Online Counseling Degree

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Online Counseling Degrees

Many schools offer online counseling degree programs. Counselors typically play a pivotal role in the lives of people with mental health issues. And since there is an uptick in stress and substance abuse in society, these skills may be useful. If a therapy related job sounds interesting, one option is to pursue a counseling degree online.

An online counseling degree often studies concepts about human growth, behavior and the mind. Then frames the practical skills needed to help people cope with problems. Like trauma, substance abuse, anxiety and PTSD. One may find online counseling degrees at all levels. Bachelors, masters and PhDs. At each level you may learn methods to assess and treat mental health issues. With that, you may to learn to communicate clearly and listen carefully. 

Bachelors programs in this field are foundational. Once you graduate, you may pursue some careers related to psych and behavior. Or, continue to earn a grad degree to prep for any next steps.  

Masters programs in this field tend to go deeper into practitioner skills. Many programs include an internship and may prep you to take counselor license exams. Once you graduate and earn your license, there are many career paths.  

PhD programs in this field highlight research and upper level decision making. Grads may have expanded skills to help people, couples and families. And many use their skills to teach and craft policy.  

Bachelor’s in Counseling

An online bachelors program in this field is an entry level degree. It tends to entail 120 credits which may take four years to complete. Many schools offer either a BA or BS in Counseling. Standard curricula between a BA and a BS in this field can vary. But both likely cover psych theory, principle, and practice.  

As a basic rule, learners in a BA program may take classes about the mind, behavior and social contexts. Also likely are topics in the liberal arts such as history and sociology. A BS in this field may include similar topics in subsets of psych. At the same time, you may to have more classes in research methods, statistics and analysis.  

Either program may serve as a platform for further study. And if specified, may help prep you to take state board exams. As an aside, these programs often include an internship. To qualify for admission, you need a high school diploma (or equal) with an acceptable GPA. Some schools also ask for official SAT or ACT scores and set bench marks for these too. 

Another factor is the cost of an online bachelors degree in this field. As per DataUSA, the average cost of a counseling psych degree in 2017 was $7,094. That’s if you study in state at a public school. Tuition is higher ($27,580) at private schools. 

Master’s in Counseling

An online masters is a grad degree. It tends to entail 60 credits and an internship which may take from two to three years to complete. Many schools may offer either a MA or MS in Counseling. Curricula can change between academic programs and those that fulfill state rules for counselor licenses.  

As a rule of thumb, programs that prep you to take state exams may include a practical part. While more academic programs may ask for a final written thesis. Career skills are central to both MA and MS programs. So, core classes are likely to equip you to help people live more fully functional lives.  

Apart from theories about growth (normal and abnormal), many programs hone skills in diagnosis. So, you may study ways to assess personality, behavior, group and one to one counseling methods. Beyond the core, students often choose an anchor point to help steer their career. A few areas are mental health, school and addictions counseling.  

To qualify for admission, you need a bachelors degree. Some schools may list an approved major and a min acceptable GPA range. Along with your application, you often submit GRE scores, resume and an essay. A back ground check may be asked of you too.  

PhD in Counseling

An online PhD in this field is a research doctorate. It tends to entail about 45 credits and may take three years. Since there is often a residency, internship or practicum, this time frame may vary. As the highest level degree, a PhD often frames advanced counseling skills. You likely explore theories, but the idea is to know which one to use in a certain setting and situation.   

You may notice that many PhD programs are in education and supervision. In these, the goal is to equip you with the skills to teach, be a mentor, leader and advocate. While broad, many programs also allow for greater focus. You may want to explore ways to guide victims of trauma, crisis, or crime.  

To qualify for admission, a masters degree from a CACREP accredited online counseling degree program may be preferable. Schools may also want to see you have a valid license. Things like a resume, strong personal essay and letters may also be useful. Many programs end with a final dissertation, so a school may ask for a writing sample as well.  

How much might it cost to earn a master’s in this field or a PhD online? The average cost of a grad degree from a public school in the 2015 – 2016 academic year was $11,303. So, some online counseling degree programs may come in more affordable or more expensive than this amount. 

What could I pursue with an Online Counseling Degree? 

A counseling degree may be a portal to a wide range of current and new fields. Stress and anxiety typically create need for therapy in families, couples, workplaces, schools and personal lives. As counseling careers are still evolving, there may be jobs for all levels of education. In some community and social service fields, one needs a bachelor’s degree for entry level roles.

Apart from having a bachelor’s degree, many mental health counselors typically have a master’s or higher degree. Counselors who provide treatment may tend to also need a state license.

1. Mental Health Counselor 

A mental health counselor typically  provides treatment and support to families, couples, groups and one to one. Some may also focus on helping a specific age group whether it is troubled teens or the elderly. Mental health issues typically span anxiety, grief, depression, low self-esteem, stress and suicidal impulses. To work with these conditions, takes a high level of skill as well as a master’s degree and state license.

2. School Counselor 

As a school counselor, your role is to typically empower students with the skills to succeed. In doing so, you may likely steer students towards effective study habits and help them clarify and meet their goals. You may also need to discuss and address critical issues. Like bullying, drug abuse, or planning for college and a career. On top of these skills, you typically tend to need a master’s degree and state license.

3. Counseling Psychologist 

A counseling psychologist typically helps their patient understand and manage problems. Such problems may relate to a life stage, relationship, or workplace. To do this may take  a deep understanding of the stress caused by a particular issue. And, of the various methods that help people identify and tap into their strengths. Apart from these critical skills, counseling psychologists typically need a doctorate degree and state license. Some may be board certified in a niche practice area as well.

4. Marriage and Family Counselor 

As a marriage and family counselor, you typically treat the couple or family as a unit. While there are diverse methods used to do this, many counselors may use cognitive behavior therapy. It may help patients see their harmful thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Then help guide them  into more positive choices. Beyond therapeutic skills, you may tend to need a master’s degree and state license.

5. Social and Human Service Assistant 

A support role, social and human service assistants may help in many fields. Including psychology, rehabilitation and social worker. In this role they typically help clients identify and get benefits and services. Some of the groups they usually help are veterans, immigrants, former prison inmates, the homeless, elderly and people with disabilities. Other than solid interview skills, it may be useful to have a college degree.

6. Addiction Counselor 

As an addiction counselor, your role is to help people with a substance abuse problem make strides. To do this, you may help your clients to understand their issue, and may use a 12 step approach. Some addiction counselors also team up with other health professionals to develop treatment plans. As this is a regulated field, many at work in it have a master’s degree and state license.  

7. Probation Officer 

A probation officer supervises people who the court decides rules may stay out of jail under certain conditions. Many probation officers also work with a specific group like adults or juveniles. In these roles, you may make use of solid interview skills and write progress reports.

8. Social and Community Service Manager 

As a social and community service manager, you might work for an agency that focuses on a certain issue or group. Child welfare, for example, or adoption. In this type of admin role, you might set budget, put policies into play, oversee staff and volunteers. Since each job calls for different business skills, employers tend to hire bachelor or master prepared workers.

Is an Online Counseling Degree worth it?

Expertise in counseling may provide useful skills and opportunity. Jobs related to community and social service are growing at a rate much faster than average from 2019-2029. Per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, if you have the ability to work with addiction and mental health, the future may be bright. Jobs in these areas predict 25% growth through 2029. This is well above the norm for all occupations which is 5%. 

If you prefer a more admin role, demand is high too. Social and community service manager jobs expect to add 17% more positions by 2029. As far as salaries, these vary by counseling niche and education level. Of the highest earners are marriage and family therapists who report salaries of up to $87,700. Some counseling psychs also report average annual earnings of $80,370.   

Counseling Degree Jobs & Salary

Top States for Jobs as a Mental Health Counselor

What classes could I take with an Online Counseling Degree?

Many counseling degree programs draw from psychology, human growth and therapeutic methods. These areas typically help students gain skills in counseling, clinical assessment, testing and intervention. You may study many of these topics when you pursue an online counseling degree. But each level of degree will do this in their own way. Below are some of the classes you may find at the bachelors, masters and PhD levels.  

Bachelors Degree Courses

Classes in an online BA or BS in counseling are intro level. You tend to study key values, psychological theories and research methods. You may also study  ways to assess mental health issues, manage cases and work with people who struggle. That said, BA classes often explore more topics in the arts, humanities and social sciences. While BS classes may delve into pharmacology, statistics and natural sciences. 

Other topics tend to revolve around your major. For instance, substance abuse counseling or family systems. A few topics at the bachelors level might also be: 

Graduate Degree Courses

Classes in an online MS in this field are practical. You typically to study behavior, both normal and abnormal. In studying these areas, you learn how to assess different personalities and issues. Other classes may build your diagnostic and clinical skills. These classes discuss ways to assess, listen to and treat people who face challenges.

Apart from this material, you may often learn about testing and how to interpret results. Then also, ways to filter existing research into a treatment plan. Classes in an online PhD in this field are advanced. You tend to study upper level counseling classes that discuss the usefulness of certain approaches. Then also, which tactic might address a certain mental health problem.  

Apart from nurturing these skills, many programs explore the things a clinical supervisor needs to know. From ethical issues to leadership and strategies for teaching and advocacy. Other than these, you are likely to study complex reasoning, analysis and research methods. In these types of courses, you may learn how to develop interview guides, collect data and problem solve. 

A few topics at the grad level might also be:

How long does it take to get an Online Counseling Degree online?

The time it takes to earn an online counseling degree may change. As a rule of thumb, a full time student may need four years to earn a bachelor’s in this field. Once you graduate, you may need two to three years to complete a masters degree in this field. After you have a masters degree and license, it may take three years to complete a PhD.  

15 Schools with Online Counseling Degrees

We have ranked our top 15 schools based on the number of graduates from the program in 2019. Our process looks at 2019 data from the NCES. And, it may help you narrow your search down.

1. Purdue University Global 
2. Southern New Hampshire University   
3. Arizona State University Online   
4. Bay Path University
5. University of Cincinnati Online
6. North Carolina State University 
7. LeTourneau University 
8. Creighton University 
9. New York University 
10. University of Buffalo
11. Capella University
12. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
13. Walden University
14. Oregon State University
15. University of the Cumberlands

FIND AN ONLINE COUNSELING DEGREE

Here is a closer look at the 15 schools where you might earn an online counseling degree.  

*Unemployment Earnings. Sources for school stats and data include the NCES and IPEDS.