Online Master Degree in Counseling Programs

Masters Degrees in Counseling Psychology by Distance Learning

An online master degree in counseling will give you advanced knowledge and skills to assist your clients with their personal, family, educational, mental health, and counseling related issues.

Many students who earn a bachelor's degree in psychology or counseling aren't qualified for clinical work. Progressing to a master's degree in counseling can enable students to pursue clinical careers and work directly with patients, or pursue careers in research.

Pre-requisites for Masters in Counseling and Psychology Degree Programs

Pre-requisites vary from program and college, but most online masters degree counseling and psychology programs require you to have a baccalaureate degree in counseling, sociology or psychology. Most programs require a minimum of one year of work in a mental health setting, although requirements may be more specific or demanding for more intensive programs.

Online Colleges offering Masters Degree in Counseling Programs

Capella University

Online Master Degree in Counseling Programs

Masters in Counseling - Addiction Counseling
Masters in Counseling - Counseling Psychology
Masters in Counseling - Counseling Studies
Masters in Counseling - Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Masters in Counseling - School Counseling
Masters in Counseling - General Career Counseling

Walden University

Masters in Counseling Online Programs

M.S. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
M.S. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling - Forensic Counseling
M.S. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling - Trauma and Crisis
M.S. in Mental Health Counseling (CACREP-Accredited)

Argosy University

Online Masters Degree in Counseling Programs

Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Master of Arts in Sport-Exercise Psychology

Post University

Online Master Degree in Counseling Programs

M.S. in Human Services - Clinical Counseling
M.S. in Human Services - Drug and Alcohol Counseling

Liberty University

Online Master Degree in Counseling Programs

M.Ed. in School Counseling
MA in Pastoral Counseling
MA in Professional Counseling
MA in Professional Counseling - 60 Hour
MAR in Pastoral Counseling
MDiv in Pastoral Counseling

University of the Rockies

Online Master in Counseling Psychology Programs

Master of Arts in Psychology, Career Management and Counseling Specialization

University of Phoenix

Online Graduate Degree Program - Psychology

Masters degree in Psychology

Grand Canyon University

Masters Degrees in Counseling Online Programs

MS in Addiction Counseling
MS in Professional Counseling

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Masters in Counseling Psychology Programs Specializations

Master-level counseling and psychology degree programs have a variety of focuses and learning formats. When you pursue an online master degree in counseling, you may choose to focus on a specialty, such as a M.S. in addiction counseling, or an M.S. in marriage, couple and family counseling. For more general counseling, graduates could select a degree in school counseling or general career counseling.

A masters in counseling psychology program may cover a broad range of areas, depending on the specific focus of the program. Students may expect to take courses in: human growth and development, abnormal psychology, career counseling, assessment, group counseling skills and research methods and program evaluation. These programs prepare students for careers in counseling or research.

Other online masters degree in counseling programs prepare students for licensure. Depending on your state, counseling licensure typically requires a master's level degree in counseling or higher, as well as completing up to 2,000 hours of supervised clinical internship or practicum. Most states also require that counseling professionals take a state-administered exam for licensure.

Masters Degree in Counseling Post-Graduate Licensure Requirements

Some online master degree in counseling programs prepare students for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor, while other programs don't have the focus of preparing students for a career as an LPC. Each state has its own set of guidelines to become a Licensed Professional Counselor, so you should consult your state's specifications to determine additional steps to becoming an LPC. All states have minimum requirements that a program must meet in order for students completing the program to become LPCs. Many states also have additional clinical requirements before they'll grant licensure.

Students who are not pursuing a career as an LPC may go into research or clinical studies. Graduates of counseling and psychology degree programs may also choose to pursue a career in another discipline, such as social work, sports psychologists, clergy members or school psychologists. These careers benefit from counseling and psychology degree programs because they focus on inter-personal communications, mental health, human development and conflict resolution; skills that form the core of an online master degree in counseling program.

Career Options and Salaries with a Masters Degree in Counseling

The career outlook is good for professionals who complete counseling and psychology degree programs is good because the number of openings is expected to exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for professionals who hold a master's degree in a school or vocational counseling-related profession in 2008 was $51,050. Substance abuse and behavioral counseling had a median wage of $37,030, with the highest end of the range making $47,290. The median annual wage for mental health counselors was $36,810, with professionals in the top 50% making an average of $48,550 annually.

Individuals who are self-employed, as well as counselors employed in group practices, tend to make the most money in the counseling profession. Professionals who work for state or government facilities, or in individual or family services, have the lowest projected income but reach some of the most at-need individuals.