Choosing an online counseling program in Georgia means looking beyond convenience: the degree must fit the clients you want to serve, the credential you need, and the fieldwork you can complete locally. This guide explains those trade-offs alongside cost, admissions, career prospects, and licensure. It also features a 2027 Best Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Georgia, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about which programs are worth considering. Use it to narrow your options before committing time or money.
Key findings about online Counseling degrees in Georgia
Start with the credential: a school-counseling degree and a clinical mental health counseling degree lead toward different Georgia requirements. Online coursework does not remove the need to arrange supervised fieldwork.
National median annual pay in May 2025 was $59,350 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors and $64,330 for school and career counselors and advisors; these are occupational medians, not starting salaries or Georgia-specific earnings (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
National employment is projected to grow 18% for the mental health and addiction counseling occupation versus 3% for school and career counseling from 2025 to 2035. Compare that demand with a program's full cost, completion time, and fit for your intended credential (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in Georgia?
Expect a graduate program combining counseling theory, assessment, ethics, multicultural practice, and supervised work with clients or students. "Online" usually describes where you take academic courses - not where you complete a practicum or internship. Ask whether live classes, campus visits, or placements near your Georgia home are required.
The first choice is the professional setting. Clinical mental health counseling is designed around therapeutic services in settings such as clinics and private practices. School counseling prepares students to work within schools' academic and developmental support systems. A degree labeled "counselor education" may offer a particular concentration; its title alone does not establish the credential it supports. Georgia's Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists governs professional counselor licensure, while the Georgia Professional Standards Commission governs educator certification (Georgia Composite Board; Georgia Professional Standards Commission).
This path is a good fit if you want sustained client-facing or student-facing work and can accommodate supervised training. If you mainly want a short introduction to helping skills - or cannot arrange fieldwork - compare non-licensure graduate study or a certificate, but do not assume either qualifies you to practice independently.
Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in Georgia?
Work settings depend on the credential, not just the diploma. Clinical mental health graduates may seek roles in community mental health organizations, hospitals, behavioral health providers, or practices; school counseling graduates generally target K-12 systems. Addiction and rehabilitation roles may be available in treatment programs and disability services. Employers can impose additional experience or certification requirements (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Location affects placement planning. A student outside metro Atlanta may prefer a program willing to approve a nearby school, clinic, or agency rather than requiring regular travel to its home campus. Ask the placement office which Georgia sites it currently accepts and whether it helps secure supervisors; a list of possible employers is not a placement commitment.
The clearest comparable salary benchmarks are national occupational medians, not promises about a first job or a particular degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $59,350 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors and $64,330 for school and career counselors and advisors. Rehabilitation counselors had a national median of $46,850. These occupations have different duties and employment mixes, so the figures should not be read as pay offers for equivalent positions.
For a Georgia-specific decision, compare current vacancies in your intended setting and area with the program's total cost. A position's pay may reflect employer type, experience, hours, and whether you hold an independent license or are still completing post-degree supervision. Calculate the earnings increase you would need to justify tuition, borrowing, and any income forgone during fieldwork rather than treating a national median as your expected salary.
The most useful distinction among these Georgia options is the professional route each program supports. Program names and published descriptions identify promising matches, but applicants should verify current credit requirements, delivery schedules, placement policies, accreditation status, and credential eligibility before comparing offers.
These program-level differences can help you decide which schools deserve a closer look:
Fort Valley State University, M.S. Ed. in School Counselor Education: Its explicitly school-focused degree is the clearest match here for applicants committed to counseling students rather than providing clinical therapy. Confirm its current field-placement arrangements and Georgia educator-certification alignment with the program and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (Fort Valley State University).
Columbus State University, M. Ed. in School Counseling: Columbus State identifies school counseling as a separate degree from its clinical mental health offering. That separation makes it easier to compare the coursework and supervised experience attached to the school route before choosing a credential (Columbus State University).
Valdosta State University, M. Ed. in Counselor Education: The counselor-education designation warrants a close look at the current catalog's track and credential details rather than an assumption based on the degree title. Ask which concentration, if any, matches the setting where you intend to work (Valdosta State University).
Albany State University, M. Ed. in Counselor Education: Its graduate catalog is the key source for the degree's current requirements. Applicants should use that catalog to identify the relevant pathway and then confirm how its fieldwork and coursework align with their intended Georgia credential (Albany State University).
Columbus State University, M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Unlike its school-counseling M. Ed., this degree is expressly directed toward clinical mental health practice. It merits consideration from applicants targeting therapy settings who are prepared to verify Georgia professional-counselor licensure requirements and local clinical placements (Columbus State University).
University of West Georgia, counseling program: Use the university's current program listing to confirm the exact degree, concentration, and available delivery format before shortlisting it. Those details determine whether it is a practical alternative to a school-focused or clinical-focused program elsewhere in the state (University of West Georgia).
South University-Savannah, M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Its clinical mental health focus offers another route to compare against Columbus State's M.S. The consequential differences to request in writing are total charges, scheduled attendance requirements, clinical-placement support, and the degree's fit with Georgia licensure rules (South University).
A listing among online options should not be taken to mean every course or requirement can be completed remotely. Confirm the format for your intended entry term with each program.
A counseling master's typically takes about two to three years of full-time study; part-time enrollment can take longer. The decisive scheduling question is often when required practicum and internship placements occur, because those commitments may be less flexible than online coursework. Ask for a term-by-term plan based on your intended course load, not just an advertised minimum time.
An accelerated option is worthwhile only if its pace leaves room for fieldwork and paid work. Compare the fastest counseling programs by actual expected graduation date, placement sequence, and total cost: finishing earlier can reduce forgone earnings, but only if you can complete the required training on schedule.
The principal difference is how you attend classes. Online delivery can reduce commuting and make graduate study feasible while living farther from campus; on-campus delivery may make face-to-face access to instructors and local placement networks easier. Neither format eliminates supervised practical training. A hybrid program may require both scheduled online meetings and campus visits.
For a working Georgia student, compare the weekly timetable rather than the word "online." Ask which classes meet live, when placements must be completed, whether supervisors must hold specified credentials, and who pays for travel or required campus sessions. Choose the format in which you can reliably complete both academic work and field hours - not simply the one with the shortest commute.
There is no single reliable average price for the specific mix of online counseling degrees in Georgia discussed here. Published graduate tuition figures often describe an institution rather than a counseling program and may exclude fees, required campus travel, and placement expenses (National Center for Education Statistics/IPEDS). A precise "average program cost" without a consistent set of program-level charges would be misleading.
Request a written estimate for your expected enrollment pattern: tuition for all required credits, mandatory fees, books or course materials, background checks, travel, and the cost of any extra terms. Check whether residency changes the rate and whether online students pay separate charges. The most affordable counseling programs offer a useful starting list, but compare your net cost after aid and the expenses of completing fieldwork.
Start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and confirm that both the institution and your enrollment qualify for federal aid. Graduate students commonly compare federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans with scholarships, assistantships, employer tuition assistance, and school-specific grants; eligibility and amounts depend on the student and program (Federal Student Aid). Ask whether an assistantship requires campus work that an online student cannot perform.
Graduate PLUS rules changed for new borrowing beginning July 1, 2026. Do not build a financing plan around that loan without checking your eligibility: transitional access may apply to certain students who borrowed for the same program before the change, while new graduate borrowers generally cannot rely on it. Confirm your situation and current loan options with Federal Student Aid and the school's financial aid office (Federal Student Aid). Georgia residents should also ask the institution which, if any, state or institutional awards cover their specific graduate program; residency by itself does not establish eligibility.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
84–85
1
86–87
2
88–89
7
90–91
3
92–93
6
94–95
1
Most counseling master's applicants need a bachelor's degree and must meet the school's graduate admissions standards. A related undergraduate major may help, but do not assume it is required. Programs may request transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, interviews, or prerequisite coursework; requirements vary by institution and entry term (institutional graduate admissions offices).
Admissions eligibility is different from licensure eligibility. Before applying, ask the program to identify the Georgia credential its curriculum is intended to support and provide its current policies on field placements, transfer credits, and course substitutions. A seemingly easy admission route is not a bargain if missing coursework later delays your credential. If entry requirements are your main obstacle, review the easiest counseling programs, then check their academic and professional fit just as carefully.
Expect study in counseling skills and theories, ethics, assessment, human development, research, and culturally responsive practice, followed by supervised practicum and internship work. The specialization changes the applied curriculum: a school program emphasizes working with students and school systems, while a clinical mental health program emphasizes assessment and treatment in behavioral health settings (program curricula; Georgia Professional Standards Commission; Georgia Composite Board).
Compare syllabi or catalog descriptions when two programs share similar names. In particular, check whether electives can replace required credential-related courses, how fieldwork is evaluated, and whether the school will approve placements near you. Those details matter more to readiness and scheduling than a long elective list.
The most consequential choice in this group of programs is between school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. The former points toward work in schools and educator certification; the latter points toward behavioral health practice and the professional-counselor licensing process. Other counseling interests, including addiction, rehabilitation, and couples or family work, may appear as courses or emphases, but an emphasis is not automatically a separate qualifying credential (Georgia Professional Standards Commission; Georgia Composite Board).
Choose the credential first, then evaluate specialization options. If you are undecided between schools and clinical practice, request each program's curriculum map and ask the relevant Georgia authority how a change in direction would affect your education requirements. Assuming that one counseling master's covers every setting can lead to additional coursework later.
The best choice is the program you can finish, afford, and use toward your intended credential. Ranking position alone cannot answer whether its attendance schedule or placement rules fit your life. Use the following checks before accepting an offer:
Identify your target role and ask the Georgia Composite Board or Georgia Professional Standards Commission which educational and post-degree requirements apply.
Verify institutional accreditation, any relevant programmatic accreditation, and the program's current explanation of credential alignment; confirm accreditation directly with the accreditor rather than relying on an advertisement.
Get a written account of online attendance, campus visits, placement approval, supervision responsibilities, and expected time to completion.
Compare total net cost, likely borrowing, forgone income, and the probability that you can finish - not tuition alone.
Ask for recent program-specific completion, exam, and employment results, including their reporting periods and what happens when a measure is unavailable.
For a financial comparison, the most valuable counseling programs can help you build a shortlist. Make your own return-on-investment estimate using aid, debt, completion probability, baseline earnings, possible post-degree earnings, opportunity cost, and the years over which you expect to benefit. No ranking or occupational median can guarantee an individual return.
View the chart data as a table
Wage range - Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Georgia (BLS OEWS, May 2025) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
10th percentile
37,390
25th percentile
46,340
Median
58,960
75th percentile
72,500
90th percentile
90,980
A clinical mental health pathway can lead toward behavioral health counseling roles, while a school pathway can lead toward school counselor positions. Depending on training and employer requirements, graduates may also consider addiction treatment, rehabilitation services, or related support roles. Independent practice and certain job titles require the applicable license or certification; receiving the degree alone does not grant it (Georgia Composite Board; Georgia Professional Standards Commission).
If you want to enter the field quickly but are not yet ready for graduate study, investigate entry-level behavioral health or school-support jobs and use them to test your interest. If your goal is independent clinical counseling, however, assess the full sequence - qualifying education, required supervised experience, examination, and state licensure - before judging the master's degree as an investment.
View the chart data as a table
Programs by degree level (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
Master
19
Doctorate
1
National projections suggest stronger growth for behavioral health counseling than for school counseling, but they do not measure openings in a particular Georgia county. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% employment growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors and 3% for school and career counselors and advisors over 2025-2035. That contrast is useful when choosing a specialty, not evidence that every clinical graduate will find work faster than every school graduate.
Check current Georgia job postings for the role and commuting area you actually want. Note whether employers ask for a graduate degree, an associate or full professional license, educator certification, specific clinical experience, or evening hours. Compare those requirements with what you will have at graduation and what you must earn afterward. This is particularly important if you plan to remain in an area with fewer potential placement sites or employers.
2027 Best Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Georgia
Investing in a counseling degree is a significant decision, particularly when a program may determine whether you can pursue a professional credential. Research.com's team evaluates outcomes, accreditation, and cost to make its ranking a more useful starting point for comparison - not a substitute for checking current program and licensing requirements.
For the Best ranking, a graduate-outcomes-and-accreditation score weights program completion at 40%, employment or doctoral admission at 20%, applicable licensure exam pass rates at 20%, CACREP programmatic accreditation at 16%, and federal Title IV institutional eligibility at 4%. Weights are adjusted when a criterion does not apply. Program cost contributes about 7% of the final score. The approach is the same for online and on-campus programs; related rankings sort programs by the dimension named in their titles.
The team uses the following data sources to check program and institutional information:
IPEDS database: institutional reporting, including education and cost data.
These measures help readers compare programs on more than a single advertised price or feature. Learn more about the approach on Research.com's methodology page. Because delivery formats, fees, and licensing rules can change, confirm the details that affect your application directly with the school and the relevant Georgia authority.
# 1 position
Fort Valley State University
Master
M.S. in School Counselor Education
Delivery mode: online
95.03
/ 100
Final score
Program length
almost two years by taking three courses per semester
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
April 15
Application process
GradCAS
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Passed GACE Program Admissions exams (Basic Skills tests in Reading, Writing, and Math), OR certification as a teacher in Georgia, OR exemption via SAT, GRE, or ACT scores; undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75.
Additional requirements
Completed Graduate Application, professional resume, statement of purpose (550-600 words), three professional recommendations (FVSU form), official transcripts (cumulative GPA >=2.75), immunization records.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Fort Valley State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.03/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 90% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 2 position
Columbus State University
Master
M.Ed. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.98
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Completion Time: 3 Years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: Priority Dec 1; Final March 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution; minimum 2.75 GPA (regular) or 2.50 (provisional); resume; statement of purpose; faculty interview. Teaching experience and teacher certification are not required.
Additional requirements
Resume, Statement of Purpose, successful completion of an interview with departmental faculty; minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (regular) or 2.50 (provisional)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Columbus State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.98/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 3 position
Valdosta State University
Master
M.Ed. in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: online
93.81
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
84% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
March 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in any major; minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional requirements
Online graduate application; official transcripts from all prior institutions; 250-500 word statement on plans in the chosen Counselor Education track; lawful presence verification if applicable; TOEFL/IELTS for non-native speakers.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Valdosta State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.81/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 84% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 4 position
Albany State University
Master
M.Ed. in Counselor Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.33
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Program completion rate
85% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution; no specific coursework prerequisites stated for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration.
Additional requirements
Graduate School and program applications; MAT or GRE scores; professional statement; three references; committee interview. Regular admission: GPA 2.8+, MAT 402 or GRE 146V/140Q.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Albany State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.33/100, supported by 85% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 5 position
Columbus State University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.06
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 Years (Full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 (regular admission) or 2.50 (provisional admission)
Application deadline
Priority: Dec 1; Final: Mar 1 (Fall admission)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
An earned undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
Additional requirements
Resume, Statement of Purpose, successful completion of an interview with departmental faculty, minimum GPA (2.75 regular / 2.50 provisional)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Columbus State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.06/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 6 position
Albany State University
Master
M.Ed. in Counselor Education – School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.82
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
63 semester credits
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Program completion rate
80% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2022-23)
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Teacher certification is not required for admission. Georgia-certified candidates or those with 3+ semester hours in identifying and educating children with special needs complete 60 SH instead of 63.
Additional requirements
Graduate School and program applications; GACE Program Admission (Praxis Core out of state) or MAT/GRE scores; professional statement; three references; committee interview; GPA 2.8+ for regular admission. Two on-campus residencies.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Albany State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.82/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 80% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 7 position
Valdosta State University
Master
M.Ed. in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: online
92.66
/ 100
Final score
Program length
60 hours completed over two years including summers
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
83% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
March 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in any major; minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional requirements
Online graduate application; official transcripts from all prior institutions; 250-500 word statement on plans in the chosen Counselor Education track; lawful presence verification if applicable; TOEFL/IELTS for non-native speakers.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Valdosta State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.66/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 83% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 8 position
University of West Georgia
Master
Master of Education with a Major in Professional Counseling, Clinical Mental Health
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.52
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-1/2 years or 7 semesters of full-time study
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
94% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
79% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Online Graduate Application ($55 fee), official transcripts, resume, personal statement (3-5 page double-spaced essay)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of West Georgia earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.52/100, supported by 79% licensure exam pass rate and 94% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
Graduate School and program applications; MAT or GRE scores (GACE for Georgia School Counseling certification); professional statement; three references; committee interview. Regular admission: GPA 2.8+, MAT 402 or GRE 146V/140Q.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Albany State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.91/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 10 position
South University-Savannah
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
90.66
/ 100
Final score
Program length
8 or 10 quarters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
91 quarter credits
Acceptance rate
30.95%
GPA range
2.30 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; minimum GPA of 2.3 for the last 60 semester/90 quarter hours or overall; or a graduate degree with GPA of at least 3.0. English proficiency testing for non-native English speakers.
Additional requirements
Application; personal/professional statement on counseling interests, goals, and qualifications; official transcripts; résumé; background check; faculty interview; admissions committee approval; English proficiency if applicable.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
South University-Savannah earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.66/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 11 position
Thomas University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling
Delivery mode: online
89.94
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Average completion: 2.3 years full-time (7 semesters)
Specialization
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Licensure exam pass rate
86%
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a regionally accredited college or university; open to students with undergraduate majors in any area.
Additional requirements
Personal statement of career and educational objectives (max two pages); minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 undergraduate credit hours or relevant graduate coursework (GPA below 3.0 may require additional writing course); reference letters; bachelor's degree.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Thomas University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.94/100, with 86% licensure exam pass rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 12 position
Thomas University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling
Delivery mode: online
89.76
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Full-time 2.3 year (7 semesters)
Specialization
Addiction Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a regionally accredited college or university; open to students with undergraduate majors in any area.
Additional requirements
Personal statement of career and educational objectives (max two pages); minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 undergraduate credit hours or relevant graduate coursework (GPA below 3.0 may require additional writing course); reference letters; bachelor's degree.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Thomas University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.76/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 13 position
Thomas University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling
Delivery mode: online
89.76
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Average completion (full-time): 2.3 years (7 semesters)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a regionally accredited college or university; open to students with undergraduate majors in any area.
Additional requirements
Personal statement of career and educational objectives (max two pages); minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 undergraduate credit hours or relevant graduate coursework (GPA below 3.0 may require additional writing course); reference letters; bachelor's degree.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Thomas University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.76/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 14 position
Thomas University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling
Delivery mode: online
89.76
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Average completion: 2.3 years full-time (7 semesters)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a regionally accredited college or university; open to students with undergraduate majors in any area.
Additional requirements
Personal statement of career and educational objectives (max two pages); minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 undergraduate credit hours or relevant graduate coursework (GPA below 3.0 may require additional writing course); reference letters; bachelor's degree.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Thomas University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.76/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 15 position
Mercer University
Master
M.S. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
89.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
30–36 months full-time
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
13.11%
Program completion rate
73% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1; Spring: September 30; Summer: Priority May 18 / Standard April 30
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with an acceptable GPA from an accredited college or university; degree may be in any discipline. Prior to Practicum/Internship, students must complete 19 semester hours of foundational coursework (COUN 605, 606, 612, 618, 631, 632).
Additional requirements
$35 non-refundable application fee ($100 international); official transcripts from all previously attended institutions; two letters of recommendation; background check (DISA/Castle Branch); goal statement; current résumé; interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Mercer University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.3/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 73% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 16 position
Fort Valley State University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Master of Science)
Completed graduate application; professional resume; 550–600-word statement of purpose; three professional recommendations; official transcripts from every postsecondary institution attended; immunization records.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Fort Valley State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 88.91/100, supported by 67% licensure exam pass rate and 91% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 17 position
LaGrange College
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program (M.A.)
Delivery mode: online
88.34
/ 100
Final score
Program length
24 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
89% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
79% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Undergraduate academic background with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5; no revocation of licenses or certifications. No specific prerequisite coursework is listed.
Additional requirements
Completed application; official undergraduate and any previous graduate transcripts; two-page essay explaining the applicant's path to counseling and career goals; background check; résumé; one recommendation letter.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
LaGrange College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 88.34/100, supported by 89% program completion rate and 79% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 18 position
Mercer University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.74
/ 100
Final score
Program length
30-42 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
27.79%
Program completion rate
75% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
98.4% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Spring: September 30; Fall: February 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university with an acceptable GPA; no specific prerequisite courses are listed.
Additional requirements
Application; official transcripts from all prior institutions; background check; two professional references; current résumé; autobiographical goal statement; interview; identity verification. International applicants need TOEFL or IELTS.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Mercer University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 87.74/100, supported by 98.4% licensure exam pass rate and 75% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 19 position
Mercer University
Master
M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.26
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
22.73%
Program completion rate
67% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
94.4% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Spring: September 30; Summer: Priority May 18, Standard April 30; Fall: February 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Applicants must have a bachelor's (undergraduate) degree with an acceptable grade point average from an accredited college or university; the degree may be in any discipline.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions; background check; two professional letters of reference; current resume; goal statement (autobiographical statement); interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Mercer University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 87.26/100, supported by 94.4% licensure exam pass rate and 67% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 20 position
Mercer University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
85.27
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Typical completion: 3-5 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
40%
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
67% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
January 31 for August admission
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or a counseling discipline from a regionally accredited institution; minimum graduate GPA of 3.5. Graduates of CACREP-accredited programs receive preference.
Additional requirements
Application; official transcripts; relevant counseling certifications and licenses; autobiographical goal statement; writing sample on a counseling topic; three professional recommendations; résumé; interview; identity verification.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Mercer University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 85.27/100, supported by 67% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in Georgia
Can I become a licensed counselor with an online degree?
Possibly. Online delivery does not itself determine eligibility. Confirm the program's coursework and supervised-training requirements with the Georgia Composite Board, then account for any post-degree experience and examination requirements. Graduation is not a license.
Is school counseling the same as clinical mental health counseling?
No. They prepare students for different settings and credential processes. Check school-counselor certification with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and professional-counselor licensure with the Georgia Composite Board.
Will I have to complete an internship in person?
Expect supervised fieldwork in a real service setting even if classes are online. Ask when it occurs, who finds the site, and whether the program approves supervisors near your home.
How long should I plan to study?
Plan on roughly two to three years for a full-time master's, with more time possible for part-time study. Request a schedule showing the actual practicum and internship terms before relying on a completion estimate.
Does CACREP accreditation matter?
It can matter for program comparison and some professional pathways, but it is distinct from an institution's accreditation and from state licensure. Verify the current status of the specific program with CACREP and confirm Georgia's requirements for your intended credential.
Is an online counseling degree worth the cost?
It may be if the program fits your credential goal, you can complete its fieldwork, and its net cost is reasonable against your likely career options. Compare total borrowing and time away from paid work - not just advertised tuition or national salary medians.
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