Fastest Online Counseling Degrees
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Accelerated online degree programs attract dedicated learners, such as those who excelled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes or graduated near the top of their high school class. Accelerated programs use GPA cutoffs to attract only the best applicants. Consider the fastest online counseling degrees if you meet these high expectations.
Online bachelor's degrees in counseling offer the education required for entry-level careers and graduate school admissions. You need an advanced degree to work in one of the field's licensure positions.
What Is an Accelerated Online Counseling Degree?
Accelerated online bachelor's degrees in counseling feature the same curriculum as traditional programs. Classes vary by school but may include psychology in a diverse world, introduction to counseling and psychotherapy, and abnormal psychology. Your program may also offer internship or field experience opportunities.
Accelerated programs require you to complete classes in less time. You may finish a traditional 16-week class in just 7-8 weeks. Expect to attend the same class everyday rather than 2-3 times per week.
Taking two accelerated classes at once leaves little time for work or other responsibilities. Accelerated programs also require classes year-round, including in the summer term.
Some of the best online counseling degrees offer an accelerated option to dedicated degree-seekers. Your school may let you take some, but not all, classes in an accelerated format. Contact schools' admissions departments or research program websites for more information.
Featured Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Pros and Cons of Accelerated Online Counseling Degrees
The fastest online counseling degrees offer many benefits, depending on the school. Some colleges charge per-term tuition, meaning accelerated classes save you money. Other advantages include qualifying for a master's degree in counseling online program 1-2 years sooner than learners at a traditional four-year college.
Accelerated online bachelor's degrees feature some drawbacks, such as the required dedication. Working even part-time while in school may negatively impact your academic performance. Stress may also cause you to earn lower grades than you would achieve in a traditional four-year program.
Reflect on these and other issues before choosing an accelerated bachelor's degree. Speaking with friends and family about your concerns can also help you decide.
How To Choose the Right Online Counseling Degree Program?
Choosing the right accelerated program involves more than researching which colleges offer the fastest online counseling degrees. All programs on your shortlist must hold proper accreditation. You can learn about accreditation and check schools' accreditation status on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation website.
Compare accredited schools' annual cost of attendance (COA). COA includes tuition, fees, and all other education-related expenses. You can lower your COA by focusing on schools with generous financial aid programs or lower-than-average tuition.
Duration should also affect your decision. If you want to become a counselor as soon as possible, research schools where most counseling students graduate in three years.
What Are the Fastest Online Counseling Degree Programs?
GCU's online bachelor's in counseling requires a concentration in substance abuse disorders. Classes last only seven weeks, half as long as the university's on-campus classes. GCU also helps you graduate as soon as possible by accepting up to 90 transfer credits.
Required classes include the foundations of addiction, multicultural counseling, and case management and crisis intervention skills. You complete general education classes in global awareness and communication. All undergraduate degree-seekers take one class in Christian teachings.
GCU does not require standardized test scores or charge an application fee. All degree-seekers pay $485 per credit as of March 2024. Online learners can apply for institutional scholarships.
UofL's online counseling degree stands apart for more reasons than its accelerated curriculum. It appeals to veterans and experienced business professionals wanting to apply counseling best practices in the workplace. Graduates leave the program with the skills necessary to meet their employees' unique mental health needs.
You complete a prior learning assessment during orientation. The results may let you skip many required classes, depending on your education, training, and work experience. Other classes include managing projects in the workplace, human resource fundamentals, and mental health and the helping professions.
You must hold a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA with transfer credits. UofL charges a $499 per-credit tuition rate as of March 2024. Active-duty service members receive a 50% tuition discount.
Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's Degree in Counseling
You need a high school or GED diploma to apply to accredited colleges. Schools may also use high school GPA or GED score cutoffs for admissions purposes. Your local community college may offer free GED-preparation classes and administer the exam on site.
Other admission requirements vary by college. Competitive colleges and universities require essays and recommendation letters. Ask someone to provide essay feedback and request letters from past teachers or current work supervisors.
First-year admission requirements may include ACT or SAT scores. Some schools waive this requirement if you meet a high school GPA cutoff.
Many colleges require you to complete the FAFSA to determine your financial aid eligibility. Report your financial and tax information accurately, as the FAFSA may qualify you for federal grants or low-interest loans.
What Careers Can You Get With an Online Degree in Counseling?
Although you must hold a master's degree to become a licensed counselor, many career paths exist for professionals with only a bachelor's in counseling. Research these and other jobs to find out what degree you need to reach your career goals.
Health Education Specialist
People and communities turn to health education specialists to improve health and overall wellness. These professionals identify areas of need, create educational programs, and refer people to outside services. The career requires advanced communication and interpersonal skills, making it a good fit for workers with an academic background in counseling.
Entry-level health education specialist careers require a bachelor's. Some positions limit applicants to those with a master's or industry certification.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists help couples and families with children resolve differences and build healthier relationships. They do so through individual and small-group counseling. Other responsibilities include recommending treatment plans.
Like other counseling careers, marriage and family therapists need a master's and a license to practice. You maintain your license by taking continuing education classes.
School Counselor
School counselors help K-12 students overcome challenges and plan for the future. Typical responsibilities include working with learners one-on-one or in small groups, providing college and career advice, and maintaining confidential paperwork. Professionals in this education career may specialize in primary or secondary school counseling.
This career requires a master's in school counseling and a license. A bachelor's in counseling or a related subject qualifies you for graduate school admissions.
Social and Community Service Manager
Social and community service managers improve communities by collaborating with residents, creating educational programs, and developing outreach activities. They address problems such as malnutrition, substance abuse, and homelessness. You need excellent analytical, communication, and managerial skills to succeed in this profession.
Many social and community service manager positions require only a bachelor's. However, a master's and significant work experience can help you advance your career.
Substance Use Counselor
Substance use counselors help clients identify the reasons behind drug or alcohol addiction. They use this information to develop treatment plans and recommend clients to other addiction and recovery professionals.
Some entry-level positions require only a bachelor's degree and certification. However, you may need a master's and a license for professional advancement.
Should I Get A Master's in Counseling Online?
The answer depends on your long-term career goals. Jobs such as marriage and family therapist and school counselor require a master's degree. However, a bachelor's qualifies you for some entry-level positions, letting you explore the field before committing to the time and cost involved in graduate education.
You can earn a master's degree in counseling entirely online. However, even programs with fully online classes require practica and other in-person experiences. Program coordinators work with students to find placements within commuting distance.
Some universities offer combined BA/MS programs to current undergraduates meeting a GPA cutoff. Psychology majors at Suffolk University can finish this combined degree in just six years. Benefits include entering the job market faster than learners who earned these degrees separately.
How Can I Finish My Bachelor's Degree Faster?
You can finish your bachelor's in counseling faster in ways besides enrolling in an accelerated program. Options include taking winter or summer classes, even if your program does not require them. These classes may use an accelerated curriculum, considering the shorter term length.
You can earn an online bachelor's in counseling degree faster by taking more credits than what your school considers full-time enrollment. Universities refer to this practice as course overload and may approve your request only if you meet a GPA cutoff. You may also need to pay more for your degree than full-time learners.
High school students should enroll in AP classes. Colleges award credit to learners with good AP exam scores. This credit may let you graduate college in only three years, even if you do not take accelerated classes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Counseling Degree Programs
How much money can you save with an accelerated online counseling degree program?
Exact cost savings vary by program. However, you may save as much as $9,600 on an accelerated degree at a public college, according to Investopedia. You can apply this money toward a master's degree or other expenses.
Some colleges' financial aid websites offer tuition calculators to help you discover potential savings. You can also contact admissions counselors for this information.
Are online counseling degrees respected?
Yes, as long as you earn a degree from an accredited institution. Accredited online programs offer the same academic experience and rigor as on-campus programs. Advances in online learning help you connect with professors and peers in ways not possible decades prior.
Other ways to learn whether employers and graduate schools respect online counseling degrees include researching graduate outcomes. Many colleges publish these statistics, such as what percentage of students find employment within six months of graduating.
What is the lowest degree for counseling?
You need at least a bachelor's degree to enter the counseling field. Relevant jobs include substance abuse counselor. However, professionals in counseling careers requiring a license need a master's to practice.
Your college's career counselors can help you explore counseling jobs and develop the education plan you need for career success.
What's the difference between a counselor and a therapist?
Little difference exists, as employers and state licensing agencies use the terms interchangeably. Counselors and therapists provide mental health services one-on-one or in small group settings. They may also specialize in a specific area, such as substance misuse or interpersonal relationships.
Are accelerated degree programs affordable?
The answer depends on the college. Some colleges charge traditional and accelerated degree-seekers the same tuition rate. Accelerated students may pay more at a school with a course overload penalty.
Look for colleges charging a per-term tuition rate without a course overload penalty. Schools that include WGU let you attempt as many credits as you want in a six-month period. This policy can benefit you financially if you can complete classes quickly.
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 March 27, 2024.
