10 Fastest Online Master’s In Counseling Degrees

Located in the heart of the San Luis Valley in Colorado, Adams State University offers a distinctive educational experience that sets it apart. With a strong emphasis on personalized learning, ASU provides small class sizes and accessible faculty. Online and on-campus students receive individualized attention and support. What makes ASU unique is its commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a student body representing various backgrounds and cultures.

Adams State University offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling program with a Clinical Mental Health concentration. The CACREP accredited program requires 60 credit hours of coursework. Students can expect to take courses in areas like:

• Crisis, Disaster, and Trauma
• Group Counseling
• Counseling the Couple, Family, and System
• Assessment in Counseling

While courses can be completed online, students are required to attend a one-week session on campus twice during the program. These weeklong labs allow students to interact with faculty and develop their skills. These labs are a required component of the program.

Students can begin the program in either the fall or the spring. Students who begin in the fall will take four courses per semester and complete their degree in five semesters. Those who start in the spring will take three courses each term and finish in nine semesters.

Admission to the program requires a bachelor’s degree. Potential students must submit an application and pay the $30 fee. They will also need to submit official academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation. Notably, GRE test scores are not a requirement for admission.

In the heart of sunny Southern California lies Concordia University Irvine (CUI). CUI offers a unique blend of academic excellence, Christian values, and vibrant campus life. What sets CUI apart is its strong emphasis on faith integration across all disciplines. They also foster a supportive community where students can explore their beliefs while pursuing their educational goals. Online students benefit from high-quality distance learning programs that offer meaningful learning opportunities.

The Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine provides a comprehensive Master of Arts in Counseling program focused on clinical mental health. The program meets rigorous standards and is awarded CACREP accreditation. Throughout the program, students acquire competency in over 20 skills crucial for creating profound and lasting change in individuals’ lives.

Courses within the program are structured in seven-week formats. This structure offers flexibility and allows students to progress efficiently. The accelerated master’s in counseling online track enables motivated students to complete their degree in just 24 to 36 months. Students participate in a four-day residency at the Townsend Institute, where they can personally meet Dr. Townsend and engage in valuable training sessions. New student cohorts start in March or August, accommodating diverse schedules and preferences.

Oklahoma City University (OCU) is an excellent choice for online learners due to its commitment to providing high-quality and accessible education. With a robust array of online programs, OCU offers flexibility and convenience for students balancing work, family, and other commitments. With its student-centered approach and commitment to innovation in online education, OCU empowers learners to reach their full potential and achieve their academic and career goals.

Oklahoma City University offers an online Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, designed to prepare students for state licensing. With an emphasis on the practitioner-wellness model, OCU views counseling as a blend of art and science. The program prioritizes evidence-based practice, providing students with the latest techniques and strategies in the field.

Through platforms like Microsoft Teams, students can engage in peer sessions. This platform also allows students to enhance their skills in online counseling, reflecting the evolving landscape of mental health services. The curriculum is approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors and the Oklahoma State Board for Behavioral Health. Students will complete both practicum and internship courses, gaining hands-on experience essential for success in the field.

Full-time students can complete their degree in just two years. New students are accepted for fall, spring, and summer semesters. With no GRE requirement for admission, OCU ensures accessibility for aspiring counselors ready to make a difference in their communities.

Eastern University offers an exceptional experience for online learners. Eastern online degrees provide students with real-world application through meaningful collaboration and projects. Students receive personalized support from dedicated faculty and staff. Online programs are meant to be convenient and affordable so students can earn their degree in a timely manner. As an added bonus, students have access to career development resources like job search software and networking opportunities to help them succeed in their career.

Eastern University offers a convenient path to earning an MA in Clinical Counseling through their online program. Students can choose from two tracks: general and applied behavior analysis. Full-time students can complete their degree in just two years.

Exceptional applicants may be accepted into the accelerated track, though this option is limited to the general track concentration. Accelerated track students engage in a combination of evening and asynchronous online classes. New cohorts starting in May.

Upon graduation, students are equipped to work in various roles, such as drug and alcohol counseling and outreach counseling, effectively serving their communities with their newfound expertise. Whether pursuing the general or applied behavior analysis track, Eastern University provides a comprehensive and flexible program to meet the needs of aspiring clinical counselors.

John Carroll University is a private university located in Ohio. JCU has over 3,00 students from 36 states and 15 countries. The student-faculty ratio is just 13:1. With a rich history dating back to 1886, JCU boasts a vibrant community that values academic rigor and leadership. Renowned for its commitment to Jesuit values, JCU instills a sense of responsibility and compassion in its graduates.

John Carroll University (JCU) offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, providing students with a comprehensive and flexible learning experience. The program combines asynchronous and live teaching methods. This mix allows students to engage with coursework at their own pace while also participating in real-time discussions and interactions. Taught by practicing counselors, the curriculum is designed to meet the needs of clients and communities.

This full-time, 60-credit-hour CACREP accredited program requires students to commit to two evenings per week for synchronous class time. Students also participate in two immersive weekend residencies on campus during the first and third semesters. There is an optional third residency in Vietnam. During the second year, students complete a supervised internship in their own state, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Students have the opportunity to specialize in Substance Use Disorders, making them eligible for licensure as a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor upon completion of the program.

Antioch University is a private university with campus locations around the country. AU also has an online campus allowing students to earn their degree from the comfort of home. Antioch University emphasizes personalized education so their students receive individualized attention professional guidance throughout their academic journey. Whether students are seeking undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees, Antioch University’s online programs provide a high-quality education.

Antioch University features a CACREP-accredited online master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The program offers students a comprehensive and flexible pathway to becoming licensed counselors. Through a blend of online coursework and intensive face-to-face clinical experiences, students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the field.

The program emphasizes experiential learning, with a focus on professional identity development through fieldwork opportunities. With a curriculum structured around eight core areas of counseling, students gain expertise in various aspects of the profession. Students can choose between two delivery methods: fully online with intensive residencies or weekend low-residency classes at the Keene, NH campus.

The Antioch counseling program offers multiple start dates. Full-time students can complete their degree in three to three and a half years. Antioch University’s program offers convenience and accessibility for aspiring counselors looking to make a difference in their communities.

Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU) is a small, private non-profit university located in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania. GMercyU’s online programs attract a diverse community of learners from various backgrounds. The university’s online platform provides students with access to innovative coursework and comprehensive support services. With a student population of just over 2,000 and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, GMercyU fosters a close-knit community where students receive personalized attention.

Gwynedd Mercy University provides an accessible pathway to a master’s degree in counseling through its online program. Students can complete their studies in just 2.5 years, providing a relatively fast track to entering the counseling profession. The program is offered primarily online, offering flexibility for students to balance their studies with other commitments. Key courses like Counseling Skills and Group Counseling are delivered through a combination of asynchronous coursework and synchronous meetings, ensuring a dynamic learning experience.

As part of the program, students engage in a three-day on-campus residency. This residency allows students to connect with faculty mentors and forge relationships with peers. Students can tailor their studies to their career goals by selecting from two concentration areas: school counseling or clinical mental health counseling. This choice empowers students to specialize in areas aligned with their interests and professional goals.

Overall, Gwynedd Mercy University’s online master’s in counseling program offers a blend of convenience, flexibility, and personalized learning. The program combines online coursework with a meaningful on-campus residency and concentration options. Students leave with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the counseling profession.

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is Florida’s largest private research university. They are one of the most diverse colleges in the country with students from 115 countries and all 50 states. NSU is also well known for its comprehensive online programs. NSU’s online programs attract a diverse student body from across the globe. With a student population of over 20,900 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, NSU ensures personalized attention and support for each student. NSU is top choice for online learners seeking a rewarding educational experience.

The College of Psychology at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) provides a comprehensive Master of Science (MS) in counseling program, accredited by the CACREP. The program offers various concentration areas, catering to diverse career paths within the counseling field. Concentration options include:

• clinical mental health counseling
• school counseling
• substance abuse counseling
• substance abuse counseling and education
• applied behavior analysis

To earn their degree, students must complete 48 to 60 credits, depending on their chosen concentration and any undergraduate coursework requirements. The program incorporates a three-day residency, offering students valuable face-to-face interaction with faculty mentors. During this residency, students receive personalized mentoring and feedback and collaborative team counseling activities. Through rigorous coursework, personalized mentoring, and practical training opportunities, graduates have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various counseling roles.

Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private Marianist university founded in 1955. Chaminade provides a supportive online learning environment that fosters academic growth and personal development. Despite its smaller size with just 2,369 students, Chaminade boasts a vibrant community of students. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, students benefit from personalized attention and mentorship.

Chaminade University of Honolulu’s School of Education and Behavioral Sciences presents an MS in Counseling Psychology. Students can choose from a variety of concentration options including:

• marriage and family therapy
• mental health counseling
• school counseling

Chaminade offers both fully online and fully in-person formats to support different learning preferences and schedules. Students can complete their degree in just 30-months. Graduates are prepared to work in communities and schools, helping their clients lead more fulfilling lives.

Northwestern University is renowned for its academic excellence and innovative research across various fields. While traditionally known for its on-campus programs, Northwestern also offers a robust selection of online programs. Northwestern’s online programs maintain the same high standards as its on-campus counterparts. Students benefit from engaging with distinguished faculty members who bring their expertise and real-world experience to the virtual classroom. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, Northwestern ensures personalized attention and support for each student.

Northwestern University offers one of the fastest counseling degree programs in our ranking. The comprehensive online Master of Arts in Counseling can be completed in 18 to 36 months. The program is renowned for its quality and accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Northwestern offers multiple tracks to accommodate students’ diverse needs, including accelerated, traditional, and part-time options. Through online coursework and interactive virtual sessions, students engage with cutting-edge counseling theories and techniques.

One distinguishing feature of Northwestern’s program is its incorporation of immersive in-person experiences alongside online learning. Students participate in two on-campus immersion experiences. These experiences foster collaboration and connection with peers and faculty members. An online immersion experience provides further opportunities for interactive learning and skill development. These allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their understanding and practical skills in counseling.

Northwestern University’s program offers a child and adolescent specialization. This added focus caters to students interested in working with young populations. Specialization courses take a closer look into child and adolescent development and effective treatment approaches for addressing common mental health concerns in this demographic. As students’ progress through the program, they finish their degree with a capstone conference. The capstone conference allows students to demonstrate their mastery of counseling competencies they’ve gained while in the program.