Online Counseling Programs
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Whatever counseling field you are most interested in, there is an online counseling program to match your needs and career goals. This page explores types of counseling degrees and specialties to help you make the right choice. Explore online counseling degrees and programs today.
Types of Online Counseling Degrees
You can work in the counseling field with any level of on-campus or online counseling degree, although most states require a master’s degree to become a licensed counselor. States and employers may have various requirements for job categories and titles, so the listing of job options available to graduates may vary. All salary figures are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Associate Degree in Counseling
An associate online counseling degree is the most affordable option since two-year degree tuition is generally cheaper than four-year or graduate programs. In addition, an online degree is often cheaper than an on-campus alternative without boarding and transportation costs. Most associate degrees take two years to complete for full-time students. Typically, the curriculum includes general education courses and psychology and counseling courses.
- Program Length: 2 years
- Potential Job Titles: Family advocate, counseling assistant, counseling technician, mental health technician
- Salary Range for Associate Degree in Counseling Graduates: $28,610-$58,770
Earn Your Associate Degree In Counseling
Learn more about these online counseling programs and connect today.
Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling
A bachelor’s degree in counseling can prepare you for graduate school to become a licensed counselor or for other counseling-related careers, such as youth programs. Depending on the state, you may be able to work as a substance use counselor with a bachelor’s degree. A typical counseling degree takes four years of full-time study to complete. The curriculum includes general education requirements and a broader range of social science and counseling courses than a two-year program.
- Program Length: 4 years
- Potential Job Titles: Youth counselor, crisis counselor, substance use counselor, caseworker, social service manager
- Salary Range for Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling Graduates: $34,000-$123,320
Explore Bachelor’s Counseling Degree Programs
Psychology degrees can lead to a career in helping others. Explore the programs below.
Master’s Degree in Counseling
In most states, you must have a master’s degree in counseling to become a licensed counselor. Whether you a pursue a master’s in counseling psychology online or on-campus, both degree pathways emphasize fieldwork, practical learning, and classroom work. You can specialize in relationship and family counseling, career counseling, or grief and bereavement counseling.
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Potential Job Titles: Relationship and family counselor, marriage therapist, trauma/PTSD counselor, career counselor
- Salary Range for Master’s Degree in Counseling Graduates: $38,280-$98,530
Explore Master’s Counseling Degree Programs
Connect with a school advisor to learn about scholarships, licensures, class size, and more.
Doctoral Degrees in Counseling
With a doctoral degree in counseling, you can teach, lead a department or team, or head an organization, and work as a counselor. During a doctoral program, you will learn more about research and research methodology, explore teaching methods, and complete a doctoral thesis. The combination of classwork and research can take 3-8 years to complete.
- Program Length: 3-8 years
- Potential Job Titles: Counselor, counseling professor, department head, director of counseling
- Salary Range for Doctoral Degree in Counseling Graduates: $47,370-$173,730
Explore Doctoral Counseling Degree Programs
Learn more about these Counseling programs and get connected today.
Careers for Counseling Degree Graduates
Counselors report salaries in line with the median weekly earnings, and many areas report a high demand for this career.
For example, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors could see 19% job growth from 2023-2033, according to BLS projections. That ranks among the fastest-growing careers in the country.
Similarly, marriage and family therapists may see 16% job growth based on BLS projections, while school and career counselors could see 4% projected job growth. Learn more about your earning potential and job opportunities with an online counseling degree.
Addictions Counselor
Addiction counselors, also known as substance use counselors or drug abuse counselors, help clients address substance use disorders through counseling. They work in various settings, including in-patient programs, health clinics, private practice, and nonprofit organizations.
- Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
- Required Credentials: State licensure
- Annual Median Salary: $53,710 (BLS, May 2023)
Bereavement Counselor
Bereavement counselors, also known as grief counselors, help clients cope with loss, especially the death of a family member. They may work with clients after the loss or in what is called anticipatory grief counseling, as the client prepares for a loved one’s death. Bereavement counselors can work in private practice or in senior centers, first responder organizations, mental health clinics, or nonprofits.
- Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
- Required Credentials: State licensure
- Annual Median Salary: $54,700 (Payscale, March 2024)
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed professional counselors may provide general counseling or specialize in age groups, conditions, or treatments. The specific title, such as licensed mental health counselor or licensed professional counselor, may vary by state. Counselors can practice independently, as part of a group practice, affiliated with a hospital or other healthcare provider, or for other organizations.
- Minimum Degree Required: Master’s degree
- Required Credentials: State licensure
- Annual Median Salary: $53,710 (BLS, May 2023)
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists, sometimes called relationship and family counselors, can work as independent practitioners, as part of a group practice, or affiliated with other organizations. Some clergy members receive professional training in marriage and family therapy as well.
- Minimum Degree Required:Master’s degree in family counseling
- Required Credentials: State licensure
- Annual Median Salary: $58,510 (BLS, May 2023)
School and Career Counselor
School and career counselors typically work for education systems, especially high schools and colleges, though career counselors also practice independently. These professionals help individuals seeking new careers to identify their interests, set goals, and establish plans for meeting those goals.
- Minimum Degree Required: Master’s degree
- Required Credentials: State licensure
- Annual Median Salary: $61,710 (BLS, May 2023)
Popular Online Counseling Degree Concentrations
Aspiring counselors often specialize in a particular area of counseling. Many online counseling degrees offer the opportunity to explore potential specializations in the core curriculum, elective courses, or fieldwork, even if the program itself does not have a specialty. Specializing can give you an advantage in finding a job in a particular niche, not just in academic preparation, but in networking.
Addiction Counseling
Addiction counseling is one of the most popular concentrations for online counseling degrees. It prepares students to work as substance use disorder counselors or to provide counseling for other forms of addiction, such as gambling.Career Counseling
Career counseling focuses on preparing clients to enter or make a transition in their careers. It can prepare you to work as a career counselor in a school, HR function, or in nonprofits that help people find jobs.Grief Counseling
Grief counseling helps clients deal with a loss, either retrospectively or as a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal condition. Grief counselors can work for or in association with services for older adults or in independent practice.School Counseling
School counselors work in education systems to improve student and school outcomes. In addition to working as a school counselor, a background in school counseling could prepare you for further education to become a school psychologist.Behavioral Counseling
Behavioral counseling emphasizes helping clients understand and change their behaviors. It is based on behavioral psychology approaches and could lead you to a career as a behavioral psychologist if you choose to get a doctorate.Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical mental health counseling emphasizes treating mental health disorders. It is based on clinical psychology, and you can pursue a career as a clinical psychologist by earning a doctorate and completing other licensing requirements.Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Clinical rehabilitation counseling helps people with disabilities address mental health challenges. Clinical rehabilitation counselors can work with clients with various disabilities or specialize in an area, such as cognitive or sensory disabilities.Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Marriage, couple, and family counseling helps individuals understand and address personal relationship challenges. Like other counseling specialties, you can pursue this specialty as a counselor or as a psychologist with further education and qualifications.College Counseling and Student Affairs
College counseling and student affairs focus on supporting college students through counseling, campus climate initiatives, and other programs that support student mental health. Further education and career opportunities could include a psychology doctorate or a degree in school administration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Counseling Degrees
The best degree level for counseling depends on your career goals. A master’s degree in counseling from an accredited program offers the most options to work in counseling. You must have at least a master’s degree in counseling or a related field to become a licensed counselor in all states.
