Choosing an online counseling master's is not just a question of convenience: the wrong specialization or field-placement arrangement could leave you short of your state's licensure requirements. This guide explains how to compare training, cost, flexibility, and career prospects. It also features the 2027 Best Online Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the USA, 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 committing time and money.
Key findings about online Counseling degrees in America
Choose by intended credential first: a clinical mental health, school, or marriage and family counseling degree may lead toward different state requirements. Online coursework does not eliminate in-person supervised training.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $59,350 for the occupational group that includes mental health and addiction counselors, with 18% projected employment growth for 2025-2035. Neither figure predicts an individual graduate's pay or job prospects.
There is no dependable single national price for an online counseling master's. Compare the full program bill - including required credits, fees, travel, and placement costs - and verify licensure fit before treating a lower tuition rate as a better value.
What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in America?
An online master's in counseling combines remote academic study with supervised practice. Students typically learn assessment, counseling theory, ethics, multicultural counseling, and research, then apply those skills in a practicum and internship. "Online" usually describes the coursework, not the clinical hours: students must arrange approved in-person or otherwise board-acceptable supervised experiences, often near home.
The degree title matters. Clinical mental health counseling commonly targets a professional counselor license; school counseling targets work in K-12 schools and state educator credentials; marriage, couple, and family counseling may follow a distinct marriage and family therapist licensing route. Programs with similar names can have different curricula. The American Counseling Association and state licensing boards distinguish professional roles and requirements, so ask a school which specific credential its curriculum is designed to support in your intended state.
This path is most compelling for someone who wants sustained, supervised client work and can accommodate placement hours. Someone seeking only general coaching skills - or unable to complete local fieldwork - should compare shorter, non-licensure options instead of assuming any counseling master's will meet that goal.
Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in America?
Work settings depend on specialization and credential. Clinical mental health and addiction counselors may work in outpatient treatment, community agencies, hospitals, or residential programs; school counselors work in educational settings; rehabilitation counselors may work with disability-services organizations. Private practice is generally a later option for clinicians who obtain the relevant independent state license, not an automatic outcome of graduation (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; state licensing boards).
Location matters even when classes do not require a move. A placement site must meet the program's supervision rules and the requirements of the state where you plan to seek a credential. Before enrolling across state lines, ask whether the school has helped students secure approved placements and pursue licensure in your state - not merely whether it accepts applicants there.
Pay depends on the occupation, location, employer, experience, and license held - not simply the degree printed on a diploma. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following national occupational medians for May 2025. These are wages for workers in each occupation, including experienced workers, rather than starting salaries for new master's graduates.
Career direction
Median annual wage, May 2025
What to check before comparing pay
Clinical mental health or addiction counseling
$59,350
Whether the role requires a provisional or independent license
School counseling
$64,330
District pay schedules and educator-credential requirements
Marriage, couple, and family counseling
$66,940
Whether the program supports the state's marriage and family therapist pathway
Rehabilitation counseling
$46,850
Employer setting and any required credential
The school counseling median, for example, is higher than the rehabilitation counseling median, but that difference alone cannot establish which degree has a better return. Compare likely local pay with the cost of each qualifying program, the time you may spend in supervised practice after graduation, and what you currently earn (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; state licensing boards).
The programs below illustrate why a shortlist needs closer inspection than a school name or ranking position allows. Their published program descriptions point to different career targets and structures; confirm current delivery format, required campus visits, field-placement arrangements, and licensure disclosures directly with each school before applying. A program with an online information page is not necessarily fully online.
South Dakota State University: Its M.S. in Counseling and Human Resource Development identifies clinical mental health counseling as the track, rather than leaving the professional direction implicit. It is a starting point for applicants pursuing that clinical pathway who need to verify how the track's placements work from their home state (South Dakota State University program page).
Utah Valley University: UVU presents clinical mental health counseling through a dedicated program page. Applicants focused on professional counselor licensure should compare its specific curriculum and delivery arrangements with their state board's rules rather than assuming a clinical program is portable nationwide (Utah Valley University, Clinical Mental Health Counseling).
Bluefield University: Bluefield's counseling program page provides a program-level place to check the degree's intended professional direction. It deserves particular scrutiny from remote applicants: obtain written confirmation of online availability, required attendance, and placement support before comparing it with explicitly online options (Bluefield University counseling program page).
University of Montana: The linked program is specifically school counseling, a different target from the clinical mental health emphasis of several other schools here. It is relevant to prospective K-12 counselors, who should verify educator-credential eligibility and school-based placement requirements in their state (University of Montana school counseling program page).
Sacred Heart University: Its clinical mental health counseling master's has a dedicated online-program page, making remote delivery an explicit part of the offering. Applicants should still determine whether any synchronous sessions, campus activities, or clinical placement restrictions affect their schedule and location (Sacred Heart University online program page).
University of Holy Cross: The university presents counseling as an M.A. rather than the M.S. used by some other programs in this group. The degree letters do not establish licensure eligibility; compare its current plan of study and fieldwork rules with the credential you want (University of Holy Cross counseling M.A. page).
Capital University: Capital publishes its program requirements in an academic bulletin, a useful source for checking the curriculum that governs a particular catalog year. Applicants should confirm which bulletin applies to their entry term and whether the program's delivery and supervised training can be completed where they live (Capital University academic bulletin).
MidAmerica Nazarene University: Its program identifies a clinical mental health counseling M.A. Applicants considering a university with a religious affiliation should examine the actual curriculum, placement options, and professional standards to decide whether the learning environment fits their goals (MidAmerica Nazarene University program page).
Mississippi State University: The clinical mental health counseling program is presented through the university's Meridian location, making campus or regional access an important comparison point. Distance applicants should ask exactly which activities can be completed remotely and where supervised experiences may take place (Mississippi State University Meridian program page).
Mount Mary University: Its graduate counseling page provides a direct route to the master's curriculum rather than a general university overview. Compare the available training pathway and attendance expectations with your intended license before treating it as interchangeable with a clinical mental health or school counseling program (Mount Mary University master's in counseling page).
These are decision points, not claims that every listed program has the same online format or qualifies graduates for every state license. Request each school's current catalog, programmatic accreditation status, state licensure disclosures, and placement policy to make a like-for-like comparison.
Many counseling master's students should plan for roughly two to three years of study, with part-time enrollment potentially extending the timeline. The actual finish date depends on required credits, course sequencing, how quickly a suitable placement can be approved, and whether internship hours can be completed alongside paid work. Ask for a term-by-term plan that includes clinical training rather than a coursework-only completion estimate.
Speed can carry a cost: an intensive schedule may reduce time available for paid employment or make it harder to secure supervision. Compare fastest counseling programs only after confirming that their pace and fieldwork calendar are feasible in your location.
The central difference is where academic instruction happens, not whether students practice counseling skills or complete supervised experience. An online format can reduce routine travel, but live classes, skills assessments, residencies, and local placements may still constrain a working student's schedule.
This comparison shows which format questions matter most before you apply.
Decision factor
Online program
On-campus program
Course access
Remote, but classes may be scheduled live
Regular travel to campus is usually required
Clinical training
Often arranged near the student, subject to approval
Often coordinated through a campus-area network
State licensure fit
Must be checked for the student's intended practice state
Must also be checked, especially before moving states
Best fit
Students who need geographic flexibility and can secure local training
Students who value face-to-face instruction or local placement connections
Neither format is inherently more licensure-ready. Confirm the program's state authorization and professional-licensure disclosures, programmatic accreditation where relevant, and the board's educational rules (U.S. Department of Education; Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; state licensing boards).
There is no reliable single national average for the total price of an online counseling master's: national graduate tuition measures cover many fields and do not capture each counseling program's required credits or placement expenses (National Center for Education Statistics). A general graduate-school average would therefore be a poor substitute for your likely bill.
For each finalist, multiply the published tuition rate by required credits, then add mandatory fees, books, any residency travel, and costs associated with fieldwork. Check whether a public university charges different rates by residency or online enrollment status. The most affordable counseling programs are a useful screening tool, but a lower advertised rate may not produce the lowest total cost.
To assess whether the degree is worth the investment, compare total net cost and expected debt with your current earnings, plausible earnings in your intended role, time to completion, forgone work income, probability of finishing, and the additional time to licensure. A longer time horizon and the value of future income also matter; no tuition figure alone can settle return on investment.
Eligible students at eligible institutions may be able to use federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans; schools may also offer graduate scholarships, assistantships, or payment plans. Employer tuition assistance and state or local workforce programs are worth checking, but availability varies. File the FAFSA and ask the financial aid office for a term-by-term estimate that distinguishes grants or scholarships from loans (Federal Student Aid).
Graduate PLUS rules changed for new graduate borrowing beginning July 1, 2026. Generally, new graduate students cannot count on Graduate PLUS loans; limited transitional eligibility may apply to certain continuing borrowers. Because eligibility depends on a student's circumstances and the applicable federal rules, ask the financial aid office to confirm your status before using Graduate PLUS in a financing plan (Federal Student Aid).
If aid will not cover the full bill, compare the resulting borrowing - not just the sticker price - across programs. Rankings of most valuable counseling programs can help frame that comparison, but your own aid offer and likely post-degree path determine the financial fit.
View the chart data as a table
Median wage by U.S. state - Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (BLS OEWS, May 2025) (Source: BLS)
State
Value
AK
80,770
AL
47,310
AR
51,580
AZ
65,300
CA
59,250
CO
62,390
CT
63,590
DC
60,450
DE
56,020
FL
56,790
GA
58,960
HI
60,090
IA
60,880
ID
63,360
IL
60,730
IN
53,760
KS
59,470
KY
54,190
LA
37,910
MA
59,890
MD
59,530
ME
59,970
MI
61,690
MN
58,780
MO
56,910
MS
46,990
MT
59,000
NC
55,490
ND
68,630
NE
63,770
NH
54,840
NJ
62,820
NM
74,100
NV
57,210
NY
59,450
OH
58,360
OK
59,350
OR
74,590
PA
52,010
PR
46,790
RI
65,120
SC
52,370
SD
53,650
TN
49,580
TX
62,630
UT
63,890
VA
59,880
VT
61,810
WA
68,910
WI
62,220
WV
49,430
WY
62,980
Applicants generally need a bachelor's degree, but schools differ on minimum grades, prerequisite coursework, recommendations, statements, interviews, and whether testing is required. A psychology major is not universally necessary. Check each program's current admissions page rather than treating one school's checklist as a national rule (institutional admissions offices).
Admission can also depend on whether you can complete clinical training: ask about background-check requirements, placement deadlines, and authorization to enroll from your state. If your academic record is uneven, easiest counseling programs may help identify options to investigate, but less selective admission does not remove the demands of supervised practice or licensure.
Common subjects include counseling theories, ethics, assessment, research, human development, group counseling, and counseling across cultures, followed by supervised practicum and internship. Clinical mental health students should look for preparation in diagnosis and treatment; school counseling students should look for school-based counseling and educational systems. Compare the actual catalog against your state board's required content areas rather than relying on the program title (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; state licensing boards).
A useful curriculum question is whether a required course is offered every term or only periodically. That detail can determine whether a part-time student can progress on schedule, especially when prerequisite courses must be finished before fieldwork.
Clinical mental health, school, addiction, marriage and family, and rehabilitation counseling are common directions, but schools organize them differently: some offer separate degrees, while others offer tracks or electives. The distinction matters because an elective concentration may not satisfy the educational requirements for a separate professional license (state licensing boards; institutional program catalogs).
Start with the population and setting where you want to work, then identify the credential employers or regulators require there. If you are undecided between school and clinical practice, ask whether changing tracks would add coursework or placements; do not assume the same internship can serve both pathways.
The best program is one that fits your intended credential, location, schedule, and affordable borrowing level - not necessarily the highest-ranked option. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then request answers to the following questions from each school and your intended state licensing board.
Which exact license or school credential is the curriculum designed to support in my state, and which requirements would remain after graduation?
Is the institution appropriately accredited, and does this specific program hold CACREP accreditation if my intended board or employer requires it?
Which classes are live, which campus visits are mandatory, and who finds and approves a placement near me?
What is my total estimated program cost after aid, including fees, travel, and fieldwork-related expenses?
What are the current program completion and applicable licensure-exam outcomes, their reporting periods, and the number of students represented?
Watch for two especially costly mistakes: assuming institutional accreditation means programmatic accreditation, and assuming an online degree meets every state's licensing rules. Verify both independently with the accreditor and relevant board. Also ask how prior graduate credits are evaluated; acceptance of transfer credit is program-specific and may not shorten a required clinical sequence (U.S. Department of Education; Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; state licensing boards).
View the chart data as a table
Wage range - Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (U.S., BLS May 2025) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
10th percentile
38,940
Median
59,350
90th percentile
97,590
A master's can be an educational step toward roles such as mental health counselor, addiction counselor, school counselor, marriage and family therapist, or rehabilitation counselor. Which paths are open depends on the degree's curriculum and the state's rules. Graduation, certification, supervised post-degree experience, examinations, and licensure are separate milestones; not every occupation or state uses all of them in the same way (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; state licensing boards).
If your goal is independent clinical practice, work backward from that state license before choosing a degree. If your goal is K-12 employment, prioritize a program aligned with the relevant school credential. Students who want to teach or supervise counselors later may need doctoral education or additional credentials rather than expecting a master's alone to qualify them for those roles.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
65–69
2
70–74
2
75–79
7
80–84
19
85–89
78
90–94
195
95–99
11
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% employment growth for the occupational group encompassing mental health and addiction counselors over 2025-2035. That national projection signals demand worth investigating, but openings, employers, pay, and competition vary by state and community. School counseling has a different projected growth rate of 3% over the same period, so specialization affects the labor-market picture (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025-2035).
Before committing to a program, scan job postings in the place you intend to work for the specific license, supervised status, and experience employers request. Compare those requirements with the school's curriculum and your state board's pathway. National growth can support a career decision, but it cannot compensate for a degree that does not qualify you for local opportunities.
2027 Best Online Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the USA
Investing in graduate education is a consequential decision. Research.com developed this ranking to give prospective counseling students a consistent way to compare programs, while recognizing that a ranking cannot replace a check of state licensure rules, current tuition, and clinical placement support. The team evaluates graduate outcomes, accreditation, licensure exam performance where applicable, and cost rather than relying on a single measure of reputation.
For the Best ranking, program completion accounts for 40% of the initial outcomes-and-accreditation score; employment or doctoral admission, 20%; applicable licensure exam pass rates, 20%; CACREP programmatic accreditation, 16%; and institutional Title IV eligibility, 4%. Weights are renormalized when a criterion does not apply. Program cost contributes a smaller component - about 7% of the final score. The method is the same for online and on-campus programs; other Research.com rankings order programs by the dimension named in their titles.
The ranking draws on these data sources to check program and institutional information:
IPEDS database - institutional reporting on enrollment, completions, and costs.
Peterson's database - program and institution information used in comparisons.
Research.com works to make the comparisons credible and useful, but reporting coverage and program-specific outcomes can differ. Readers can learn more about the approach on the Research.com methodology page, then confirm any finalist's current requirements directly with the school and the licensing board in the state where they intend to practice.
# 1 position
South Dakota State University
Master
Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S.)
Delivery mode: online
96.28
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
96% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: April 15 (Priority: Dec 1); Spring: Oct 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
South Dakota State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 96.28/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 96% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a regionally/nationally accredited institution, provided student meets prerequisite coursework: Abnormal Psychology, Research Methods, Statistics.
Additional requirements
Graduate application; official transcripts; minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA; TOEFL 79 iBT / IELTS 6.0 for non-native English speakers; three academic/professional recommendation letters; personal interview for qualifying applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Utah Valley University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 96.0/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 96% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 3 position
Bluefield University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.62
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Time to Complete: 2 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
42%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Class size
14
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts; personal statement; graduate reference forms/three recommendations; current resume/CV; eligibility for readmission at last institution; personal and group 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).
Bluefield University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.62/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 4 position
The University of Montana
Master
School Counseling MA
Delivery mode: online
95.56
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Jan 15 (priority; application window remains open until positions are filled)
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Additional requirements
Current resume (CV); 3 letters of recommendation; official academic transcripts from all higher-education institutions; personal statement; official GRE scores optional
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
The University of Montana earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.56/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 5 position
Sacred Heart University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
A full-time student will finish the program in two years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
96% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Spring 2027: 12/07/26
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcripts (GPA 2.75+), two professional recommendation letters, state acknowledgement form, personal statement, online-readiness assessment, video interview, and two 1-week in-person residencies.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Sacred Heart University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.5/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 96% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 6 position
University of Holy Cross
Master
MA in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health specialization
Delivery mode: online
95.27
/ 100
Final score
Program length
three years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university.
Additional requirements
Two-page letter of application, unofficial bachelor's transcript, current resume, three recommendation forms, and proof of immunizations (or signed waiver), sent by email to the Department Chair.
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 Holy Cross earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.27/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 7 position
Capital University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.25
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
64 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
96.4% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Priority Deadline: December 1; Final Deadline: March 15
Class size
31
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution, with a satisfactory GPA, usually a minimum of 3.0 (B); applicants below 3.0 are reviewed individually and, if admitted, placed on a probationary period.
Additional requirements
Online application; statement of intent; three professional references; resume or CV; official transcripts from all institutions; signed Statement of Assurance of Good Moral Character; in-person interview if invited. Fall admission only.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Capital University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.25/100, supported by 96.4% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 8 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.
# 9 position
Mississippi State University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.16
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Full-time students complete the program in two years, including summers.
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
60%
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
95% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Spring: Dec 1; Summer: May 15; Fall: Aug 1
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree
Additional requirements
Graduate application; statement of purpose addressing digital delivery, professional goals and wellness balance; three references (two professional, one instructor); official transcripts; current immunization record
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).
Mississippi State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.16/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 95% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 10 position
Mount Mary University
Master
M.S. in Professional Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.14
/ 100
Final score
Program length
accelerated 2-year option
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
95% (2025)
Application deadline
March 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE or MAT required as evidence if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, unless a 3.0 GPA in the final 60 credits or in post-baccalaureate coursework is shown
Prerequisites
Regionally accredited bachelor's; 18 credits in human development, education, psychology, sociology, social work or communications (undergraduate statistics preferred); 3.0 GPA or equivalent evidence (e.g., GRE, MAT, 3.0 in final 60 credits).
Additional requirements
Online Graduate Student Application, nonrefundable application fee (waived for Mount Mary alumni), official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Mount Mary University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.14/100, supported by 95% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 11 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.
# 12 position
University of Mary
Master
Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.73
/ 100
Final score
Program length
As little as 20 months (accelerated track); 32 months (extended track)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2021-22)
Licensure exam pass rate
93% (2025)
Application deadline
Fall and Summer starts; apply by March 1 for early admission
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree; preference for Psychology, Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice or related human service field
Additional requirements
Application and fee, official transcripts, resume/CV, two professional recommendations, 1-page statement of purpose
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Mary earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.73/100, supported by 93% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 13 position
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Master
Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
94.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
as few as 30 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
Undergraduate: 3.00 - 4.00; graduate: 2.80 - 4.00
Program completion rate
93% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or international equivalent; undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 or graduate GPA of at least 2.8.
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcripts from all institutions attended, current resume, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and two writing samples.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.7/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 93% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 14 position
Texas A&M University - Victoria
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.51
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
93% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
December 31
GRE
no
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).
Texas A&M University - Victoria earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.51/100, supported by 93% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 15 position
Lewis University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.50
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
87%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
97% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
92% - 95% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
At least 15 semester hours of undergraduate psychology coursework, including a course in statistics or research methods; baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution.
Additional requirements
Application with personal statement of professional goals; two recommendation letters from professors, employers or supervisors (one from an instructor preferred); official transcripts; TOEFL/IELTS or similar for non-native English speakers.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Lewis University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.5/100, supported by 97% program completion rate and 92% - 95% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 16 position
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Master
Master of Science in Counseling
Delivery mode: online
94.45
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years and 2 semesters full-time; completion deadline: 6 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.20 - 4.00
Program completion rate
89% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Priority: Nov 15; Final: Mar 15
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE General Test score of 300+ required if undergraduate GPA is below 2.75 (not required with a graduate GPA of 3.50+)
Additional requirements
Graduate School application, transcripts, resume/vita, letter of interest with an introductory video, three letters of recommendation, and a possible 30-minute Zoom 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).
University of Louisiana at Monroe earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.45/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 89% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 17 position
East Texas A&M University
Master
Counseling (MS) – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Emphasis
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.44
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 to 3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
89% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: June 15; Spring: October 15; no Summer admission
Application process
ApplyTexas or ETAMU graduate application
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Graduate application ($50 fee), official transcripts, three references (department form), counseling essay (self-exploration statement), resume/CV; possible group 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).
East Texas A&M University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.44/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 89% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 18 position
University of Wyoming
Master
M.S. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.27
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (hybrid cohort, UW at Casper)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
61 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
UW at Casper: November 30, 2027 (for fall 2028; a cohort is admitted every 3 years)
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required only for international applicants (GRE 291 minimum); not required for domestic applicants
Prerequisites
Transcripts from all institutions; minimum 3.0 GPA (domestic); no GRE for domestic applicants (international: GRE 291, TOEFL 80/IELTS 6.5); three recommendation letters; 3-4 page personal statement; admissions packet; resume/CV; interview day.
Additional requirements
Application and fee; transcripts; three recommendation letters; GPA 3.0; GRE not required for domestic applicants (international: GRE 291, TOEFL 80 / IELTS 6.5); interview day by invitation.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Wyoming earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.27/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 19 position
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.25
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program completion rate
100% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025-26)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
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).
Northwestern State University of Louisiana earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.25/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 20 position
Northern State University
Master
M.Ed. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Pathway
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.24
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Estimated Time to Complete: Two Years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree in psychology, sociology, or education (typical incoming background noted for the program)
Additional requirements
Graduate application; participation in an individual and group interview process with program faculty (in-person or via Zoom)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Northern State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.24/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in America
Can I become a licensed counselor with an online master's?
Potentially. The degree must meet your state's educational rules, and you may also need examinations and supervised experience. Confirm the specific program and license with your state board before enrolling (state licensing boards).
Are online counseling master's programs fully remote?
Not necessarily. Coursework may be remote, while skills activities, residencies, practicum, and internship can require live participation or an approved local site. Ask for the complete attendance and placement schedule.
Does CACREP accreditation replace state licensure?
No. CACREP accredits qualifying counseling programs; states license individual practitioners. A state may consider programmatic accreditation in its educational rules, but graduation alone does not confer a license (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; state licensing boards).
How long should I expect to study?
Plan on roughly two to three years for many programs, with part-time study sometimes taking longer. Request a completion plan that includes the practicum and internship, not just courses.
Is an online counseling master's worth the cost?
It may be if it supports your intended credential and the total net cost is manageable relative to your career plans. Compare aid, likely debt, lost work time, local job requirements, and the additional steps to licensure before deciding.
Can I use a degree earned in one state to practice in another?
Possibly, but requirements and reciprocity rules vary. Check the destination state's board before choosing a program or planning a move; do not assume an out-of-state degree or license transfers automatically (state licensing boards).
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