considerations of counseling, while also completing electives that allow them to customize their education.
Arizona State University
- Master of Science Degree in Counseling
- $605 per Credit
Arizona State University’s Online Division offers a master’s degree in Counseling with maximum convenience and flexibility. Administered via the School of Counseling and Counseling Psychology, students of this program will be prepared to take on clinical mental health services across several cultural environments.
The coursework combines theoretical instruction and supervised field experience to ensure that graduates are as well-rounded as possible. Accepted applicants should be prepared to complete 60 total credit hours across 20 classes.
Key topics include assessment, case management, basic trauma response, cultural responsiveness, clinical documentation, and other relevant areas.
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Master of Science Degree in Counseling
- $844.56 per credit hour
University of Maryland Global Campus offers students the opportunity to earn a master of Science in Clinical Professional Counseling through a convenient yet highly robust program. The program was designed to help candidates develop the skills, knowledge, and expertise to offer the most effective care for their prospective patients.
Candidates will be able to learn from seasoned faculty members who can provide both practical experience and theory-based training. Areas of focus include advanced theory, psychopathology and diagnosis, clinical mental health counseling, substance use and dependency counseling, and more.
Walden University
- Master of Science Degree in Counseling
- $50,890 per program
Walden University in Minnesota offers several online master’s degree programs in counseling that candidates can utilize to advance their careers and take on leadership positions. These include a Master of Science dual degree in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling, a master of Science in addiction counseling, as well as a master of Science in forensic counseling.
Candidates may also apply here for other possible single and dual degrees in marriage and family counseling, trauma and crisis counseling, addiction counseling, and more. All of the programs operate at high educational standards and are accredited by CACREP.
Bradley University
- Master of Science Degree in Counseling
- $68,100 - $69,235 per Program
Bradley University offers two online master’s degree programs for interested individuals across the country. These include a master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Program and a master of Arts in Counseling: Professional School Counseling Program.
Both programs can be completed in 40 months, with tuition for the first program at $68,100 and for the second program at $69,235. Accepted applicants will be able to blend academic theory with hands-on experience, even through the online approach.
CACREP accredits both programs.
Liberty University
- Master of Arts Degree in Counseling
- $580 per credit hour
Liberty University in Virginia is another excellent destination for individuals seeking to earn a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and complete their education online. The school offers several highlights, including field-tested techniques, best practices, qualified instructors, and rigorous academic courses.
This program is also an LPC degree program, which means that it is a “license for professional counseling” degree, and graduates can indeed obtain a professional counseling license.
Crown College
- Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling
- $530 per credit hour
Crown College is responsible for an amazing Bachelor of Science in Psychology/counseling training program that can be completed online. The program teaches human behavior, interpersonal dynamics, and mental health through robust yet flexible learning resources.
A Christian University, faith is ingrained into the school’s learning approach. Crown College also provides an accelerated pathway from a Bachelor of Science to a master of Arts.
This way, candidates will be able to start participating in graduate-level courses during the senior year of their undergraduate education. Each student is also assigned an academic advisor to provide additional support.
Walden University
- Doctorate in Counseling
- $43,750 (excluding dissertation)
Lastly, for those who wish to earn a doctorate in counseling online, Walden University offers a range of viable options across several specialty areas. For instance, candidates may pursue the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program, the PhD in Addiction Counseling program, or the PhD in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
Other options include a general program, a marriage and family counseling PhD program, a school counseling PhD program, and a trauma and crisis program. Walden University boasts a strong reputation for graduate success.
Online Counseling Programs FAQs
The following are some commonly asked questions about online counseling programs and related master’s degrees.
Are Online Counseling Degrees Respected?
Yes, online counseling degrees are not only perfect for candidates who desire convenience and flexibility, but they are also very effective in job placement and career growth thanks to their favorability among employers. Candidates who pursue online counseling degrees are usually as respected as those who attended campus-based programs.
Which are the Three Most Affordable Online Counseling Programs?
The three most affordable online counseling programs among the listed options are Faulkner University, Arizona State University’s bachelor’s degree program, and Crown College’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Counseling Training program.
How to Choose the Best Online Counseling Program for You?
There are several things to keep in mind when choosing the optimal online counseling program. A lot of programs, including the ones highlighted above, operate at very high educational standards, so it typically comes down to personal preferences.
