Choosing an online counseling degree in Kansas means choosing a career path as well as a school: clinical mental health, school, addiction, and rehabilitation counseling can lead to different credentials and workplaces. This guide is for prospective students and working professionals comparing program fit, cost, fieldwork, and licensure. It accompanies the 2027 Best Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Kansas, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about which counseling programs are worth considering. Use it to narrow your options before applying.
Key findings about online Counseling degrees in Kansas
Choose the credential first: Kansas clinical counseling licensure and school counselor licensure follow different state processes, so an online degree labeled "counseling" is not automatically suitable for both (Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board; Kansas State Department of Education).
The U.S. median annual wage for the occupational category covering mental health and addiction counselors was $59,350 in May 2025; projected employment growth is 18% for 2025-2035. Neither figure predicts an individual graduate's pay or hiring prospects in Kansas (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Compare the full cost of a graduate program - including fees, travel, and unpaid fieldwork - not just its online tuition rate. Request a written cost estimate and confirmation that required placements can be completed where you live.
What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in Kansas?
Most students seeking to practice counseling should compare master's-level, career-specific programs. An undergraduate counseling-related degree can introduce the field, while a certificate may add a specialty; neither should be assumed to replace the graduate education required for a particular Kansas counseling license (Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board; Kansas State Department of Education).
Expect online coursework in counseling theory, assessment, ethics, and work with clients, alongside supervised practicum or internship requirements. "Online" usually describes how academic courses are delivered - not permission to complete clinical training without an approved site or supervisor. Ask whether you must attend campus sessions, follow a fixed cohort schedule, or find your own placement.
A clinical mental health route fits students aiming for therapy and related services. A school counseling route fits those who want to work in K-12 education. Addiction or rehabilitation emphases can sharpen preparation for particular client populations, but the degree title alone does not establish eligibility for every state credential.
Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in Kansas?
Work settings depend on your specialization and credential. Clinical mental health graduates may seek roles in community mental health organizations, health systems, or private practices after meeting applicable licensing rules. School counseling graduates typically look to school districts; addiction-focused graduates may consider treatment providers, and rehabilitation-focused graduates may work with disability and employment services (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Location affects the practical value of an online degree. A student outside Kansas's larger metropolitan areas may be able to take classes remotely yet still need a nearby approved fieldwork site. Before enrolling, ask programs where recent students in your part of the state completed placements and whether their supervisors met program and Kansas credential requirements.
Salary depends on the occupation, setting, experience, hours, and credential - not simply on holding a counseling degree. Nationally, the median annual wage for the occupational category covering mental health and addiction counselors was $59,350 in May 2025 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). That is a national occupational median, not a Kansas starting salary or a forecast for a new graduate.
For comparison across paths, the national median for school and career counselors and advisors was $64,330, while rehabilitation counselors had a median of $46,850 in May 2025 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). These categories describe different jobs, so use the figure tied to your intended role. To assess a program's financial value, compare its expected total cost and time away from paid work with realistic earnings for the jobs you would actually pursue.
The Kansas programs below differ most usefully by intended credential and area of practice. Their published descriptions are starting points, not substitutes for confirming current online delivery, fieldwork arrangements, accreditation status, and licensure eligibility with the school and the relevant state agency.
MidAmerica Nazarene University - clinical mental health counseling: Its clinical mental health pathway is the relevant option among the university's listed counseling routes for students pursuing mental health practice rather than school-based or couple-and-family work. Ask the program to map its current curriculum and supervised training to Kansas clinical licensing requirements (MidAmerica Nazarene University).
MidAmerica Nazarene University - School Counseling Plus: The program's school-counseling focus makes it a closer match for K-12 career goals than the university's clinical routes. Clarify what "Plus" includes and which Kansas school credentials the completed pathway supports (MidAmerica Nazarene University; Kansas State Department of Education).
Fort Hays State University - school counseling: This is Fort Hays State's school-oriented counseling option rather than its clinical mental health program. It merits comparison for students who want to plan school-based fieldwork and educator-credential requirements from the outset (Fort Hays State University).
Emporia State University - addictions counseling: Its explicit addictions focus offers a more targeted course of study than an unspecified clinical counseling concentration. Students interested in substance-use treatment should ask which courses and placements address their intended Kansas role or credential (Emporia State University).
Fort Hays State University - clinical mental health counseling: The clinical mental health pathway gives prospective therapists a distinct alternative to the university's school counseling program. Compare its placement support and required attendance with other clinical programs if you intend to study from outside Hays (Fort Hays State University).
Emporia State University - clinical counseling concentrations: A concentration-based structure lets applicants compare areas of emphasis within the clinical counseling program instead of choosing only by institution. Confirm the current concentration options and whether your choice changes fieldwork or credential preparation (Emporia State University).
Wichita State University - clinical mental health track: Wichita State identifies clinical mental health as a track within its counseling degree, making the track - not just the degree name - the key unit to compare. Request the current track plan when checking Kansas clinical licensure alignment (Wichita State University).
MidAmerica Nazarene University - marriage, couple, and family counseling: This pathway names relationships and family systems as its focus, distinguishing it from the university's clinical mental health and school routes. It is worth investigating if that is your intended practice area, but verify the specific credential it prepares you to seek (MidAmerica Nazarene University).
Wichita State University - school counseling: The school counseling handbook provides a program-specific place to check expectations beyond a brief degree description. Use its current edition to review field experiences and progression rules before comparing this route with clinical counseling (Wichita State University).
Emporia State University - rehabilitation counseling: Its rehabilitation emphasis is the most directly named option here for students interested in counseling related to disability and participation in work or community life. Check how its placements and curriculum match the jobs and credentials you intend to pursue (Emporia State University).
A program can be a strong academic fit without being a workable online choice for every Kansas resident. Confirm delivery and placement arrangements directly; neither a program title nor a ranking position establishes them.
A counseling master's typically takes about two to three years of full-time study; part-time enrollment may take longer. The decisive variable is often the sequencing of practicum and internship, which cannot necessarily be accelerated by taking more online courses. Ask for a term-by-term plan showing when fieldwork begins, how many terms it lasts, and whether summer enrollment is required.
An accelerated route may lower the time spent out of the workforce, but it can make placement hours harder to fit around a full-time job. Compare advertised timelines with the fastest counseling programs, then check whether the schedule is feasible for your work and caregiving commitments.
The central difference is where and when you complete academic coursework. Online study can reduce routine travel; campus study may make in-person class meetings and local professional connections easier to access. Either format can still require supervised work with clients at an approved site.
For a Kansas student living far from a university, placement support matters more than the word "online." Ask whether the school approves sites near you, who contacts potential supervisors, and whether any residency or skills sessions require travel. If you need close on-site support to develop counseling skills, a campus or hybrid format may be a better fit even when remote coursework is convenient.
There is no single reliable Kansas-wide average that describes the total price of every online counseling pathway. Published tuition may be quoted per credit, per term, or by residency status, and it may exclude fees and fieldwork expenses. NCES IPEDS reports institutional cost data, but an institution-wide figure should not be presented as the price of a specific counseling master's.
For a useful comparison, multiply each program's current tuition rate by its required credits, then add mandatory fees, travel or residency costs, placement-related expenses, and any extra terms your schedule may require. Check whether a public university offers a different rate to Kansas residents or online students. The most affordable counseling programs can help form a shortlist, but request a written program-level estimate before deciding.
Eligible graduate students may be able to use federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans at participating institutions; scholarships, assistantships, employer tuition benefits, and school-administered aid may also be available. Eligibility depends on the student, program, and institution. Submit the FAFSA and ask each school's aid office which funds apply to your enrollment pattern (Federal Student Aid).
Graduate PLUS rules have changed for the 2027 planning period. New graduate borrowers generally should not assume they can obtain a Graduate PLUS loan; limited transitional eligibility may apply to qualifying students who borrowed for the same program before the change. Have the financial aid office confirm your status and remaining borrowing options rather than building a budget around an assumed PLUS award (Federal Student Aid).
Compare net cost after grants or employer support, not just the tuition sticker price. A lower-cost program with limited placement availability may still cost more in time or additional travel than expected.
View the chart data as a table
Programs by specialization (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
School Counseling
4
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
3
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
2
Addiction Counseling
1
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
1
Counselor Education and Supervision
1
Counseling master's applicants generally need a bachelor's degree, but schools set their own rules for prerequisites, grades, references, statements, interviews, and any required experience. A psychology major is not automatically required. Check the current admissions page for the exact track you want rather than relying on requirements for another counseling specialization (institutional admissions offices).
Admission and professional eligibility are separate questions. Before applying, ask whether the degree and its supervised experiences are designed to meet the Kansas credential you want, and what happens if you later seek licensure in another state. If you have prior graduate credits, obtain a written transfer evaluation: a school may accept academic credit without allowing it to replace a required skills or fieldwork course.
Applicants comparing the easiest counseling programs should distinguish accessible admissions from an easier route to practice. Supervised training and state credential requirements still apply.
Clinical counseling curricula commonly cover counseling methods, assessment, ethics, human development, research, and supervised practice. School counseling adds preparation relevant to students and educational settings; addiction and rehabilitation emphases shift attention toward their respective client needs and service systems. Exact courses and fieldwork requirements vary by program (CACREP; institutional program catalogs).
Read the course sequence, not just the course titles. A working adult should identify which skills classes have scheduled meetings, when practicum becomes available, and whether a preferred specialty course is offered often enough to avoid delaying graduation.
The Kansas programs discussed here identify clinical mental health, school, addiction, rehabilitation, and marriage, couple, and family counseling routes (MidAmerica Nazarene University; Fort Hays State University; Emporia State University; Wichita State University). These are meaningful choices because they affect the clients you prepare to serve, the sites suitable for fieldwork, and the credentials you may need.
If you are undecided, compare the required courses and placements of the clinical and school paths before choosing a narrower emphasis. Do not assume that a concentration within one degree automatically meets the requirements for every counseling license; request a credential-specific explanation from the program and verify it with the appropriate Kansas agency.
Start with the job and credential you want, then compare programs that plausibly lead there. This order prevents a common mistake: choosing the least expensive or highest-ranked degree before discovering that its track, placement rules, or delivery format does not match your goal.
Use the following checks when contacting each program. Ask for answers tied to your intended track and current catalog year:
Verify the credential pathway: Ask which Kansas license or school credential the curriculum is designed to support, and confirm the answer with the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board or Kansas State Department of Education.
Check recognition: Confirm institutional accreditation and any claimed programmatic accreditation directly with the institution and accreditor; do not assume all counseling tracks have the same status.
Test the online promise: Request the schedule of live classes, campus visits, practicum, and internship, plus the process for approving a site near you.
Compare total investment: Obtain a written cost and completion plan, including likely aid, borrowing, unpaid fieldwork time, and the effect of part-time study.
Examine outcomes carefully: Ask for recent, track-specific completion and credential-exam information where available, including the reporting period and number of students represented.
Then compare the most valuable counseling programs against your own circumstances. Return on investment depends on completion likelihood, aid and debt, time out of paid work, earnings before and after the degree, and how long you expect to work in the new role - not institution type or tuition alone.
View the chart data as a table
Projected job growth 2025-2035 by counseling career path (U.S., BLS) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
Mental Health Counselors
18
Marriage & Family Therapists
14
Postsecondary Teachers
7
Psychologists
6
School & Career Counselors
3
Rehabilitation Counselors
2
All occupations
3
A clinical mental health path can lead toward licensed counseling roles after required post-degree steps; school counseling leads toward school-based positions under educator credential rules. Addiction counseling and rehabilitation counseling serve different client needs, while marriage and family practice may have its own licensing route. Employers and Kansas regulators determine which credentials a position requires (Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board; Kansas State Department of Education).
A degree is therefore best viewed as one stage of the career path, not its endpoint. If your goal is to work immediately without graduate school or supervised credentialing, investigate entry-level behavioral health support roles separately; do not assume they offer the same responsibilities or pay as licensed counseling positions.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
88–88
1
89–89
0
90–90
2
91–91
1
92–92
5
93–93
2
94–94
0
95–95
1
Nationally, employment in the occupational category covering mental health and addiction counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections). That points to demand across the United States, but it is not a Kansas hiring forecast or a guarantee of a local opening.
Build a local picture before committing to a specialization. Review current postings in the Kansas areas where you would work and note the required license, experience, schedule, and setting. Compare those requirements with each program's credential pathway and placement opportunities. For students who cannot relocate, the availability of appropriate nearby placements and eventual employers may matter more than national growth.
2027 Best Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Kansas
Investing in a counseling degree is an important decision, particularly when a program's cost, clinical requirements, and outcomes can affect its value. Research.com designed its rankings to make those differences easier to evaluate and checks multiple education datasets to support credible, accurate comparisons.
The Best ranking first combines program completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), licensure exam pass rates where applicable (20%), CACREP programmatic accreditation (16%), and institutional eligibility for federal Title IV aid (4%). Inapplicable criteria are excluded and the remaining shares renormalized. Program cost then contributes a smaller component - about 7% of the final score. The method applies to online and on-campus programs; rankings focused on another dimension order programs by that dimension.
The ranking draws on these data sources:
IPEDS database - institutional reporting on enrollment, completions, and costs.
The ranking can help you build a shortlist, but a score cannot confirm that a particular track meets your intended licensing requirements or fits your schedule. Check those details with each program. See Research.com's methodology for more information about how the rankings are created.
# 1 position
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.18
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Complete in 33 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95.8% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Applications and interviews occur every February and April
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or 3.2 in last 30 hours), with lower GPAs eligible under probation
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, three professional and/or academic references, a writing assessment, and one half-day of comprehensive interviews with graduate faculty
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
MidAmerica Nazarene University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.18/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 95.8% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 2 position
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.77
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Complete in 33 months
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
62 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
91.6% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Applications and interviews occur every February and April
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; undergraduate GPA of 3.0, or 3.2 in last 30 hours (lower GPAs may enter on probation). Teaching experience not required; unlicensed candidates add two field-experience credits.
Additional requirements
Application, official transcripts, three professional/academic references, writing assessment, and a half-day of faculty interviews. Non-native English speakers need a TOEFL score of 600+ from the past five years.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
MidAmerica Nazarene University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.77/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 91.6% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 3 position
Fort Hays State University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling)
Delivery mode: online
93.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
can be completed in 2-3 years of study
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Summer: March 1 priority, April 1 final; Fall: June 1 priority, July 1 final; Spring: October 1 priority, November 1 final
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree, background in counseling or human services; minimum 3.00 GPA in last 60 hours of undergraduate credit.
Additional requirements
Proof of 3.00 GPA in last 60 undergraduate hours; two letters of reference; Professional Goals Statement; official transcripts and proof of degree conferral; group interview via videoconference; completed background check.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Fort Hays State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.7/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 4 position
Emporia State University
Master
M.S. in Clinical Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.82
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Addiction Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
92% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
94% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
94% (2022-23)
Application deadline
Summer: March 1; Fall: July 1; Spring: October 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Earned BS, BA, BFA, or BSE degree. Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.25 over the last 60 semester hours, and/or graduate GPA of at least 3.0. No specific prerequisite coursework is stated for this concentration.
Additional requirements
Graduate School application with departmental application; transcripts; government-issued ID; three references, including a supervisor when relevant; education and employment history; faculty interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Emporia State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.82/100, supported by 94% licensure exam pass rate and 92% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 5 position
Fort Hays State University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Delivery mode: online
92.78
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Summer: Jan 15 priority / Feb 15 final; Fall: Mar 15 priority / Apr 15 final; Spring: Sep 15 priority / Oct 15 final
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisite coursework listed. Requires a bachelor's degree with minimum 3.00 GPA in the last 60 credit hours, a 1-2 page personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a completed background check.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, proof of 3.00 GPA in last 60 undergrad credit hours, 1-2 page personal/professional goals statement, two letters of recommendation, background check (Validity Screening Solutions)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Fort Hays State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.78/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 6 position
Emporia State University
Master
MS, Clinical Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.73
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Summer: March 1; Fall: July 1; Spring: October 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Official transcripts showing an earned BS, BA, BFA, or BSE degree; undergraduate GPA of 3.0+ (or 3.25 on last 60 semester hours) and/or graduate GPA of 3.0+.
Additional requirements
Graduate School application, official transcripts, government ID copy, departmental application, three reference forms, writing sample/statement, education and employment history, and a faculty interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Emporia State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.73/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 7 position
Wichita State University
Master
M.Ed. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.37
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: July 15; Spring: Dec 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA for the last 60 credit hours; statement of professional goals, résumé, and three professional references; criminal background check required before the first semester.
Additional requirements
Completed graduate school application; official transcripts showing 3.00 GPA for the last 60 hours; a statement of professional goals; a resume; names, addresses and phone numbers of three professional references.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Wichita State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.37/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 8 position
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.11
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Complete in 33 months
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
80% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025)
Application deadline
Applications and interviews occur every February and April
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Additional requirements
All official transcripts; Three professional and/or academic references; A writing assessment; One half-day of comprehensive interviews with graduate faculty after all other admission requirements have been met.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
MidAmerica Nazarene University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.11/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 80% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 9 position
Wichita State University
Master
M.Ed. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.67
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: July 15; Spring: Dec 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA for the last 60 credit hours; statement of professional goals, résumé, and three professional references; criminal background check required before the first semester.
Additional requirements
Completed graduate school application; official transcripts showing 3.00 GPA for the last 60 hours; a statement of professional goals; a resume; names, addresses and phone numbers of three professional references.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Wichita State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.67/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 10 position
Emporia State University
Master
MS, Clinical Counseling
Delivery mode: online
90.87
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two to two-and-a-half year period
Specialization
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Summer: March 1; Fall: July 1; Spring: October 1
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree (BS, BA, BFA, or BSE); undergraduate GPA of 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale (or 3.25 on last 60 hours) and/or graduate GPA of 3.0+
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, program application (writing style and content), education and employment history, three references (at least one from a supervisor), faculty interview, departmental application within the Graduate School application
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Emporia State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.87/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 11 position
Emporia State University
Master
Master of Science in School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
90.78
/ 100
Final score
Program length
About 3 years (part-time)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
79%
Employment or doctoral admission
98% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
92% (2022-23)
Application deadline
Summer: March 1; Fall: July 1; Spring: October 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Official transcripts showing earned BS, BA, BFA, or BSE degree; teaching certificate and two years teaching experience OR eligibility via Restricted Licensure or Direct Entry pathway for non-teachers.
Additional requirements
Graduate School Application, official transcripts, undergraduate GPA 3.0+ (or 3.24 last 60 hrs) and/or graduate GPA 3.0+, writing sample/application essay, education and employment history, three references, faculty interview, departmental application.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Emporia State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.78/100, supported by 92% licensure exam pass rate and 79% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 12 position
Kansas State University
Doctor
Counselor Education and Supervision Doctorate (Ph.D.)
Delivery mode: online
88.97
/ 100
Final score
Program length
at least three years of full-time study
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
66 semester credits
Acceptance rate
27.4%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: April 1; Spring: November 1 (domestic); International Spring: August 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
A qualifying master's degree reduces the requirement to 66 credit hours (otherwise a minimum of 96 hours post baccalaureate is required); general university graduate admission requirements apply.
Additional requirements
Application; $65 fee; transcripts; 3-5 page statement of goals; 5-8 page scholarly writing sample (GRE not required); three letters of recommendation; resume/vitae; interview on request; TOEFL/IELTS/PTE if non-native English.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Kansas State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 88.97/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in Kansas
Can I become a licensed counselor in Kansas with an online degree?
Potentially, if the specific degree and your subsequent training meet the applicable Kansas requirements. Online delivery alone neither qualifies nor disqualifies a program; verify the intended pathway with the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board before enrolling.
Is an online school counseling degree the same as a clinical counseling degree?
No. They prepare students for different settings and credential processes. Check school counselor requirements with the Kansas State Department of Education and clinical counseling requirements with the relevant licensing board.
Will I have to complete an internship in person?
Expect supervised fieldwork even when courses are online. Ask the program whether it can approve a site and supervisor near your Kansas home and whether campus visits are also required.
Does CACREP accreditation replace state licensure?
No. CACREP accredits eligible counseling programs; a state agency determines whether an individual qualifies for a particular credential. Check both the program's current status and Kansas requirements (CACREP; Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board).
How should I compare two programs with different prices?
Request total program estimates and compare required credits, fees, likely aid, fieldwork-related costs, and time to completion. A lower tuition rate is less useful if the program does not fit your intended credential or schedule.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
