An online counseling master's can let you study while working, but the wrong program may not prepare you for the Pennsylvania credential or job you want. This guide compares clinical and school counseling paths, costs, field placements, timelines, and career prospects. It also features the 2027 Best Online Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Pennsylvania, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about programs worth considering. Use it to narrow your options before committing time and money.
Key findings about online Counseling degrees in Pennsylvania
Choose the credential first: Pennsylvania's licensed professional counselor pathway and its school-counselor certification pathway have different requirements. An online delivery label does not establish eligibility for either one.
Budget for substantial study and in-person training. Pennsylvania's LPC education requirements include at least 60 graduate semester credits, according to the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors; ask each school how its courses and placements meet current rules.
For perspective on possible careers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 national median annual wage of $59,350 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, with projected employment growth of 18% from 2025 to 2035. Neither figure predicts a Pennsylvania graduate's pay or hiring outcome.
What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in Pennsylvania?
Expect graduate coursework, skills practice, supervised field experience, and assessments - not an entirely remote route into counseling. Clinical mental health programs prepare students for work with clients experiencing mental health concerns; school counseling programs focus on students' academic, career, and social-emotional needs in educational settings. Pennsylvania's professional-counselor licensing board and Department of Education oversee different credentials, so the program title alone is not enough to establish eligibility.
Online usually describes how academic courses are delivered. Live classes, campus visits, background checks, and local practicum or internship placements may still be required. This matters especially if you live far from a campus or work fixed hours: ask who finds placement sites, which Pennsylvania sites are approved, and whether required supervision is included in tuition.
The degree can be a worthwhile investment if it leads toward the credential and setting you actually want. It is a poor substitute for a school-certification pathway if you want to counsel in a public school, or for an LPC-aligned pathway if your goal is clinical practice. A shorter certificate may suit someone who already holds a qualifying graduate degree, but it generally does not replace an initial master's for someone entering the profession.
Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in Pennsylvania?
Clinical mental health graduates may pursue roles with community mental health agencies, hospitals, outpatient providers, substance-use treatment organizations, and, after meeting applicable licensing requirements, private practices. School counseling graduates may seek roles in Pennsylvania schools if they qualify for the appropriate Pennsylvania Department of Education certification. Rehabilitation-oriented training can point toward disability services and vocational support. Employers set additional hiring requirements, and a degree alone does not confer a license or certification.
Location affects the practical value of an online degree. A student near Philadelphia or Pittsburgh may have more potential placement settings to investigate, while a student in a less populated county may need to ask earlier whether the school can approve a nearby supervisor and site. Compare the actual commuting and placement requirements of each program rather than assuming online enrollment removes geography from the decision.
Pay depends more on the occupation, setting, experience, and credential than on whether coursework was online. The figures below are U.S. occupational medians for May 2025, not Pennsylvania graduate earnings or starting salaries. They help distinguish career directions without implying that completing a particular master's will produce a particular wage (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook).
Career direction
National median annual wage, May 2025
How to use the figure
Clinical mental health or addiction counseling
$59,350
Compare with the cost of an LPC-oriented path and any postdegree supervision.
School counseling
$64,330
Consider school hiring requirements, contract length, and the relevant certification.
Marriage, couple, and family counseling
$66,940
Check whether your chosen degree supports the specific credential you intend to pursue.
Rehabilitation counseling
$46,850
Evaluate the role and employer, not just the counseling label.
A useful return-on-investment comparison starts with your current earnings. Estimate each program's tuition, fees, travel, placement-related expenses, borrowing, and income you might forgo; then weigh those costs against realistic jobs you could qualify for, the likelihood of completion, and the time needed for postdegree credentials. National medians are context, not a forecast of your personal return.
The clearest distinction among these Pennsylvania options is the professional direction each program names. Delivery and fieldwork details can change, so use the following program-specific differences to build a shortlist, then obtain current written confirmation of credits, format, placement support, and credential alignment from the institution.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania - Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This is a clinical mental health option rather than a school-counseling track (Slippery Rock University, program description). It belongs on an LPC-focused shortlist; ask how its required clinical placements work where you live.
Waynesburg University - Master of Arts in Counseling: Waynesburg presents its master's through its online counseling offerings (Waynesburg University, program description). Working applicants should ask which courses are live, whether any campus attendance is required, and which credential the selected course sequence supports.
Pennsylvania Western University - School Counseling: This program's school-counseling focus makes Pennsylvania educator certification the central comparison point, rather than LPC preparation (Pennsylvania Western University, program description). Ask which school placements and grade-level requirements apply to your intended certification.
Geneva College - Counseling: Geneva's counseling master's merits a closer look if you want to assess how its curriculum fits your preferred approach to counselor training (Geneva College, program description). Request the course sequence and fieldwork requirements before comparing it with a clinical or school-specific degree.
Gwynedd Mercy University - Online School Counseling: Its explicitly online school-counseling offering is relevant to applicants balancing coursework with work while pursuing a school-based role (Gwynedd Mercy University, program description). Confirm how in-person school placements and Pennsylvania certification requirements fit your schedule.
Messiah University - School Counseling: Messiah offers another school-specific route, so its practical point of comparison is the certification and placement path - not clinical counseling coursework (Messiah University, program description). Ask how it helps students arrange experience in the school setting where they plan to work.
Lebanon Valley College - Clinical Mental Health Counseling: The program targets clinical mental health counseling rather than school certification (Lebanon Valley College, program description). Compare its course sequence and supervised-experience arrangements against Pennsylvania LPC education requirements before enrolling.
Pennsylvania Western University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This clinical option serves a different credential goal from PennWest's school-counseling program (Pennsylvania Western University, program description). Applicants considering either should compare the actual requirements for LPC licensure and educator certification, not assume the tracks are interchangeable.
Thomas Jefferson University - Community and Trauma Counseling: Its named community-and-trauma focus is the most clearly specialized clinical emphasis in this group (Thomas Jefferson University, program description). It may fit an applicant interested in trauma-related community services; confirm that the curriculum also covers the requirements for the license you seek.
Gwynedd Mercy University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This degree points toward clinical mental health practice rather than the school-counseling route also offered by the institution (Gwynedd Mercy University, program description). Compare the two by intended workplace, required placements, and Pennsylvania credential rather than by delivery format alone.
These distinctions identify reasons to investigate a program, not verified differences in graduate outcomes or total cost. Ask each finalist for current program-level results and a written explanation of how its curriculum supports your intended credential.
A counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years of full-time study; part-time study can extend to three or four years. Your actual timeline depends on course sequencing, placement availability, and whether you can complete supervised training alongside paid work. Pennsylvania's LPC education requirements include at least 60 graduate semester credits, which helps explain why a qualifying clinical path is a substantial commitment (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
An accelerated schedule is attractive only if required courses and placements are available when you need them. Compare the fastest counseling programs by their published completion plans, then ask what happens if a placement starts late or you need to reduce your course load. Transfer-credit limits and prerequisites can change your finish date even when two schools advertise the same nominal program length.
The principal difference is where and when coursework occurs, not whether you must demonstrate counseling skills or complete supervised experience. This comparison helps identify the schedule and placement questions that matter more than a simple online-versus-campus label.
Consideration
Online program
On-campus program
Course access
May reduce routine commuting; live sessions can still have fixed times.
Scheduled campus attendance can provide more face-to-face contact.
Skills training
May use live video practice or required campus sessions.
Usually conducts more practice in person on campus.
Field placement
Typically completed in person at an approved site, potentially near home.
Also completed at an approved site, often within the school's placement network.
Best fit
Students who need course flexibility and can secure approved local experience.
Students who prefer regular in-person learning or need local campus-based support.
Do not assume an online degree is entirely self-paced or that a nearby campus automatically supplies a placement. Request the required attendance calendar and the school's policy for approving your preferred Pennsylvania field site before choosing either format.
There is no single defensible Pennsylvania-wide average that captures the full price of an online counseling master's. NCES/IPEDS reports institutional tuition and fees, but those figures do not necessarily represent the total price of a particular graduate program. Published per-credit rates can also omit program fees, books, technology, travel, and costs associated with finding or completing placements.
For an apples-to-apples estimate, request each school's current total required credits, graduate tuition applicable to you, mandatory fees, residency or campus-visit costs, and expected placement expenses. Public institutions may have different resident and nonresident rates; do not assume an online student receives the in-state rate. Subtract grants and employer benefits before comparing borrowing needs. The most affordable counseling programs can help you identify candidates, but the lowest advertised tuition is not necessarily the lowest complete cost.
Start with the FAFSA and confirm that both the institution and your enrollment meet federal-aid requirements. Depending on eligibility, graduate students may use Direct Unsubsidized Loans; schools may also offer assistantships, scholarships, or payment plans. Employer tuition assistance can be particularly useful for working students, although its terms may require continued employment (Federal Student Aid; individual institutions).
Graduate PLUS is not a general borrowing option for new graduate students beginning after the July 2026 federal changes. Limited transitional eligibility may remain for students who meet the prior-borrowing and same-program conditions; confirm your status with your financial-aid office rather than building a budget around a PLUS loan you may not be able to obtain (Federal Student Aid, Graduate PLUS guidance). Ask the school for a funding plan covering the entire degree and placement period, not just the first term.
State and institutional awards have their own residency, program, and enrollment rules. Check current Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency information and your school's graduate-aid office instead of assuming an undergraduate state grant applies to a master's. For a value comparison that goes beyond sticker price, review the most valuable counseling programs alongside your personal net-cost estimate.
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
Applicants generally need a bachelor's degree and must meet the school's published academic requirements. Programs may request transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, an interview, or prerequisite coursework; requirements vary, so the admissions page for the specific track controls. A psychology major is not necessarily required, but an applicant changing fields should ask whether any foundational courses must be completed first (individual institution admissions requirements).
Admission and eventual field-placement clearance are separate hurdles. Ask about background checks and site-specific requirements early, particularly for school placements or work with vulnerable clients. If you already have graduate counseling coursework, obtain a written transfer-credit evaluation that identifies which credits count toward the degree and the intended Pennsylvania credential. The easiest counseling programs may help you explore admissions options, but less restrictive admission does not reduce licensing or certification standards.
Clinical counseling curricula commonly include counseling theories, ethics, assessment, diagnosis, group counseling, multicultural counseling, research, and supervised practice. School-focused curricula add coursework and experiences tied to student development, school systems, and school counseling practice. The exact course titles matter less than whether the complete transcript and field experience meet the requirements of your intended credential (Pennsylvania professional-counselor licensing board; Pennsylvania Department of Education).
One important comparison is how a program teaches and assesses clinical skills online. Ask whether live role-play is required, how faculty give feedback, and when practicum and internship courses can begin. Do not assume that a course called "trauma counseling," for example, substitutes for a board-required content area without checking the full curriculum.
The consequential distinction is often a credential track, not an elective concentration. Clinical mental health counseling typically points toward professional-counselor licensure planning; school counseling points toward educator certification. Other interests include addiction, rehabilitation, marriage and family work, and trauma-related community services. Each can lead to different employers and potentially different credential requirements (Pennsylvania professional-counselor licensing board; Pennsylvania Department of Education).
Choose the required credential before choosing a specialized course title. A trauma emphasis may deepen relevant training, for instance, but it does not independently confer a trauma credential or LPC license. If you want to change specialties later, ask whether the degree's core courses and supervised experiences leave a workable path to the additional qualification.
The best program is the one that supports your intended credential, offers feasible supervised experience where you live, and has a cost and schedule you can sustain. Institutional accreditation, programmatic accreditation, state approval, and individual licensure are different things. Check institutional status and any claimed CACREP recognition with the relevant accreditor, then verify Pennsylvania credential requirements with the appropriate state authority; never treat a ranking or a school's general accreditation as proof of individual eligibility (CACREP; U.S. Department of Education; Pennsylvania licensing board; Pennsylvania Department of Education).
Use the same questions with every finalist so attractive marketing language does not obscure a practical obstacle:
Which Pennsylvania license or certification does this exact track prepare students to pursue, and what requirements remain after graduation?
Who secures and approves placements near my home, and what happens if an approved site is unavailable?
Which classes, skills sessions, and campus visits have required attendance, and can I follow the sequence while working?
What are my total required credits, likely net cost, transfer-credit allowance, and funding options through completion?
What current, program-specific completion and credential-exam results can you share, including the reporting period and cohort size?
Watch for two expensive mistakes: selecting a school-counseling program for an LPC goal, or enrolling based on per-credit tuition without pricing the whole program. Compare written answers, not promises made during an introductory call. A program that takes longer but reliably accommodates your placement and work schedule may be a better investment than a nominally faster option you cannot finish.
View the chart data as a table
Programs by specialization (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
9
School Counseling
4
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
2
Addiction Counseling
1
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
1
An appropriate master's can be a step toward clinical mental health, addiction, school, rehabilitation, or community-focused counseling. The credential path differs. In Pennsylvania, professional-counselor licensure involves education, an examination, and supervised clinical experience beyond simply earning a degree; school counselors follow Pennsylvania Department of Education certification requirements (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors; Pennsylvania Department of Education).
If your goal is independent clinical practice, compare LPC-aligned programs and plan for postdegree supervision. If you want a school-based role, prioritize the school-counseling certification route and its placement requirements. Applicants seeking a faster move into a nonlicensed support role should investigate that role's actual hiring requirements before assuming a master's - and its associated debt - is necessary.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
70–74
1
75–79
0
80–84
1
85–89
4
90–94
11
The national outlook is stronger for some counseling occupations than others. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% employment growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3% for school and career counselors. Those are U.S. occupational projections, not forecasts of Pennsylvania vacancies or a guarantee that a graduate will be hired.
Use the difference to inform - not dictate - your choice. Clinical applicants should examine local agencies' openings, supervision arrangements, and credential expectations; school applicants should examine district vacancies and certification requirements in the counties where they can work. An online program can widen your choice of schools, but your placement network and willingness to commute or relocate still shape access to a first job.
2027 Best Online Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Pennsylvania
Investing in graduate education is a consequential decision. Research.com designed this ranking to help readers compare programs using documented outcomes, accreditation, and cost rather than relying on reputation alone. The team uses multiple education datasets and checks the information used to score programs; applicants should still confirm current program details directly with each school.
The Best ranking first combines program completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), applicable licensure-exam pass rates (20%), CACREP programmatic accreditation (16%), and institutional eligibility for federal Title IV aid (4%). Weights are renormalized when a criterion does not apply. Program cost then contributes a smaller component - about 7% of the final score. The same method applies to online and on-campus programs; other Research.com counseling rankings order programs by the dimension named in their titles.
The ranking draws on these sources to assess programs and institutions:
IPEDS database - institutional reporting on enrollment, completions, and costs.
A ranking is a starting point, not a determination that a program meets your intended licensing or certification requirements. Readers can find further details on Research.com's ranking methodology and should compare finalists against their own career goals, placement options, and net costs.
# 1 position
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Arts (MA)
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.49
/ 100
Final score
Program length
First Year Fall/Spring ... Third Year Fall/Spring (12-12-12-12-6/9-3/6 credits)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA for unconditional admission; personal statement of interest, experience and career goals; two recommendation forms from faculty or a supervisor; interview. No prerequisite courses beyond a bachelor's.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA for unconditional admission, personal statement, two recommendation forms from faculty or a recent employer/supervisor, online application and fee, and an interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.49/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 90% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 2 position
Waynesburg University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: online
92.84
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Addiction Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college
Additional requirements
Graduate and Professional Studies application; bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college with a minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions; current resume; personal statement; writing sample;
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Waynesburg University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.84/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 3 position
Pennsylvania Western University
Master
Counseling, MS - School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
92.68
/ 100
Final score
Program length
full-time (including the summer months) ... 2 ½ years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
12 semester hours (4 courses) of undergraduate psychology including abnormal psychology/psychopathology; Prerequisite Form; two professional letters of recommendation and assessment rubric; 750-1,000 word admissions essay in APA 7th format.
Additional requirements
3.0 undergraduate GPA (preferred); two professional letters of recommendation and student assessment rubric; Admissions Essay – Goals and Objectives; current Resume/CV; transcript (most recent degree); GRE if UG GPA below 3.0
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Pennsylvania Western University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.68/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 4 position
Geneva College
Master
M.A. in Counseling - Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.66
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years for a full-time student
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with GPA of 3.0+ expected (provisional admission possible below 3.0); basic statistics competency via CNS 504, an approved statistics course (B- or better within 5 years), or 80%+ on a statistics exam.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, a typed academic essay describing career goals and reasons for applying, three professional recommendations, and a resume
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Geneva College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.66/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 5 position
Gwynedd Mercy University
Master
M.S. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.25
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (combined 292+ plus analytical writing) required if GPA is below 3.0, unless applicant holds a graduate degree
Prerequisites
3 credits in General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Theory or another foundational course; 3 credits in Research Methods or Statistics
Additional requirements
Accredited bachelor's; transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA (GRE 292+ required below 3.0 unless holding a graduate degree); two letters of recommendation (one academic, one professional); 3-5 page personal statement; group faculty interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Gwynedd Mercy University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.25/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 6 position
Messiah University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling – School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
91.95
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-year completion
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
81.6% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
At least 6 credits in social, behavioral, applied, or life sciences courses with a grade of C or higher (e.g., psychology, human development and family science, sociology, anthropology, early childhood studies, social work).
Additional requirements
Messiah application; official transcripts; cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher (below 3.0 reviewed case by case); 300–500 word statement of purpose; contact for one reference; resume/CV; Zoom interview with faculty.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Messiah University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.95/100, supported by 81.6% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 7 position
Lebanon Valley College
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.84
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Licensure exam pass rate
100%
Application deadline
Spring 2027: Nov 30, 2026; Fall 2027: Aug 2, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (any bachelor's degree); no specific counseling prerequisite coursework stated.
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcript with minimum 3.00 GPA; 500-word personal statement on counseling goals; professional resume; 2 professional/academic references; GRE optional; personal interview by invitation.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Lebanon Valley College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.84/100, with 100% licensure exam pass rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 8 position
Pennsylvania Western University
Master
M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
91.76
/ 100
Final score
Program length
full-time (including the summer months) ... 2 ½ years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
12 credit hours (4 courses) of psychology including one course in abnormal/psychopathology; Prerequisite Form; two professional letters of recommendation and student assessment rubric; Admissions Essay (750-1,000 words, APA 7th edition format).
Additional requirements
3.0 undergraduate GPA (preferred); two professional letters of recommendation and student assessment rubric; admissions essay (goals and objectives); current resume/CV; transcript (most recent degree); GRE required only if UG GPA below 3.0
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Pennsylvania Western University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.76/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 9 position
Thomas Jefferson University
Master
Community & Trauma Counseling Master of Science
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.67
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (seven semesters)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Thomas Jefferson University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.67/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 10 position
Gwynedd Mercy University
Master
M.S. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.32
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (combined 292+ plus analytical writing) required if GPA is below 3.0, unless the applicant holds a graduate degree
Prerequisites
3 credits in General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Theory or another foundational course; 3 credits in Research Methods or Statistics; baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA (or GRE 292+ with analytical writing if below 3.0); graduate application; two recommendation letters (one academic, one professional); 3-5 page personal statement; group faculty interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Gwynedd Mercy University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.32/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 11 position
Messiah University
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: online
91.26
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-year completion
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
72.6% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
At least 6 credits in social, behavioral, applied, or life sciences courses (e.g., psychology, sociology, social work) with a grade of C or higher
Additional requirements
Messiah application; official transcripts; cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher (below 3.0 reviewed case by case); 300–500 word statement of purpose; one reference contact; resume/CV; interview with faculty via Zoom
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Messiah University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.26/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 72.6% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 12 position
Waynesburg University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: online
89.51
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
82% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college
Additional requirements
Graduate and Professional Studies application; bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college with a minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions; current resume; personal statement; writing sample;
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Waynesburg University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.51/100, supported by 82% licensure exam pass rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 13 position
Neumann University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
88.51
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
80% (2023-24)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited, degree-granting institution with a 3.00 GPA.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all institutions attended, graduate writing prompt, two (2) letters of recommendation, and graduate student application.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Neumann University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 88.51/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 80% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 14 position
University of Scranton
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
86.72
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 - 3 years
Specialization
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
81% (2021-22)
Employment or doctoral admission
83% (2021-22)
Licensure exam pass rate
86% (2021-22)
Application deadline
Priority: March 1; Regular: July 15 (for fall admission)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (or international equivalent); undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (probationary acceptance possible below 3.0)
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions; two professional letters of recommendation; personal statement; resume; personal interview (group interview) with program faculty; no application fee
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
University of Scranton earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 86.72/100, supported by 86% licensure exam pass rate and 81% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 15 position
Messiah University
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
86.45
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-year completion
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
70.3% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
At least 6 credits in social, behavioral, applied, or life sciences courses (e.g., psychology, sociology, social work) with a grade of C or higher
Additional requirements
Application; official transcripts; cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher; 300–500 word statement of purpose; one reference; resume/CV; interview via Zoom
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Messiah University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 86.45/100, supported by 90% licensure exam pass rate and 70.3% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 16 position
Geneva College
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
81.68
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years for a full-time student
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
50% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
76% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Spring 2027: Nov 30, 2026
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Basic statistics competency
Additional requirements
Program requirement: one 5-day (one-week) residency in late August on the Beaver Falls, PA campus, year 1 (may postpone to year 2).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Geneva College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 81.68/100, supported by 76% licensure exam pass rate and 50% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 17 position
Geneva College
Master
M.A. in Counseling – School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
71.41
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years for a full-time student
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
0% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
0% (2023-24)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with GPA of 3.0+ (provisional admission possible below 3.0); basic statistics competency for CNS 505/512 via CNS 504, prior statistics course (B- or better within 5 years), or 80%+ exam score.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, a typed academic essay on career goals and reasons for applying to a Christian faith-based counseling program, three professional recommendations, and a resume
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Geneva College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 71.41/100, supported by 0% licensure exam pass rate and 0% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in Pennsylvania
Can I become a Pennsylvania licensed professional counselor with an online master's?
Potentially, but online delivery alone establishes nothing about eligibility. Confirm that the exact degree, coursework, examination plan, and supervised experience meet current Pennsylvania licensing-board requirements.
Are online counseling master's programs fully remote?
Usually not. Supervised practicum or internship work generally takes place in person, and some programs require live classes or campus visits. Get the attendance and placement rules in writing.
Is school counseling the same as clinical mental health counseling?
No. They prepare students for different settings and credential pathways in Pennsylvania. Choose based on the job and credential you want, not the shared word "counseling."
How long should I expect to study?
Plan on roughly two to three years full time, with part-time study often taking longer. Course sequencing and placement availability can change the timeline.
Does CACREP accreditation guarantee Pennsylvania licensure?
No. CACREP recognition concerns a program; Pennsylvania evaluates an individual applicant against its licensing requirements. Verify both program status and your remaining obligations with the relevant authorities.
Is an online counseling master's worth the cost?
It can be if it supports your intended credential and you can complete its placements and postdegree requirements at a manageable net cost. Compare total borrowing and time away from paid work with realistic roles you could pursue - not a national salary median treated as a personal earnings promise.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
Geneva College - M.A. in Counseling - Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Official program page (curriculum, tuition, admissions). https://www.geneva.edu/graduate/counseling/
