Choosing an online counseling degree in North Carolina means choosing a career route, not just a convenient class schedule. A program aimed at school counseling may not prepare you for clinical mental health licensure, and an online degree still requires supervised work in person. This guide explains those differences, along with costs, timelines and career prospects. It accompanies the 2027 Best Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in North Carolina, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about which programs are worth considering.
Key findings about online Counseling degrees in North Carolina
Choose the credential before the school: clinical mental health, school, career and college counseling lead toward different roles, and online delivery does not remove in-person fieldwork.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 national median wage of $59,350 for the occupation covering mental health and substance use counselors, with 18% projected employment growth for 2025-2035; neither figure predicts an individual graduate's outcome.
Compare total price and North Carolina licensure fit together. A lower tuition quote loses value if required placements, extra coursework or a longer time to completion make the route impractical.
What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in North Carolina?
Most online degrees intended to prepare professional counselors are master's degrees. Coursework may be delivered remotely, but supervised practicum and internship experiences take place with real clients or students at approved sites. An online label therefore describes classroom delivery, not a fully remote route into practice.
The most important distinction is the intended credential. Clinical mental health counseling is the route to investigate for North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) preparation. School counseling targets work in schools and a separate educator-licensure process. Career counseling and college counseling can suit advising or student-support goals, but applicants should not assume those degrees satisfy clinical licensure requirements. North Carolina's counseling board and Department of Public Instruction govern different credentials.
A bachelor's degree or short certificate can introduce helping-profession work, but it is not a substitute for a qualifying master's degree when the target job requires professional counselor licensure. Before enrolling, ask the program to identify its exact degree title, specialization, accreditation status and the North Carolina credential for which its curriculum is designed.
Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in North Carolina?
The setting depends on the specialization and any license or certification earned afterward. Clinical mental health counselors may work in community behavioral health agencies, healthcare organizations, private practices or substance use treatment settings. School counselors work in K-12 education; college and career counselors may work in higher education, workforce services or advising offices.
Location affects fieldwork as well as eventual employment. A student near a large healthcare or university network may have different placement choices from one in a rural county, but neither should assume a site is guaranteed. Ask each program whether it approves placements near your home, who contacts potential supervisors and what happens if a proposed site falls through. Those answers matter more to an online student's access than campus location alone.
Pay depends on occupation, employer, experience and credentials. The table uses national occupational medians from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, not North Carolina starting salaries or earnings promised to graduates. It shows why choosing a specialization matters financially, while keeping unlike jobs separate.
Career direction
U.S. median annual pay, May 2025
U.S. employment projection, 2025-2035
Clinical mental health or addiction counseling
$59,350
+18%
School counseling
$64,330
+3%
Marriage and family therapy
$66,940
+14%
Rehabilitation counseling
$46,850
+2%
These BLS figures describe occupations, not interchangeable credentials: a counseling master's does not automatically qualify its holder as a marriage and family therapist. For a North Carolina offer, compare the specific job title, location and required license with the applicable state wage data. National medians are most useful for comparing career directions, not estimating your first paycheck.
The programs below point toward notably different professional goals. Their degree pages are useful comparison starting points, but applicants should confirm current delivery format, credit requirements, accreditation and placement arrangements directly; a school offering online study does not necessarily deliver every counseling track online.
Gardner-Webb University - School Counseling: This named school-counseling route is the relevant Gardner-Webb option for applicants focused on K-12 students rather than clinical practice. Ask how its current curriculum aligns with North Carolina educator licensure and how school placements are arranged. Source: Gardner-Webb University program page.
North Carolina Central University - Career Counseling MA: A dedicated career-counseling degree gives applicants interested in vocational and career-development work a more specific option than a general counseling title. Confirm which professional credentials, if any, the current curriculum supports before treating it as a clinical route. Source: North Carolina Central University program page.
North Carolina Central University - School Counseling MA: This degree is explicitly directed toward school counseling, making the intended setting clear at the point of comparison. It is a better page to examine than the university's clinical track if K-12 certification is your goal. Source: North Carolina Central University program page.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh - Clinical Mental Health Counseling: NC State presents this clinical mental health program through its online and distance education site, making its remote-delivery information especially pertinent to working applicants. Verify residency, live-session and local fieldwork requirements before assuming the entire degree can be completed from home. Source: NC State Online and Distance Education program page.
East Carolina University - Counselor Education MS: The named master's degree is the starting point for checking which counselor-education study routes ECU currently admits. Students comparing career targets should request the curriculum for their intended route, rather than relying on the umbrella degree title. Source: East Carolina University degree page.
North Carolina Central University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA: This is NCCU's explicitly clinical mental health route, in contrast with its career- and school-counseling degrees. Applicants seeking LCMHC preparation should compare its current licensure disclosures and placement support with other clinical programs. Source: North Carolina Central University program page.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh - College Counseling and Student Development: Its stated focus is college counseling and student development, not K-12 school counseling. It merits particular attention from applicants drawn to higher-education student support; confirm the current delivery format and credential outcomes. Source: NC State College of Education program page.
Gardner-Webb University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This program identifies clinical mental health as its focus, distinguishing it from Gardner-Webb's school-counseling offering. Compare its stated North Carolina licensure alignment and clinical placement process if your goal is practice outside schools. Source: Gardner-Webb University program page.
East Carolina University - Counselor Education department: ECU's department page provides a second place to check the current organization of counselor-education study and program contacts. Use it to verify that the specialization described on the degree page is currently available in a format that fits your schedule. Source: East Carolina University Counselor Education department page.
Catawba College - Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Catawba presents a specifically clinical mental health program, so it belongs on the shortlist for applicants pursuing that practice area rather than school or college advising. Request its current program-level accreditation, delivery and fieldwork details before comparing price with the other clinical options. Source: Catawba College program page.
No single feature here substitutes for verified outcomes or a written licensure determination. The strongest shortlist is the one whose specific program fits your intended credential, budget and ability to complete supervised experience.
Plan on roughly two to three years for a full-time counseling master's; part-time study commonly takes longer. The precise timeline depends on course sequencing, required fieldwork and whether suitable sites and supervisors are available when you need them. An accelerated classroom schedule does not necessarily accelerate supervised practice.
If finishing quickly is essential, compare the fastest counseling programs against their actual internship calendars, not just advertised coursework duration. Ask for a term-by-term plan showing when you can begin practicum, whether internships can be completed near home and how a missed placement would affect graduation.
The principal difference is where and when you take academic courses. Both formats must be assessed against the same intended credential and hands-on training needs; online does not mean placement-free. This comparison highlights the practical trade-off for a North Carolina student deciding whether to relocate or commute.
Consideration
Online program
On-campus program
Academic access
Can reduce routine travel; may still require scheduled live classes or visits
Requires regular access to campus; face-to-face class meetings are built in
Supervised fieldwork
Usually arranged at an approved physical site, potentially near home
Also completed at approved sites, potentially through campus-area relationships
Best fit
Students who need geographic flexibility and can manage local placement planning
Students who prefer regular in-person instruction and can attend campus
Ask about live attendance, required campus visits and who is responsible for finding a site. If you will complete fieldwork outside North Carolina, check the other state's rules too; authorization to offer online courses is not the same thing as approval of a clinical placement or eligibility for that state's license.
There is no responsible single price for the programs discussed here: charges vary by institution, residency classification, credits, fees and pace. NCES/IPEDS publishes institutional tuition information, but an institution-wide average is not a quote for a particular counseling master's or its total fieldwork costs.
For a useful comparison, obtain each school's current full-program cost estimate: tuition by credit, mandatory online and campus fees, expected tuition increases, travel or residency charges, books, background checks and placement-related expenses. Public-university applicants should confirm whether in-state rates apply to their specific online program; private nonprofit institutions may use a different pricing structure. Subtract confirmed grants and scholarships, then consider interest on any borrowing. The most affordable counseling programs can help form a shortlist, but a low advertised rate is not necessarily the lowest net cost.
Students in eligible graduate programs can investigate institutional scholarships and assistantships, employer tuition support and federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, subject to Federal Student Aid rules. North Carolina's Forgivable Education Loans for Service program may be worth checking if your current degree and school appear on its eligible-program list and you can meet its service conditions; eligibility should never be assumed from residency alone.
Graduate PLUS rules have changed for new graduate borrowers. Under the federal rules effective July 1, 2026, new Graduate PLUS borrowing is generally unavailable; certain students who borrowed for the same program before the change may qualify under limited transition provisions. Federal Student Aid is the authority for current eligibility. If you need to borrow, ask the financial aid office to calculate your available aid under the rules that apply to you before committing to a program or deposit.
View the chart data as a table
Median wage by counseling career path (U.S., BLS May 2025) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
Psychologists
99,110
Postsecondary Teachers
85,330
Marriage & Family Therapists
66,940
School & Career Counselors
64,330
Mental Health Counselors
59,350
Rehabilitation Counselors
46,850
Expect a bachelor's degree and an application that may include transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose and an interview; individual schools set their own prerequisites and deadlines. Some may request relevant coursework or experience. Admission to a graduate program and later eligibility for a professional license are separate decisions.
For clinical goals, consult the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors before accepting an offer. Confirm the program's degree and coursework alignment, its accreditation status and the board's separate requirements for examination and supervised experience. For school counseling, check the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's educator-licensure pathway instead. CACREP accreditation is a program-level designation: verify the specific program and current status, rather than assuming that institutional accreditation covers it.
If you are concerned about admission requirements, the easiest counseling programs may help identify options to investigate. Do not trade away licensure fit for a simpler application; request written answers to both questions before applying.
Clinical mental health curricula commonly cover counseling theory, ethics, assessment, diagnosis, research, group work and multicultural practice, followed by supervised practicum and internship. School counseling adds school-based student development and services; career counseling places greater emphasis on career development and vocational decision-making. Actual course titles and required hours vary by program and credential.
Read the current catalog and fieldwork handbook together. A course list shows what you may study, while the handbook reveals when placements begin, which sites qualify and what supervision is required. For a licensing goal, compare both documents with the relevant North Carolina authority's current requirements rather than relying on a broad statement that a program "prepares counselors."
The programs in this guide illustrate four distinct directions: clinical mental health for behavioral health practice, school counseling for K-12 settings, career counseling for career-development work and college counseling and student development for higher-education settings. A school may call these separate degrees, tracks or concentrations; those labels alone do not establish the same credential outcome.
Choose by the job you want to qualify for, not by a broadly appealing course title. Someone seeking North Carolina clinical licensure should prioritize a program designed for that pathway. Someone committed to K-12 counseling should investigate educator-licensure alignment. If you are undecided, ask whether changing tracks later would add courses or delay fieldwork before paying an enrollment deposit.
Begin with the intended occupation and work backward to its required credential. A ranking can reveal promising programs, but it cannot decide whether a degree's fieldwork logistics or net price fit your circumstances. Use this sequence to compare finalists on equal terms:
Identify the exact North Carolina license or job requirement and obtain each program's written explanation of how its current curriculum aligns.
Verify institutional accreditation, the specific program's CACREP status where relevant, and whether your proposed fieldwork location is permitted.
Request a term-by-term schedule, placement responsibilities and current completion and licensure-exam outcomes where the school publishes them.
Compare full net costs, likely borrowing, missed work or income, and the consequences of finishing later than planned.
To judge whether the investment is worthwhile, compare incremental earnings against your present career - not just a national median - over a realistic time horizon. Include aid, debt and interest, opportunity cost, completion probability and the timing of post-degree licensure. The most valuable counseling programs offer another comparison lens, but your own credential fit and finances should determine the final choice.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
80-81
1
82-83
0
84-85
1
86-87
1
88-89
3
90-91
5
92-93
6
94-95
1
A counseling master's may support progression toward clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, college student support or career advising, depending on the degree and subsequent requirements. Clinical practice generally involves a state licensing process after the degree, including examination and supervised experience; a diploma by itself is not permission to practice independently. School counseling follows an educator-credential route overseen by the state education authority.
The degree is a strong potential investment for someone who wants the day-to-day work of a particular counseling setting and can complete its supervised training. It may be the wrong investment if the desired role is actually social work, marriage and family therapy or a nonclinical advising job with different entry requirements. Compare job postings for your target role before selecting a specialization.
The national outlook is strongest among the counseling occupations covered by the BLS mental health and substance use category: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% employment growth from 2025 to 2035. That supports investigating clinical and addiction-related pathways, but it is not a North Carolina hiring forecast or a promise of an opening in a particular county.
For a local decision, examine current vacancies by setting and region, then note the license employers request. Healthcare and behavioral health employers, school systems and colleges do not hire for interchangeable counseling credentials. If you intend to stay in a specific part of the state, check both its supervised-placement possibilities and its job postings before assuming that nationwide demand will translate into an accessible first position.
2027 Best Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in North Carolina
Investing in a counseling degree is a consequential decision, particularly when program choice can affect licensure eligibility and borrowing. Research.com's team designed the ranking to give readers a consistent starting point for comparing programs, using education and outcomes data rather than treating a school's reputation as a substitute for evidence.
The Best ranking first combines program completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), licensure exam pass rates where applicable (20%), CACREP programmatic accreditation (16%) and federal Title IV eligibility (4%). Shares are adjusted when a measure does not apply. Program cost then accounts for about 7% of the final score. The same method applies to online and on-campus programs; related rankings order programs by the dimension named in their titles. The team drew on these sources to assess the quality and credibility of the comparisons:
IPEDS database - institutional enrollment, completion and price information.
Scores help narrow a search; they cannot confirm that a particular concentration meets your licensing requirements or that you will secure a local placement. Use the ranking alongside current program disclosures and the relevant North Carolina board's rules. Read more about the approach on the Research.com methodology page.
# 1 position
Gardner-Webb University
Master
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
94.04
/ 100
Final score
Program length
24 months
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
93% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
A background in psychology at the undergraduate level is strongly recommended
Additional requirements
Application ($40 fee); transcripts; accredited bachelor's with 3.0 GPA (overall or last 64 hours); psychology background recommended; three references; faculty interview; 5-year background check. GRE optional.
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).
Gardner-Webb University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.04/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 93% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 2 position
North Carolina Central University
Master
Career Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.88
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Career Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Application process
GradCAS
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and an undergraduate major of at least 30 semester hours in counselor education or a related area; educational research and statistics coursework is part of the program.
Additional requirements
Online graduate admission application; $50 non-refundable application fee; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts of all schools attended; personal statement; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00; interview required.
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).
North Carolina Central University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.88/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 3 position
North Carolina Central University
Master
School Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.88
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 1; Spring: no admission; Summer: no admission
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
Additional requirements
Online graduate admission application; $50 non-refundable application fee; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts of all schools attended; personal statement; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00;
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).
North Carolina Central University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.88/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 4 position
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Master
M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
93.22
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (part-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2022)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2022)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Completed online application, resume, non-refundable application fee, three letters of recommendation, personal statement (max 5 pages), official transcripts of all post-secondary education, official TOEFL for international students.
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).
North Carolina State University at Raleigh earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.22/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 5 position
East Carolina University
Master
Master of Science in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.12
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years (full-time)
Specialization
College Counseling and Student Affairs
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
January 15 (priority: November 3)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisite coursework; all majors considered. Requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA, demonstrated leadership/work experience, three letters of recommendation, a Statement of Intent, and a departmental interview.
Additional requirements
Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA; demonstrated leadership/significant work experience; three letters of recommendation; Statement of Intent; departmental 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 Carolina University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.12/100, with 100% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 6 position
North Carolina Central University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.96
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Application process
GradCAS (Liaison)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's; minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00, with 3.0 or better in an undergraduate major (or related area) of at least 30 semester hours in the graduate field; international applicants need TOEFL 500 or equivalent.
Additional requirements
Online graduate admission application; $50 non-refundable application fee; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts of all schools attended; personal statement; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00; an interview is required.
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).
North Carolina Central University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.96/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 7 position
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Master
M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Development
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.54
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years to completion if full time; online: three-year cohort program
Specialization
College Counseling and Student Affairs
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Completed online application, resume, non-refundable application fee, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement (max 5 pages), official transcripts of all post-secondary education, and TOEFL for international students.
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).
North Carolina State University at Raleigh earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.54/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 8 position
Gardner-Webb University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.84
/ 100
Final score
Program length
24 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
73% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution; GPA of 3.0 across all undergraduate work or the last 64 hours of undergraduate or graduate work; 12 hours in psychology or related areas, including psychopathology or abnormal psychology.
Additional requirements
Application ($40 fee); transcripts; accredited bachelor's with 3.0 GPA (overall or last 64 hours); 12 hours of psychology incl. psychopathology/abnormal psychology; three references; faculty interview; 5-year background check. GRE optional.
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).
Gardner-Webb University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.84/100, supported by 73% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 9 position
East Carolina University
Master
Master of Science in Counselor Education – School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.59
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
47.6%
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
82% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2024-25)
Application deadline
January 15 (priority: November 3)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
All undergraduate majors are considered; no specific prerequisite coursework stated.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all institutions; at least three letters of recommendation from supervisors/former professors; Statement of Intent; minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA; demonstrated leadership or significant work experience.
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 Carolina University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.59/100, supported by 90% licensure exam pass rate and 82% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 10 position
Catawba College
Master
Master of Health Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
91.27
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-Year Program
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
71.43%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
80% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025-26)
Application deadline
rolling; priority consideration: April 15
Class size
18
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional requirements
Graduate application, official transcripts, two recommendation letters, and a 500+ word essay on interest in counseling, choosing Catawba, and serving diverse individuals. International applicants add evaluated records and English proficiency.
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).
Catawba College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.27/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 95% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 11 position
Winston-Salem State University
Master
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Delivery mode: online
90.92
/ 100
Final score
Program length
minimum of two and half (2.5) to three (3) years of full-time study
Specialization
Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
63 semester credits
Acceptance rate
40%
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
80.6% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
91% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Apr 15; Spring: Nov 15; Summer: Apr 1
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Additional requirements
Acceptable GRE score (within last five years), minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7, interview with Rehabilitation Counseling faculty, application, resume, three professional references, two sets of official transcripts from each college attended.
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).
Winston-Salem State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.92/100, supported by 91% licensure exam pass rate and 80.6% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 12 position
Montreat College
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
90.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.66 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
75% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 undergraduate credit hours.
Additional requirements
Application; current resume covering academic and employment history; official transcripts from all colleges attended; paid national background check; drug test before the first course;
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).
Montreat College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.5/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 75% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 13 position
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A.Ed.
Delivery mode: hybrid
89.02
/ 100
Final score
Program length
can be completed in 3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Program completion rate
76.9% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
93% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Feb. 1; Summer I: Feb. 1 (reviews begin Feb. 1 and continue on a rolling basis until the program is full; program accepts Summer and Fall admits only)
Class size
35
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Minimum 2.8 undergraduate GPA; application and transcripts; essay on reasons for applying, experience, career goals and counseling diverse populations; three professional references; resume/CV; faculty interview. No prerequisite courses listed.
Additional requirements
Essay on experiences and goals relevant to professional counseling; three letters of recommendation; resume or CV; interview with program faculty; plus Graduate School requirements including transcripts.
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 North Carolina at Pembroke earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.02/100, supported by 93% licensure exam pass rate and 76.9% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 14 position
Wake Forest University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: online
88.88
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (part-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Spring 2027: Nov 1, 2026; Summer 2027: Mar 1, 2027 (preferred Feb 1, 2027); Fall 2027: Jul 10, 2027 (preferred Jun 1, 2027)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Bachelor's degree from accredited institution; cumulative undergraduate GPA > 3.0; resume or CV; personal statement; three letters of recommendation; $80 application fee; virtual interview with enrollment advisor; background check
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).
Wake Forest University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 88.88/100, with 100% licensure exam pass rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 15 position
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Master
MAEd in Professional School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
88.57
/ 100
Final score
Program length
can be completed in 3 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
81.8% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
80% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Summer I 2027: Feb 1, 2027; Summer II 2027: Jun 24, 2027; Fall 2027: Feb 1, 2027
Class size
21
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Application, application fee, transcripts, minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7, personal essay, three professional references, resume/CV, interview with program faculty
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 North Carolina at Pembroke earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 88.57/100, supported by 80% licensure exam pass rate and 81.8% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 16 position
East Carolina University
Master
Master of Science in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.18
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
60% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
93% (2024-25)
Application deadline
January 15 (priority: November 3)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisite coursework; all majors considered. Requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA, demonstrated leadership/work experience, three letters of recommendation, a Statement of Intent, and a departmental interview.
Additional requirements
Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA; demonstrated leadership/significant work experience; three letters of recommendation; Statement of Intent; departmental 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 Carolina University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 87.18/100, supported by 93% licensure exam pass rate and 60% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 17 position
Wake Forest University
Master
Online Master of Arts in Counseling - School Counseling Track
Delivery mode: online
84.66
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (part-time)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
83% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
75% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Spring 2027: Nov 1, 2026; Summer 2027: Mar 1, 2027 (preferred Feb 1, 2027); Fall 2027: Jul 10, 2027 (preferred Jun 1, 2027)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; cumulative undergraduate GPA above 3.0.
Additional requirements
Resume/CV; personal statement; three letters of recommendation; $80 application fee; virtual interview with enrollment advisor; background check.
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).
Wake Forest University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 84.66/100, supported by 83% program completion rate and 75% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 18 position
University of Mount Olive
Master
Master of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health
Delivery mode: online
81.71
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years or seven semesters of full-time continuous enrollment
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
80% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
85% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
60% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Early Decision March 1, Final April 15; Spring: Early Decision September 30, Final November 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA (2.75-3.0 considered with personal statement)
Additional requirements
Two personal statements (250-word minimum each), resume, three letters of recommendation from professional sources, official transcript, pre-admissions interview, online new student orientation; no GRE/GMAT
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 Mount Olive earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 81.71/100, supported by 60% licensure exam pass rate and 80% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in North Carolina
Can I become a licensed counselor with an online degree?
Potentially. Online delivery alone does not determine eligibility. Verify that the specific degree meets the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors' current educational requirements, and plan for the board's separate examination and supervised-experience steps.
Can I complete an online counseling master's without visiting a placement site?
No, not if the program requires supervised practicum or internship. Ask whether academic classes require campus visits, but expect approved in-person fieldwork even when coursework is online.
Is school counseling the same as clinical mental health counseling?
No. School counseling generally points toward a North Carolina educator credential for K-12 work; clinical mental health counseling points toward a separate professional counseling license. Select the route that matches the job you intend to pursue.
How should I compare tuition quotes?
Request the cost of the entire degree under your residency classification, including required fees and fieldwork expenses. Compare net costs after confirmed aid, not tuition per credit alone.
Does CACREP accreditation guarantee North Carolina licensure?
No. CACREP accredits specific programs; the state board determines licensure eligibility and imposes other requirements. Check both the program's current accreditation status and the board's current rules.
Is an online counseling degree worth it for a career changer?
It can be if the degree leads toward your intended credential and you can manage its cost, time and placements. Compare likely post-degree opportunities with your current earnings and consider whether the target job requires this particular master's before borrowing.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
