Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Online

Completing a master’s degree program in counseling is the first step needed to become a professional counselor. Although there are some bachelor’s level degrees with a focus in counseling, in order to become a licensed professional counselor, you should complete a graduate level education then pursue your state's counseling licensure process.

Master's in counseling programs offer a specialized curriculum, with a primary focus on one centralized topic. A master of arts, sciences, or education in counseling focuses on creating a professional identity as a counselor, developing your helping skills, and expanding your understanding of human development and psychology.

Whenever you make a decision about your education, there are specific factors you should consider. When researching online counseling programs, these factors include accreditation, online student support services, clinical placement assistance close to home, small class sizes, and live online classroom discussions.

Featured Online Counseling Programs

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  • CACREP-Accredited online MA in Counseling for aspiring mental health counselors
  • Bridge to Counseling program for career changers
  Learn more information from Northwestern University

  Sponsored Online Counseling Program

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  • Accredited online school and mental health counseling degree programs from NYU Steinhardt
  • Full and part-time options available for all programs
  Learn more information from New York University

  Sponsored Online Counseling Program

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  • Master's in School Counseling online from top-ranked USC Rossier
  • Prepares students to pursue their credential as a school counselor
  Learn more information from University of Southern California

  Sponsored Online Counseling Program

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  • Help P-12 students in your community succeed. Earn your Master’s in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. 
  • Use data to build comprehensive school counseling plans
  Learn more information from the University of Denver

  Sponsored Online Counseling Program

Sponsored Online Counseling Programs

Factors to Consider in Choosing Your Online Counseling Program

If you're ready for an online counseling program, check out our list of All Online Master's in Counseling Programs

Accreditation of Counseling Degree Programs

Master's in counseling programs that are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Programs (CACREP) typically meet state licensing requirements.CACREP accreditation implies that university counselor training and educational programs have met the minimal professional standards to practice as an independent counselor.

There are over 40 CACREP accredited online counseling programs with specializations in clinical mental health, school, marriage, couple and family, career, student affairs and college, community and rehabilitation counseling. The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) accredits four online counseling programs from New York University and University of Massachusetts - Boston.

For online counseling programs that are career specific, such as online master's in school counseling or an online master's in mental health counseling, CACREP has "entry-level specialty area" content standards for accreditation. These standards include curriculum that supports the specific profession, i.e. models of school counseling programs or addiction and mental health co-occurring disorders.

Substance abuse and addiction counseling online programs are accredited by the National Addictions Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). One addictions counseling program from the University of the Cumberlands is accredited only by CACREP. Generally, accreditation by some governing body is important for online counseling programs in order to ensure quality, credibility, and value.

Types of Counseling

Deciding on your counseling career can occur before or after completion of your degree program. If you already know which field you would like to pursue, search for online counseling programs that offer the specialty, such as online school counseling programs. If you are unsure about which career you would like to pursue, review our guides on 10 different counseling careers! Most online counseling programs, when accredited, will offer some of the same basic counseling coursework. Keep in mind, however, that career specific online counseling programs may better prepare you for post-graduate counseling licensure.

All Accredited Online Master's in Counseling Degree Programs

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