Best Online Counseling Programs for 2025
Counseling degrees can lead to professional licensure and a career helping others. Explore the best online counseling degrees and how to choose between them.
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Interested in becoming a counselor? A graduate degree is one step toward this career path. Explore the best online counseling programs, how to choose one, and what to expect.
Best Online Counseling Programs
Campbellsville University
- Campbellsville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
56%
Yes
78%
N/A
$8,904
$8,904
60%
11,775
Private
Lebanon Valley College
- Annville, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
21%
Yes
77%
N/A
$31,875
$31,875
79%
2,080
Private
Cameron University
- Lawton, OK
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
69%
Yes
100%
N/A
$3,762
$10,476
66%
3,559
Public
Prairie View A & M University
- Prairie View, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
55%
Yes
74%
N/A
$5,191
$14,353
74%
9,248
Public
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
- Portales, NM
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
84%
Yes
28%
N/A
$5,454
$7,227
62%
5,106
Public
Bay Path University
- Longmeadow, MA
- 4 year
- Online
78%
Yes
76%
N/A
$19,235
$19,235
70%
2,465
Private
Northwestern College
- Orange City, IA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
39%
Yes
87%
N/A
$6,120
$6,120
80%
1,665
Private
Northwestern University
- Evanston, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
12%
Yes
7%
N/A
$51,869
$51,869
97%
22,801
Private
Regis College
- Weston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
82%
Yes
90%
N/A
$24,968
$24,968
81%
2,801
Private
Western Michigan University
- Kalamazoo, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
62%
Yes
85%
N/A
$17,539
$26,308
80%
17,559
Public
How to Choose an Online Counseling Program
When reviewing online counseling programs, consider what each school offers and how it meets your learning needs. Here are some factors you might consider:
- Curriculum: Find a program that features courses, concentrations, and clinical opportunities in your field of interest.
- Program format: Consider how the program length, delivery mode, and residency requirements fit your schedule.
- School support: Examine the faculty, staff-to-student ratio, and the support services provided.
- Admission requirements: Ensure you meet the program’s application and admission requirements. Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
- Accreditation: Verify that the school and program have the appropriate institutional and programmatic accreditation.
- Cost: Weigh the tuition cost against other programs. According to the NCES, the average annual tuition for psychology programs (which includes counseling) was $16,329 for bachelor’s and $13,263 for master’s programs in 2020-21.
- Affordability: Check out what financial aid opportunities and online learning savings the school offers.
How To Apply To An Online Counseling Program
The application process for an online counseling program varies by school, but they often involve similar steps. Once you’ve selected your schools, confirmed your admission eligibility, and noted the application deadlines, it’s time to start the application process.
- 1
Gather your recommendation letters
You usually need 2-3 recommendation letters from professors or employers who can speak to your abilities and potential. Give your references as much time (at least one month) and information as possible to write their letters.
- 2
Take the GRE or GMAT (if required)
Many schools still require standardized test scores and almost all accept them. Official scores take 8-10 days, plus delivery times, so aim to test at least one month before the application deadline.
- 3
Write your purpose statements (if required)
Your purpose statement should highlight your counseling interests, career goals, and why you’re a strong candidate. Take time to put them together carefully and tailor them to each application.
- 4
Request your transcripts
Order your undergraduate transcripts and have them sent to the schools you apply to early because the process can take weeks. Most schools offer and accept electronic submissions, but check with the admissions department to confirm.
- 5
Complete the application and pay the fee
Take your time filling out the application with your personal information and thoughtful answers to any questions. Most schools have an application and/or processing fee that you also need to pay when you submit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Counseling Programs
Fully online counseling programs feature entirely online lectures, coursework, and in-person clinical requirements. Clinical hours are required to become a licensed counselor and programmatic accreditation, and you can’t properly complete them online. For example, the practicum and internship requirements include several hundred hours of supervised practice in a clinical setting and nearly 300 hours of direct client service.
