Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Online

All Online Master's in Counseling Degree Programs

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Why get a Master’s Degree in Counseling?

Earning your master’s degree in counseling is an investment that can be both professionally and personally rewarding. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which accredits postgraduate counseling degree programs, identifies a master’s in counseling as the “entry degree” for those who seek to become licensed professional counselors.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which collects information on various professions, cites the median annual wages for substance abuse, behavior disorder and mental health counselors at $44,630—higher than the median for all occupations in the field ($38,640). Additionally, the BLS estimates that the employment of such counselors will grow 22 percent from 2018 through 2028—again, higher than the average for all occupations in the field (5 percent). 

A master’s degree in counseling also equips the holder to provide treatment to those suffering from mental, emotional and relationship issues, which can be personally fulfilling.

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.

Factors to Consider in Choosing Your Online Counseling Program

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.

Curriculum

The curriculum of a master’s in counseling degree program must conform to CACREP’s standards in order to be accredited. Accordingly, programs must consist of graduate-level study with a minimum of 60 semester credit hours or 90 quarter credit hours. The foundation of the counseling curriculum must cover eight common core areas:

1. Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice
2. Social and Cultural Diversity
3. Human Growth and Development
4. Career Development
5. Counseling and Helping Relationships
6. Group Counseling and Group Work
7. Assessment and Testing
8. Research and Program Evaluation

Students may also elect to concentrate in eight specialty areas in counseling:

1. Addiction Counseling
2. Career Counseling
3. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
4. Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
5. College Counseling and Student Affairs
6. Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
7. School Counseling
8. Rehabilitation Counseling

Lastly, the curriculum must include both a practicum and an internship. The practicum must be at least 100 supervised clock hours over a full academic term of 10 weeks, with 40 clock hours of direct service with clients. The internship must be a minimum of 600 supervised clock hours, with 240 hours of direct service.

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.

Counseling Certification and Licensure

As noted by CACREP, counseling certification and licensure is processed by state counseling boards according to their own requirements. Generally speaking, graduates of a master’s in counseling degree program will need to take their state’s licensure exam and complete a number of supervised postgraduate hours in order to be certified.

The American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB) works to standardize such qualifications among its members, but differences prevail and aspiring counselors are recommended to contact their state board for their specific requirements. Learn more about counseling licensure and certification.

How to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Below are some common steps to become an LPC, although everyone's path is different.

1. Earn a master’s in counseling or equivalent from a CACREP-accredited degree program.
2. Complete the state licensure examination mandated by your state counseling board.
3. Complete the number of supervised postgraduate hours mandated by your state counseling board.
4. Complete any other requirements mandated by your state counseling board, such as a background check.
5. Apply for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) from your state counseling board.
6. Secure employment as an LPC.

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Counselor Salary Information

While the BLS does not keep statistics on counselors in general, it does so for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors in particular. According to BLS statistics, the median annual wages for such counselors in May of 2018 was $44,630, although it did differ by industry:

• Government: $51,690
• Hospitals: $48,310
• Individual and Family Services: $44,120
• Outpatient Centers: $43,120
• Residential Centers: $38,190

Learn more about counselor salaries.

Related Online Mental Health Degrees

Discover other degrees that may help you make a difference in people’s lives.

Online Master’s in Psychology

An online master’s in psychology degree provides a foundation in basic scientific methods and psychological principles as well as the skills and disposition to affect change in people and organizations. Topics may cover lifespan development, behavior management, research and analysis, counseling, intervention and psychopathology and prepare students to make a difference in the world. Learn more about becoming a psychologist.

Online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy

Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) help couples and families overcome their interpersonal issues. They work with their clients in one-on-one sessions, family sessions and couples sessions to build a disciplined routine around mindful habits. LMFTs are required to earn certifications and hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university to legally practice. Explore our extensive list of online MFT programs or learn more about becoming a marriage and family therapist.

Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Behavior analysts work with a variety of clients and develop clinically appropriate treatment plans according to individual client needs and abilities. Behavior analysts use applied behavior analysis to assess, counsel, and intervene to decrease unwanted behaviors and improve desirable behaviors. They often work alongside family members, medical professionals, and educators to provide effective, wraparound treatment for their clients.

An online ABA program provides students with a broad set of skills that may be applied in a variety of industries and settings. Learn more about becoming a behavior analyst.

Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW)

For aspiring or practicing social workers with an undergraduate degree, earning an MSW is one way to add to your expertise. An MSW may offer greater career opportunities in clinical, specialty, and supervisory practice than what may be achievable with a bachelor’s degree. In addition to potentially qualifying you for a wider range of roles, an MSW may also help you reach a higher earning potential and position you to become a licensed social worker. Explore our extensive list of online MSW programs.

Online Master’s in Human Resources

At its core, work within the human resources field is about effectively managing an organization’s valuable resources – the people – to help both the individuals and their employers thrive. Human resources management (HRM) blends human psychology and organizational behaviors to recruit and retain talent and to promote ethical cultures. Explore our extensive list of online master’s in Human Resources.

Last updated: October 2020