Choosing the fastest online counseling degree is not just a question of how soon you can graduate. A shorter program must still fit your work schedule, budget, and the licensing rules where you intend to practice. This guide explains those trade-offs for prospective students and career changers. It accompanies the 2027 Fastest Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the USA, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about programs worth considering.
Key findings about online Counseling degrees in America
A licensure-oriented counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years full-time; a faster advertised schedule is useful only if required clinical placements and courses are available when you need them.
CACREP's 2024 standards specify at least 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours for accredited entry-level counseling programs. These supervised requirements can constrain how much an online degree can be accelerated.
National median annual pay varies by role: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports $59,350 for mental health and substance abuse counselors and $64,330 for school and career counselors in May 2025. Neither figure predicts an individual graduate's salary.
What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in America?
Most people seeking to become licensed professional counselors should compare licensure-oriented master's degrees, not simply any program with "counseling" in its name. Online coursework can cover assessment, counseling theory, ethics, diagnosis, and group work, but supervised client experience normally takes place in person. A bachelor's degree may lead to support roles; it generally does not substitute for the graduate education required for independent clinical counseling licensure (state counseling boards).
Program titles also signal different destinations. Clinical mental health counseling typically prepares students to pursue professional counselor licensure; school counseling targets school-based credentialing; and rehabilitation counseling focuses on disability, employment, and independent-living concerns. Compare the curriculum and the applicable state board's requirements before comparing speed. If schedule is not your only priority, the best counseling programs offer another way to frame your shortlist.
This path is most promising if you want sustained client-facing work and can arrange supervised training locally. If your goal is a nonclinical helping role, a shorter certificate or a related degree may cost less; if you want independent therapy practice, check whether that alternative actually leads to the credential you need.
Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in America?
Counselors work in outpatient mental health practices, community agencies, hospitals, schools, colleges, rehabilitation services, and substance use treatment settings (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The setting depends heavily on specialization and credential: a school counseling degree does not automatically qualify its holder for clinical practice, and a clinical counseling degree does not automatically confer a state school counselor credential.
Location matters even when classes are online. Your intended state may set particular coursework, supervised-experience, examination, and application rules; it may also determine which local sites can host your practicum. Before enrolling from another state, ask the program whether it accepts students there, supports placements near you, and has documented how its curriculum relates to that state's requirements (state licensing boards; U.S. Department of Education professional-licensure disclosure rules).
The most useful salary comparison is between occupations you could realistically enter, not between degree titles. The following U.S. medians refer to occupations, not starting salaries or promised outcomes for graduates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the wages for May 2025 and the growth projections for 2025-2035.
Career direction
Median annual pay, May 2025
Projected employment growth, 2025-2035
Clinical mental health or addiction counseling
$59,350
18%
School counseling
$64,330
3%
Marriage and family counseling
$66,940
14%
Rehabilitation counseling
$46,850
2%
These figures help distinguish career directions, but they are not interchangeable credentials. Marriage and family therapy, for example, has its own licensing pathway in many states. Pay also varies with location, setting, experience, and employment arrangements. Estimate affordability using likely early-career pay in your intended occupation and state, rather than treating a national median as your first-year offer.
The programs below point toward different counseling goals. Their program descriptions are a starting point for comparison, not proof that every track is fully online, equally fast, or approved for licensure in every state. Ask each school for its current catalog, completion plan, placement policy, and state-specific disclosures before applying.
University of Kentucky - Master of Arts in Counseling: The online counselor education offering provides a clear master's-level option for readers comparing university-based counseling preparation (University of Kentucky Online). Check its available track and fieldwork sequence against your intended credential; the relevant track matters more than the degree's broad title.
Northwestern University - Counseling@Northwestern: Its counseling-specific online program is a useful comparison for applicants who want to examine how remote instruction is paired with supervised clinical training (Northwestern University). Ask how placement assistance works in your area and whether the available course sequence accommodates your desired pace.
University of Mary - School Counseling: This named school counseling track is the clearest fit here for readers specifically pursuing a school-based role (University of Mary). Confirm that its coursework and field experience align with the educator credential rules in the state where you hope to work.
Lincoln Memorial University - Professional Counseling: Its professional counseling program merits attention from applicants seeking that credential pathway rather than a school-only specialization (Lincoln Memorial University). Verify the delivery format and required campus or clinical attendance for the particular track offered to you.
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans - Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling: Its rehabilitation focus distinguishes it from broadly titled mental health programs (LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans). It is a more targeted option if disability and rehabilitation services match your career goal; confirm current delivery and state credential fit before treating it as an online alternative.
University of Mary - Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Unlike its school counseling track, this program is directed toward clinical mental health practice (University of Mary). Compare the two against the license you want rather than assuming their shared institution means interchangeable outcomes.
Utah Valley University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling: The program's specific clinical mental health focus makes it relevant to prospective professional counselor applicants (Utah Valley University). Confirm whether its current delivery format supports out-of-area study and how local clinical placements would be arranged.
University of Denver - Online School Counseling: Its explicitly online school counseling offering is a direct comparison for students seeking remote coursework for a school-based pathway (University of Denver). Because school credentials are state-specific, request confirmation of fieldwork expectations and eligibility where you plan to teach or counsel.
Bluefield University - Counseling: Its counseling program offers another institution-specific curriculum to compare with specialized school and rehabilitation options (Bluefield University). Establish which degree and delivery option is currently available, then check whether that option - not just the institution - fits your licensing objective.
A licensure-oriented counseling master's typically takes about two to three years of full-time study; part-time enrollment usually takes longer. An advertised accelerated timeline may assume a particular start term, continuous enrollment, or prompt access to supervised placements. CACREP's 2024 standards require at least 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours in accredited entry-level counseling programs, so online delivery does not remove the clinical-time commitment (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
Request a term-by-term plan showing when courses, practicum, and internship begin. Ask whether the published completion time reflects the fastest permitted sequence or the time students commonly take, and whether working full-time would change that sequence. A slightly longer program with reliable local placements may get you to eligibility sooner than a nominally faster option that leaves you searching for a site.
The central difference is where academic instruction happens - not whether clinical work is required. Online study can reduce commuting and widen the programs available to someone living far from campus. On-campus study can make scheduled face-to-face instruction and nearby placement relationships easier to assess. Either format may include live classes, campus visits, or in-person skills assessments, depending on the program.
Compare the actual weekly timetable rather than the "online" label. Ask whether classes are live or self-paced, where skills practice occurs, who secures clinical sites, and whether a placement can be completed near your home. For an out-of-state online student, state licensing alignment and placement access may be more consequential than the delivery format itself.
There is no single reliable national average that represents the total price of an online, licensure-oriented counseling degree. NCES/IPEDS publishes institutional tuition and charges, but a school-wide graduate figure need not capture a particular counseling program's credits, fees, placement travel, or residency pricing. Treat a broad institutional average as context, not a program quote (National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS).
For a usable comparison, obtain each school's current total program estimate: required credits multiplied by applicable tuition, plus mandatory fees, books, any campus visits, travel to clinical sites, and costs you may incur while reducing work hours. Public universities may price online students differently from campus residents; private institutions may offer aid that changes the net cost. The most affordable counseling programs can help start a price comparison, but the lowest sticker price is not necessarily the lowest cost to completion.
Eligible students at participating institutions may be able to use federal graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loans, institutional scholarships, employer tuition benefits, or state and local workforce assistance. Federal loan eligibility depends on the student and program meeting Federal Student Aid requirements; online delivery by itself does not establish or rule out eligibility (Federal Student Aid). Ask the financial aid office for an award estimate based on your actual enrollment plan, because clinical terms and part-time study can change your borrowing needs.
Do not assume Graduate PLUS will cover a funding gap. Under the rules taking effect for new graduate borrowing from July 2026, new graduate students generally cannot obtain Graduate PLUS loans. Limited transitional eligibility may apply to students who were already enrolled in a program and had borrowed for it before the change, subject to applicable limits; confirm your own status with Federal Student Aid and the school (Federal Student Aid). Compare the aid offer with total borrowing and expected payments before choosing an accelerated program that leaves little room for paid work.
View the chart data as a table
Pay vs projected growth by counseling career path (U.S., BLS) (Source: BLS)
Name
Median annual wage (USD/year)
Projected growth (%)
Mental Health Counselors
59,350
18
School & Career Counselors
64,330
3
Rehabilitation Counselors
46,850
2
Marriage & Family Therapists
66,940
14
Psychologists
99,110
6
Postsecondary Teachers
85,330
7
Master's applicants generally need a completed bachelor's degree. Programs may also request transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, an interview, or prerequisite coursework; the school's current admissions page controls its requirements. A prior psychology major is not necessarily required, but an applicant changing fields should ask whether foundational courses add time before or during the degree (institutional admissions requirements).
Admission and professional eligibility are separate checks. Before paying an application fee, confirm that the program accepts students in your state, that its curriculum addresses your intended licensing board's education rules, and that you can meet its placement conditions. If admissions flexibility is your immediate concern, the easiest counseling programs provide a different comparison - but easier entry should not outweigh credential fit.
Licensure-oriented curricula commonly include counseling skills, human development, ethics, assessment, group counseling, research, and supervised practicum and internship. Clinical mental health programs may add diagnosis and treatment planning; school counseling programs emphasize school systems and student development; rehabilitation programs address disability and related services (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
Course titles alone can conceal a mismatch. Compare the catalog's required content and supervised hours with your intended state board's rules, and ask whether an elective needed for your credential is guaranteed to run before your planned graduation. Transfer credit can shorten a schedule only if the graduate program accepts the specific prior coursework and its clinical requirements still can be completed in sequence.
Common directions include clinical mental health, school counseling, addiction counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. Some programs offer a named degree track; others offer only electives within a broader degree. That distinction matters when a state board or school credentialing agency reviews the education actually completed, rather than the specialization a student hoped to pursue (state licensing and educator credentialing boards).
Choose backward from the job and credential. If you want to counsel students in schools, examine school counseling requirements; if you want independent clinical practice, examine the professional counselor pathway in your state. Marriage and family therapy may be a better-targeted degree if that separate license is your goal. Do not assume a concentration title alone qualifies you for any of these roles.
The best choice is the program most likely to get you to your specific credential without an unaffordable detour. Research.com's most valuable counseling programs offer another perspective, but your own return depends on net cost, borrowing, time out of work, completion likelihood, your current earnings, and realistic post-degree opportunities - not institution type alone.
Use this sequence to turn a shortlist into a decision:
Name the credential and state. Obtain the current education requirements from the relevant licensing or educator board, then ask each program how it addresses them.
Verify accreditation and authorization. Check institutional accreditation and, where important to your goal, CACREP programmatic accreditation directly; also confirm the program accepts students in your state.
Test the timeline. Request a course-and-placement schedule that reflects your work hours, location, and intended start term.
Compare net cost and risk. Obtain current tuition and fees, aid terms, placement expenses, and program-level completion or exam results where available; ask what happens if a clinical site is delayed.
A common mistake is choosing the shortest advertised schedule before confirming placement and licensure fit. Another is treating a ranking position or national salary median as a personal return-on-investment forecast. Ask for written answers to the requirements that could prevent you from finishing or qualifying to apply for a credential.
View the chart data as a table
Program length distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
15–19 months
2
20–24 months
67
25–29 months
6
30–34 months
42
35–39 months
52
40–44 months
5
45–49 months
6
A master's graduate may pursue entry into supervised counseling practice, school counseling, rehabilitation services, or addiction treatment, depending on the degree and employer requirements. Independent clinical practice generally requires additional state licensure steps after education, including supervised experience and examination where required; graduation alone is not a license (state licensing boards). School-based roles have a separate state credentialing process.
For a career changer, the practical question is what role is available between graduation and full licensure. Ask local employers and the relevant board which supervised positions count toward the credential you want. That answer can affect your earnings and job choices during the transition more than a program's published completion date.
View the chart data as a table
Programs by specialization (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
93
School Counseling
42
Counselor Education and Supervision
13
Rehabilitation Counseling
12
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
7
Addiction Counseling
5
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
5
College Counseling and Student Affairs
3
National demand differs substantially by specialty. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% employment growth for mental health and substance abuse counselors from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3% for school and career counselors. That contrast may support exploring clinical or addiction pathways if your interests fit, but a faster-growing occupation does not guarantee an opening in your area or make its credential interchangeable with school counseling.
Evaluate the market where you intend to complete supervision and work. Local employers' credential requirements, the availability of approved supervisors, and the types of clinical sites willing to take trainees all affect how quickly a graduate can move forward. A program that helps you establish a workable local training plan may offer more career value than one that only promises faster coursework.
2027 Fastest Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the USA
Investing in a counseling degree is a consequential decision, so Research.com evaluates more than a program's advertised pace. Its team draws on institutional and national education data to assess graduate outcomes, accreditation, licensure exam results where applicable, and cost. The ranking is intended to help readers identify programs for closer investigation - not replace a check of current tuition, clinical placement arrangements, and eligibility in the state where they plan to work.
Research.com used these data sources to create its counseling rankings:
IPEDS database: institutional reporting on programs, enrollment, completions, and charges.
Peterson's database: program and institutional information used to compare education options.
For context, Research.com's Best counseling ranking first combines program completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), applicable licensure exam pass rates (20%), CACREP programmatic accreditation (16%), and institutional Title IV eligibility (4%). Inapplicable criteria are renormalized; cost contributes about 7% of the final Best score. The same approach applies to online and campus programs, while rankings named for another dimension order programs by that dimension. A fastest-program comparison therefore answers a narrower question than a best-value or outcomes comparison. Readers can review more detail on Research.com's methodology.
# 1 position
University of Kentucky
Master
Master's Degree (MAC) in Counselor Education – Rehabilitation Counseling
Delivery mode: online
95.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
16 months (accelerated program, four semesters incl. summer)
Specialization
Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
70%
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
88.2% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
97.6% (2025-26)
Application deadline
April 1 (annual, Summer/Fall admission)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or a recognized foreign institution
Additional requirements
Online application, transcripts, 3 letters of reference, a written statement/writing sample indicating interest in and goals for the program, and a personal interview with one or two program faculty
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Kentucky earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 95.7/100, supported by 16-month completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 2 position
Northwestern University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
18 months (Accelerated Track, 6 quarters); traditional track ~30 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
24 courses (equivalent to a 60-credit-hour program)
Program completion rate
86% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
80% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
98% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or DACA recipients living in the United States and hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; a degree in psychology or human services is preferred but not required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Northwestern University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 91.3/100, supported by 18-month completion pathway and 24 courses. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 3 position
University of Mary
Master
Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
As little as 20 months (accelerated track); 32 months (extended track)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2021-22)
Licensure exam pass rate
93% (2025)
Application deadline
Fall and Summer starts; apply by March 1 for early admission
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree; preference for Psychology, Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice or related human service field
Additional requirements
Application and fee, official transcripts, resume/CV, two professional recommendations, 1-page statement of purpose
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Mary earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 87.0/100, supported by 20-month completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 4 position
Lincoln Memorial University
Master
M.Ed. in Professional Counseling – PreK-12 School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
5 semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
66.67% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2022-23)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree coursework from an accredited institution; minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; completed background check.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Lincoln Memorial University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 87.0/100, supported by 20-month completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 5 position
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
Master
Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
5 semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: June 1
Application process
AHCAS
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (background in behavioral science and/or social services preferred); minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 (4.0 system).
Additional requirements
Two letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic source), a typed personal essay addressing career goals/aptitude for graduate study, official transcripts submitted via AHCAS.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 87.0/100, supported by 20-month completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 6 position
University of Kentucky
Master
Master's Degree (MAC) in Counselor Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
87.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) (Five Semesters)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
87.14%
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Application deadline
April 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or a recognized foreign institution.
Additional requirements
Online graduate application, transcripts, 3 letters of reference, a written statement of interest and goals (writing sample), and a personal interview with program faculty; TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Kentucky earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 87.0/100, supported by 20-month completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 7 position
University of Mary
Master
Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Between 20 and 32 months, depending on your choice of track
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
81% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
97% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
97% (2025)
Application deadline
March 1 (priority for early admission; fall and summer starts only)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree, preference given to degrees in Psychology, Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or a closely related Human Service field
Additional requirements
General application form, application fee, official transcripts, resume/CV, two professional recommendations, 1-page Statement of Purpose
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Mary earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 87.0/100, supported by 20–32 month completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a regionally/nationally accredited institution, provided student meets prerequisite coursework: Abnormal Psychology, Research Methods, Statistics.
Additional requirements
Graduate application; official transcripts; minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA; TOEFL 79 iBT / IELTS 6.0 for non-native English speakers; three academic/professional recommendation letters; personal interview for qualifying applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Utah Valley University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 82.6/100, supported by 22-month completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 9 position
University of Denver
Master
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
82.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
as few as 22 months (accelerated full-time online)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
90 quarter credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
68% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
January 2027: Oct 30, 2026; rolling admissions
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 (or 2.5 for last 60 semester/90 quarter credits)
Additional requirements
Two letters of recommendation, current resume, unofficial/official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions, statement of professional goals (personal statement + supplementary essay)
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 Denver earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 82.6/100, supported by 22-month completion pathway and 90 quarter credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 10 position
Bluefield University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Time to Complete: 2 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
42%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Class size
14
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts; personal statement; graduate reference forms/three recommendations; current resume/CV; eligibility for readmission at last institution; personal and group interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Bluefield University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 11 position
Sacred Heart University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 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 Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 12 position
Capital University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 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 Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 64 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 13 position
Mount Mary University
Master
M.S. in Professional Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
accelerated 2-year option
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
95% (2025)
Application deadline
March 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE or MAT required as evidence if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, unless a 3.0 GPA in the final 60 credits or in post-baccalaureate coursework is shown
Prerequisites
Regionally accredited bachelor's; 18 credits in human development, education, psychology, sociology, social work or communications (undergraduate statistics preferred); 3.0 GPA or equivalent evidence (e.g., GRE, MAT, 3.0 in final 60 credits).
Additional requirements
Online Graduate Student Application, nonrefundable application fee (waived for Mount Mary alumni), official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Mount Mary University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 14 position
Northern State University
Master
M.Ed. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Pathway
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Estimated Time to Complete: Two Years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree in psychology, sociology, or education (typical incoming background noted for the program)
Additional requirements
Graduate application; participation in an individual and group interview process with program faculty (in-person or via Zoom)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Northern State University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 15 position
Northern State University
Master
Master of Education in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Estimated Time to Complete: Two Years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Graduate application and group and individual interview with program faculty
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Northern State University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 16 position
Northwestern College
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (6 semesters)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
91% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, minimum 3.0 GPA (conditional admission possible below), updated résumé, virtual interview with faculty member; no GRE required, no application fee.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Northwestern College earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 17 position
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Master
Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
Delivery mode: online
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years estimated time to completion
Specialization
Addiction Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
84.93% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Spring 2027: October 22, 2026; Fall: May 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; related field preferred, others considered. Recommended GPA 2.7 overall or in last 60 semester hours; lower GPAs considered with 3+ years of relevant addiction or human services work.
Additional requirements
Online SHP application, $75 application fee, official transcripts, and two recommendation letters. Selected applicants complete a web-based interview. International transcripts require a course-by-course evaluation.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 18 position
Adler Graduate School
Master
M.A. in Counseling: Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: online
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
approximately two years (full-time)
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
97%
Employment or doctoral admission
94%
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Winter 2027: Nov 23, 2026; Spring 2027: Mar 19, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Online application, letter of recommendation, official transcripts, and a 500-word admissions essay; no GRE required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Adler Graduate School earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 19 position
Corban University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 Years (full-time pace)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
93% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Mar 30
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00; profession of faith in Jesus Christ and a consistent Christian lifestyle.
Additional requirements
Online application; three essays on Christian faith, qualities of a Christian professional counselor, and professional/personal goals; Christian character and professional references; all college transcripts; interviews for selected applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Corban University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 20 position
Indiana State University
Master
Master of Education in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
78.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
24 months of full-time study
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Summer (June entry): December 1 for full consideration; applications after January 15 considered if openings are available.
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution, or a recognized institution for international applicants. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the major field of study, or 3.0 in all graduate-level courses.
Additional requirements
Online graduate application; official transcripts; resume/CV; statement of purpose on interest in school counseling; application fee; faculty interview by invitation; TOEFL or equivalent for international applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Indiana State University earned a Research.com Completion Speed Score of 78.3/100, supported by 2-year completion pathway and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in America
Can I become a licensed counselor with an online degree?
Potentially. The degree must meet your intended state's education requirements, and you must complete any required supervised experience, examination, and application steps. Confirm eligibility with the state board before enrolling.
What is the fastest way to finish a counseling master's?
Find a program whose courses and supervised placements can be completed in an uninterrupted sequence that fits your schedule. Request a personalized completion plan; the shortest advertised timeline may not apply to part-time students or those arranging their own placements.
Are practicum and internship online?
Coursework may be online, but supervised work with clients generally requires an approved clinical or school setting. Ask who finds the site, what travel is required, and whether your location is eligible.
Is CACREP accreditation the same as a counseling license?
No. CACREP accredits counseling programs; state boards issue licenses. Programmatic accreditation may matter for particular licensing or employment pathways, but graduating from an accredited program does not automatically grant a license.
Will transfer credits make an online counseling degree faster?
They might, if the school accepts the courses toward its specific degree requirements. Clinical courses and placements often have a required sequence, so ask for a written transfer evaluation and revised graduation plan before committing.
Is the fastest program worth the investment?
It can be if its total cost, placement arrangements, and credential fit work for you. Compare the time saved with borrowing, lost earnings during clinical training, and the risk of delays; speed alone is not a measure of value.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans - Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Official program page (curriculum, tuition, admissions). https://alliedhealth.lsuhsc.edu/crc/default.aspx
