Why This Matters

  • MASTER’S REQUIRED TO WORK PROFESSIONALLY

    Because of the complex, sensitive nature of counseling vulnerable populations, practitioners must have an advanced degree in order to work in most counseling jobs.

  • 22% PROJECTED JOB GROWTH BY 2031

    The U.S. expects to add 77,500 new jobs for substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors by 2031.

  • EARN UP TO $75,000+ PER YEAR

    While the average salary for counselors is $48,520, the top 10% of workers in this field earn more than $77,980.

Our Research

This list features some of the best online master’s in counseling programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list are available at accredited institutions, including the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which promotes excellence in professional preparation through the accreditation of counseling and related educational programs.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online master’s in counseling programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

The Top 50 Master’s in Counseling Programs to Consider

Best Master's in Counseling Programs 2023
01
Intelligent Pick
Wake Forest University
01
Best Christian Institution
Clarks Summit University
01
Best for School Counseling
NYU Steinhardt
01
Most Affordable
Liberty University
01
Best Electives
University of the Southwest
01
Best for Youth Counseling
Northwestern University
01
Best for Financial Aid
Regent University
01
Best Part-Time Program
NC State University
01
Best Residency
Grace College
01
Best for Substance Abuse Counseling
Adler University
01

Lamar University
01

Messiah University
01

Bradley University
01

Southern New Hampshire University
01

University of Denver
01

Medaille University
01

University of Louisiana Monroe
01

Lock Haven University
01

Palo Alto University
01

Touro University Worldwide
01

Lincoln Christian University
01

North Carolina Central University
01

Texas A&M University at Commerce
01

University of West Alabama
01

Concordia University at Irvine
01

NSU Florida College of Psychology
01

Hope International University
01

Bellevue University
01

Sacred Heart University
01

Antioch University
01

Bay Path University
01

City University of Seattle
01

Keiser University
01

LeTourneau University
01

Rutgers School of Health Professions
01

Mid-America Christian University

What You Should Know About This Degree

Counselors work with vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with mental, behavioral and developmental disorders. It’s a job that relies heavily on compassion, empathy, patience, and interpersonal skills, and it can be mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding. As such, those considering a counseling career should evaluate if they have the right qualities for the job.

Despite being a master’s-level entry field, an advanced degree does not necessarily translate to higher pay for counselors. As mentioned above, the median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in 2021 was $48,520, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $30,870 a year. While determining financial return on investment is important when choosing a master’s degree, it’s also key to consider whether the career will fulfill your personal interests and goals.

Even in online programs, there is a hands-on learning component for all counseling degrees. The exact settings and number of hours you have to complete may vary, but it’s important to make sure this component of the program fits into your schedule.

Additionally, because practicums and internships take place in clinical settings, you usually have to pass a background check. Find out what the program’s background check requirements are to ensure you are eligible for the program.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Master’s Degree in Counseling programs:

  • Does this program offer the concentration I want? The counseling field includes many specializations, including mental health, substance abuse/addiction, school, rehabilitation, and couple and family counseling. If you want to specialize, select a program that offers your desired concentration.
  • Will I be eligible for licensure? Most counselors must be licensed in order to practice professionally, although requirements vary by state. Where you earn your degree and the program’s accreditation can affect your ability to become licensed, so it’s essential to understand your state’s licensing requirements and confirm whether your program of interest meets their education requirements.

During the research process, you should also review a program’s admission requirements and deadlines. This will help your application process go as smoothly as possible. You can typically find this information on the school’s website or by contacting their admissions department.

You will also want to research options for funding your graduate degree, including loans, scholarships, assistantships, and employer tuition benefits if you are currently employed.