A graduate degree in counseling can lead to positions in mental health, addictions, industrial-organizational psychology, or school and career counseling. If you're searching for a convenient and accelerated program, explore this guide to the fastest online counseling degrees.
Learn about application requirements, specialization options, and how master's in counseling programs work.
Popular Online Master's in Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Get an Online Master's in Counseling?
Distance learning programs can offer the fastest online counseling degrees, the most affordable master's programs, and the quickest career pathways. Top benefits of earning an online degree include:
-
Save Time and Money
The fastest online counseling degrees take under two years to complete, providing cost savings on tuition and fees. Look for programs with in-state tuition rates regardless of residency. Distance learning also reduces commuting and parking expenses.
-
Quick Career Entry
After completing two years of master's-level study, you can qualify for in-demand positions in growing counseling fields, such as industrial-organizational psychology and school and career counseling.
-
Streamlined Curriculum
The fastest online counseling degrees require 30-45 credits. Look for self-paced or asynchronous coursework that you can access at your convenience. Accelerated master's in counseling programs allow heavier credit loads.
Fastest Online Master's Degrees in Counseling
#1 Fastest Online Counseling Master Degrees of 2025
Campbellsville University
- Campbellsville, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Why We Chose This School:
CU's online MA in education school counseling (P-12) gives you the skills to provide student counseling from a Christian-principled perspective. The program features entirely online and asynchronous classes, plus three internships that combine for over 400 hands-on hours.
Each of CU's courses runs in an eight-week block, allowing you to graduate within 18 months. The small online classes provide the opportunity for classroom collaboration and one-on-one interaction with your instructors.
Approved by the Education Professional Standards Board of Kentucky, CU's 48-credit school counseling MA qualifies you for teacher certification in Kentucky. It also holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Highlights:
- You can choose from six start dates.
- CU accepts up to 12 transfer credits.
- CU has one of the lowest tuition rates on this list.
Considerations:
- CU internships require in-person attendance.
- Scholarship opportunities may be limited for graduate students.
- CU students pay a $75-per-course technology fee.
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Fastest Online Counseling Master Degrees of 2025
Marshall University
- Huntington, WV
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Why We Chose This School:
Marshall's online MA in counseling features two specializations: clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. If you choose the school counseling track, you may qualify for West Virginia's certified school counselor and licensed professional counselor credentials.
The 60-credit online program requires no campus visits and combines asynchronous and synchronous delivery formats. You can select your own study pace, allowing for graduation in as little as 18 months. You can also complete the internship and practicum requirements at a location near you.
Marshall's counseling program holds accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Highlights:
- The program meets the requirements for several national certifications.
- Marshall offers three annual start dates.
- Marshall's program features 700 hours of field experience.
Considerations:
- The program features synchronous classes during the day and/or evening.
- Students without a state teaching license must take six additional credits.
- The field-work components require in-person attendance.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Fastest Online Counseling Master Degrees of 2025
Northwestern University
- Evanston, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Why We Chose This School:
With a focus on self-reflection and clinical training, Northwestern's online MA in counseling prepares you for state licensure and careers in counseling. The CACREP-accredited program features 24 courses, along with 800 hours of practicum and internship experiences at clinical sites of your choosing. Northwestern also offers a five-course child and adolescent specialization.
At Northwestern, you can opt for an accelerated program, which allows you to graduate in just 18 months. The online classes feature live, synchronous, and interactive sessions with about 15 students for every one faculty member.
Highlights:
- Northwestern boasts a 96% first-time pass rate on the National Counselor Exam.
- You can choose from four annual start dates.
- You can study on a traditional, accelerated, or part-time schedule.
Considerations:
- The program features two in-person immersions in Chicagoland.
- California residents cannot pursue the accelerated program.
- A group interview is required for admission.
Percent Online Enrollment
12%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Fastest Online Counseling Master Degrees of 2025
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Durant, OK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Why We Chose This School:
In SE's online M.Ed. in school counseling, you'll study child development and assessment as you prepare for state school counselor licensure. The 42-credit program features an entirely online curriculum, except for a 100-hour supervised practicum.
You can choose from six annual start dates, and the accelerated classes allow you to graduate within 16 months. While most classes run asynchronously, the program includes a group counseling laboratory experience class that requires at least 10 hours of synchronous small group activity per term.
Along with CAEP accreditation, SE's MA program holds accreditation from the Oklahoma's Office of Educational Quality and Accountability.
Highlights:
- SE's program is one of the shortest on the list.
- The accelerated program allows you to work full time.
- This program is one of the most affordable on this list.
Considerations:
- You need a teaching certificate for admission.
- The program features one of the smallest practicums on this list.
- Synchronous sessions may be required.
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Fastest Online Counseling Master Degrees of 2025
Spalding University
- Louisville, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Why We Chose This School:
You can prepare for school counselor licensure in Kentucky in as little as one year with Spalding's online MA in school counseling. The 33-credit CAEP-accredited program requires a minimum of 180 supervised clinical hours, including a 10-hour supervised clinical requirement in every course and a 100-hour practicum.
At Spalding, most of your classes run asynchronously online in an accelerated format, but you do have the option of on-campus part-time studies during the evenings and weekends. Approved by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board, the program qualifies graduates for the state's provisional and standard counseling certifications.
Highlights:
- This is the fastest program on the list.
- The program offers diverse practicum opportunities.
- Spalding assists with practicum arrangements.
Considerations:
- The program features in-person requirements.
- Spalding accepts up to 12 transfer credits.
- Synchronous online sessions may be required.
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Fastest Online Counseling Master Degrees of 2025
Texas A & M International University
- Laredo, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Why We Chose This School:
Designed for licensed teachers, TAMIU's online MS in school counseling holds accreditation by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification and prepares you for the TExES school counselor exam and certification. The 48-credit curriculum features 16 courses that cover topics like professional counseling ethics and crisis intervention in a school setting.
The online classes run asynchronously through seven-week sessions, which allows you to graduate in 16 months. Along with your online classes, you'll complete a minimum of 400 hours of internship and practicum experiences.
Highlights:
- You can work while you study.
- Practicums may be held at your place of work.
- TAMIU offers six annual start dates.
Considerations:
- You need at least two years teaching experience for admission.
- You also need a minimum 3.0 GPA for entry.
- In-person experiences are required.
Percent Online Enrollment
61%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Fastest Online Counseling Master Degrees of 2025
University of Massachusetts Global
- Irvine, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Why We Chose This School:
With UMass Global's online MA in counseling, you can prepare for a career in K-12 school counseling and earn California's child welfare and attendance (CWA) authorization. Accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the program also qualifies you for California's pupil personnel services credential.
The 48-credit program features courses in positive behavior supports and leadership and systems change, along with a 100-hour practicum and 800-hour minimum post-practicum fieldwork component. UMass Global offers a blend of asynchronous and synchronous sessions and gives you the option to fast-track your studies and graduate within 18 months.
Highlights:
- The program features online-friendly courses in teletherapy and virtual counseling.
- You can transfer up to 12 credits.
- UMass Global offers four start dates per year.
Considerations:
- UMass Global has one of the highest tuition rates on this list.
- The program features synchronous and in-person sessions.
- Admission requirements include a two- to three-page autobiographical essay.
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#8 Fastest Online Counseling Master Degrees of 2025
University of West Alabama
- Livingston, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Why We Chose This School:
UWA's M.Ed. in school counseling provides a pathway for Alabama teachers to enter the school counseling profession in the state. The CAEP- and CACREP-accredited program features 60 credits that cover fundamental counseling topics, plus a 100-hour practicum, a 600-hour internship, and four-day residency.
At UWA, your online classes run in accelerated eight-week blocks with a flexible study schedule that can fit around your other commitments. You may take up to 36 credits per year as a full-time online student, allowing you to graduate in less than two years.
Highlights:
- About 80% of UWA students receive financial aid.
- UWA accepts up to nine transfer credits.
- UWA provides you with a mentor for one-on-one support.
Considerations:
- You need a valid teaching certificate for admission.
- The program requires two years of teaching experience.
- You must attend campus for four days.
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Fastest Online Counseling Master Degrees of 2025
Waynesburg University
- Waynesburg, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Why We Chose This School:
Waynesburg University's online MA in counseling gives you the choice between addictions counseling and clinical mental health counseling concentrations. Both paths qualify you for the National Counselor Exam and meet the requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. The addictions counseling specialization also meets the requirements for Pennsylvania's certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor certification.
The 60-credit CACREP-accredited program features accelerated eight-week courses, which allow you to graduate in 20 months of full-time study. Waynesburg University also offers certificates in substance use disorder counseling and clinical supervision.
Highlights:
- You can choose from multiple annual start dates.
- Waynesburg University offers several loan repayment programs.
- Counseling students can access grants and stipends.
Considerations:
- The curriculum includes in-person field experiences.
- You need a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
- The program has one of the higher tuition costs on this list.
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Our Ranking Methodology
Psychology.org ranks education programs using data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that assesses datasets for accuracy.
Psychology.org reserves the right to exclude any schools that lack significant data from the rankings to ensure accurate calculations. This list is for 2025. For more about how Psychology.org evaluates and ranks education programs, visit our full ranking methodology.
What to Expect from the Fastest Online Master's in Counseling Programs
While counseling master's programs typically require 45-60 credits and 2-5 years of study, you can finish the fastest online counseling degrees in two years or less. The 30-45 credit program includes flexible, online coursework and on-site internship and you can complete in your local community.
Asynchronous online classes allow you to view pre-recorded or streamed lectures and complete assignments on your own schedule. Some programs offer accelerated counseling master's tracks that allow you to take a higher number of credits per semester and finish in 16-20 months.
If your goal is to become a licensed therapist or counselor, be sure to check if the accelerated tracks you are interested in qualify you for licensure, as some may not.
Online Master's in Counseling Specializations and Concentrations
Master's in counseling programs offer specializations and concentrations, with the fastest online counseling degrees focusing on areas that include school counseling, human services counseling, pastoral counseling, and industrial-organizational psychology.
- School Counseling: Learn to advise and counsel K-12 students to succeed academically, developmentally, and socially within school environments. School counselors also work with families, teachers, and school staff to help students flourish.
- Human Services Counseling: This specialization allows students to concentrate on areas like addiction and recovery, criminal justice, crisis response and trauma, marriage and family therapy, and military resilience. Human service counseling leads to careers helping others in a variety of settings.
- Pastoral Counseling: This counseling specialty integrates science- and faith-based strategies to facilitate emotional and spiritual healing. Students gain knowledge and techniques to help couples and families, those experiencing substance abuse, and people in crisis.
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Connecting business and human behavior, this area of psychology strengthens relationships between people and organizations. Topics cover consumer behavior, organizational and talent development, research and analytics, and workplace wellness.
Applying to an Online Master's in Counseling Program
It is important to consider admission requirements before beginning to apply to graduate school.
While admission criteria vary by program, common requirements include:
-
A bachelor's degree from an accredited program
-
Undergraduate coursework in research methods, statistics, and general or developmental psychology
-
Transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA
-
2-3 academic or professional letters of recommendation
-
-
-
The fastest online master's in counseling programs comprise 30-45 credits and primarily prepare students for positions that do not require licensure. Learners can finish in two years. Clinical practitioners need to be licensed and must complete additional coursework and supervised clinical experience.
Some programs may require Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores, particularly for applicants with a lower GPA, along with essays or writing samples. Schools may also require — or prefer — paid or volunteer experience in a mental health field or education.
How to Choose an Online Master's in Counseling Program
Selecting an online master's in counseling program involves assessing cost and time savings while considering academic quality, specializations, and student support for distance learners. Keeping the following factors in mind during your research can help you choose your best options.
Accreditation
To ensure you attend a reputable online counseling master's program, consider counseling accreditors such as by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling or Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
Concentration and Specialization Options
Be sure to verify that the online master's in counseling programs you plan to apply to offer the concentration and specialization areas you need. The fastest online counseling degrees often focus on non-clinical areas.
Graduation Rate
Explore the graduation rates of online master's in counseling programs on your list to set yourself up for success. You can search the College Navigator database of the National Center for Education Statistics.
Internship and Practicum Opportunities
It's important to know whether the program offers internships and practicums in your area(s) of interest and whether you can complete them in your local community or if they require travel.
Student Support Services
Online counseling master's programs should offer virtual resources like admissions counseling, library access, academic advising, tutoring, and IT help. Online student networking opportunities can also make distance learning less isolating and create valuable connections.
Evaluating Costs of the Fastest Online Counseling Degrees
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate students paid an average of $20,513 in tuition and fees during the 2021-22 school year. Average costs were higher in private institutions ($28,017) than in public colleges ($12,596). You could pay higher or lower rates for an online counseling degree, depending on factors such as:
- School location
- Institutional reputation and prestige
- Program delivery format
Online learning can help you save money, especially on relocation, transportation, and parking costs. Some schools also offer special tuition reductions to students in online courses or programs. Similarly, public colleges sometimes extend in-state tuition rates to all their online students, regardless of their state residency status.
If you need financial aid, counseling and psychology scholarships are a great place to start.
Common Questions About the Fastest Online Counseling Degrees
Accredited online counseling programs deliver the same academic quality as on-campus programs. Applicants should ensure that their college or university selections hold regional accreditation and that the counseling program is also accredited. Accreditation shows that schools and programs undergo a regular assessment process and comply with rigorous educational standards.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the main organization responsible for accrediting counseling master's programs. School counseling programs may hold credentials from the National Association of School Psychologists. Additionally, specialty accreditation may be conferred at the program level.
Substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are in high demand to meet the needs of people seeking treatment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment to increase by 19% for these counselors from 2023-2033, significantly more than the average 4% growth for all jobs.
Most counseling programs do not require an undergraduate counseling degree. However, an associate or bachelor's degree (or prerequisite coursework) in counseling, psychology, social sciences, social work, or other mental health field helps strengthen an application for admission. Education credentials and teaching degrees also bolster applications for school and college-level counseling.
Accelerated master's in counseling programs offer some of the fastest routes to degree completion by allowing students to take heavier courseloads and complete more credits each semester. Accelerated study can help you graduate sooner.