Choosing an online counseling degree in the Northeast means comparing more than tuition and convenience: the program must fit your career goal, fieldwork location, and state credentialing rules. This guide explains those trade-offs for career changers and working professionals. It also features the 2027 Best Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the Northeast, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about which programs are worth considering. Use the comparisons below to narrow your options before applying.
Key findings about online Counseling degrees in Northeast
Start with the credential: a clinical mental health master's, a school counseling master's, and a counseling certificate can lead toward different roles. An online degree does not automatically qualify its graduate for licensure or school certification in every Northeast state.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 national median annual wage of $59,350 for the occupational category associated with mental health and addiction counseling and projects 18% employment growth from 2025 to 2035. Neither figure predicts an individual graduate's salary or a specific state's job market.
Expect roughly two to three years of master's study in many cases, plus in-person supervised training. Compare total program cost and the availability of an approved local placement - not just online course delivery - before choosing a school.
What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in Northeast?
Most readers seeking professional counseling work should compare master's programs. Online describes how much coursework is delivered remotely; it does not eliminate supervised, in-person practice. A bachelor's degree can prepare you for graduate admission or related support work, while a post-master's certificate may help someone who already holds a relevant graduate degree address a particular educational requirement. Neither is interchangeable with a licensure-eligible master's.
The intended credential is the first useful comparison. The paths below differ because states regulate clinical practice and school employment separately.
Program path
Usually fits
Check before applying
Clinical mental health counseling master's
Students aiming for professional counseling licensure and clinical work
Whether the curriculum and supervised training meet the target state board's education rules
School counseling master's
Students aiming to work as school counselors
Whether the program supports certification in the state where they want to work
Post-master's coursework or certificate
Graduates addressing an identified credential gap
Whether the relevant board or education agency will accept the specific courses
A counseling degree can be a worthwhile investment when its credential matches a defined job goal and its fieldwork is feasible where you live. If you want a role that does not require counseling licensure, compare its actual hiring requirements before committing to a clinical master's. The American Counseling Association and state licensing boards distinguish graduate education from the additional supervised experience, examinations, and applications commonly required for independent practice.
Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in Northeast?
Clinical mental health graduates may pursue roles in community agencies, outpatient practices, hospitals, and other behavioral health settings, subject to the credentials required for each position. School counseling graduates generally target public or private schools; addiction-focused graduates may work in treatment programs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies educational services, healthcare, and social assistance among relevant employment settings, but employers may specify different licenses or certifications.
Location affects the training-to-work transition. A student living near New York City, Philadelphia, or Boston may have different placement options from someone in a rural part of Maine, Vermont, or Pennsylvania. Ask each program which sites it approves near your home and who secures the placement. A campus's Northeast address does not mean it can arrange fieldwork - or confirm credential eligibility - in every Northeast state.
Pay depends on the occupation, location, employer, experience, and credential - not the degree title alone. These U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics national occupational medians refer to May 2025 wages, not starting salaries or Northeast-specific graduate outcomes.
Career direction
National median annual wage, May 2025
How to use the figure
Clinical mental health or addiction counseling
$59,350
Compare with the pay for the particular licensed or supervised role you seek.
School counseling
$64,330
Check local school-district salary schedules and contract length.
Marriage, couple, and family counseling
$66,940
Confirm whether the intended role requires a distinct marriage and family therapy credential.
Rehabilitation counseling
$46,850
Compare employer requirements before selecting a clinical counseling program.
These occupational categories do not measure the return from any particular program. For a better personal estimate, compare likely pay in your intended state and setting with your current earnings, anticipated debt, time out of work, and the period before you can practice independently.
The most consequential differences among these options are their intended credential, delivery arrangement, and the state in which a student expects to complete fieldwork and work afterward. The program-specific distinctions below are starting points for comparison, not substitutes for confirming current credits, placement policies, accreditation, and state eligibility with the school.
Sacred Heart University: Its online clinical mental health counseling master's makes clinical practice - not school certification - the relevant credential to investigate (Sacred Heart University). It is a starting point for students who need remote coursework and can arrange approved clinical training where they live.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania: Its graduate clinical mental health counseling program offers a Pennsylvania-based option for students planning a clinical route (Slippery Rock University). Confirm which courses are online and whether field placements can be completed outside Pennsylvania before treating it as a distance-learning fit.
Lehman College, City University of New York: Its school counseling program is the relevant choice here for someone targeting school rather than clinical counseling (Lehman College). New York applicants should confirm certification alignment and placement arrangements, especially if they need to study remotely.
Waynesburg University: The university identifies an online Master of Arts counseling option, making delivery format a useful comparison point for working applicants (Waynesburg University). Verify the specific concentration and where required supervised experiences may take place.
Pennsylvania Western University: Its graduate school counseling program provides a public-university route to examine for Pennsylvania school employment (Pennsylvania Western University). Compare its current certification pathway and residency-based charges with private-institution alternatives rather than assuming the degree serves a clinical license.
Geneva College: Its graduate counseling offering warrants a close look by applicants seeking a counseling degree from a private nonprofit institution (Geneva College). Ask which track matches your target credential and whether its delivery schedule works with local fieldwork.
Gwynedd Mercy University: Its online school counseling master's combines remote coursework with a school-counselor career target (Gwynedd Mercy University). It is particularly relevant to students who can access an approved school placement but cannot regularly commute for classes.
Southern Connecticut State University: Its school counseling M.S. gives Connecticut-bound applicants a state-specific certification pathway to investigate (Southern Connecticut State University). Confirm current online availability before comparing it with programs explicitly advertised as online.
Messiah University: Its M.A. in school counseling is another school-focused alternative to clinical mental health degrees (Messiah University). Students should compare its current course format and school-placement support with other school counseling options, not with clinical programs on tuition alone.
Lebanon Valley College: Its master's in clinical mental health counseling is suited to evaluating a clinical route rather than school certification (Lebanon Valley College). Check current online delivery and approved placement geography before deciding it meets a distance-learning need.
Important comparison limit: a program being included in a counseling comparison does not establish that every course is online, that placements are available in your state, or that graduates qualify for a particular license. Obtain those answers in writing from each institution and the relevant state authority.
A counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years of full-time or structured study; part-time enrollment can take longer. The actual calendar depends on course sequencing, entry dates, transfer-credit acceptance, and when practicum and internship placements are available. CACREP's 2024 standards specify substantial graduate coursework and supervised practice for accredited entry-level counseling programs, so an unusually short advertised timeline deserves careful review against your intended credential.
Acceleration makes the most sense when you can take a heavier course load without sacrificing employment income or delaying fieldwork. Compare published schedules - not just the shortest advertised completion time - and ask whether a local placement can begin on time. The fastest counseling programs are useful to screen, but speed has little value if the resulting course or placement plan does not meet your state's rules.
Online programs move some or most academic instruction away from campus, often helping working students avoid a regular commute. They do not turn practicum, internship, skills assessment, or state credentialing into purely virtual requirements. A hybrid program may also require scheduled campus visits. Program descriptions, rather than the word "online" alone, should establish what attendance is required.
Choose online study if its schedule works with your job and the program can approve supervision near your home. Consider campus study if regular in-person interaction or access to nearby placement networks matters more, or if the online option requires travel you cannot manage. Before enrolling from another state, ask both the institution and your target licensing board or education agency whether the program's curriculum and fieldwork fit that state's requirements.
There is no single defensible Northeast-wide average price for an online counseling master's: schools publish charges on different per-credit, per-term, and program-total bases, while required credits and residency rules differ. NCES/IPEDS institutional tuition measures are useful context, but they are not a verified regional average for this specific program type. Do not multiply a school's general undergraduate tuition figure to estimate a graduate counseling bill.
Request an itemized estimate covering every required credit, mandatory online and technology fees, campus visits, placement-related expenses, and likely annual price changes. A public institution's resident rate may be attractive, but online graduate pricing and residency eligibility are school-specific; a private nonprofit program may be competitive after institutional aid. Use the most affordable counseling programs to build a shortlist, then compare written total-to-completion estimates for the same enrollment pace.
Eligible students in eligible programs can complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal graduate aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans; institutions may also offer scholarships, assistantships, or payment plans (Federal Student Aid). Availability and enrollment requirements vary. Ask whether a lower course load or a delayed placement term changes your eligibility, and whether your employer provides tuition assistance.
Check borrowing rules for your start date. Graduate PLUS availability changed for new graduate borrowing beginning July 1, 2026; limited transition provisions may apply to certain continuing students who previously borrowed for the same program (Federal Student Aid). A new applicant should not assume Graduate PLUS will cover a funding gap. Get a current, individualized aid estimate from the school and Federal Student Aid before accepting an offer. State-based assistance may also have residency and approved-institution restrictions, so an online student should verify the rules of their home state.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
70–74
1
75–79
2
80–84
4
85–89
18
90–94
16
95–99
1
Master's applicants generally need a completed bachelor's degree and the materials specified by the program, which may include transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, and an interview (institutional admissions requirements). A psychology major is not necessarily required. Some programs specify prerequisite coursework or background-check conditions connected to field placements, so compare the actual admissions page for your intended track.
Admission and professional eligibility are separate decisions. A school can admit you without confirming that its degree satisfies the licensing board in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, or another state where you plan to work. Ask admissions to identify the intended credential, the states for which it has made an eligibility determination, and its policy on accepting prior graduate credits. "Easy to enter" is not evidence of an easier route to a license; use the easiest counseling programs only alongside those credential checks.
Clinical counseling curricula commonly cover helping relationships, ethics, human development, assessment, research, and supervised clinical practice; school counseling adds coursework and field experiences relevant to student support in educational settings. CACREP's 2024 standards describe core areas and specialty-specific expectations for accredited programs, while state boards and education agencies determine how coursework counts toward their credentials.
Compare course content, not titles alone. A course labeled counseling techniques does not establish that a board will accept the full degree. Ask for the current curriculum map showing required courses and field hours against your target state's rules, particularly if you expect to move after graduation.
Common paths include clinical mental health, school, addiction, rehabilitation, and marriage and family counseling. These are not interchangeable labels: the corresponding jobs can have different educational and credential requirements (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; state licensing boards). A concentration within a clinical counseling degree also does not automatically confer a separate professional license.
Choose a specialization by working backward from the job and state where you want to practice. Someone committed to public-school employment should investigate school counselor certification before selecting a clinical track; someone seeking independent mental health practice should investigate the relevant counseling license before selecting a school track. If you are undecided, compare the actual courses and credentials rather than assuming the broadest-sounding degree preserves every option.
The best fit is a program you can finish, afford, and use toward your intended credential. Work through these checks in order so an attractive tuition quote or ranking position does not obscure a licensing or placement problem:
Name the job and the state where you expect to work; obtain that state board's or education agency's current education requirements.
Confirm institutional accreditation and, where relevant, the program's current CACREP status directly with the accreditor; ask the state authority whether any particular accreditation is required or accepted.
Request written confirmation of curriculum alignment, placement availability near you, required campus visits, and responsibility for securing a supervisor.
Compare total-to-completion cost after aid, expected study time, potential lost earnings, borrowing, and the chance that work or placement obligations could delay completion.
Ask for program-level completion, credential-exam, and employment information with reporting years and definitions; treat unavailable results as uncertainty, not proof of poor outcomes.
For return on investment, compare the proposed degree with your baseline earnings and realistic post-degree role over a meaningful time horizon, accounting for debt, financing costs, aid, opportunity cost, completion probability, and the time value of money. The most valuable counseling programs can help prioritize research, but no ranking can resolve your state-specific eligibility or personal budget.
View the chart data as a table
Programs by degree level (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
Master
38
Doctorate
4
A graduate may seek supervised clinical counseling work and later apply for independent licensure, pursue school counselor certification and school employment, or target an addiction-related role if the program and state requirements align. Advanced roles in supervision, administration, or counselor education may require further experience or education; a counseling master's alone does not establish eligibility for every such position (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; state licensing and education agencies).
Map the path beyond graduation before choosing a school. Identify who can supervise you, where you can accrue qualifying experience, which examination applies, and whether an employer accepts the credential you will initially hold. That sequence matters especially when you study in one Northeast state but plan to work in another.
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
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% national employment growth from 2025 to 2035 for the occupational category associated with mental health and addiction counseling. That suggests a stronger national growth outlook than for some other counseling specialties, but it is not a forecast of openings in a particular Northeast county or of demand for every new graduate.
For a local decision, look beyond regional totals: compare job postings for your intended credential, school-district hiring or healthcare employers in the area, and whether positions require independent licensure or accept supervised practitioners. Metro and rural placement access can also differ. If you cannot find a viable supervised first role near home, an otherwise appealing online degree may require a relocation or a longer path to independent practice.
2027 Best Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the Northeast
Investing in a counseling degree is a consequential decision, so Research.com evaluates programs using multiple measures rather than treating price or institutional reputation as a substitute for student outcomes. The team checks and combines information from these sources to improve the ranking's quality, credibility, and accuracy:
IPEDS database: institutional reporting on enrollment, awards, and costs.
For the Best ranking, a graduate-outcomes-and-accreditation score weights program completion at 40%, employment or doctoral admission at 20%, applicable licensure exam pass rates at 20%, applicable CACREP programmatic accreditation at 16%, and institutional Title IV eligibility at 4%. Weights are renormalized when a measure does not apply. Program cost then contributes a smaller component - about 7% of the final score. The method is the same for online and on-campus programs; rankings devoted to a single dimension order programs by that dimension. The result is a comparison aid, not a prediction of any applicant's admission, licensure, or earnings. See Research.com's methodology for more detail.
# 1 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.
# 2 position
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Arts (MA)
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.49
/ 100
Final score
Program length
First Year Fall/Spring ... Third Year Fall/Spring (12-12-12-12-6/9-3/6 credits)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA for unconditional admission; personal statement of interest, experience and career goals; two recommendation forms from faculty or a supervisor; interview. No prerequisite courses beyond a bachelor's.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA for unconditional admission, personal statement, two recommendation forms from faculty or a recent employer/supervisor, online application and fee, and an interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.49/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 90% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 3 position
Lehman College, City University of New York
Master
Master of Science in Education: School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.35
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: March 15
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Completed bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; 3.0 GPA; two letters of recommendation; 5 essay questions; resume; group interview; TOEFL for certain international applicants
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Lehman College, City University of New York earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.35/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 4 position
Waynesburg University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: online
92.84
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Addiction Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college
Additional requirements
Graduate and Professional Studies application; bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college with a minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions; current resume; personal statement; writing sample;
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Waynesburg University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.84/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 5 position
Pennsylvania Western University
Master
Counseling, MS - School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
92.68
/ 100
Final score
Program length
full-time (including the summer months) ... 2 ½ years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
12 semester hours (4 courses) of undergraduate psychology including abnormal psychology/psychopathology; Prerequisite Form; two professional letters of recommendation and assessment rubric; 750-1,000 word admissions essay in APA 7th format.
Additional requirements
3.0 undergraduate GPA (preferred); two professional letters of recommendation and student assessment rubric; Admissions Essay – Goals and Objectives; current Resume/CV; transcript (most recent degree); GRE if UG GPA below 3.0
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Pennsylvania Western University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.68/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 6 position
Geneva College
Master
M.A. in Counseling - Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.66
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years for a full-time student
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with GPA of 3.0+ expected (provisional admission possible below 3.0); basic statistics competency via CNS 504, an approved statistics course (B- or better within 5 years), or 80%+ on a statistics exam.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, a typed academic essay describing career goals and reasons for applying, three professional recommendations, and a resume
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Geneva College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.66/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 7 position
Gwynedd Mercy University
Master
M.S. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.25
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (combined 292+ plus analytical writing) required if GPA is below 3.0, unless applicant holds a graduate degree
Prerequisites
3 credits in General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Theory or another foundational course; 3 credits in Research Methods or Statistics
Additional requirements
Accredited bachelor's; transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA (GRE 292+ required below 3.0 unless holding a graduate degree); two letters of recommendation (one academic, one professional); 3-5 page personal statement; group faculty interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Gwynedd Mercy University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.25/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 8 position
Southern Connecticut State University
Master
Master of Science in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.08
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
63 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
94% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
89% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Class size
11
Prerequisites
This is an educator preparation program in the State of Connecticut with additional admission requirements (see Admissions to Educator Preparation Programs).
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).
Southern Connecticut State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.08/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 94% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 9 position
Messiah University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling – School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
91.95
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-year completion
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
81.6% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
At least 6 credits in social, behavioral, applied, or life sciences courses with a grade of C or higher (e.g., psychology, human development and family science, sociology, anthropology, early childhood studies, social work).
Additional requirements
Messiah application; official transcripts; cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher (below 3.0 reviewed case by case); 300–500 word statement of purpose; contact for one reference; resume/CV; Zoom interview with faculty.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Messiah University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.95/100, supported by 81.6% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 10 position
Lebanon Valley College
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.84
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Licensure exam pass rate
100%
Application deadline
Spring 2027: Nov 30, 2026; Fall 2027: Aug 2, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (any bachelor's degree); no specific counseling prerequisite coursework stated.
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcript with minimum 3.00 GPA; 500-word personal statement on counseling goals; professional resume; 2 professional/academic references; GRE optional; personal interview by invitation.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Lebanon Valley College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.84/100, with 100% licensure exam pass rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 11 position
Pennsylvania Western University
Master
M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
91.76
/ 100
Final score
Program length
full-time (including the summer months) ... 2 ½ years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
12 credit hours (4 courses) of psychology including one course in abnormal/psychopathology; Prerequisite Form; two professional letters of recommendation and student assessment rubric; Admissions Essay (750-1,000 words, APA 7th edition format).
Additional requirements
3.0 undergraduate GPA (preferred); two professional letters of recommendation and student assessment rubric; admissions essay (goals and objectives); current resume/CV; transcript (most recent degree); GRE required only if UG GPA below 3.0
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Pennsylvania Western University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.76/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 12 position
Thomas Jefferson University
Master
Community & Trauma Counseling Master of Science
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.67
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (seven semesters)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Thomas Jefferson University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.67/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 13 position
Springfield College
Master
M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.56
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
95% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Application deadline
Domestic: rolling; International Fall: Apr 1; International Spring: Oct 1
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Online application, essay (2-3 double-spaced pages), resume, two letters of recommendation, interview, official transcripts from each college/university attended.
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).
Springfield College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.56/100, supported by 95% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 14 position
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Master
MA in Counseling (MACO)
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.42
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Full-Time: 3 Years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
72 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025-26)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree (or prior graduate degree) from an accredited institution required; 9 semester hours in psychology and/or related disciplines recommended but not required; life experience considered as modification
Additional requirements
Online application form, two essays, résumé, transcripts, three references, and a face-to-face (or video) interview with two MACO faculty
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) and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.42/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 15 position
University of Bridgeport
Master
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
91.36
/ 100
Final score
Program length
as little as 2 years full time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
85% (2025-26)
Application deadline
March 1 (priority); July 15 (fall semester)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's degree; GPA of 3.0 or higher (lower considered if highly qualified); 9 credits of undergraduate psychology with B or higher (abnormal psychology recommended); volunteer or work experience in social service or mental health.
Additional requirements
Application, official transcript for last degree earned, resumé demonstrating significant exposure to the counseling field, and an interview with the program review committee
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).
University of Bridgeport earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.36/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 85% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 16 position
Gwynedd Mercy University
Master
M.S. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.32
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (combined 292+ plus analytical writing) required if GPA is below 3.0, unless the applicant holds a graduate degree
Prerequisites
3 credits in General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Theory or another foundational course; 3 credits in Research Methods or Statistics; baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA (or GRE 292+ with analytical writing if below 3.0); graduate application; two recommendation letters (one academic, one professional); 3-5 page personal statement; group faculty interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Gwynedd Mercy University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.32/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 17 position
Messiah University
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: online
91.26
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-year completion
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
72.6% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
At least 6 credits in social, behavioral, applied, or life sciences courses (e.g., psychology, sociology, social work) with a grade of C or higher
Additional requirements
Messiah application; official transcripts; cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher (below 3.0 reviewed case by case); 300–500 word statement of purpose; one reference contact; resume/CV; interview with faculty via Zoom
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Messiah University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.26/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 72.6% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 18 position
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Master
Rehabilitation Counseling MS
Delivery mode: hybrid
89.86
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
60%
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Application deadline
Summer: February 1 priority, April 15 regular; Fall: June 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's; minimum 2.75 GPA. Below 2.75 with disability-related experience may get provisional acceptance (B or better in first two courses). No specific background required; social sciences preferred. 4+1 applicants need 3.2.
Additional requirements
Graduate Admissions Portal application; three recommendations addressing suitability for counseling; statement of intent; faculty admissions committee phone interview. Application fee of $75, waived for eligible UMass Boston alumni and current students.
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).
University of Massachusetts-Boston earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.86/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 19 position
Monmouth University
Master
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
89.78
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
97% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
80% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Summer: May 1; Fall: Priority Deadline April 15, Late Deadline July 1 (space available); Spring: December 1 (Fall-start only for MSEd programs)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, with a competitive overall GPA (3.0 preferred, but not required) and an academic record that demonstrates success
Additional requirements
Online application, official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, two recommendation letters, a 500+ word essay on why social justice matters and how you would use this training as a school counselor, and a group interview if invited.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Monmouth University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.78/100, supported by 97% program completion rate and 80% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 20 position
Springfield College
Master
M.Ed. in Rehabilitation Counseling (Online)
Delivery mode: online
89.64
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Full time: Complete in about 2 years
Specialization
Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Application deadline
Domestic: rolling; International Fall: Apr 1, Spring: Oct 1, Summer: Feb 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Online application, essay (2-3 double-spaced pages), resume, two letters of recommendation, interview, official transcripts from each institution attended
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).
Springfield College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.64/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in Northeast
Can I become a licensed counselor with an online degree?
Potentially. The program's coursework and supervised training must satisfy the state where you apply, and graduation alone does not confer a license. Confirm eligibility with that state's licensing board before enrolling.
Are online counseling programs fully remote?
Usually not in practice. Coursework may be online, but supervised fieldwork takes place at approved sites; some programs also require campus visits.
Does CACREP accreditation matter?
It can matter for credential eligibility or employers, depending on the state and role. Verify a program's current status with CACREP and check the requirements of your target state rather than assuming accreditation alone secures licensure.
Should I choose school or clinical mental health counseling?
Choose based on the work you want to do. School counseling is oriented toward educational settings and school credentials; clinical mental health counseling is oriented toward clinical practice and its licensing pathway.
Can I complete fieldwork in a different state from my university?
Sometimes, but only if the program approves the site and supervisor and can support the placement there. Ask about your specific state and location before applying.
Is a lower-priced program always the better investment?
No. Compare the full cost after aid with credential fit, completion time, placement access, expected debt, and your likely career path. A cheaper program that cannot support the credential you need may cost more to correct later.
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