Top 10 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Degree Programs 2013

online ms in counselingOnline Master’s in Counseling Degree programs listed here provide individuals who already possess a Bachelor’s Degree with a convenient, flexible, and often affordable means of enhancing their skills in the counseling field and there’s no better time to get started than 2013. The enhanced educations that these programs provide greatly increase opportunities for employment and earning potentials in hospitals, private clinics, medical centers, mental health institutions, and schools everywhere. The programs included in this list of top 10 online Master’s in Counseling programs offer students the same curriculum as in their on-campus counterparts at well-established institutions.

Featured Top-ranked Programs

Most of them are also known for having a variety of high quality counseling concentrations to offer as well as having high admissions standards and high job placement rates. They are accredited and offer adult learners the opportunity to work toward obtaining a graduate degree while also holding down a job, if they so choose.

Ranking of Accredited Online Master’s in Counseling Degree Programs 2013

Some of these programs can be completed completely online, and some have a practicum or internship component. Individuals who are considering enrolling in an online MS in Counseling should take the time to learn about all the requirements for completing the program prior to applying for admission.

#1 Liberty University

Executive Summary

Liberty University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This school offers both a Master’s of Arts in Professional Counseling Degree program and a Master’s of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree program to applicants who possess at least a Bachelor’s Degree.

Tuition

Part-time graduate students pay $505 per hour, while those studying full-time are charged $465.

Unique Features

Students can pursue a degree completely online or take a combination of online and on-campus courses.

#2 Capella University

Executive Summary

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Masters in Addiction Studies, School Counseling, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs are accredited by Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

The Master in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy is accredited by Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

All of this school’s Master’s in Counseling Degree programs are also accredited by the American Counseling Association’s Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

Credit Hours

Programs require 42-92 quarter credit hours, depending on the specific program.

Tuition

The cost per credit hour of Capella MS programs is $435-$805.

Unique Features

Students enrolled in online programs at Capella can take classes at any time they wish. Professors provide written feedback on assignments submitted by students. Capella ranks very well for student satisfaction, with 78 percent of graduates stating that they are satisfied with the return they got for the investment made in their education.

Concentrations

Capella offers four Master’s in Counseling Degree programs:

  • Masters in Addiction Studies
  • Masters in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling
  • Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy
  • Masters in School Counseling.

#3 Walden University

Executive Summary

Walden University is accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This school offers four Master’s in Counseling Degree programs: the Master’s of Science in Addiction Counseling Degree program; the Master’s of Science in Career Counseling Degree program; the Master’s of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Degree program; and the Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling Degree program.

Tuition

The cost of tuition at Walden University is $440 per quarter credit hour. The cost of obtaining a degree is about $31,500-$42,000 depending on the concentration.

Unique Features

This school offers a student-centered learning program for online learners. Assistance is available on a 24/7 basis for participants who need information about courses, financial aid or technical support.

Concentrations

For the Master’s of Science in Addiction Counseling Degree program, students can choose from the following specializations: Addictions and Public Health, Child and Adolescent Counseling, Family Studies and Interventions, Forensic Counseling, and Trauma and Crisis Counseling. For the Master’s of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Degree program, a student can choose either a Forensic Counseling or a Trauma and Crisis Counseling specialization. For the Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling Degree program, individuals can choose either a Forensic Counseling or a Trauma and Crisis Counseling specialization.

#4 University of Denver

Executive Summary

The University of Denver is accredited by the Colorado Department of Education, the Colorado Department of Higher Education and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This school offers a Master’s of Arts in Counseling Degree program to those who possess at least a Bachelor’s Degree.

Tuition

The tuition cost for this program is $355 per credit hour for residents of Colorado. For non-residents, the tuition cost is $1,087 per credit hour.

Concentrations

Couple and Family Counseling
Clinical Mental Health
Multicultural Counseling
School Counseling.

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#6 Mercy College

Executive Summary

Mercy College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This school offers a Master’s of Science in Counseling Degree.

Tuition

The tuition cost for this program is $798 per credit hour.

Concentrations

This program includes four specializations: Counseling, Counseling with Certification in School Counseling, Counseling with Certification in School Counseling and a Bilingual Extension, and Mental Health Counseling.

#7 UMass Online

Executive Summary

UMass Online is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. This school offers two Master’s in Counseling Degree programs to individuals who possess at least a Bachelor’s Degree. These two programs are the Master’s of Education in School Counseling Degree program and the Master’s of Science in Family Therapy Degree program.

Tuition

The tuition cost for each program is $1,425 per course.

#8 Adler School of Professional Psychology

Executive Summary

Adler School of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and it is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. This school offers a Master’s of Arts in Counseling Psychology Degree program that is approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Tuition

The tuition cost for this program is $1,040 per credit hour.

#9 Grand Canyon University

Executive Summary

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and it is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. This school offers both a Master’s of Science in Professional Counseling Degree program and a Master’s of Science in Addiction Degree program to students who possess at least a Bachelor’s Degree.

Tuition

The tuition cost for both programs listed above is $495 per credit hour.

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