Best Master's Degrees in Counseling

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Updated December 19, 2023

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Looking to become a counselor? Here, we outline the best master's in counseling programs and their insights so you can find the right fit.

GradSchoolHub.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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The best master's in counseling programs are accredited and affordable, featuring an advanced curriculum with fieldwork experience. Affordable online counseling degrees provide a pathway to a graduate education without putting you in long-term debt. Explore the top-ranked counseling programs and what to look for in your search.

Popular Online Counseling Master's Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Master's Degree in Counseling Programs

#1 Best Master’s Degrees in Counseling

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

SNHU's online master of arts in clinical counseling offers a convenient pathway for busy adults to prepare for licensure as a professional counselor. Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), this program delivers almost all courses asynchronously with no set class times. The 60-credit curriculum requires a 100-hour practicum, a 600-hour internship, and two in-person residencies.

Recognized as one of the most affordable online counseling degrees in the nation, this MA degree charges lower than average online tuition rates, provides generous tuition discounts to military service members, and grants up to 12 hours of transfer credits from previously attended schools.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,000
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,900
Out-of-state
$18,900
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
145,533
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#2 Best Master’s Degrees in Counseling

Bellevue University

  • Bellevue, NE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The 60-credit master of science in clinical mental health counseling at Bellevue University features the same tuition rate for in-person and online students. The CACREP-accredited program offers convenient class schedules for campus-based students and personalized student coaching for distance learners. Online students may arrange to complete their required clinical hours near their place of residence.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with at least a 2.5 GPA from their most recent 60 undergraduate credits or a minimum 3.0 GPA from previously completed graduate coursework.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,560
Out-of-state
$7,560
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,980
Out-of-state
$10,980
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,902
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best Master’s Degrees in Counseling

University of Massachusetts Global

  • Irvine, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Designed for adult learners, the UMass Global master of arts in counseling prepares graduates for public school counselor positions in grades K-12. This uniquely focused degree meets the requirements for the pupil and personnel services credential in school counseling and the child welfare and attendance authorization accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The 48-credit online curriculum offers distance learners instruction in teletherapy and virtual counseling.

The program offers three annual start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. Candidates for admission should have a minimum 2.75 GPA and demonstrate experience working with children.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,000
Out-of-state
$12,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,240
Out-of-state
$12,240
Retention Rate
19%
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
9,798
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
99% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#4 Best Master’s Degrees in Counseling

National University

  • San Diego, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online

The master of arts in counseling psychology at National University offers two specializations: the marriage and family therapy (MFT) track and the combined MFT/licensure professional clinical counselor option. The 20-month MFT specialization prepares graduates to sit for the marriage and family therapy license administered by the Board of Behavioral Sciences in California. The 23-month combined specialization requires three additional courses to meet the eligibility requirements for licensure in California as a professional clinical counselor. 

The curriculum features an accelerated month-by-month structure based on four-week online courses. Because National University admits applicants throughout the year, students may begin their online MA in counseling any month of the year.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,320
Out-of-state
$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,480
Out-of-state
$15,480
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
55%
Students Enrolled
18,631
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
80% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#5 Best Master’s Degrees in Counseling

Lamar University

  • Beaumont, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), Lamar University's master of education in counseling and development focuses on professional school counseling in grades K-12. Graduates meet the educational requirements to qualify for the school counseling certification and professional counselor licensure in Texas.

This 60-credit degree, which typically takes 30 months to complete, follows an accelerated schedule based on five-week online courses. The curriculum includes a 15-week practicum, a 15-week internship, and a week-long in-person residency. Lamar University offers multiple start dates and ​​affordable tuition that allows distance learners to pay for their studies course by course.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,228
Out-of-state
$16,020
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,471
Out-of-state
$13,815
Retention Rate
59%
Acceptance Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
16,914
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
88% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 Best Master’s Degrees in Counseling

East Carolina University

  • Greenville, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A good fit for students interested in a hybrid counseling program, ECU's master of science in clinical counseling offers hands-on research and clinical experience under the direction of faculty mentors. Coursework emphasizes addictive behaviors and their impact on families and society.

This CACREP-accredited degree requires 62 credits, including a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship. In addition to these required supervised field placements, students can gain additional experience working in the Navigate Counseling Clinic, a student-run, department-sponsored clinic serving the local community. Applicants to the program need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and a written statement describing their interest in counseling.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,452
Out-of-state
$20,729
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,749
Out-of-state
$17,898
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
27,151
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
74% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 Best Master’s Degrees in Counseling

Golden Gate University

  • San Francisco, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Available in an online or hybrid format, Golden Gate University's master of arts in counseling psychology trains students to practice relationally informed psychotherapy. The degree provides the educational requirements to pursue licensure as marriage and family therapists or licensed professional clinical counselors in California and some other states.

Applicants to the 60-credit MA program must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with at least a 2.5 GPA, and submit a statement of purpose and a resume. Students enrolled in the counseling psychology program must fulfill a psychotherapy requirement by completing 50 hours of therapy with a licensed clinician or therapist.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,088
Out-of-state
$11,088
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,620
Out-of-state
$19,620
Retention Rate
50%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,685
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
56% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#8 Best Master’s Degrees in Counseling

Saybrook University

  • Pasadena, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online

Emphasizing holistic and systemic approaches to clinical mental health counseling, Saybrook University's master of arts in counseling trains graduates to provide integrative treatment to individuals, families, and communities. The CACREP-accredited degree comprises 60 credits delivered primarily in an asynchronous online format, except for two five-day residential conferences each year. 

The curriculum requires 700 hours of field experience over three semesters in the form of a practicum and two internships. The MA degree satisfies the course requirements to apply for licensure as a licensed professional counselor, licensed professional clinical counselor, or licensed mental health counselor in 43 states and Washington, D.C.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$20,856
Out-of-state
$20,856
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
915
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#9 Best Master’s Degrees in Counseling

Bay Path University

  • Longmeadow, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Bay Path University's master of science in clinical mental health counseling features specializations in advanced trauma-informed counseling, alcohol and drug use counseling, or school adjustment counseling.

The 60-credit degree meets the educational requirement to sit for the licensed mental health counselor for Massachusetts and parallel licenses for other states. The MS program delivers almost all coursework in an asynchronous online format. Courses that meet LMHC eligibility requirements may use synchronous delivery to facilitate group supervision.

Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree with a 3.0 minimum GPA, submission of an original essay, a resume, and two letters of recommendation. A working knowledge of statistics, research methods, abnormal psychology, personality, and development is strongly recommended.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$35,781
Out-of-state
$35,781
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,235
Out-of-state
$19,235
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
2,745
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
73% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#10 Best Master’s Degrees in Counseling

Midwestern State University

  • Wichita Falls, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Dedicated to promoting advocacy and respect for diverse populations and multiculturalism in counseling, the master of arts in clinical mental health counseling at Midwestern State prepares students for licensed clinical work in Texas and other states or for doctoral studies.

This CACREP-accredited program offers two fully online specializations. The 60-credit clinical mental health counseling track emphasizes the use of research and data to inform ethical counseling practice that serves diverse populations. The 63-credit concentration in school counseling prepares graduates to provide direct counseling to K-12 students; consult with parents, teachers, and administrators; serve as a liaison between the school and external agencies; and facilitate classroom guidance and support.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,877
Out-of-state
$7,827
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,246
Out-of-state
$5,416
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
5,797
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Methodology

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For more information, read our full school rankings methodology.

What to Look For in a Counseling Master's Degree Program

Counseling master's degree programs may look similar, but some may be better suited for you than others. Consider the following factors when deciding between counseling programs:

  • Curriculum: Compare the program to your career interests and end goals. Look for a program that provides concentrations and practical learning opportunities that match the counseling profession you want. Master's degree counseling programs offer common concentrations that include addiction counseling, marriage and family therapy, mental health and wellness, rehabilitation counseling, and school counseling.
  • Program Schedule: The most common program formats include in-person, online, and hybrid. Online students watch lectures when convenient throughout the week or attend live courses at set times. Consider what schedule fits your needs.
  • Staff-to-Student Ratio: Students benefit from a lower staff-to-student ratio as it allows for more personalized attention.
  • Application and Admission Requirements: Colleges that uphold stricter admissions requirements create a more competitive application process. A college that admits a greater number of students creates a more inclusive atmosphere.
  • Accreditation: You should enroll only in an accredited college, which ensures it meets quality and industry standards. These schools complete a self-assessment and peer review by an accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Counsel for Higher Education Accreditation.
  • Cost, Funding, and Financial Aid Options: The most affordable online counseling degrees offer lower-cost tuition and funding opportunities. Typically, in-state public tuition is less expensive than private tuition.

Hybrid and Online Options

Distance learning comes in many shapes. Popular formats include online and hybrid structures. The ratio of online to face-to-face coursework varies between institutions. You can attend on-campus and online classes in a hybrid structure. Exclusively, online classes eliminate the need to go to campus. However, counseling majors should expect to work in person during the practical experience requirements.

The different formats can impact your master's education. Regardless of the format, choose a program that holds accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program, which recognizes both online, hybrid, and in-person programs. CACREP evaluates programs against standards that include academic quality, learning environment, and professional practice and field experiences.

Practical Experience Requirements

A school that arranges field placements for you can make completing your supervised work experience easier. Even if you attend a fully online master in counseling degree, the program requires that you complete practicums or internships in person. CACREP-accredited programs require 100 practicum hours and a 600-hour internship.

If possible, choose a placement that matches your focus of study. This provides you with direct client experience in your chosen area of counseling. Fieldwork includes practicum evaluations, assessments, and creating treatment plans under supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Counseling Programs

What is the difference between a therapist and a counselor?

Therapist and counselor can be interchangeable and are often used to refer to the same profession. Differences may arise between the two based on how a counselor or therapist practices and how their practice intersects with clients' needs. For example, marriage counselors may practice differently than behavioral therapists due to a specialized area of expertise.

What is the difference between an MS and an MA in counseling?

A master of science in counseling degree suits those with undergraduate majors in the sciences, while non-science majors may prefer a master or arts counseling degree. Both degrees integrate labs, fieldwork, and courses on theory, evaluation, and assessments. However, a master of arts is grounded in humanities. Scientific inquiry and research serve as the focus of a master of science degree.

Can you become a counselor without a master's degree in counseling?

No. Licensing requirements established and enforced by states require at least a master's degree to earn a license as a counselor. Licensed professional counselors need a master's degree. However, bachelor's degree holders can pursue careers in counseling as community healthcare workers or social workers.

What is the difference between a psychology master's program and a counseling master's program?

A master in psychology program and a master in counseling program share similar courses that explore the human mind and condition. The main differences are that psychology considers mental health from a medical model and counseling from a wellness-based model. Therefore, psychology vs. counseling courses will be based on these different models. Additionally, psychologists must earn a doctorate in psychology to get licensed, while counselors can get licensed with a master's degree.

Page last reviewed April 24, 2024. This page's information — not including school descriptions — was reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by gradschoolhub.com.

Elizabeth Rivelli picture

Elizabeth Rivelli

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Elizabeth Rivelli is a writer who covers education topics for Best Value Schools, Grad School Hub, and Criminal Justice Degree Schools, among others. She has more than three years of experience writing for top publications including Bankrate, Coverage.com and Reviews.com.

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