Best Master’s Degree in Counseling

UMass Boston's most affordable online counseling degrees include counseling and rehabilitation counseling. Both run entirely online and take full-time degree-seekers two years to complete. Students in the rehabilitation counseling program analyze sociocultural considerations in counseling, the foundations of rehabilitation, and vocational rehabilitation and placement.

Career Services and Internships curates several job-hunting resources, including a customizable career plan worksheet, a private job board, and the Career Resource Library. This library features a free collection of books and research materials covering job search skills and personal development tips. Other services include virtual job fairs.

Prospective students with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA can apply for the spring or fall semester. Applicants must submit MAT or GRE scores, three recommendation letters, and a statement of interest. Learners who live outside of Massachusetts pay approximately double the in-state tuition rate. New degree-seekers submit FAFSA results to apply for institutional financial aid.

• Graduation rate: 69.7%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Boston, MA
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE not required
• Contact: 617-287-5000
• Website

FHSU offers three fully online master's in counseling programs: college counseling/student affairs, clinical mental health, and school. The degrees require 54-60 credits, and each requires coursework in counseling skills development, lifespan human development, and the foundations of counseling. All students complete at least one practicum, and clinical mental health degree-seekers meet all academic requirements for a Kansas counseling license.

Career Services (CS) professionals help online students with a social media mindfulness guide, mock interviews, and career-ready competencies. Other CS resources include GoinGlobal, an online database that highlights international career opportunities.

FHSU admits new degree-seekers at three points each year. Applicants must submit undergraduate transcripts, recommendation letters, and standardized test scores. Although FHSU does not charge out-of-state tuition to online degree-seekers. In-state distance-education students pay slightly more than their on-campus peers.

• Graduation rate: 94%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Hays, KS
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE not required
• Contact: 785-628-3478
• Website

Texas residents training for a career as a primary or secondary school counselor often choose UT Tyler's master's in counseling online program. The fully online degree includes a 500-hour practicum that gives learners experience at their job site or another local school. The curriculum features courses in the cultural diversity of clients, the foundations of school counseling, and professional school counseling.

UT Tyler Career Success (CS) helps students choose the best job by hosting virtual career fairs, one-on-one coaching sessions, and career assessments. Online learners can explore these and other CS resources by creating a Handshake account.

Admission requirements include GRE scores, an active teaching license, and undergraduate transcripts. UT Tyler uses a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA cutoff and requires applicants to submit a criminal background check and personal essay. Texas degree-seekers with financial need may qualify for up to $2,000 in aid through the Texas Public Education Grant.

• Graduation rate: 42%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Tyler, TX
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is required (desired range for most programs is 290-300)
• Contact: 903-566-7000
• Website

NCCU offers some of the most affordable online counseling degrees. Learners can choose from career counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and school counseling programs. The latter degree requires 51 credits and prepares learners to work as primary or secondary school counselors. Career counseling alumni can work at colleges, private schools, or nonprofits.

Career Services (CS) features numerous resources, including a career path guide, job search preparation tips, and internship boards. Virtual programs and workshops cover career development skills and at-home internship opportunities. Alumni can explore links to job boards that highlight the best open positions throughout North Carolina.

Admission requirements include a minimum 2.7 undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, and two recommendation letters. Out-of-state students pay approximately four times the in-state tuition rate, and online learners do not pay fees. Learners can apply for institutional scholarships after submitting FAFSA results.

• Graduation rate: 52%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Durham, NC
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is required (no minimum score)
• Contact: 919-530-7396
• Website

UNT's affordable master's in counseling uses a 19-course, 60-credit curriculum and trains learners for careers as rehabilitation counselors. Courses include assessment, research and program evaluation, and counseling theories and techniques. Students complete over 700 hours of supervised fieldwork experience in a clinical setting and can customize the educational experience by selecting one elective.

Career Center (CC) resources such as Handshake and Career Communities help learners in their job search. The CC website also includes a Featured Companies section that highlights local employers and open positions.

Applicants need a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA or a 3.4 graduate GPA. Application materials include a self-statement on a theme, a resume, and two recommendation letters. The College of Health and Public Service awards six scholarships to eligible degree-seekers who submit a separate application and earn excellent grades.

• Graduation rate: 55%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Denton, TX
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required
• Contact: 940-565-2000
• Website:

USU's most affordable online counseling degree uses a 95% online curriculum. Learners spend one week on the university's Logan campus during both summer terms. Required courses include rehabilitation counseling skill development, perspectives on disability, and rehabilitation of persons with clinical mental illness. Students remain in good academic standing by maintaining a 3.0 graduate GPA.

The USU Virtual Career Center (VCC) offers online learners Handshake, career expiration tools, and a career tutorial through Canvas. The VCC website also publishes free articles covering work-life balance, transitioning from college to career, and careers that allow professionals to apply their passions.

Application requirements include a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, three recommendation letters, and GRE or MAT scores. Out-of-state degree-seekers pay approximately 25% more on tuition compared to Utah residents. USU considers all incoming students for multiple institutional aid opportunities. Learners can explore additional scholarships after they enroll.

• Graduation rate: 50%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Logan, UT
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is required (score for verbal and quantitative must be in the 40th percentile or better)
• Contact: 435-797-1000
• Website

MACU degree-seekers can choose from five online master's in counseling concentrations: addiction and substance abuse, applied behavioral science, clinical mental health, couples and family, and pastoral and spiritual direction. Coursework covers topics such as psychopathology, theories of counseling, and individual counseling. Each concentration also requires a 600-hour internship at an approved job site.

Learners can access many free resources, including Proquestion, WorldCat Library, and the Gale Virtual Reference Library. Career Development tools include career fairs and self-assessments. Students can also receive a free resume and cover letter critique.

MACU does not charge an application fee, and prospective students apply online before submitting supplementary materials. Each counseling concentration charges an identical per-credit tuition rate, and out-of-state learners pay the same as Oklahoma residents. While MACU does not award institutional scholarships to online degree-seekers, students can still apply for federal grants and loans.

• Graduation rate: 39%
• School status: Private
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Oklahoma City, OK 
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE not required
• Contact: 888-888-2341
• Website

SAU offers two master's in counseling online programs: an MS in college counseling and student affairs and an MS in clinical and mental health counseling. The former requires 51 credits in topics such as counseling theories, skills, and supervision. Learners can graduate in approximately three years. Clinical mental health counselors-in-training need 3.5-4 years to graduate and earn 60 credits.

Career Services (CS) advisors provide learners with resume templates, virtual career fairs, and events covering job-hunting tips and transferable skills. Other online resources include video presentations on composing a resume and preparing for an interview. CS also features a guide on Zoom etiquette.

SAU accepts new degree-seekers in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Applicants must submit GRE, GMAT, or MAT scores. Prospective students need a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Arkansas residents pay the most affordable tuition rate at this public university.

• Graduation rate: 43%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Magnolia, AK
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required if the applicant has a 3.0 GPA or higher from an accredited undergraduate program
• Contact: 870-235-4000
• Website

WTAMU's most affordable online counseling degrees include an MA and an M.Ed. MA degree-seekers analyze counseling interventions with children and adolescents, diagnosis and treatment in counseling, and essential helping skills in counseling. The M.Ed. program features a modified, shorter curriculum option for learners with a master's degree.

Students gain access to Career Services' (CS) career assessments, job board, and employer information guides. CS advisors' expertise helps over 90% of master's degree-seekers find a full- or part-time job soon after graduation.

Applicants to the M.Ed. program need a teaching license and at least one year of experience. Prospective students need a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. WTAMU charges a small per-credit fee to out-of-state learners.

• Graduation rate: 44%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Canyon, TX
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required
• Contact: 806-651-0000
• Website

UWA's affordable master's in counseling degrees include school counseling, counseling and psychology, and guidance and psychology. The school counseling program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and qualifies Alabama educators for a school counselor endorsement. Other counseling degrees emphasize lifespan development, the techniques of educational research, and statistics.

Students can get help researching potential careers, preparing a resume, and honing interviewing skills through Career Services (CS). CS' online Career Expo attracts employers throughout Alabama and the South.

The school counseling program requires applicants to possess an active teaching license. Applicants must submit three recommendation letters and a professional goals essay. Although a public university, UWA charges the same per-credit tuition rate to all degree-seekers.

• Graduation rate: 40%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Livingston, AL
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is required unless they the applicant has already completed an accredited master’s program
• Contact: 844-361-6034
• Website

One of the most affordable online counseling degrees, NAU's school counseling program requires coursework in career development, counseling children and adolescents, and individual counseling theories and techniques. Students can select between a thesis and non-thesis option. Learners who choose the latter take two more courses.

The Career and Success Services (CSS) website features a job and internship board, interviewing tips, and a career exploration guide. Learners can make an appointment with a CSS advisor to discuss career goals or perform a mock interview. Other CSS resources include professional development seminars and virtual events.

Admission requirements include two recommendation letters, a letter of intent, and a current resume. NAU charges the same tuition rate to in-state and out-of-state learners. International degree-seekers pay more than double. Graduate students may qualify for an institutional grant based on their FAFSA results.

• Graduation rate: 53%
• School status: Private
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Stafford, TX
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required
• Av. grad salary: N/A
• Contact: 832-230-5555
• Website

ESU's online master's in counseling program offers a hybrid MS in clinical counseling with two optional concentrations in clinical addictions and clinical mental health counseling. The core curriculum in all three pathways requires coursework in substance abuse in counseling, multicultural counseling, and counseling theories. Learners also complete a practicum and an internship.

Virtual resources on the Career Services (CS) website include part-time jobs, resume and cover letter advice, and mock interviews. Learners can log in to Handshake to explore these benefits and research upcoming online job fairs and events. CS helps students without professional experience research relevant internship and volunteer opportunities.

Application requirements include a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, three references, and GRE scores. All students pay the same affordable per-program tuition rate. Financial aid options include federal grants and loans. ESU offers a free financial literacy guide to all learners.

• Graduation rate: 46%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Emporia, KS
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required
• Contact: 620-341-1200
• Website

Mercy's master's in counseling online program features a 48-credit, three-year curriculum and a concentration in school counseling. Coursework includes counseling and application, research methodology, and multicultural perspectives in counseling. Students stay in good academic standing by maintaining a 3.0 graduate GPA. Learners can choose one of two licensure tracks: English or bilingual counseling.

Career and Professional Development (CPD) advisors host webinars covering Mercy's career academies, local employers, and financial literacy. The CPD blog features information regarding interviewing best practices and how to earn supplemental income while in school. Students can also download a resume and cover letter guide that aligns with their career goals.

Mercy requires an essay (800-1,000 words), two recommendation letters, a resume, and undergraduate transcripts. Online learners pay the same per-credit tuition rate as their on-campus peers. Students can apply for all institutional aid programs by submitting the Mercy College Endowed Scholarship Application.

• Graduation rate: 48%
• School status: Private
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Dobbs Ferry, NY
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required
• Contact: 914-674-7600
• Website

CSC's most affordable online counseling degrees confer an MA, and students can choose between school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. Coursework includes counseling and communication skills, career and lifestyle development, and research design and data analytics. Nebraska degree-seekers who select the clinical mental health counseling degree fulfill all academic requirements for state licensure.

The CSC Career and Academic Planning Services (CAPS) website features the newest job opening and career fair information. CAPS offers numerous tips and tools covering resume basics, interviewing techniques, and a professionalism guide. CAPS also works with local employers to host on-campus interview days highlighting different industries.

CSC does not require standardized test scores or recommendation letters, but it asks all prospective learners to interview. Out-of-state online degree-seekers do not pay a higher tuition rate, and the university does not offer a flat tuition rate to full-

• Graduation rate: 42%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Chadron, NE
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required
• Contact: 800-CHADRON
• Website

Wright State's affordable master's in counseling features concentration options in addiction counseling and clinical rehabilitation counseling. Clinical rehabilitation degree-seekers analyze psychosocial rehabilitation, career counseling and development, and systems theory. Both concentrations require a 100-hour practicum experience, 40 of which involve direct contact with patients.

Counselors-in-training can turn to Wright State's Student Success Services (SSS) to research the best job-hunting resources, including Handshake, virtual career fairs, and employer resume critiques. SSS hosts annual events that feature employers from different industries. These and other SSS initiatives help master's degree alumni earn an average $49,500 salary.

Prospective students who do not possess a minimum 3.3 undergraduate GPA must submit GRE or MAT scores. Other application steps include an interview with a faculty member. The Graduate Tuition Scholarship Program awards funding to degree-seekers who earn at least a 3.0 graduate GPA.

• Graduation rate: 43%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Dayton, OH
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required if the applicant has a 3.3 GPA or higher from an accredited undergraduate program. Minimum GRE score is 291 on quantitative and verbal combined.
• Contact: 937-775-1000
• Website