An online counseling doctorate can open a path to teaching, supervision, and research - but the lowest tuition does not necessarily mean the lowest total cost. This guide is for working counselors comparing doctoral programs without losing sight of accreditation, travel, and career fit. It accompanies the 2027 Most Affordable Online Doctorate in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the USA, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about which counseling programs are worth considering. You'll learn how to compare costs, requirements, and likely returns before applying.
Key findings about online Counseling degrees in America
For an already licensed counselor seeking faculty or supervision roles, a counselor education doctorate is usually a closer fit than another clinical-entry credential; it does not, by itself, confer a new state license.
Affordability depends on total credits, fees, required campus visits, dissertation time, and aid - not tuition per credit alone. A national average price specifically for online counseling doctorates is not established here.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $59,350 for mental health and addiction counselors and projects 18% employment growth for the occupation over 2025-2035. That is labor-market context, not a forecast of a doctoral graduate's earnings.
What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in America?
Most programs relevant to this ranking are doctorates in counselor education and supervision rather than degrees designed to qualify a newcomer for clinical practice. A PhD generally emphasizes research and preparation to teach or produce scholarship. An EdD may place greater emphasis on applying research to leadership or practice, although the curriculum matters more than the letters after the degree.
Expect advanced study in counseling theory, teaching, supervision, research methods, and ethics, followed by a dissertation or other substantial doctoral project. "Online" may describe coursework rather than the entire experience: some schools require residencies, synchronous classes, or locally arranged fieldwork. Compare these requirements with your work schedule before comparing the best counseling programs.
This investment makes the most sense when a doctorate is relevant to a specific goal - such as seeking a faculty appointment, leading counselor training, or conducting research. If your goal is solely to begin treating clients, first check your state board's requirements for a qualifying master's degree and supervised experience; a doctorate is not a substitute for that entry pathway.
Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in America?
Possible settings include university counselor education departments, community mental health organizations, hospitals, school systems, government agencies, and private practices. The job you can actually hold depends on your prior credentials: teaching and research posts may call for a doctorate, while clinical and school counseling positions generally depend on the applicable state license or certification. Employers set their own additional hiring standards.
Online study can let a counselor remain employed in one state while attending a university in another. That flexibility makes location more - not less - important: confirm where any required placements can occur and whether the program supports the credential rules in the state where you plan to work.
There is no single "counseling doctorate salary." Pay depends on the occupation, employer, location, experience, and whether you already hold a clinical license. The following national occupational medians provide reference points, not estimates of what completing a doctorate will add to your pay (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 occupational wage data).
Career area
Median annual wage
How to interpret it
Mental health and addiction counseling
$59,350
Includes workers with different education and experience levels.
School counseling
$64,330
School employment and credential rules vary by state.
Marriage and family counseling
$66,940
A separate occupation with its own licensing pathway.
For a working counselor, the useful comparison is not a national median versus tuition. Compare your current compensation with realistic openings you would pursue after graduation, then account for borrowing, time away from paid work, and the possibility that the new role pays similarly but better matches your goals.
These programs differ most visibly in degree designation and stated academic focus. The highlights below identify a concrete starting point for each comparison; ask the school to confirm current credits, attendance requirements, accreditation, and price before treating any option as the more affordable one.
University of the Cumberlands: Its PhD is explicitly in counselor education and supervision (University of the Cumberlands). That direct match makes it worth examining if your goal is preparing other counselors rather than earning an initial practice credential.
Sam Houston State University: Its catalog identifies a PhD in counselor education within its education offerings (Sam Houston State University). Prospective Texas-based students should ask how doctoral advising and required activities work for students studying away from campus.
Liberty University: Its online PhD is specifically in counselor education and supervision (Liberty University). If maintaining a full-time practice is essential, verify which parts are asynchronous and whether any in-person obligations interrupt that schedule.
Kansas State University: The university lists its counselor education and supervision doctorate among its online programs (Kansas State University). Ask whether required live meetings or campus visits fit your location before weighing its tuition against less accessible options.
Adams State University: Its doctoral offering sits within graduate counselor education (Adams State University). Request the current doctoral plan of study to see how its coursework and culminating research match the role you want after graduation.
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania: It offers an EdD in counselor education and supervision rather than a PhD (Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania). That designation is a useful prompt to compare its project, research, and leadership requirements with PhD programs if you are choosing between applied and research-intensive routes.
Waynesburg University: Its doctoral degree is a PhD in counselor education (Waynesburg University). Ask how the program structures faculty mentoring and dissertation work if producing research is your main reason to enroll.
University of Holy Cross: Its listed degree is a PhD in counseling (University of Holy Cross). Because that title is broader than counselor education and supervision, inspect the curriculum and intended outcomes rather than assuming the programs prepare students for identical roles.
Viterbo University: It offers a doctor of counselor education and supervision (Viterbo University). Confirm the exact degree designation and culminating requirement when comparing it with PhD and EdD options, especially if a prospective employer specifies a credential.
Concordia University Irvine: Its PhD is explicitly in counselor education and supervision (Concordia University Irvine). Compare its stated research and supervision requirements with your intended faculty or leadership role, and obtain a full cost estimate before judging affordability.
Plan on roughly three to five years for many doctoral paths, with part-time study or a lengthy dissertation potentially extending that timeline. This is a planning range, not a completion guarantee. The most useful schedule is the school's current sequence showing when courses, field requirements, comprehensive exams, and dissertation milestones are offered.
A shorter advertised timeline may require heavier enrollment or tightly sequenced courses that are hard to combine with clinical work. When comparing the fastest counseling programs, ask for both the expected time for a working student and the maximum time allowed to finish the dissertation.
The principal difference is where and when you attend instruction - not whether doctoral research or professional practice requirements matter. Online coursework may reduce relocation costs and preserve employment; campus study may make in-person faculty collaboration and local placements easier. Either format can include live meetings, residencies, or supervised activities, depending on the program.
Choose online study if its actual attendance pattern and placement arrangements work where you live. Choose campus study if access to a particular research mentor or local professional network outweighs relocation and lost work time. Do not assume an online listing means every requirement can be completed from home.
A defensible national average specifically for online counseling doctorates is not available here. Broad graduate-tuition averages would mix different degrees, credit loads, and institutional prices, making them a poor estimate of this purchase. Calculate a program-specific total instead: required credits multiplied by your applicable rate, plus mandatory fees, residencies, travel, materials, and likely dissertation-continuation charges.
At public universities, ask whether online doctoral students pay an in-state, out-of-state, or separate online rate. Private nonprofit and public programs both warrant a net-price comparison after grants or assistantships; institution type alone does not establish value. The most valuable counseling programs are a useful second comparison once you have separated advertised tuition from your likely total cost.
Eligible students can investigate institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, employer tuition support, and federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Start with the FAFSA and ask whether part-time enrollment affects aid or assistantship eligibility (Federal Student Aid; U.S. Department of Education). An assistantship may be valuable but can conflict with a full-time counseling caseload.
Federal Graduate PLUS availability changed for new graduate borrowers beginning July 2026. Students already enrolled in a program who received a Graduate PLUS loan for it before the change may qualify for limited transitional borrowing; newly entering students should not build a financing plan around receiving a new Graduate PLUS loan. Confirm your individual eligibility and current loan limits with the school's aid office and Federal Student Aid before accepting an offer (Federal Student Aid).
Compare aid offers by net total cost and likely debt at completion, not the first-year award alone. Ask whether funding continues through dissertation enrollment, when coursework-based awards may end.
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
Many counselor education doctorates seek applicants with a relevant master's degree, counseling experience, and a clear research or professional purpose. Schools may also request transcripts, recommendations, a statement of goals, an interview, and evidence of a counseling license or license eligibility. Requirements differ by program: confirm them on the current admissions page rather than assuming a counseling-related master's degree automatically qualifies.
Before applying, ask whether the program requires a particular master's accreditation, whether it accepts prior doctoral credits, and whether transfer credit changes the total price or only the course sequence. If admission barriers are your concern, use the easiest counseling programs as a comparison tool - not a substitute for checking whether their curriculum supports your goal.
Typical study covers advanced counseling theory, counselor supervision, teaching in higher education, research design, qualitative or quantitative methods, ethics, and dissertation preparation. Some programs also require supervised teaching, clinical supervision, or an internship; verify how those experiences are arranged for distance students.
Read beyond course titles. A candidate who wants a faculty career should look for meaningful opportunities to teach and publish, while a clinical director may benefit more from rigorous supervision and program-evaluation work. A course labeled "advanced counseling" does not itself establish eligibility for clinical licensure.
Doctoral students may focus their coursework, placements, or research on counselor education, clinical mental health, addiction, school counseling, marriage and family work, or rehabilitation. Not every program offers a formally named concentration; a dissertation topic alone is not the same as a documented specialty.
Choose a focus by the job and credential it supports. For example, research on school counseling can be valuable to an aspiring professor without qualifying that person for a state school-counselor credential. Ask whether a specialization appears on the transcript and whether its required experiences can be completed near home.
Start with the position you want, then eliminate programs that do not support its educational or credential requirements. Accreditation deserves particular care: institutional accreditation, CACREP accreditation of a specific counseling program, federal aid eligibility, and state licensure approval are distinct checks. Verify the status of the exact degree with the accreditor and relevant state board rather than relying on a university-wide claim (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; U.S. Department of Education; state licensing boards).
Use this sequence to turn a ranking shortlist into an enrollment decision:
Identify target jobs and ask employers or the relevant licensing board which credentials they require.
Confirm each program's current accreditation status, delivery format, residency schedule, and placement rules in writing.
Request total-cost estimates for your enrollment pace, including dissertation terms, travel, and available aid.
Ask for program-specific completion and career outcomes, and how the school supports students whose research takes longer than planned.
Compare likely post-degree opportunities with your current earnings, expected debt, time out of paid work, completion prospects, and the years over which the investment could pay off.
A common mistake is selecting the lowest per-credit price before checking required credits and travel. Another is treating a doctorate as automatic licensure: state boards, not program marketing, determine eligibility.
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
Potential paths include counselor educator, researcher, clinical supervisor, training director, and behavioral health program leader. Licensed graduates may also continue clinical practice while adding teaching or supervision duties. The doctorate can strengthen an application for these roles, but hiring depends on experience, research fit, openings, and any required professional credential.
For someone early in the field, a qualifying master's program and supervised route to licensure will usually be the more direct first investment. For an experienced counselor who knows which teaching, research, or leadership positions require doctoral preparation, comparing doctorates can be worthwhile - even when the immediate pay increase is uncertain.
View the chart data as a table
Reported total program cost distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
$20,000–$29,999
1
$30,000–$39,999
4
$40,000–$49,999
4
$50,000–$59,999
4
$60,000–$69,999
2
$70,000–$79,999
3
$80,000–$89,999
1
$90,000–$99,999
1
Demand is not uniform across counseling jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% U.S. employment growth for mental health and addiction counselors over 2025-2035, reflecting the outlook for that occupation - not a projected number of openings for doctorate holders or faculty. Growth in clinical services can create supervision and training needs, but it does not guarantee a tenure-track position.
Search vacancies in the locations and settings where you would actually work. Compare their required degree, license, teaching record, and salary with your current position. That check is especially important if you must remain in one state: online enrollment can broaden school choice without broadening the local academic job market.
2027 Most Affordable Online Doctorate in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the USA
Education is a significant investment, so Research.com evaluates more than advertised tuition. Its team uses institutional and program data to assess outcomes, accreditation, federal aid eligibility, and cost, while recognizing that some measures do not apply to every doctorate. The affordability ranking emphasizes program cost; it is a starting point for investigating fit, not a promise that the first-listed school will be cheapest for every student.
Research.com's broader counseling methodology combines program completion, employment or doctoral admission, applicable licensure exam pass rates, CACREP programmatic accreditation, and Title IV eligibility. Its Best ranking weights those measures before factoring in cost as a smaller component; other rankings prioritize the dimension named in their titles. Criteria that do not apply are excluded and the remaining weights adjusted. The team draws on these sources to check program and institutional information:
IPEDS database - institutional enrollment, completion, and cost reporting.
These sources improve comparability, but institution-wide outcomes may not describe a particular doctorate, and a listed price may exclude travel or dissertation fees. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then request a written, individualized cost estimate and current program outcomes. Research.com explains its approach further on its methodology page.
# 1 position
University of the Cumberlands
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: online
90.20
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
66 semester credits
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
60-credit hour CACREP (or equivalent) master's degree in counseling; all CACREP entry-level core and specialty area requirements must be met for full admission.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; minimum 3.5 graduate GPA; satisfactory NCE score; current counseling license; two professional recommendations; writing sample on goals/research interests; resume/CV; English proficiency if non-native; committee 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).
University of the Cumberlands earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 90.2/100, supported by $29,634 total cost (tuition and fees) and 66 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 2 position
Sam Houston State University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.00
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
47.83%
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Application deadline
March 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE General Test required if master's GPA is below 3.5
Prerequisites
CACREP accredited master's degree in counseling (or 60-hour equivalent); must currently have or be eligible to work towards an LPC per Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council requirements.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts showing bachelor's and master's degrees from a CACREP or equivalent institution; master's GPA of 3.5+ (GRE required if below 3.5); personal statement (1000 words max); three professional references; finalist 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).
Sam Houston State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 87.0/100, supported by $34,071 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 3 position
Liberty University
Doctor
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
84.30
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
79.35%
GPA range
3.25 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: April 30; Spring: September 30
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree from an accredited institution meeting CACREP entry-level standards, minimum 3.25 GPA; applicants with a related master's (counseling, psychology, human services) may need M.A.-level prerequisite courses first.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, two recommendations, 300-word letter of intent, vita (counseling license or 1+ year clinical experience), 3-5 page APA case vignette, possible interview, TOEFL if needed. Nine required intensive courses are held in Lynchburg, VA.
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).
Liberty University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 84.3/100, supported by $37,800 total tuition (estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 4 position
Kansas State University
Doctor
Counselor Education and Supervision Doctorate (Ph.D.)
Delivery mode: online
83.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
at least three years of full-time study
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
66 semester credits
Acceptance rate
27.4%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: April 1; Spring: November 1 (domestic); International Spring: August 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
A qualifying master's degree reduces the requirement to 66 credit hours (otherwise a minimum of 96 hours post baccalaureate is required); general university graduate admission requirements apply.
Additional requirements
Application; $65 fee; transcripts; 3-5 page statement of goals; 5-8 page scholarly writing sample (GRE not required); three letters of recommendation; resume/vitae; interview on request; TOEFL/IELTS/PTE if non-native English.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Kansas State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 83.3/100, supported by $39,254 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 66 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 5 position
Adams State University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
82.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
4 year, fixed 60 semester credit program
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
87% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall 2027: November 1, 2026
Class size
12
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited master's in counseling or a closely related field with GPA 3.0+; coursework reviewed against CACREP standards, deficiencies completed before or during doctoral study. CACREP degree, two years' experience and licensure preferred.
Additional requirements
Online application; 3–4-page letter of intent answering six prompts; two reference request forms; current resume/CV; official transcripts from all prior institutions. Required in-person interview and orientation. No international admission.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Adams State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 82.7/100, supported by $39,988 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 6 position
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Doctor
Counselor Education and Supervision, EdD
Delivery mode: hybrid
80.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3.5 years to graduate
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Application deadline
Application opens Summer 2027 and closes February 2028 (next cohort Fall 2028)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
An already conferred master's degree in counseling or a related field; stated in the 2017-18 doctoral handbook.
Additional requirements
Online application and official transcripts from every college or university attended, plus a resume; three recommendations from current or former instructors, university staff, or employment supervisors;
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).
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 80.0/100, supported by $43,740 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 7 position
Waynesburg University
Doctor
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.)
Delivery mode: online
78.70
/ 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 Affordability Score of 78.7/100, supported by $45,630 total tuition and 54 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 8 position
University of Holy Cross
Doctor
PhD in Counseling: Counselor Education & Supervision
Delivery mode: online
77.70
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling from a regionally accredited university. A completed 60-credit CACREP-accredited counseling master's or equivalent coursework is required; students lacking components must complete missing requirements.
Additional requirements
Online application; two-page application letter on counseling career choice, experience, diversity, goals, and fit for online doctoral study; master's and other graduate transcripts; current resume; three recommendation forms.
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 Holy Cross earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 77.7/100, supported by $46,960 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 9 position
Viterbo University
Doctor
Counselor Education and Supervision (EdD)
Delivery mode: hybrid
76.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
accelerated track: three years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
50%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
A 60-credit master's degree is required: a counseling master's from an accredited institution with LPC eligibility, or another qualifying degree with equivalent license eligibility. Non-counseling master's graduates must complete prerequisites.
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts; explanation if graduate GPA is below 3.0; 500-word statement of purpose; two recommendations; Financial Responsibility Agreement; faculty interview by invitation; English proficiency if applicable.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Viterbo University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 76.3/100, supported by $48,900 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 10 position
Concordia University Irvine
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
74.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Designed to be completed in 3-4 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester units
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Doctoral program for licensed professionals in the mental health field; resume/CV with professional experience.
Additional requirements
Application with $50 fee; Student Success Fee $60; official transcripts; further requirements per Ph.D. Admission Guidelines document.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Concordia University Irvine earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 74.5/100, supported by $51,420 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester units. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 11 position
Trevecca Nazarene University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling: Teaching and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
73.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
can be completed in about three years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
66 semester credits
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Master's in counseling, MFT, or similar from a regionally accredited institution; most CACREP master's prerequisites, incl. diversity, development, group, career, ethics, research, assessment, and two semesters of practicum/internship.
Additional requirements
Coursework Verification form and program approval before applying; official transcripts; official GRE (V+Q 300+, Analytical Writing 3.5+ expected, 4 preferred); three recommendation forms (one character reference); 400-word Letter of Intent.
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).
Trevecca Nazarene University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 73.5/100, supported by $52,734 total tuition (estimated) and 66 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 12 position
Lindsey Wilson University
Doctor
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
72.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
12 consecutive semesters (Year 1 Fall - Year 4 Summer)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
69 semester credits
Acceptance rate
14.29%
Employment or doctoral admission
86% (2024-25)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or a related profession (CACREP graduates preferred; those with fewer than 48 graduate semester hours and/or from non-CACREP programs may need additional hours).
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).
Lindsey Wilson University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 72.4/100, supported by $54,241 total cost (tuition and fees) and 69 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 13 position
Walden University
Doctor
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: online
68.70
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
90 quarter credits
Program completion rate
24%
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
A master's degree or higher in counseling; students without a CACREP-accredited counseling master's must complete additional prerequisite coursework (up to 39 credits).
Additional requirements
Completed online application and official transcripts; no application fee, no essay, and no SAT/ACT/GRE requirement.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Walden University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 68.7/100, supported by $59,450 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 90 quarter credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 14 position
Oregon State University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counseling – Counselor Education Option
Delivery mode: hybrid
67.70
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
94 quarter credits (62.67 semester credits)
Acceptance rate
34%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
79% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Jan 15
Prerequisites
Program requires 61 quarter credit hours beyond a CACREP-accredited master's degree, indicating an accredited master's degree (in counseling) is required prior to entry.
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).
Oregon State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 67.7/100, supported by $60,822 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 94 quarter credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 15 position
Denver Seminary
Doctor
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
64.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Complete in 4 years (full-time study)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
66 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall 2027 Early Decision: Nov 15, 2026 (interviews Dec 2026); Fall 2027 General: Dec 15, 2026 (interviews Jan 2027); Rolling Jan-Jun 2027; Fall 2027 Final: Jun 1, 2027 (interviews Jul 2027)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
60-credit CACREP or CORE accredited master's in counseling (or equivalent); minimum 3.0 graduate GPA; hold or be eligible for counseling license; one year of clinical experience. Conditional admission for non-CACREP degrees.
Additional requirements
Degree-seeking PhD application, official transcripts verifying GPA, evidence of licensure eligibility, and participation in an admissions interview (individual and group interviews conducted per admissions cycle).
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).
Denver Seminary earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 64.5/100, supported by $65,230 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 66 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 16 position
Kean University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counseling and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
60.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
approximately four to five years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
63 semester credits
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
50% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: December 5
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Accredited master's in counseling, preferably CACREP; related degrees considered with experience and a prerequisite plan. Preparation in CACREP core areas and CMHC required. 1-2 years post-master's experience preferred; licensure before comps.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, three recommendations, résumé/CV, personal statement, and counseling license documentation or licensure plan; GRE optional; English proficiency if applicable. Statement length details conflict; confirm with admissions.
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).
Kean University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 60.1/100, supported by $71,255 total cost (tuition and fees) and 63 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 17 position
Antioch University-Seattle
Doctor
PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision (Low-Residency)
Delivery mode: hybrid
60.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
three-year semester-based program
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
63 semester credits
Acceptance rate
55%
Application deadline
Fall: May 1; late complete applications may be considered if space remains.
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or closely related field covering CACREP areas (gaps addressed in the doctoral plan); LMHC license-eligible; master's-level clinical competence and scholarly writing potential.
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts; resume/CV; essay answering three questions (1-2 double-spaced pages each). Two recommendation letters optional. Selected applicants may interview. International applicants have added requirements.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Antioch University-Seattle earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 60.0/100, supported by $71,442 total tuition (estimated) and 63 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 18 position
Barry University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counseling
Delivery mode: online
59.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Typical duration: 4-5 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
20.8%
GPA range
3.25 - 4.00
Program completion rate
6% (2024-25)
Application deadline
April 1 (Fall entry)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's or higher in counseling or closely related field; expected prior coursework includes psychopathology, ethics, research, human development, assessment, diversity, theories, group, family, career, practicum and internship.
Additional requirements
Completed application; three recent letters of professional recommendation (two from academic instructor/advisor); a writing sample; a resume; an interview with two faculty members.
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).
Barry University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 59.6/100, supported by $71,950 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 19 position
Southern Connecticut State University
Doctor
Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
47.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
may be completed in four years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
44% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Class size
10
Prerequisites
Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Southern Connecticut State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 47.9/100, supported by $88,200 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 20 position
Saybrook University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
41.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
4 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Spring 2027: December 7, 2026
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or closely related field (CACREP-accredited preferred) with 3.0 GPA; 700-hour practicum/internship; entry-level specialization standards met
Additional requirements
Application, official transcript showing master's degree, professional resume/CV, personal statement, two letters of recommendation (clinical supervisor and academic adviser/faculty)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Saybrook University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 41.6/100, supported by $96,800 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in America
Is an online counseling doctorate worth it?
It may be if a doctorate supports a specific teaching, supervision, research, or leadership goal and the likely benefits justify the full cost and time. It is less compelling as an assumed pay raise for an established clinician.
Can I become a licensed counselor with this doctorate?
Not automatically. State boards set education, examination, and supervised-experience requirements; many counselor education doctorates are intended for applicants who already have relevant graduate preparation.
Are online counselor education doctorates fully remote?
Not necessarily. Check for live classes, campus residencies, teaching or supervision experiences, and in-person dissertation requirements before enrolling.
Does CACREP accreditation cover every counseling degree at an accredited university?
No. CACREP accreditation applies to specific programs. Verify the exact degree and its current status directly with CACREP.
What should I ask a school before paying an application fee?
Ask for the current total credit requirement, a sample part-time schedule, all required visits, dissertation fees, relevant accreditation, transfer-credit rules, and the program's available completion outcomes.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
