Are you interested in earning a master’s in mental health counseling but worried about the time commitment and cost? Consider earning an online master’s in counseling.
Increasing awareness of mental health and wellness has spurred the demand for counselors with the skills to address a variety of issues, from addictions and substance use to family and marital conflicts.
Several schools offer affordable online master’s in counseling to meet the need for these trained professionals. Explore the advantages of earning an online degree, program length and cost, and what to expect once enrolled.
Featured Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Affordable Master's in Counseling Online Programs
At BestCounselingDegrees.net, we use data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. The most important metric in our rankings -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, consult our ranking methodology.
#1 Most Affordable Master’s in Counseling Online Programs
Northwestern University
- Evanston, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Cost per Quarter:
In-State | $21,550
Out-of-State | $21,550
Credits to Graduate: 60
With Northwestern's online master's in counseling degree, you can study at your own pace for 18-39 months in areas like child and adolescent development and treatment methods. Specialization courses address play therapy methods, trauma evaluation and treatment, and assessments. A licensed clinician will supervise you during 800 hours of practicum and internship experience. Northwestern ensures secure placement. The program also offers two Chicagoland immersion experiences.
You can choose to start pursuing your degree in Jan., April, June, or Sept.
Percent Online Enrollment
7%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Most Affordable Master’s in Counseling Online Programs
New York University
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,101
Out-of-State | $2,101
Credits to Graduate: 60
NYU's online master's in mental health counseling offers electives that allow you to customize your degree. Through electives, the live online program lets you delve into niche areas of counseling, including trauma response, immigrant-origin youth, and substance-related disorders. Expect to spend 21-30 months completing the program's curriculum and in-person requirements.
Hands-on experiences come from a 100-hour practicum, 600-hour internship, and three days in New York City for immersions. NYU Steinhardt provides millions in scholarships to graduate students, along with assistantships, housing, and dining grants.
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Most Affordable Master’s in Counseling Online Programs
University of the Cumberlands
- Williamsburg, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $449
Out-of-State | $449
Credits to Graduate: 60
Cumberlands' master's in clinical mental health counseling features a curriculum anchored in processes and techniques for marriage and family counseling and child and adolescent counseling. You can complete the program in less than two years by taking coursework over two eight-week terms each semester. Core courses establish the basics of psychological assessments, counseling theories, grief and crisis counseling, and addiction treatment. Through two internships and one practicum, you will accumulate 700 hours of counseling experience.
Save money on textbooks with free rentals from the One Price Promise program when studying online.
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Most Affordable Master’s in Counseling Online Programs
Wake Forest University
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,650
Out-of-State | $1,650
Credits to Graduate: 60
Wake Forest's master's in counseling degree, offered through its Department of Counseling since 2012, provides an affordable and accessible education for working adults.
Enrollees study counseling skills and techniques, group procedures, and clinical mental health specialty courses like addiction counseling and case formulation. Additionally, the specialty coursework includes a practicum and two internships. Each student receives access to around-the-clock tutoring and technical support.
Wake Forest's 108 graduates in 2023 boasted a 91% pass rate on the National Counselor Exam.
Percent Online Enrollment
16%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Most Affordable Master’s in Counseling Online Programs
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $442
Out-of-State | $442
Credits to Graduate: 60
NU's master of arts in psychology counseling equips you for a career in marriage and family therapy or clinical counseling in California in as few as 20 months. With four-week courses and year-round enrollment, you can graduate faster than in a traditional program.
The program offers specialized tracks in marriage and family therapy or marriage and family therapy and licensed professional clinical counseling. No matter your focus, you'll learn about lifespan and sexual development, cultural and social justice, community mental health, and clinical assessments.
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#6 Most Affordable Master’s in Counseling Online Programs
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Average Annual Cost:
In-State | $1,368
Out-of-State | $1,368
Credits to Graduate: 60
The Chicago School's master of arts in clinical mental health counseling takes 3-4 years to complete. Electives in addictions and substance abuse, telebehavioral health, military psychological interventions, and gerontological counseling allow you to study areas of your interest. Two required residencies prepare you to complete 700 hours of practicum and internship experience. If you want to pursue licensure, the Chicago School offers an advanced internship to help you gain 900 clinical hours.
For admission, you generally need at least a 3.0 GPA from your undergraduate studies.
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#7 Most Affordable Master’s in Counseling Online Programs
Prescott College
- Prescott, AZ
- 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $830
Out-of-State | $830
Credits to Graduate: 60
Prescott College's master's in counseling degree provides multiple concentrations and certificates to align your studies with your career interests. Emphasis areas include somatic counseling; human sexuality counseling; social justice in counseling; and marriage, couple, and family counseling.
The practicum requires 100 field hours and a 600-hour internship. After graduation, you can earn a post-graduate certificate in nature-based counseling, expressive art therapy, or adventure-based counseling.
Prescott College does not charge an application fee or require the GRE or GMAT.
Percent Online Enrollment
77%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Most Affordable Master’s in Counseling Online Programs
Grace College and Theological Seminary
- Winona Lake, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $466
Out-of-State | $466
Credits to Graduate: 60
Delivering graduate counseling degrees since 1995, Grace's master's in clinical mental health counseling program offers a biblical worldview. Online classes focus on reflective and research writing with weekly modules in which you participate in group work, projects, and presentations.
You can complete the program in 24-33 months, taking courses such as addictions counseling, marriage and family counseling, and gender and sexuality. The program requires a seven-day residency at the Winona Lake, Indiana campus.
Admission requires a degree from an accredited college and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Most Affordable Master’s in Counseling Online Programs
William Carey University
- Hattiesburg, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $460
Out-of-State | $460
Credits to Graduate: 60
William Carey University's master's in counselor education degree, which focuses on clinical mental health counseling, prepares you to pursue licensure as a professional counselor and take the national certified counselor exam. Required coursework provides a foundation in diagnosis, crisis counseling, and drug and alcohol counseling. You'll also complete a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship.
Getting admitted requires at least a bachelor's degree and a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. You'll also need to submit GRE or GMAT scores.
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Most Affordable Master’s in Counseling Online Programs
Gallaudet University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,119
Out-of-State | $1,119
Credits to Graduate: 61
Gallaudet University's master's in clinical counseling underscores a multicultural practice working specifically with deaf and hard-of-hearing people. It takes about three years to complete the program.
You'll take online courses and complete a 600-hour in-person internship helping deaf individuals at a mental health facility. Courses cover the cycle of substance abuse, foundations in helping skills, crisis and trauma counseling, and principles of assessment.
To qualify for admission, you should hold at least a 3.0 GPA for undergraduate and graduate coursework.
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Why Get an Online Master's in Counseling?
An online master's in counseling prepares you for various counseling roles while allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance. With this program, you will receive the same high-quality education as a traditional campus-based degree but with the added benefit of a flexible schedule.
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Specialization and Expertise
Just like traditional in-person programs, an online master’s in counseling includes clinical experience required for state licensure. Most programs offer specializations and focus areas reflecting your interests and enhancing your employment chances.
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Growing Demand
The demand for counselors is on the rise as more people seek treatment for mental health conditions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the employment of substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors to grow by 18% between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average growth for all occupations.
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Learn On Your Own Time
Earning a master’s degree in counseling online works may be ideal for independent learners. An online degree offers the convenience of studying at your own time and pace, making it a particularly good choice if you need to work while taking classes.
What to Expect From an Affordable Online Master's in Counseling
While the titles of classes may vary, all online master's in counseling programs cover similar course content, including theory, research methods, ethics, and psychopathology. These classes help prepare students for counseling positions in various settings such as hospitals, community health centers, schools, and private practice.Most online master's degrees in counseling require 45-60 credits or two years of full-time study. It is important to note that all graduate counseling programs include an in-person internship or clinical experience. Additionally, some programs may require students to attend on-campus residencies for workshops or field training.
Accreditation is an essential factor to consider when choosing an online program. Look for accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) or the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). Accreditation ensures that your intended program meets high academic standards and adequately prepares you for professional practice.
When selecting an online master's program, it is important to consider whether you want to pursue a master of arts (MA) or a master of science (MS) degree. An MA typically has a liberal arts foundation and accepts students with bachelor's degrees in the humanities without a science focus. Students with bachelor's degrees in psychology or other social or natural sciences typically enroll in MS programs. Both MA and MS in counseling programs help prepare students for clinical roles and licensure.
Online Master's in Counseling Specializations and Concentrations
Master’s students should consider specializing their studies, which can help streamline the transition into the workforce. Many master’s programs offer concentrations that develop core and professional skills.
Some concentrations for an online master's in counseling include:
- Clinical and Mental Health Counseling: This concentration explores crisis intervention, advocacy, and contemporary issues. Students learn how to help future clients overcome obstacles and cope with mental health conditions.
- School Counseling: This concentration focuses on how young students interact socially. The specialization explores development, bullying, low self-esteem, and learning differences.
- Addiction and Substance Use Counseling: This specialization teaches students to help patients recovering from addiction and substance use. Students learn skills to help promote positive lifelong change for future clients.
- Rehabilitation Counseling: Students learn the skills needed to help patients and caregivers during recovery from a traumatic event (e.g., physical, mental, or emotional). The goal is to help patients live independently and improve their quality of life.
- Marriage and Family Therapy: Students learn how to help clients deal with family, marriage, and other relationship issues. This specialization also explores issues of domestic violence, separation and divorce, and blended families.
Popular Counseling Graduate Courses
Graduate-level counseling courses often cover professional counseling ethics, social and cultural diversity issues, family counseling, and crisis, grief, and loss. Graduate core courses cover the primary skills needed for a counseling career.
Graduate counseling programs also include concentration-specific courses and electives that allow you to specialize even further.
- Foundations of Counseling: This course covers foundational knowledge and the profession's history. Students develop basic skills in counseling, professional identity, and ethics.
- Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling: This course explores how gender roles, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background impact relationships. This course covers self-awareness, oppression and biases, and identity development.
- Trauma, Crisis, and Emergency Relief: This course looks into the impact of trauma and crisis on individuals and groups. It builds skills in crisis intervention, resilience, and emergency management.
- Blended Family Counseling: This course focuses on building highly nurturing blended families. It applies systems theory and family theory. The course builds on self-growth and incorporates skills to enhance self-awareness and reduce bias.
How Much Does an Affordable Online Master's in Counseling Program Cost?
The average tuition for a graduate degree is $20,513 for the 2021-22 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Factors affecting cost include the degree type, online vs. traditional format, and in-state vs. out-of-state tuition.
Master’s degrees take two years to complete, bringing the total cost to around $40,000 for tuition and fees. Additional expenses may include books, accommodation, and travel.
Consider the following options for funding your degree:
- Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships: You can choose from many scholarships, grants, and fellowships to fund your degree. These types of aid do not require repayment.
- Loan Forgiveness Programs: Under the National Health Services Corps Loan Repayment Program, licensed counselors may receive up to $50,000 of loan forgiveness. The Federal Perkins Loan program offers loan cancellation for school counselors serving students from low-income backgrounds.
Careers and Salaries With a Master's Degree in Counseling
Earning a counseling degree opens the door to professional opportunities in many settings. Salaries depend on several factors, including the type of employer, geographic location, licensure, and certifications.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates significant salary variations by counseling specialty. For example, school and career counselors earn the highest median annual salaries of over $60,000, followed by marriage and family therapists and substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC or LPC)
Licensed mental health counselors help clients overcome mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions using clinical methods that include psychotherapy and behavior modification. They diagnose, assess, and prepare treatment plans and interventions.
Average Annual Salary: $53,710
Employment Growth: 18% (2022-2032)
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists help clients discuss their emotions and experiences and cultivate healthy relationships. These professionals work with individuals and families as they also deal with separation and divorce.
Median Annual Salary: $58,510
Employment Growth: 15% (2022-2032)
Substance Use Counselor
Addiction and substance use counselors advise people who struggle with alcoholism, narcotic use, eating disorders, and other behavioral or mental health conditions. These professionals provide treatment and support to help their clients reach a level of recovery.
Median Annual Salary: $53,710
Employment Growth: 18% (2022-2032)
School or Career Counselor
School counselors help students develop the skills they need to succeed in school. Career counselors help people to develop the skills required to attain a certain occupation.
Median Annual Salary: $61,710
Employment Growth: 5% (2022-2032)
Common Questions About Affordable Online Master's in Counseling Programs
Counseling programs require applicants to have a bachelor's degree, typically in psychology or a related field, with an overall 3.0 GPA. Expect to submit 2-3 letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. Work or volunteer experience in a helping profession may boost your chances of acceptance.
Although specific technical requirements depend on the program, you should have access to a computer. Find out what operating systems and browsers your online program supports. You should install a word processing system such as Microsoft Word and ensure access to reliable internet service.
Earning a master's degree in counseling online can lead to many rewarding careers improving other people's lives, but it requires a significant financial commitment.
Consider how your anticipated salary and career opportunities compare to what you will owe in student loans. Find out how to reduce overall costs through scholarships, loan forgiveness plans, or employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement.
Students who enroll in accelerated online counseling programs can complete their master's in counseling degree in 12-18 months, significantly shorter than the typical two years. In addition to coursework, most programs require a minimum of 600 hours of supervised internships.
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