Best Online Master’s in Counseling Programs 2024
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2024You’ve come to the right place to explore the best online master’s programs for 2024. BestColleges’ independent research and ranking practices help us recommend top programs aligning with in-demand counseling careers. You can also rest assured that our featured online master’s in counseling programs provide the same education you’d receive on campus.
Online counseling master’s programs offer more than a pathway to a fulfilling career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for substance abuse counselors to grow by 19% between 2023-2033. Careers with this growth rate feature many open positions for recent graduates.
Featured Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Webster University Ranks No. 1 This Year
BestColleges chose Webster’s online MA in counseling as the top program for 2024 for its affordable tuition and higher-than-average retention rate. The university also accepts 55% of applicants.
Webster’s counseling program features core curriculum classes in theories of counseling, assessment, and human growth and development. Other coursework includes psychodiagnostics and family systems theory. All degree-seekers earn a concentration in clinical mental health counseling.
Although you do not need a bachelor’s in counseling to apply, you must hold a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Other application requirements include three professional references, a resume, and a three-page essay.
Top Online Master’s in Counseling Programs of 2024
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,500
- Out-of-state$28,500
- In-State$13,500
- Out-of-state$13,500
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled3,024
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Waynesburg University
- Waynesburg, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$26,380
- Out-of-state$26,380
- In-State$16,440
- Out-of-state$16,440
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled1,366
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
Northwestern University
- Evanston, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$60,276
- Out-of-state$60,276
- In-State$56,067
- Out-of-state$56,067
- Retention Rate99%
- Acceptance Rate7%
- Students Enrolled23,409
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment7%
- AccreditationYes
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.
More Master’s in Counseling Programs
Make sure to research universities with other types of counseling programs, as they may offer concentrations better aligned with your career goals. Waynesburg University’s MA in counseling features a concentration in Christian and spiritual counseling. The program also accepts 76% of applicants, making it much less competitive than Webster.
Continue your search for online counseling master’s programs with Northwestern University’s MA in counseling. The program offers a bridge-to-counseling track for degree-seekers with a bachelor’s in something other than counseling or psychology. You can also specialize in working with children and adolescents.
Is a Counseling Degree Worth It?
The best online master’s programs provide the education and experience to gain state licensure and start a career. However, working in the counseling field presents many challenges. Consider the following pros and cons before making a decision.
Pros
Counselors help people overcome significant mental health and behavioral challenges.- Many specializations exist, such as school and clinical counseling.
- Counselors see their work’s benefit to individuals and society firsthand.
Cons
You may need to go into debt to help pay for a master’s degree.- Working with people in crisis can cause heightened stress levels.
- Counseling sessions may occur outside of regular working hours.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Counseling Program
Both counselors and therapists need a master’s degree in counseling. While the two professions used to be considered different, nowadays, any professional practicing psychotherapy is a therapist — including master’s level counselors.
Finding the best online counseling master’s programs requires comparing cost and flexibility. Some online public universities charge all degree-seekers the in-state tuition rate. They may also use an asynchronous curriculum, a great choice for working professionals.
Program lengths also differ among universities. A typical full-time program takes about two years to complete. Degree-seekers with busy personal or work schedules should consider programs with a 3-4-year part-time track.
Note which online master’s in counseling programs hold accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP-accredited master’s programs offer a rigorous educational experience.
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