Best Online Master’s in Counseling Programs of 2023

A private institution based in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University offers one of the nation's most comprehensive and well-rounded Master's in Counseling programs. To complete the program, students must complete 60 credits, consisting of 30 credits of core courses and 30 credits in the school counseling specialty. Wake Forest sets students up for success by allowing them to learn from nationally renowned counseling thought leaders, helping them find internship opportunities through the university's network of industry partners, and giving them access to 24/7 tutoring and support services. The Wake Forest University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers two specialty tracks: clinical mental health and school counseling. This gives students the chance to shape their curriculum around their interests and career goals. The minimum eligibility requirements for this program are a 2.5 GPA and a GRE score of 300.

Clarks Summit University is an exceptional choice for students interested in learning about counseling from a Christian perspective. This university's top-rated online Master's in Counseling program emphasizes a biblical counseling model that teaches students to deal with secular theories without comprising biblical truth. The program is designed to prepare students for state licensure and doctoral work in the fields of counseling or psychology. During the program, students will gain practical, hands-on experience by participating in counseling sessions in the on-campus counseling center. They will work with real clients under the guidance and supervision of a credentialed co-counselor. Online students can also coordinate internships at approved sites in their local area. 74% of students that participate in this program qualify for discounted tuition, making it more accessible than other, more expensive options.

The New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development offers a highly-ranked online Master's of Counseling program. Students can choose from two specialization options: mental health counseling and school counseling. The Master's in School Counseling program prepares students to guide pre-K-12 students toward success by working as a school counselor. This program will teach students how to create school programming that promotes students' well-being, develop approaches that encourage inclusiveness, and facilitate students' social and academic development. This program also offers an optional concentration in bilingual school counseling, helping students learn how to approach challenges facing students who speak English as a second language. Online students must also complete an on-campus immersion experience to gain practical experience before completing the program.

Liberty University is a Christian institution dedicated to providing professional counseling training from a faith-based perspective. Students can choose from several specializations, including addiction, school, human services, and pastoral counseling. Depending on the program, students may be able to complete their degree entirely online, while others may have to attend some on-campus intensives. At only $275 per credit, Liberty's online counseling program is the top choice for students looking for an affordable option that doesn't sacrifice quality. The university also offers military benefits that can lower costs for students that are serving or have served in the armed forces. Liberty's counseling program utilizes an eight-week format and offers eight start dates throughout the year, making it suitable for working professionals that require flexibility. Liberty does not require any standardized testing for admission, and students can transfer up to 50% of their master's degrees.

The University of the Southwest's Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling aims to prepare students for success as counselors who can facilitate client growth and development and empower individuals to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. The program has a proven history of success, with 83% of USW graduates reporting passing the National Counseling Exam on their first attempt. 65% of graduates are also directly hired by their Internship sites upon completion of the program. This degree program can be completed entirely online, on-campus at the university's location in New Mexico, or a combination of both. The University of Southwest stands out by offering a great selection of diverse electives, including Play Therapy, Introduction to Christian Counseling, Clinical Supervision, Human Sexuality, Addictions Counseling, Crisis and Trauma Intervention, and Psychopharmacology.

Northwestern University's CACREP-accredited online program utilizes the same curriculum as the on-campus program, and students can choose from accelerated, traditional, and part-time tracks to ensure their courses fit their schedules. The university also offers a Bridge to Counseling Program for students new to the field. Northwestern is a great choice for individuals that want to specialize in youth counseling. The child and adolescent specialization teaches students how to provide effective treatment for youth while still preparing them to work with adults. Students who choose this track will take two specialization courses during their second year that offer an in-depth look at child and adolescent development and treatment approaches to mental health concerns that commonly affect children and teenagers.

The Master of Science program in clinical mental health counseling offered by Regent University is highly rated. The program can be completed on campus or online with residency. Students will be expected to apply what they learn and gain real-world experience by participating in qualified internships. This CACREP-accredited program requires 60 credits to complete and consists of core courses like theories of counseling, psychopathology and diagnosis, and multicultural counseling. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate coursework to be eligible for admission to this program. Regent University is a great choice for students that rely on financial aid as 81% of Regent students received aid in 2021-2022, including over $22 million in institutional scholarships and financial assistance.

North Carolina State University is a top choice for students who can't commit to a full-time schedule and plan on pursuing their degree on a part-time basis. The school's online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is a three-year, part-time cohort program that requires students to take courses year-round, including summer. This year-round schedule helps students obtain their degrees in a timely manner without having to sacrifice their other obligations. The online program is only available to students residing in North Carolina, as some on-campus weekend classes are required during the program's final year. Prior to graduation, students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships in the community.

Grace College's online Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program focuses on teaching students with a biblical worldview, making it one of the best options for individuals interested in attending a Christian institution. This program can be completed almost entirely online but requires students to attend an annual seven-day on-campus residency in Winona Lake, Indiana. This residency provides students with opportunities to network with students and instructors, participate in training, develop their skills, focus on spiritual growth, and complete intensive coursework that will prepare them for their post-graduation careers. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and be able to supply a professional recommendation to be eligible for admission.

Adler University is the best option for graduate students interested in specializing in substance abuse counseling. Adler's Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers students the option to add on a Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling for an additional 12 credits of coursework. This certificate program is accredited as an Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor Training Program and provides education in the theories, techniques, and core functions of substance abuse counseling. Adler's master's program can be taken on campus or online. The online program takes three to four years to complete, and students must also complete two 5-day residency weeks at the Chicago campus during their first and second years.