Best Online Master’s in Counseling Programs of 2025
Counselors help people overcome addiction, relationship problems, and other challenges. Learn more about the best online counseling master’s programs.
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
You’ve come to the right place to explore the best online master’s programs for 2025. BestColleges’ independent research and ranking practices help us recommend top programs aligning with in-demand counseling careers. You can also rest assured that our featured online master’s in counseling programs provide the same education you’d receive on campus.
Online counseling master’s programs offer more than a pathway to a fulfilling career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for substance abuse counselors to grow by 19% between 2023-2033. Careers with this growth rate feature many open positions for recent graduates.
Featured Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Master’s in Counseling Programs of 2025
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$51,869
$51,869
7%
12%
$62,391
$62,391
97%
22,801
Private
Yes
$51,869
$51,869
Evanston, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$51,869
$51,869
7%
12%
$62,391
$62,391
97%
22,801
Private
Yes
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL4 yearOnline
$22,062
$22,062
73%
52%
$34,500
$34,500
76%
20,877
Private
Yes
$22,062
$22,062
Fort Lauderdale, FL4 yearOnline
$22,062
$22,062
73%
52%
$34,500
$34,500
76%
20,877
Private
Yes
Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$14,160
$14,160
82%
49%
$27,580
$27,580
80%
1,781
Private
Yes
$14,160
$14,160
Grand Rapids, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$14,160
$14,160
82%
49%
$27,580
$27,580
80%
1,781
Private
Yes
Is a Counseling Degree Worth It?
The best online master’s programs provide the education and experience to gain state licensure and start a career. However, working in the counseling field presents many challenges. Consider the following pros and cons before making a decision.
Pros
Counselors help people overcome significant mental health and behavioral challenges.- Many specializations exist, such as school and clinical counseling.
- Counselors see their work’s benefit to individuals and society firsthand.
Cons
You may need to go into debt to help pay for a master’s degree.- Working with people in crisis can cause heightened stress levels.
- Counseling sessions may occur outside of regular working hours.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Counseling Program
Both counselors and therapists need a master’s degree in counseling. While the two professions used to be considered different, nowadays, any professional practicing psychotherapy is a therapist — including master’s level counselors.
Finding the best online counseling master’s programs requires comparing cost and flexibility. Some online public universities charge all degree-seekers the in-state tuition rate. They may also use an asynchronous curriculum, a great choice for working professionals.
Program lengths also differ among universities. A typical full-time program takes about two years to complete. Degree-seekers with busy personal or work schedules should consider programs with a 3-4-year part-time track.
Note which online master’s in counseling programs hold accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP-accredited master’s programs offer a rigorous educational experience.
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