15 Best Online Counseling Masters Programs for 2025

Want to find the best online counseling master’s programs? You’re stepping into a field with amazing growth potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% employment growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors between 2023 and 2033 – that’s nowhere near the average rate for other professions.

The field’s rapid growth will create about 42,000 job openings in the next decade. The financial benefits look promising too. Counselors earn $59,190 on average annually, and top professionals can make more than $89,920 per year. The career outlook seems bright, but most positions need proper licensure. This makes your graduate program choice a vital part of your journey.

A master’s degree in counseling online gives you amazing career flexibility. Your degree opens doors to specialize in substance abuse and addiction, behavioral disorders, rehabilitation, or work with specific groups like children or families. Getting your degree from one of the best online master’s in counseling programs can transform your career path. The investment varies from $12,596 at public institutions to $28,017 at private universities for average annual graduate tuition.

We want to help you make this big decision. Our expert ranking covers the 15 best online master’s in counseling programs for 2025. The list includes prestigious options like Northwestern University’s Master of Arts in Counseling and USC’s Rossier School of Education program. We’ve assessed each program based on curriculum, accreditation, faculty expertise, student outcomes, and value.

1. Northwestern University

Master of Arts in Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Yes

Northwestern University’s Master of Arts in Counseling through The Family Institute prepares clinical mental health counselors across the country. The CACREP-accredited program shines with its psychodynamic approach and multicultural worldview.

Program Overview

Students can enter through two paths: a Standard Program for those with counseling experience and a Bridge to Counseling Program for professionals switching careers with little human services background. Both paths deliver a rich curriculum through live online classes, roundtable discussions, and in-person study sessions. Students choose between three tracks: accelerated (18 months), traditional (30 months), or part-time (36 months). The program needs 24 courses (27 for Bridge students), which equals 60 credit hours, plus 800 hours of clinical training.

Key Features

The program builds on three essential elements: self-reflection, diversity, and hands-on clinical training. Students learn contemporary psychodynamic theory alongside evidence-based practices. This combination helps counselors understand hidden forces that shape identity and behavior. The curriculum features Reflective Practitioner Supervision during practicum and Psychodynamic Case Conference Experience during internship. These experiences help students develop deep self-awareness. Students also attend two in-person immersions in Chicago—Group Dynamics and Capstone Experience—along with specialized field placements.

Accreditation and Licensure

An eight-year CACREP accreditation (renewed in 2023) makes graduates eligible for licensure nationwide. Students can pursue Licensed Professional Counselor credentials, though state requirements differ. Northwestern helps students understand their state’s specific licensure requirements, including post-graduation supervised hours and exams.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students pay approximately $120,120 plus fees. Northwestern provides select scholarships and partner organization benefits. U.S. citizens and permanent residents can get federal loans and grants. Students should apply for financial aid when submitting their program applications.

Who is Northwestern University Best For?

Students who want a psychodynamic approach to counseling with strong multicultural focus will find this program valuable. The Child and Adolescent specialization appeals to those who want to work with young people while maintaining adult counseling skills. The program’s demanding nature suits dedicated students who commit to self-reflection and want to develop advanced clinical judgment.

2. Liberty University

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Yes

Liberty University’s online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling helps students become Licensed Professional Counselors through faith-based education. Students need 60 credit hours to graduate from this program that merges Christian principles with professional counseling practices to prepare them for mental health settings of all types.

Program Overview

The program develops ethical, well-trained mental health counselors who know how to promote wellness in a variety of communities. Students work through challenging academic courses and structured practicum and internship experiences to complete 800 hours of clinical training. The curriculum has students observe professional counselors and develop their counseling skills during a two-semester internship. Students can choose from eight start dates each year and progress at their own pace through flexible 8-week terms.

Key Features

The program’s connection to the James C. Dobson Center for Child Development, Marriage, and Family Studies stands out by offering specialized training in advocacy, child development, and family studies. The curriculum also teaches group counseling techniques, psychopathology, clinical diagnosis, and multicultural counseling approaches. Students must attend two on-campus intensives at Liberty’s Lynchburg, Virginia campus, where they can network with faculty and peers.

Accreditation and Licensure

CACREP accreditation through March 31, 2032 proves the program meets national standards set by the counseling profession. This accreditation is vital to qualify for licensure since most counseling employers want CACREP-accredited degrees. Students who complete this curriculum meet Virginia’s Professional Counselor licensure requirements and can often qualify for licensing in many other states.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Standard students pay $580 per credit hour for 2025-2026, while military personnel get a substantial discount at $290 per credit hour. Liberty helps students with various financial aid options, including graduate assistantships that cover tuition and provide a stipend. Liberty managed to keep its online tuition affordable in the last decade with increases under 5%.

Who is Liberty University Best For?

Students who want counseling education based on Christian values will find this program particularly appealing. Military personnel and their spouses benefit from big tuition discounts. Working professionals can balance their current jobs with education through the flexible online format while getting valuable face-to-face experience during intensives.

3. University of the Southwest

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Yes

University of the Southwest offers a fully online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that gives you the skills needed to build a professional counseling career. Students complete 60 credit hours to prepare themselves for mental health settings of all types while meeting high academic standards.

Program Overview

The detailed curriculum at University of the Southwest aligns with the American Counseling Association’s definition of professional counseling as “a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals”. Students learn about development, career planning, group work, helping relationships, assessment, psychopathology, ethics, and theoretical foundations. The program includes practicum and internship experiences in professional settings where students work with licensed counselors to gain hands-on experience.

Key Features

The program’s numbers speak volumes – 83% of graduates pass the National Counseling Exam on their first try, and 65% land jobs at their internship sites. Students learn from faculty members who combine roles as counselor educators and practicing clinicians. The curriculum includes specialized electives like Play Therapy, Christian Counseling, Clinical Supervision, Human Sexuality, Addictions Counseling, Crisis and Trauma Intervention, and Psychopharmacology.

Accreditation and Licensure

The program has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through March 31, 2029. This recognition will give a solid foundation that meets professional standards and makes graduates eligible for licensure in many states. All the same, students should check their state’s specific licensure requirements since they vary by location.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition runs $649 per credit hour for 2024-2025 and increases to $675 per credit hour in 2025-2026. Students can expect to pay around $38,940 for the entire program. Eligible students can access federal loans and grants.

Who is the University of the Southwest Best For?

Students looking for a flexible, fully online counseling education with strong job prospects will find value in this program. Self-motivated learners who need to balance their education with other responsibilities while getting quality clinical training fit perfectly here.

4. Bay Path University

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited: No

Bay Path University offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling as a fully online program. Students get detailed education in mental health counseling theory and practice. The program teaches state-of-the-art counseling techniques.

Program Overview

Students need 60 credit hours to graduate. This includes 48 semester hours of academic coursework and 12 credits of supervised practicum and internship. The clinical training requires students to complete a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour supervised internship. Students can choose from five concentrations: Advanced Trauma-Informed Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Foundations of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling, Non-Licensure, or School Adjustment Counselor.

Key Features

The program combines counseling theory, human development, psychopathology, social foundations, clinical skills, group work, and professional orientation. Students learn about developmental stages, mental health condition diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment plans. The program focuses on multicultural counseling skills and ethical case analysis. Students can take specialized electives in trauma treatment, substance abuse, and family systems.

Accreditation and Licensure

The program prepares graduates for licensure in most states, though it lacks CACREP accreditation. The curriculum meets educational requirements to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts and similar credentials in other states. The program doesn’t meet licensure requirements in Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, or Utah because these states require CACREP accreditation.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Each credit hour costs $925, which means full-time students pay about $16,650 per year (6 credits per term). Students also pay a yearly technology fee of $330. Students can access federal loans and employer reimbursement programs for financial aid.

Who is Bay Path University Best For?

Working professionals who want a flexible, fully online counseling education will find this program ideal. The program works well for students who want to focus on trauma-informed counseling or substance abuse treatment through specialized tracks.

5. Prairie View A&M University

Master of Arts in Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Yes

Prairie View A&M University offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling that prepares students for school counseling careers. The program combines theory with hands-on experience to help professionals support student achievement and personal growth.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Counseling takes 48 credit hours to complete and trains graduates as school counselors. Two main segments make up the curriculum: Counseling Core I covers fundamental knowledge while Counseling Core II focuses on program specialization. Students must finish three courses (9 credit hours) of practicum and internship experiences. The program helps students build on their classroom teaching experience as they learn theories and strategies to serve students better.

Key Features

The program provides detailed training in essential areas:

• Crisis and trauma counseling with children
• School consultation techniques
• Group dynamics
• Multicultural counseling approaches

The curriculum develops three main marketable skills: mental health intervention, school guidance program implementation, and active listening. Students also gain cultural competency and learn to build relationships with students, parents, and teachers.

Accreditation and Licensure

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits Prairie View A&M University to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Students who graduate can become certified school counselors and meet Texas Education Agency (TEA) requirements.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time resident graduate students (9 hours) pay $7,992 in tuition and fees. Non-resident graduate students pay $17,379 for the same credits. Students can access several funding options like federal work-study, direct loans, and the PV Opportunity Graduate Student Scholarship if they show financial need.

Who is Prairie View A&M University Best For?

Certified teachers looking to grow their careers as school counselors will find this program valuable. Students need at least one year of teaching experience, though two years are preferred. The program helps educators expand their reach beyond the classroom. Working professionals who need flexibility while earning advanced credentials will benefit from the online format.

6. Cameron University

Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited: No

Cameron University’s Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling program focuses on community health and gives students clinical experience throughout their studies. Students can apply their learning to real-life situations through specialized career tracks.

Program Overview

The master’s program lets students choose between two tracks: Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. Both tracks need 24 credits in similar core courses. Students must complete 36 additional credits in the Counseling track, while the Marriage and Family track needs 24 more credits. The program meets licensure requirements and gives counseling track students a chance to earn an embedded certificate in alcohol and drug counseling with their master’s degree. Students spend their final year helping the Lawton/Fort Sill community with mental health services.

Features

The Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure has pre-approved this program, which means academic requirements line up with professional licensure standards. Students get specialized training through the embedded Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. This certificate includes five courses that cover addiction counseling theories, family dynamics, and psychopharmacology. Students don’t need a bachelor’s in psychology or GRE scores to join the program. Small class sizes create customized learning spaces where students and faculty collaborate on research.

Accreditation and Licensure

The Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure has pre-approved the program’s academic requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT) certification in Oklahoma. The program doesn’t have CACREP accreditation, which might affect moving your license to other states. The Oklahoma board decides if courses meet requirements when graduates ask for licensure.

Tuition and Financial Aid

In-state students pay $6,900 yearly for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $16,320. Total costs reach about $22,001 for in-state and $31,421 for out-of-state students when you add food, housing, and other expenses. Students can get federal loans, work-study positions, and scholarships.

Who is Cameron University Best For?

This program works best for students who want community-focused mental health training with hands-on experience. Future counselors interested in substance abuse treatment benefit from the embedded certificate option. Oklahoma residents planning to practice in-state will find the program valuable since it matches Oklahoma’s licensure requirements perfectly.

7. New York University

Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
CACREP Accredited: No

NYU Steinhardt’s Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness gives aspiring counselors the skills to help clients in settings of all types. Students can earn their degree online through this MPCAC-accredited program that blends academic rigor with hands-on experience.

Program Overview

The 60-credit program prepares students to become professional clinical counselors. They can work in community agencies, mental health centers, hospitals, integrated behavioral health centers, and substance abuse treatment facilities. Students learn to build helpful counseling relationships and assess cases while considering their clients’ socio-historical contexts. The curriculum combines core courses, content electives, counseling labs, and internships to create well-rounded practitioners.

Features

The program stands out with these elements:

• Small-class environments with weekly live courses through streamed video
• Specialized electives covering bereavement counseling, career counseling, marriage and family counseling, and addiction counseling
• 100-hour practicum including 40 hours of direct practice
• 600-hour internship with 240 hours of direct client contact
• Required three-day on-campus immersion in New York City

Accreditation and Licensure

The Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) has accredited the program through 2025. Graduates meet New York State’s academic requirements for licensure, but requirements differ by state. Students who plan to practice in other states should check NYU’s Licensure page to determine any additional coursework they need.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students pay $2,272 per credit for the 2025-2026 academic year. Each term includes a $571 registration/service fee for the first credit and $79 for additional credits. The program’s total cost comes to about $136,320. Students can access Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (up to $20,500 annually), Graduate PLUS Loans, and merit-based scholarships without submitting separate applications.

Who is NYU Best For?

This program suits students who want counseling careers in a variety of settings. These include community mental health programs, college counseling centers, trauma-focused programs, HIV/AIDS outreach, and substance abuse treatment. The program’s emphasis on equity and social justice makes it perfect for those who want to understand people in different cultural contexts and promote wellness across populations.

8. Concordia University Irvine

Master of Arts in Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Yes

Concordia University Irvine’s Master of Arts in Counseling through the Townsend Institute offers a CACREP-accredited program. The curriculum blends Christian principles with clinical mental health counseling expertise. Students learn to help people “move beyond coping to restoration” through life-changing counseling approaches.

Overview

Students can complete the MA in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health program’s 60 units within 24-36 months. The program offers seven-week courses. Students participate in virtual classroom sessions with professors and classmates. They also complete experiential assignments that connect them with peers. Weekly learning activities take 13-16 hours, which suits working professionals who take one course at a time.

Key Features

The program’s partnership with the Townsend Institute makes it unique. New York Times bestselling author Dr. John Townsend founded this institute. The curriculum highlights:

• Skills development in over 20 areas using relationship, emotions, and cognitions that create profound change
• Client support for depression, anxiety, relational problems, and addictions
• Learning from skilled practitioners with decades of real-life experience

COUN 600 (Personal Development and Group Process Skills) starts the program. This hybrid course includes a four-day campus-based intensive.

Accreditation and Licensure

The program received CACREP accreditation after extensive external review. Graduates meet educational requirements for licensure in most states. WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredits Concordia University.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The 2025-2026 tuition costs $710 per unit. Students pay a $60 Student Success Fee each semester. Graduate students can receive Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans up to $20,500 yearly. Military students get additional benefits through Concordia’s Yellow Ribbon program.

Who is Concordia University Irvine Best For?

This program fits students who want counseling education with Christian foundations. The curriculum benefits self-motivated learners interested in Townsend’s growth model. The model centers on “competency, character, and connection”.

9. University of West Alabama

Master’s in Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Yes

The University of West Alabama offers an affordable online Master’s in Family Counseling program with personal support throughout your educational experience. Students learn a systematic counseling approach that focuses on non-pathology-based viewpoints to understand family dynamics and create effective change strategies.

Program Overview

The Master’s in Family Counseling needs 33 credit hours with courses running in 8-week formats. Students learn skills to handle relationship problems, mental health concerns, and life adjustment challenges. Licensed faculty members teach the program and bring real-life expertise as psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors. Students can transfer up to 9 graduate-level credits for matching courses.

Features

Students receive personal guidance from an enrollment counselor and continuous support from a dedicated success coach from day one until graduation. The specialized courses include:

• Theories and Treatment of Addiction
• Issues in Addiction Recovery
• Techniques of Addictions Counseling
• Theory and Techniques in Distance Counseling
• Law and Ethics in Distance Counseling

Accreditation and Licensure

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits the University of West Alabama to award bachelor’s, master’s, and education specialist degrees. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited UWA’s counseling programs. This ensures the curriculum meets professional preparation standards.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate tuition costs $429 per credit hour plus a $75 technology fee each semester. UWA makes education affordable, with 80% of students getting some form of financial help. Students can apply for aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using school code 001024.

Who is University of West Alabama Best For?

This program works great if you have plans to expand your knowledge of family counseling without pursuing licensure. Licensed professionals can boost their practice, and those working in countries without counseling licensure requirements benefit from this program. The program also helps paraprofessionals who plan to work under supervision in non-therapeutic roles.

10. Regis College

Master of Arts in Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Yes

Regis College offers a Master of Arts in Counseling program that builds on social justice principles. The program shapes mental health leaders who want to tackle society’s inequities. Working professionals can benefit from its hybrid format that balances scientific research with compassionate care.

Overview

The Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) is a detailed 60-credit degree program that creates skilled healthcare professionals in clinical mental health counseling. Students can pick from three specialized tracks: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Licensure Track, Mental Health Leadership Non-Licensure Track, or Mental Health Research Non-Licensure Track. The curriculum dives into essential theories, research, and psychology applications with a focus on social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of counseling practice. Classes meet during evenings and weekends to accommodate working professionals. The program starts three times a year with rolling admissions after preferred deadlines. Students can try two graduate courses before full enrollment to get a feel for the program.

Features

The program stands out through its dedication to:

• A scientist-practitioner-supporter model that combines scientific evidence with compassionate practice
• Active inclusion of intersectional feminism and anti-racist practices
• Shared work to change mental health delivery systems
• Hybrid learning options that combine smoothly on-campus, online synchronous, and mixed formats

Regis focuses on breaking down barriers to equity based on overlapping identities of race, class, gender, sexuality, age, and ability.

Accreditation and Licensure

The 60-credit Licensure Track meets educational requirements for mental health counselor licensure exams. Graduates can become Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) after completing required supervised training hours. Students should check their state’s specific licensure requirements before enrolling. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits the program.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition costs $950 per credit for 2025-2026, adding up to about $57,000 for the full program. Every student accepted for Summer or Fall 2025 gets the Social Justice Scholarship. Boston’s MetroWest area students might qualify for MetroWest Health Foundation scholarships worth up to $4,000. Standard financial aid options include Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and work-study opportunities.

Who is Regis College Best For?

This program fits perfectly if you’re passionate about social justice in mental health settings. Working professionals will appreciate the evening/weekend classes in a flexible hybrid format. The curriculum shows how society disrupts mental health treatment and helps you reduce treatment barriers and stigma through your professional practice.

11. Eastern New Mexico University

Master of Arts in Counseling
CACREP Accredited: No

Eastern New Mexico University runs one of America’s most affordable online counseling masters programs. Students can earn their degree without piling up huge debt. The university combines flexible online learning with individual-specific support to help aspiring counselors succeed.

Program Overview

ENMU has two counseling programs: a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Education in School Counseling. The clinical mental health program needs 60 credits. This includes 51 credits in core counseling courses, nine hours of electives, nine hours of practica/internships, and a capstone project. Students in the school counseling program must complete 48 credit hours and a 300-hour internship at an elementary, middle, or high school. Both programs ready students to get licensed in New Mexico and many other states.

Key Features

The programs stand out with these elements:

• 100% online format with flexible scheduling
• Small class sizes with a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio [532]
• Hands-on learning through practicum and internship experiences
• Expert faculty with professional experience who focus on student success
• Strong online support services with library resources, academic advising, and career counseling

Accreditation and Licensure

ENMU has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has awarded accredited degrees for over 85 years. The counseling programs don’t have CACREP accreditation, which might limit licensure options in some states.

Tuition and Financial Aid

ENMU charges $317 per credit hour for both in-state residents and out-of-state students taking 6 or fewer credit hours. The estimated annual cost runs $10,479 for non-resident students. ENMU ranks as New Mexico’s second-lowest master’s-level tuition. Students can access federal loans, scholarships through ENMU’s Foundation, and graduate assistantships that cover tuition and provide stipends.

Who is ENMU Best For?

This program serves budget-conscious students who want affordable, flexible online education. Students planning to practice in New Mexico or states with similar licensing requirements will find this program particularly valuable.

12. Campbellsville University

Online Master of Arts in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited: No

Campbellsville University offers an online Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling that combines Christian principles with professional counseling practice. Students learn to help with the academic, social, emotional, and career needs of students in various educational settings.

Program Overview

Students can complete their degree while keeping up with their personal and professional commitments through this fully online master’s program. The curriculum helps you understand advanced counseling theory and strategies to connect with students. You’ll also learn about group counseling, substance abuse, cultural competency, and college readiness. Three internships are part of the program—two 100-hour clinical fieldwork sessions and a final 200-hour internship. These provide valuable real-life experience in supervised school counseling settings.

Features

Practicing and retired school counselors and administrators developed this program. Faculty members bring their real-life guidance counseling experience to the classroom. Your studies will help you get into the history, philosophy, and modern trends in school counseling and educational systems. You’ll also learn about ethical and legal considerations specific to school counseling. The curriculum’s foundation lies in ethical and Christian values. Students learn to help families navigate systems and access needed resources.

Accreditation and Licensure

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits the university. The education programs have earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The Education Professional Standards Board of Kentucky (EPSB) has approved these programs for teacher education and certification.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Each credit hour costs $319. The university ranks among the 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges and Universities. Students can transfer up to 12 credit hours from a regionally accredited institution. Campbellsville supports veterans and active service members as a military-friendly school and Yellow Ribbon program member.

Who is Campbellsville University Best For?

This program fits perfectly for people who want a faith-centered approach to school counseling. Working professionals who need flexible schedules and those passionate about changing students’ lives through effective counseling will find great value in this program.

13. Lebanon Valley College

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Yes

Lebanon Valley College offers a distinctive Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a broad curriculum that catches employers’ attention. Students benefit from a hybrid program that prepares them through online learning and practical experience in various counseling specialties.

Program Overview

The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling spans 60 credit hours with a hybrid format that blends online coursework and hands-on training. Students experience a detailed curriculum that covers counseling theories, assessment techniques, diagnosis protocols, interventions, and ethical professional practices. The program has a 600-hour internship that provides real-life experience. Students can complete their degree in two years with full-time study or take up to four years part-time.

Key Features

LVC stands out with its well-considered broader approach compared to most counseling programs. Students quickly learn to work effectively in settings of all types with different populations. The program offers a Trauma-Informed Counseling Certificate through four select courses. The core team consists of practicing clinicians specialized in addiction counseling, grief counseling, couples therapy, and psychopathology. They provide personal guidance to help students reach their goals.

Accreditation and Licensure

The program arranges its curriculum to meet CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) standards. The program currently meets Pennsylvania’s licensure requirements for professional counselors. LVC submitted its self-study for CACREP accreditation in 2023.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students should contact the admissions office directly for tuition details. Graduate students need to register for at least 4.5 credits each semester to qualify for financial aid. Financial support comes through federal direct unsubsidized loans, merit-based scholarships, and employer tuition benefits.

Who is Lebanon Valley College Best For?

The program serves:

• Students who want to pursue clinical child psychology, addiction counseling, trauma-informed counseling, or marriage/family counseling
• Professionals looking for wide-ranging employment opportunities
• Students who value personal attention and mentoring from faculty
• Those who see potential in the counseling field’s projected 18% job growth from 2022-2032

14. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Yes

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) launched an innovative Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The program ranks among the first in the United States that trains practitioners in both clinical counseling skills and telehealth techniques. This 6-year-old program helps address the shortage of qualified mental health counselors across Texas.

Program Details

The MSMH program delivers a complete 60 credit-hour curriculum. Students take core and specialty courses along with 12 credit-hours of practicum and internship experience. Advanced online education technology makes quality counseling education available to students across Texas and beyond. The coursework includes interprofessional collaborative practice, counseling theories, human growth and development, career counseling, plus psychopathology and diagnosis.

Features

TTUHSC’s program stands out with its focus on telehealth—an innovative service delivery model that’s gaining acceptance nationwide. Students learn both traditional clinical counseling skills and distance-based service techniques throughout their studies. This combined approach prepares graduates exceptionally well for today’s evolving mental health world. The program works best if you have a full-time job or can’t attend traditional on-site graduate programs.

Accreditation and Licensure

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited this program. Graduates can become Nationally Certified Counselors (NCC) and apply for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in many states. This accreditation will give students confidence that they’re getting education that meets professional counseling standards.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students should contact the university directly for detailed tuition information, but current data shows annual tuition costs around $40,757. The university provides various financial aid options, including scholarships, assistantships, and federal loans for qualified students.

Who is Texas Tech University Best For?

Tech-savvy students who see telehealth’s potential in mental health service delivery will find great value in this program. The behavioral health care industry grows faster than ever, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 19% growth for mental health counselors through 2033. TTUHSC’s program helps forward-thinking professionals take advantage of this growth while serving communities through innovative methods.

15. Ottawa University

Master of Arts in Counseling
CACREP Accredited: No

Ottawa University’s Master of Arts in Counseling stands out with its hybrid format tailored for working adults who want to become licensed mental health counselors. The program blends online learning with face-to-face components to create a complete educational experience.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Counseling program consists of 39 credit hours of core classes, 15 credit hours of concentration/elective courses, and nine credit hours of field placement experience. Students can meet counselor licensure requirements in Arizona, Kansas, and Wisconsin through this curriculum. The field placement spans eight terms with 900 client contact hours—students spend about 15-20 hours each week at a behavioral health agency. Most courses run in an accelerated eight-week format and students can begin at several points throughout the year.

Key Components

Students can specialize in four different concentrations:

• Christian Counseling
• Expressive Arts Therapy
• Gerocounseling
• Treatment of Trauma, Abuse and Deprivation

The counseling program focuses on developing practitioners who know ethical guidelines, have simple diagnostic skills, and can provide appropriate resources based on their client’s needs. Each student works with clinical supervisors who are licensed independent practitioners with master’s degrees or higher.

Accreditation and Licensure

The Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners and Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services have approved the Master of Arts in Counseling program. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Ottawa University. Students should check their state’s specific licensure requirements before they enroll.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The 2025-2026 academic year tuition runs $659 per credit hour. On top of that, students pay a $220 Resource and Administrative Fee for each 8-week term. Students can use federal loans and take advantage of the university’s generous credit transfer policy to reduce their total costs.

Who is Ottawa University Best For?

Working professionals who want flexible schedules and smaller classes with more discussion opportunities will find this program ideal. Students planning to practice in Arizona, Kansas, or Wisconsin will benefit the most from this program.

Choose Your Online Counseling Masters Program Today

Your path to a rewarding career starts with picking the right online counseling masters program. This expert-ranked list shows you programs that take different approaches to counseling education. Northwestern focuses on psychodynamic methods while Texas Tech tucks into innovative telehealth training.

These 15 programs show how counseling education has adapted to help working professionals. You’ll find flexible formats that don’t compromise on academic quality. Liberty University and Concordia are great choices if you want faith-based learning. Regis College might be your pick if social justice drives your career goals.

Accreditation is a vital factor in program selection. CACREP-accredited programs make it easier to get licensed in different states. Other accredited programs still provide quality education that meets state-specific requirements. You should check how your program lines up with licensing rules where you plan to practice.

Program costs vary widely. Eastern New Mexico University charges $317 per credit hour while NYU’s rate is $2,272. Many schools help offset these costs through financial aid, military discounts, and scholarships.

The counseling field looks promising with 22% growth expected through 2031. Salaries can reach nearly $90,000 yearly, which makes quality education a smart investment. Each program brings something special to the table – from specialized concentrations to unique teaching methods.

To make your final choice, think about what matters most to you. This could be program cost, accreditation, format, specializations, or location focus. On top of that, it helps to talk directly with program representatives about licensing paths that match your career goals. This guide gives you the tools to pick the perfect online counseling master’s program and start your career in mental health.