Key Takeaways
- Online Counseling Master’s Programs are flexible and prepare students for various counseling careers.
- Accreditation is crucial, with programs often accredited by CACREP, ensuring quality and enabling graduates to pursue licensure.
- Coursework typically includes multicultural counseling, crisis counseling, and addiction counseling and requires practicum and internship experiences.
- Career Opportunities in counseling are growing, with high demand in schools, healthcare systems, and private practice.
The best online Counseling masters programs are flexible degrees that train students to help others with a graduate degree in Counseling! Our modern society can create stressors and difficulties that are hard for people to navigate on their own. The role of professional counselors is an important lifeline for individuals, groups, or families experiencing problems.
Are you a person with a passion for helping people and have excellent communication skills, good listening abilities, along with strong interpersonal skills. If so, you have the basic qualities needed to be a counselor, either clinically or in general. A graduate degree in the field will open several career options for you. So read on and find out more about the best online counseling programs.
Frequently, counseling programs are through schools or colleges of Psychology, Human Services, and also Education. Programs in Schools of Education will often offer both mental health and school counseling concentrations with the graduate degree. Students and their families will frequently face bullying, substance abuse, trauma and crisis, feelings of suicide, and more. School systems increasingly need counseling skills that go beyond academics. Because of that, we’ve included some school counseling programs in this ranking. These related educational programs offer mental health coursework as part of the curriculum.
Our Method: Ranking the 15 Best Online Counseling Master’s Programs
To rank the 15 Best Online Counseling Master’s Programs, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications. All online programs have accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
1. North Carolina State University
The online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from NCSU located in Raleigh, provides not only developmental theory and prevention but a base for clinical theory and practice. This degree is through NCSU’s College of Education and students can complete it within three years or less. According to the website, “…students who apply to the online option must reside in North Carolina.”
Core coursework includes studies in Multicultural Counseling, Group Counseling, Addiction Counseling, Crisis Counseling, Gender Issues in Counseling, Counseling Couples and Families, Techniques in Counseling, Multicultural Life Span Human Development, and more. A Practicum experience is part of this program and you’ll work under supervision in an agency, college site, or public school. You’ll also complete an Internship with a qualified preceptor in a community agency, where you’ll use the counseling skills and techniques you’ve learned.
Among the admission requirements for this program are submission of official academic transcripts, GRE/MAT test scores, and three letters of recommendation. The application deadline for Fall and Summer is January 15th for both on-campus and online students.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $4,548 per academic year
Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks NCSU at #42 in its Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
2. Northwestern University
You can earn an online Master of Arts in Counseling degree from this prestigious Evansville, IL university. The program is referred to as Counseling@Northwestern and is part of Northwestern Family Institute. Northwestern University counseling graduate programs provide traditional, accelerated, part-time, and a Bridge to Counseling options.
Students in the online Northwestern counseling masters program have access to the same curriculum, taught by the same faculty, as on-campus students. This online master’s in counseling program has certain required courses, regardless of the option chosen. Among those classes are Individuals & Systems: Psychodynamic Viewpoints, Psychopathology in Counseling, Assessment in Counseling (Adult Focus), Foundations of Family, Marital, and Couples Counseling, and Counseling Methods: Skills for Counseling & Psychotherapy. Students also need Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling, a Supervised Practicum, and a Supervised Internship.
Admission and Application require you to submit an application (with a $95 fee) and have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school (a degree in human services or psychology is preferred, but not required). You’ll be asked to provide academic transcripts, a resume/CV, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose and a supplemental essay, and a group interview. GRE test scores are not required and you’ll be asked to upload a recent photo of yourself (i.e., passport photo, headshot, etc).
Estimated Tuition Cost: $120 to $140 per credit program cost
Fast Fact: Northwestern University consistently places in the top 10 of U.S. News and World Report’s National Universities ranking
3. Wake Forest University
You can earn a Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling with a Mental Health concentration 100% online from this well-known North Carolina university in Winston-Salem. According to the student brochure, this is program is skills and student-centered.
Wake Forest University’s challenging curriculum includes foundational studies in Professional Orientation to Counseling, Theories and Models of Counseling, Research and Statistical Analysis in Counseling, and Life Span Development: Implications for Counseling. Core classes in counseling topics such as family counseling, career development, crisis management, and others lead to the beginning practicum and counseling skills. When you enter the advanced counseling stage, among the classes you’ll take are Addiction Counseling, Classification of Mental & Emotional Disorders, Professional, Ethical, & Legal Issues in Counseling, as well as two Internships. A Capstone Project completes your 60-credit hour curriculum for this master’s in counseling program.
For admission, be prepared to provide proof of a bachelor’s degree (with a minimum 2.75 GPA), a personal statement, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and have a virtual interview with an enrollment advisor. GRE test scores are requested as well as an application and $80 fee.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $90,600/per academic program
Fast Fact: Forbes ranks Wake Forest #74 in its Top Colleges 2020-21 overall ranking
4. West Virginia University
You’ll want to look at WVU’s online Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling offered through the university’s eCampus system. While the majority of the coursework is online, there are two, intensive, one-week sessions requiring attendance on the Morgantown, WV campus.
Requirements of the curriculum involve studies in Counseling Theory and Techniques, Group Counseling Theory and Techniques, Addictions Counseling, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, Ethical Issues in Counseling, Research and Evaluation in Counseling, and others. For the Mental Health Counseling emphasis, you’ll take specialty courses in Introduction to Mental Health, as well as a Practicum experience, and Internship. The counseling degree requires 60-credit hours for completion.
To apply for admission to this program, you’ll need to complete the application for online students and create an account along with a $60 fee, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and provide academic transcripts (showing a minimum 2.8 GPA), and a statement of purpose. GRE or MAT test scores are required.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $10,098/per academic year
Fast Fact: WVU ranks #125 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Education Schools
5. San Diego State University
Here’s an online hybrid MA in Education degree designed to acquaint you with the theories, research methods, as well as mental health models, and their applications. Two, on-campus workshops which focus on developing counseling skills.
The curriculum allows you to complete a 12-credit hour Certificate Program: Mental Health Recovery & Trauma Care which transfers to the 30-credit hour Master of Arts Education with a Counseling concentration. In the certificate program, you’ll study Mental Health Recovery, Restorative Practices and Conflict Transformation, Law and Ethics in the Counseling Profession, and others. During your master’s study, you’ll cover topics in Public/Private Policy and Counseling, Cross-Cultural Counseling and Communication and Skills Lab, Counseling and MFT Theories, research methods, and a Capstone Project.
You’ll apply through the California State State University application as well as a program application created through the Interfolio application. Also required for admission are official academic transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Additionally, the school may ask for supplemental documents.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $7,720-$19,600/per academic year
Fast Fact: Ranked #15 in U.S. News and World Report’s Online Education Master’s Programs
6. University of Louisiana-Monroe
You can earn this MS in Counseling, with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health, through ULM’s College of Health Sciences completely online. An added benefit is that there are no out-of-state tuition costs.
This online master’s in counseling program reviews theories and treatment practices in the field and successful completion will allow you to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Studies include Counseling Theories, Research in Counseling, Advanced Techniques in Counseling, Clinical Assessment and Psychometrics, Diagnostics in Counseling, and Multicultural Counseling, among other topics. You’ll also have a Practicum experience and two Internships. There are multiple electives as well as focus areas in Geriatrics, Addiction, Pediatrics, and Marriage and Family Counseling. Overall, the counseling degree requires 60-credit hours of study.
ULM has a simple admission process requiring the creation of an application, submission of all academic transcripts for undergraduate or graduate degrees, resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and an interview via Zoom. You may not need to submit GRE test scores if your transcripts show a GPA between 2.75-3.50 on a 4.0 scale. A conditional admission option is available.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $500/per credit hour
Fast Fact: ULM ranks at #53 in Niche’s Best Online Colleges in America
7. Bradley University
Established in 1897, in Peoria, Illinois, this online Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling will prepare you to sit for the National Licensure Exam.
This 60-credit hour online master’s in counseling curriculum begins with two core courses for graduate study. Students take Interpersonal Behavior and Organizational Leadership, Research, and Evaluation. Then, you’ll advance to core classes studying, Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling, Loss and Grief Counseling, Career and Life Planning Across the Life Span, Counseling: Ethics and the Law, etc. Other coursework includes Crisis Intervention, Assessment in Counseling, Couples and Family Counseling, and a Practicum and Internship (both conducted in your home community with departmental approval). This program also offers study in the new field of Neurocounseling: Bridging Brain and Behavior. Specialty classes in Brain-Based Interventions, Counseling and the Dynamics of Aging, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
To be admitted to this program, you’ll need to submit an application (with a $40 fee). Students must also provide academic transcripts demonstrating a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credit hours of their bachelor’s (a GPA lower than 3.0 will require submission of GRE test scores). Additionally, you’ll submit a 250-500 word personal essay and completion of a virtual interview with faculty members.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $950/ per credit hour
Fast Fact: Bradley University ranks #109 in Niche’s Best Value Colleges in America.
8. Marquette University
This Wisconsin university opened in 1881. Today, the school offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students can complete in 3 years.
The 60-credit hour curriculum is the same as on-campus and begins with core courses. Some of those classes are Theories of Counseling, Psychopathology and Diagnosis, and Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Additionally, there are separate classes in Group, Trauma, Addictions, and Family Counseling, Professional Ethics and Legal Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Research Methods in Counseling, Advanced Diagnosis and Treatment in Counseling, and more. Depending on your interests, you’ll be able to choose from three electives: Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities, and an Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Finally, the last requirements are a Practicum and an Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, submit an admission application along with a $50 fee, and academic transcripts. A personal statement on your interest in this particular program, three letters of recommendation, and a faculty interview are part of the admission process. GRE test scores are optional through the summer semester of 2023.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $54,900/program cost
Fast Fact: Marquette University comes in at #54 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Value Schools
9. Nova Southeastern University-Florida
Here’s a program that offers several concentrations for its MS in Counseling degree offered through NSU-Florida’s Psychology Department. You can choose from Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling, or Applied Behavior Analysis specialties that are offered online.
The 60-credit hour curriculum for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, includes, among other topics, studies in Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Psychopathology, Research and Evaluation for Counselors, Counseling Theories and Practice, Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues for Counselors, Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling, and Community Mental Health. A Counseling Practicum is required as well as a Counseling Internship. This concentration also requires a three-day, on-campus residency on either NSU Regional Campus in Orlando, Florida, or the NSU Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus.
To be considered for Nova Southeastern University admission, you need a baccalaureate degree with a 2.5 or higher GPA and have either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, social work, behavioral science, or another related field. An interview is part of the admission process as is the submission of an application (with a $50 fee). You’ll be asked to submit official academic transcripts, a personal statement, and a personal statement.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $840/per credit hour
Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report includes NSU’s School of Psychology in its Best Graduate Schools in Psychology rankings
10. Winston Salem State University
This Historically Black College and University in North Carolina has an online MS in Rehabilitation Counseling with five specialty areas. Students can choose from clinical counseling, rehabilitation counseling, deaf and hard of hearing, vocational evaluation, and transition. This degree in counseling is designed to lead to the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) examination as well as the state Professional Counselor licensure (LPC). It also teaches cultural diversity and prepares grads to work with clients and patients from diverse backgrounds and disabilities.
Regardless of your concentration, among the classes you’ll take are core courses in classes Group Counseling, Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling, Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling, Human Growth and Development, and Crisis Counseling. Studies in Research and Evaluation Methods, Family Collaboration/Intervention, Project/Rehabilitation Counseling, and Psychopathology and Treatment in Rehabilitation. A Practicum and Internship are also part of the overall 63-credit curriculum. Specific coursework to your particular concentration is also provided.
As part of the admission process, you’ll make an application, letters of reference, hold an undergraduate degree with a cumulative 2.7 GPA, GMAT scores or GRE scores, and a personal interview with faculty. Preference is given to
Estimated Tuition Cost: $1,378-5,533/per semester
Fast Fact: This program ranks #37 in U.S. News and World Report’s Graduate Schools in Rehabilitation Counseling ratings
11. University of Southern Maine
This Portland, Maine university awards a hybrid, Master of Science in Counseling (MSC) with a Clinical Mental Health concentration you can earn in 63 credit hours. The degree will prepare you to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
As a Clinical Mental Health specialty student, you’ll be asked to complete 25% of your clinical courses on-campus. You’ll be required to take core courses in such classes like Fundamentals of Counseling Theories, Human Development, Research Methods and Techniques, Psychological Measurement and Evaluation, Group Process and Procedures, Career Development, as well as Orientation to the Counseling Profession, and others. This online master’s in counseling program also requires taking an Individual Counseling Practicum Seminar and Laboratory. Specialty courses include Professional Issues in Mental Health Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, as well as an internship.
A bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.5 GPA to qualify for this graduate program. You’ll begin the admission process by submitting a fee-waived, application. Additional materials include academic transcripts, GRE/MAT test scores, resume/CV, three letters of recommendation, and an essay. You can transfer up to six credit hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $432-$1,216/per credit hour
Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report’s ranks MSU as one of its Top Public Schools
12. Northwest University
Established in 1934 in Kirkland, Washington, this Christian university offers an online/blended Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling which can lead to licensure in the state of Washington. You’ll want to check with your state licensing board to determine if this degree will satisfy its requirements for licensure.
Academic requirements for the online master’s in counseling program include, among other studies, classes in Group Counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling, Psychopathology and Diagnosis, Theology and Counseling, Assessment and Appraisal, Psychotherapeutics Systems, Substance Abuse Counseling and Interventions, Human Growth and Development, Human Sexuality and Relationships, etc. You’ll also complete two Internships. The program offers a choice of ethics courses, Professional Orientation and Law and Ethics or Professional Orientation and California Law and Ethics. As a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student, you’ll be required to participate in 10-hours of individual psychotherapy sessions in the first year and provide proof of completion.
An awarded bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or greater is needed to apply (fee waived due to Covid 19). There are no prerequisite courses required nor are GRE test scores. Official academic transcripts, a personal essay, three letters of recommendation, and a resume are requested as part of the application.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $663/per credit hour
Fast Fact: Northwest University is considered a Top Private University by Niche
13. Bluefield University
This Virginia school offers a hybrid MA in Counseling degree with a mental health focus. Coursework is offered online but there are on-campus, intensive seminars either on Bluefield or Martinsville, Virginia campuses.
As part of the 60-credit hour curriculum, you’ll take core classes in Counseling Theories, Group Counseling, DSM Applications in Counseling, Addictions Counseling, Crisis Counseling, Lifespan Development, Systems in Counseling, and others. You’ll choose one class from Expressive Arts in Counseling, Counseling Children & Adolescents, or Integration of Christianity & Counseling. For the Clinical Mental Health Counselor concentration, you’ll complete a Practicum experience as well as two Internships.
According to the school catalog, you’ll need a baccalaureate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA, provide a current resume/CV, a personal statement of interest, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts. The application is offered online.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $480/per credit hour
Fast Fact: Formally, Bluefield College, is a private, Baptist university providing advanced education since 1922
14. Edinboro University
This school offers a range of options for its Master of Arts in Counseling online degree, including Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a dual program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling/Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling.
For the Clinical Mental Health Counseling option, you’ll take core classes in: Crisis and Trauma Counseling, Group Processes, Appraisal Techniques in the Helping Professions, Addictions Counseling, Research and Program Evaluation, Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling, Consultation Theories, Human Development Across the Lifespan Career Development, Crisis and Trauma Counseling, and more. You’ll also choose specialization classes in Family Counseling, Psychopathology and Intervention, Child and Adolescent Counseling, etc. Fieldwork is necessary as a Practicum and an Internship. Clinical Rehabilitation and Clinical Mental Health Counseling follow the same core courses with specialized classes in areas such as Psychopathology and Intervention, Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities, Family Counseling, and others. A Practicum Experience and an Internship are also required. Finally, a Master’s Project or thesis is necessary for graduation.
The online application has a $30 fee, and you’ll also need to supply an academic transcript for your undergraduate degree, reference letters, as well a 500 to 750-word writing sample answering three questions. You’ll want to review additional program and admission requirements prior to applying.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $568-$625/per credit hour
Fast Fact: This Pennsylvania school is one of U.S. News and World Report’s Top Public Schools
15. University of the Cumberlands
This university was founded in 1888 by Baptist ministers in northern Kentucky and currently has a graduate student enrollment in excess of 14,000 students. You can earn an online Masters in Mental Health Counseling that can prepare you for licensure.
There are 48 credit hours of core studies for this degree, among which are classes in: Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling, Human Growth and Development, Psychological Assessment in Clinical Practice, Counseling During Grief and Crisis, Group Counseling, Etiology and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders, and a Practicum and Internship. You’ll also take 12 hours in Marriage and Family Counseling, Private Practice, and Clinical Supervision, Child and Adolescent Counseling, and Process and Techniques in Counseling. Up to 18 credit hours can be transferred towards this program with approval from the program director.
This program’s admission requires a completed bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, official academic transcripts, and a writing sample. The graduate application fee is $75.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $400 per credit hour
Fast Fact: Chronicle of Higher Education named UC the Fastest Growing University in Kentucky
Why Should You Get a Counseling Master’s Online?
If you’re like most people, you have a lot going on in your life. Work. Family. Friends. You don’t think you have time to pursue a graduate degree in counseling. The simple fact is studying online improves your work-school-life balance. So, you have the flexibility to do all these things. Additionally, an online master’s in counseling is one of the best online counseling degrees that offers many career opportunities and a high salary.
Licensing Requirements for Counseling
In order to be licensed in the majority of states, you need to have an advanced degree in counseling, such as a master’s or doctorate. Curriculums are designed on the graduate level to prepare you to sit for professional licensure exams, a critical component of your professional career. The best online counseling programs also build core skills like problem-solving, active listening, and decision-making.
Some of the licensing agencies for professional counseling include:
- NBCC State Licensing Information
- American Mental Health Counseling Association AMHCA
- National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- American Counseling Association (ACA)
- American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB)
Online and Traditional Counseling Programs
During the Covid pandemic, universities transitioned many of their campus degree programs to an online option. Students will study the same curriculum and participate in field experiences online as the on-campus students. Additionally, the same faculty teaches both groups of students. Online degree programs allow you to continue working as you earn your degree, as well as have time for family and friends.
How Long is a Counseling Master’s Program?
An online counseling program is usually 30 to 60 credits. So, prospective students can complete this master’s degree in about two years of full-time study or five years if they attend part-time.
How Do I Choose the Best Online Counseling Masters?
There are many things to consider when choosing a graduate program. Accreditation is especially important in a career field that is licensed. Because it may be difficult to get a license if your degree program does not have accreditation. The gold standard for counseling program quality and standards is accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). As stated before, all the programs in this ranking are accredited by CACREP, and universities are regionally accredited. Schools should have national or regional accreditation.
Students should also consider the admission requirements and if the program will accept them. The student-to-faculty ratio, location of the school, and the availability of online classes and programs. Affordability and cost are other considerations. In-state schools and online programs are often more affordable than out-of-state programs. Also, longer programs cost more, and students in accelerated programs spend less overall on tuition.
Depending on what your career and professional goals are, you’re going to want to identify programs that match your needs. There are numerous online degree options available and you should look for the program which offers you the opportunity to choose a specialty area.
Counseling Specializations and Concentrations
Most counseling programs have concentrations, specializations, or areas of focus. Students take a cluster of classes in a specific area where they may want to work. For example, a School Counseling Specializations offers additional training for counselors to work in an education setting. A specialization in mental health or a clinical mental health track prepares a student for a career as a licensed professional clinical counselor. Below is a list of common specializations students can choose from.
- Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling
- School Counseling Program
- Career Counseling
- Bilingual School Counseling
- Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- Marriage and Family Counseling
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Counseling Children and Adolescents
- Christian Counseling or Pastoral Counseling
- Trauma Studies
- Forensic Psychology
- Art Therapy
- Sport and Health
- Student Affairs and College Counseling
- Counseling Military/Veterans
Dual Degree programs include:
MDiv / MA in Counseling dual degree
What Do You Learn in an Online Master’s in Counseling Program?
Most graduate counseling programs include core courses and specialty courses. In addition to required coursework, programs can also include clinical training and placements, professional experience, and a professional identity capstone course. A list of some of the common graduate coursework and classes is below.
- Assessment and Testing
- Foundations of Counseling
- Crisis Counseling Techniques
- Group Counseling
- Cultural Diversity
- Ethical and Legal Practice
- Professional Standards
- Advanced Treatment Interventions
- Social and Cultural Foundation of Counseling
- Advanced Counseling Theories
- Counseling in Diverse Populations
- Addiction Counseling
- Counseling Techniques
- Blended Family Counseling
- Trauma and Emergency Relief Counseling
- Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Counseling?
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) are qualified to assess physical and mental health, addiction, or behavioral issues and develop treatment plans or referrals. The master’s degree will qualify you to sit for licensure exams. You’ll want to be sure the online program you choose will meet the licensing requirements for your particular state and if the university you choose is part of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
You’ll work with individuals, couples, groups, or families and assist them with issues ranging from addiction, behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, career concerns, and more. Through your training, you’ll be able to provide treatment options, and assessments, and develop skills and mechanisms to handle situations in healthy ways.
Counseling Jobs
Counseling employment is in private practice, residential facilities, hospitals, outpatient centers, or federal, state, or local government agencies. Below are some job opportunities.
School Counselor or Career Counselor
- Description: 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. Additionally, some students may have a behavioral disorder.
- Required Education: Master’s degree
- Median Annual Salary: $58,120
Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor
- Description: A Marriage and family therapist works with individuals and families. Family therapists help clients deal with separation and divorce, discuss their emotions and experiences, and cultivate healthy relationships. They also work with individuals who have mental and behavioral disorders.
- Required Education: Master’s degree
- Median Annual Salary: $51,340
Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling
- Description: Addiction and substance use counselors provide treatment and support for clients with substance abuse disorders or addictions. Clients often struggle with narcotic use, eating disorders, alcoholism, and other behavioral or mental health conditions.
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Median Annual Salary: $47,660
What is the Job Outlook with a Counseling Master?
The need for licensed counselors is great, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with careers in Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors calculated to grow 23 percent through 2030, which is much faster than average. Additionally, Marriage and Family Therapist or Counselor jobs will increase by 16 percent in the same time period. The BLS expects school counselor roles to increase by 11 percent. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor can earn the highest salaries in the field.
Discover Other Programs
These are some schools with an online master’s degree program that did not make our list. If you are still looking, you may find another program. Some additional schools are Regent University, North Carolina Central University, New York University, Adams State University, Lock Haven University, Clarks Summit University, and Cumberland College.
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