Online Counseling Psychology Degrees and Programs

Counseling psychology is a subfield of psychology that deals with the emotional, mental, and behavioral problems of individuals, families, and groups. It involves assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing psychological disorders and helps people overcome their emotional and mental difficulties.
If you aspire to work in the counseling psychology field, it’s necessary to have a psychology degree. An online degree in counseling psychology will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to provide effective counseling services.
Choosing the Right Online Counseling Psychology Degree Program
Becoming a counseling psychologist requires a master’s degree at minimum, but a doctorate will make you more competitive in the job market. Prior to either degree, completion of a Bachelor’s degree at the undergraduate level is necessary.
No matter which online program you choose, ensure it is accredited by a reputable organization. The Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and the American Psychological Association are two well-known accrediting bodies.
Bachelor’s Degree
While it’s uncommon for colleges to offer a degree specifically in counseling psychology, bachelor’s programs in psychology or in counseling are widely available. You could alternatively pursue a bachelor’s in another, similar field.
Completing an online bachelor’s degree typically takes four years. The initial two years comprising of fundamental psychology courses and general education requirements, followed by intermediate psychology courses and electives during the latter two years.
Master’s Degree
To practice as a counseling psychologist, a master’s degree is required. All states have a minimum educational requirement for licensure, and the minimum is an accredited master’s program.
An online master’s degree in psychology is sufficient to practice counseling psychology. You can enroll in a master’s in counseling psychology, which will have a heavier counseling emphasis, but it’s not absolutely necessary.
A master’s degree in psychology involves one to two years of study, which includes a combination of coursework and an internship component (practicum). Both a general program and a counseling program will have many different psychology courses that you can take. A counseling program will likely have a few more required counseling-focused classes. When considering online programs, make sure that the one you are applying to has options for completing clinical hours within your own community.
Graduate Certificate
A graduate certificate offers the opportunity for further specialization. Obtaining a grad certificate in counseling psychology online can give you more counseling-specific training if you completed a general counseling master’s or a master’s in another counseling specialty. You may also complete a graduate certificate program to further specialize in working with a specific population. Online graduate certificates take six months to one year to complete.
Doctorate Degree
Getting a doctorate degree online can open doors to high-level leadership positions and potential teaching opportunities. It can increase your income and impact but isn’t a prerequisite for working as a counselor.
Most counseling psychologists who pursue a doctorate enroll in a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) degree program. This type of program is heavily focused on practical work with clients. During the online program, students spend time studying advanced-level clinical concepts and receive hands-on training through direct counseling work with clients within their own community. The Psy.D. degree typically takes three years to complete.
Some counseling psychologists opt for a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, which places a greater emphasis on research. This program includes a mix of direct work with clients and research-focused activities, including running studies, analyzing data, and writing a dissertation. Ph.D. programs in counseling psychology typically require two years of coursework and an additional two to four years for research and dissertation writing.
Both doctorate programs offer advanced-level study in counseling psychology and prepare students for licensure. They can be in addition to, or instead of, a master’s degree.
Which Counseling Psychology Degree is Right for Me?
Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Graduate Certificate | Ph.D. or PsyD | |
I am interested in gaining entry-level experience in counseling psychology | x | |||
I want to get started in my counseling psychology career before I pursue more education | x | |||
I want to pursue a non-patient-facing role in counseling psychology | x | x | ||
I want to pursue or switch to a niche psychology specialty | x | x | ||
I already have a psychology degree and want to gain specialized knowledge | x | x | ||
I want to conduct research in psychology | x | x | ||
I want to become a licensed psychologist and treat patients | x | |||
I want to work in academia | x |
Counseling Psychology Degree Program Curriculum
The coursework you complete will become more focused on counseling psychology as you move through the various degrees. Some examples of courses include:
- Bachelor’s Degree: ~120 credits; Intro to Psychology, Human Development, Clinical Psychology
- Master’s Degree: ~30-60 credits; Individual Interventions, Group Counseling, Psychopathology
- Graduate Certificate: ~12-20 credits; Individual Interventions, Group Counseling, Psychopathology
- Doctorate Degree: ~80-120 credits; Application of Counseling Methods, Vocational Psychology
Counseling Psychology Degree Program Clinical Requirements
A crucial aspect of any counseling psychology degree program is the practical component known as a “practicum.” The clinical placement component offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience in a supervised setting and work directly with clients.
Typically, master’s programs in counseling psychology accredited by professional organizations require at least 600 hours of clinical experience, while Psy.D. programs in this field mandate a minimum of 1,500 hours. However, it’s not uncommon for specialized counseling psychology programs to have higher practical experience requirements.
For students enrolled in an online program, job postings, and personal networks may be the best options for locating clinical opportunities.
List of Counseling Psychology Degree Programs
Looking for an online or campus-based counseling psychology degree program near you? Browse our state-by-state school listings below.
Jump to Your State Listings
Alabama
Alabama A & M University
Normal, AL 35762
(256) 372-5000
Auburn University at Montgomery
- Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Campus
Montgomery, AL 36117-3596
(334) 244-3000
Faulkner University
Montgomery, AL 36109-3390
(334) 272-5820
Alaska
Alaska Pacific University
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 561-1266
Arizona
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
- Counseling Psychology, PhD Campus
Tempe, AZ 85287
(855) 278-5080
Arkansas
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR 72035-0001
(501) 450-5000
California
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
(626) 969-3434
Biola University
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Integral Counseling Psychology Campus
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology Campus
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Community Mental Health Campus
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Somatic Psychology Campus
La Mirada, CA 90639-0001
(562) 903-6000
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA 92504-3297
(877) 228-3615
California Lutheran University
- MS in Counseling Psychology Campus
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2787
(805) 492-2411
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
- Counseling Psychology, M.A. Campus
Arcata, CA 95521-8299
(707) 826-3011
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099
(661) 654-2782
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA 90840-0115
(562) 985-4111
Dominican University of California
San Rafael, CA 94901-2298
(415) 457-4440
Golden Gate University
San Francisco, CA 94105-2968
(415) 442-7800
Holy Names University
Oakland, CA 94619-1699
(510) 436-1000
Pacifica Graduate Institute
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 969-3626 x101
Sofia University
Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 493-4430
Southern California Seminary
El Cajon, CA 92019-1108
(619) 201-8999
Colorado
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
- Counseling Psychology Campus
Fort Collins, CO 80523-0100
(970) 491-1101
University of Denver
- MS in Counseling Psychology Campus
Denver, CO 80208
(303) 871-2000
University of Northern Colorado
- Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Campus
Greeley, CO 80639
(970) 351-1890
Florida
Bethune-Cookman University
Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3099
(386) 481-2000
Saint Leo University
- Psychology, B.A Online
Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665
(352) 588-8200
University of Miami
- Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Campus
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(305) 284-2211
Georgia
University of Georgia
- Counseling Psychology Campus
Athens, GA 30602
(706) 542-3000
Hawaii
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI 96816-1578
(808) 735-4711
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Hilo, HI 96720-4091
(808) 932-7446
Illinois
Loyola University Chicago
- PhD in Counseling Psychology Campus
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 274-3000
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 329-6600
Indiana
Ball State University
- PhD in Counseling Psychology Campus
Muncie, IN 47306
(765) 289-1241
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2040
(765) 494-4600
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 464-5000
Iowa
University of Iowa
- Counseling Psychology Campus
Iowa City, IA 52242-1316
(319) 335-3500
Kansas
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS 66045
(785) 864-2700
Kentucky
University of Kentucky
- MS in Counseling Psychology Campus
- PhD in Counseling Psychology Campus
Lexington, KY 40506-0032
(859) 257-9000
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292-0001
(502) 852-5555
Maine
University of Maine at Farmington
Farmington, ME 04938-9978
(207) 778-7000
Maryland
Towson University
Towson, MD 21252-0001
(410) 704-2000
University of Maryland-College Park
- Counseling Psychology, Ph.D. Campus
College Park, MD 20742
(301) 405-1000
Massachusetts
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 552-8000
Framingham State University
Framingham, MA 01701-9101
(508) 620-1220
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA 02138-2790
(617) 868-9600
Michigan
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 764-1817
Minnesota
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN 56301-4498
(320) 308-0121
University of St Thomas
Saint Paul, MN 55105-1078
(651) 962-5000
Mississippi
University of Southern Mississippi
- Counseling Psychology MS Campus
- Counseling Psychology PhD Campus
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
(601) 266-1000
William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 318-6051
Missouri
University of Missouri-Columbia
- Counseling Psychology (PhD) Campus
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 882-2121
University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Ph.D.: Counseling Psychology Campus
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 235-1000
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO 63119-3194
(314) 968-6900
Nebraska
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Counseling Psychology Campus
- Counseling Psychology Campus
Lincoln, NE 68588-0419
(402) 472-7211
New Hampshire
Granite State College
Concord, NH 03301-3471
(603) 228-3000
New Jersey
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ 07079-2697
(973) 761-9000
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 720-2000
New Mexico
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001
(575) 646-0111
New York
Fordham University
Bronx, NY 10458
(718) 817-1000
New York University
- PhD in Counseling Psychology Campus
New York, NY 10012-1091
(212) 998-1212
SUNY at Albany
Albany, NY 12222
(518) 442-3300
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14260-1660
(716) 645-2000
North Dakota
University of North Dakota
- Counseling Psychology Campus
Grand Forks, ND 58202-8193
(800) 225-5863
Ohio
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Counseling Psychology Campus
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 292-6446
University of Akron Main Campus
Akron, OH 44325-4702
(330) 972-7111
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Stillwater, OK 74078-1015
(405) 744-5000
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK 73034
(405) 974-2000
Oregon
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403
(541) 346-1000
Pennsylvania
Holy Family University
Philadelphia, PA 19114-2009
(215) 637-7700
Robert Morris University
- Counseling Psychology M.S. Campus
Moon Township, PA 15108-1189
(412) 397-3000
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA 16057-1383
(724) 738-9000
Temple University
- Counseling Psychology MEd Campus
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6096
(215) 204-7000
University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg
Greensburg, PA 15601-5860
(724) 837-7040
Tennessee
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN 37044
(931) 221-7011
Lee University
Cleveland, TN 37311
(423) 614-8000
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN 37209-1561
(615) 963-5000
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN 37996
(865) 974-1000
Texas
Texas A & M International University
Laredo, TX 78041-1900
(956) 326-2001
Texas Tech University
- Counseling Psychology Campus
Lubbock, TX 79409-5005
(806) 742-2011
Texas Woman's University
- Counseling Psychology Campus
- Counseling Psychology Campus
Denton, TX 76204
(940) 898-2000
University of Houston-Victoria
Victoria, TX 77901
(361) 570-4848
Utah
University of Utah
- Counseling Psychology Campus
- Learning & Cognition Program Campus
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9008
(801) 581-7200
Virginia
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(434) 582-2000
Radford University
Radford, VA 24142
(540) 831-5000
Regent University
- Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies Online
- Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies - Grief Counseling Online
- Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies - Human Services Counseling Online
- Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies - Human Services for Student Affairs Online
- Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies - International Online
- Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies - Life Coaching Online
- Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies - Trauma & Crisis Counseling Online
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
(757) 352-4127
Virginia Commonwealth University
- Counseling Psychology Campus
Richmond, VA 23284-2512
(804) 828-0100
Washington
Bastyr University
Kenmore, WA 98028-4966
(425) 602-3000
The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 876-6119
West Virginia
West Virginia University
- Counseling Psychology, Ph.D. Campus
Morgantown, WV 26506
(304) 293-0111
Wisconsin
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 288-7710
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- PhD in Counseling Psychology Campus
Madison, WI 53706-1380
(608) 263-2400
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