Top Online Counseling Programs 2026: Compare Top Schools & Find Your Fit
Ready to advance your career with an online counseling degree? Learn how to find and apply to a top master’s in counseling program.
Have you thought about pursuing a master’s degree in counseling, but are unsure whether you can do it with your busy schedule? Fortunately, many online programs provide enough flexibility to allow you to study at your own pace and balance coursework with other obligations. Learn how to choose and apply to a top online counseling degree program.
Top Online Programs in Counseling
Bay Path University
- Longmeadow, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose BPU: Four Specialization Options to Tailor Your Learning Experience
Bay Path’s master’s in clinical mental health counseling includes four specialization options. You can choose to focus generally on clinical mental health counseling, or dive deeper into one of three specialty areas: advanced trauma-informed counseling, alcohol and drug use counseling, or school adjustment counseling.
All tracks require 60 credits. The general track includes 18 elective credits, a 100-hour practicum, and a 600-hour internship. Each track includes three credits of counseling seminar and practicum, nine credits of internship, three credits in human lifespan development, and three credits in counseling theory and practice, but other courses and requirements vary by track.
Other Highlights
- Four start dates
- Prepares students to sit for the licensure exam for a licensed clinical mental health counselor in MA and other states with parallel license requirements, such as Connecticut
- Mostly asynchronous online courses with limited synchronous requirements to meet license requirements
Considerations
- All women's university (online programs open to men and women)
- Flat tuition rate of $935 per credit hour
- Does not meet the licensing requirements in Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, or Utah
93%
$19,235
69%
$19,235
- Acceptance Rate
- 73%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,643
- Institution Type
- Private
Campbellsville University
- Campbellsville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose CU: Tuition Costs Under $350 Per Credit
CU’s master’s in school counseling costs $319 per credit, making it the least expensive program on our list. The curriculum was developed by practicing and retired school counselors and administrators. It is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and is approved by the Education Professional Standards Board of Kentucky (EPSB) for teacher education and certification.
The 48-credit program, which takes 18 months to complete, includes courses such as counseling skills, human development, cultural competency, and research methods. It requires 400 hours of clinical experience spread across three internships. Two internships consist of 100 hours each, and the final internship requires 200 hours.
Other Highlights
- No GRE or GMAT required
- Accepts up to nine transfer credits
- Yellow Ribbon school
Considerations
- Curriculum based on a Christian worldview
- Minimum GPA of 2.75
37%
$9,620
60%
$9,620
- Acceptance Rate
- 98%
- Students Enrolled
- 12,451
- Institution Type
- Private
Lebanon Valley College
- Annville, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose LVC: Curriculum Aligned with PA Licensure Requirements for Mental Health Counselors
LVC's MS in clinical mental health counseling is an ideal choice for Pennsylvania students seeking to become licensed clinical mental health counselors in the state. The hybrid program meets the Pennsylvania state licensure education requirements and is under accreditation review by the Council for Accreditation and Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
The program requires 60 credits, including 600 hours of internship. Courses include research methods, addiction and trauma counseling, professional standards and ethics, and evaluation and assessment. You’ll also take nine credits in electives, which may include stress management, police and military counseling, grief counseling, and applied behavioral analysis.
Other Highlights
- No additional fees for technology, courses, or services
- Seven-week online courses with full- and part-time options available
- Accepts up to 15 graduate transfer credits with a B or better
Considerations
- Requires a personal statement, a resume, two references, and a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Program tuition costs $759 per credit hour, totaling $45,540 for 60 credits
- The program may not meet the licensure requirements of other states. Contact your state’s board for licensing and certification information.
26%
$34,233
83%
$34,233
- Acceptance Rate
- 84%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,146
- Institution Type
- Private
Northwestern University
- Evanston, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Northwestern: Offers In-Depth Education on Caring for Children Facing Mental Health Challenges
Northwestern’s online master’s in counseling program offers a child and adolescent specialization that teaches you how to provide effective counseling for youth while also preparing you to provide counseling for adults. The specialization includes elective courses in play therapy, child and adolescent counseling, and psychotherapy. The program requires 18 core courses in areas such as multicultural counseling, ethics, assessment, and counseling skills, a 100-hour practicum, and a 600-hour internship. You’ll also earn three credits in either adult or child and adolescent development.
Other Highlights
- Accredited by CACREP
- Offers a bridge to the counseling program if you have an unrelated bachelor’s program or no professional mental health experience
- Four start dates
Considerations
- $95 application fee, unless you apply by the early decision or priority deadlines
- Not currently accepting international students
- A resume, personal statement, academic statement, two letters of recommendation, and a background check are required for admission; internship placement sites may require additional background checks.
11%
$52,698
97%
$52,698
- Acceptance Rate
- 7%
- Students Enrolled
- 22,801
- Institution Type
- Private
Regis College
- Weston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Regis College: 100% Job Placement Rate and 100% Pass Rate on the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
We chose Regis’ master’s in counseling program because it has a 100% pass rate on the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination and a 100% job placement rate for students seeking employment after graduation. The program meets the licensure requirements for becoming a licensed mental health counselor in Massachusetts and other states with similar licensing requirements.
The hybrid program combines online synchronous and on-campus courses with hands-on field experiences. You’ll take courses in theories of counseling, ethics, treating addiction, and mental health across the lifespan, as well as two courses of clinical internship and at least one counseling practicum. You can choose a second semester of counseling practicum as one of your four elective courses.
Other Highlights
- No GRE required
- Internship site placement assistance
- May qualify for discounted tuition if your university or employer is a partner of Regis College
Considerations
- Tuition costs $970 per credit, totaling $58,200 for the 60-credit program.
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in all courses with at least a B or better in all prerequisite courses, a personal statement, a resume, and two letters of recommendation are required for admission.
- Qualifies students for mental health counselor licensure in MA and in most U.S. states
81%
$23,688
81%
$23,688
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,801
- Institution Type
- Private
How We Identified Top Schools and Programs
Our editorial team reviewed each school and program to identify standout characteristics, prioritizing factors like flexibility, hands-on experience, licensure qualification, and relevance of the curriculum to a career in counseling. We assigned each school a superlative category based on its strengths.
Since many counseling programs share similar course offerings and outcomes, our goal is to support your program selection process by highlighting features that matter to you most.
We verified these school and program facts in November 2025.
How to Choose an Online Counseling Program
Choosing the right online counseling degree program can lead to a rewarding educational experience and a career in mental health. While each person has different priorities when selecting the best fit, it’s important to evaluate factors like accreditation, admission requirements, career relevance, and affordability.
Accreditation
A key factor to consider is whether your chosen school has the proper programmatic accreditation. An accredited counseling program meets educational and industry standards. This assessment is based on an independent review by organizations such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Admission Requirements
Doing a thorough review of the admission requirements can help clarify the application process. Most online counseling degree programs require official transcripts from undergraduate schools attended, entrance exam scores, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and proof of prerequisite coursework. You may also be asked to submit a resume or curriculum vitae and undergo a criminal background check.
Career Relevance
It’s worth the effort to find a program that offers courses and concentrations aligned with your academic interests and career goals. For example, if you want to work with kids, you’ll build a strong background in a program that includes concentrations like child development or child psychology.
Flexibility
If you’re a busy professional or balancing multiple responsibilities with schoolwork, choose a program that offers the flexibility you need to earn your degree on your own schedule. Many degree programs include part-time courses and asynchronous (recorded) classes that fit into your work life. Additionally, an accelerated curriculum can help you join the workforce in less time.
Cost and Financial Aid
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average annual tuition and fees for online master’s degrees in health professions and related clinical sciences, including counseling programs, were $13,950 in 2019-2020. Check with your school to see what scholarships, loans, and other forms of financial aid it offers to make your online counseling degree affordable.
How to Apply to an Online Counseling Program
Applying to an online counseling degree program can be an exciting but stressful experience. Anticipating the requirements and application steps can help streamline the process.
- Step 1: Request and Gather Recommendation Letters
Most online counseling degree programs require 2-3 letters of recommendation. These letters usually come from former instructors, employers, and other trusted professionals who can vouch for your academic strengths and readiness for school. Allow at least one month for your references to write their letters and for you to collect them.
- Step 2: Schedule the Entrance Exam (If Required)
Check if your prospective graduate program requires an entrance exam, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Allow at least one month before the application deadline to take the exam and receive your scores, which usually take 8-10 days to be delivered.
- Step 3: Write and Edit Your Admission Statement
Most online counseling degree programs require an admission statement or statement of purpose. This document gives you the chance to highlight your academic achievements, career goals, and explain why you want to attend your chosen school, along with other strengths you’d like admissions officials to consider.
- Step 4: Request Your Official Transcripts
Contact your undergraduate schools and have them send your transcripts directly to the program you’re applying to. Find out if your prospective school accepts electronic submissions, which is faster than sending them through traditional mail. Note that ordering official transcripts can take several weeks; therefore, allow sufficient time for this step.
- Step 5: Complete and Submit the Application
Take your time and ensure you provide all the information the application requests. Double-check that you’ve included your purpose statement, reference letters, and other required documentation. Additionally, you’ll probably need to pay the application or processing fee before submitting your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
It may be worth the time, money, and effort to pursue a master’s degree in counseling if you aspire to become a licensed counselor or advance your career. Although salaries in this field vary significantly, advancing your education could help you achieve your long-term career goals.
