Best Online Bachelor’s in Counseling Programs 2024
Contributing Writer
Editor & Writer
Reviewer & Writer
Contributing Writer
Editor & Writer
Reviewer & Writer
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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A quick internet search reveals many bachelor's degree in counseling online programs. BestColleges helps you find the best with our complex research methodology and strict editorial policy. We use surveys and data reports to educate readers on the latest news and trends in higher education.
Consider a bachelor's degree in psychology or counseling if you want to work as a substance abuse counselor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for these professionals to grow by 18% between 2022-2032. Related positions you can apply for with a bachelor's also feature a higher-than-average median salary.
Featured Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why University of Cincinnati Ranks No. 1 This Year
BestColleges chose UC's BS in substance abuse counseling as the best online counseling program for 2024 due to the program's high retention and graduation rates, affordability, and low federal student loan default rate. UC also features many online bachelor's programs for learners who want to keep their options open.
UC's online counseling degree uses an asynchronous curriculum. This flexible learning style lets you earn a degree while working. The program also offers full- and part-time tracks. Students with significant transfer credit can graduate in just two years.
UC makes college affordable through institutional scholarships. You can submit your FAFSA and other forms to apply. You can reduce student debt by applying for outside scholarships and developing a college savings plan.
Top Online Bachelor's in Counseling Programs of 2024
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $566
Out-of-State | $581
Credits to Graduate: 60-120
Students who want to focus on helping people with drug and alcohol addictions can enroll in UC's online BS in substance abuse counseling. The degree offers a research-oriented program that students can enroll in either full- or part-time. Graduates may qualify for licensure as an addictions counselor in Ohio and some other states.
Incoming students can earn transfer credit for any previous experience working in the addiction counseling field. The curriculum covers pharmacology, clinical assessment, and counseling skills. Before graduating, degree seekers must complete a senior capstone experience and two internships in substance use counseling.
East Central University
Ada, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $322
Out-of-State | $634
Credits to Graduate: 124
Oklahoma-based East Central University offers an online bachelor of arts in human services counseling. This program prepares students to work in family support, social services, and prison systems. Incoming learners can transfer up to 94 credits, and students can graduate in two years.
Students can choose either the counseling or rehabilitation concentration. A focus on counseling prepares degree-seekers to pursue entry-level counseling careers. The rehabilitation concentration trains students to work as disability specialists. All students must complete an in-person internship.
University of Massachusetts Global
Irvine, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500
Out-of-State | $500
Credits to Graduate: 120
Aspiring professional clinical counselors can enroll in the University of Massachusetts Global's online bachelor of arts in psychology. The program prepares students for graduate school, giving them the foundation for master's degrees in clinical counseling or marriage and family therapy.
In addition to general education and core psychology courses, the curriculum requires four specialization courses, including community mental health and aging issues. The program culminates in a psychology capstone.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
More Bachelor's in Counseling Programs
Look beyond the #1 online counseling degree when picking the right college. Other great counseling degree programs for 2024 include East Central University. ECU counseling students benefit from hands-on learning experiences and coursework in human behavior, psychology, and sociology.
The University of Massachusetts Global features an excellent BA in psychology program. Students can choose a concentration in counseling and complete coursework in family systems and dynamics, community mental health, and issues in aging. All students also pay the same per-credit tuition rate.
Is an Online Counseling Degree Worth It?
A bachelor's degree in counseling online program features many pros and cons. Consider these and other factors when choosing a school and major.
Pros
-
A bachelor's degree in counseling qualifies graduates to enroll in a master's in counseling program. -
Counselors make a positive impact on people's lives. -
You can train to work with a specific group or niche, such as families or veterans.
Cons
-
Counselors experience burnout at a high rate. -
Many counselors struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance. -
Maintaining a license requires completing many professional development classes.
There are alternatives to online counseling degrees for those wanting to switch majors or study a broader field. Social work or psychology may better fit your personality and career goals.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Counseling Program
You should review factors such as cost when comparing counseling degree programs. Here are three additional considerations:
-
1
Choose between a private, public, or community college.
Private colleges often charge a much higher per-credit tuition rate than public colleges. You can also save money on your online counseling degree by starting your education at a local community college and then transferring to a four-year program. -
2
Consider online programs.
Although online programs can make learning more convenient, research any in-person requirements before applying. These experiences may restrict applicants to those living within a college's commuting distance. You should also check whether schools on your shortlist hold proper accreditation. -
3
Research the program format.
Flexibility and program length affect your academic experience significantly. Synchronous classes use set meeting times, while asynchronous classes let you complete coursework around your schedule. You may also benefit from a part-time degree if you plan to work while in school.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed June 21, 2024.
