2025 Best Doctorates in Counseling Online
Our list features the best online doctoral degrees in counseling. These accredited colleges offer fully online counseling doctorates, ordered by popularity based on online enrollment data.
Key Takeaways:
- Liberty University ranks #1 overall with 48,101 online students.
- Mississippi College leads with the highest recommendation rate (88%).
- Chicago School of Professional Psychology Online has the best student-to-faculty ratio at 7:1.
To learn about our selection process, read our full methodology. We also interviewed two licensed counselors to share expert insight on what to expect from an online counseling PhD.
List Of Accredited Online Counseling Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | $11,305 | |
| Capella University | 27,738 | $13,140 |
| National University | 8,980 | $16,275 |
| University of the Cumberlands | 8,327 | $7,408 |
| Regent University Online | 4,806 | $17,828 |
| University of West Georgia | 3,897 | $6,240 |
| University of West Alabama | 3,202 | $12,600 |
| Chicago School of Professional Psychology Online | 2,631 | $35,319 |
| Bay Path University | 1,140 | 4 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $11,940 |
| William Carey University | 1,000 | $12,672 |
| Saybrook University Hybrid Online | 700 | $22,305 |
| University of Western States | 567 | $18,686 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | 553 | $21,000 |
| Mississippi College | 456 | $13,500 |
| Hampton University | 188 | $10,560 |
2025 Best Doctorates in Counseling Online
- Online Enrollment: 48,101 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $11,305
- Location: Lynchburg (VA)
Why we like them: Liberty University holds the #1 rank due to its exceptional scale and reach in online education. If you compare its online enrollment to other universities, LU stands in the top 1% nationwide, with more than 48,000 students pursuing their studies online. Liberty's online Ed.D. in Community Care & Counseling with a concentration in Traumatology has an integrated dissertation model enables you to conduct research and coursework concurrently.
- Online Enrollment: 27,738 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $13,140
- Location: Minneapolis (MN)
Why we like them: Capella's counseling PhD online requires current BCBA certification for admission and is structured to offer eligibility for the BCBA-D credential upon completion. It emphasizes research conducted under faculty mentorship.
- Online Enrollment: 8,980 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $16,275
- Location: La Jolla (CA)
Why we like them: At NU, all faculty teaching in the program hold doctorates, ensuring that you are mentored by experts who are intimately grounded in their field. This doctorate program has a 100% online format and an accelerated 54-month completion timeline.
- Online Enrollment: 8,327 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $7,408
- Location: Williamsburg (KY)
Why we like them: UC's doctorate counseling program is synchronous and has a CACREP-accredited PhD format. This way, you gain real-time interaction with faculty and peers. Another unique element is the One Price Promise, which eliminates textbook costs.
- Online Enrollment: 4,806 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $17,828
- Location: Virginia Beach (VA)
Why we like them: Regent’s online counseling Ph.D. received in January 2008, becoming the first distance-only doctoral CES program to earn this status. It sets itself apart through its breadth of concentration options — including Addictions Counseling, Biblical Counseling, Human Services Counseling, Industrial-Organizational, Life Coaching, Marriage & Family Ministry, and Trauma & Crisis Counseling.
- Online Enrollment: 3,897 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $6,240
- Location: Carrollton (GA)
Why we like them: UWG's counseling doctorate has a two-track structure, allowing you to enter an accelerated 39-credit path if you already hold an Ed.S. in counseling, or follow a comprehensive 60-credit track if you do not. The curriculum prioritizes program evaluation, clinical and administrative supervision, and advocacy, specifically training you to work with marginalized and underserved populations.
- Online Enrollment: 3,202 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $12,600
- Location: Livingston (AL)
Why we like them: UWA offers the first Ed.D. in Rural Education in the nation, uniquely focused on the challenges and solutions facing rural communities. You can specialize in one of six career-targeted tracks, including Counseling, Higher Education Administration, and Instructional Technology, with each curriculum developed in collaboration with rural education leaders and superintendents.
- Online Enrollment: 2,631 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $35,319
- Locations: Multiple Locations
Why we like them: CSOPP Online's counseling program seeks to address real-world organizational issues by teaching a blend of psychological and business principles. There are immersive residencies that provide hands-on consulting experience. You would have access to over 500 community partners for internships and practicum opportunities.
- Online Enrollment: 1,140 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: 4 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $11,940
- Locations: Longmeadow (MA) (and 1 other)
Why we like them: One of the most unique aspects of BPU’s DHSc counseling program is that you can earn a Certificate in Advanced Trauma-Informed Counseling as part of your doctoral studies. The curriculum has an explicit concentration on trauma-related mental health conditions for all age groups, catering to those seeking specialized competency in trauma-informed care.
- Online Enrollment: 1,000 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $12,672
- Location: Hattiesburg (MS)
Why we like them: WCU’s EdS in Emotional and Behavioral Disorders is structured around a fully online, cohort-based model that you can finish in as little as 12 to 15 months without any required synchronous meetings. It mandates at least 300 contact hours working with students who have emotional and behavioral disorders. In Mississippi, completion leads to a Class AAA license and an EBD endorsement.
- Online Enrollment: 700 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $22,305
- Location: Oakland (CA)
Why we like them: Saybrook’s program has CACREP accreditation, which is a hallmark of quality in counselor education. You will benefit from a hybrid structure that balances the convenience of online coursework with two required in-person, five-day Residential Learning Experiences per year.
- Online Enrollment: 567 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $18,686
- Location: Portland (OR)
Why we like them: UWS's program allows you to simultaneously meet academic requirements for counseling licensure while pursuing advanced sport and performance psychology training. The program's structure enables you to earn a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling en route to the doctorate, affording you the opportunity to begin professional counseling practice before completing the doctoral degree.
- Online Enrollment: 553 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $21,000
- Location: Honolulu (HI)
Why we like them: Chaminade's program offers two distinct concentrations — Mental Health Counseling and School Psychology — that enable you to directly meet professional licensure requirements in Hawaii. It integrates a 600-hour PK-12 school internship (waived for Chaminade MSCP alumni), providing authentic field experience.
- Online Enrollment: 456 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $13,500
- Location: Clinton (MS)
Why we like them: MC’s online DPC sets itself apart as the first clinical doctorate specifically developed for professional counselors, providing a unique alternative to traditional PhD or PsyD pathways. You can control your own training by gearing it toward your personal career interests, such as marriage and family counseling, addiction therapy, or eating disorders. And rather than a dissertation, you participate in an applied clinical case study.
- Online Enrollment: 188 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $10,560
- Location: Hampton (VA)
Why we like them: The most distinctive feature of HU’s online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision is its accelerated 64-credit format, designed for completion in just 3.5 years. It has concentrations in School Counseling and Community Mental Health Counseling.
What Experts Say About Earning a PhD in Counseling Online
Two experienced licensed counselors — one an academic leader, the other a private practice founder — share their candid insights about earning a counseling PhD online. Their perspectives offer grounded advice for prospective students navigating this professional decision.
Dr. Ebony White: Why Online PhDs Must Match the Rigor of Traditional Programs
LPC, NCC, ACS
What makes a PhD in counseling especially valuable for licensed counselors who want to expand their impact beyond direct practice?
"Earning a PhD means your focus is on either changing/transforming the field of counseling in some way or contributing to the foundation of the profession in a meaningful way. A PhD is a research doctorate meaning, beyond providing clinical support services, you would be able to test and speak to the direct impact of interventions, theories, and models on client outcomes. Further, you would be able to influence how we train and teach future counseling professionals."
In your view, how well do online doctoral programs support advanced training?
"It is important to note that all counseling programs are not created equal.
Ensuring that the counseling program is accredited is key, as it ensures a certain standard of knowledge. If they have accreditation, programs are able to support in similar ways to land-based programs because the standard is the same.
They pair you with a mentor and you have access to other faculty whose interests align with yours or whose work you are interested in. Further, you get to practice your research skills while having access to a knowledgebase that is typically only accessible at a certain level of the academy. Professionals can help to guide you in the right direction to get your questions answered."
"Accredited [online] PhD counseling programs must adhere to the same standards as land-based universities. So, the mentorship, knowledgebase, research opportunities, expectations around leadership are the same."
What factors should prospective students consider when choosing between a PhD and a professional doctorate (like a PsyD or EdD) for their career goals?
"I would say if you have no interest in research, or assessment at any level, then a PhD is likely not the right choice.
If your primary goal is to become qualified to conduct psychological assessments go the PsyD route.
If your primary goal is simply to deepen your knowledge and possibly teach in higher education institutions that don’t have a research focus than an EdD is sufficient."
How do online programs handle key aspects of the PhD experience, such as mentorship, supervision, and academic collaboration?
"Students are typically paired with a doctoral level advisor (that they can request to change depending on availability, interest, and program policy) who supports their interests and development.
All of the core areas of counseling are covered in PhD online counseling programs and students choose a niche based on their learning, interests, and professional goals. Throughout the program they should meet regularly with their advisor (and can meet with other faculty as stated previously) to ensure they are meeting developmental markers in four areas of professional development (academic performance, research and scholarship skills, teaching skills, and leadership)."
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting an online PhD in counseling?
"Expectations are high, the time commitment is high, and you must be a self-starter and committed to the process. Although the idea of an online program can seem like you can make it work around your life, for the time you are in the program, you also must work your life around your learning. Taking initiative to advocate for your needs and do your own research is key and don’t forget to form solid relationships along the way."
Brittney Scott: Start With Your End Goal — and Know What You’re Signing Up For
LPC
What types of career goals are best served by pursuing a PhD in counseling?
"A PhD in counseling would be valuable to any licensed counselor who wants to do research to further the discipline of counseling or who want to teach and educate new counselors who want to enter the field."
How well do online doctoral programs support advanced training?
"In my view online programs who have an in person component do well. Professors should see the students and interact with them in person. Some programs have that small hybrid portion of a few weeks over the summer, while the rest of the program is online.
I think fully online, without ever meeting the student is a big risk."
What should students evaluate before applying to an online doctoral program in counseling?
"The prospective student should decide of they want a research focused or clinical focused professional doctorate degree. After that decision they should look at funding, accreditation, and the percent of accepted applicants.
... Going to school online takes a ton of discipline and focus and it very different than in person learning. Make sure you have the motivation and discipline to stay focused when you are not on a college campus."
EXPERT TIP
"One piece of advice I would give to someone is determine your goals/outcome of getting the degree before starting. How do you plan on using the degree, what do you want to do with it, and how will this further your career?"
Student Reviews of Online Counseling Programs
The program is great. The doctors who lead the classes are good with the students and make us think before responding. They do a good job of preparing us for the field with a number of internships and practicums. The only downside to the program is that since the school is a private one, it costs a bit more than other schools.
Review Date: 6/4/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Great program. Have to find internship places on my own....I wish there could be more help with that. It's also very expensive, with only student loans available for grad students in my field. Wish there were grants or scholarships available. It is an excellent program, however, and I'm enjoying it and learning a lot. The instructors are also clinicians and have lots of counseling experience. Most have doctorates also. They are very knowledgeable about the field directly.
Review Date: 10/19/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I was in the Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. I earned my Ph.D. in Human Services: Specialization in Counseling. As a school counselor, the comprehensive and rigorous course work in the doctoral program has prepared me to be more effective when providing counseling services to not only children but to parents and guardians. My professors and mentor were dedicated and committed to seeing me through the process. Working towards attaining a doctoral degree is a "journey" like no... Read More
Review Date: 3/5/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I love the online program because it allows me to earn my PhD without taking time away from my family. Online learning is not for everyone, but Walden's online program is competitive and the classes are well worth it. I have learned so much in this program...
Review Date: 7/10/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
A few of these categories do not apply. I am a PhD student at Walden and I do not have one complaint. My experience at Walden has been one of growth and development. I am very pleased.
Review Date: 2/28/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Walden University is an on-line university so some of the ratings did not apply. I felt I received a high quality education that was exciting and up to date on the latest issues related to the counseling profession. The professions went beyond the classwork to give additional information that helped in the course work. My decision to continue in the PHD program was based on admission process and the ease of having the courses pre-selected and the course material included in the tuition.
Review Date: 3/24/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I was an international student at this school. I still remember the first week I attended this school I had to buy a car immediately to commute from Commerce to my class in Mesquite and McKinney. It was a quite challenging but it has developed me to be a quick adjusted person to a new culture and environment. Overall the program was good, the professors were helpful and knowledgable, and the department also has their own clinic for students to do practicum and internship. I believed this school would... Read More
Review Date: 10/22/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The pros of my program is that it affords students with the blended format of completing assignments on-line as well as meeting colleagues while on-campus. This creates a great support system. The cons is that the program is costly. I am pursuing a Ed.D. degree.
Review Date: 9/15/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am in the doctoral program in counseling. The university is incredibly dedicated to excellence. This program is challenging, enjoyable and increasingly well-organized. It has improved since I began the doctoral classes in 2011 and demonstrates commitment to getting even better.
Review Date: 10/12/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Liberty offers a blended program for a PhD in counseling which meets my current educational needs since I am already working in the field. They have extremely gifted and inspirational staff both for online and in person classes. The only con which will be the barrier for most students is high tuition.
Review Date: 6/24/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My experience in the CES PhD program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has been challenging yet very rewarding. The program has challenged me to think critically about modern day counseling issues, to find unique ways to apply theory to my current work in the field, be more receptive to change, and to improve my time management skills. Though I am still in my first year I feel that my application of counseling techniques, understanding of the counseling profession and critical thinking... Read More
Review Date: 1/10/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The University of Wyoming Counselor Education and Supervision track is a phenomenal PhD program. Students are afforded ample opportunity to participate in academia and research (including publishing and conference presentations) alongside seasoned professors who take a significant interest in the success of their students. I love this program and would recommend it to anyone interested in pursuing a career in counselor education and supervision.
Review Date: 7/7/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am fortunate to be in a wonderful program that carries very few disadvantages or cons. One disadvantage of my program is that research opportunities are very limited. It seems that the focus of my graduate program is more on clinical work rather than a product of clinical and research work. I feel the pros of my graduate program outweigh the cons. I feel extremely supported in my work in the field of marriage and family therapy. The courses that are offered give me a foundation to work on as I... Read More
Review Date: 2/12/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Overall, this graduate program is very competitive and provides an excellent foundation for counselor and counseling ed. study. The only con I would comment to is that a Phd-level program in this realm is not available at the Indianapolis campus.
Review Date: 3/16/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The counseling psychology program has the option of taking the 56 unit program geared towards transferring to a Ph.D program, the 90 unit program enables you to become licensed at a Marriage and Family Therapist and/or a Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of California. The professors and quality of education is outstanding. The program goes above and beyond to support student's development, personal process, practicum experience, and path towards licensure. Although the program has some... Read More
Review Date: 8/24/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Pros: variety of grad programs, tons of support, location in great area, surrounding areas awesome. Cons: Not many doctoral programs
Review Date: 1/23/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I truly loved my time here! The faculty members are all involved in the counseling profession, peers are outstanding, and the insights gained throughout my educational career at Ole Miss will remain among my most treasured. Needless to say, I HIGHLY recommend this program!
Review Date: 4/3/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
As a doctoral student in the College of Education, I feel the challenges presented through research opportunities, clinical experience, and teaching loads will have prepared me to successfully seek employment upon graduation. The surrounding area of Orlando is made up for by the peers and future colleagues in which I am surrounded. It is a place of learning and the creation of life long friendships.
Review Date: 12/19/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I love the MS in Mental Health Counseling program at Old Westbury. I like structure so it was good to not have to figure out my schedule because that was already done. The professors and faculty are great, including the director of the program. They do their best to make sure you are getting what you need academically, socially, emotionally, etc. I have recommended two of my friends to attend the program because of how good I think it is. The only thing I would change is the long lines at Bursar... Read More
Review Date: 7/4/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The Counseling graduate program at NIU is one of the best in the state--the quality of classes and content available really makes the program unique. Additionally, the professors really are dedicated and passionate about their work, and very supportive of graduate and doctoral students. Through taking a holistic view of counseling and mental health, as well as adhering to CACREP certification standards, it really is one of the most affordable and best programs in the area. The program has recently... Read More
Review Date: 4/7/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No