Online Counseling Degrees

Establishing a career in counseling begins with education. Both for the relevant knowledge base and requisite credentials, education is the foundation for any practicing counselor. While licensing or certification requirements for counseling vary by state, one requirement that is consistent across the board is the completion of a master's degree. Even if you don’t immediately plan on pursuing licensure/certification, most clinics, hospitals and mental health practices will only hire candidates to practice counseling with a master’s degree.

As a counselor, the degree you earn provides you with the theoretical and practical knowledge and experience needed to demonstrate your level of expertise in the field. This degree will also help to qualify you for state licensure or certification and clinical positions within the counseling field.

Types of Online Counseling Degrees

While all of these degrees will prepare you for licensure and practice as a diverse, holistic counselor, the approaches to the field and education may vary. While, by definition, approaches may be different, ultimately it is up to the discretion of the university to decide how they award degrees.

Master of Arts

Earning your master of arts, or M.A. in counseling focuses on social sciences and humanities. M.A. programs in counseling take a theoretical and cultural perspective to understanding human nature and behavior. M.A. degrees are among the most popular graduate degrees awarded.

Master of Science

Pursuing a master of science, or M.S. in counseling focuses on a quantitative and analytical approach to human behavior and development. An M.S. in counseling may also be more focused on research, analysis, and evaluation.

Master of Education

Seeking a master of education, or M.Ed. in counseling prepares you for licensure in the educational field, such as school counseling. With a focus on learning theories and topics such as educational research and policy, an M.Ed. best prepares individuals entering the education field.

What should you look for in an online master's in counseling program?

Discover the important factors to your online counseling degree with these guides.

Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Degree Guide

Online Master’s in School Counseling Degree Guide

Featured Online Master's in Counseling Programs

CACREP-Accredited online MA in Counseling from The Family Institute
Full and part-time options available; Bridge to Counseling program for career changers
Optional specialization in child and adolescent counseling

Sponsored Online Counseling Program

Accredited online school and mental health counseling degree programs from NYU Steinhardt
Full and part-time options available for all programs
Bilingual school counseling specialization available

Sponsored Online Counseling Program

Online ME in School Counseling from #15 ranked USC Rossier
Prepares students to pursue their credential as a school counselor
Focus on College and Career Readiness, Trauma Informed Practices and Restorative Justice

Sponsored Online Counseling Program

Complete your M.Ed. with School Counseling Specialization
Be prepared to pursue licensure
Focus on addressing social issues
Collaborative on campus immersion events

Sponsored Online Counseling Programs

Online Learning Structures

Synchronous

Online learning that occurs at a specific set time and day is referred to synchronous learning where students within a course are synced with one another in attendance and participation. Synchronous learning elicits an engaging virtual classroom, enlightened with stimulating discussions, live lectures, and real-time faculty to student interaction.

Asynchronous

A common reference when speaking about online degree programs is the ability to log in whenever from wherever and complete coursework. Asynchronous learning permits students to log in and view lectures and coursework at their convenience―of course considering deadlines.

Online Counseling Degrees vs. Hybrid Counseling Degrees

Online Degrees

When you enroll in an online degree program, lectures, coursework and interactions with cohort members and university staff is all virtual. You will be held to the same standards that are placed for on-campus students such as timely submission of coursework, exam completion and participation. When it comes time to enroll in your field experience courses, a requirement of any counseling degree program, you will need to ensure that you meet requirements for both the university and state licensure by pursuing required supervision hours by a licensed, approved supervisor at your clinical site.

Hybrid Degrees

As partially online, hybrid counseling degree programs offer some on-campus courses and experiences that are either mandatory or voluntary as a part of your completing your degree. Some hybrid and online counseling programs may require that students attend a residency where they will meet other online and on-campus students in an effort to develop counseling skills, network with program peers, and meet university staff. Some programs offer access to academic advisors who can help you find fieldwork opportunities and others have mandatory short-length, intensive sessions on campus to fulfill your fieldwork requirement.

(Back to Top)

Accredited Online Counseling Degrees

Adams State University
Antioch University
Assumption College
Bellevue University
Bradley University
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Cornerstone University
Edinboro University
Fort Valley State University
George Washington University
Governors State University
Grace College
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School
Hodges University
Indiana Wesleyan University
Lamar University
Lindsey Wilson College

Lock Haven University
Malone University
Messiah College
Montana State University-Billings
New York University
North Carolina Central University
North Carolina State University
Northwestern University
Ottawa University
Palo Alto University
Regent University
St. Cloud State University
State University of New York at Buffalo
Texas Tech University
Thomas University
Union Institute and University
University of Alabama

University of Arkansas
University of Hawaii-Manoa
University of Kentucky
University of Louisiana-Monroe
University of Massachusetts - Boston
University of North Texas
University of South Dakota
University of Southern California
University of the Cumberlands
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Utah State University
Vanderbilt University
Wake Forest University
Western Kentucky University
Winston-Salem State University
Wright State University

(Back to Top)