Online Master's Degree in Counseling - Best of 2024

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A master’s degree in counseling is a course of study that prepares graduates to promote the overall health and well-being of persons in their care. Specialization and training come in the form of education and on-the-job training with an already licensed professional. They can specialize in work with children, families, or those dealing with grief, addiction, or behavioral issues, to name a few. Counseling is a widely used approach for treating addictions, marriage problems, and relationship issues.

A master’s of counseling is a psychology-focused degree, though at a different level from a regular psychology degree. The field of counseling psychology is a theory-based, hands-on academic area that focuses on putting counseling practices into action.

A master’s degree in counseling is a professional degree that can allow graduates to help those who seek out counseling. Students study theory early on and their later coursework focuses on applying their knowledge in counseling settings. Admission to the field requires a formal education, practical experience, and licensure. The National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) provides testing and qualification for licensure.

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PROS

Counseling is a socially rewarding field in which professionals contribute to the health and well-being of their patients. A master’s degree in counseling also has economic rewards and a wider range of career options than a bachelor’s degree.
A master’s requires a core of study subjects and elective coursework, but students can use course selections to concentrate in one or more fields of study in a way that is not possible with a lower-level degree. A master’s degree also opens a range of certifications and specialties not available to bachelor’s degree holders. Master’s degree holders can be trained and certified in specialty areas of practice and licensure typically requires a master’s degree and state-specific testing and certifications.
A master’s degree is also still an academic achievement that supports further education at the doctoral level. Master’s holders can advance to become educational policy makers, advanced researchers, and graduate-level faculty.

CONS

A master’s degree in counseling requires attendance at an accredited college or university. To gain admission to a master’s program, students must have a bachelor’s degree in counseling, or a related field and they may be required to also have experience in the field or to have earned a certain GPA in previous studies, depending on the program. A master’s degree in counseling also does not qualify a graduate to work as a counselor with their degree alone; each state requires licensure for counselors, which usually means passing a national exam and completing some time on the job under an already licensed.
The master’s degree is a required step that helps qualify a graduate for licensure. Licensure requires a national examination and approval by a national licensing agency like the national Board of Certified Counselors. The NBCC issues the National Certified Counselor certification.
Counselors seeking certification in a specialized area may choose among three specialty certifications in addition to the NCC.
A master’s degree is also not the highest degree in the field. Graduates seeking academic, policy, and research roles may need to go further and complete a doctoral program. A PhD level degree supports extensive research opportunities and the highest levels of specialization. Educational policy, administration, and faculty positions may require a doctorate in a specialized field.

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Top 25 Best Online Masters in Counseling Programs

Northwestern University

Score: 88.3

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $52,698
- Out-of-State: $52,698
Net Price: $22,095
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Retention Rate: 98%

Graduation Rate: 97%
Total Enrollment: 23,161
Undergrad Students: 8,993
Graduate Students: 14,168
Grads Salary: $89,000
Student-to-faculty: 6:1

Vanderbilt University

Score: 85.4

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $54,744
- Out-of-State: $54,744
Net Price: $25,606
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Retention Rate: 96%

Graduation Rate: 93%
Total Enrollment: 13,710
Undergrad Students: 7,151
Graduate Students: 6,559
Grads Salary: $89,000
Student-to-faculty: 7:1

San Diego State University

Score: 79.12

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,176
- Out-of-State: $16,680
Net Price: $13,017
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Retention Rate: 89%

Graduation Rate: 78%
Total Enrollment: 37,402
Undergrad Students: 32,194
Graduate Students: 5,208
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 25:1

Wake Forest University

Score: 79.01

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $38,650
- Out-of-State: $38,650
Net Price: $26,197
Acceptance Rate: 21%
Retention Rate: 94%

Graduation Rate: 90%
Total Enrollment: 8,963
Undergrad Students: 5,447
Graduate Students: 3,516
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Florida State University

Score: 78.58

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,684
- Out-of-State: $24,116
Net Price: $14,003
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Retention Rate: 94%

Graduation Rate: 85%
Total Enrollment: 44,161
Undergrad Students: 32,936
Graduate Students: 11,225
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Regis College

Score: 74.4

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $23,688
- Out-of-State: $23,688
Net Price: $30,014
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 3,230
Undergrad Students: 1,121
Graduate Students: 2,109
Grads Salary: $100,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

University of Arizona

Score: 72.28

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,718
- Out-of-State: $32,290
Net Price: $17,075
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 68%
Total Enrollment: 49,403
Undergrad Students: 38,751
Graduate Students: 10,652
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Bradley University

Score: 71.61

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,702
- Out-of-State: $18,702
Net Price: $24,053
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 76%
Total Enrollment: 5,552
Undergrad Students: 4,143
Graduate Students: 1,409
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

West Virginia University

Score: 70.09

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,908
- Out-of-State: $28,260
Net Price: $12,202
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 24,741
Undergrad Students: 19,059
Graduate Students: 5,682
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Score: 69.42

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,630
- Out-of-State: $11,196
Net Price: $13,025
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 43%
Total Enrollment: 11,306
Undergrad Students: 7,383
Graduate Students: 3,923
Grads Salary: $91,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

University of Mary

Score: 68.86

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,620
- Out-of-State: $10,620
Net Price: $18,369
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 3,652
Undergrad Students: 2,506
Graduate Students: 1,146
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Concordia University-Wisconsin

Score: 68.36

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,960
- Out-of-State: $12,960
Net Price: $24,485
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 66%
Total Enrollment: 4,988
Undergrad Students: 2,817
Graduate Students: 2,171
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Messiah University

Score: 68.08

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,590
- Out-of-State: $13,590
Net Price: $24,120
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 78%
Total Enrollment: 3,231
Undergrad Students: 2,495
Graduate Students: 736
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

University of North Dakota

Score: 68

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,963
- Out-of-State: $17,944
Net Price: $17,359
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 63%
Total Enrollment: 13,876
Undergrad Students: 9,928
Graduate Students: 3,948
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Waynesburg University

Score: 67.47

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,920
- Out-of-State: $16,920
Net Price: $22,281
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 60%
Total Enrollment: 1,366
Undergrad Students: 1,116
Graduate Students: 250
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Seton Hall University

Score: 67.41

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,160
- Out-of-State: $35,160
Net Price: $33,472
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 72%
Total Enrollment: 9,623
Undergrad Students: 6,012
Graduate Students: 3,611
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Gwynedd Mercy University

Score: 67.33

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,321
- Out-of-State: $15,321
Net Price: $28,122
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 57%
Total Enrollment: 2,091
Undergrad Students: 1,412
Graduate Students: 679
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

University of Jamestown

Score: 66.36

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,410
- Out-of-State: $11,410
Net Price: $19,950
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 1,242
Undergrad Students: 978
Graduate Students: 264
Grads Salary: $84,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Prairie View A&M University

Score: 66.15

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,191
- Out-of-State: $14,353
Net Price: $12,875
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 41%
Total Enrollment: 9,056
Undergrad Students: 8,103
Graduate Students: 953
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

University of Massachusetts-Boston

Score: 66.13

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,366
- Out-of-State: $37,800
Net Price: $17,123
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 15,586
Undergrad Students: 12,221
Graduate Students: 3,365
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Nova Southeastern University

Score: 65.1

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,890
- Out-of-State: $22,890
Net Price: $29,589
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 20,948
Undergrad Students: 6,971
Graduate Students: 13,977
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

University of Denver

Score: 64.47

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $58,032
- Out-of-State: $58,032
Net Price: $42,423
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 88%

Graduation Rate: 77%
Total Enrollment: 13,734
Undergrad Students: 6,151
Graduate Students: 7,583
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

Angelo State University

Score: 64.13

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,181
- Out-of-State: $11,741
Net Price: $12,838
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 41%
Total Enrollment: 10,599
Undergrad Students: 9,066
Graduate Students: 1,533
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

University of Louisiana at Monroe

Score: 64.02

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,490
- Out-of-State: $18,590
Net Price: $11,353
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 8,398
Undergrad Students: 6,552
Graduate Students: 1,846
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Lamar University

Score: 63.81

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,471
- Out-of-State: $13,815
Net Price: $11,757
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 38%
Total Enrollment: 16,803
Undergrad Students: 8,264
Graduate Students: 8,539
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

Bachelors vs. Masters

Counseling is a broad field, and it has significant differences between branches and specializations. Licensed counselors can use certificates to deepen their area of practice, gain specialized knowledge, or gain dual licensure. Certificates are typically shorter programs than master’s degrees, though they range from about six-months to two-years.

Certificates can help master’s degree holders qualify for licensure in various areas and certificates can help those with no master’s degree qualify in a given state and a specific specialization. For example, a state may permit certificates and even licensure for substance abuse counselors without a master’s degree.

What Counseling Master’s Degrees are Available?

Each school offering a master’s degree in counseling sets its own academic standards. However, you should be sure that whatever school you attend will help you to complete all requirements for state licensure if you are looking to go into a counseling practice. Schools can also place their counseling programs in various departments including education, social work, or psychology.

The options between schools may include master’s degree options such as a Master of Science or a Master of Arts. The differences between these lie in the core coursework and educational objectives. The common aspects of both types of master’s degree are psychology- and counseling-focused coursework, clinical fieldwork, and either a research project or overall assessment.

Master of Arts in Counseling degrees offer curriculum rich in practical application of theory. The MA is an interdisciplinary approach to counseling combines philosophy, ethics, and the humanities. Coursework focuses on foundations of counseling, counseling theories, and counseling techniques. Students must also have a strong competence in counseling ethics.
Master of Science in Counseling degrees focus on research and analytical approaches to working with patients. The MS is a typical steppingstone toward a doctoral program. The typical core coursework includes psychometrics, research methodology, issues in psychological research, and ethics in psychological research.

Admission Requirements

Every college and university offering a master’s degree in counseling sets its own admission requirements for its programs. The typical requirements are a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, sufficient undergraduate courses in related areas, and a high level of academic achievement. Students with a master’s degree in a different field can also qualify, but they may be required to complete prerequisites on top of the usual courses for the program.

A personal statement is another typical requirement; schools wish to consider master’s applicants in terms of their long-term goals. Some programs may also require that prospective students complete the GRE and earn a minimum score. In addition to the above requirements, international students must submit proof of English proficiency.

How long does it take to earn a Master’s Degree in Counseling?

A typical master’s degree program in counseling requires around sixty credit hours. The typical range of coursework requirements is about 45 to 60 credit hours. This means that full-time students can complete a master’s degree in counseling in about two years, and part-time programs can run up to five years for completion.

Schools may place their MA or MS programs in departments of their choice. A school may offer an MA in Education or a Master’s in Social Work with counseling as a concentration. In nearly every program, students must participate in clinical fieldwork, in which they work with patients under observation. The final stage of a program can be an assessment or a capstone project that displays the students’ knowledge and capabilities.

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Potential Careers for Graduates

Academic or School Counselors work in educational settings such as high schools, community colleges, and universities. Academic counselors support student and the overall educational process by helping students find the best academic and career path forward. The average salary for this role is about $55,000 per year.
Substance Abuse Counselors offer therapy and support for individuals with drug, alcohol, or substance abuse addictions. They can work in individual or group settings and for public, non-profit, or private employers. The average salary for this role is about $46,000 per year.
Mental Health Counselors can be licensed, independent service providers or work as part of an organization or within a group practice. They work in many settings including courts, hospitals, and correctional institutions. They work to resolve psychological barriers to health and life goals. The average salary for this role is about $47,000 per year.
Marriage Counselors work with marriage and relationship issues. These counselors may interact with couples in individual or group settings. They help couples recognize harmful behavior patterns and find ways to develop positive and healthy interactions. The average salary for this role is about $70,000 per year.
School Counselors work with students at all levels and grades of education to help achieve academic goals, socialization, and personal adjustments. They also may work with parents or guardians of troubled young students. The average salary for this role is about $57,000 per year.

Options to Advance

Experience and expertise are keys to advancement in the field of counseling. Licensed practitioners can maintain a practice in as many field as they have qualifications. Experience matters, and employers typically ask for a substantial level of supervised experience when recruiting recent graduates. Counselors employed by organizations can also advance through certificates that go deeper into an existing area of practice or expand into a new or different area of practice. Advancement can bring greater responsibility and higher salaries.

Education and certificates can help counselors advance to senior and policy level positions. High demand areas of practice can make employees more valuable to an organization. For example, there may be urgent needs for more counselors in specific treatment situations like opioid addiction or the mental health effects of a pandemic. Business coursework can help counselors stand out as managerial candidates.

Best Online Masters in Counseling Degrees for 2024