[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online master’s in counseling programs offer flexibility for working students who want to advance their career and salary potential. Graduates can pursue a career as a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC), school or career counselor, Christian counselor, marriage and family therapist, or addiction counselor.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Discover the top online master’s in counseling programs. Learn about becoming a licensed or certified counselor and salary expectations for various careers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Best Master’s in Counseling Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list has been updated for 2025. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Master’s in Counseling Online Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many options for online counseling programs, which can make finding the right one for you a bit overwhelming. Researching and narrowing your list down to 3-5 possible options is a good start, but there are several other things you need to take into account. Below are some guidelines and essential factors to consider when choosing an online master’s in counseling program:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation: Ensure the prospective program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: Familiarize yourself with each prospective program’s admissions requirements and prerequisites to ensure you meet the requirements.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Concentrations: If you plan to specialize, be sure the program you select offers the specialization or concentration you plan to pursue.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Field Experience: Evaluate the program’s mandatory field experience. Find out if the institution helps set up supervised field experience, the number of required hours, and if the school requires field experience to occur at one of their partner sites.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Transfer Credits: Find out if your work experience can apply to transfer credits or field experience hours.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Format Delivery: Check the program delivery mode (e.g., 100% online or hybrid)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cost: Compare tuition rates; distance learners should find out if there are additional fees for in-person residency weekends and if out-of-state tuition applies.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accreditation for Master’s in Counseling Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colleges and universities in the U.S. must be accredited to confer valid counseling degrees recognized by professional bodies and employers. Accreditation ensures the quality of a school’s program and determines its eligibility for federal funding, which you’ll need to qualify for financial aid.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s in counseling online program may hold accreditation from an industry-specific accrediting body, such as the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cacrep.org/” target=”_blank”]Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs[/hen-ui-link] or the [hen-ui-link href=”https://mpcacaccreditation.org/” target=”_blank”]Master of Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council[/hen-ui-link]. This programmatic accreditation ensures you qualify for licensure, employment, and further education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Earn Your Master’s in Counseling Online?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning your master’s in counseling online offers many academic, professional, and lifestyle benefits compared to an on-campus program. Here are a few reasons why it may be the right path for you:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Increased Flexibility: Online counseling programs let you study from the comfort of your own home and often allow you to work at your own pace.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Receive the Same High-Quality Education: Online programs typically include the same courses and meet the same academic rigors as on-campus programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Access Top Programs Across the Country: You can choose schools beyond your commuting distance, including the top-ranked programs nationwide.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Potential Cost Savings: You can often save on commuting, housing, and campus fees. Some programs even offer lower tuition rates or scholarships specific to online students.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base uppercase”]Reality Check: Do You Need a Master’s Degree To Become a Counselor?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To [hen-ui-link href=”/counseling/how-to-become-a-counselor/”]become a clinical counselor[/hen-ui-link], you need a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and a state license, which requires supervised clinical hours. This license lets you assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In contrast, non-mental health counseling roles — like career, substance misuse, or behavioral disorder counseling — may have fewer licensure requirements. Some may require only a bachelor’s degree and focus more on support and guidance than clinical treatment.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What You Can Expect From Online Counseling Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accredited online counseling master’s programs typically take two years of full-time study to complete and prepare you for professional examinations and state licensing requirements for licensed professional counseling. Check that your program meets the licensing requirements you need to achieve your goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online master’s in counseling programs include advanced classes and capstone requirements. Students learn counseling theories, evidence-based research, and strategies for diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before applying for a master’s in counseling online program, you need to determine which [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/counseling-degrees/”]type of counseling degree[/hen-ui-link] or concentration you want to pursue. Each specialization involves working with different clients and responsibilities, so identifying which area interests you is key. Six of the most common counseling specialties at the master’s level include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ align=”center”]Types of Counseling Degrees and Specialization Areas[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Career Counseling[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical Mental Health Counseling[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-family-counseling/”]Marriage and Family Counseling[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rehabilitation Counseling[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-school-counseling/”]School Counseling[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-substance-abuse-counseling/”]Substance Misuse Counseling[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Master’s in Counseling?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a master’s in counseling provides a pathway to an array of [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/counseling/”]careers in counseling[/hen-ui-link], helping people confront challenges, solve problems, and develop coping skills. With a master’s in counseling, you can work in schools, clinics, hospitals, or private practice.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In these settings, counselors may work with specialty populations, including children, adults, or families, address issues related to substance use or rehabilitation, or serve in roles such as mental health [hen-ui-link href=”/counseling/counselor-vs-therapist/”]counselors or family therapists[/hen-ui-link] within healthcare or educational organizations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Counseling Career, Salary, and Job Outlook[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Counselors make a [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/000000″ target=”_blank”]median annual salary of $60,200[/hen-ui-link] annually, according to May 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, several factors influence earning potential, including specialty, licensure, location, and educational level.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Master’s in Counseling Careers and Salaries[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]8 Counseling Career Paths[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (May 2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Outlook (2023-2033)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career Counselors[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Counseling Career Paths”]$65,140[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Religious Workers (including Christian Counselors)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Counseling Career Paths”]$58,570[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Genetic Counselors[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Counseling Career Paths”]$98,910[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]16%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Marriage and Family Counselors[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Counseling Career Paths”]$63,780[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]16%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Mental Health Counselors[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Counseling Career Paths”]$59,190[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]19%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Rehabilitation Counselors[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Counseling Career Paths”]$46,110[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]2%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]School Counselors[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Counseling Career Paths”]$65,140[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Substance Misuse Counselors[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Counseling Career Paths”]$59,190[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]19%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does an Online Master’s in Counseling Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The median cost of an online master’s in counseling is $8,112 for a master of arts (MA) and $10,188 for a master of science (MS), based on 2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, adjusted for 2025 dollars.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Costs can vary depending on the degree type (MA vs. MS) and whether the institution is public or private. In general, tuition rates for online counseling programs are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Median Annual Tuition Cost of Online Master’s Degrees (In 2025 Dollars)[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Program Type[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]MA Degree[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]MS Degree[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Online[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Type”]$8,112[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MA Degree”]$10,188[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Campus-Based[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Type”]$16,806[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MA Degree”]$14,035[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Counseling Online Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Should I get a master’s in social work or counseling?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The decision to pursue a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-masters-social-work/”]master’s in social work[/hen-ui-link] or counseling depends on the type of career you wish to pursue. While there is a crossover, a master of social work (MSW) degree leads to a career focused on social work, whereas you’ll need a counseling degree to work as a licensed counselor.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What can I do with a master’s in school counseling?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a master’s in school counseling, you can become a licensed school counselor, typically working in K–12 educational settings. Sometimes referred to as guidance counselors, these professionals treat children with challenges that impact their social interactions or academic achievement during school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, since many school counseling programs include coursework and practicum experiences that overlap with other counseling specialties, this training may be transferable to roles in areas like clinical mental health, substance misuse, and military counseling, though additional licensure or certifications may be required.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is counseling psychology?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Counseling psychology is a branch of psychology that helps people improve their well-being at all stages of life. Unlike clinical psychologists, who treat serious mental health disorders, counseling psychologists focus on life challenges and emotional issues. Most counseling psychologists need a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a master’s in counseling worth it?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If your career goal is to become a clinical counselor, a master’s in counseling degree is worth pursuing. Virtually all employers and licensed counseling positions require a master’s degree. As far as the job market goes, counselors are in demand. The job growth outlook for licensed or certified counselors is very good.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for mental health professionals, such as counselors, is expected to grow much faster than the national job growth from 2023-2033 as more people seek counseling services. For example, marriage and family therapists have a 16% projected growth rate.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between an MA and an MS in counseling?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A MA is a humanities-based program that often focuses on theoretical knowledge. In contrast, a master of science (MS) in counseling is a research-based postgraduate degree, offering an evidence-based, hands-on approach.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ultimately, a master’s in counseling program that meets board requirements and your needs should be the deciding factor.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”27673,27677,27731″][/hen-ui-article-row]