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If you’re considering a graduate degree, it’s a great time to invest in a counseling career. The field is expected to grow by an astronomical 25% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.) That’s much faster than the national average for all occupations.
One way to further your education in this field is by earning a master's in counseling degree, which will prepare you for a career as a licensed counselor, therapist, or school counselor. The average annual salary for careers in counseling will range from $47,000 to $90,000, though what you earn will depend on your education level, experience, and employer.
A master’s degree in counseling will help advance your career, gain new expertise, and increase your salary potential. You can choose to complete that degree online, which may give you flexibility to balance familial obligations and pursue work experience.
Featured Online Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
Top 10 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in Counseling for 2021
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Bellevue UniversityLocation
Bellevue, NE
Tuition$11025
Bellevue University, which began offering online degrees in 1996, features accelerated cohort-based programs that appeal to working students.
Learners can take the first step to become a licensed mental health counselor by earning an online master's in clinical mental health counseling. Online learners build a strong foundation in counseling assessments, theories of psychopathology, statistics and quantitative research methods, human development, and ethical and legal issues.
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, this 60-credit program comprises a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship. Students must complete 40% of their field work in direct contact with clients.
Candidates must submit a resume, two letters of reference, transcripts, and a 1,000-word essay. Online learners can transfer college credit and also get prior learning credits for military training or career experience. Additionally, applicants must complete six behavioral science prerequisites.
Bellevue University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Program Name: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Average Tuition Cost: $610 per credit
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Program Length: 3 years
- Format: Online
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's Degree, 3.5 GPA
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Southeastern Oklahoma State UniversityLocation
Durant, OK
Tuition$7794
Southeastern Oklahoma State University, a public institution that educates nearly 5,000 students every year, offers a wide selection of online classes for working professionals.
Many of the school's graduate programs, including the online master's in counseling degree, allow online learners to graduate in 12 months or less. This 42-credit online master's counseling degree prepares students to become school counselors, guidance counselors, and career advisors.
Required courses include school counseling, human growth and development, assessments, career counseling, theory, and group counseling. After completing the required classwork, graduate students take a 100-hour practicum to gain in-person experience. The practicum must include 40 hours of direct work experience with individuals and an elective course.
Candidates need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college, a teaching certificate, and a minimum 2.0 GPA. The university offers an affordable pay-by-the-course option.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Program Name: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Average Tuition Cost: $337 per credit
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Program Length: 1 year
- Format: Online
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's Degree, 2.0 GPA, teaching certificate
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University of Louisiana at MonroeLocation
Monroe, LA
Tuition$12540
Founded in 1931, the University of Louisiana at Monroe serves working students and offers more than 35 fully online degrees. Many programs offer accelerated four-week and eight-week sessions that allow students to graduate quicker.
The online master's in counseling degree offers tracks in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Graduating students have the skills and knowledge necessary to become mental health counselors, career counselors, and school counselors. The coursework also prepares graduates to take the state licensure.
Students can receive college credit for career or military service experience after undergoing a prior learning assessment. Out-of-state students pay in-state tuition.Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Candidates also need to submit GRE scores unless they hold a master's degree or Ph.D.
The University of Louisiana at Monroe is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Program Name: Master of Science in Counseling
- Average Tuition Cost: $500 per credit
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's Degree, 3.0 GPA, GRE scores
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University of Texas at TylerLocation
Tyler, TX
Tuition$9423
The University of Texas at Tyler features more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs. The public university offers a main 200-acre campus in Tyler, three regional campuses, and fully online degrees.
The school features an affordable online master's degree that emphasizes creative learning and multicultural understanding to prepare graduates to become school counselors in Texas. The 48-credit degree takes approximately 24 months to complete.
Classes include counseling theory, family therapy, cultural diversity and advocacy, counseling children, and assessment techniques. Online learners also complete 500 in-person hours of counseling at a local school. The classwork and fieldwork prepare students to pass the TExES School Counselor exam.
The online program only admits students in the summer. Candidates must submit a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and GRE scores.
The University of Texas at Tyler is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Program Name: Master of Arts in School Counseling
- Average Tuition Cost: $253 per credit
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Hybrid
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's Degree, GRE scores
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Lamar UniversityLocation
Beaumont, TX
Tuition$9969
Founded in 1923, Lamar University serves more than 15,000 students with some 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Many of the school's graduate programs offer flexibility and affordability with multiple start dates that let students graduate in 30 months or less. Students can also pay for each course as they go.
Lamar University offers multiple master's programs in counseling. The 60-credit master's in counseling and development degree offers a specialization in professional school counseling. Online learners study human growth and development, child and adolescent counseling, theories and techniques, group counseling, and measurement and assessment.
The curriculum includes a 15-week practicum and a 15-week internship and prepares students to take the school counseling certification or professional counselor licensure exam. Graduates can become counselors in elementary, middle, and secondary school. Applicants need a state teaching certificate and undergraduate transcripts showing at least a 2.5 GPA.
Lamar University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Program Name: Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Online
- Average Tuition Cost: $300 per credit
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Program Length: 30 months
- Format: Hybrid
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's Degree, 3.25 GPA, state teaching certificate
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University of North TexasLocation
Denton, TX
Tuition$9185
The University of North Texas tailors its graduate programs for working students with accelerated degrees that take 12-18 months to complete. Online learners can choose from 80 programs with completely online or some in-person classes at the Denton or Frisco campuses.
The online master's in rehabilitation degree prepares graduates to work as medical and health services managers, social and community service managers, and substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors.
The program comprises 60 credits, or 19 eight-week classes, that students can complete on a part-time basis. Online learners who want to earn a Ph.D. can complete an optional thesis. The program offers five start dates.
The 36 core courses cover relational counseling principles and ethics, medical and psychosocial aspects of disability, and counseling theories and techniques. The program culminates with a practicum and two internships.
The University of North Texas is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Program Name: Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Average Tuition Cost: $375 per credit
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Program Length: 1.5 years
- Format: Online
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's Degree, 3.0 GPA
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North Carolina State UniversityLocation
Raleigh, NC
Tuition$17161
North Carolina State University enrolls upwards of 19,000 students yearly and offers more than 100 distance and online education programs geared toward working professionals.
The university features three online master's programs in counseling, including degrees in clinical mental health counseling, college counseling and student development, and school counseling. The online master's in clinical mental health emphasizes cross-cultural perspectives in counseling and maintains a commitment to admitting a diverse student body.
Online learners study clinical counseling theory and practice and put their knowledge to the test during the required field experience. Graduates have the skills to sit for the professional licensure exam. The online program takes about three years for part-time students to complete.
Candidates need to submit GRE or GMAT scores, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Online students must live in North Carolina.
North Carolina State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Program Name: Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Average Tuition Cost: $470 per credit
- Graduation Rate: 82%
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's Degree, GMAT or GRE scores
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West Texas A&M UniversityLocation
Canyon, TX
Tuition$17161
Established in 1910, WTAMU offers 40 graduate programs from its 341-acre flagship campus. WTAMU's more than 10,000 students can also pick from 100% online, partially online, and hybrid degrees.
The online master's programs in counseling include a master's in education degree with a concentration in school counseling and a master's in counseling degree. Both programs prepare students to gain licensure in Texas.
The master's in counseling degree comprises 54-57 credits in education research, theories of counseling, interventions with children and adolescents, career counseling, and cross-cultural counseling. Students take all classes online except for the required practicum and internships.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college and submit a resume, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts showing a minimum 2.75 GPA.
West Texas A&M University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Program Name: Master’s of Arts in Counseling
- Average Tuition Cost: $125 per credit
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's Degree, 2.75 GPA
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University at BuffaloLocation
Buffalo, NY
Tuition$16870
University at Buffalo, a public institution founded in 1846, remains the largest campus among the State University of New York system with more than 31,000 students.
The online master's programs in counseling prepare students to become licensed counselors. The master's in rehabilitation counseling degree gives students the skills to become rehabilitation counselors. After graduation, students can take the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification exam.
Online learners gain clinical experience after completing 250 hours of field placement over three semesters and can go on to work with people with disabilities in alcohol and drug abuse recovery programs, medical clinics, and hospitals.
Full-time online learners can complete the 48 required core credits and graduate within four semesters. Part-time students take about three years to graduate.
The program only offers fall admission. Application requirements include a bachelor's degree in a related field, two recommendation letters, transcripts, a statement of intent, and an interview.
University at Buffalo is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- Program Name: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
- Average Tuition Cost: $565 per credit
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's Degree
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Fort Hays State UniversityLocation
Hays, KS
Tuition$21574
Established in 1902, FHSU boasts a student body of more than 15,000. Students take classes on the 200-acre campus in Hays, Kansas, or online. The virtual online college features more than 60 online graduate degrees.
The university offers two online master's in counseling degrees: a master's in counseling-clinical mental health and master's in school counseling. Both programs require the same online core coursework that qualifies students to earn licensure in Kansas.
The 60-credit master's in counseling degrees feature 50% online classes with the remainder of courses offered in-person on Fridays and Saturdays. Students also take advanced clinical courses and concentration courses in couples and family counseling. All online learners complete an internship and practicum to gain in-person counseling skills.
Fort Hays State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Program Name: Master Of Science In Counseling-clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Average Tuition Cost: $300 per credit
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Hybrid
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's Degree, 3.0 GPA
Methodology: Here's How We Rank Schools
| Metric | Data Used | Percentage |
| Academic Quality | Full-time faculty percentage, student-to-faculty ratio, student retention and graduation rates | 25% |
| Affordability | Tuition rates, median student debt, and financial aid | 35% |
| Reputation | Admission and enrollment rates | 15% |
| Program Offerings | Number of program options | 10% |
| Online Enrollment Score | Portion of learners taking at least one online course | 15% |
Are counselors in demand?
Where do counselors work?
Is a master's in counseling worth it?
How much does a master's in counseling cost?
How much do counselors make with a masters degree?
Similar Industries
College education is broken down into several levels of certification. An associate’s degree is a two year undergraduate degree that often covers general education and entry level courses. A bachelor’s degree is a four year undergraduate degree that combines general education with a specialized major. You can pursue many career paths with a bachelor’s degree alone.
A graduate degree is an advanced and specialized education that will help to prepare you for more competitive employment and careers in academia. A master’s degree is typically two to three years of specialized education. A doctorate degree can take anywhere from two to four years and is the highest possible degree — it signifies mastery in your chosen field.
When you’re studying for a master’s degree in counseling, you’ll prepare to work directly with clients and the general public on issues with mental health and relationships. You'll learn to understand clients better and gain the tools to address a wide range of concerns, whether they are emotional, social, mental, or other life issues.
Why Should I Get a Master's Degree in Counseling?
There are a number of different reasons that a master's degree in counseling can be a good investment, including:
You have a passion for the work.
Counselors help individuals, couples, and families cope with challenges and plan for the future. They may counsel people in schools, prisons, private practices, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers. Counselors specialize in areas such as substance abuse, marriage and family therapy, and clinical counseling.
You want to be in a high-demand field.
Mental health professionals such as counselors remain in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists to grow by 22% from 2018 to 2028.
The BLS projects jobs for school and career counselors to grow 8% between 2018 and 2028. The BLS also notes that job prospects are especially strong for mental health providers with a bachelor's or master's degree and those working in rural or underserved communities.
You need it to get licensed in counseling.
Many counseling positions require a master's degree and state licensure. Even in positions that do not require a master's degree, a graduate degree can lead to greater responsibilities and higher pay. Online master's programs in counseling offer the specialized training needed to help others as a skilled, licensed counselor.
Common Master's in Counseling Courses
What courses can I expect in a school counseling grad program?
Professional Counseling
- This course introduces future counselors to the historical and psychological foundations of the profession and the ethical and professional standards in the field. Students explore current counseling theories, practices, models, research, and trends. Topics may include licensure, credentials, and professional organizations.
Counseling and Human Development
- This advanced course trains counselors to approach their clients from a developmental perspective. The course explores developmental milestones and relevant psychological theories of learning and personality development. Students learn to assess the impact of trauma, mental illness, poverty, substance abuse, culture, and family on human development.
Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health
- Many counselors specialize in supporting children and teens and their families or other caregivers. This course prepares counselors to assess, diagnose, and treat the mental health needs of their young clients. Course topics include the impact of abuse, trauma, family dynamics, substance abuse, physical health, and poverty on the mental health of children. Participants learn appropriate counseling strategies and interventions to help young people experiencing behavioral health conditions such as depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
Counseling Strategies
- This course may include a focus on group counseling strategies or marriage and family counseling techniques. This course prepares counselors to facilitate individual and group therapy sessions and manage interpersonal conflict. Requirements may include supervised practice sessions with clients or other field experiences.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- This course prepares counselors to assess psychiatric disorders and create appropriate treatment plans. Participants learn to recognize symptoms of mental illness and use DSM-5 criteria to diagnose behavioral health disorders. Topics include factors that contribute to mental illness, forms of psychological and behavioral dysfunction, and prevailing approaches to treatment.
Master's in Counseling Concentrations
Concentrations prepare counselors for specialized jobs in specific settings, including schools, rehabilitation centers, and behavioral health practices. The best programs prepare graduates to earn state licensure and employment in their desired field. Counselors typically train to work with a specific demographic group, client type, or disorder.
Concentrations in counseling include:
Addiction and Recovery Counseling
Trauma Counseling
School and Career Counseling
Marriage and Family Counseling
Mental Health Counseling
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Online Master's of Counseling?
Your tuition costs will vary depending on the program and school you choose to enroll in. Some schools offer discounted tuition for online programs. There are also master’s programs available that will base your tuition on whether you are a resident of the school’s state.
Our favorite online master’s in counseling degrees have tuition costs that range from $7,000 to $35,000 on average. That said, tuition will generally be calculated by credit hour, so you may pay more or less than average depending on your class load each semester. You can also reduce your cost by transferring in credits in some cases.
Master's in Counseling Program Accreditation and Why It Is Important
Program accreditation is extremely important for students who need or want to obtain licensing in their field. That is not only true for health professionals, but also counselors as well.
There are two main types of accreditation for counseling programs: CACREP and MPCAC. Here's what they are and why they matter:
CACREP
CACREP, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs, an independent accrediting body that sets and maintains curricular guidelines and counselor training standards for master’s and doctoral programs in clinical and mental health counseling.
CACREP sets the minimum standards that a counseling or specialized counseling program must meet for it to be considered “CACREP certified.” It is possible to acquire a degree in counseling without CACREP certification, but it can make your career path more difficult. Most employers look for graduates with this type of accreditation.
CACREP accreditation is not vital or a requirement of licensure, but it is an important step in ensuring compliance with widely recognized standards.
MPCAC
MPCAC is the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council, a newer organization that, like CACREP, provides standards and curricular guidelines for master’s degree programs in psychology and counseling.
The difference is that MPCAC only provides accreditation for master's programs while CACREP sets them for both master's and doctorate programs in counseling.
Master's Degree in Counseling Requirements
To enroll in a master's in counseling program, you must first earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Some schools require an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as psychology, biology, or education. Others may not require a specific major but may still require applicants to meet certain coursework prerequisites in areas such as statistics or psychology.
Counseling applicants must typically submit all previous transcripts. Some programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Many graduate programs in counseling require applicants to submit competitive GRE or MAT scores and essays demonstrating a commitment to counseling as a career. Some programs also require letters of recommendation from previous instructors. The application process may also include an interview or background check.
Some graduate schools require a resume and prefer applicants with work experience related to counseling. Employment or volunteer history can demonstrate dedication, empathy, and the ability to offer support to others.
Most programs require supervised fieldwork hours before graduation. These hours help future counselors meet state licensure requirements in their specialization.
Finding counseling scholarships is becoming easier for graduate students who have received the calling to help others in need.
Melanie Foundation Scholarship
The Melanie Foundation offers a $2,500 scholarship for graduate study in a mental health field. Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae and evidence of past relevant career, research, or volunteer activities. Applicants must also submit unofficial transcripts, two letters of reference, and an essay no longer than two pages on how they plan to use their education. Applications are due March 5 each year.
NAJA Scholarship
The National Association of Junior Auxiliaries offers scholarships for graduate study in disciplines that serve the needs of children. Graduate students who plan to work directly with children may apply.
Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship and reside in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, or Tennessee. Applicants must submit undergraduate transcripts, three recommendations, and a resume. NAJA determines scholarship amounts based on applicant qualifications and available funds.
NBCC Minority Fellowship for Mental Health Counselors
The National Board for Certified Counselors administers a minority fellowship program for mental health counselors. NBCC awards up to 30 master's-level counseling fellowships of $10,000 plus travel expenses.
Applicants must enroll in an accredited master's program and commit to becoming a licensed counselor. Applicants must also demonstrate experience with underserved populations and commit to securing an internship in an underserved community.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Graduate students of Hispanic heritage may apply for an HSF scholarship. Awards range from $500-$5,000 based on financial need. Applicants must have a 2.5 undergraduate GPA and plan to enroll full time in graduate school in the United States. Applicants must complete the FAFSA or a state-based financial aid application. Students in any field may apply, although the fund prefers learners pursuing a degree in a STEM field.
Danika Miller
EDUCATION REPORTER
Danika Miller is a staff education reporter at Best Value Schools. She graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in creative writing. Danika has since specialized in education and finance writing as a reporter at Affordable Colleges Online, The Simple Dollar, Her Campus, CreditCards.com, Reviews.com, and elsewhere.
Fact-checked by
Angelica Leicht
SCHOOLS EDITOR
Angelica Leicht is the schools editor at Best Value Schools who oversees our college rankings, school profiles, and other higher education coverage. She previously served as an education reporter at Kearney Hub, and an editor at the Dallas Observer and Houston Press. Her writing has appeared in Affordable Colleges Online, Bankrate, The Simple Dollar, and elsewhere.
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