Best Online Master's in Counseling Psychology 2025
Our list of the best online master’s in counseling psychology programs highlights accredited schools graduating the most students in this field, helping you find where aspiring mental health professionals are thriving in high-quality online learning environments.
Key Takeaways:
- #1 Southern New Hampshire University Online leads with 858 graduates from its online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling last year.
- Ottawa University Online offers the lowest student-to-faculty ratio on our list at 8:1.
- Three online schools on our list have verified 100% recommendation rates based on our student surveys.
See our methodology for details about how we choose the accredited online schools that make the cut. We also spoke with a professional who earned their online master's in psychology entirely online. Read her insights below our list and analysis.
Best Online Master's in Counseling Psychology 2025
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | 858 | $11,286 | N/A | 69% | |
| University of the Cumberlands | 239 | $4,560 | $51,541 | 73% | |
| California Baptist University | 198 | $25,265 | $69,855 | 87% | |
| National University | 172 | $15,912 | $75,317 | N/A | |
| Concordia University - Irvine | 125 | $20,850 | N/A | 91% | |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | 73 | $26,880 | $62,455 | 100% | |
| Alliant International University | 58 | $24,600 | $105,285 | 87% | |
| Ottawa University Online | 28 | $19,470 | N/A | 86% | |
| Regent University Online | 27 | $9,225 | N/A | 83% | |
| Midwestern State University | 24 | $25,947 | N/A | 93% | |
| Golden Gate University | 24 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $32,700 | N/A | 91% | |
| Chadron State College | 15 | $11,183 | N/A | 100% | |
| University of the Southwest | 8 | $23,364 | N/A | 76% | |
| Nelson University | 7 | $16,800 | N/A | 100% | |
| Arizona State University, Online | 1 | $9,075 | N/A | 93% |
A Closer Look: Choosing the Best Online Master’s in Counseling Psychology
When evaluating a master’s in counseling, it’s easy to focus on cost or name recognition — but our list approaches the decision from a different angle: popularity by graduate volume. These are the online master's in counseling programs producing the most graduates each year in their specific counseling programs. We believe this is the best indicator of trust as well as a proven ability to see students through to completion in a field where attrition can be high.
Looking across the top 15, several themes stand out. More than half of the schools have recommendation rates above 85%, based on over 75,000 student surveys we’ve collected over the years. Retention rates — a measure of how many students return after their first year — frequently land in the top quartile nationally. And some programs report specific program-level earnings, offering rare insight into the financial outcomes of counseling graduates at the master's level.
More than half of the schools have recommendation rates above 85%.
Taken together, these factors give prospective students a more nuanced picture. When you're making such a big decision in your future, it's best practice to have all the facts.
Why Graduate Volume Should Be on Your Radar as a Prospective Counseling Student
In counseling, graduate numbers can indicate the strength of an online program's infrastructure. A school graduating hundreds annually at the master's level from a specific counseling program has likely refined its online delivery, built out practicum and internship pipelines, and developed strong alumni networks.
For example:
Southern New Hampshire University Online tops the list with 858 graduates, a scale that speaks to deep experience when it comes to supporting distance learners through licensure-driven coursework/fieldwork.
The University of the Cumberlands and California Baptist University follow closely, both coupling large graduate counts with CACREP accreditation, ensuring licensure alignment.
National University produces 172 graduates annually, pairing this scale with a broad licensure approach through its MFT and combined MFT/LPCC tracks, giving students multiple career pathways.
High graduate counts also expand your pool of peers (critical in a people-centered profession like counseling) as well as post-graduation networking opportunities.
What Alumni Say About Their Counseling Psychology Master's Experience
We’ve been collecting student feedback for years, and our recommendation rates reflect the percentage of surveyed graduates who would endorse their school to others. In this field, where mentoring, relationships, and professional reputation carry weight, such peer approval about the online school you're choosing is telling.
Several schools on our list shine in this arena:
Chadron State College, Nelson University, and Chaminade University all have a perfect 100% recommendation rate from surveyed students.
Golden Gate University and Midwestern State University post rates above 89%, suggesting strong satisfaction despite smaller program sizes.
When high satisfaction aligns with strong earnings, the case for a program becomes even more compelling. Alliant International University graduates report median earnings of over $105,000 alongside an 83% recommendation rate — and naturally, Alliant’s psychology students have a lot of good things to say about the program:
"I'm in the doctoral MFT PsyD program at the Irvine campus and I love it... It's helped me exponentially learn and grow as a clinician and person." – Anonymous, Graduated 2025
"Excellent school with working professionals who share real-life knowledge of teaching in field of school psychology. Program is comprehensive and the cohort model is excellent. Prepares you with NASP standards & certified by CTC. Highly recommend for school psych and other psych masters." – Jules, Graduated 2024
"Alliant International University and the CSPP (California School of Professional Psychology) together are quite wonderful... I definitely recommend this school for anyone who is driven to learn more about Psychology and to progress in their education, as well as wanting to experience a different atmosphere than most larger institutions offer." – Paige Sparks, Graduated 2021
"My passion for the field of Psychology has intensified dramatically from being in the presence of professors and peers who have done nothing but support these interests and desires for my future..." – Ana Angulo, Graduated 2016
One frustration for prospective counseling students is how rarely schools report program-specific earnings. Yet when available, this data is invaluable. Alongside Alliant’s exceptional figure, California Baptist University and Chaminade University of Honolulu show strong mid-career earnings in the $62K–$69K range, signaling a healthy return on investment even before considering the non-monetary rewards of counseling work.
Students at Chaminade speak to the program’s flexibility and faculty support:
"Chaminade's graduate program in counseling psychology is geared towards helping working adults further education through their night and weekend classes... Most professors seemed knowledgeable and were helpful and readily available along the way." – Kelsey Tsuneda, Graduated 2012
For others, personal connection and mentorship define the experience, as reflected by one graduate of Regent University Online:
"The Psychology program at Regent university is second to none. It truly is a place to come and learn about the field from professors that love their field and are just as excited to share it with you. The level of personal one on one contact with professors is something I do not think can be found anywhere else and is something very unique about this program." – Anonymous, Graduated 2016
While salary potential shouldn’t be the sole driver in choosing a graduate counseling program, especially in a field rooted in service, combining strong financial outcomes with high recommendation rates and positive firsthand experiences offers a powerful argument for these schools.
Counseling Master's Program Features That Stand Out
While all the schools here offer online flexibility, several bring distinctive elements to the table:
- Faith-Integrated Counseling: California Baptist, Concordia Irvine, Chaminade, Nelson, and Regent weave Christian principles into their curricula, appealing to students who value spiritual integration in their practice.
- Licensure-Ready Curricula: CACREP-accredited programs like those at SNHU Online, Cumberlands, Alliant, Concordia Irvine, and Chadron ensure coursework meets national standards, often streamlining state licensure.
- Unique Specializations: Ottawa offers rare concentration options like Expressive Arts Therapy and Gerocounseling. Meanwhile, ASU Online has a positive psychology focus is singular in its depth, and National's dual MFT/LPCC track opens multiple licensure doors.
- In-Person Residencies: SNHU and Concordia Irvine blend online coursework with short, immersive residencies, giving students hands-on, face-to-face training.
And if you're weighing the program content but faculty access matters most to you, note the standout student-faculty ratios at Ottawa (8:1), Alliant (10:1), and Golden Gate (10:1).
Brittney Scott: Counseling Professional Offering Guidance on Online Graduate Training & Career Development
LPC
Counseling is deeply relational. How can online master's programs create the kind of interpersonal and experiential learning needed for this field?
"They need to create mock counseling sessions for the students. Being a client and counselor and also having to watch it would create this. It also gives students more hands on preparation to what the counseling chair and the client chair feels like."
What should students know about practicum/internship requirements when choosing an online counseling psychology master's program?
"With an online program you may not have help with placement for practicum and internship the same way you would with an in person program. Your school is probably in another state and would not have relationships all over the country. You should be prepared to find these sites with little help from your advisor."
How do online graduate programs typically support students through licensure preparation?
"I think the biggest help you would receive is with testing. If your school provides it or helps with set up, test early and get it over with. I am unsure if they can provide hands on help since every state licensure board is different, but I am sure the advisor can provide guidance on what to expect."
What types of counseling career paths are most common for graduates with a master's in this field?
"Most common is clinical or case management. Hospital, outpatient, community mental health, and private practice are the usuals. The options are very wide though and students should not think small! The desired career is out there if they are willing to get creative."
EXPERT TIP
"Be disciplined, not motivated. Motivation is up and down and getting through a master's program without the support of on campus classes can be tough when life gets in the way. Create a schedule and stick to it. Make a friend in your classes. Exchange numbers and have an accountability partner for support, it will make a huge difference. If you miss a class they have the notes, if you were struggling to pay attention because your kid is sick, they can fill in the gaps, and vice versa."
FAQs About Online Master's in Counseling Psychology Programs
What Is an Online Counseling Psychology Master’s Degree?
Counseling psychology master's programs are designed to train graduates to be licensed clinical mental health counselors. Learners study the theories, concepts, and strategies of psychology in depth while developing the skills and techniques to provide professional counseling services. Programs typically require 60 credit hours, and they are generally structured to be completed in two years with a full-time schedule, though some require an additional six months on top of that.
Learners study the theories, concepts, and strategies of psychology in depth while developing the skills and techniques to provide professional counseling services.
It's possible to earn a counseling psychology degree entirely through distance education, where students take fully online classes and complete their fieldwork requirements at mental health facilities near their homes. Online students may reduce higher education expenses by applying for financial aid and avoiding campus-related expenses, such as housing and transportation costs. Non-resident students may also save by opting for online programs, as many schools' online tuition rates are lower than their out-of-state tuition rates.
Students may also be interested in pursuing an online master's in school counseling or exploring additional master's programs offered through distance learning.
Why Is Accreditation Important for an Online Master’s in Counseling Psychology?
Accreditation is a designation indicating that schools and their individual programs meet academic standards and produce professional-level learning outcomes. The accredits in-person and online master's degree programs that are oriented toward clinical counseling. Since programmatic accreditation may be required for state licensure, students should check their state's licensing board before enrolling to ensure their program meets their state's criteria. Depending on the state, licensing boards for counseling may stipulate unique requirements for online learners.
What Will You Learn in an Online Counseling Psychology Master’s Program?
While some courses in an online counseling psychology program focus on theory, others emphasize practice through hands-on exercises, simulations, and supervised work.
Because most counseling occupations require state licensure, program coursework is also intended to help students pass the appropriate exams. In addition to core courses, students may choose several electives in subjects that are often specializations in the counseling field, such as career counseling, substance use and addiction treatment, marriage and family therapy, human sexuality, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology. The following are some of the courses commonly found in an online counseling psychology program.
- Assessment and Evaluation in Counseling: In this applications-oriented course, students learn various clinical interviewing and assessment techniques they can use with individuals, couples, and families. Students can practice establishing rapport with clients, conducting mental status examinations, and providing counseling and feedback. Coursework may also introduce crisis intervention models.
- Counseling Theories: This course provides an overview of the major theories behind psychotherapy and counseling. In addition to understanding the historical background and cultural context of these counseling theories, students learn how they support the therapeutic techniques used for different types of clients.
- Cultural Diversity, Ethics, and Legal Issues in Counseling: This course is designed to give students a strong foundation in professional conduct. Coursework covers social and multicultural influences on behavior exhibited by both counselors and their clients. Students also learn to engage in ethical reasoning and comply with regulations governing the counseling profession.
- Group Counseling: At some point in their careers, students may find themselves providing counseling to groups of people, so this course offers hands-on opportunities to practice group facilitation. Students also learn about group dynamics, the stages of group formation, and therapeutic movement within groups.
- Human Growth and Development: This course explains the typical cognitive, personality, and moral development of individuals across their lifespan, from infancy into adulthood and old age. Coursework also explores individual and cultural differences, developmental processes, and theories of human development.
Do Online Counseling Psychology Programs Require On-Campus Residencies?
Yes, many if not most online programs require learners to attend one or two weeklong residencies on campus, which allow students to start gaining practical experience midway through the program.
Online students usually complete fieldwork — another important component — at a mental health facility during a program’s last year. Working under the supervision of licensed counselors in real-life settings enables students to develop counseling skills in testing, evaluation, and consultation. Most programs require students to complete two term-long internships and possibly one additional practicum, which usually entail 500-700 hours of work experience. These clinical hours also help fulfill state requirements for licensure.
What Careers Become Available With a Counseling Psychology Master’s Degree?
Online counseling psychology programs are meant to instruct students on offering support and guidance to individuals and families struggling with behavioral and emotional difficulties. Master's graduates may work in private practices or government agencies that provide counseling assistance, or they may decide to pursue a doctoral degree. While becoming a fully licensed psychologist requires a doctoral degree, graduates with online master's degrees are qualified for a number of career paths in counseling, including the following:
are typically employed in community health centers, prisons, and private practice. They specialize in counseling people suffering from alcohol and drug dependence as well as other mental health disorders.
help K-12 students address emotional or behavioral issues that may affect their education. Those who work in high schools, colleges, and universities may also assist students in educational and career planning. Using various types of assessment tools and evaluation techniques, they help students determine their skills and abilities to develop their career goals. Individuals need a master's degree and a state-issued credential to practice.
evaluate the needs of clients to make a treatment plan for their medical, psychological, developmental, and/or emotional disabilities. A rehabilitation counselor's goal is to help people manage independent living, which often involves training for and finding employment that accommodates limitations.
specialize in helping couples and families with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues. Most work in private practices or mental health centers. Individuals must have a master's degree and a state-issued license to practice that is distinct from that of a licensed psychologist.
Do You Need a License to Work in Counseling Psychology?
Depending on the career path graduates choose and the state where they work, they may or may not need a license to practice. For example, marriage and family therapists, certified counselors, school counselors, and other licensed professional counselors typically need state-issued licensure, but career counselors may not. These credentials need to be renewed periodically, and renewal often requires proof that the counselor has completed a state-specified number of continuing education hours.
The eligibility criteria for licensure also varies by state: There are variations in the counseling degree level, program accreditation, number of supervised clinical hours, and other required qualifications for every specialization in each state. While several counseling specializations require only a master's degree, becoming a licensed psychologist requires a doctoral degree. Students should check with their state's licensing board to determine the licensing requirements for their chosen occupation.
Licensed counselors may also want to earn certification from a professional organization, such as the . Although certification is usually optional, it demonstrates a counselor's commitment to professional development and practice. Certifications are available for both general practitioners and specialists.
Student Reviews of Online Counseling Psychology Programs
Very professional college. Im getting my Masters at university of phoenix and I'm very excited. I've already received my Associates and Bachelors at University of phoenix. This is the best university. My reason for going back to school it's for my kids.
Review Date: 4/22/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The management at this school is a mess, (such as FAFSA, counselors, trying to register for classes) I do not have any good experiences with any of them. Some professors are really good, but a good chunk of them are also disorganized and unreasonable.
Review Date: 12/23/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Pursuing my master's degree via online classes through Grand Canyon University was the best decision for me. It allowed me to log into class on my own time. I currently have a full time job, while working on completing my degree. The teachers are very helpful and fairly easy to get in contact with. The student services staff check in with you before the start of any new class and sometimes in-between just to make sure things are going well. The students are very friendly and professional as well.... Read More
Review Date: 3/8/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have been at GCU since I decided to go back to school to finish my undergrad degree. It was such a wonderful experience that I am now in a graduate program and still loving it!
Review Date: 4/30/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
University of Phoenix is a good college that a individual will enjoy going to. The instructor are really understanding with the student in helping when a person having a problem with the assignment is about and the online program is a flexible if a student are working.
Review Date: 12/13/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I was admitted into the summer cohort for the Masters of Arts in Counseling online class. So far in every way Northwestern seems to be an amazing university. I've spoken more with the support staff before I've taken my first course than I did my entire undergraduate career. Phone calls and emails were returned promptly, any and every question I have had has been answered. I've talked to financial aid, admissions, the HEAD of my program, and many other departments. All have been extremely warm, welcoming,... Read More
Review Date: 5/24/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The pros of the school are that it is convenient for me to attend a graduate program so close to home and within a reasonable distance from my home and job. The professors have been great and provide a great chance for me to succeed. If there was ever an issue that I felt the need to visit with one of them they are always willing to listen and help if warranted. Some of the major cons that I have notice include excessive work with online classes. Being that I am a full time worker and drive a great... Read More
Review Date: 5/31/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I really like taking classes online and I love taking courses at University of Phoenix. The professors are very helpful and they respond quickly to your inquiries. The classes are easy to access. There is always tips to help you navigate through the system. I am completely pleased with everything and I plan to take seven more classes I onlin .
Review Date: 1/27/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I had to take 3 courses in GCU to obtain my permanent license to practice since I wasn't trained in the US. I don't like online classes because I don't get half as much as I would attending an actual class. But I didn't have the time to go to a campus and this was more practical. The level of expectations from the teachers was very low - I could read the crap, non-sense, stupidity that most students would write and they would still get full points. No argument, proper reasoning and everyone sharing... Read More
Review Date: 12/21/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
Love the ability to finish my program online. Everyone thus far has been extremely helpful and have been very welcoming.
Review Date: 5/9/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Lamar has done a great job in assisting me in any concerns or questions I might have.
Review Date: 5/25/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Love the opportunity this campus offered. Having satellite campuses and online courses helped taking my grad classes easier. My professors have been extremely knowledgeable, helpful, challenging, and friendly. Great environment overall. Con is the surrounding city which does not offer much in terms of recreation.
Review Date: 3/13/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The University of West Alabama is a good school. It is well established in Livingston, AL. I chose the master's program of continuing education in counseling Psychology. This was not a good program for me. I did not get the internship I needed to move forward. I did not have wanted I needed to become a license counselor. I would recommend this school but not the program. This school is mostly focused on certifying school personnel.
Review Date: 3/14/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Saying that I am extremely disappointed in this school is an understatement. The professors are BRILLIANT and teach WONDERFULLY. They are genuinely concerned about their students and are largely fair graders who love to teach! However, the administration and college environment has absolutely no regard for their students. This is nothing but a money-hungry institution that will make your life 100x more difficult than it needs to be in terms of administrative tasks. They put holds on my records for... Read More
Review Date: 12/6/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I can not express in words how happy I am about completing my education at Liberty University! It has been a long and challenging journey. The classes prepared me for my board licensure and I passed!! I was just hired at a private practice with a great salary and benefits. Once you begin this program you must be willing to engage your heart and mind during the whole process, it isn’t for the weak! I met a lot of wonderful people and they have graduated too. I keep in contact with them and they have... Read More
Review Date: 7/3/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I had high hopes for this school, because before I applied 4 years ago, I reached out to alumni and asked about their experience, they recited they had much issues with administration and financial aid. I was okay with this information because those things can be easily resolved as well as since they were problems years before I applied, I assumed they would have been resolved. I was wrong. I have been with Sofia for 3 years (I took a year off in the middle because of a car accident) each year, there... Read More
Review Date: 2/3/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
This program is heavily intertwined with a mental health clinic (LBTRC). More than half of the professors work there. This influences the learning experience tremendously. This program does not have a coordinator and professors are scrambling to do everything. This causes disorganization and extra stress on the graduate students. It is CBT focused and not much room for exploring other modalities. It is a cohort model so you will have the same people throughout your time there. I've met some great... Read More
Review Date: 10/10/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I have really enjoyed working on my degree at Texas A&M - Commerce. The workload is manageable, the staff is knowledgeable, and the fellow students are nice.
Review Date: 3/13/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Saybrook claims to be humanistic and social justice oriented, and if you overlook HOW they do business, one could be easily fooled by the talk they talk. After two years of getting inaccurate information and stiff-armed, from the student recruiter to the commencement ceremony director, I know better. My cohort protested enough to get the president, to participate in some discussions about our program being understaffed, the curriculum in constant flux, no organizational cohesion - including accurate... Read More
Review Date: 4/30/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Pacifica Graduate Institute offers a unique learning environment for students who oppose the standard daily grind. The set-up of classes, attending one time/month and doing the rest on one's own, challenges one's ability to manage one's own time. But if you are a go-getter, it may be the perfect set-up for you. I myself have really enjoyed it. The quality of instruction is high and most of the courses offer a sense of creativity. Discussions can be intriguing and there is a lot of room for personal... Read More
Review Date: 1/6/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No