2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Counseling Psychology

Overview of Online Master's in Counseling Psychology Degrees

Counseling psychology master's programs are designed to train graduates to be licensed clinical mental health counselors. Learners study the theories, concepts, and strategies of psychology in depth while developing the skills and techniques to provide professional counseling services. According to Burning Glass, a data analytics company, the 258 institutions offering this program conferred just over 8,000 traditional and online counseling psychology degrees in 2020. Programs typically require 60 credit hours, and they are generally structured to be completed in two years with a full-time schedule, though some require an additional six months on top of that.

It's possible to earn a counseling psychology degree entirely through distance education, where students take fully online classes and complete their fieldwork requirements at mental health facilities near their homes. The median annual tuition of an online program in counseling psychology is $18,400, according to our analysis of 35 schools. Online students may reduce higher education expenses by applying for financial aid and avoiding campus-related expenses, such as housing and transportation costs. Non-resident students may also save by opting for online programs, as many schools' online tuition rates are lower than their out-of-state tuition rates.

Applying to an Online Master's in Counseling Psychology Program

The admission requirements for acceptance into an online master's program in counseling psychology are fairly consistent across schools. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university. Some schools require a bachelor's degree in psychology or counseling, while others are more flexible and may accept related degrees. Students are also required to have earned a minimum GPA — often 3.0 — for their undergraduate coursework. Applicants with degrees in other fields may be required to take prerequisite courses before starting the program. Those who meet most, but not all, of the admissions criteria may be placed on conditional acceptance until they complete the requirements.

When submitting their applications, students are usually required to include official transcripts and any other coursework they have completed. Schools may also ask that students submit a personal statement, writing sample, letters of recommendation, and either a resume or curriculum vitae. Some schools also require prospective students to submit GRE scores, and a few even request formal background checks.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a designation indicating that schools and their individual programs meet academic standards and produce professional-level learning outcomes. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs accredits in-person and online master's degree programs that are oriented toward clinical counseling. Since programmatic accreditation may be required for state licensure, students should check their state's licensing board before enrolling to ensure their program meets their state's criteria. Depending on the state, licensing boards for counseling may stipulate unique requirements for online learners.

Common Courses

While some courses in an online counseling psychology program focus on theory, others emphasize practice through hands-on exercises, simulations, and supervised work.

Because most counseling occupations require state licensure, program coursework is also intended to help students pass the appropriate exams. In addition to core courses, students may choose several electives in subjects that are often specializations in the counseling field, such as career counseling, substance use and addiction treatment, marriage and family therapy, human sexuality, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology. The following are some of the courses commonly found in an online counseling psychology program.

Clinical Hours

Online students usually complete fieldwork — another important component — at a mental health facility during a program’s last year. Working under the supervision of licensed counselors in real-life settings enables students to develop counseling skills in testing, evaluation, and consultation. Most programs require students to complete two term-long internships and possibly one additional practicum, which usually entail 500-700 hours of work experience. These clinical hours also help fulfill state requirements for licensure.

Careers in the Field of Counseling Psychology

Online counseling psychology programs are meant to instruct students on offering support and guidance to individuals and families struggling with behavioral and emotional difficulties. Master's graduates may work in private practices or government agencies that provide counseling assistance, or they may decide to pursue a doctoral degree. While becoming a fully licensed psychologist requires a doctoral degree, graduates with online master's degrees are qualified for a number of career paths in counseling, including the following:

Licensure and Certification Requirements

Depending on the career path graduates choose and the state where they work, they may or may not need a license to practice. For example, marriage and family therapists, certified counselors, school counselors, and other licensed professional counselors typically need state-issued licensure, but career counselors may not. These credentials need to be renewed periodically, and renewal often requires proof that the counselor has completed a state-specified number of continuing education hours.

The eligibility criteria for licensure also varies by state: There are variations in the counseling degree level, program accreditation, number of supervised clinical hours, and other required qualifications for every specialization in each state. While several counseling specializations require only a master's degree, becoming a licensed psychologist requires a doctoral degree. Students should check with their state's licensing board to determine the licensing requirements for their chosen occupation.

Licensed counselors may also want to earn certification from a professional organization, such as the National Board for Certified Counselors. Although certification is usually optional, it demonstrates a counselor's commitment to professional development and practice. Certifications are available for both general practitioners and specialists.