Best Online Master’s in Counseling

Q: What can I expect from an online college course?

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

Q: Is online college easier?

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom. And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Q: Why does accreditation matter in online college?

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation. Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

Q: Will I be able to transfer my online college degree?

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

Q: Will employers respect my online degree?

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction. While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

By James Barham

Published: Jun 22, 2021
Updated: Sep 9, 2023

Find top-ranked online master’s in counseling degree programs to help students prepare for careers as hospital mental health program directors, marriage and family therapists, private practice counselors, or licensed school counselors.

Top 10 Online Master's in Counseling Degree Programs

Florida State University
University at Buffalo
University of Alabama
University of Kentucky
North Carolina State University
Wake Forest University
San Diego State University
Virginia Commonwealth University
University of North Texas
Winston-Salem State University

Alliance University 100%
Baptist College of Florida 100%
Naropa University 100%
Liberty University 99%
Prescott College 99%
Marshall University 98%
West Texas A&M University 97%
University of Kentucky 94%
University of New Haven 94%
Virginia Commonwealth University 93%

San Diego State University 27 to 1
University of North Texas 26 to 1
Fort Valley State University 24 to 1
Florida State University 21 to 1
Southern New Hampshire University 21 to 1
University of Alabama 20 to 1
California Baptist University 19 to 1
Lamar University 19 to 1
Regent University 19 to 1
Virginia Commonwealth University 18 to 1

Wake Forest University $59,770
Salve Regina University $44,200
University of New Haven $42,898
St. Bonaventure University $37,640
California Baptist University $37,018
Bradley University $36,360
Naropa University $34,800
Prescott College $34,701
Nova Southeastern University $34,570
Medaille University $33,250

Adler University $40,530
Wake Forest University $38,650
William James College $34,800
Medaille University $22,296
Nova Southeastern University $21,153
Golden Gate University $19,620
Naropa University $19,556
Southern New Hampshire University $18,900
University of New Haven $17,820
Bradley University $17,100

Medaille University
Baptist College of Florida
Alliance University
Amridge University
Lindsey Wilson College
Hodges University
Southern Wesleyan University
William James College
Montana State University Billings
Colorado Christian University

Wake Forest University 25%
Florida State University 37%
San Diego State University 38%
Regent University 41%
North Carolina State University 47%
Southern Wesleyan University 57%
Webster University 59%
Truman State University 61%
California Baptist University 64%
Medaille University 70%

William James College 7 to 1
Naropa University 7 to 1
Union Institute & University 7 to 1
Baptist College of Florida 8 to 1
Prescott College 9 to 1
Immaculata University 10 to 1
Wake Forest University 11 to 1
Webster University 12 to 1
Golden Gate University 12 to 1
St. Bonaventure University 12 to 1

Winston-Salem State University $3,401
Fort Valley State University $4,064
Montana State University Billings $4,485
Florida State University $4,640
San Diego State University $5,742
West Texas A&M University $6,211
Lamar University $6,228
University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,270
University of Nebraska Omaha $6,344
North Carolina State University $6,535

Winston-Salem State University $3,872
Fort Valley State University $4,344
Baptist College of Florida $4,500
West Texas A&M University $5,086
Montana State University Billings $5,878
University of Nebraska Omaha $6,138
University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,216
University of North Texas $6,350
Lamar University $6,471
San Diego State University $7,176

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Degrees

Why get a master’s in counseling?

After earning a counseling-related undergraduate degree, most students continue on to earn a master’s degree in counseling either online or on campus.

What areas of expertise are there?

Students will likely choose a focused path in areas such as substance abuse counseling, school counseling, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or pastoral counseling. Depending on the chosen track, students can expect to explore areas such as abnormal psychology, mental health disorders, counseling techniques, and developmental psychology.

What are the credentials for getting a master’s in counseling?

A master’s in counseling program is typically 60 credits, and students must also complete comprehensive exams.

What can I do with a master’s in counseling?

Graduates can then go on to earn licensure and gain employment as hospital mental health program directors, marriage and family therapists, private practice counselors, or licensed school counselors.

How do we determine the best online counseling master's degree programs?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

Median Salaries of Similar Careers in the U.S.

The following graph depicts the average salaries of similar occupations to Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in the U.S.

Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

Annual Salary

82770School Psychologists

96260Sociologists

98010Psychologists, All Other

99640Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

113320Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

50 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degree Programs

#1
Florida State University
Tallahassee , FL
#12 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #24 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2023 #2 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
37%
Graduation
83%
Student body
41K
Median SAT/ACT
1285/29
Online Degrees
MS in Counseling and Human Systems

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#2
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa , AL
#10 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #1 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
72%
Student body
35K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/27
Online Degrees
MA in Rehabilitation Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#3
University at Buffalo
Buffalo , NY
#3 Best Public Colleges in New York 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2023 #10 Best Research Universities in New York 2023 #10 Best Colleges in New York 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
74%
Student body
28K
Median SAT/ACT
1225/26
Online Degrees
MS in Rehabilitation Counseling

Required Credits: 48
Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#4
University of Nebraska Omaha
Omaha , NE
#2 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2023 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
50%
Student body
13K
Online Degrees
MS in Counseling

Concentrations

Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education

Required Credits: 38
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#5
University of Kentucky
Lexington , KY
#14 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #1 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #1 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
68%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/25
Online Degrees
MA in Counseling in Counselor Education

Concentrations

Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Rehabilitation Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#6
San Diego State University
San Diego , CA
#9 Best Public Colleges California 2023 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2023 #17 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees #17 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
38%
Graduation
76%
Student body
34K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/25
Online Degrees
MS in Rehabilitation Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
Format: Hybrid
Compare school
#7
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond , VA
#3 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2023 #5 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2023 #5 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2023 #5 Best Colleges in Virginia 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
68%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1155/24
Online Degrees
MS in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#8
North Carolina State University
Raleigh , NC
#2 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2023 #3 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
47%
Graduation
84%
Student body
31K
Median SAT/ACT
1320/29
Online Degrees
MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 12
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
MEd in College Counseling and Student Development

Required Credits: 12
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#9
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem , NC
#2 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2023 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #4 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2023 #4 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
25%
Graduation
90%
Student body
8K
Online Degrees
MC in Master’s in Counseling

Concentrations

Clinical Mental Health
School Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#10
Naropa University
Boulder , CO
#2 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2023 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2023 #5 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2023
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
34%
Student body
<1K
Online Degrees
MA in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 3 years
Format: Hybrid
Compare school
#11
William James College
Newton , MA
#10 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$11K
Student body
<1K
Online Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 2.5 - 3 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#12
Adler University
Chicago , IL
#8 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs) #17 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$16K
Student body
1K
Online Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: None Reported
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#13
University of Southern Maine
Portland , ME
#2 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2023 #2 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2023 #2 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2023 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
34%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1059/22
Online Degrees
MS in Counseling-Rehabilitation

Required Credits: 54-63
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Hybrid
Compare school
#14
University of North Texas
Denton , TX
#6 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2023 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2023 #6 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2023 #9 Best Research Universities in Texas 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
60%
Student body
36K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/23
Online Degrees
MS in Rehabilitation Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#15
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale , FL
#3 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2023 #10 Best Research Universities in Florida 2023 #10 Best Colleges in Florida 2023 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
61%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1135/23
Online Degrees
MS in Counseling

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Counseling
Substance Abuse Counseling
Substance Abuse Counseling And Education

Required Credits: 33
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#16
Prescott College
Prescott , AZ
#1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arizona 2023 #1 Best Small Colleges Arizona 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2023 #5 Best Colleges in Arizona 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
40%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1192/19
Online Degrees
MS in Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#17
Bradley University
Peoria , IL
#2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2023 #7 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2023 #10 Best Colleges in Illinois 2023 #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
76%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1180/25
Online Degrees
MA in Counseling

Concentrations

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#18
Webster University
Saint Louis , MO
#16 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2023 #3 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2023 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
59%
Graduation
57%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1169/23
Online Degrees
MA in Psychology

Concentrations

Counseling Psychology

Required Credits: 48
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#19
Union Institute & University
Cincinnati , OH
#6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2023 #8 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2023 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2023 #10 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$17K
Graduation
33%
Student body
<1K
Online Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#20
Colorado Christian University
Lakewood , CO
#2 Best Christian Colleges in Colorado 2023 #7 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2023 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Colorado 2023 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Colorado
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$18K
Graduation
61%
Student body
9K
Online Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Concentrations

Marriage And Family Therapy
Substance Use Disorders

Required Credits:60- 68
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#21
Marshall University
Huntington , WV
#2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2023 #2 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2023 #2 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
52%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1042/22
MA in Counseling

Concentrations

Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#22
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester , NH
#5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
39%
Student body
102K
Online Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#23
Liberty University
Lynchburg , VA
#4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2023 #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
62%
Student body
79K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/25
MA in Human Service Counseling

Required Credits: 30
Completion time: 1.5 years
Format: Online
MA in Addiction Counseling

Required Credits: 48
Completion time: 2 years
Format: Online
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 2 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#24
Regent University
Virginia Beach , VA
#13 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2023 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2023 #5 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2023 #9 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
41%
Graduation
62%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/25
Online Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 2 years
Format: Online
MA in Marriage, Couple And Family Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 3 years
Format: Online
MA in Human Services

Concentrations

Counseling
Trauma And Crisis Counseling
Biblical Counseling
Grief Counseling

Required Credits: 30
Completion time: 2 years
Format: Online
MA in Human Services-Addiction Counseling

Required Credits: 30
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#25
Hampton University
Hampton , VA
#1 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #3 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #3 Best Small Colleges in Virginia 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
57%
Student body
3K
Online Degrees
MA in Counseling

Concentrations

General Counseling

Required Credits: 31
Completion time: 1.5 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#26
Bellevue University
Bellevue , NE
#7 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2023 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2023 #4 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
23%
Student body
9K
Online Degrees
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#27
Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley , GA
#16 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2023 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2023 #9 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
45%
Student body
3K
Online Degrees
MS in Rehabilitation Counseling and Case Management

Required Credits: 61
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#28
Alliance University
New York , NY
#18 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2023 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees #3 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
40%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
960/19
Online Degrees
MA in Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 63
Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#29
Oral Roberts University
Tulsa , OK
#12 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #12 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2023 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oklahoma 2023 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Oklahoma 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
59%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1100/23
Online Degrees
MA in Professional Counseling

Required Credits: None Reported
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#30
Amridge University
Montgomery , AL
#3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Alabama 2023 #3 Best Online Associate in Web Design #4 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2023 #7 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
44%
Student body
<1K
Online Degrees
MA in Professional Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
MDiv in Professional Counseling

Required Credits: 96
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#31
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney , NE
#1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2023 #3 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2023 #4 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
58%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1030/22
Online Degrees
MSEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#32
Immaculata University
Immaculata , PA
#3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Pennsylvania 2023 #11 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023 #19 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2023
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
69%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/20
Online Degrees
MS in Nutrition Education and Counseling

Concentrations

Tracks: Nutrition Education and Counseling
Clinical Nutrition

Required Credits: 63
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#33
California Baptist University
Riverside , CA
#24 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2023 #25 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in California #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Kinesiology Degree Programs for 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
57%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1055/21
Online Degrees
MS in Counseling Psychology

Required Credits: 62
Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#34
Plymouth State University
Plymouth , NH
#3 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #4 Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire 2023 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #4 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
53%
Student body
4K
Online Degrees
MEd in School Counseling

Required Credits: 48
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 63
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#35
Truman State University
Kirksville , MO
#1 Best Small Colleges in Missouri 2023 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2023 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2023 #4 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2023
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Colleges in Missouri 2023
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Missouri 2023
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
72%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1205/27
Online Degrees
MA in Counseling

Concentrations

Mental Health
School Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#36
Baptist College of Florida
Graceville , FL
#10 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2023 #16 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies #17 Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2023
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
56%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1030/21
Online Degrees
MA in Counseling

Required Credits: 30
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#37
Lamar University
Beaumont , TX
#1 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2023 #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs #7 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
39%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1041/20
Online Degrees
MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
Format: Online
MEd in Counseling and Development

Concentrations

Marriage Couple and Family Counseling
Professional School Counseling Online

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
Format: Online
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#38
Lindsey Wilson College
Columbia , KY
#9 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2023 #10 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2023 #18 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2023
Tuition + fees
$26K
Graduation
40%
Student body
3K
Online Degrees
MEd in Counseling And Human Development

Required Credits: None Reported
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
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#39
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem , NC
#7 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #12 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #7 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs) #15 Best HBCU Online Programs
Other Rankings
- #15 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2023
- #16 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2023
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
46%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
965/18
Online Degrees
MSRC in in Rehabilitation Counseling

Required Credits: 63
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
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#40
St. Bonaventure University
Saint Bonaventure , NY
#9 Best Online MBA Programs in New York #20 Best Online Master’s in Communications #20 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees #21 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2023
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
71%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1129/25
Online Degrees
MSEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
Format: Online
MSEd in School Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
Format: Online
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#42
Hodges University
Fort Myers , FL
#4 Best Online Associate in Graphic Design #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida #10 Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2023 #17 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$15K
Graduation
15%
Student body
<1K
Online Degrees
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
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#43
Montana State University Billings
Billings , MT
#3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2023 #3 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2023 #4 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2023 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
28%
Student body
3K
Online Degrees
MS in Rehabilitation And Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 51
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Hybrid
MEd in School Counseling

Required Credits: 48
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
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#44
Golden Gate University
San Francisco , CA
#6 Best Small Colleges in California 2023 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2023 #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs #2 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Student body
2K
Online Degrees
MA in Counseling Psychology

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
Format: Online
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#45
Asbury Theological Seminary
Wilmore , KY
#5 Best Online Master's in Theology #11 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
Student body
1K
Online Degrees
MA in Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 75
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
MA in Marriage And Family Counseling

Required Credits: 75
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
MA in Pastoral Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
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#46
Medaille University
Buffalo , NY
#14 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2023
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
41%
Student body
2K
Online Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
Format: Online
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#47
University of New Haven
West Haven , CT
#6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2023 #7 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2023 #9 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2023 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
66%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1135/25
Online Degrees
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 3 years
Format: Online
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#48
Southern Wesleyan University
Central , SC
#10 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2023 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Carolina 2023 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina #11 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
52%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1075/21
Online Degrees
MS in Counseling Psychology

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 24-30 months
Format: Online
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#49
Salve Regina University
Newport , RI
#2 Best Christian Colleges in Rhode Island 2023 #4 Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2023 #4 Best Grad Schools in Rhode Island 2023 #5 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
73%
Student body
3K
Online Degrees
MA in Holistic Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 3 years
Format: Hybrid
MA in Holistic Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Hybrid
MA in Rehabilitation Counseling

Required Credits: 48
Completion time: 2 years
Format: Online
MA in Clinical Rehabilitation And Mental Health Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 2.5 years
Format: Online
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#50
West Texas A&M University
Canyon , TX
#4 Best Online Bachelor's in Biology #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for Students #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs #12 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
46%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1025/20
Online Degrees
MA in Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MEd in Counseling

Required Credits: 60
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MEd in School Counseling

Required Credits: 48
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from an online college course?+

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Why does accreditation matter in online college?+

Will I be able to transfer my online college degree?+

Will employers respect my online degree?+

What are the disadvantages of online classes?+

What are the advantages of online classes?+

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