Best Online Master's Degrees in Counseling

Students who are interested in helping others improve their lives and overcome mental and emotional challenges may want to consider pursuing a master's degree in counseling. Counselors typically should possess skills related to problem-solving, active listening, and objectivity while also being empathetic and personable. An understanding of diversity and ability to interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures is important for this field.

Students should carefully consider the pros and cons of earning a master's in counseling before entering the field. While it is a personally rewarding profession, counseling can also be emotionally taxing, and fulfilling licensure requirements will add years to the career path. However, counseling is a field with a stable job outlook and there are many programs available for students nationwide. For example, there are 10 graduate schools in North Carolina that offer a counseling program. This gives students a lot of choice when considering a master's in counseling.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Master's in Counseling?

Coursework for an online master's in counseling can generally be completed in two years. More time may be added to degree completion time if classes are undertaken on a part-time schedule. Additionally, to become fully licensed and eligible to practice, additional time is required to meet supervision hours. This can take between 2 to 5 years once an approved placement is secured. Each state licensing board sets its own requirements, but students will generally need to log 3,000 hours of supervised practice spread out over several years.

Online master's in counseling degree programs typically consist of general core courses related to the theory and practice of counseling followed by electives or specialization classes that allow students to focus on an intended area of practice. Most programs also include mandatory internships and practicums to help students gain practice hours they can apply to licensure requirements. While coursework can be completed, in most cases, 100% online, students will need to complete practice hours in-person and in local settings that provide counseling services.

Counseling Foundational Courses

Core classes for online master's in counseling are the first step in the educational journey for future counselors. In most programs, these classes assume no prior knowledge in the field and teach an introduction to the theories, techniques, and practice of clinical counseling. Other foundational courses introduce legal implications associated with practice as well as human growth and development that puts counseling into perspective across the lifespan. Some common titles for foundational courses include:

• Counseling theories
• Introduction to counseling
• Legal and ethical considerations
• Counseling techniques
• Human growth and development
• Practicum
• Internship

Internship and practicum hours aim to prepare students for future licensure and subsequent practice. Generally, these hours can be counted toward the licensing process if completed at an approved site.

Counseling Specialist and Elective Courses

Most online counseling master's programs will focus on a specific type of counseling that targets a defined client population. Rather than a generalist track, students can learn about techniques and best practices for the type of counseling that interests them. Some typical areas of specialization within counseling include:

• Child and adolescent
• School counseling
• Marriage and family
• Addictions
• Clinical mental health
• Trauma
• Forensic & correctional

Practical experience built into the degree program will have students working with the population chosen through their specialist track.

Licensure and Certification in Counseling

All counselors who wish to practice in the US must be licensed by the state in which they plan to work. Titles gained through licensure vary by state, but the most common designation is Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) are also prevalent. Though titles differ, all are able to provide mental health counseling which can include diagnosis and treatment of psychological and emotional disorders for individuals and groups.

Licensure requirements are laid out by state boards, but generally require completion of at least a master's in counseling, a minimum of 3,000 supervised practice hours, and a passing score on the National Counselor Examination (NCE). Those wishing to specialize in couples and families generally must seek licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Although, LPCs can also work with these populations as well.

Certification is separate from licensing and is optional for practicing counselors. Eligible counselors can become board certified through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). After passing a qualifying exam, professional counselors can add the National Certified Counselor (NCC) to their title. To be eligible, interested applicants must have at least a master's in counseling from an accredited program with coursework covering nine essential areas. Once NCC certified, additional specialty certifications can be added. These include:

• Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
• National Certified School Counselor (NCSC)
• Master Addictions Counselor (MAC)

Online master's programs in counseling have certain minimum requirements that students must fulfill prior to admittance. Prospective applicants need a bachelor's degree with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. While a GPA of 3.0 is typically preferred, exceptions to the GPA standard may be made if a student can demonstrate their potential for academic success through supporting documentation. After completing an online application, students may need to submit the following:

• Application fee
• GRE scores
• Personal statement
• 1 to 3 letters of reference from professional or academic sources
• Curriculum vitae (CV)/resume

In addition to academic ability, some programs may also look for experience in counseling or human services, whether in a professional or volunteer capacity, in addition to demonstrated skills in cultural competency and interpersonal communication. This could be assessed through an individual or group interview.

An online master's in counseling can lead to several different fulfilling careers. Due to the diverse patient and client populations, there are a wide range of jobs for nearly every interest within counseling. Some of these areas of specialization include:

• Children and adolescents
• Families
• Couples
• Veterans
• Individuals with disabilities
• Individuals with substance abuse disorders
• End of life/hospice
• Corrections

Graduates holding a master's in counseling may choose to go into private practice. Alternatively, they may seek work in a variety of settings including government, non-profits, private or public healthcare, or community organizations. Counselors can work either in-person or remotely with individuals or groups.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Counseling

Students completing an online master's in counseling will enjoy positive job outlooks across several areas. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) attributes overall growth to the integration of counseling programs into the wider healthcare system. Hospitals, government, and community settings tend to be moving toward a team-oriented approach to care that holistically treats patients regardless of specific disease or condition.

Practitioners are realizing the importance of caring for the whole person mentally, physically, and emotionally to promote a fuller recovery. This means medical or rehabilitation teams will often incorporate mental health, substance, and marriage and family counselors into the treatment plan. Mandatory addiction counseling may also be seen as a better alternative to incarceration, thus upping the demand for counselors trained to manage substance abuse disorders.

Over a ten year period between 2019 and 2029, the BLS projects the following outlooks for careers within counseling:

• Mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse counselors: 25% growth will add 79,000 jobs
• Marriage and family therapists: 22% growth will add 14,800 jobs
• Correctional treatment specialists: 4% growth will add 3,400 jobs
• Career counselors: 8% growth will add 26,800 jobs
• Rehabilitation counselors: 10% growth will add 12,300 jobs

Both students and graduates of online master's in counseling programs may benefit from joining one or more professional organizations geared toward future and current counselors. Each organization generally charges annual memberships fees with students paying less than graduates working in the field. Typical membership benefits across many organizations include access to online scholarly journals, the ability to contribute to research and publishing, educational opportunities including seminars and continuing education courses, and participation in networking opportunities.

Professional organizations may help students or graduates secure positions in the field or even find mentors who can help them as they develop their careers. For those practicing in specialist fields of counseling, organizations focusing on specific areas help professionals gain access to support and information regarding best practices and the latest research. Some well-known groups for counselors include:

• American Counseling Association (AMA)
• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
• American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
• National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC)

How to Become an Addiction Counselor

Addiction counselors, as known as substance abuse counselors, help individuals dependent on drugs or alcohol with the recovery process. Counseling focuses on identifying triggers or past habits surrounding substance abuse with the goal of developing functional coping mechanisms. Addiction counselors may work with specific groups such as veterans or those with chronic illnesses or disabilities and can be found in hospitals, drug or alcohol treatment centers, or in community settings.

To become an addiction counselor, a minimum of a bachelor's degree is required, although most states or employers may ask for an advanced degree such as a master's in counseling psychology with a focus on substance abuse disorders. If possible, students interested in this career field should pursue an online master's with a specialization track in addiction counseling or take electives related to the field. Additional certification is available to professionals seeking advanced credentials. These are regulated by the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals and include three levels: National Certified Addiction Counselor I and II and the Master Addiction Counselor. Specialist certifications for nicotine, adolescent addiction, and peer recovery are also available.

According to the BLS, addiction counselors made a median yearly salary of $46,240. The highest earners were employed in government positions and earned around $52,720. Those working in mental health and substance abuse residential programs made the least at $39,690 a year.

How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and family therapists work with individuals, couples, or entire families to solve interpersonal challenges. Therapists examine individual family member's roles and address topics like abuse, substance abuse, and the effects of conflict on a relationship. These professionals also help counsel clients during divorce, death, and other difficult milestones.

Marriage and family therapists must have at least a master's degree in counseling with a focus on marriage and family therapy. To practice, prospective therapists need to meet state requirements which generally include completion of graduate education, supervised practice hours, and an exam. Most states grant the license of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) after a candidate meets licensure requirements.

As of May 2019, the BLS reports that marriage and family therapists earned a median salary of $49,610 a year with the highest 10% earning more than $87,700. The most lucrative setting for LMFTs is state government where the median annual income is $72,230.

Most online master's in counseling programs welcome prospective students from a variety of undergraduate majors. Because the foundational courses teach an introduction to the field and its theories, it's an appropriate degree for those with no prior education or experience in counseling. Undergraduate students hoping to eventually pursue an online master's in counseling may find majors such as psychology, sociology, social work, and counseling helpful to gain initial expertise. Standout undergraduates may choose to pursue graduate study at one of the top schools for a master's in counseling after graduation.

Students interested in further education after completion of an online master's in counseling may choose to apply for a doctoral degree. Counseling doctorates are generally awarded as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). PhDs in counseling can take between 3 and 5 years to complete while the PsyD is around 5. Both options require students to undertake a dissertation as well as internship hours. The number of hours required varies by program. Graduates may go on to pursue leadership or research roles while others might choose to remain in practice as a counseling psychologist.

Funding graduate education may seem like an overwhelming task, but several options are available to students who need help financing their degree. A very popular option among students is US federal student loans. To qualify, interested individuals must first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. This will determine award amounts and type of loans available.

Grants are awarded based on income, so typically only students who can demonstrate financial need are eligible. However, scholarships are open to all students who meet each program's requirements which may include an applicable field of study, minimum GPA, and/or work or volunteer experience. Many scholarship cycles run annually.

One such scholarship offered yearly is the NBCC Foundation Rural Scholarship. Applicants must live in a rural area and commit to at least two years of service post qualification providing counseling to underserved rural populations. Successful students will receive up to $8,000.