Key Takeaways
Schools offer online counseling degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
Online counseling degree programs combine flexibility with practical training.
A master's degree in counseling can prepare you to work as a counselor in various fields, including mental health, marriage and family, or school counseling.
Counseling can be a rewarding career, but the education requirements can vary depending on the path you choose. Most licensed counselors need a master's degree and supervised clinical training, though some entry-level roles are available with a bachelor's degree. Many counseling degrees are also available online but still require in-person experience.
Keep reading to explore online counseling degrees, career paths, and costs.
What Degree Do You Need to Become a Counselor?
Becoming a licensed counselor typically requires a bachelor's degree, a counseling-focused master's degree, supervised clinical experience, and passing licensing exams. Below is a step-by-step look at the education requirements and career paths for counselors.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How to Choose the Right Online Counseling Program
When comparing online counseling programs, first make sure the program meets your state's licensure requirements. Since licensure rules can vary by state, choosing the wrong program could affect your ability to become a licensed counselor after graduation.
Accreditation is also important. Some states require counselors to hold a degree with programmatic accreditation. You should also look for a program that matches your career goals and offers the specialization you want, such as school counseling, mental health counseling, or substance use counseling.
Some programs help students find clinical placements and internships, while others require students to arrange them independently. You should also compare tuition, fees, and financial aid options before choosing a program.
How Much Does an Online Counseling Degree Cost?
The cost of an online counseling degree depends on factors like degree level, school, and program format. According to 2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), average annual tuition and fees for counseling and related programs ranged from about $13,943 for bachelor's programs to $36,963 for doctoral programs. You may be able to lower costs with financial aid such as scholarships, grants, and loans.
The tables below show average annual tuition and fees, along with the overall annual student budget, which includes additional expenses like housing, food, transportation, and books.
Cost of an Online Bachelor's in Psychology
| Average Tuition and Fees Paid, Annual | $13,943 |
| Average Overall Student Budget, Annual | $29,734 |
Cost of an Online Master's in Psychology
| Average Tuition and Fees Paid, Annual | $17,583 |
| Average Overall Student Budget, Annual | $39,246 |
Cost of an Online Doctorate in Psychology
| Average Tuition and Fees Paid, Annual | $36,963 |
| Average Overall Student Budget, Annual | $67,975 |
All costs above were adjusted to 2026 Dollars via CPI Inflation Calculator
What Can You Do With a Counseling Degree?
A counseling degree prepares you for careers helping improve people's lives, whether through direct client counseling, research, or education. You may find work in healthcare settings, nonprofit organizations, private or group practices, and schools and universities.
Potential career paths for those with counseling degrees include:
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 certification
Annual Median Salary: $59,190 (BLS, May 2024)
Licensed Professional Counselor
LPCs, also known as licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) may provide general counseling or specialize in certain age groups, conditions, or treatment methods. 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: LPC or LMHC license
Annual Median Salary: $57,480 (BLS, May 2024)
Marriage and Family Therapist
MFTs, sometimes called relationship and family counselors, can work as independent practitioners, as part of a group practice, or as affiliated with other organizations. MFTs support emotional, behavioral, and psychological health by providing therapy with a focus on family systems and dynamics. MFTs frequently counsel individuals, couples, and families.
Minimum Degree Required: Master's degree in family counseling
Required Credentials: MFT license
Annual Median Salary: $63,780 (BLS, May 2024)
School and Career Counselor
School counselors in K-12 settings focus on student mental health, social development, behavioral challenges, and academic success. At the high school and college level, counselors offer a greater focus on academic and career planning. Career counselors can also practice independently, helping individuals identify their interests, set goals, and establish plans for meeting those goals.
Minimum Degree Required: Master's degree
Required Credentials: State certification
Annual Median Salary: $65,140 (BLS, May 2024)
Is an Online Counseling Degree Worth It?
Whether earning a degree in counseling is worth the time, money, and effort depends on several factors. First, consider your career goals. A bachelor's degree can open doors to entry-level case management, counseling, and human services jobs. But to become a licensed counselor, you'll need a master's degree.
For many students, the biggest question is whether advanced education is worth the cost. Counseling salaries tend to start lower than other fields that require a master's degree. According to Payscale, counselors with 1-4 years of experience earn an average salary of about $57,000, while those with 10-19 years of experience earn about $70,000. At the same time, the average cost of a two-year counseling master's program is about $78,492.
Still, counseling is a growing field with strong job demand. The BLS projects 17% job growth for substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2024-2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growing demand for mental health services may create more opportunities in healthcare, schools, nonprofits, and private practice.
While counseling may not lead to the highest salaries, many professionals find the work personally rewarding because they can help others improve their mental health and quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Counseling Degrees
Online counseling degrees are legitimate if they come from accredited institutions. Accreditation helps ensure a school meets academic quality standards, allows eligible students to access federal financial aid, and can make it easier to transfer credits between schools.
The U.S. Department of Education maintains a list of recognized institutional accreditors, including organizations such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
