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2027 Best Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Colorado

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Charles Figley, PhD

Reviewed by Charles Figley, PhD

Counseling & Trauma Research Expert

Table of Contents

What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in Colorado?

Most students comparing online counseling degrees are looking at graduate programs. A clinical mental health counseling master's prepares students for supervised therapeutic work; a school counseling master's focuses on services in educational settings; and rehabilitation counseling addresses disability, employment, and independent-living needs. Doctorates in counselor education and supervision are generally better suited to experienced counselors seeking teaching, research, or supervisory roles than to someone seeking an initial practice credential (American Counseling Association; Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).

"Online" usually describes where academic classes happen, not where all training happens. Expect live skills practice in some programs, as well as supervised practicum and internship work at approved sites. For a Colorado resident outside the Front Range, the crucial question is whether the school can approve and support a qualified placement near home. For someone who already has a suitable clinical employer, a part-time online format may be easier to integrate with work; it is less attractive if arranging daytime field hours would be difficult.

Before treating any curriculum as license-qualifying, ask the program to map its coursework and supervised experiences to the specific Colorado credential you intend to pursue. Admission, graduation, post-degree supervised experience, examinations, and licensure are separate steps (Colorado State Board of Licensed Professional Counselor Examiners; Colorado Department of Education).

Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in Colorado?

The answer depends on specialization and credential status. Clinical mental health graduates may pursue roles in community mental health organizations, hospitals, outpatient practices, or integrated-care settings, subject to employer requirements and Colorado practice rules. School counseling graduates generally target public or private schools; public-school positions can require the applicable Colorado educator credential. Rehabilitation counseling can lead toward disability services, vocational rehabilitation, and related agencies (Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies; Colorado Department of Education; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Location changes the practical choice of program. Someone planning to work in a rural community should ask about local field-site approval and supervision before enrolling, while a student targeting school employment should confirm that the degree supports the relevant Colorado endorsement. A doctorate aimed at counselor education is not an interchangeable shortcut to a school or clinical counseling credential.

2027 Best Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Colorado

# 1 position

Colorado Christian University

Master

M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Delivery mode: hybrid

91.67

/ 100

Final score

Program length
as little as 30 months of consecutive coursework
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0. Applicants with GPAs of 2.0–2.49 may receive conditional admission and must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA during their first semester.
Additional requirements
Online application; government ID; resume/CV; official bachelor's transcript and any graduate counseling transcripts; criminal background checks for every country of residence in the past seven years; Candidacy Writing Sample; interview.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Valid 2027-10-31 Verify accreditation

Colorado Christian University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.67/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.

# 2 position

University of Northern Colorado

Master

Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling

Delivery mode: hybrid

89.08

/ 100

Final score

Program length
two academic years, including one summer
Specialization
Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
97% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
78% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester hours of the most recently completed degree
Additional requirements
Application to UNC Graduate School including a statement addressing career/educational goals, reasons for choosing rehabilitation counseling, and past exposure (coursework or work experience) to rehabilitation counseling

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Valid 2029-10-31 Verify accreditation

University of Northern Colorado earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.08/100, supported by 78% licensure exam pass rate and 97% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.

# 3 position

Adams State University

Master

M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Delivery mode: hybrid

87.70

/ 100

Final score

Program length
Fall cohort: 5 semesters; Spring cohort: 7 semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
82% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
77% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution (or in final year of undergraduate study pending verification of degree receipt).
Additional requirements
Online application, $30 application fee, five short essay questions (200-300 words each), two online recommendation forms from professional (non-family) sources, official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Valid 2028-03-31 Verify accreditation

Adams State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 87.7/100, supported by 82% program completion rate and 77% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.

# 4 position

Adams State University

Doctor

Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision

Delivery mode: hybrid

87.27

/ 100

Final score

Program length
4 year, fixed 60 semester credit program
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
87% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall 2027: November 1, 2026
Class size
12
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited master's in counseling or a closely related field with GPA 3.0+; coursework reviewed against CACREP standards, deficiencies completed before or during doctoral study. CACREP degree, two years' experience and licensure preferred.
Additional requirements
Online application; 3–4-page letter of intent answering six prompts; two reference request forms; current resume/CV; official transcripts from all prior institutions. Required in-person interview and orientation. No international admission.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Valid 2028-03-31 Verify accreditation

Adams State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 87.27/100, supported by 95% program completion rate and 87% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.

# 5 position

Colorado Christian University

Master

M.A. in School Counseling

Delivery mode: hybrid

86.04

/ 100

Final score

Program length
designed to be completed in two and a half years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
33.3% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
No undergraduate prerequisites required; applicant must have a conferred bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Additional requirements
Valid ID; resume/CV; official transcript showing bachelor's degree (min 2.5 GPA, conditional admit 2.0-2.49); transcripts of prior graduate counseling credits; criminal background check; Candidacy Writing Sample; admission interview(s).

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Valid 2027-10-31 Verify accreditation

Colorado Christian University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 86.04/100, supported by 33.3% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.

# 6 position

Denver Seminary

Doctor

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision

Delivery mode: hybrid

85.15

/ 100

Final score

Program length
Complete in 4 years (full-time study)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
66 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall 2027 Early Decision: Nov 15, 2026 (interviews Dec 2026); Fall 2027 General: Dec 15, 2026 (interviews Jan 2027); Rolling Jan-Jun 2027; Fall 2027 Final: Jun 1, 2027 (interviews Jul 2027)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
60-credit CACREP or CORE accredited master's in counseling (or equivalent); minimum 3.0 graduate GPA; hold or be eligible for counseling license; one year of clinical experience. Conditional admission for non-CACREP degrees.
Additional requirements
Degree-seeking PhD application, official transcripts verifying GPA, evidence of licensure eligibility, and participation in an admissions interview (individual and group interviews conducted per admissions cycle).

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

Valid 2029-10-31 Verify accreditation

Denver Seminary earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 85.15/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.

# 7 position

University of Denver

Master

Master of Arts in School Counseling

Delivery mode: online

83.95

/ 100

Final score

Program length
as few as 22 months (accelerated full-time online)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
90 quarter credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
68% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
January 2027: Oct 30, 2026; rolling admissions
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 (or 2.5 for last 60 semester/90 quarter credits)
Additional requirements
Two letters of recommendation, current resume, unofficial/official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions, statement of professional goals (personal statement + supplementary essay)

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Valid 2030-10-31 Verify accreditation

University of Denver earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 83.95/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 68% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.

# 8 position

Adams State University

Master

M.A. School Counseling

Delivery mode: hybrid

80.97

/ 100

Final score

Program length
5 semesters (Fall cohort); 7 semesters (Spring cohort)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
75% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
68% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
80% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; undergraduate GPA requirements apply
Additional requirements
Online application, $30 non-refundable application fee, official transcripts from all previously attended institutions, two (2) letters of recommendation forms

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Valid 2028-03-31 Verify accreditation

Adams State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 80.97/100, supported by 80% licensure exam pass rate and 75% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.

Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in Colorado

Can I become a licensed counselor in Colorado with an online degree?

Potentially, but online delivery alone establishes nothing about eligibility. Verify the degree's coursework and supervised training against Colorado's requirements, then account for applicable examinations and post-degree supervised experience (Colorado State Board of Licensed Professional Counselor Examiners).

Do online counseling programs require in-person training?

Typically, yes. Counseling preparation includes supervised practicum or internship experiences, even when classes are online. Ask where those placements can occur and who is responsible for finding an approved site (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; program handbooks).

Should I choose clinical mental health or school counseling?

Choose based on the setting and credential you want. Clinical mental health training is aimed at therapeutic care; school counseling is aimed at work with students in educational settings. The two routes should not be assumed interchangeable under Colorado credential rules (Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies; Colorado Department of Education).

Is CACREP accreditation required for every Colorado counseling job?

No single accreditation claim covers every job or credential. Check the program's current status and the requirements of your intended Colorado credential, employer, and any other state where you might practice (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Colorado licensing and education agencies).

Is an online counseling degree worth the cost?

It can be if the program supports your intended credential, offers workable placements, and has a total cost you can justify against your career plans. Compare aid-adjusted cost, likely debt, time to completion, lost work income, and program-specific outcomes; do not treat a national salary median as your expected paycheck.

See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling

Read our interview with Counseling experts

Meredith A. Rausch

Meredith A. Rausch

Counseling Expert

Associate Professor

University of Alabama

Charles Figley

Charles Figley

Counseling Expert

Kurzweg Distinguished Chair in Disaster Mental Health

Tulane University

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