Choosing an online counseling degree in the Midwest means looking beyond convenience: the wrong specialization or field-placement arrangement could delay your career plans. This guide compares degree paths, costs, clinical training, licensure considerations, and career prospects so you can identify programs worth a closer look. It also features the 2027 Best Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the Midwest, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about which counseling programs to consider.
Key findings about online Counseling degrees in Midwest
Match the degree to the credential first: clinical mental health, school, and marriage and family counseling lead toward different roles, and Midwest states set their own licensing or certification rules.
The U.S. median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025; BLS projects 18% employment growth for 2025-2035. Neither figure predicts an individual graduate's earnings or local job prospects.
An online program still requires supervised, in-person clinical work. Before comparing prices, confirm where placements can occur, whether the curriculum meets your target state's requirements, and what the full program will cost.
What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in Midwest?
For most readers seeking to become professional counselors, the relevant credential is a master's degree, not a bachelor's degree or short certificate. Online typically describes how academic coursework is delivered; counseling skills practice, practicum, and internship still involve supervision and direct work with people. A bachelor's degree can prepare you to apply to graduate school or pursue some support roles, but it is generally not the degree used to qualify for independent clinical counseling licensure.
The first choice is the population and setting you hope to serve. Clinical mental health programs focus on assessment, treatment, and counseling across mental health settings. School counseling programs prepare students for work in schools under education-agency credential rules. Marriage, couple, and family programs emphasize relationships and family systems; addiction-focused study may be a concentration or a separate credential pathway. Similar course names do not make these degrees interchangeable.
Expect research and ethics coursework, supervised counseling practice, and checks on professional readiness. The practical test of an online option is whether its schedule and placement support let you complete that work where you live - not simply whether lectures are recorded.
Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in Midwest?
Depending on specialization and credentials, counselors work in outpatient behavioral health, community agencies, hospitals, schools, colleges, rehabilitation services, and private practice. A school counseling degree is most directly aligned with K-12 settings; a clinical mental health degree offers a different route into behavioral health services. Private practice generally requires the appropriate state license and additional post-degree steps rather than a diploma alone (sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; state counseling boards).
Location affects training as well as employment. A student in a major metro area may have more potential placement organizations nearby, while a student in a rural community may need to plan for travel or ask whether the program will approve a local supervisor. Before enrolling, ask where recent students in your state completed placements and whether the school helps secure them. An employer's interest in hiring graduates does not establish that a placement or a license will be available.
Pay depends on the occupation, setting, location, experience, and license - not whether courses were taken online. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 national median annual wage of $59,350 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. That is a useful benchmark for a clinical mental health or addiction goal, but it is not a Midwest starting salary or a forecast for a particular graduate.
School counselors belong to a different occupational group: their May 2025 national median was $64,330 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Compare wages for your intended occupation in the state or metro area where you expect to work. Also distinguish paid employment after graduation from the supervised post-degree experience a state may require before independent practice.
These program examples illustrate why a shortlist needs more than a single overall score. Their published degree descriptions point toward different credentials and study arrangements; confirm the current credit plan, online attendance requirements, fieldwork support, and eligibility in your intended state directly with each school before applying.
South Dakota State University: Its M.S. in Counseling and Human Resource Development identifies clinical mental health counseling as the track. That explicit track designation helps applicants distinguish it from a general counseling degree when checking clinical license requirements (source: South Dakota State University program description).
Capital University: The university publishes this program through its academic bulletin, making the official degree requirements the appropriate starting point for a course-by-course review. Applicants should use the current bulletin - not a brief marketing description - to check the credential, fieldwork sequence, and delivery format (source: Capital University academic bulletin).
MidAmerica Nazarene University: Its graduate clinical mental health counseling program is aimed at the clinical rather than school-counseling path. It is a more relevant comparison for applicants seeking behavioral health practice than programs centered on K-12 certification (source: MidAmerica Nazarene University program description).
Mount Mary University: Its graduate counseling offering gives applicants a counseling-specific degree to examine against their intended credential. The decisive comparison is which available track and supervised experiences fit the state where they plan to work (source: Mount Mary University program description).
University of Mary: Its M.S. in Counseling is specifically identified as school counseling. Applicants aiming for K-12 positions should compare its curriculum with their state education agency's credential rules rather than assume a clinical counseling program serves the same purpose (source: University of Mary program description).
Lewis University: Its M.A. is explicitly in clinical mental health counseling. That defined specialization is useful for Illinois-area applicants comparing clinical curricula, although eligibility for an Illinois credential still requires checking current state rules (source: Lewis University graduate catalog).
Northern State University: Its counseling master's offering gives South Dakota applicants an in-state program to investigate before paying for an out-of-state option. Compare the published tuition applicable to you with the full cost of completing the required fieldwork (source: Northern State University program description).
Northern State University: For students who expect to work across state lines, the key feature to investigate is the program's counseling degree plan rather than its South Dakota location alone. Ask the program for a written assessment of how that plan aligns with the destination state's education requirements (source: Northern State University program description).
Northwestern College: Its master's offering identifies mental health counseling as its focus. Students pursuing clinical work can compare its course and placement requirements directly with other mental health programs instead of treating every counseling master's as equivalent (source: Northwestern College program description).
Adler Graduate School: Its M.A. names marriage, couples, and family counseling as the specialization. This is the clearest match in this group for applicants whose primary interest is relationship and family-systems work, subject to verification of the license pathway in their state (source: Adler Graduate School program description).
One important screening question: Is the program actually available in the online format you need, including any required campus visits? A program's inclusion in a comparison should never replace confirmation of its current delivery arrangements.
A counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years of full-time study; part-time enrollment can take longer. The schedule depends on credits, when required courses are offered, and whether practicum and internship can fit alongside paid work. CACREP's 2024 standards specify a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours for entry-level clinical mental health counseling programs it accredits, but individual programs and state requirements must still be checked (source: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
For a working professional, a shorter advertised timeline is useful only if required courses and placements are available in the needed sequence. Compare the fastest counseling programs, then ask each school for a term-by-term plan showing clinical hours, campus visits, and the latest feasible graduation date for your enrollment pace.
The central difference is where you complete academic instruction, not whether you must learn counseling in person. An online program may make lectures and discussions easier to fit around employment, but live skills sessions, residencies, and supervised field placements may still require attendance at specified times or locations. An on-campus program may make face-to-face practice and local professional connections simpler, while requiring regular travel.
Choose online study if its required meeting times and approved placement network fit your life and location. Consider campus-based study if you need a more structured weekly schedule or access to nearby training sites. In either format, ask who finds placements, who approves supervisors, and what happens if a local site falls through. Those answers matter more to completion than the label "online."
There is no single defensible Midwest average for these specific programs: schools charge by credit, term, or program, and published prices may cover different fees. A useful comparison is total expected cost to completion: required credits multiplied by your applicable tuition rate, plus mandatory fees, travel for any residencies, placement-related expenses, books, and financing costs. Request the current price and fee schedule in writing.
Public universities may distinguish resident from nonresident tuition, but an online student should not assume that living in a neighboring Midwest state qualifies them for a resident rate. Private institutions may offer a single published rate or institutional aid. Compare net costs, not institutional labels; the most affordable counseling programs can help form a shortlist, but your aid offer and likely time to completion determine your actual bill.
Eligible students at eligible institutions may be able to use federal graduate aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans; institutional scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and state-specific aid may also help. Submit the FAFSA and ask each school whether your program and enrollment intensity qualify for its aid. Federal loan eligibility is not the same as receiving a grant (source: Federal Student Aid).
Graduate PLUS requires particular attention for 2027 entrants. Under federal changes effective July 1, 2026, new graduate and professional students generally cannot take out new Graduate PLUS loans. A limited exception may apply to a student who was enrolled in the same program and had received a Direct Loan for it before that date, subject to the applicable transition limits. Confirm your individual status and current borrowing limits with the financial aid office before relying on Graduate PLUS to cover a gap (source: Federal Student Aid).
Ask whether counseling scholarships can be renewed during internship terms and whether employer benefits cover online graduate courses. Aid that ends before fieldwork ends may leave a significant final-term balance.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
65-69
2
70-74
0
75-79
1
80-84
3
85-89
17
90-94
62
95-99
4
Most counseling master's applicants need a bachelor's degree and the materials specified by the program, which may include transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, and an interview. A psychology major is not universally required; check whether a school instead specifies prerequisite courses or accepts applicants from other fields. Admission requirements and professional license requirements are separate questions (sources: institutional admissions offices; state licensing boards).
Before applying, request the current degree plan and ask whether previous graduate credits can transfer, whether transferred coursework can replace a required counseling course, and whether transfer changes the expected timeline. Readers exploring the easiest counseling programs should distinguish accessible admission from an easy route to licensure: supervised practice and state standards still apply.
Core graduate study commonly addresses counseling theory, ethics, human development, assessment, research, group counseling, and helping skills, followed by supervised practicum and internship. Clinical mental health students may also study diagnosis and treatment planning; school counseling students focus more directly on school systems and student development. The precise sequence and required content depend on the program and the credential sought (sources: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; institutional program catalogs).
Read the course descriptions rather than relying on titles. For example, if you intend to seek a clinical license, ask the program to show where the target state's required subject areas and supervised experiences appear in the curriculum. An elective concentration cannot necessarily repair a missing required course after graduation.
The most consequential distinction is often between degree pathways, not optional electives. Clinical mental health, school counseling, and marriage, couple, and family counseling prepare students for different practice settings and potentially different state credentials. Addiction and rehabilitation counseling may appear as dedicated programs, tracks, or areas of emphasis; their titles alone do not establish license eligibility.
Start with the job you want and identify the credential normally required for it in your intended state. Then compare programs in that pathway. If you are undecided between school and clinical work, ask both the state education agency and counseling board what additional education a switch would require. Choosing a broadly named program without that check can make a later pivot costly.
The best choice is the program that fits your intended credential, location, available study time, and realistic budget - not necessarily the one with the lowest tuition or highest overall position. State rules differ across the Midwest, so a degree designed around one state's requirements should not be presumed to satisfy another's. Verify institutional accreditation and any programmatic accreditation directly; CACREP accreditation is a meaningful program-level distinction, but the state board determines how education is evaluated for its license (sources: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; state licensing boards).
Work through these checks before accepting an offer:
Identify the exact job and state credential you intend to pursue, then ask the relevant board or education agency how it evaluates the program.
Confirm programmatic accreditation status, required credits, any campus visits, and whether the school can serve students and arrange fieldwork in your state.
Request a term-by-term completion plan and a written estimate of tuition, fees, travel, and expected aid.
Ask for program-level completion, exam, and placement information, including the reporting year and who was counted.
Compare likely debt and foregone earnings with your current income and plausible post-degree work, allowing for uncertainty and any required post-degree supervision.
The most valuable counseling programs offer another comparison lens, but value is personal: duration, aid, debt, completion probability, earnings before and after the degree, and the time over which you expect to recover your investment all matter. A red flag is any assurance of licensure or placement that the school will not explain in writing.
View the chart data as a table
Pay vs projected growth by counseling career path (U.S., BLS) (Source: BLS)
Name
Median annual wage (USD/year)
Projected growth (%)
Mental Health Counselors
59,350
18
School & Career Counselors
64,330
3
Rehabilitation Counselors
46,850
2
Marriage & Family Therapists
66,940
14
Psychologists
99,110
6
Postsecondary Teachers
85,330
7
A clinical mental health pathway can lead toward behavioral health counseling roles; school counseling points toward K-12 student services; marriage and family study points toward relationship-focused practice. Graduates may begin in supervised roles before becoming eligible for independent practice. Job titles and allowable duties depend on the applicable state credential and employer (sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; state licensing boards and education agencies).
If you want direct therapeutic work, a qualifying master's program is generally a more relevant investment than a stand-alone counseling certificate. If you want an entry-level helping role but are not ready for graduate tuition and supervised training, investigate support positions first. That experience can test your interest in the work without assuming that every counseling career requires the same degree.
View the chart data as a table
Wage range - Mental Health Counselors (U.S., BLS May 2025) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
10th percentile
38,940
Median
59,350
90th percentile
97,590
The national outlook is favorable for some counseling occupations but varies by specialty. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% growth from 2025 to 2035 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. This is a national occupation projection, not a promise of openings in a particular Midwest community or for every graduate.
For someone deciding where to study, the local question is narrower: which employers hire for your intended credential, and can you complete the required training near them? Review current postings from health systems, community agencies, and school districts in the area where you plan to live. Note whether they request an associate or independent license, school certification, or particular experience. A strong national projection cannot make an incorrectly matched degree worthwhile.
2027 Best Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the Midwest
Investing in a counseling degree is a consequential decision, particularly when graduation is only one step toward professional licensure. Research.com developed this ranking to give readers a more credible comparison than program advertising alone. Its team evaluates reported outcomes, accreditation, eligibility for federal aid, and cost, while accounting for criteria that do not apply to every program.
The Best ranking begins with a graduate-outcomes-and-accreditation score: program completion contributes 40%; employment or doctoral admission, 20%; applicable licensure exam pass rates, 20%; CACREP programmatic accreditation, 16%; and institutional Title IV eligibility, 4%. Applicable weights are renormalized when a criterion does not apply. Program cost contributes a smaller share - about 7% of the final score. The method is the same for online and on-campus programs; other Research.com counseling rankings order programs by the dimension named in each ranking.
The ranking draws on the following data sources. Readers can use them to check institutional information alongside a program's current disclosures:
IPEDS database - institutional enrollment, completions, and cost reporting.
These measures help narrow a shortlist, but they cannot confirm that a particular course sequence meets your state's license requirements or that local placement sites are available. Use the ranking as a starting point, then verify those conditions with the program and your state board. More detail about Research.com's approach is available on its methodology page.
# 1 position
South Dakota State University
Master
Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S.)
Delivery mode: online
96.28
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
96% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: April 15 (Priority: Dec 1); Spring: Oct 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
South Dakota State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 96.28/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 96% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 2 position
Capital University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.25
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
64 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
96.4% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Priority Deadline: December 1; Final Deadline: March 15
Class size
31
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution, with a satisfactory GPA, usually a minimum of 3.0 (B); applicants below 3.0 are reviewed individually and, if admitted, placed on a probationary period.
Additional requirements
Online application; statement of intent; three professional references; resume or CV; official transcripts from all institutions; signed Statement of Assurance of Good Moral Character; in-person interview if invited. Fall admission only.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Capital University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.25/100, supported by 96.4% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 3 position
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.18
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Complete in 33 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95.8% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Applications and interviews occur every February and April
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or 3.2 in last 30 hours), with lower GPAs eligible under probation
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, three professional and/or academic references, a writing assessment, and one half-day of comprehensive interviews with graduate faculty
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
MidAmerica Nazarene University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.18/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 95.8% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 4 position
Mount Mary University
Master
M.S. in Professional Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.14
/ 100
Final score
Program length
accelerated 2-year option
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
95% (2025)
Application deadline
March 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE or MAT required as evidence if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, unless a 3.0 GPA in the final 60 credits or in post-baccalaureate coursework is shown
Prerequisites
Regionally accredited bachelor's; 18 credits in human development, education, psychology, sociology, social work or communications (undergraduate statistics preferred); 3.0 GPA or equivalent evidence (e.g., GRE, MAT, 3.0 in final 60 credits).
Additional requirements
Online Graduate Student Application, nonrefundable application fee (waived for Mount Mary alumni), official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Mount Mary University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.14/100, supported by 95% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 5 position
University of Mary
Master
Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.73
/ 100
Final score
Program length
As little as 20 months (accelerated track); 32 months (extended track)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2021-22)
Licensure exam pass rate
93% (2025)
Application deadline
Fall and Summer starts; apply by March 1 for early admission
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree; preference for Psychology, Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice or related human service field
Additional requirements
Application and fee, official transcripts, resume/CV, two professional recommendations, 1-page statement of purpose
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Mary earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.73/100, supported by 93% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 6 position
Lewis University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.50
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
87%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
97% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
92% - 95% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
At least 15 semester hours of undergraduate psychology coursework, including a course in statistics or research methods; baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution.
Additional requirements
Application with personal statement of professional goals; two recommendation letters from professors, employers or supervisors (one from an instructor preferred); official transcripts; TOEFL/IELTS or similar for non-native English speakers.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Lewis University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.5/100, supported by 97% program completion rate and 92% - 95% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 7 position
Northern State University
Master
M.Ed. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Pathway
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.24
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Estimated Time to Complete: Two Years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree in psychology, sociology, or education (typical incoming background noted for the program)
Additional requirements
Graduate application; participation in an individual and group interview process with program faculty (in-person or via Zoom)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Northern State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.24/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 8 position
Northern State University
Master
Master of Education in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.97
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Estimated Time to Complete: Two Years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Graduate application and group and individual interview with program faculty
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Northern State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.97/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 9 position
Northwestern College
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
93.93
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (6 semesters)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
91% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, minimum 3.0 GPA (conditional admission possible below), updated résumé, virtual interview with faculty member; no GRE required, no application fee.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Northwestern College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.93/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 91% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 10 position
Adler Graduate School
Master
M.A. in Counseling: Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: online
93.79
/ 100
Final score
Program length
approximately two years (full-time)
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
97%
Employment or doctoral admission
94%
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Winter 2027: Nov 23, 2026; Spring 2027: Mar 19, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Online application, letter of recommendation, official transcripts, and a 500-word admissions essay; no GRE required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Adler Graduate School earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.79/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 97% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 11 position
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.77
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Complete in 33 months
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
62 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
91.6% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Applications and interviews occur every February and April
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; undergraduate GPA of 3.0, or 3.2 in last 30 hours (lower GPAs may enter on probation). Teaching experience not required; unlicensed candidates add two field-experience credits.
Additional requirements
Application, official transcripts, three professional/academic references, writing assessment, and a half-day of faculty interviews. Non-native English speakers need a TOEFL score of 600+ from the past five years.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
MidAmerica Nazarene University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.77/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 91.6% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 12 position
Fort Hays State University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling)
Delivery mode: online
93.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
can be completed in 2-3 years of study
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Summer: March 1 priority, April 1 final; Fall: June 1 priority, July 1 final; Spring: October 1 priority, November 1 final
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree, background in counseling or human services; minimum 3.00 GPA in last 60 hours of undergraduate credit.
Additional requirements
Proof of 3.00 GPA in last 60 undergraduate hours; two letters of reference; Professional Goals Statement; official transcripts and proof of degree conferral; group interview via videoconference; completed background check.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Fort Hays State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.7/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 13 position
Indiana University-South Bend
Master
Master of Science in Education/School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.63
/ 100
Final score
Program length
minimum of 3 years full-time (including summers)
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
April 1 (Priority: February 15)
GRE
no
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Indiana University-South Bend earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.63/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 14 position
Indiana State University
Master
Master of Education in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.36
/ 100
Final score
Program length
24 months of full-time study
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Summer (June entry): December 1 for full consideration; applications after January 15 considered if openings are available.
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution, or a recognized institution for international applicants. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the major field of study, or 3.0 in all graduate-level courses.
Additional requirements
Online graduate application; official transcripts; resume/CV; statement of purpose on interest in school counseling; application fee; faculty interview by invitation; TOEFL or equivalent for international applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
An accredited Bachelor of Arts or Science degree or its equivalent is required for admission to the master's program.
Additional requirements
Completed application form, application fee, transcripts, undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0, interview with the program director and/or other MACC faculty, and a current resume (older catalog also cites three letters of recommendation).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Winebrenner Theological Seminary earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.34/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 93% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 16 position
University of Central Missouri
Master
Master of Science in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.29
/ 100
Final score
Program length
36-48 months
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Central Missouri earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.29/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 17 position
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Master
M.S. in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.07
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Average completion: 3-4 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
52.5%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90.4% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
91% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Summer 2027: Feb 15, 2027; Fall 2027: Feb 15, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree; 3.0 GPA for unconditional admission (2.7-2.99 considered for provisional admission); no specific undergraduate major required.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts of all attended universities; two letters of recommendation; current resume or CV; Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages, double-spaced); group admission interview (by invitation).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Nebraska at Omaha earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.07/100, supported by 91% licensure exam pass rate and 90.4% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 18 position
Truman State University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling: School Counseling
Delivery mode: online
92.89
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Fall: June 1; Spring: Nov 1; Summer: April 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.000
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Truman State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.89/100, with 100% licensure exam pass rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 19 position
Emporia State University
Master
M.S. in Clinical Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.82
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Addiction Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
92% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
94% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
94% (2022-23)
Application deadline
Summer: March 1; Fall: July 1; Spring: October 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Earned BS, BA, BFA, or BSE degree. Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.25 over the last 60 semester hours, and/or graduate GPA of at least 3.0. No specific prerequisite coursework is stated for this concentration.
Additional requirements
Graduate School application with departmental application; transcripts; government-issued ID; three references, including a supervisor when relevant; education and employment history; faculty interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Emporia State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.82/100, supported by 94% licensure exam pass rate and 92% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 20 position
Fort Hays State University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Delivery mode: online
92.78
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Summer: Jan 15 priority / Feb 15 final; Fall: Mar 15 priority / Apr 15 final; Spring: Sep 15 priority / Oct 15 final
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisite coursework listed. Requires a bachelor's degree with minimum 3.00 GPA in the last 60 credit hours, a 1-2 page personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a completed background check.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, proof of 3.00 GPA in last 60 undergrad credit hours, 1-2 page personal/professional goals statement, two letters of recommendation, background check (Validity Screening Solutions)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Fort Hays State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.78/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in Midwest
Can an online counseling degree lead to licensure?
Yes, potentially. Online coursework does not itself disqualify a degree, but the program's curriculum, supervised training, accreditation where relevant, and your state board's rules must align. Confirm eligibility with the board for the state where you intend to practice.
Do online counseling students have to complete in-person training?
Typically, yes. Counseling programs include supervised skills and field experiences, and some require campus visits. Ask where you can complete placements and whether the school or student is responsible for finding a site.
Is a bachelor's degree in counseling enough to become a licensed therapist?
Generally not. Independent clinical counseling licensure ordinarily involves a relevant graduate degree and additional state requirements, which may include supervised post-degree experience and an examination (source: state counseling boards).
Should I choose clinical mental health or school counseling?
Choose based on the setting and credential you want. Clinical mental health is aligned with behavioral health practice; school counseling is aligned with school-based roles. Check your intended state's requirements before treating either degree as a route to the other.
Is an online counseling master's worth the cost?
It may be if it qualifies you for your intended credential and you can complete its fieldwork within a manageable budget. Compare your total net cost, likely debt, time away from work, and realistic career options; neither a ranking nor a national median wage can establish your individual return.
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