Online Master’s Degree in Counseling

What Can I Expect in an Online Master's Degree in Counseling Program?

Master's degrees in counseling typically come with a specialty – it is at this level that you will niche down. Examples include Art Therapy, School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health, and Marriage & Family Therapy.

You may have some general courses to study which will be mixed in with your program specialization:

• Introduction to Counseling
• Human Development
• Career Counseling and Lifestyle
• Group Counseling
• Counseling Programs Development
• Social and Cultural Diversity
• Assessment Procedures
• Psychopathology
• Substance Abuse and Addictions
• Research Methods
• Career Counselling
• Ethics and Professionalism
• Advanced Issues in Psychotherapy
• Practicum
• Special Projects
• Internship and other practice experience may be required during the program
• Dissertation/thesis

What Are the Master's Degree in Counseling Admission Requirements?

Universities typically ask for the following as minimum entry requirements for applicants:

• A relevant bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• A background in counseling, psychology, education, social work, or equivalent
• A statement of purpose
• Recommendation letters – two or three are normal
• Portfolio or work record
• International students will be expected to convert their qualifications through a dedicated and recognized program and fulfill all the above criteria
• English proficiency is required. Non-citizens and those from non-exempt countries must prove English language capability

What Is the Length of a Master's Degree in Counseling?

Most online master's degrees in the U.S. take between one and two years to complete, with 18 months being the most typical. It is rarely possible to complete in one year due to the type of work and the amount of workload.

Adult learners with graduate certificates may sometimes be permitted to use their credits towards a master's degree, therefore reducing the amount of work. However, in most cases, that graduate certificate must have been conferred by the same university where you now intend to complete a master's program.

How Much Does a Master's Degree in Counseling Cost?

There is no standard rate for a master's degree, and in most cases, you pay by the year rather than by credit (as is the case at the undergraduate level). Tuition varies depending on the school's prestige and program demand. Typical tuition is reportedly around $12,000 for public institutions, while private universities can be upwards of $30,000 or more per year.

Most students seek loans to pay the cost of tuition as self-funding can be a hardship straight after a bachelor's. Loans help spread the cost over many years.

Despite common belief, FAFSA money is available for master's students. Due to its lower limit, it may not be ideal. The Federal Stafford Loan and the Federal Grad Plus Loan are alternative funds specifically for grad students.

Students can also check for scholarships – some are available purely on academic performance, while others have set criteria based on demographics (socioeconomic background, demographic identity, etc.).

List of Counseling Master’s Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based master’s degree program in Counseling today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.