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Guide to Earning a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Online

Over 250 schools offer master’s in mental health counseling programs, and a growing number are offering online routes to earning the degree.1 Earning your master’s in clinical or licensed mental health counseling is a requirement for becoming licensed as a mental health counselor or professional counselor (MHC, LMHC, or LPC). Most careers in mental health counseling require an advanced degree, licensure, and supervised work experience.

On this page, you’ll read about the pros and cons of online master’s in mental health counseling study, our list of top online mental health counseling programs, and profiles of the top 10 programs.

Table of Contents

Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Pros and Cons

One major benefit of online study is that it can allow you to attend an out-of-state school without having to relocate. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 52% of postbaccalaureate students studying exclusively online attend institutions outside their home state.2 If you do study at an out-of-state school for your online master’s in counseling, be sure to check how that might impact your plans for licensure.

Another factor to consider when evaluating clinical mental health counseling graduate programs online is institutional support. A department with a larger proportion of online students is more likely to be supportive and responsive to the unique needs of online learners. This factor is included in our ranking of online master’s in mental health counseling programs below.

A possible drawback to online study is the difference in peer-to-peer interaction and networking. Networking is commonly viewed as a major benefit of graduate study, and online students may sacrifice face-to-face time which can make networking more challenging. However, online students can still build relationships and network with their peers, instructors, and potential mentors using by various online tools including discussion boards and online communication tools like Zoom and Slack.

Counselor Licensing With an Online Master’s Program in Counseling

In most cases, the pathway to licensure with an online degree in counseling will work the same as with an on-campus degree. To ensure that a program will qualify you for licensure, it is important to look for:

  • National accreditation from one of the six accrediting bodies recognized by the US Department of Education
  • Specific program approval from the state board of licensed professional counselors, if a requirement in that state
  • Accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP)

Be sure to check your state’s guidelines to understand the requirements for licensed mental health counselors in your state and whether an online program will meet those standards.

Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs

Our unique ranking of the best online master’s in mental health counseling programs analyzes various factors to identify the top programs designed to lead to mental health counselor licensure. All of the schools included on our list are not-for-profit and regionally accredited by a body recognized by the US Department of Education.

Our ranking gives particular weight to the cost of tuition per online credit hour averaged between in-state and out-of-state students, the proportion of tenured faculty, the student loan default rate, and the proportion of graduate students studying exclusively online. Our model also takes into consideration national and regional ranking from US News & World Report and accreditation from CACREP. CACREP accreditation may or may not be required for licensure, but it is a helpful indicator of overall program quality.

SchoolCDG RankAvg. Online Tuition Per Credit HourCACREP Accred.?% of Grad Students Taking Only Distance Education Courses1Overall Grad Rate (UG)1% Tenured Faculty3Student Loan Default Rate1US News National Ranking4US News Regional Ranking4
William and Mary1$665Yes54%91%48%0.7%#38 tie
North Carolina State University2$705Yes37%84%50%2.0%#79 tie
Emporia State University*3$341Yes87%46%49%3.8%#82 tie
Northwestern University4$5,005Yes2%95%46%0.6%#9 tie
Oregon State University5$590Yes31%69%36%2.8%#162 tie
Messiah University6$725Yes62%79%34%2.3%#23 tie
Geneva College7$710Yes24%72%57%3.8%#73 tie
Wichita State University8$308Yes21%48%46%5.6%#299-391
Bradley University9$950Yes84%76%34%2.5%#2 tie
St. Bonaventure University10$799Yes89%74%33%3.5%#18 tie
University of Louisiana at Monroe11$500Yes58%57%45%5.4%#299-391
Concordia University Chicago12$535Yes95%51%10%3.1%#61 tie
Wake Forest University13$1,560Yes24%89%40%0.6%#28 tie
Fort Hays State University*14$299Yes90%46%20%5.7%#108 tie
University of Massachusetts-Boston15$575Yes100%49%31%5.5%#277 tie
Lock Haven University16$645Yes78%50%72%7.6%#109 tie
Spring Arbor University17$628Yes77%65%13%3.6%#54 tie
Indiana Wesleyan University18$590Yes81%72%5.0%#19 tie
Midwestern State University-Flower Mound19$415Yes71%44%36%7.7%#77 tie
Malone University*20$650Yes54%54%28%5.5%#82 tie
Adams State University21$453Yes60%32%20%5.6%#94-122
North Carolina Central University22$600Yes35%52%33%8.2%#48 tie
University of the Cumberlands23$400Yes43%40%6%5.3%#299-391
Nova Southeastern University24$840Yes39%62%3%1.9%#213 tie
University of West Alabama25$429No93%40%24%5.8%#93 tie
Wright State University*26$893Yes53%43%58%5.5%#299-391
Bellevue University27$610Yes92%23%3.1%#119-157
Colorado Christian University*28$698Yes84%61%7.6%#61 tie
Marshall University*29$767Yes21%50%40%7.8%#288 tie
Prescott College30$825Yes99%49%4.7%#94-122
National Louis University31$759Yes38%22%31%5.1%#299-391
Lindsey Wilson College32$484Yes53%40%8.7%#84 tie
University of Alaska Fairbanks33$822Yes65%39%31%8.5%#299-391
Union Institute and University34$810Yes45%38%3.5%#299-391
Hodges University35$830Yes90%28%5.7%#104-137
University of Holy Cross36$705Yes5%38%7%
Medaille College37$900Yes14%37%7%8.9%#131-171

*Programs with an asterisk (*) are hybrid, meaning students must take at least some courses on-campus.

Top 10 Online Masters in Mental Health Counseling Program Profiles

William and Mary (#1)

university of william and mary logoWilliam and Mary (W&M) offers an online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). Students may choose to pursue further specialization with an emphasis in Military and Veterans Counseling or School Counseling. Regardless of the emphasis, the curriculum is designed to develop students’ competencies in four areas: Diagnosis, Treatment, Referral, and Prevention. The 60-credit hour program can be completed in three years and includes a practicum as well as a clinical internship. Students can expect to take courses such as Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy; Contemporary Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; and The Counselor and Psychopathology. Two three-day residencies on campus are required, but coursework is completed online and the required internship and practicum can be completed in the student’s local area.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 2,7031
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 42%4
GRE Required?:

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $665/$6555
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $584/$1,5735
Graduates studying part-time (campuswide): 37%1

Graduate Statistics

Median debt (campuswide): $16,5006
Earnings-to-debt-return (campuswide): 292%6*

North Carolina State University (#2)

north carolina state university logoStudents at North Carolina State University (NCSU) can earn a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Mental Health Counseling in as little as three years. The program uses a model of collaboration between the areas of school, college, and community in order to prepare professionals for multiculturally aware practice. Core courses include Theories of Counseling; Gender Issues in Counseling; and Strategies for Clinical Assessment in Counseling. Admission is competitive and is based on the student’s record of academic achievement, recommendations from past professors and professional supervisors, and leadership activities. An interview round is also part of the admissions process. Graduates of the program are qualified to pursue the Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) credential in North Carolina.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 9,8921
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 46%4
GRE Required?:

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $272/$1,1387
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $505/$1,5047
Graduates studying part-time (campuswide): 46%1

Graduate Statistics

Median debt (campuswide): $17,5006
Earnings-to-debt-return (campuswide): 251%6*

Emporia State University (#3)

emporia state university logoEmporia State University offers a Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that prepares graduates to practice in a variety of settings with diverse populations. Admission is competitive and it is recommended that students have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in their previous studies. Concentration courses include Integrated Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders; Psychopharmacology; and Relationship & Family Counseling. Students may also elect to complete a thesis option, which may particularly interest those considering academic careers or doctoral study. All students will complete a 600-clock-hour internship in a clinical setting. The 60-credit hour curriculum meets the educational standards for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Kansas. Emporia State also offers master’s-level concentrations in Clinical Addictions Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Art Therapy.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 2,6471
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 86%4
GRE Required?: No8

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $273/$4098
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $567/$8298
Graduates studying part-time (campuswide): 84%1

Graduate Statistics

Median debt (campuswide): $14,0006
Earnings-to-debt-return (campuswide): 191%6*

Northwestern University (#4)

northwestern university logoNorthwestern University’s online Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling emphasizes compassionate care and self-reflective, evidence-based practice. The majority of classes are real-time and the curriculum blends classroom-based study with clinical field placements in order to graduate well-rounded clinicians who are prepared for professional practice. The online program has strong ties to the on-campus program and includes in-person immersions to encourage networking. The program offers rolling admissions and students may start the curriculum in January, April, June, or September. Courses offered include Theories and Techniques of Group Counseling and Psychotherapy; Cultural Diversity in Counseling; and Theory and Technique of Substance Abuse. An optional emphasis in Child and Adolescent practice is offered. Northwestern also offers an online Master of Science (MS) in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 14,0441
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 9%4
GRE Required?: No9

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $5,005/$5,0059
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $7,123/$7,1239
Graduates studying part-time (campuswide): 31%1

Graduate Statistics

Median debt (campuswide): $14,0006
Earnings-to-debt-return (campuswide): 472%6*

Oregon State University (#5)

oregon state university logo
Oregon State University’s (OSU) hybrid Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MCoun) program is designed for part-time students in the greater Corvallis, Oregon area. The curriculum emphasizes rural practice and is designed to be completed in three and a half to four years. Students take primarily online courses but must visit the Wilsonville, Oregon campus for in-person classes two Fridays and Saturdays each term. Students take courses as a cohort, which encourages peer networking. Classes in the program include Social and Cultural Perspectives; Crisis, Trauma, and Grief Counseling; and Applied Psychopathology and Psychodiagnosis. Students also take practicum and internship courses to build their skills in professional clinical settings. OSU works with students to find acceptable sites, though ultimately students are responsible for securing placements.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 5,6681
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 84%4
GRE Required?: No10

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $590/$59010
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $498/$1,01110
Graduates studying part-time (campuswide): 39%1

Graduate Statistics

Median debt (campuswide): $15,0006
Earnings-to-debt-return (campuswide): 265%6*

Messiah University (#6)

messiah university logoMessiah University is home to an online Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Students take most courses online, with occasional required weeklong intensives on the school’s Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania campus. The 60-credit hour program is designed to lead to credentialing as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania. Courses are offered in eight-week blocks and the curriculum is offered on two-, three-, and four-year timelines to completion. Core courses include Lifespan Development; Spiritual Formation and Faith-based Counseling; and Research Design and Statistics. Emphases in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling and School Counseling are also offered for students interested in a different licensure track. Messiah also offers a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Counseling for those who earned a master’s in counseling but need additional credits for licensure or continuing education.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 7561
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 78%4
GRE Required?: No11

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $725/$72511
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: N/A11
Graduates studying part-time (campuswide): 62%1

Graduate Statistics

Median debt (campuswide): $22,5436
Earnings-to-debt-return (campuswide): 117%6*

Geneva College (#7)

geneva college logoGeneva College offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that can be completed online or in a hybrid format. Online students must attend one five-day residency on the Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania campus, which typically takes place in late August. In addition to professional practica and internships, students may take such online courses as Research Design and Program Evaluation; Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling; and Foundations for Faith-Based Counseling. Online courses follow an accelerated eight-week schedule, which allows students to complete two courses per quarter. A total of 60 credit hours are required to earn the degree. MA concentrations in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling and Professional School Counseling are also offered.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 1481
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 73%4
GRE Required?: No12

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $710/$71012
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $710/$71012
Graduates studying part-time (campuswide): 57%1

Graduate Statistics

Median debt (campuswide): $19,5006
Earnings-to-debt-return (campuswide): 140%6*

Wichita State University (#8)

wichita state university logoWichita State University (WSU) offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling with a track in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. 60 credit hours are required to earn the degree, with students given exposure to topics across the counseling spectrum including marriage and family therapy, counseling for children and adolescents, and grief and loss counseling. Example courses include Human Growth and Development for Counselors; Psychopathology and the DSM; and Research Methods and Program Evaluation. Students also take at least six credit hours of internship, which may be taken over one or two semesters. To be considered for admission, students must have a GPA of at least 3.0 across the last 60 credit hours. Graduates are eligible to pursue credentialing as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Kansas as well as certification by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 3,0531
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 55%4
GRE Required?: No13

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $308/$30813
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $308/$75613
Graduates studying part-time (campuswide): 60%1

Graduate Statistics

Median debt (campuswide): $14,2506
Earnings-to-debt-return (campuswide): 234%6*

Bradley University (#9)

bradley university logoAt Bradley University, students can earn an online Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Only two core courses are required, giving students wide latitude in customizing their degree program to personal interests. Courses offered include Loss and Grief Counseling; Counseling Diverse Populations; Crisis Intervention; and Consultation in the Helping Professions. Students will complete at least one professional internship in their local area, with faculty offering placement assistance and guidance. Bradley also offers an online MA in Counseling with an emphasis in Professional School Counseling for those interested in pursuing licensure as school counselors.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 1,2811
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 73%4
GRE Required?: No14

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $950/$95014
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $950/$95014
Graduates studying part-time (campuswide): 74%1

Graduate Statistics

Median debt (campuswide): $22,6256
Earnings-to-debt-return (campuswide): 174%6*

St. Bonaventure University (#10)

saint bonaventure university logo
St. Bonaventure University (SBU) offers an online Master of Science in Education (MSED) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The curriculum emphasizes strong professional foundations, the spirit of service, and the human perspective in adopting professional practices to specific communities and populations. In addition to developing professional practice competencies, students will learn about the business of counseling and cultural awareness. Courses include Advanced Human Growth and Development; Theories and Techniques of Counseling; and Abnormal Psychology. Students also complete professional internships and residencies for direct clinical experience. Graduates are prepared to pursue licensure in the state of New York.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 7011
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 76%4
GRE Required?: No15

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $799/$79915
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $815/$81515
Graduates studying part-time (campuswide): 81%1

Graduate Statistics

Median debt (campuswide): $20,5006
Earnings-to-debt-return (campuswide): 182%6*

Frequently Asked Questions

What is clinical mental health counseling?

Clinical mental health counseling is the professional practice of helping people develop strategies to confront and overcome challenges, including but not limited to challenges with mental illness. You can read more about potential paths on our mental health counselor career guide.

Can you get licensed in mental health counseling if you studied online?

Yes, you can get licensed in mental health counseling if you earn your degree online. The process is the same as if you earned your degree on-campus. The key is ensuring that the program you complete meets the requirements for clinical mental health counseling licensure in your state.

What can you do with a mental health counseling degree?

A mental health counseling degree prepares you for careers in clinical mental health counseling. Professional settings for counselors include mental health centers, hospitals, and doctors’ offices. Counselors may also visit clients’ homes as well as family care and wellness centers. Some counselors work in college and university health and wellness centers. Those working in K-12 schools typically must be licensed as school counselors, who follow a different education and licensing pathway in many states.

Is an online master’s in mental health counseling respected?

Yes! In most cases, the degree awarded for completing an online master’s in mental health counseling is the same as the degree awarded for completing an on-campus program. The accreditation status and overall reputation of the school you attend is generally the driving factor in degree recognition.

Is enrollment in online master’s programs really growing?

Even before COVID-19, statistics indicated that online study was a major growth area for postbaccalaureate students (which includes master’s, doctoral, and certificate students beyond the undergraduate level). In Fall 2019, the most recent year for which statistics are available, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that 40% of students enrolled in postbaccalaureate programs in private nonprofit schools and 37% enrolled in postbaccalaureate programs in public schools were taking at least one distance education course.2 In the same year, 30% of postbaccalaureate students in private nonprofit schools and 27% of postbaccalaureate students in public schools were taking exclusively online courses.2

Can you complete an LPC program online?

LPC stands for licensed professional counselor, which is a professional qualification, rather than a concentration area for a graduate degree. People searching for “LPC online programs” typically mean online programs in clinical mental health counseling that will meet the education requirements for the LPC designation. Many reputable online mental health counseling programs meet this standard.

References:
*The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce defines this as a ratio indicating how earnings 10 years after enrollment relate to the median total debt, expressed as a percentage.

1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. National Center for Education Statistics, Postbaccalaureate Enrollment: https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/chb
3. College Factual: https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/
4. US News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges
5. William & Mary: https://www.wm.edu/
6. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce: https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/roi2022/
7. North Carolina State University: https://www.ncsu.edu/
8. Emporia State University: https://www.emporia.edu/
9. Northwestern University: https://www.northwestern.edu/
10. Oregon State University: https://oregonstate.edu/
11. Messiah University: https://www.messiah.edu/
12. Geneva College: https://www.geneva.edu/
13. Wichita State University: https://www.wichita.edu/
14. Bradley University: https://bradley.edu/
15. St. Bonaventure University: https://www.sbu.edu/