Fastest Online Counseling Degrees

Accelerated online degree programs attract dedicated learners, such as those who excelled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes or graduated near the top of their high school class. Accelerated programs use GPA cutoffs to attract only the best applicants. Consider the fastest online counseling degrees if you meet these high expectations.

Online bachelor’s degrees in counseling offer the education required for entry-level careers and graduate school admissions. You need an advanced degree to work in one of the field’s licensure positions.

Accelerated online bachelor’s degrees in counseling feature the same curriculum as traditional programs. Classes vary by school but may include psychology in a diverse world, introduction to counseling and psychotherapy, and abnormal psychology. Your program may also offer internship or field experience opportunities.

Accelerated programs require you to complete classes in less time. You may finish a traditional 16-week class in just 7-8 weeks. Expect to attend the same class everyday rather than 2-3 times per week.

Taking two accelerated classes at once leaves little time for work or other responsibilities. Accelerated programs also require classes year-round, including in the summer term.

Some of the best online counseling degrees offer an accelerated option to dedicated degree-seekers. Your school may let you take some, but not all, classes in an accelerated format. Contact schools’ admissions departments or research program websites for more information.

The fastest online counseling degrees offer many benefits, depending on the school. Some colleges charge per-term tuition, meaning accelerated classes save you money. Other advantages include qualifying for a master’s degree in counseling online program 1-2 years sooner than learners at a traditional four-year college.

Accelerated online bachelor’s degrees feature some drawbacks, such as the required dedication. Working even part-time while in school may negatively impact your academic performance. Stress may also cause you to earn lower grades than you would achieve in a traditional four-year program.

Reflect on these and other issues before choosing an accelerated bachelor’s degree. Speaking with friends and family about your concerns can also help you decide.

Choosing the right accelerated program involves more than researching which colleges offer the fastest online counseling degrees. All programs on your shortlist must hold proper accreditation. You can learn about accreditation and check schools’ accreditation status on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation website.

Compare accredited schools’ annual cost of attendance (COA). COA includes tuition, fees, and all other education-related expenses. You can lower your COA by focusing on schools with generous financial aid programs or lower-than-average tuition.

Duration should also affect your decision. If you want to become a counselor as soon as possible, research schools where most counseling students graduate in three years.

You need a high school or GED diploma to apply to accredited colleges. Schools may also use high school GPA or GED score cutoffs for admissions purposes. Your local community college may offer free GED-preparation classes and administer the exam on site.

Other admission requirements vary by college. Competitive colleges and universities require essays and recommendation letters. Ask someone to provide essay feedback and request letters from past teachers or current work supervisors.

First-year admission requirements may include ACT or SAT scores. Some schools waive this requirement if you meet a high school GPA cutoff.

Many colleges require you to complete the FAFSA to determine your financial aid eligibility. Report your financial and tax information accurately, as the FAFSA may qualify you for federal grants or low-interest loans.

Although you must hold a master’s degree to become a licensed counselor, many career paths exist for professionals with only a bachelor’s in counseling. Research these and other jobs to find out what degree you need to reach your career goals.

The answer depends on your long-term career goals. Jobs such as marriage and family therapist and school counselor require a master’s degree. However, a bachelor’s qualifies you for some entry-level positions, letting you explore the field before committing to the time and cost involved in graduate education.

You can earn a master’s degree in counseling entirely online. However, even programs with fully online classes require practica and other in-person experiences. Program coordinators work with students to find placements within commuting distance.

Some universities offer combined BA/MS programs to current undergraduates meeting a GPA cutoff. Psychology majors at Suffolk University can finish this combined degree in just six years. Benefits include entering the job market faster than learners who earned these degrees separately.

You can finish your bachelor’s in counseling faster in ways besides enrolling in an accelerated program. Options include taking winter or summer classes, even if your program does not require them. These classes may use an accelerated curriculum, considering the shorter term length.

You can earn an online bachelor’s in counseling degree faster by taking more credits than what your school considers full-time enrollment. Universities refer to this practice as course overload and may approve your request only if you meet a GPA cutoff. You may also need to pay more for your degree than full-time learners.

High school students should enroll in AP classes. Colleges award credit to learners with good AP exam scores. This credit may let you graduate college in only three years, even if you do not take accelerated classes.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed March 27, 2024.