Choosing an "easy" online counseling degree can be costly if easy admission or flexible classes lead to a program that does not fit your career goal. This guide is for Pennsylvania students and working professionals comparing clinical, school, family, and rehabilitation counseling paths. It explains costs, timelines, supervised training, and licensure checks alongside the 2027 Easiest Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
For Pennsylvania licensure goals, the easiest program to enter is not necessarily the easiest route to practice: confirm coursework and supervised-training compatibility with the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors before enrolling.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 national median annual wage of $59,350 for the occupational group covering mental health and addiction counselors, with projected employment growth of 18% for 2025-2035. Those national figures are context, not a Pennsylvania salary forecast.
Many counseling master's programs take roughly two to three years, but online classes do not remove in-person practicum or internship obligations. Compare placement support and your work schedule as carefully as tuition.
What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in Pennsylvania?
An online counseling degree usually means online academic coursework combined with supervised, in-person clinical or school-based training. For readers aiming to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC), the relevant option is generally a graduate counseling program - not an undergraduate counseling-related major or a short certificate. A bachelor's degree can prepare you to apply, but it does not by itself establish LPC eligibility (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
"Counseling" also covers different destinations. Clinical mental health programs focus on assessment and treatment; school counseling programs prepare students for educational settings; marriage, couple, and family programs emphasize relationship systems; and rehabilitation programs address disability and access. Choose the intended credential first. A convenient school-counseling curriculum, for example, should not be assumed to meet every requirement for clinical professional licensure.
Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in Pennsylvania?
Depending on specialization, credential, and employer requirements, Pennsylvania counseling graduates may work in behavioral health agencies, hospitals, schools, substance-use treatment programs, community organizations, rehabilitation services, or private practice. Independent clinical practice requires the appropriate state license; completing the degree is only one step (Pennsylvania licensing board).
Location affects the practical value of an online program. A student near Philadelphia or Pittsburgh may have a different choice of field sites than someone in a rural county, even when both attend the same virtual classes. Ask schools whether they approve placements near your home, who identifies supervisors, and whether you may need to travel or adjust work hours.
Pay depends more on occupation, license, experience, employer, and location than on whether coursework was online. The following U.S. medians are for occupations - not guaranteed earnings for graduates. They are May 2025 wage figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, paired with its 2025-2035 national employment projections.
Career direction
National median annual wage, May 2025
Projected national growth, 2025-2035
Clinical mental health or addiction counseling
$59,350
18%
School counseling
$64,330
3%
Marriage, couple, and family counseling
$66,940
14%
Rehabilitation counseling
$46,850
2%
These categories help compare career directions, but they do not measure the wage premium from a particular Pennsylvania degree. For a personal estimate, compare local job postings with your current earnings and distinguish prelicensure jobs from roles requiring independent practice (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The schools below are most useful to compare by career fit, not by a blanket claim that one is easiest. Their published program identities point to different counseling paths; confirm current credits, delivery format, fieldwork rules, and outcomes with admissions before treating any option as a match.
Geneva College - counseling program: Geneva's graduate counseling program offers a counseling-specific path within a Christian college. Students seeking that educational environment should compare its current curriculum directly with Pennsylvania LPC requirements rather than treating institutional affiliation as evidence of licensure eligibility (Geneva College).
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania - clinical mental health counseling: This program has a defined clinical mental health focus rather than a school-counseling focus. It is a more direct subject-area comparison for applicants seeking behavioral health roles; ask how its supervised placements are arranged across the state (Slippery Rock University).
University of Scranton - clinical rehabilitation counseling: Clinical rehabilitation is the program's defining specialization. It warrants a closer look from students interested in counseling people with disabilities, whereas applicants focused solely on school counseling should compare a different curriculum (University of Scranton).
Messiah University - school counseling: Messiah identifies a dedicated school-counseling master's path. That distinction matters if your target is school employment and Pennsylvania educator certification rather than independent clinical practice (Messiah University).
Neumann University - clinical mental health counseling: Neumann's named clinical mental health master's path is relevant to applicants comparing clinical preparation in the Philadelphia area. Confirm whether field-site arrangements and any required campus attendance work for your location and schedule (Neumann University).
Waynesburg University - online master's path: Waynesburg explicitly presents its counseling master's within its online graduate offerings. For a working applicant, the key comparison is how its course schedule fits alongside required supervised training, which cannot be completed merely by logging in (Waynesburg University).
Waynesburg University - curriculum fit: Its counseling graduate-program information gives applicants a starting point for checking the exact degree and professional route, rather than selecting a program on the word "online" alone. Request the current plan of study and written fieldwork policies before comparing it with clinical or school-specific alternatives (Waynesburg University).
Geneva College - graduate counseling options: Geneva's broader graduate counseling information lets applicants check the available counseling path against a specific professional goal. This matters most if you are still deciding which credential to pursue; verify the individual track's current requirements before applying (Geneva College).
Messiah University - marriage, couple, and family counseling: This named track centers relationship and family work, a different professional focus from Messiah's school-counseling path. It suits applicants who want to examine family-systems training and the credential requirements for their intended practice (Messiah University).
Messiah University - clinical mental health counseling: Messiah also identifies a separate clinical mental health path. Applicants comparing several counseling careers at one institution can examine its curriculum alongside the school and family tracks without assuming the tracks lead to interchangeable credentials (Messiah University).
A program's title is evidence of its focus, not proof of a particular completion time, accreditation status, pass rate, or Pennsylvania approval. Obtain current written answers to those questions before using a school highlight to narrow your list.
A counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years, with part-time study potentially extending the timeline. Actual duration depends on required credits, course sequencing, start dates, and how quickly you can complete approved fieldwork. Online delivery may save commuting time, but it does not make supervised practice optional.
If speed is your priority, compare the fastest counseling programs against your realistic work and placement schedule. Ask whether courses run every term and whether a delayed internship could postpone graduation; an advertised academic timeline may not reflect an individual student's placement timeline.
The principal difference is where and when you complete coursework - not whether you must practice counseling skills under supervision. Online formats may suit working adults or students far from campus, while campus formats may simplify access to in-person classes and local professional contacts. Either format can be a poor fit if its field-placement arrangements do not work where you live.
Before choosing, distinguish asynchronous classes from scheduled live meetings, and ask about campus visits, skills practice, examinations, and internship-site approval. For an out-of-state online school, request a written explanation of how its curriculum relates to Pennsylvania requirements. Do not assume that being able to enroll from Pennsylvania establishes eligibility for a Pennsylvania credential (Pennsylvania licensing board).
There is no single reliable price for an online counseling degree: total cost changes with program length, tuition basis, fees, residency rules, and time spent in fieldwork. A statewide average would also obscure meaningful differences between public and private nonprofit schools. Use each institution's current graduate tuition and fee schedule to build a total-program estimate, not just a per-credit comparison (institutional tuition schedules; NCES/IPEDS).
Include required course fees, books, travel to placements or campus, background checks, and income you may give up to complete supervised hours. Public-school resident rates can matter when available, but do not assume every online program charges by residency. The most affordable counseling programs can help form a shortlist; a lower sticker price is less useful if the program adds time or does not fit your intended credential.
Eligible graduate students can explore federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans by submitting the FAFSA and meeting federal and institutional aid requirements. Schools may also offer assistantships, scholarships, or employer-partner benefits. Availability and award amounts vary, so request an aid estimate for your exact program and enrollment level (Federal Student Aid; institution financial aid offices).
Pennsylvania residents should check current Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency rules rather than assuming an undergraduate state grant carries over to graduate counseling study. Compare the aid that does not need repayment before borrowing, and ask whether aid continues during internship terms if your course load changes. Federal loan eligibility and limits depend on the rules applicable when you enroll (Federal Student Aid; Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency).
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
Graduate counseling applicants generally need a bachelor's degree, transcripts, and the materials specified by the school, which may include references, a statement, or an interview. A psychology major is not universally required. Programs can differ in prerequisite coursework, minimum academic standards, and whether they admit students without prior helping-profession experience; verify these details on the current admissions page (institutional admissions offices).
Admission requirements are separate from professional requirements. Before paying an application fee, tell the program which Pennsylvania credential you want and ask for its curriculum, accreditation information, supervised-practice plan, and written guidance on state eligibility. The Pennsylvania licensing board or Department of Education - not an admissions decision - sets the applicable credential rules.
Clinical counseling curricula commonly cover counseling theories, ethics, assessment, human development, diagnosis, research, and supervised practice. School counseling adds education-system and student-support content; family counseling emphasizes relationships and family systems; rehabilitation counseling addresses disability-related counseling and services. Exact courses and fieldwork vary by program and track (program curricula; Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
Read the course sequence as well as the catalog titles. A program may offer the subjects you need but schedule a prerequisite only once a year, affecting both graduation and internship timing. If licensure is the goal, compare the actual syllabus and credit requirements with current Pennsylvania rules rather than relying on a broad "licensure preparation" description (Pennsylvania licensing board).
Programs in this comparison illustrate four distinct choices: clinical mental health, school, marriage/couple/family, and clinical rehabilitation counseling. Addiction-focused coursework may also be available within a broader clinical path, but a concentration name does not establish eligibility for a separate credential. Check the degree title, required courses, placements, and intended credential together.
If you want to counsel students in schools, prioritize a school-counseling route aligned with Pennsylvania educator-certification requirements. If you want to provide clinical services, investigate LPC requirements and the program's relevant supervised preparation. If you are undecided, ask whether changing tracks would add courses or delay graduation; apparent flexibility has little value if it raises your total cost (Pennsylvania Department of Education; Pennsylvania licensing board).
Start with the job and credential you want, then compare programs on requirements you cannot easily fix after enrollment. Accreditation deserves a careful check: institutional accreditation, programmatic CACREP recognition, federal-aid eligibility, and Pennsylvania licensure or certification rules are related but distinct questions (U.S. Department of Education; CACREP; Pennsylvania licensing board).
Use the following checks to turn a shortlist into a decision:
Identify the Pennsylvania license or school credential required for your target role, and request the school's written explanation of curriculum alignment.
Confirm institutional accreditation and independently check any claimed programmatic accreditation and its current scope.
Ask who secures field sites, which locations are acceptable, and what happens if a placement is delayed.
Calculate total tuition, fees, travel, borrowing, and lost work time; compare that investment with your likely earnings path and completion timeline.
Request program-level completion and relevant exam or placement outcomes, including their reporting periods, rather than relying on institution-wide figures.
Use the best counseling programs as another comparison point, not as a substitute for these checks. The common mistake is choosing the easiest-looking application or cheapest advertised credit without confirming the supervised experience and credential path that make the degree useful.
View the chart data as a table
Admissions GPA distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
3.00–3.09
16
3.10–3.19
0
3.20–3.29
0
3.30–3.39
0
3.40–3.49
1
A suitable degree can support a path toward clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, marriage and family counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or related agency roles. These paths do not share one universal credential. Pennsylvania LPC licensure, educator certification, and any other occupation-specific requirements must be checked separately; graduates may need examinations and supervised experience after the degree before qualifying for certain positions (Pennsylvania licensing board; Pennsylvania Department of Education).
Whether the investment is worthwhile depends on your current earnings, financial aid, debt, likelihood of completing the program, time away from work, expected post-degree opportunities, and how long you plan to work in the field. Compare the most valuable counseling programs with your own circumstances. A lower-cost path that leads to the wrong credential is not better value; neither is a higher-priced degree justified by a national median salary alone.
View the chart data as a table
Median wage by U.S. state - Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (BLS OEWS, May 2025) (Source: BLS)
State
Value
AK
80,770
AL
47,310
AR
51,580
AZ
65,300
CA
59,250
CO
62,390
CT
63,590
DC
60,450
DE
56,020
FL
56,790
GA
58,960
HI
60,090
IA
60,880
ID
63,360
IL
60,730
IN
53,760
KS
59,470
KY
54,190
LA
37,910
MA
59,890
MD
59,530
ME
59,970
MI
61,690
MN
58,780
MO
56,910
MS
46,990
MT
59,000
NC
55,490
ND
68,630
NE
63,770
NH
54,840
NJ
62,820
NM
74,100
NV
57,210
NY
59,450
OH
58,360
OK
59,350
OR
74,590
PA
52,010
PR
46,790
RI
65,120
SC
52,370
SD
53,650
TN
49,580
TX
62,630
UT
63,890
VA
59,880
VT
61,810
WA
68,910
WI
62,220
WV
49,430
WY
62,980
National demand differs substantially by specialty. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% employment growth for mental health and addiction counselors over 2025-2035, compared with 3% for school counselors. Those projections describe national occupations, not guaranteed Pennsylvania openings, and should not be used as if every counseling graduate competes for the same jobs.
For a Pennsylvania job search, examine postings in the county where you can work and separate positions open to graduates from those requiring a license, certification, or experience. Compare employers' requested credentials with a program's actual curriculum and placements. This is especially important if you expect to remain in a smaller local market rather than relocate after graduation.
2027 Easiest Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Pennsylvania
Investing in a counseling degree is an important decision, especially when the credential may need to satisfy professional requirements. Research.com evaluates program information to make comparisons more credible and useful, rather than asking readers to rely on a school's description alone. The underlying counseling-ranking framework considers completion, employment or doctoral admission, applicable licensure-exam results, accreditation, federal aid eligibility, and cost. An "easiest" label should not be read as a promise of admission, effortless coursework, or licensure.
The Research.com team used the following data sources to create the ranking and check institutional information:
IPEDS database - institution-reported enrollment, completion, and cost information.
Peterson's database - program and admissions information used in school comparisons.
Research.com's broader Best counseling ranking first combines graduate outcomes and accreditation: completion receives a 40% share; employment or doctoral admission and applicable licensure-exam pass rates receive 20% each; CACREP recognition receives 16%; and institutional Title IV eligibility receives 4%. Inapplicable criteria are reweighted, and cost contributes about 7% to the final Best score. The same framework applies to online and campus programs; other rankings emphasize the dimension named in their titles. Readers can review Research.com's methodology, then verify current program terms directly with each school before applying.
# 1 position
Geneva College
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
51.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years for a full-time student
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
50% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
76% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Spring 2027: Nov 30, 2026
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Basic statistics competency
Additional requirements
Program requirement: one 5-day (one-week) residency in late August on the Beaver Falls, PA campus, year 1 (may postpone to year 2).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Geneva College earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 50% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 2 position
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Arts (MA)
Delivery mode: hybrid
51.40
/ 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 Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 90% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 3 position
University of Scranton
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
51.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 - 3 years
Specialization
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
81% (2021-22)
Employment or doctoral admission
83% (2021-22)
Licensure exam pass rate
86% (2021-22)
Application deadline
Priority: March 1; Regular: July 15 (for fall admission)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (or international equivalent); undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (probationary acceptance possible below 3.0)
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions; two professional letters of recommendation; personal statement; resume; personal interview (group interview) with program faculty; no application fee
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
University of Scranton earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 81% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 4 position
Messiah University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling – School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
51.40
/ 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 Admissions Accessibility Score of 51.4/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 81.6% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 5 position
Neumann University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
51.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
80% (2023-24)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited, degree-granting institution with a 3.00 GPA.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all institutions attended, graduate writing prompt, two (2) letters of recommendation, and graduate student application.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Neumann University earned a Research.com 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 2033-10-31.
# 6 position
Waynesburg University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: online
51.40
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
82% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college
Additional requirements
Graduate and Professional Studies application; bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college with a minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions; current resume; personal statement; writing sample;
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Waynesburg University earned a Research.com 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.
# 7 position
Waynesburg University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: online
51.40
/ 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 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
Geneva College
Master
M.A. in Counseling - Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
51.40
/ 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 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 2033-04-30.
# 9 position
Messiah University
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: online
43.90
/ 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 Admissions Accessibility Score of 43.9/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 72.6% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 10 position
Messiah University
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
43.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-year completion
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
70.3% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
At least 6 credits in social, behavioral, applied, or life sciences courses (e.g., psychology, sociology, social work) with a grade of C or higher
Additional requirements
Application; official transcripts; cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher; 300–500 word statement of purpose; one reference; resume/CV; interview via Zoom
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Messiah University earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 43.9/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 70.3% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 11 position
Geneva College
Master
M.A. in Counseling – School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
43.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years for a full-time student
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
0% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
0% (2023-24)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with GPA of 3.0+ (provisional admission possible below 3.0); basic statistics competency for CNS 505/512 via CNS 504, prior statistics course (B- or better within 5 years), or 80%+ exam score.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, a typed academic essay on career goals and reasons for applying to a Christian faith-based counseling program, three professional recommendations, and a resume
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Geneva College earned a Research.com Admissions Accessibility Score of 43.9/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3 and 0% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 12 position
Lebanon Valley College
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
43.90
/ 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 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 2034-04-30.
# 13 position
Gwynedd Mercy University
Master
M.S. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
43.90
/ 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 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 2032-10-31.
# 14 position
Pennsylvania Western University
Master
Counseling, MS - School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
43.90
/ 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 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 2033-03-31.
# 15 position
Pennsylvania Western University
Master
M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
43.90
/ 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 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 2033-03-31.
# 16 position
Gwynedd Mercy University
Master
M.S. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
43.90
/ 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 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 2032-10-31.
# 17 position
Waynesburg University
Doctor
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.)
Delivery mode: online
6.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3-5 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
54 semester credits
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
77% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025-26)
Class size
10
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or a related field from a regionally accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Additional requirements
Application; undergraduate and graduate transcripts verifying the qualifying master's degree; resume; personal statement; Admissions Committee interview; MAT or GRE scores (waived with NCE scores); writing sample; TOEFL for non-native speakers.
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 Admissions Accessibility Score of 6.1/100, supported by a minimum GPA of 3.5 and 77% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in Pennsylvania
What does "easiest" mean for an online counseling degree?
It should not be taken to mean automatic admission, light coursework, or an easy route to licensure. Evaluate the ranking alongside current admissions rules, fieldwork demands, completion information, and fit with your intended credential.
Can I become a Pennsylvania licensed counselor entirely online?
Academic coursework may be online, but supervised practical training is not replaced by virtual classes. Completing a degree alone does not confer an LPC license; check the Pennsylvania licensing board's current education, examination, and supervised-experience requirements.
Is CACREP accreditation required for every counseling career?
No single accreditation rule covers every counseling occupation. Check whether a particular program holds CACREP recognition and how that status relates to your intended Pennsylvania credential or future plans; institutional accreditation is a separate consideration (CACREP; Pennsylvania licensing board).
Can I attend an out-of-state online program while living in Pennsylvania?
Potentially, but permission to enroll does not establish Pennsylvania licensure or certification eligibility. Ask the school about state eligibility and local placements, then confirm requirements with the relevant Pennsylvania authority.
Is a counseling master's worth it if I already work in human services?
It can be if the degree is needed for the role you want and the likely career benefit outweighs tuition, borrowing, foregone earnings, and time in supervised training. Compare the credential required by actual job postings with the program's curriculum before committing.
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