Fastest Online Counselor Education Degree Programs for 2025
Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist
The number of adults in the U.S. experiencing mental illness has grown to 57.8 million in 2024. The increasing awareness around mental illness and its effects is often felt as a personal call to action for aspiring counselors who want a career with a tangible, positive impact.
To provide a clear path forward, our team of career planning experts, with more than 10 years of experience, has created this comprehensive guide. We have not only identified some of the best accelerated programs but also laid out a framework to help you make a confident and well-informed decision.
What are the benefits of attending a fast online counselor education degree program?
- This degree prepares you for licensed roles such as Clinical Mental Health Counselor or School Counselor, directly addressing the needs of the 12.5% of adults who regularly experience anxiety.
- Graduates can anticipate a strong financial outlook, with the median salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors reported at $59,190 per year.
- Pursuing this degree online offers significant flexibility, allowing you to complete coursework and advance your career goals without having to relocate or pause your current professional life.
- Fast programs often offer focused learning. Intensive courses often emphasize practical skills and real-world application, enhancing readiness for licensure and practice.
What can I expect from a fast online counselor education degree program?
An accelerated online counselor education program is a focused and demanding experience designed to prepare you for professional practice. You can expect a rigorous curriculum that covers core areas like counseling theories, ethical and legal standards, and human growth and development.
This academic work is complemented by essential, hands-on clinical training. You will be required to complete a set number of supervised hours in a real-world setting through a practicum and internship, allowing you to apply your knowledge directly with clients.
Upon successful completion, the primary outcome is meeting the educational requirements for state licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) or mental health counselor (LMHC). This credential is your entry into a profession with strong prospects, as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the field to grow by 19% until 2033, which is significantly faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Where can I work with a fast online counselor education degree program?
Upon earning your degree and obtaining state licensure, you will be qualified to work in a wide array of settings where mental health expertise is crucial. Many graduates find fulfilling roles in community mental health agencies, outpatient care centers, and hospitals, providing essential services to diverse populations. Others choose to work within the educational system as school counselors, guiding students' academic and personal development.
Specialized career paths are also common, with opportunities in substance use disorder clinics, residential treatment facilities, and government agencies. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, establishing a private practice is a primary goal. Furthermore, many corporations hire licensed counselors for their Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), applying clinical skills to support workplace well-being.
How much can I make with a fast online counselor education degree program?
Earning your degree and license opens the door to a financially stable career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,190 as of 2024.
It is important to view this figure as a national midpoint. Your actual earnings will depend on several key factors, including your geographic location, years of experience, and specific work setting. For example, counselors in private practice often have a higher earning potential than those in public sector roles. Your chosen specialization can also influence your salary over time.
Table of Contents
- Fastest Online Counselor Education Degree Programs for 2025
- How long does it take to complete a fast online counselor education degree program?
- How does a fast online counselor education degree program compare to an on-site program?
- What is the average cost of a fast online counselor education degree program?
- What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in a fast online counselor education degree program?
- What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a fast online counselor education degree program?
- What courses are typically in a fast online counselor education degree program?
- What types of specializations are available in the fastest online counselor education degree program?
- What accreditation standards should I look for in a fast online counselor education degree program?
- Can you become a counselor without a master's degree?
- How to choose the best fast online counselor education degree program?
- What career paths are available for graduates of a fast online counselor education degree program?
- What is the job market for graduates with a fast online counselor education degree program?
- Other Things You Should Know About the Fastest Online Counselor Education Degree Program
Fastest Online Counselor Education Degree Programs for 2025
If you’re ready to jumpstart your counseling career without the long haul, these accelerated tracks rival even the fastest online master's programs in clinical mental health counseling for speed—getting you from enrollment to licensure in record time.
How do we rank schools?
Our team of experts has conducted extensive research and data analysis to compile this list of top fast online counselor education degree programs. This ranking is based on a thorough evaluation of data from trusted and authoritative sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) database, Peterson's database (including their Distance Learning Licensed Data Set), the College Scorecard database, and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
For a detailed explanation of our ranking process and criteria, please refer to our methodology section.
1. Spalding University Master of Arts in School Counseling
Spalding University offers a Master of Arts in School Counseling designed to prepare individuals for impactful careers in educational settings. The program's goal is to equip aspiring counselors with the skills to support the academic, social, and emotional development of P-12 students. Graduates will learn to implement comprehensive school counseling programs, advocate for students, and foster equitable learning environments, thereby benefiting students, families, and the entire school community.
- Program Length: 12 months
- Required Credits to Graduate: 42
- Cost per Credit: $440
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
2. Campbellsville University Master of Arts in Education, School Counseling specialization
Campbellsville University provides a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in School Counseling (P-12). This program is tailored for educators and aspiring counselors who aim to guide students from primary through secondary school. It focuses on developing the competencies needed to address students' developmental needs, career planning, and mental health.
- Program Length: 18 months
- Required Credits to Graduate: 48
- Cost per Credit: $319
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
3. Northwestern University Master of Arts in Counseling
Northwestern University features a Master of Arts in Counseling that prepares students for clinical practice in a variety of settings. The program is intended for individuals committed to developing a strong clinical identity and psychodynamic therapeutic skills. Students will delve into theories of counseling, multicultural perspectives, and evidence-based practices, enabling them to provide high-quality mental health services.
- Program Length: 18-21 months
- Tracks: Child and Adolescent; Standard
- Required Credits to Graduate: 24 courses
- Cost per Quarter: $22,304
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
4. Walden University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Walden University offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, structured for working professionals seeking to become licensed counselors. The program aims to provide a flexible yet comprehensive education in mental health diagnosis, treatment, and advocacy. Students learn to apply counseling theories, research, and ethical principles to serve diverse populations effectively.
- Program Length: 18 months
- Specializations: General Program; Addiction Counseling; Forensic Counseling; Military Families and Culture; and Trauma and Crisis Counseling
- Required Quarter Credits to Graduate: 90
- Cost per Quarter Hour: $535
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
5. National University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
National University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to develop skilled and compassionate mental health professionals. The program is geared towards students who want to pursue licensure and make a positive impact on the lives of others. It provides a thorough grounding in counseling theories, techniques, and the legal and ethical standards of the profession.
- Program Length: 18 months
- Required Credits to Graduate: 60
- Estimated Annual Tuition: $22,045
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
6. NYU Steinhardt Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
NYU Steinhardt delivers an online Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness. This program is for aspiring counselors who seek to integrate wellness and prevention into their clinical practice. Students are trained to address mental health issues across the lifespan, with a unique emphasis on promoting holistic well-being and social justice.
- Program Length: 21 months
- Required Credits to Graduate: 60
- Cost per Credit: $2,272
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
7. University of Denver Master of Arts in School Counseling
The University of Denver's Morgridge College of Education offers an online Master of Arts in School Counseling. This program is crafted for individuals passionate about fostering the academic and personal growth of K-12 students. It focuses on developing skills in advocacy, leadership, and data-driven counseling to create equitable and supportive school environments.
- Program Length: 22-24 months
- Required Credits to Graduate: 72
- Cost per Quarter: $13,744
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
How long does it take to complete a fast online counselor education degree program?
While a traditional master's degree can take two to three years to complete, many online programs are specifically structured to accelerate this timeline for motivated students. The programs highlighted in this guide offer a clear path to earning your degree in as little as 12 to 24 months. This efficiency is crucial in a field where the need is great; with 12.5% of adults regularly feeling worry or anxiety, qualified counselors are more essential than ever.
The total time to completion depends on the program's specific structure and credit requirements. Among the programs we've listed, the required credits to graduate range from 42 to 90, reflecting different curriculum designs and, in some cases, the inclusion of specialized coursework.
In some cases, choosing a specialization can add coursework and extend your time to graduation, while in others, it is integrated seamlessly into the core curriculum. If you have a clear career goal in a specific area, such as learning how to become a rehabilitation counselor, it is wise to examine a program's curriculum map closely to see how a specialization might impact your overall schedule.
How does a fast online counselor education degree program compare to an on-site program?
Online learning has become a widely accepted and respected pathway in higher education, especially for graduate-level professional programs. When considering an online counselor education program, the most important factor is that it holds the same accreditation as its on-campus counterparts, ensuring it meets identical quality standards.
While there are differences in the student experience, the core academic and professional requirements are the same. In fact, much like accelerated CompTIA Network+ online training, these programs prioritize flexibility without compromising the depth or rigor of the curriculum.
Here is a breakdown of how the two formats compare:
- Curriculum and Standards: Accredited online programs cover the exact same core curriculum and are held to the same rigorous academic standards by bodies like CACREP. You will learn the same counseling theories, ethical guidelines, and clinical skills.
- Clinical Training: Both online and on-site programs require you to complete a significant number of supervised clinical hours through a practicum and internship. Online students typically complete these hours at approved sites in their local communities.
- Flexibility and Pacing: This is the primary advantage of the online format. It allows you to structure your study time around work and family commitments, which is a critical feature for most career changers.
- Networking and Interaction: On-site programs offer face-to-face interaction with peers and faculty, while online programs foster community through discussion boards, video conferencing, and virtual group projects.
Ultimately, the decision between an online and on-site program hinges on your personal learning style and logistical requirements. An accredited online program is not an easier path, but it is a more flexible one that leads to the same professional destination.
It is vital to understand that this degree prepares you to become a licensed counselor, a distinct profession with its own scope of practice. To better understand this role, it can be helpful to compare a clinical mental health counselor vs clinical psychologist to see how the training and career paths differ. A quality program, whether online or on-campus, will prepare you thoroughly for the specific responsibilities of a counselor.
What is the average cost of a fast online counselor education degree program?
The cost of an online master's in counseling can vary significantly from one institution to another. Based on the programs featured in this guide, students can expect costs to range from approximately $319 to over $2,200 per credit. This can result in a total tuition cost anywhere between roughly $20,000 to well over $100,000 for the entire program.
A primary factor influencing the cost is the type of institution. Public universities often have lower tuition rates than private non-profit or for-profit universities. When weighing your options—much like you would for the fastest online master's in legal studies program—be sure to compare per-credit rates, fees, and any flat-rate terms schools might offer for accelerated cohorts.
For prospective students, it is helpful to know that the landscape of accredited programs offers many options: 56.4% of all CACREP-accredited counseling programs are housed in public institutions, compared to 41.8% in private non-profit institutions. This gives you a wide field of potentially more affordable, high-quality programs to consider.
When evaluating program costs, it is essential to think in terms of return on investment. While the upfront cost is significant, it is an investment in a professional credential that provides access to a stable and growing career field.
With a median annual salary of $59,190 for mental health counselors, the degree provides a clear pathway to recouping your educational costs and building a secure financial future. The next section on financial aid will explore ways to manage the initial investment.
What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in a fast online counselor education degree program?
Fortunately, students enrolled in accredited online degree programs have access to the same financial aid opportunities as their on-campus peers. As the demand for mental health services grows, various funding sources are available to help dedicated students enter the counseling profession—even if you’re pursuing something like the fastest online ESL graduate certificate programs after your master’s.
Most students will use a combination of the following options to finance their education:
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): This is the single most important form for any prospective student. Submitting the FAFSA is the first step to determining your eligibility for federal student loans, such as Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and potentially some federal grants.
- Scholarships and Grants: Many universities offer their own institutional scholarships for graduate students based on merit or need. You can also seek out external scholarships from professional organizations related to mental health.
- Employer Tuition Assistance: If you are currently employed, check with your human resources department. Some companies offer tuition assistance programs that can help cover a portion of your educational expenses, especially if the new degree will enhance your skills in your current role.
For many, the most powerful financial tools are available after graduation. As a licensed counselor, you may be eligible for significant loan forgiveness programs. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, for example, can forgive the remainder of your federal student loans after you have made 10 years of qualifying payments while working for a government or non-profit organization.
Additionally, programs like the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program offer substantial loan repayment in exchange for working in a high-need, underserved area.
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a fast online counselor education degree program?
The fundamental prerequisite for any master's in counseling program is a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While this is a firm requirement, many applicants have a common concern about the specific subject of that degree.
This is one of the most frequently asked questions from prospective students, especially those transitioning into a new career, and the answer is reassuring. You do not need to have a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field to be a strong candidate.
Admissions committees for counseling programs value diverse life experiences and professional backgrounds. Skills learned in fields ranging from business to the arts, such as communication, critical thinking, and empathy, are highly transferable to the counseling profession.
If your undergraduate degree is in an unrelated field, you will typically be required to complete a small number of prerequisite courses. Think of these as a bridge that provides the foundational knowledge needed for graduate-level study.
These courses typically include subjects such as Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and possibly Abnormal Psychology or Research Methods. Many universities allow you to take these courses as a non-degree-seeking student before you formally apply to the master's program.
You can use the time spent completing prerequisites to your advantage. This period is an excellent opportunity to confirm that the counseling field is the right fit for you, much like students who explore the fastest early childhood development degree online before fully committing. It also allows you to explore the wide variety of helping professions that exist.
For instance, you might find it useful to read a spiritual counselor career guide or research other specialized roles to solidify your specific interests before committing to a full master's program.
What courses are typically in a fast online counselor education degree program?
While every university has its own unique course titles and faculty, all accredited counseling programs—including those as specialized as the fastest online ESL degree programs—are built upon a shared foundation of core knowledge. This standardized curriculum is designed to ensure that every graduate, regardless of where they study, has the essential competencies required for professional licensure and ethical practice.
You can expect your coursework to cover these fundamental areas:
- Counseling Theories: An exploration of the major theoretical approaches to psychotherapy, from psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral (CBT) to humanistic and family systems theories.
- Ethical and Legal Issues: A critical course focused on the professional code of ethics, state laws governing practice, confidentiality, and navigating complex ethical dilemmas.
- Human Growth and Development: A study of human development across the entire lifespan, from infancy to late adulthood, providing a context for understanding client challenges.
- Multicultural Counseling: Training in cultural competence, social justice, and developing the awareness and skills needed to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Group Counseling and Dynamics: An introduction to the theory and practice of leading therapeutic groups, a common modality in many clinical settings.
- Assessment and Diagnosis: Instruction on using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for diagnosis, as well as other assessment tools for treatment planning.
This core curriculum provides the bedrock of your professional identity as a counselor. Once you have mastered these fundamentals, many programs offer the chance to deepen your expertise through a specialization, which we will explore in the next section.
What types of specializations are available in the fastest online counselor education degree program?
Choosing a specialization within your online counselor education degree is a key step in shaping your professional identity. While a generalist path is available, a specialization allows you to develop advanced knowledge and skills to serve a specific population or address a particular set of challenges. This focused expertise can make you a more competitive candidate for certain jobs and allows you to align your career with your personal passions.
Just as students in the fastest dental assistant to dental hygienist bridge program online choose focused tracks to advance their careers, counseling students benefit from tailoring their studies toward a specific area of practice.
Here are some of the most common specializations available:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC): This is the most common and flexible specialization. It prepares you for general practice in a wide variety of settings, helping clients with issues like anxiety and depression. With 5% of adults regularly feeling depressed, CMHCs are on the front lines of community mental health.
- School Counseling: This path focuses on working with P-12 students to support their academic, social, and emotional development. Given that nearly 1 in 5 U.S. children has a mental health disorder, school counselors play a vital role in early intervention.
- Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy (MFT): This specialization trains you to work with individuals, couples, and families from a systemic perspective, addressing relationship dynamics and interpersonal conflicts.
- Addiction Counseling: You will learn to provide treatment and support for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders and behavioral addictions, often working in specialized clinics or recovery centers.
- Trauma and Crisis Counseling: This area provides focused training on evidence-based interventions for clients who have experienced trauma, as well as skills for providing immediate support during crises.
- Career Counseling: This practical specialization equips you to help individuals navigate career development, job transitions, and workplace issues, blending counseling skills with knowledge of the modern workforce.
It is important to distinguish these formal, licensed specializations from other helping professions. While a coach can be a valuable partner for personal growth, they are not trained or licensed to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
A specialization in counseling provides the rigorous, evidence-based training required for clinical practice. If you are interested in the coaching field, it can be useful to understand how to become a transformational coach to see how the roles and training differ.
What accreditation standards should I look for in a fast online counselor education degree program?
Accreditation is a critical indicator of a program’s quality and its adherence to consistency in curriculum and clinical standards. Verify that the institution holds recognized regional accreditation and program-specific accreditation from reputable organizations, such as CACREP, which not only validates the education provided but also facilitates the licensure process and enhances employability post-graduation. Accredited programs tend to offer improved access to financial aid and serve as a mark of assurance in the evolving field of mental health counseling. For a balance of quality and cost, consider exploring the cheapest CACREP accredited counseling programs online.
Can you become a counselor without a master's degree?
Although state licensure generally requires a graduate-level education, some alternative pathways—such as specialized certificate programs or bridging courses—may offer limited entry into the counseling field. These routes, however, typically do not provide the full scope of clinical privileges and may restrict long-term professional opportunities. It is essential to confirm that any alternative credentialing meets state regulatory standards and is recognized by potential employers. For a detailed exploration of these alternative options, please review Can you become a counselor without a master's degree?.
How to choose the best fast online counselor education degree program?
Choosing the right degree program is less about finding the “best” one in the abstract and more about finding the one that fits your career goals, finances, and learning style—similar to how you’d vet the fastest online master's in science education degree programs for accreditation, format, and outcomes.
Use the following step-by-step framework to evaluate each program on your list:
- Step 1: Filter by Non-Negotiable Accreditation. Your first and most important filter should be accreditation. Ensure the program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This is the gold standard in the field and streamlines the path to licensure in most states.
- Step 2: Match the Program to Your State's Licensure Rules. Licensure requirements are set at the state level and can vary. For example, some states have very specific coursework or clinical hour requirements. You must verify that the program's curriculum meets the requirements for the state in which you plan to practice.
- Step 3: Align Curriculum with Your Career Interests. Once you have a list of accredited, qualifying programs, look closely at their curriculum and available specializations. If you have a passion for working with a specific population, choose a program that offers a strong focus in that area.
- Step 4: Evaluate the Program's Format and Support. Consider the practical elements. Does the program use a synchronous (live online classes) or asynchronous (self-paced) format? What kind of technical support, faculty advising, and clinical placement assistance does it offer?
Using this framework to select a program ensures that your educational choice is a strategic one. It clarifies the direct line between your degree and your professional goals, which opens up a variety of specific career paths, as we will explore next.
What career paths are available for graduates of a fast online counselor education degree program?
One of the most persistent myths about a counseling degree is that it prepares you for only one job: sitting in a room with a single client. The reality is that an online counselor education degree equips you with a versatile and highly sought-after expertise in applied human dynamics, opening a wide range of career trajectories. This training allows you to choose a path that aligns with your skills, interests, and desired work environment.
Here are five potential career paths you can pursue after graduation and licensure.
Becoming a Licensed Counselor or Therapist
This is the most direct path and the goal for many graduates. It involves working in settings like community mental health agencies, hospitals, or private practice, providing diagnostic assessment and psychotherapy. Once you are licensed, the distinction between "counselor" and "therapist" is largely semantic; you will be qualified to provide clinical mental health treatment.
Working with Specific Populations
Many professionals build their entire careers around serving a particular community. After gaining foundational experience, you might specialize in working with veterans, college students, or couples. This allows you to develop deep expertise and make a focused impact, for example, if you choose to learn how to start a career in domestic violence counseling.
Leadership and Program Management
With experience, many counselors move into leadership roles. You could become a clinical director overseeing a team of therapists, a program manager developing new mental health initiatives for a non-profit, or an administrator in a hospital or university counseling center. This path leverages your clinical knowledge to have a broader systemic impact.
Alternative Careers for Counseling Grads
The skills you gain—empathy, active listening, and understanding human motivation—are valuable in many corporate and organizational settings. Graduates can find rewarding careers in human resources, corporate training, employee assistance programs (EAPs), or even as consultants helping organizations improve team dynamics and workplace culture.
Research and Education
For those with a passion for science and teaching, a master's degree can be a stepping stone to further education. You could pursue a Ph.D. to conduct research that advances the field's knowledge base or a Psy.D. for advanced clinical practice. This path often leads to a career as a university professor, training the next generation of counselors.
With such a diverse range of potential career paths available, the final crucial question is about the real-world demand. The next section will provide a clear look at the job market that awaits you.
What is the job market for graduates with a fast online counselor education degree program?
The job market for graduates with a counseling degree is exceptionally strong, driven by a significant societal shift toward greater awareness and acceptance of mental health care. As stigma decreases, more people are seeking help, a trend reflected in the data: the percentage of adults receiving mental health treatment rose from 19.2% in 2019 to 23.9% in 2023.
This growing demand translates directly into robust career prospects. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors will grow by 19% between 2023 and 2033, a rate much faster than the average for all occupations.
This high demand creates a stable and secure environment, which is a crucial consideration for anyone making a significant career change. The need is not only growing but also urgent, as communities continue to grapple with challenges like the high number of suicide deaths, which underscores the critical shortage of qualified mental health professionals.
To maximize your opportunities in this promising market, a commitment to lifelong learning is key. Earning additional certifications in high-demand areas or exploring related fields can further enhance your career. For example, developing assessment skills could open doors to niche roles, and a psychometrician career guide can provide insight into such specialized paths.
Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Fast Online Counselor Education Degree Program
"My bachelor's was in English literature, so I was convinced I'd never get into a good counseling program. The prerequisite courses were the perfect bridge, and my admissions advisor was incredibly supportive. They saw my background as a strength, not a weakness, because it taught me how to understand stories. That’s what I do every day now: help people understand their own stories." - Zoey
"Honestly, the thought of paying for a master's degree was daunting. But the financial aid office helped me map everything out, and learning about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program sealed the deal for me. Knowing that my commitment to working in a community clinic would also help me manage my student loans made the decision feel both responsible and right. It’s a career that aligns with my values in every way." - Landon
"The internship was the most challenging and rewarding part of the whole experience. The university’s placement support was fantastic, and they found me a great site in my own community. It was nerve-wracking at first, but it’s where everything clicked. All the theories and ethics discussions from my online classes suddenly came to life, and I knew I had chosen the right profession." - Nova
Key Findings
- The demand for qualified counselors is rapidly increasing, with the profession projected to grow by 19% by 2033, driven by the rising number of adults seeking mental health treatment.
- This career offers a solid financial foundation, with a median annual salary of $59,190, making the degree a strategic investment in your long-term professional and financial well-being.
- Accelerated online programs offer a direct path to licensure in as little as 12 to 24 months, making a career change feasible for working professionals and those with family commitments.
- A background in psychology is not required to enter the field; prerequisite courses serve as a standard and accessible bridge for applicants from any undergraduate major.
- Affordable, high-quality education is within reach, as over half (56.4%) of all CACREP-accredited counseling programs are located at public universities, which typically offer lower tuition.
- Powerful loan forgiveness programs, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), can significantly reduce the long-term cost of education for those who work in non-profit or government settings.
Other Things You Should Know About the Fastest Online Counselor Education Degree Program
Can I be a counselor without a degree?
No, you cannot practice as a professional counselor without a degree. To become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), all states require you to have a master's degree in counseling or a closely related field from an accredited institution. This graduate-level education is essential for gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to provide ethical and effective mental health services to the public.
What is the difference between a certified counselor and a licensed counselor?
The key difference between certification and licensure is legal authority. Licensure is a mandatory credential granted by a state government that gives you the legal right to practice counseling. Certification, on the other hand, is a voluntary credential typically awarded by a national professional organization to show you have met specific standards of expertise in a specialty area. You must be licensed to practice, while certification is an optional way to demonstrate advanced skills.
How much does the NCE cost?
The National Counselor Examination (NCE) is a key requirement for licensure in many states. The registration fee for the NCE is set by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and is currently $275. This fee covers the cost of the exam administration. It is always a good practice to verify the most current fee on the official NBCC website before registering.
How long does it take to take the NCE?
The National Counselor Examination (NCE) is a computer-based test that consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. Test-takers are given a total of three hours and 45 minutes to complete the entire exam. This time frame includes a brief tutorial on how to use the testing software before the exam begins.
References:
- National Center for Health Statistics. (2024). Early release of selected estimates based on data from the 2023 National Health Interview Survey. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- National Center for Health Statistics. (n.d.). Underlying cause of death, 2018-2023, single race. CDC WONDER Online Database.
- Statista. (2024). Reasons for U.S. adults not receiving mental health services in the last 12 months as of February 2023. Statista.com.
- Statista. (2024). U.S. adults who received mental health treatment or counseling in the past year from 2002 to 2023. Statista.com.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Occupational outlook handbook: Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. BLS.
