2023 Best Online Certificates in Counseling

Rio Salado College is a public college offering an online Certificate of Completion in Professional Addictions Counseling, which totals 11-14 credit hours. The college is a Hispanic-Serving Institution. It can take full-time students at least one year to finish this program. Rio accepts 100% of applicants, with 13% graduating.

At Rio, online students complete coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats on RioLearn This program helps working professionals enhance their knowledge in addiction counseling. Sample courses include Multicultural Aspects, Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders Seminar, and Addictive and Medical Plants Seminar. Prospective careers may include recovery coaches, substance abuse counselors, and mental health counselors.

College of DuPage (COD) is a public institution that offers an online Certificate in Addictions Counselor, requiring 40 credit hours. COD is an Asian American, Native American Pacific Islander, and Hispanic-Serving Institution. Full-time students can spend 1-2 years completing this degree. The acceptance rate at COD is 100%, with a graduation rate of 24%.

At COD, online students complete courses available asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. Students will receive accredited training to help their clients address addiction issues. Some of the program’s courses include Group Dynamics, Interpersonal Dynamics, and Family Education and Treatment Models. Students are required to complete fieldwork to graduate. Potential careers are youth counselors, mental health technicians, and addictions counselors.

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is a public institution with an online Certificate in Adolescent Behavioral Health Counseling equaling 18 credit hours. This program can be completed within one year. CCBC’s acceptance rate is 100%, with an 18% graduation rate.

CCBC facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system D2L Brightspace. This certificate program prepares students to apply for Counselor Trainee status in Maryland. Example courses are Interviewing and Counseling Techniques, Group Counseling, and Counseling Clients with Substance Use Disorders. Graduates may go on to careers like school counselors, guidance counselors, and mental health counselors.

At Central Texas College (CTC), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Certificate of Completion in Chemical Dependency Counseling requiring 47 credit hours. It can take two years to complete this certificate program online with a full class load. CTC accepts 100% of applicants, with 14% graduating.

CTC facilitates synchronous online learning on the learning management system Blackboard. The program prepares students to help counsel people with substance use disorders. Sample courses include Problems of Children and Adolescents, Crisis Intervention, and Abnormal Psychology. A practicum is required for graduation. Future careers may include licensed dependency counselors, social and community service managers, and behavioral disorder counselors.

The University of Cincinnati (UC) is a public university offering an online Undergraduate Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling that totals 24 credit hours. Full-time students can spend six months finishing this certificate. UC’s acceptance rate is 85%, with a graduation rate of 68%.

UC’s online students complete courses asynchronously on Canvas. This certificate program gives students the skills and knowledge to support people dealing with addiction. Some of the program’s courses include Drugs and Behavior, Substance Abuse Counseling for Families and Other Relationships, and Basic Pharmacology. Prospective careers include substance abuse counselors, rehabilitation counselors, and probation officers.

The University of South Dakota (USD) is a public institution that offers an online Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Counseling requiring 12 credit hours. It can take less than a year to finish this counseling certificate online. This certificate program builds upon the 60 credit hours necessary to meet the state licensure requirements.

USD uses D2L Brightspace to facilitate asynchronous and synchronous online learning. The program covers topics like co-occurring disorder counseling and psychopathology. Example coursework includes Childhood Through Adulthood Psychopathology for Mental Health Professionals, Psychopharmacology for the Nonmedical Mental Health Professional, and Foundations of Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders for Professional Counselors. Students are required to complete supervised clinicals. Potential careers include mental health counselors, correctional counselors, and relief counselors.

The University of Alabama (UA) is a public university offering an online Educational Specialist in Counselor Education with School Counselor Certification, which totals 30 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend one year or more completing this certificate. Completion of this certificate program leads to Alabama school counselor certification.

UA facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Blackboard. The program explores topics like counselor education, play therapy, and psychopathy. The program’s courses include Readings in Counselor Education, Working with Families, and Substance Abuse Counseling. Students must submit an electronic portfolio to graduate. Graduates may go on to careers like substance abuse counselors, youth counselors, and guidance counselors.

North Carolina State University (NCSU) is a public institution that offers two online counseling certificates: (1) a Graduate Certificate in Counselor Education (13 credit hours) and (2) a Graduate Certificate in Family Life Education and Coaching (15 credit hours). It can take a year or more to finish either certificate. Students must have an undergraduate degree, 60 major undergraduate credit hours, or a graduate degree to be admitted.

At NCSU, online students complete coursework delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Moodle. Both programs explore specific niches within counseling. Sample courses include Family Coaching, Multicultural Counseling, and Family Communication and Coaching. Prospective careers include admissions counselors, guidance counselors, and career counselors.

The University of Massachusetts - Boston (UMass Boston) is a public university with an online Professional Certificate in Addictions Counselor Education requiring 54 credit hours. The university is an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. Full-time students can spend 1-2 years finishing this program. The university accepts 79% of applicants, with 57% graduating.

At UMass Boston, online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. Students learn to deliver substance abuse counseling in this program. The certificate program’s courses include Counseling Clients with Substance Use Disorders, Criminal Justice & Substance Use Disorders, and The Family & Group Treatment of Substance Use Disorders. A 30-hour capstone practicum is also required to graduate. Potential career options include addictions counselors, recovery coaches, and correctional officers.

At Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC), a public college, future students can pursue an online Undergraduate Certificate in Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Counselor requiring 33 credit hours. It can take a year to complete this program. The college’s acceptance rate is 100%, with a 32% graduation rate.

SWCC facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on a learning management system. This program is for students seeking to become certified substance counselors. Sample courses include Group Dynamics, Counseling Psychology, and Effects of Psychoactive Drugs. A coordinated internship is required for graduation. Future careers may include certified substance abuse counselors, school counselors, and probation officers.

Utah Valley University (UVU) is a public university offering two online certificate programs in counseling: (1) a Certificate of Proficiency in Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counseling and (2) a Certificate of Proficiency in Substance Use Disorder Counseling Certificate. These programs range from 26-32 credit hours. UVU’s acceptance rate is 100%, with a 41% graduation rate.

UVU uses Canvas to deliver asynchronous and synchronous online courses. The first program is designed for beginners, while the second explores more advanced topics in substance abuse counseling. Example coursework includes Dynamics of Addiction, Psychopharmacology for the Substance Use Disorder Counseling Field, and Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counseling. An internship is required for both programs. Potential careers include substance abuse counselors, mental health counselors, and residential counselors.

The University of West Georgia (UWG) is a public university offering an online Education Specialist in Professional Counseling, requiring 27 credit hours. Full-time students can spend one year finishing this program. This program does not lead to licensure as a professional counselor.

At UWG, online students complete coursework delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats on D2L Brightspace. This program is for graduate students looking to advance their expertise in counseling. Sample courses include Counseling in the Military Community, Supervision in Counseling, and Designing Effective Programs. Prospective careers include admissions counselors, youth counselors, and behavioral specialists.

The University of Tennessee - Martin (UTM) is a public institution with an online School Counseling Endorsement, requiring 24 credit hours. Completing this program with a full class load can take one year. The university offers students the option to complete a Master of Science in Education - Counseling alongside their endorsement.

UTM facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Canvas. This program helps students develop the knowledge and skills to support a student’s academic, professional, and personal growth. Some of the program’s courses include Theories of Counseling, Group Counseling, and Career Counseling. Students are required to complete practicums and internships. Graduates may go on to careers like admissions counselors, school counselors, and career counselors.

At Liberty University (LU) — a private, nonprofit, Christian institution — future students can pursue an online Education Specialist in Community Care and Counseling totaling 30 credit hours. Online students can expect to spend a year completing courses. This program offers three specializations: (1) marriage and family counseling, (2) pastoral care and counseling, and (3) traumatology. This program does not meet licensure requirements.

LU uses Canvas to deliver asynchronous and synchronous online classes. Students get doctoral-level education and training without needing a dissertation. The program’s courses include Family Development, Marriage Counseling, and Applied Counseling Theories. Potential careers include Christian counselors, university professors, and researchers.

According to LU’s Student Honor Code, the school is not an LGBT-friendly institution.

The University of North Dakota (UND) is a public university that offers an online Graduate Certificate in K-12 School Counseling, totaling 28-48 credit hours. Full-time students can spend 1-2 years completing this program. The program is available in two tracks: (1) re-specialization and (2) educators.

At UND, online students complete courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. This program prepares students to obtain a K-12 school counseling certificate. Example coursework includes Group Theory and Process, Counseling Methods, and Multicultural Counseling. Also, online students are required to complete a practicum and internship. Future careers may include school counselors, youth counselors, and guidance counselors.

Jacksonville State University (JSU) is a public institution with an online Educational Specialist in School Counseling, requiring 30 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend one year completing their studies. Students in this program are eligible to apply for an Alabama Professional Educator certificate.

JSU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Canvas. Working professionals can advance their skills and knowledge in the counseling profession in this program. Sample courses include Advanced Counseling Theories, Children and Grief, and Rehabilitation Counseling. A comprehensive exam is required for graduation. Prospective careers include school counselors, school counselor coordinators, and secondary school counselors.

Northcentral Technical College (NTC) is a public college offering an online Counseling Skills in the Helping Profession Certificate, which equals 15 credit hours. It can take students less than a year to finish this certificate program. NTC accepts 100% of students, with 56% graduating.

At NTC, online students use Canvas to complete courses asynchronously and synchronously. The program helps students refine their skills and knowledge in human behavior and communication. Some of the program’s courses include Counseling Theory, Group Facilitation, and Crisis Intervention and Stress Management. The program’s graduates may pursue careers like hospice advocates, domestic abuse advocates, and youth shelter home technicians.

Crown College is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution with an online Undergraduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling requiring 12 credit hours. Future students can expect to spend a year or less completing this certificate. Crown’s acceptance rate is 65%, with a 48% graduation rate.

At Crown, online students complete courses available asynchronously on Moodle. This certificate is for students seeking advanced training in alcohol and drug counseling. Sample coursework includes Psychopharmacology, Diversity Issues in Counseling, and Case Management for Alcohol and Drug Counseling. An internship is required for graduation. Potential career options are substance abuse counselors, mental health counselors, and recovery coaches.

According to the school’s statement of faith, they are not an LGBT-friendly institution.

Regent University Online is a private, nonprofit, Christian university offering an online Certificate of Graduate Studies in Psychology & Counseling, which requires 9-12 credit hours. Full-time students can spend less than a year completing coursework. The program offers four concentrations: (1) clinical mental health counseling; (2) marriage, couple, & family counseling; (3) school counseling; and (4) trauma counseling.

Regent Online facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. The program explores counseling from a Christian perspective. Example courses include Theories of Human Sexuality, Disaster Trauma & Psychological First Aid, and Principles of School Counseling. An internship is required for graduation. Future careers may include school counselors, marriage counselors, and trauma therapists.

According to the university’s student handbook, Regent Online is not LGBT-friendly, prohibiting relationships in this community.

Kent State University at Kent is a public university with an online Undergraduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling requiring 16 credit hours. It can take a year to finish this program. The university accepts 87% of students, with 60% graduating.

At Kent State, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. The program meets the requirements for students to apply for chemical dependency counseling licensure in Ohio. Some of the program’s courses include Theories and Practices in Addictions Counseling, Treatment Planning in Addictions Counseling, and Evidence-Based Practices in Addictions Counseling. Students must also complete a practicum in addiction counseling. Graduates may go on to careers like substance abuse counselors, care coordinators, and social services coordinators.

The University of Buffalo (UB) is a public institution offering two online certificate programs in counseling: (1) an Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling and (2) an Advanced Certificate in Rehabilitation Counseling. Both certificate programs total 18 credit hours each. Full-time students can spend one year completing each certificate program online. Both programs make students eligible for professional licensure.

UB’s online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on D2L Brightspace. Both programs help students advance their skills and knowledge in specific counseling niches. The programs’ courses include Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling, Career Development Theories, and Assessment in Mental Health Counseling. Students must complete a minimum of 600 clinical hours for the first program. Prospective careers include mental health counselors, rehabilitation counselors, and behavioral specialists.

At Lamar University, a public institution, prospective students can pursue two online counseling certificates: a (1) Program Certificate in Mental Health Counseling and a (2) Program Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both equaling 18 credit hours each. Both programs can take a year to finish. Students are eligible to apply for professional licensure with both programs.

Lamar University uses Blackboard for asynchronous and synchronous online learning. Both certificate programs help students meet the 60-credit hour requirement to receive a counseling license in Texas. Some of the programs’ courses include Abnormal Psychology, Addictions Counseling, and Psychopathology and Basic Psychopharmacology. Future careers may include addiction counselors, mental health technicians, and case managers.

Tompkins Cortland Community College is a public institution offering an online Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling, which requires 26 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend a year completing this program. The community college’s acceptance rate is 100%, with a graduation rate of 33%.

At Tompkins Cortland, online students complete coursework asynchronously on D2L Brightspace. The program prepares students to work in a variety of settings delivering substance abuse counseling. Example coursework includes Drug Studies, Alcohol and Alcoholism, and Group Counseling: Theory & Practice. Students are also required to complete 120-150 hours of field experience toward the 350 hours for licensure in New York. Graduates may pursue careers like youth counselors, direct care professionals, and drug abuse counselors.

Campbellsville University (CU) is a private, nonprofit, Baptist university with an online Certificate in School Counseling requiring 12 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this program within a year. The certificate is designed for graduate students with 48 credit hours of counseling courses.

CU uses a learning management system to deliver courses asynchronously and synchronously. This certificate helps students develop the skills and knowledge to assume leadership roles in academia. Some of the program’s courses include The Child and Adolescent, School Counselor Accountability, and School Crisis Prevention and Intervention. Potential careers include school counselors, guidance counselors, and school counselor coordinators.

At the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), a public institution, future students can pursue an online Post-Master's Certificate in School Counseling requiring 12 credit hours. It can take less than a year to finish classes. This program is offered every summer and concludes in the fall.

UNC Charlotte facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. This program is designed for students seeking to become school counselors. The program’s courses include The Professional School Counselor, Consultation in School Counseling, and Administration and Leadership of School Counseling Services. A 300-hour supervised school counseling internship and seminars are required in addition to coursework. Prospective careers include school counselors, youth counselors, and guidance counselors.

Southern Arkansas University (SAU) is a public university, online students can pursue an online Graduate Certificate in School Counseling totaling 12 credit hours. Full-time students can spend one year completing this certificate. Students with a master’s degree in counseling can apply to this program.

At SAU, online students complete courses delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Blackboard. A certificate in school counseling prepares students to work with adolescents in school settings. The program’s courses are Foundations of School Counseling and Development and Administration of School Counseling Programs. Students must complete supervised internships at secondary and elementary schools. Future careers may include school counselors, guidance counselors, and school counselor directors.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public institution offering an online Post-Master’s Certificate in Professional Counseling, equaling 15 credit hours. Full-time students can spend a year completing this program. This program meets the requirements to get national certifications, such as National Certified Counselor.

VCU facilitates asynchronous online learning on Canvas. This program explores topics like human development, counseling theories, and career counseling. Sample courses include Counseling, Death and Loss, Case Management, and Multicultural Counseling. Even for online certificate students, an internship is required for graduation. Graduates may go on to careers like rehabilitation counselors, career counselors, and case managers.

Bob Jones University (BJU) is a private, nonprofit, Evangelical Christian university with an online Graduate Certificate in Biblical Counseling, requiring 18 credit hours. Future students can expect to spend a year finishing courses. This certificate can later be applied to a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling or a Master of Divinity - Biblical Counseling.

BJU’s online students complete courses delivered asynchronously on Canvas. In this program, students learn the concepts, theories, and practices of biblical counseling. Some of the program’s courses include Theories of Counseling, Counseling Issues, and Foundations of Biblical Counseling. Potential career options for graduates include biblical counselors, chaplains, and mental health counselors.

According to their student handbook, BJU is not LGBT-friendly. They do not condone relationships in this community.

Lock Haven University (LHU) is a public university that has an online Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Counseling totaling 12 credit hours. It can take less than a year to finish this certificate. This certificate builds off the Telemental Health Counseling Certificate, a one-course graduate certificate.

At LHU, online students complete coursework available asynchronously and synchronously on D2L Brightspace. This certificate is designed for human service professionals working with or near trauma. The program’s courses include Trauma and Crisis Counseling, Grief and Loss Counseling, and Advanced Interventions in Trauma-Informed Counseling. Prospective careers include trauma therapists, behavioral specialists, and direct care professionals.

Additional online counseling certificates at LHU are Foundations of Trauma-Informed Care and Military Resistance and Trauma Counseling.

Maranatha Baptist University (MBS) is a private, nonprofit, Baptist university that offers an online Graduate Certificate in Biblical Counseling requiring 12 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend less than a year completing this program with a full course load. This program will not provide a certificate in biblical counseling.

At MBS, online students complete courses delivered in synchronous formats on a learning management system. This program teaches students how to deliver counseling from a Biblical approach. Sample courses include Methods of Biblical Change, Crisis Counseling, and Counseling Problems and Procedures. Graduates may go on to careers like biblical counselors, associate pastors, and youth counselors.

Students should note that MBS is not LGBT-friendly.