Choosing an online counseling degree in Ohio means looking beyond flexible classes: the wrong program could leave you with unexpected fieldwork costs or coursework that does not fit your intended license. This guide explains how to compare admissions, clinical training, price, and career outcomes before you enroll. It also accompanies the 2027 Easiest Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Ohio, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about which counseling programs are worth considering.
Key findings about online Counseling degrees in Ohio
For Ohio clinical practice, prioritize a counseling master's that meets Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board education requirements; an online label alone does not establish licensure eligibility.
The U.S. median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025, with employment projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Those national figures are context, not an Ohio salary promise.
Before comparing sticker prices, request each school's total tuition, required fees, and field-placement expectations. Those differences can matter more to a working Ohio student than the pace of online coursework.
What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in Ohio?
Most degree-seekers considering professional counseling are comparing graduate programs, not short certificates. A clinical mental health counseling master's generally prepares students for the educational stage of a counselor-licensure pathway; a school counseling program prepares them for school-based credentialing. Counselor education is a broader program label, so its concentration and required courses matter more than its name.
Online usually describes how academic classes are delivered, not how the entire degree is completed. Expect supervised practicum or internship work at an approved site, scheduled meetings with supervisors, and possible live classes or campus visits. Ask whether the school helps secure placements near your home or requires you to find one; that answer can determine whether a program is realistic alongside a job.
An "easiest" ranking is most useful as a starting list, not a substitute for checking admissions requirements, academic workload, or the steps to licensure. The right fit is a program you can enter, afford, complete, and use for your intended Ohio credential.
Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in Ohio?
Clinical mental health and addiction pathways can lead toward work in community behavioral health agencies, hospitals, outpatient practices, and substance-use treatment settings. School counseling leads toward K-12 districts; rehabilitation-oriented study may fit disability services or vocational programs. The available role depends on the degree, supervised experience, and applicable license or credential - not simply on having "counseling" on a transcript.
Location changes the practical choice. Students in Ohio's larger metropolitan areas may be able to compare more potential training sites, while those in smaller communities should confirm local supervisor availability before enrolling. A placement across the state can impose travel or scheduling costs even when every academic course is online. Ask programs which types of Ohio sites they approve and whether placements can be arranged where you intend to work.
Pay depends on occupation, location, experience, and licensure status. The U.S. median annual wage was $59,350 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors and $64,330 for school and career counselors in May 2025 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook). These are national occupational medians across workers at different career stages, not starting offers or Ohio-specific graduate earnings.
To assess whether a degree is worth its cost, compare your likely post-degree role with your current earnings, then account for aid, borrowing, time out of work, completion likelihood, and the supervised steps still needed after graduation. Comparing most valuable counseling programs can help frame that question, but request program-level outcomes and a written cost estimate before treating any ranking as an individual return-on-investment forecast.
The programs below differ most usefully by the credential or training setting they target. For each, confirm current credit requirements, delivery format, placement support, and Ohio credential alignment with the department; a program appearing in an online search is not proof that every course or field experience is remote.
Capital University - Master in Counselor Education: The counselor-education designation makes the concentration and its required fieldwork the critical comparison points. It is worth examining if you want to keep your career goal open until you have checked which specific pathway the degree supports (Capital University, program page).
Wright State University - M. Ed. in School Counseling: This is a school-focused education degree rather than Wright State's separate clinical mental health counseling option. Compare its school placements and Ohio school-credential alignment if your intended workplace is K-12 (Wright State University, program page).
Wright State University - M.S. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Concentration: The explicitly named clinical concentration distinguishes its professional target from the university's school counseling degree. It is the more relevant Wright State option to investigate for clinical counselor licensure, subject to confirming current board requirements (Wright State University, program page).
University of Toledo - School Counseling: This program's school counseling focus makes school-based training and credential preparation the deciding evidence. Ask how its field placement process works in the Ohio district where you hope to train (University of Toledo, program page).
John Carroll University - Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling: The program explicitly identifies online delivery and a clinical mental health focus. It merits a closer look if remote coursework is essential, provided its live-session schedule and local clinical placement arrangements fit your workweek (John Carroll University, program page).
Winebrenner Theological Seminary - M.A. in Clinical Counseling: The clinical counseling degree is offered within a seminary. Students interested in this setting should review the actual curriculum and placement policies rather than assume that the institution's identity determines the program's clinical training or licensure eligibility (Winebrenner Theological Seminary, program page).
John Carroll University - School Counseling: This is a distinct school-counseling route from its explicitly online clinical mental health program. Verify this degree's own delivery format and school-placement requirements before assuming the two programs offer the same flexibility (John Carroll University, program page).
Heidelberg University - M.A. in Counseling: Its broader degree title makes the available tracks and required courses especially important to inspect. Choose it only after confirming that the specific study plan - not just the M.A. title - matches your intended Ohio credential (Heidelberg University, program page).
Ohio University - Online School Counseling: The program explicitly combines online study with a school counseling target. It may suit students who need to remain outside a campus community, but local school placement capacity remains a necessary check (Ohio University, program page).
Capital University - Counselor Education catalog listing: The official catalog is particularly useful for checking enforceable degree requirements against a program overview. Use its current course and fieldwork rules to test whether your proposed Capital study plan fits your credential goal and schedule (Capital University, academic bulletin).
These are program distinctions, not claims that one option has better admissions odds, lower tuition, or stronger outcomes than another. Where comparable published figures are unavailable, request them directly rather than assigning a numerical advantage.
A counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years of full-time study; part-time enrollment generally takes longer. Your actual timeline depends on the program's course sequence, when field placements begin, and whether required courses run year-round. An online format does not remove supervised training or necessarily let you start clinical courses whenever you choose.
If speed matters, compare the published schedules of fastest counseling programs, then ask each school for a term-by-term plan based on your intended course load. A shorter advertised timeline is less useful if it requires leaving your job, traveling for intensives, or securing a placement sooner than you can manage.
The central difference is where coursework happens. Both formats can require live discussion, skills practice, assessment, and supervised in-person fieldwork. Neither format, by itself, establishes quality or eligibility for an Ohio credential.
This comparison focuses on the constraints most likely to affect completion. Confirm the details for a particular concentration rather than relying on a university-wide description of "online learning."
Decision factor
Online program
On-campus program
Academic attendance
Remote classes may reduce commuting; live sessions may still have fixed times.
Regular campus attendance may make scheduling less flexible.
Skills and fieldwork
May involve remote practice activities, but approved local placements still need coordination.
May offer easier access to campus activities; external placements can still require travel.
Best fit
Students who can manage independent study and secure suitable placement access.
Students who value face-to-face class routines or nearby campus support.
Ask specifically about residency requirements, synchronous classes, and placement assistance. Those three answers reveal more about day-to-day flexibility than the word "online."
There is no reliable single average price for the specific mix of Ohio online counseling programs and concentrations discussed here. Graduate tuition can be quoted per credit or per term, and a comparison becomes misleading if it excludes required credits, program fees, technology charges, travel, or unpaid placement time. Public-university residency rates may also differ from nonresident rates; verify how a school classifies an online student before applying an in-state price.
Request a written estimate for your full degree and compare it with the most affordable counseling programs. Include expected aid and living or work-related costs separately. The lowest advertised tuition is not necessarily the least expensive route to completion if a required placement means cutting paid hours.
Eligible students at eligible institutions may be able to use federal graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loans, subject to federal rules and annual limits (Federal Student Aid). School-based scholarships, assistantships, employer tuition benefits, and relevant Ohio or local awards may also reduce costs, but eligibility can depend on enrollment intensity, degree level, residency, or employment commitments. Do not assume an undergraduate state grant covers a counseling master's.
Start with the FAFSA and each university's graduate-aid office. Ask for aid that does not need to be repaid, whether an assistantship is compatible with placement hours, and the estimated borrowing needed to finish - not merely to fund the first term. Recheck federal loan availability and terms before enrolling, since graduate-aid rules can change (Federal Student Aid).
View the chart data as a table
Projected job growth 2025-2035 by counseling career path (U.S., BLS) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
Mental Health Counselors
18
Marriage & Family Therapists
14
Postsecondary Teachers
7
Psychologists
6
School & Career Counselors
3
Rehabilitation Counselors
2
All occupations
3
Counseling master's applicants generally need a bachelor's degree, but schools set their own GPA standards, prerequisite courses, references, essays, interviews, and application deadlines. Some programs admit graduates from a range of undergraduate majors; others specify preparation that must be completed before enrollment. Check the requirements for the particular concentration rather than assuming admission to one counseling track qualifies you for another (institutional admissions offices).
Transfer credit also requires an individual review. Before paying an application deposit, send the program descriptions and transcripts for any prior graduate coursework, and ask which credits would count toward required counseling courses and fieldwork. A generous transfer policy does not help if the transferred courses fail to meet an Ohio credential requirement.
Clinical mental health curricula commonly include counseling theories, interviewing and helping skills, assessment, diagnosis, ethics, research, and supervised practice. School counseling adds coursework and placements oriented toward student development and school systems. Addiction-focused study may emphasize substance-use assessment and treatment. Exact course titles and requirements vary by program and concentration (institutional program catalogs).
Read the course sequence for more than subject matter. A required prerequisite may delay fieldwork, while a class offered only in one term can extend completion if you study part time. For licensure planning, compare the complete syllabus and fieldwork requirements with the relevant Ohio board or education-agency rules rather than counting course titles alone.
The clearest choice in the programs discussed here is between clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. The former is the more direct path to investigate for clinical counseling practice; the latter fits students seeking a school-based role. Broader counselor-education or counseling degrees require a closer look at their actual tracks. Addiction, rehabilitation, or other focused coursework may appear within a program, but a few electives are not necessarily a separate credential pathway.
Work backward from the job you want. If your goal is independent clinical practice, a school-only curriculum is a poor substitute merely because its schedule is convenient. If you want to counsel K-12 students, confirm school-credential preparation rather than assuming a clinical mental health degree will qualify you for the same role (Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board; Ohio Department of Education and Workforce).
Start with the credential and work backward to the curriculum. Ohio's counseling board governs professional counselor licensure, while school roles have separate state credential rules; a degree, an examination, supervised experience, and a license are distinct requirements (Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board; Ohio Department of Education and Workforce). Programmatic CACREP accreditation can be useful evidence of counseling-specific review, but check the exact program and current status in CACREP's directory and confirm the credential rules that apply to you (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
Use this shortlist process to catch expensive mismatches before applying:
Identify the Ohio job and credential you intend to pursue, then ask the relevant state agency which educational requirements apply.
Ask each program to document how its concentration, required courses, and fieldwork address those requirements.
Confirm online attendance rules, any campus visits, placement assistance, and whether your local site would qualify.
Compare full-degree net costs, realistic completion schedules, and available program-level outcomes - not tuition alone.
Review the best counseling programs alongside those answers, rather than treating rank or an "easy" label as evidence of personal fit.
A warning sign is a school that cannot explain its placement process or points only to institutional accreditation when you ask about the specific counseling program. Get credential-related answers in writing, especially if you may eventually practice outside Ohio.
View the chart data as a table
Programs by specialization (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
School Counseling
7
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
7
A graduate may pursue clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, addiction counseling, or related behavioral-health roles, depending on specialization and the credentials earned. Early roles may involve supervised practice; later responsibilities can differ after full licensure. A counseling degree can also support work in student services or community programs, but job titles and employer requirements vary.
The key distinction is between completing a degree and qualifying to practice. For Ohio professional counseling, review the board's education, examination, and supervised-experience requirements. For schools, check the state's applicable pupil-services credential rules. Neither an online diploma nor a school's general statement about career preparation substitutes for those official requirements (Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board; Ohio Department of Education and Workforce).
View the chart data as a table
Admissions GPA distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
2.90–2.91
1
2.92–2.93
0
2.94–2.95
0
2.96–2.97
0
2.98–2.99
13
National employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections). That suggests substantial national demand for this occupational group, but it is not an Ohio vacancy count and does not show how many jobs will be available in your city when you graduate.
For a local decision, examine current Ohio postings for the exact role you want: note the license requested, whether employers accept supervised candidates, the work setting, and whether evening or in-person coverage is required. Compare those requirements with your prospective program's concentration and placement network. Telehealth may expand how some counselors deliver services, but it does not erase applicable licensure or employer requirements.
2027 Easiest Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Ohio
Investing in graduate education is a consequential decision. Research.com developed its counseling rankings to give prospective students a more consistent way to compare programs, using institutional data and checks on outcomes, accreditation, licensure-exam results where applicable, and cost. The underlying sources include:
IPEDS database - institutional reporting on enrollment, completions, and prices.
For the Best ranking, Research.com first scores completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), applicable licensure-exam pass rates (20%), CACREP accreditation (16%), and federal Title IV eligibility (4%). Inapplicable criteria are reweighted; program cost then contributes about 7% of the final score. The method applies to online and on-campus programs, while other named rankings emphasize the dimension identified in their titles. These measures can narrow a search, but they do not establish that a particular applicant will be admitted or find the coursework easy. Readers can review the full approach on the Research.com methodology page and should verify current program terms directly with schools.
# 1 position
Capital University
Master
Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
51.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (full-time)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
64 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
75% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Priority: December 1; Final: March 15
Class size
4
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution; no specific undergraduate major or coursework required.
Additional requirements
Writing sample/statement of intent, three letters of professional reference, current resume/CV, official transcripts from all institutions attended, and an admissions interview.
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 Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 75% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 2 position
Wright State University-Main Campus
Master
Master of Education in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
51.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5- 3.5 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
67% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: December 1; Spring: August 1
Application process
direct (Wright State Graduate School application)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Minimum 3.0 GPA (conditional admission possible with department approval); three letters of recommendation; statement of educational and professional goals; required group interview. GRE temporarily waived.
Additional requirements
Graduate School application; minimum 3.0 GPA; three letters of recommendation; statement of educational and professional goals; required 3-hour group interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Wright State University-Main Campus earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 67% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 3 position
Wright State University-Main Campus
Master
Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Concentration
Delivery mode: hybrid
51.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5- 3.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
56% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: December 1; Spring: August 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Graduate School application; 3.0 GPA (conditional below with approval); three recommendation letters; goals statement; required 3-hour group interview; GRE not required (petition if below GPA minimum without GRE).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Wright State University-Main Campus earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 56% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 4 position
University of Toledo
Master
Master of Arts in Counselor Education with a School Counseling Concentration
Delivery mode: online
51.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 to 3 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
67% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Spring: September 15; Fall/Summer: January 15
Application process
direct (UToledo College of Graduate Studies application)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Completed bachelor's degree; preference for 3.0 undergraduate GPA or better
Additional requirements
Graduate School Admissions Form, transcript, three letters of recommendation, 2-3 page paper on why becoming a School Counselor and personal suitability; interview
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 Toledo earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 5 position
John Carroll University
Master
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online)
Delivery mode: hybrid
51.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 Years / six semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
97% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling (priority date Aug 1 for Fall start)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
An undergraduate degree in a recognized area from an accredited institution; undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended; Resume/CV; Two letters of recommendation; Statement of purpose (400-600 words); Faculty Interview. Program requirement: two on-campus weekend residencies (University Heights, OH).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
John Carroll University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, with a minimum GPA of 3 among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
An accredited Bachelor of Arts or Science degree or its equivalent is required for admission to the master's program.
Additional requirements
Completed application form, application fee, transcripts, undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0, interview with the program director and/or other MACC faculty, and a current resume (older catalog also cites three letters of recommendation).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Winebrenner Theological Seminary earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 7 position
John Carroll University
Master
M.Ed. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
51.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
as few as 2.5 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Rolling; for best consideration - Fall: Aug 1; Spring: Dec 1; Summer: Apr 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
An undergraduate degree in a recognized area from an accredited institution; undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended; Resume/CV; Two letters of recommendation; Statement of Purpose (400-600 words); Faculty Interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
John Carroll University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, with a minimum GPA of 3 among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 8 position
Heidelberg University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
51.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
approximately 2 calendar years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional requirements
Graduate application, transcripts, two recommendation letters, a 2–3-page personal statement of professional goals, and Ohio BCI and FBI background checks. Admission is conditional; a faculty interview after nine credits is required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Heidelberg University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, with a minimum GPA of 3 among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 9 position
Ohio University-Main Campus
Master
Online Master of Education in School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
50.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
6-7 semesters
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.90 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
97% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Spring 2027: November 2, 2026; Summer 2027: March 4, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (Verbal and Quantitative) required if bachelor's GPA is below 2.9
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in any discipline
Additional requirements
Bachelor's degree; transcripts with 2.9+ GPA (GRE V+Q required if lower); two letters of recommendation; 3-5 page personal statement; resume/CV; English proficiency; interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Ohio University-Main Campus earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 50.0/100, with a minimum GPA of 2.9 among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 10 position
Capital University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
43.90
/ 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 Admissions Accessibility Score of 43.9/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 11 position
Walsh University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
43.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Just over 3 years (part-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
88%
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Licensure exam pass rate
82%
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE or MAT required if cumulative GPA is below 2.75
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, completed before CHD coursework begins. The online concentration is unavailable to residents of California and New York.
Additional requirements
Application; official transcripts; three recommendations; notarized affidavit of good moral character; resume; faculty interview and writing sample; 3.0 GPA preferred; GRE/MAT only if GPA below 2.75; TOEFL for international applicants; criminal-history disclosure.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Walsh University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 43.9/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 88% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 12 position
Malone University
Master
Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
43.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
70% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2025-26)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Transcripts, recommendations, and resumes (per rolling admissions requirements); baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with minimum GPA.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Malone University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 43.9/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 70% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 13 position
Malone University
Master
Master's in School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
43.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-3.5 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
75% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Transcripts, recommendations, and resumes (materials required to meet application deadlines)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Malone University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 43.9/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 14 position
Walsh University
Master
M.A. in Counseling and Human Development – School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
43.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Just over three years (part-time)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE or MAT required if cumulative GPA is below 2.75
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, resume, notarized affidavit of good moral character, interview, writing sample. GRE or MAT scores required if cumulative GPA is below 2.75.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Walsh University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 43.9/100, with a minimum GPA of 3 among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in Ohio
What does "easiest" mean for a counseling program?
It should not be read as a promise of admission, light coursework, or automatic licensure. Check the ranking's stated measures, then compare each program's actual admissions criteria, fieldwork demands, and completion requirements.
Can I complete an Ohio counseling degree entirely online?
Academic coursework may be online, but professional preparation typically includes supervised fieldwork at an approved site. Confirm any campus visits and live class meetings directly with the program.
Will an online counseling master's qualify me for licensure in Ohio?
Not automatically. Match the specific concentration and fieldwork to the Ohio board's current education rules, and plan separately for any required examination and supervised experience (Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board).
Is school counseling the same credential as clinical mental health counseling?
No. They prepare students for different settings and credential pathways. Choose according to the role you intend to pursue, and verify the applicable Ohio requirements before enrolling (Ohio Department of Education and Workforce; Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board).
Is a faster or cheaper program always the better investment?
No. A realistic comparison includes aid, debt, lost work time, placement logistics, the chance of completing, and whether the degree meets your career goal. Request a full-degree cost estimate and an individualized completion plan.
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