Best Online Master’s Programs in Mental Health Counseling of 2026

Why We Chose It: Graduates of this program are prepared to sit for the NCE licensure exam after a 40-month curriculum.

Bradley University offers a straightforward path to licensure through its online master of arts (MA) in clinical mental health counseling program. By taking all courses in the 40-month program, students will be eligible to take the National Counselor Exam (NCE) administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. The university's in-person mental health counseling program boasts a 100% NCE pass rate. 

Bradley's preset course schedule hits all the academic requirements to become a licensed mental health counselor in virtually any state. Passing the NCE is a requirement in all 50 states, and because Bradley University's program is accredited by CACREP, graduates have a clear pathway to licensure if they pass all their classes. 

What We Like About BU

• Both of Bradley University's required residencies are offered virtually. 
• Students can choose their site supervisor for their practicum experience, with guidance and approval from the university.
• Two required courses on neurocounseling give students the opportunity to "bridge counseling skills to the brain’s physiology."

What We Don't Like

• A complete application requires three letters of recommendation, a statement of interest, and a virtual interview. 
• Bradley's MA in counseling program does not offer any elective courses. 

Why We Chose It: Competitive costs, possibility of dual licensure help give program strong reputation.

Butler University offers an online master of science (MS) in mental health counseling degree that checks virtually every box an aspiring counselor may want from a master's program. Not only does the program prepare graduates to become licensed mental health counselors, but Butler's program also allows students to earn dual licenseships as a school counselor or addictions counselor. Dual licensure would require students to take an additional two courses, however, bringing the total number of credits to 66. 

Butler's online MS in mental health counseling program is not yet accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). However, according to the university, its master's program meets licensure requirements in all but three states. Additionally, there are no prerequisites required for students to apply to the program. 

What We Like About BU

• At $700 per credit, Butler offers the most affordable out-of-state tuition rate among the listed institutions. 
• Prospective students can transfer up to 12 credits, which is more than the typical six- or nine-credit maximum transfer policy at most graduate programs.  
• Butler's MS in mental health counseling program does not have a residency requirement, meaning all requirements can be completed online. 

What We Don't Like

• Butler University does not offer any institutional scholarships for counseling students. 
• Butler is still pursuing CACREP accreditation for its online MS in mental health counseling program. 

Why We Chose It: ECU offers the lowest tuition price point on this list, designated for North Carolina residents.

East Carolina University's MS in counselor education program stands apart from others on this list thanks to its $305 per credit tuition rate for in-state students. As the only public university on this list, ECU's in-state tuition rate is significantly cheaper than that of the other programs. The next closest institution in terms of affordability is Butler University, which charges $700 per credit. 

ECU requires students to have established residency in North Carolina for at least 12 months to qualify for in-state tuition. 

ECU charges $1,072 per credit in tuition for nonresident students. This rate is more in line with what private universities charge for a master's in mental health counseling program. The out-of-state rate is also more than three times that of the in-state rate. 

What We Like About ECU

• ECU's College of Allied Health Sciences is the largest university-based allied-health provider in the state of North Carolina.
• Hundreds of institutional scholarships are listed within the ECUAWard scholarship portal. 
• Despite being housed within the College of Education, the clinical mental health counseling specialization is accredited by CACREP. 

What We Don't Like

• ECU's program is offered through the College of Education rather than the more traditional College of Psychology. 
• Coursework is 100% online, but the program requires students to participate in two on-campus residencies. 

Why We Chose It: NSU's MS in counseling students can choose from three separate concentrations to help shape their careers.

Nova Southeastern University offers three counseling master's degree options, giving students the opportunity to earn a counseling degree that matches their career interests as closely as possible. The three specializations include clinical mental health counseling (60 credit hours), school counseling (48 credit hours), and applied behavioral analysis (54-63 credit hours). There is also a nondegree option for students looking to complete the Florida school counseling certification. 

The clinical mental health specialization is accredited by CACREP. Both the mental health counseling and behavioral analysis specializations offer start dates in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The school counseling concentration, however, only has an available start date in the fall. 

What We Like About NSU

• All graduate-level student veterans are eligible for an additional $8,500 annually in financial aid through the Yellow Ribbon Program. 
• Nova's school counseling concentration earned national recognition through the American School Counselor Association. 
• Students have the option to pursue multiple concentrations at once. 

What We Don't Like

• Clinical mental health counseling and school counseling students must travel to a Nova campus twice for mandatory three-day residency sessions. 
• Only one start date is offered for the school counseling concentration. 
• An interview is required for admission into the counseling MS program. 

Why We Chose It: Students have the opportunity to take a foundational track and, in addition, pursue licensure. 

Seton Hall University offers 48- and 60-credit online counseling master's programs, giving students flexibility based on their career goals. First, students can pursue their MA in counseling degree entirely online, which requires 48 credits. This program alone meets the academic requirements to become a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey and most other states, according to the university. Students can also opt for an educational specialist (Ed.S.) in professional counseling degree — an additional 12 credit hours — if they want more advanced-level preparation to pursue a career as a mental health counselor. 

Seton Hall accepts applications for the online MA in counseling program on a rolling basis, giving students more potential flexibility. Priority deadlines for scholarships are May 1 for the fall semester and Nov. 1 for the spring semester. 

What We Like About SHU

• SHU does not have any prerequisite course requirements and does not require any previous counseling experience for admission.
• The university's Educational Opportunity Program provides financial assistance and extra academic support to New Jersey residents "from economically disadvantaged backgrounds."
• Graduate students have the opportunity to complete an externship at the university's Counseling and Psychological Services Center.

What We Don't Like

• Seton Hall's clinical component requires 300 internship hours per semester over three semesters. 
• Two in-person residencies, taking place over two separate weekends, are required for graduation.