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.
Top 4 Programs at a Glance
1. Liberty University – MA Professional Counseling
2. Capella University – MS Counseling Psychology
3. Walden University – MS Clinical Psychology – Counseling
4. Thomas University – MS Rehabilitation Counseling
They are also known for high admissions standards and having the highest job placement rates among their peers. 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 the Top 10 Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
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’s impressive retention and graduation rates make this Christian school a great choice for students. It offers affordable tuition and an exceptional level of student support.
[Click here for more information about Liberty University's Online Master's in Counseling Programs.]
Tuition
Part-time graduate students pay $476 per hour, while those studying full-time are charged $438. The tuition for a 30-credit-hour degree is $14,280.
Unique Features
This school offers Master’s degrees in Marriage & Family Therapy, Professional Counseling and Human Services. Students can pursue a degree completely online or take a combination of online and on-campus courses.
Concentrations
The Marriage & Family, Health & Wellness and Christian Ministries concentrations of the Master’s degree in Human Services can be completed online.
#2 Capella University
Executive Summary
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.
[Click here for more information about Capella University's Online Master's in Counseling Programs.]
Tuition
Capella University charges $451 per credit. Tuition for a 72-credit degree will cost $32,472.
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.
Concentrations
General Addiction Counseling
General Career Counseling
General Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy
General Mental Health Counseling
General School Counseling
#3 Walden University
Executive Summary
Walden’s MS in Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
[Click here for more information about Walden University's Online Master's in Counseling Programs.]
Tuition
The cost of tuition at Walden University is $420 per quarter credit hour. The cost of obtaining a degree is 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
Career Counseling
Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Mental Health Counseling
#4 Thomas University
Executive Summary
Thomas University ranks exceptionally well for student satisfaction. The results of the 2009 graduate survey indicated that 99 percent of respondents rated the quality of the teaching as “Excellent.”
[Click here for more information about Thomas University's Online Master's in Counseling Programs.]
Tuition
Grad school students pay $515 per credit hour to attend TU. The cost to attain a degree ranges from $1,905-$5295 per semester, depending on the number of courses the student is enrolled in.
Unique Features
The curriculum for the Community Counseling concentration is based on the standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Concentrations
Community Counseling
Rehabilitation Counseling
#5 Nova Southeastern University
Executive Summary
Nova Southeastern University is a small, non-profit private school which is a leader in distance learning post-secondary programs.
Tuition
The cost to attend NSU is $580 per credit hour. A student enrolled in a 48-credit hour program will pay $27,840 in tuition.
Unique Features
Courses are offered completely online. Students are expected to participate in discussions and electronic classroom sessions regularly each week.
Concentrations
Mental Health Counseling
Substance Abuse Counseling
Substance Abuse Counseling and Applied Behavior Analysis
#6 Seton Hall University
Executive Summary
Seton Hall is a well-established university which has been welcoming learners for over 150 years. This school offers a combined MA and Education Specialist program.
Tuition
A flat rate of $34,000 covers tuition, fees, room and board for the on-campus portion of the program.
Unique Features
Students can complete the requirements for a degree in less than three years. The requirements for completing a degree include two on-site sessions.
#7 University of Massachusetts
Executive Summary
MassOnline is known for providing a good quality online education at affordable tuition rates.
Tuition
The cost of going to UMass is $460 per credit. A 60-credit Master’s degree will cost $27,600.
Unique Features
With the exception of a mandatory two-week session, all of the courses for this degree can be completed online. The curriculum for the Rehabilitation Counseling program is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). The Mental Health Counseling program meets the academic requirements for licensure in the state.
Concentrations
Mental Health Counseling
Rehabilitation Counseling
# 8 Bellevue University
Executive Summary
Bellevue University is a well-respected human services educational institution. It is a regionally-accredited school.
Tuition
Students pay $475 per credit hour to attend Bellevue University online. A 60 credit hour degree will cost $28,500.
Unique Features
Students enrolled in this program can choose to complete three courses in addition to those required to obtain their degree to quality for a Graduate Executive Coaching Certificate.
Concentrations
Clinical Counseling
#9 University of North Carolina
Executive Summary
UNC provides a high quality curriculum to its distance learners. Online classes are taught by the same faculty as on-campus programs.
Tuition
Tuition for graduate programs starts at $155.74 for in-state students and $611.42 for out of state residents. A total of 51 hours must be completed to fulfil the requirements for a degree.
Unique Features
This program can be completed in a minimum of two years on a full-time basis. Students are required to complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship as part of the program.
Concentrations
Rehabilitation Counseling
#10 University of Buffalo
Executive Summary
UB programs are taught by highly-experienced instructors. Ninety-five percent of graduates from this program are employed in their field.
Tuition
Resident tuition is $370 per credit hour and non-residents pay $632 per credit hour. The cost of tuition for the 48 credit hour degree is $17,760 for residents and $30,226 for non-residents.
Unique Features
Students in this program take two courses per semester. Two, 300 contact hour internships must be completed to obtain a degree.
Concentration
Rehabilitation Counseling
