Perhaps you’re interested in helping people struggling with social, behavioral or psychological issues and want to facilitate the process of overcoming those obstacles. Or maybe you want to provide career guidance for students in academic institutions. Clinical mental health counselors and school counselors are instrumental in working with people to give career options, develop preventative, interventional, as well as rehabilitative options that empower change and direction.
A solid career in the mental health industry starts with training that focuses on an awareness of social and cultural trends that impact our daily lives. Then, students will learn skills that help them serve diverse populations with a variety of ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
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What is an Online Master’s in Counseling?
Earning a master’s degree in counseling, broadens career options for mental health professionals, allowing graduates to specialize or advance in a number of career fields. Typically, counseling programs are categorized into clinical mental health counseling and school counseling, but some institutions will also combine the two focuses into a single option that requires additional credit hours to complete. Most programs require at least one internship for practical experience and academic practicums to gain real-world experience and preparation for professional certifications and/or licensure.
How Much Can You Earn With an Online Master’s in Counseling?
With a master’s degree in counseling, graduates can expand their career opportunities to include work as a rehabilitation counselor, a school or career counselor, or a marriage and family therapist. Median salaries for marriage and family therapists, according to the 2019 US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, were about $51,340 annually. Rehabilitation counselors specialize in physical, mental, and developmental disabilities and make about $37,530 annually. School and career counselors make slightly more coming in at about $58,120 annually. While most master’s programs prepare graduates for professional certification exams and licensure, requirements differ according to state regulations.
What Is Required For an Online Master’s in Counseling?
Pursuing an online master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling or school counseling requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field, typically with a GPA of 3.0 or above and appropriate work experience, for application. A predominant feature of the top online master’s in counseling programs is practical, real-world experience opportunities. Those opportunities are built into the degree program through workshops, internships, and practicums. Some programs require graduates to finish with an examination but nearly all programs prepare students to sit for professional state certifications and licensure testing.
What Are the Best Online Master’s in Counseling?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
Should you specialize in school counseling or mental health counseling?
Are you considering adding a master’s degree in counseling to your existing professional expertise? With 19.2% of adults in 2019 receiving mental health treatment according to the CDC and the rise, since 2020, for the need of more mental health professionals, according to CNBC, the need for professionals holding a master’s in counseling continues to increase. In addition, career and academic counseling for high school and college-aged students is at an all-time high, further elevating the need for qualified professionals with counseling master’s credentials. But before pursuing a master’s degree in counseling, you’ll need to consider the specializing options that you must choose between before registering. Some programs offer a combination of both degree focus choices, requiring additional credit hours for completion. However, the single degree in either clinical health counseling or school counseling is the most popular.
A master’s degree in counseling focuses on clinical mental health counseling or school counseling. According to Human Services EDU, mental health counseling “combines traditional psychotherapeutic methods of concrete interventions to promote efficient changes in the client’s life.” School counseling is specifically focused on the academic setting. Careers in Psychology categorizes school counseling as providing “enrolled or prospective students with support, guidance, and follow up with academic stressors as well as with emotional or relationship issues that may develop during the student’s academic career.” Key things to consider when choosing between the two focuses should include the employment environment you hope to work in after graduation, the differences in the academic coursework you’ll complete, and whether you prefer to mentor students or help a more diverse group of patients seeking mental health support.
Why does a master’s in counseling require internship participation?
While traditional theory, modeling and interactive coursework all provide the key foundational instruction for a comprehensive master’s in counseling program, internship experience plays a vital role in preparing graduates for a successful experience in the real world. Much like a practicum, internship experience offers students the opportunity to put the skills and techniques they have learned in class into practice in a real-world environment. It also provides students with a chance to learn how to think on their feet, adjusting their strategies and techniques as the patient, group or situation dictates.
While practicums are geared to student observation, documentation, and then discussion of observations, internships are much more like the real job. Students are not mentored with each experience but rather supervised periodically by their instructor, much like a true job experience. In addition, internships are placed toward the end of the degree coursework and can require as much work as an actual job. Course credit is given for the internship, but students can also expect to be called upon to plan and implement whole lessons themselves. In some instances, internships may offer financial compensation to the student but that is not a requirement or the case for all internships.
Why don’t master’s in counseling programs offer licensure in the field?
The counseling profession is an interdisciplinary field that requires coursework in psychology as well as traditional counseling theory and strategies. The crossover study between counseling and psychology offers students the opportunity to expand their core knowledge and practical skills to meet the needs of a variety of professional environments. With a master’s in counseling, graduates can work as social workers, substance abuse counselors, marriage and family counselors, career guides, school guidance counselors, and more. Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics indicate a 13% growth in the need for school and career counseling jobs alone, stretching into the year 2026. Even without the increased need for mental health counselors, that adds more than 36,000 new jobs over the next five years.
Since the professional requirements for different counseling occupations vary by state, it’s important that master’s graduates seek licensure from the state in which they intend to practice. Not all students seek employment in the state they receive their degree in, so institutions don’t build licensure or professional certification into master’s programs. Utilize your campus career or academic counselor’s services for guidance on licensure requirements and professional certifications based on the state in which you plan to work.
Coursework in your counseling master’s program should include preparation to set for professional certification exams as well as state licensure exams. Look for well-rounded master’s programs that require internship participation, practicums, and even workshops to prepare you for real-world counseling experiences.
Conclusion/Final Thoughts:
A master’s degree in counseling offers graduates a rewarding opportunity to positively impact people one-on-one. Whether you choose to specialize in school counseling or in clinical mental health counseling, or even a combination of both, you’ll see the direct results of your efforts with patients. In addition, the practical training requirements that come with a comprehensive master’s in counseling program, allow students to get hands-on experience as well as first-hand observational research opportunities. The learning experience is highly interactive and offers kinetic learners a meaningful opportunity to “learn while they do.” For more about counseling careers and expectations, check out this article on the best Master’s in Counseling!
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Grand Canyon University
20-Year ROI$1,049,692
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,365(in state) / $16,365(out of state)
- Total of 62 credits hours for completion
- Online coursework done in eight weeks
- Two internships required for completion
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScoreEarn this best master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Grand Canyon University and you can expect the best training necessary to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Upon completion of this online master’s degree, students will be prepared to pursue professional psychological licensure.
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,983(in state) / $18,848(out of state)
- 67 credit hours needed for completion
- GRE scores not required
- 12 hours of clinical work required
School Wide
Program Level
98%OSR ScoreEarn a master’s of science degree in clinical mental health counseling from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and learn the skills needed to help individuals, groups, families, and work colleagues address a variety of mental and emotional concerns. Training will include appraisals, diagnoses, individual and group treatment, as well as professional referrals.
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Mercy College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $15,426(in state) / $15,426(out of state)
- Total of 60 credits for completion
- Bi-lingual program option available
- School internships are encouraged
School Wide
Program Level
92%OSR ScoreThe master’s of science degree in school counseling from Mercy College offers students an opportunity to prepare for the unique challenges of counseling in a school environment. Instruction will provide an understanding of the impact of today’s technology and culture influences within the practice of mental health counseling and treatment.
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School doesn't exists, please check the IPEDS.
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Palo Alto University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $21,227(in state) / $21,227(out of state)
- Total of 120 credits for completion
- Earn up to 12 math credits through Pathways to Math Success assessment program
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
88%OSR ScoreThe master’s of science in counseling online degree from Palo Alto University offers students two separate academic focuses to choose from. A degree in clinical mental health or a degree in marriage, family, and child are both available. Enrolled students who meet the criteria are qualified to take the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHC) in the last quarter of the coursework.
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Bellevue University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,170(in state) / $10,170(out of state)
- Total of 60 credit hours for completion
- 100 practicum hours required
- 600 clinical internship hours required
School Wide
Program Level
88%OSR ScoreEarn a master’s of science degree in clinical mental health counseling from Bellevue University and pursue licensure and a career in mental health counseling. Students will earn hands-on experience with clinical internships and are required to finish all coursework within four years. Multicultural awareness and diversity training are key components of the counseling curriculum.
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University of Phoenix-Arizona
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,713(in state) / $16,713(out of state)
- Total of 60 credits for completion
- Student-driven enrollment schedule
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
87%OSR ScoreThe master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling online degree from the University of Phoenix offers students training in making clinical assessments and treatments for patients with a variety of mental health challenges. Study includes work in diversity, research, human development, career counseling, and psychotherapy.
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Walden University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,586(in state) / $11,586(out of state)
- Minimum of 90 quarter credits for completion
- Five degree specialties from which to choose
- Transfer up to 45 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
85%OSR ScoreThe master’s of clinical mental health counseling science online degree from Walden University graduates students who are prepared to impact patients with daily life challenges and help them find solutions and coping techniques. Extensive clinical practice provides graduates with a high level of counseling diagnostic and treatment techniques.
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Prescott College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $20,280(in state) / $20,280(out of state)
- Total of 60 credit hours
- Exit exam required
- Experience-based workshops encouraged
School Wide
Program Level
84%OSR ScoreThe master’s of science in counseling online degree from Prescott College is designed to prepare students to treat patients from a wide spectrum of emotional and mental disorders. Instruction includes work in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, professional referrals and team treatment procedures, when necessary.
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University of West Alabama
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,678(in state) / $13,356(out of state)
- Total of 60 credits hours for completion
- Program takes 2-3 years for completion
- Transfer up to nine credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreThe master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling online degree from the University of West Alabama offers students an in-depth understanding of counseling theories, techniques and principles. Students can choose to specialize in family, adolescent, child, individual or couples therapy specialties.
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Sacred Heart University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $28,114(in state) / $28,114(out of state)
- Total of 60 credit hours required
- Two-year program completion
- Graduates are prepared to sit for licensure exams
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreIf a master’s of science in mental health counseling is what you’re seeking, you can earn your degree completely online from Sacred Heart University. The program focuses specifically on helping graduates recognize the worth and dignity of all individuals. It emphasizes techniques for prevention, resilience, and well-being that support the value of every human uniquely.
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University of the Southwest
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,376(in state) / $14,376(out of state)
- Student customized online class schedule
- Practicum and internships required
- Private, non-profit Christian university
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreThe master’s in clinical mental health counseling online degrees from University of the Southwest offers students a Christian-focused education to become an American Counseling Association (ACA)-defined professional counselor. Coursework includes career development, family relationships, and life planning instruction. In addition, students will train in professional ethics, research, psychopathology and theoretical foundations.
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New York University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $41,352(in state) / $41,352(out of state)
- Total of 60 credit hours for completion
- Up to 21 months to complete
- No GRE required
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreThe master’s of science in mental health counseling online degree from New York University prepares students to apply a variety of key counseling skills including conceptualization, practice, and client advocacy. Special attention is given to diversity training including race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities and class.
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Colorado Christian University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,511(in state) / $12,511(out of state)
- Total of 60 credit hours for completion
- Program completion in 2.5 years
- Transfer up to 12 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreEarn a master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling online degree from Colorado Christian University, a uniquely designed program for students interested in a Christian-based counseling curriculum. The program offers residential training and academic rigor in preparation for professional certification. Instruction features clinical training, community engagement, and mentorship relationships.
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School doesn't exists, please check the IPEDS.
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Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,716(in state) / $10,872(out of state)
- Total of 42 credits for completion
- Can be completed in a year
- Minimum 2.0 GPA in bachelor’s degree program to apply
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreThe master’s of education in school counseling online degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers students an opportunity to expand their teaching experience to learn the strategies and theories of academic counseling. Graduates are qualified to function as career advisors, school counselors and guidance counselors. Program applicants must hold a teaching certificate to apply.
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University of Southern Mississippi
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,108(in state) / $8,108(out of state)
- Total of 48 credit hours for completion
- Three letters of professional reference required for application
- Personal letter of intent required
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreThe master’s of science in school counseling online degree from the University of Southern Mississippi offers students the opportunity to build on their existing educational foundation to include counselor leadership skills, critical thinking procedures and the connection between academic research and real-world practice.
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Medaille College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,524(in state) / $16,524(out of state)
- Total of 60 credits for completion
- Two-year program length
- Comprehensive exit examination
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreThe master’s of clinical mental health counseling online degree from Medaille College, offers students an in-depth learning experience that partners with a counselor-in-training facility to provide real-world instruction. By combining practicum houses, internship hours and a comprehensive program exam, students graduate prepared to sit for a professional certification exam.
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University of the Cumberlands
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,670(in state) / $5,670(out of state)
- Total of 60 credits for completion
- Two internships required
- Completion of a writing sample prompt for application
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThe master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling online degree from the University of the Cumberlands offers students coursework in grief treatment, human growth and development, psychological clinical assessment, and crisis counseling. Graduates can seek employment in private practice and clinical supervision, marriage and family counseling, advanced counseling techniques, or child and adolescent counseling.
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National University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,976(in state) / $14,976(out of state)
- 16 specialization credits hours required
- Degree program is specifically designed for California
- Applications accepted year-round
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreNational University offers you a master’s of arts in counseling psychology that trains graduates in modern counseling psychology methods that include psychoanalysis, the unity of the body and psyche, healing traditions from many cultures and the transformative power of artistic expression. Specialization in somatic psychology, holistic studies, or depth and transpersonal psychotherapy are available.
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Bradley University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $15,660(in state) / $15,660(out of state)
- Total of 60 credit hours required for completion
- High school diploma or equivalent for application
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreFor a master’s of art degree in counseling, consider Bradley University. Choose between clinical mental health counseling or school counseling as your program focus. Study the emerging field of neurocounseling where graduates will learn how counseling directly affects the function of the brain. Be prepared to take the National Counselor exam upon completion of the program.
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Lamar University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,174(in state) / $13,644(out of state)
- Total of 60 credit hours for completion
- 30-month program length
- 3.25 GPA required in undergraduate degree
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreThe master’s of education in clinical mental health counseling from Lamar University is built for students who desire options for counseling careers in a variety of settings and with a broad range of people. Featuring two five-day residency seminars, a practicum, and an internship component, graduates will learn the needed techniques and strategies to specialize or to treat a variety of patients.
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Tarleton State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,775(in state) / $11,245(out of state)
- Total of 60 credits for completion
- Complete program in 8-11 semesters
- GRE, MAT or GMAT test scores required for admission
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreThe master’s in clinical mental health counseling online degree from Tarleton State University offers students the chance to learn the newest innovations for applying solutions in counseling to patients presenting with real-world challenges. Coursework includes the etiology of mental illness and dysfunction, along with practical group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, and couples therapy techniques.
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Lehigh University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $26,280(in state) / $26,280(out of state)
- Total of 48 credits for completion
- 2-3 years program completion time
- Two letters of recommendation required
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreThe master’s of education in international school counseling online degree from Lehigh University offers students instruction in working with individuals and groups, from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of settings to address complex, real-life challenges. Graduates that are U.S. citizens will receive certification in Pennsylvania to be school counselors.
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The University of Alabama
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,780(in state) / $28,100(out of state)
- Total of 60 credits for completion
- Minimum of 300 on GRE required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate required for application
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreThe master’s of art in rehabilitation counseling online degree from the University of Alabama provides students the opportunity to offer effective counseling services for families or individuals with disabilities. You’ll learn to assist patients in meeting their psychological, independent living, vocational, social, and quality-of-life goals effectively.
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Southern New Hampshire University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $18,810(in state) / $18,810(out of state)
- Total of 60 credits for completion
- Two face-to-face residencies included
- Personal statement and two letters of recommendation required
School Wide
Program Level
75%OSR ScoreThe master’s of art in clinical mental health counseling online degree from Southern New Hampshire University teaches students how to work with clients that present a variety of behavioral and emotional issues. Coursework provides instruction on developing critical strategies to advocate effectively for patients. Graduates will be prepared to sit for professional counseling exams and the licensure process.
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College of William and Mary
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,630(in state) / $25,920(out of state)
- Total of 60 credit hours for completion
- Program completion in three years
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 and GRE Verbal of 40%
School Wide
Program Level
75%OSR ScoreThe master’s of education in counseling online degree from William and Mary teaches students all facets of the mental health counseling field. Specifically, students will gain an in-depth understanding of patient intervention and advocacy. Coursework includes holistic wellness, multicultural counseling, professional ethics and psychopathology. Students can specialize in military and veterans counseling as well.
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Wake Forest University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $38,650(in state) / $38,650(out of state)
- Total of 60 credit hours for completion
- Minimum undergraduate degree of 2.5
- Virtual interview with enrollment advisor required
School Wide
Program Level
75%OSR ScoreA master’s degree in counseling online from Wake Forest University let’s students choose between a clinical mental health program or a school counseling program. Instruction includes internship experiences, practicum participation, as well as traditional academic instruction. Students will learn the most advanced therapeutic techniques to deliver individual, family, or group treatment options.
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Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,000(in state) / $18,000(out of state)
- Total of 60 credits for completion
- GPA of 3.0 required in undergraduate degree
- Current resume for submission
School Wide
Program Level
75%OSR ScoreThe master’s of clinical mental health counseling online degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania teaches graduate students with clinical skills and experience additional academics in preparation for counseling licensure. Focus areas include case management, assessment, group therapy, crisis intervention, cultural foundations, as well as therapeutic interventions.
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University of Louisiana at Monroe
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,490(in state) / $18,590(out of state)
- Total of 60 credits for completion
- Four concentration areas from which to choose
- Summer workshop available
School Wide
Program Level
73%OSR ScoreThe master’s of science in counseling online degree from University of Louisiana at Monroe is structured to follow the Cohort Model of instruction. The model sequences the academic content so that students find it relevant, building, and meaningful. Choose from a focus in addiction counseling or school counseling, or even a combined option that is available in a 75-credit hour package.
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Malone University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,710(in state) / $10,710(out of state)
- Total of 60 credit hours for completion
- Student-paced program
- Internship required
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreThe master’s of art in education in clinical mental health counseling or school counseling online degree from Malone University offers Christian-focused training for students seeking to impact the lives of others through holistic counseling education. The option to combine the two programs is available in a dual-program that requires 75 credit hours for completion.
