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10 Great Online Counseling Degree Programs

A master’s degree in counseling provides graduates with the educational background necessary for helping clients lead happier, healthier lives. While degree programs vary in individual strengths and focuses, the best programs tend to feature rigorous core curricula and incorporate experiential learning opportunities. For prospective students requiring more flexibility than a traditional campus setting can offer, an online counseling degree may be the best route toward achieving educational goals.

Below is a newly released ranking list of the top 10 best online counseling degree programs. The listing includes information on accreditation, tuition and learning outcomes, streamlining the school search process for counseling degree candidates.

In compiling the list of top online counseling degrees, factors such as scheduling flexibility, required coursework and graduate success rate were all taken into account. Each of the programs named have a substantial emphasis on online learning, and some can be completed entirely online. All are fully accredited, so prospective applicants can feel secure in their choice of school. Future students will find tier-one traditional universities such as Wake Forest University on the ranking list, in addition to fully online-oriented institutions such as Walden University.

Learning through an online format doesn't have to mean sacrificing on educational options. Many of the online degree tracks listed incorporate real-world learning experiences such as internships and practicums. Others allow students to choose a counseling specialization, providing an education tailored to a future counselor’s individual career aspirations. Degree candidates interested in a faith-based approach to counseling may consider religiously affiliated schools such as Liberty University or Victory University. Regardless of a student’s priorities in choosing a school, the need for distance-based education should pose no obstacle to enrolling in a high quality program.

1.Walden University – Cost: $420 per credit
Degree Name: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

2.Capella University – Cost: $430 per credit
Degree Name: Master of Science in Psychology

3.Grand Canyon University – Cost: $30,250 total tuition cost
Degree Name: Master of Science in Professional Counseling

4.Victory University – Cost: $400 per credit
Degree Name: Master of Science in Professional Counseling

5.Seton Hall University – Cost: $34,000 total tuition cost
Degree Name: Master of Arts in Counseling

6.Wake Forest University – Cost: $33,174 total tuition cost
Degree Name: Master of Arts in Counseling

7.Liberty University – Cost: $465 per credit
Degree Name: Master of Arts in Professional Counseling

8.Carlow University – Cost: $715 per credit
Degree Name: Master of Science in Professional Counseling

9.University of Massachusetts Boston – Cost: $13,097 total tuition cost
Degree Name: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

10.University of Massachusetts – Cost: $1425 per credit
Degree Name: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

Source: Top 10 Best Online Counseling Degree Programs

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