Online Master's in Counseling Psychology: Finding Your School

Spotlight Online Counseling Psych Master’s Programs

Choosing an online counseling psychology master’s degree program is excellent for students who already earned a psychology degree and want to further their skill set in the field of psychology and pursue higher-paying jobs in mental health counseling.

Online programs are usually more affordable and flexible than on-campus alternatives. While many programs are marketed as having an online format, most require that students must complete in-person fieldwork to meet licensing requirements. Students should also consider accreditation from organizations like the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), licensure compatibility, and faculty support when deciding on an online master’s degree program. Look at the following spotlighted schools to get an idea of what to expect.

Student Support: Frequently Asked Questions

Students who are considering an online counseling psychology master’s degree program often have questions about how long a program takes to complete and whether a GRE is required at a particular school. Below, we answer some of these questions.

Can I earn a counseling psychology master’s degree completely online?

Some of these programs are offered fully online and have no offline or on-campus requirements. Others have specific in-person requirements, such as orientation, proctored exams, and fieldwork with licensed therapists and counselors. Students should research each program’s requirements to determine what works best for their individual needs and career goals.

What’s the difference between counseling psychology and clinical psychology?

Psychology is a relatively young field in medicine, with origins at the beginning of the 20th century. The first practitioners, who were considered clinical psychologists, focused on psychopathology and the diagnosis of psychoses.

In the 1950s, some psychology professionals asserted the importance of focusing on wellness and optimal development with a more holistic approach. This effort led to the advent of counseling psychology, which focuses on assessment, human relationships, adjustment, and vocational and career counseling.

How affordable are online counseling psychology master’s degree programs?

Counseling psychology master’s degree programs that are offered online are generally considered more affordable than on-campus alternatives. Universities that specialize in online education might appear more expensive initially, but typically include all program fees in their projected costs.

Accredited schools that offer online counseling psychology master’s degree programs often provide financial aid and scholarships to help students offset the cost of tuition. However, it is crucial that students research the cost of any program they consider.

Are GRE scores required for online counseling psychology master’s degree programs?

Many of these programs do not require GRE scores. Students who have strong scores should consider submitting their GRE score to supplement their application, particularly if their application is sparse in other areas.

This could help them secure a place in a program they’re interested in attending. However, speaking with a college or university’s admissions department is vital, as they can provide information on whether a GRE or other scored grade is required.

How long does it take to earn an online master’s degree in counseling psychology?

The time it takes to complete this type of degree program varies, depending on the program and the student’s level of commitment. Full-time students can typically complete the most rigorous programs within three years, while programs with fewer required credit hours might take one to two years to complete. For part-time students, completion of a program might take up to five to six years.

Other factors that can impact the time it takes to finish a program include any in-person requirements, such as proctored exams, special projects, or fieldwork that must be completed.

Concentration Options in Counseling Psychology

Many schools in the U.S. offer different concentrations to help students learn what they can focus on in their career. Several concentrations are available for counseling psychology master’s degree programs. We’ll discuss a few of the most popular options – which can help students earn a specialized degree – below. Depending on the concentration, students can seek specialized roles as family psychologists, school counselors, or mental health specialists.

Adult Continuing Education – Counseling and Psychology

The University of West Alabama’s MS in Adult Continuing Education – Counseling and Psychology degree program is designed for professionals who want to deepen their understanding of psychological principles and counseling strategies without immediately seeking licensure.

The program focuses on bettering practical skills and theoretical knowledge in non-clinical or supportive roles such as case management, human services, or educational advising. While it does not meet the educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor, it’s a strong fit for counselors who are already licensed and want to continue their education.

Counseling Psychology

Enrolling in Eastern University’s MA in Counseling Psychology degree program provides a solid foundation in psychological science and counseling techniques. It prepares students for careers in marriage and family therapy or professional clinical counseling.

These programs typically require fieldwork such as supervised practicums, and might offer opportunities for specialization in areas like trauma or substance abuse. Students gain real-world experience plus essential communication and diagnostic skills. So, these programs are good choices for those who are committed to helping others through evidence-based mental health care.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Liberty University’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program gives students a thorough knowledge of counseling techniques, theories, and principles. It prepare students for careers in settings such as private practices, hospitals, substance abuse rehabilitation centers, and managed behavioral care organizations. This type of program often requires fieldwork and offers electives for specialization. Some of these programs specialize in rehabilitation counseling.

Family Counseling

Capella University’s MS in Marriage and Family Therapy degree program prepares students for working with families and handling family-based issues. It helps students understand family dynamics and teaches strategies to help families make desired changes.

Some family counseling programs might not prepare students for professional licensure and are best for previously licensed professionals who seek continuing education. Students who seek additional knowledge in the field or those who are exempt from licensure requirements (such as clergy members) can also benefit from these programs.

School Counseling

This specialization prepares students for careers as school counselors and leads to certification by state boards of education. Students learn counseling, assessment, and appraisal techniques plus strategies for prevention, intervention, and remediation in a school setting. Most school counseling programs, such as Seattle University’s MAEd in School Counseling degree program, require fieldwork.

Master’s Curriculum for Online Counseling Psychology

Online counseling psychology master’s degree programs typically offer a range of courses to prepare students for a successful career in professional counseling. The specific coursework might vary based on a student’s area of specialization, and any program that requires fieldwork is likely designed to prepare students for professional certification.

Regardless of the specialization, most of these programs cover the same core topics and are firmly grounded in the principles of psychological science and counseling techniques.

Human Growth and Development

These courses are grounded in the theory and research of developmental psychology. They guide students through human cognitive development during the lifespan of patients – from childhood to adulthood – and cover personality development and socialization. This type of course is essential because it helps students grasp how individuals grow and change over time emotionally, socially, and cognitively.

Psychopathology

Courses in psychopathology take students through maladaptive development. They study causes of reactions to social, biological, and psychological stress that lead to anxiety disorders and psychoses. Many of these classes cover psychopathology in a multicultural, adult, or child-focused setting. By learning to understand these patterns, students can recognize and address mental illness in diverse populations.

Group Counseling/Family Therapy

Courses on group counseling and family therapy give students a foundation in therapeutic techniques and theories. These courses focus on interpersonal communication and family dynamics, so students can develop therapy skills specific to group counseling and family therapy. Staff members often virtually coach students and provide meaningful feedback.

Career Development and Counseling

This type of course is designed to help students meet professional certification criteria and gain competence in their counseling careers. Many online counseling psychology master’s degree programs connect students with mentors to guide them on their career paths. Some career development courses include fieldwork, which helps students build real-world skills, strengthen professional networks, and understand the licensure process.

Group Counseling Techniques

This type of course introduces students to the principles and practices of group counseling, including group dynamics, leadership styles, and ethical considerations. Students explore how to facilitate therapeutic groups in various settings. Some programs include supervised group facilitation, which allows students to apply techniques in real time and develop confidence in managing group interactions.

Future Careers: Counseling Psychology Master’s

Graduates with a counseling psychology master’s degree can follow several career paths. Below, we’ll list a few of the most popular choices.

Top-Rated Counseling Psych Master’s Programs

Rankings on this page are designed to help students identify top online counseling psychology master’s degree programs based on key factors like affordability, program accreditation, flexibility, and academic quality. Each program was evaluated using publicly available data and expert analysis to ensure transparency and relevance.

While rankings provide a useful comparison tool, they shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing a degree program. Students should also consider their personal goals, licensure requirements, and the specific features of each school and program.