Best Online Counseling Degree Programs of 2024
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Online counseling degree programs offer students several advantages, including flexibility, convenience, and potential cost savings. A bachelor's degree in counseling can offer you greater career options and advancement opportunities.
Discover the top bachelor's in counseling programs, including admission requirements, specializations, and potential careers after graduation.
Popular Online Bachelor's in Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Counseling Degree Programs 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.
How Do I Choose an Online Bachelor's in Counseling Program?
- Accreditation: Accreditation ensures that your education meets academic quality standards. Accreditation is also necessary to advance your education and take national licensure exams, and it assures employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge.
- Format: Consider the program's learning format — whether you can attend part or full-time and if classes are synchronous or asynchronous. How the class format fits your schedule can significantly impact your ability to complete the program.
- Length: Program length can vary depending on the required credits and available formats. Consider how long it will take to complete an accelerated, full-time, or part-time program and how this impacts your financial and work plans.
- Curriculum: The online counseling degree program's curriculum and focused courses define which specialties you can pursue. Consider your goals and whether the program offers internships, fieldwork, or practicums that provide valuable hands-on experience.
- Admission Requirements: While common admission requirements exist, each program has specific requirements. Before applying to an online bachelor's degree in counseling program, ensure you meet the admission requirements.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's in Counseling Program?
In most cases, admission requirements are similar or identical for on-campus and online bachelor's in counseling programs. Many programs ask for the materials listed below, but admissions requirements vary by school. In rare cases, you may need to complete an interview with a member of the admissions department.
Check with each program to which you apply to ensure you send in a complete application.
Application
All online bachelor's in counseling programs require prospective students to fill out an application form. For some programs, applicants can submit materials to multiple schools through application systems like the Common App and Coalition App.
Test Scores
You may need to take college entrance exams like the ACT or SAT and submit standardized test scores. Some schools list minimum scores, while others waive that requirement entirely or if you earned a high enough GPA.
Letters of Recommendation
Most online counseling programs require prospective students to submit 2-3 letters of recommendation. If you recently graduated high school, you should ask former teachers, counselors, or mentors to write these letters on your behalf. You can ask recent managers or supervisors if you have work or volunteer experience.
Essays
Most schools require at least one essay or personal statement. The length varies, and you are typically given a prompt or detailed information to include. The program may use your submission to evaluate your readiness for the program.
Official Transcripts
All undergraduate programs ask for official transcripts from all previous colleges and high schools. These documents help schools confirm your GPA, verify you passed all the prerequisite high school courses, and determine your eligibility for transfer credits.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in Counseling Degree?
Most states require graduates to have a master's degree and a license to practice independently. However, online counseling degree programs open other employment opportunities, including substance use and addiction counseling and church-based counseling or ministry.
Graduates can also pursue careers as youth counselors, direct care professionals, and mental health technicians. Many programs offer concentrations, which can increase employment opportunities in your chosen specialization.
Concentrations Offered in Online Bachelor’s in Counseling Programs
Addictions Counseling
Addiction counselor graduates learn the effects of drugs on the body, societal factors associated with addiction, and fundamental skills necessary for individual and group counseling. Graduates can work in hospitals or private clinics with individuals or families. They can pursue careers as intervention specialists, substance use counselors, or chemical dependency practitioners.
Mental Health Counseling
Graduates learn psychopathology, diagnosis and treatment, and personality assessment. Mental health counselors can work in hospitals or private settings, mental health centers, career counseling, and youth counseling. Graduates can work in human services or pursue graduate studies. Licensed mental health counselors need a master’s in mental health counseling to become licensed.
Human Services
Graduates learn research-based practices, gain experience making meaningful contributions to local communities, and build problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills. Graduates can pursue careers in law enforcement, health, education, and counseling.
Child and Adolescent Development
Graduates learn about human development, including physical, cognitive, cultural, and social domains. The program helps prepare graduates for youth-related social service careers, including child, family, or school social workers and social and human services assistants.
Christian Counseling
These programs prepare students to provide therapy from a Biblical perspective using traditional psychology and counseling strategies. Students take courses in general psychology, group techniques, Biblical psychology, and marriage and family counseling. They can pursue job opportunities in religious organizations, faith-based non-profits, or churches.
School Counseling
Most states require a master's degree for school counselors. Students can obtain a bachelor's degree in education, psychology, or a related field. Certified or licensed school counselors can provide academic and career counseling, crisis counseling, and advocacy and prevention within an elementary, high school, or college setting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in Counseling Programs
How much can you make with a bachelor's degree in counseling?
Substance use counselors often need a bachelor's in counseling degree and earn a median annual salary of $53,710, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects that counseling jobs will grow 18% from 2022 to 2032, far faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. This high demand is due in part to the rising number of individuals who need mental health services.
Can I become a licensed counselor with a bachelor's degree in counseling?
It depends on the state in which you're seeking licensure. Some states allow you to get a counseling license at the bachelor's level, especially for substance use counseling. This license allows you to practice under the supervision of another counselor. However, to provide counseling services independently or open your own practice, you'll need at least a master's degree in counseling and supervised experience.
Is a bachelor's in counseling worth it?
A bachelor's degree in counseling can be worth your time and effort if you enjoy helping others, are empathetic, have good self-awareness, and are committed to helping clients overcome challenges. Advanced training can expand your career options in the field.
Are counseling majors in high demand?
Yes, the BLS projects 18% job growth for substance use counselors between 2022 and 2032. This rate is 15 percentage points higher than the 5% average projected growth rate for all occupations during that period.
Keep in mind that while some states allow bachelor's degree holders to become licensed substance use counselors, you still need to earn a master's degree in counseling to become a licensed professional counselor.
Is counseling a hard major?
Counseling may not be a hard major if you're concerned about too many math and science courses. However, online counseling degree programs are challenging in other ways. You need great compassion, patience, and strong communication skills. You must also complete fieldwork before graduating, giving you hands-on experience with clients.
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 February 4, 2024.
