Possessing a Master’s degree in counseling using on-campus or online programs is one of the steps to becoming a qualified counselor who gives people insights on how to manage their family, relationship, marriage, mental health, addictions, etc.
Having a bachelor’s degree in courses like psychology, social work, education, and a few others may be a plus while getting your masters in counseling, however, in some cases, there is no much consideration for the course you studied at your undergraduate level.
One of the things you stand to enjoy when you acquire your graduate degree in counseling is that it opens you to a variety of career paths as counselors are in high demand across all sectors. You can decide to work with schools and offer your guidance and counseling services.
You can also engage in mental health counseling, rehabilitation, marriage and family, addiction and substance misuse, corporate counseling, and many others.
So, while going to pursue your dream of becoming a professional counselor, whether using online programs or on-campus, there are many things you should consider. For the online programs, you should check factors such as accreditation, the small class sizes that will enable you to have an opportunity for personal coaching with the tutor, online student support, clinical placement, etc.
This is why this post on online masters degree programs in counseling was curated to show you not just the top programs, but the accredited ones too. I urge you to sit tight as I unveil all you need to know about the programs.
What Is A Masters In Counseling?
According to Wikipedia, a masters in counseling is a postgraduate professional degree that prepares students for professional practice as counselors or counseling psychologists in mental health clinics, community organizations, schools, post-secondary educational institutions, employee assistance programs, and private practice.
There is a wide range of specializations in counseling in which students tend to choose one and focus on it.
Requirements For Online Masters In Counseling
It is good to note that the requirements for online masters in counseling vary from school to school, however, below are the general requirements which are considered by schools.
- You must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized and accredited university.
- You must take and submit the scores of your GRE exam
- You must be able to present all official transcripts and documents from previous colleges attended.
- You must have your recommendation letters and a well-written essay.
- Having an experience in the mental health field may be needed
- Having done undergraduate coursework in psychology or social work may also be required, depending on the institution.
- You must have access to the internet and possess tools for online education to enable you to attend lectures and do assignments.
Average Cost Of An Online Masters In Counseling
The cost of studying masters in counseling online depends on many factors such as state residency (in-state or out-of-state), student’s status, etc., however, with about $18,000 to $44,000, one can enroll for masters in counseling online.
Online Masters In Counseling
Here are the various top accredited masters programs in counseling you can enroll in online, which will also give you flexibility as a working professional to juggle other life priorities while you study.
The list of these masters’ programs was curated from my deep research about online masters in counseling from sources like onlinecounselingprograms, bestcounseling degrees, and individual school websites. Do follow me closely as I list and explain them.
- The Family Institute At Northwestern University M.A. In Counseling
- USC Rossier School Of Education SC Online
- Auburn Education Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling M.Ed.
- The University Of Alabama M.A. In Rehabilitation Counseling
- The University Of Alaska Fairbanks Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Saybrook University M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Adams State University Clinical Mental Health
- Fort Valley State University Rehabilitation Counseling
- Thomas University Masters Of Science In Counseling
- Grace College Master Of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
1. The Family Institute At Northwestern University M.A. In Counseling
The Family Institute at Northwestern University offers masters of arts in counseling. This program focuses on equipping the students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career of strengthening and giving healing to families from all walks of life.
This program prepares future professional counselors to intervene in relation to both individual and social systems functioning within family, academic, work, and community environs. The curriculum is designed with both theories and evidence-based practices with clinical field placements at faculty-approved sites.
The Family Institute masters of arts in counseling is accredited by the council for accreditation of counseling and related educational programs (CACREP)
Duration: 1.5 to 3 years
Cost: can be seen on the tuition page
To apply, use the link below
2. USC Rossier School Of Education SC Online
USC Rossier school of education also offers a master of education in school counseling online (SC online). This program aims at equipping those who desire to become school counselors in K-12 settings with the needed skills and knowledge.
The program explores how to support the whole child; socially, academically, and emotionally, how to employ decision-making and problem solving for implementation and evaluation, how to coordinate school counseling goals to meet the needs of the students and organization, and many more.
The program is taught by professional instructors, and it is recognized officially as a credentialing program that molds students to be recommended for the California Commission on teacher credentialing pupil personnel services: school counseling (PPS- SC) Credential.
Duration: 2 to 3 years
Cost: $104, 713
To apply, use the link below
3. Auburn Education Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling M.Ed.
Auburn Education offers clinical rehabilitation counseling M.Ed. online which prepares students with all it takes to be a rehabilitation counselors.
The program has 60-hour coursework, and upon completion, you can work in state or federal vocational rehabilitation programs. you can also work in non-profit community rehabilitation centers.
The clinical rehabilitation counseling program is accredited by the council for accreditation of counseling and related educational programs (CACREP). It is also important to note that no GRE is required.
Duration: 2 years
Cost: $630 per credit hour
To apply, use the link below
4. The University Of Alabama M.A. In Rehabilitation Counseling
The University of Alabama also offers a master of arts in rehabilitation counseling. This program focuses on teaching students how to provide quality counseling services for clients with disabilities.
The students enjoy active learning opportunities coupled with live class lectures and clinical experiences. Upon graduation, students must have gotten all it takes to work in public and private settings, rural and urban communities, etc.
The 60-credit-hour online program is taught by qualified instructors, and the program is fully accredited by the council for accreditation of counseling and related educational programs (CACREP).
Duration: 2 years
Cost: $440 per credit hour
To apply, use the link below
5. The University Of Alaska Fairbanks Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The University Of Alaska Fairbanks Clinical Mental Health Counseling is also one of the accredited online masters in counseling. This program equips you with the educational foundation needed to become a licensed professional counselor.
The program also creates opportunities for you to apply your learning in the field, as contained in the rigorous curriculum, and the courses are being taught by experienced practitioners and advisors.
The Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the council for accreditation of counseling and related educational programs (CACREP).
Duration: 2 years
Cost: can be seen on the tuition fee page
To apply, use the link below
6. Saybrook University M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Saybrook University offers a hybrid online M.A. degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program focuses on preparing students for career opportunities in the broad clinical mental health counseling field.
This 60-credit program is taught by faculty with years of experience in the field, and the students join a cohort, interact online, and meet at the beginning of any semester at residential conferences. The program is accredited by the council for accreditation of counseling and related educational programs (CACREP).
Duration: 3 years
Cost: can be seen on the tuition fee page
To apply, use the link below
7. Adams State University Clinical Mental Health
Adams State University also offers an M.A. program in clinical mental health. The program aims at preparing and providing students with a wide range of intervention and diagnostic skills to become counselors who can work in different settings.
The program also provides students with internship experience, and upon graduation, they must have acquired the requirements to become a licensed professional counselors who can work in places such as mental health clinics, social services, private practice hospitals, etc.
The school is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Duration: 2 years
Cost: can be seen on the tuition fee page
To apply, use the link below
8. Fort Valley State University Rehabilitation Counseling
Fort Valley State University also offers an online master of science in rehabilitation counseling. The program aims to provide students with the skills and competencies needed to serve consumers with disabilities in a variety of settings and capacities.
It is a 61-semester-hour program and is fully accredited as a traditional rehabilitation counseling program by the council for accreditation of counseling and related educational programs (CACREP). It is important to note that the program is fully online.
Cost of the tuition fee: $219 per credit hour with fees of $345 per semester
To apply, use the link below
9. Thomas University Masters Of Science In Counseling
Thomas University offers masters of science in counseling online. This program is designed to prepare counselors who are highly skilled and also committed to advocating for and serving the needs of those in the community.
It is a full online program with accreditation from the council for accreditation of counseling and related educational programs (CACREP). The 60-credit hour program cuts across four key areas which are; clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, addictions counseling, and professional school counseling. Students are expected to choose from any of them.
Duration: 2.3 to 3.3 years
Cost: can be seen on the tuition fee page
To apply, use the link below
10. Grace College Master Of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Grace college also offers a master of clinical mental health counseling. This program is accredited by the council for accreditation of counseling and related educational programs (CACREP) and aims at equipping the professional and interpersonal development of the students which is necessary for effective counseling practice.
Duration: 2 years
Cost: $35,280
To apply, use the link below
Conclusion
At this point, I can say that you have gotten enough details about online masters in counseling. I urge you to make the most out of it. I wish you luck as you apply.
Online Masters In Counseling- FAQs
Here is one of the frequently asked questions about masters in counseling offered online.
[sc_fs_faq html=”true” headline=”h3″ img=”” question=”How Long Does It Take To Complete An Online Masters In Counseling?” img_alt=”” css_class=””] It takes about two to five years. [/sc_fs_faq]
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