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Compare Master’s in Counseling Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Master’s in Counseling Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

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Compare Master’s in Counseling Programs
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Best Master’s in Counseling Degree Programs of 2025
Compare Master’s in Counseling Programs
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Helping others with substance abuse and mental health disorders is a challenging and rewarding career. Depending on experience level and location, the average counselor makes $49,710, with hospitals paying higher salaries. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics forecasts 18% growth in the counseling field over the next decade. While a master’s in counseling degree program can cost anywhere from $12,394 to $26,621, the average is $19,749. Most programs take 18 months to three years to complete, depending on the required credit and clinical hours.

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  • Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
  • 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
  • All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
  • Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
  • Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked 256 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online business administration bachelor’s degree programs in the U.S. using 17 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process.
We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of February 2024.
We scored schools based on the following metrics.

Student Outcomes:

  • Graduation rate within eight years of normal time
  • Median earnings 10 years after graduation
  • Pell Grant recipient graduation rate within eight years of normal time
  • Retention rate
  • Pell Grant graduation rate vs. overall graduation rate

Affordability:

  • Average in-state tuition rate and fees
  • Median federal student loan debt
  • Student loan default rate
  • Percentage of students who take out loans
  • Student Experience:
  • Student-to-faculty ratio
  • Socioeconomic diversity
  • Program’s coursework (excluding student orientations, field experiences and labs) is available 100% online
  • Proportion of undergraduate students enrolled in at least some distance learning courses

Credibility:

  • Fully accredited
  • Nonprofit status

Application Process:

  • Acceptance rate
  • Uses Common App

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 88% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here.

Best 50 Accredited Master’s in Counseling Degree Programs

Best Master's in Counseling Programs
01

JHU School of Education
01

Northwestern University
01

Boston College
01

California State University, Long Beach
01

University of Pennsylvania
01

NYU Steinhardt
01

Northeastern University
01

University of Wisconsin - Madison
01

CUNY Baruch College
01

Yeshiva University
01

CUNY Brooklyn College
01

Minnesota State University-Mankato
01

UNC School of Medicine
01

San Diego State University
01

University of Florida
01

USC Rossier School of Education
01

Marist College
01

Rutgers University - Newark
01

Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis
01

James Madison University
01

Indiana Wesleyan University
01

Texas A&M International University
01

Illinois Tech
01

Gannon University
01

University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development
01

University of Iowa
01

University of Rochester
01

Eastern Illinois University
01

Boston University
01

Southern Methodist University
01

University of Colorado Denver
01

Wake Forest University
01

Saint Cloud State University
01

Clemson University
01

Missouri Valley College
01

Cambridge College
01

Ohio State University
01

CUNY Queens College
01

Oklahoma State University
01

North Carolina State University
01

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
01

University of Missouri - St. Louis
01

Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis
01

Florida State University
01

East Carolina University
01

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
01

UMD College of Education
01

Touro University

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How to Choose a Master’s in Counseling Degree Program

Choose your area of study

People come to counselors for support on a broad range of issues, from substance abuse to behavior disorders. To offer the most knowledgeable assistance, consider focusing on a particular age, type of individual, or problem. For example, many programs provide additional coursework on treating children or adolescents. Counselors who work with substance abusers may benefit from elective classes in pharmacology or criminal justice. If you have a preferred work setting, such as a hospital or private practice, review job search sites to see what employees want regarding education and experience.

Research schools and programs

Now that you know what you want to study, it’s time to see how various schools align with your goals. Review the program(s) each school has to offer, comparing:

  • Requirements
  • Coursework, including electives
  • Number of credit hours
  • Scheduling flexibility, in-person and online
  • Clinical or internship opportunities
  • Tuition and assistance options

Remember to check licensure requirements for the state where you plan to work; some states only license counselors who have attended an accredited program. Other factors influencing your decision include research and clinical opportunities, career guidance, and the school’s overall culture and environment.

Prepare for tests and applications

Entry requirements can vary between schools and even programs within a school. Start by reviewing the college’s application procedure, and pay careful attention to deadlines. Unless you’re applying for a combined undergraduate/graduate program, you’ll need a prior bachelor’s degree from an approved institution. Master’s in counseling programs may or may not stipulate a related undergraduate degree; it depends on the college. Next, look at the program requirements, such as essays, transcripts, and required test scores, particularly the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and English language proficiency. Allow time to gather and transmit all the necessary information, including letters of recommendation.

Select your program

Many colleges have more than one master’s in counseling degree program, ranging from accelerated versions to those with a specialized focus. If your undergraduate degree was in an unrelated field, you may wish to take coursework that provides background training in psychology.

When choosing a program, consider the time you have available, especially if you plan to work while pursuing a degree. Counseling graduate degrees often require in-depth internships to fulfill mandated clinical hours. Look into the possibility of online class attendance for some, if not all, classes. Finally, check into any electives that improve marketability with employers.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

While a graduate degree can enhance employability and increase salary potential, it does come at a cost. Fortunately, there are ways to subsidize a master’s program. Start with the college’s financial aid office to see what is available for the school and department. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help programs determine your eligibility.

Research and graduate assistantships can help cover costs and provide valuable experience in the field. If you’re looking for a student loan, check federal and private organizations, comparing interest rates and payback terms. Many companies reimburse college expenses, especially if you plan to remain with your current employer.

What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Counseling Degree Program?

Whether pursuing a counseling graduate degree online, in-person, or in a combination setting, you’ll receive a comprehensive education on mental health disorders and clinical practices. Most programs use a blend of teaching methods, from individual instruction to group sessions and real-world case studies. Class topics often include an in-depth look at psychopathologies along with a discussion of various counseling methods for individuals, groups, and family units.

Due to the clinical requirements for a counseling license, you’ll need to spend several hours per week in face-to-face interaction with clients. Some schools operate an in-house clinic, while others sponsor you at a nearby hospital or institution. Two years is the average time spent on obtaining a master’s in counseling degree if attending full-time. However, working toward a specialty focus, such as childhood counseling, can take longer. You’ll participate in a supervised internship toward the end of the degree program.

Potential courses you’ll take in a master’s in counseling degree program

  • Introduction to Counseling. Most programs offer an introductory course that covers the objectives and mission of a counselor. Other topics to address include counseling ethics, treatment methods, and established theories.
  • Psychopathology. This core requirement enables you to recognize many common mental health disorders. It explains how to assess and evaluate clients using established testing procedures and discusses intervention techniques.
  • Multicultural Counseling. During this course, you’ll explore client diversity, including how to develop an approachable, non-judgmental counseling method. You’ll also discuss how spiritual beliefs, social heritage, and other cultural factors affect viewpoints. After completing this course, you’ll be better able to communicate with individuals from various social and cultural backgrounds.
  • Group Counseling. Many counselors use group sessions in their treatment regimen. This course explains how and when to use group counseling as a therapeutic intervention. You’ll discover how individual personalities can affect group dynamics and learn how to develop positive interactions between members. You’ll also cover the ethical guidelines for leaders.
  • Addiction and Treatment. Substance abuse can be a contributing factor to mental health and relationships. By studying addictive substances, you’ll be better prepared to recognize the symptoms of addiction, both physical and psychological. You’ll learn standard treatment methods as well as prevention strategies.

Master’s in Counseling Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to a master's in counseling degree program?

Start with a visit to the college’s website. Most have a dedicated page with application info, including deadlines. Each program will have a start date, which can vary between colleges. Pay attention to undergraduate requirements, such as a minimum GPA or degree in a related field. If transferring to a college, you’ll need transcripts and records of completed tests. Make an appointment with an admissions counselor before starting the process to help avoid timing issues and ensure eligibility for the program.

How much does a master's in counseling degree cost?

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics places the average cost of graduate degree tuition at a little over $19,700 (during 2020-2021), with public institutions coming in much less at around $12,400. Tuition is usually based on credit hours, so the more credit hours required, the more expensive the program. A shorter program can save money, but first, make sure the classes and clinical skills match your goals. Don’t forget to consider associated expenses as well. These include books, transportation, food, lodging, and time off work. Online degrees may help reduce some of these extra costs.

How long does it take to earn a master's in counseling degree?

The length of a graduate degree program can vary between colleges, and many offer more than one curriculum option. Some states have credit hour requirements for licensing, so consider that aspect before choosing a shorter program. Another factor influencing completion time is whether you will be attending online or in person and whether it will be full or part-time. In general, you can achieve a master’s in counseling degree in around two years, including coursework and clinical field experience. If you want to specialize, the additional classes will add to the finish time.


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