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Rankings

10 Best Colleges with Online Counseling Degrees

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: November 4, 2024, Reading time: 24 minutes

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The ability to provide guidance and shed light on hope to others, especially in their time of distress or confusion, can be empowering and rewarding. It doesn’t just bring about a sense of personal fulfillment and the satisfaction of contributing to the betterment of individuals and communities.

Online Degrees in Counseling - fact

It’s essential to note, however, that effective guidance goes beyond sharing one’s opinion, as giving advice must be grounded in knowledge, empathy, and a deep understanding of each individual’s unique situation.

By enrolling in traditional or online degrees in Counseling offered by accredited, reputable schools, one can truly be equipped with the right knowledge, skills and morals to provide effective and appropriate advice and guidance to those who need them.

The coursework for both on-campus and online counseling degree programs are integrated with core psychology and counseling topics to truly understand human behaviors, mental health, effective counseling strategies, ethical considerations and other related matters.

Like traditional Bachelor in Counseling and related educational programs, many online counseling degree programs are designed to provide students with experiential learning opportunities, including practicum and internships.

Some schools also foster networking opportunities so students can meet alumni and professionals in the industry to learn from. 

By obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, graduates are well-equipped to face the challenges of their career and to provide effective guidance to their clients no matter the situation they’re in, such as in times of natural disasters, grief and loss, trauma, major life changes, career or academic challenges, stress and burnout, and substance abuse and addiction.

The Lowdown

An online Bachelor in Counseling degree program prepares students for work in any field that requires understanding human behaviors and thoughts, including in business, social work, or ministry. It’s also a step toward a master’s degree that qualifies them to sit for a licensure exam and, ultimately, become professional counselors who uphold rigorous industry and ethical standards.

Methodology

A number of colleges, universities, and learning institutions across the country are offering online online undergraduate programs in Counseling. To give prospective students the best options, we generated a list of institutions offering the best online Bachelor’s in Counseling degree programs, with each program making it to our list based on these criteria:

Check out our Methodology for further information.

College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Counseling Programs

Our list comprises Bachelor programs in general Counseling services. If you’re specifically looking for a Bachelor in Mental Health Counseling, Ministry or Christian Counseling, or Addiction Counseling, we have dedicated College Ranking pages for them on our website!

Arizona State University

Arizona-State-University-–-ASU-Online

Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science

The online Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science program offered by Arizona State University is considered the first of its kind at a major research university.

This degree program equips students with the essential competencies to excel in their careers within hospitals, community agencies, and rehabilitation centers, among other behavioral healthcare delivery settings.

The program, delivered by ASU Online, requires students to complete 120 credit hours toward graduation.

The key courses in this program include:

Moreover, students will also have to engage in a 135-hour capstone course where they can enjoy a hands-on and supervised experience that allows them to practice the knowledge and theories they learned in their counseling courses in real-life scenarios.

It will also allow them to explore the various domains of counseling so that they’ll find the best specialization for them.

The Higher Learning Commission or HLC has approved the institutional accreditation of Arizona State University to provide all the degree programs offered by ASU Online. It is also a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) institutional participant,

What Makes this Program Unique:

This program’s faculty members and staff are leaders in their fields and hold prestigious global and national recognition for their achievements. They include licensed psychologists, Fulbright scholars, American Psychological Association fellows, and social scientists with peer-reviewed publications.

Did You Know?

The Earned Admission Pathway allows students who don’t meet ASU’s admission requirements to still gain admission by taking online courses and completing them with at least a 2.75 GPA, demonstrating their ability to succeed at the University.

The US News & World Report has recognized the University with peer-reviewed honors for its commitment to high-quality academic programs, research, and innovation.

Faulkner University

Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology (Online)

Based in Alabama, Faulkner University invites students passionate about helping others lift their burdens to enroll in its BS in Counseling Psychology online degree program.

With core counseling and psychology courses serving as a foundation in the curriculum, students are well-equipped for the challenges ahead in their careers, whether in education, some areas of ministry, athletics, or other settings that involve dealing with various mental health conditions.

The BS Counseling Psychology requires 121 course hours, including the core curriculum of 50 hours. Students can choose to specialize in their degree program based on their interests with a choice of electives.

The core courses offered include the following:

The program also includes an internship and a senior capstone project, which provide experiential learning to students and allow them to apply what they learned to real-life situations. These experiences will also provide insights into the best career path for them.

Faulkner University is accredited by SACSCOC – the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges.

What Makes this Program Unique:

As a university affiliated with the Churches of Christ, Faulkner offers the program with six Christian Literacy courses totaling 18 hours. The courses focus on cultural heritage, ethics, marriage and family, and biblical literature from a Christian perspective.

Did You Know?

Faulkner University was initially named Montgomery Bible College when it was founded in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1942. It was later renamed Alabama Christian College in 1953 as it grew.

The school was then renamed Faulkner University in 1985 in honor of the chairman of the board, trustee, and long-time supporter, Dr. James Faulkner, a former Bay Minette mayor and the country’s youngest mayor at his time. 

Toccoa Falls College

Toccoa Falls College

Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology (Online)

Georgia-based Toccoa Falls College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology degree program that combines theology and psychology while prioritizing biblical authority and evangelical doctrine.

This bachelor’s program requires 126 hours, which include 42 hours of core Counseling Psychology courses and 69 hours of General Education courses. The coursework includes the following:

SACSCOC has approved the accreditation of TFC to award degrees.

What Makes this Program Unique:

First Responders are eligible for a 50% discount on the cost of attendance.

The University offers Minors for this program, namely:

As a Christian college with a mission to cultivate a uniquely Christian learning community, Toccoa Falls College incorporates 30 hours of Bible and Theology courses into all its undergraduate programs, including the BS in Counseling Psychology.

These courses include:

TFC’s faculty and staff hold organizational memberships, such as with the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the Licensed Professional Counselors Association (LPCA).

Did You Know?

TFC is widely recognized as a regional college in the South. It is also a top-performing college known for its social mobility and value as a Christian college.

Crown College

Crown College

Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Counseling (Online)

Based in Minnesota, Crown College offers a 100% online Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Counseling program that equips students for careers in social work, business, ministry, or any field that requires a comprehension of human behaviors and thoughts.

Graduates are also prepared for the challenges they’ll face should they opt to further their education with a master’s degree like Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Counseling.

Unlike most online programs, Crown College breaks down the online educational experience into “Mods” or “modules” instead of semesters. There are six Mod Start Dates annually; each Mod is eight weeks long. Students typically take one class per Mod for a deeper learning experience. In this case, the program is usually completed in seven years.

Students also have the option to take two classes per Mod for an accelerated experience, completing the program in around 3.5 years. In essence, Crown’s Mod system allows students to take their education at their own pace.

Crown College is HLC-recognized. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education has also approved the College as a degree-granting institution.

What Makes this Program Unique:
Did You Know?

Crown College offers online courses under the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) with free classes and textbooks to eligible high school juniors and seniors in Minnesota who want to get a head start on their college education.

On the other hand, those who are not Minnesota residents can take Crown’s Online Dual Enrollment program at a price.

Ecclesia College

Ecclesia College

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology and Counseling (Online)

The online degree program for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Counseling offered by Arkansas-based Ecclesia College requires students to complete at least 120 semester hours toward graduation.

The curriculum for this program includes 38 hours of General Education courses and 42 hours of Psychology and Counseling Major courses, which include the following:

The coursework also includes two Senior Capstone requirements: Counseling Practicum and Senior Ministry Project.

Ecclesia College earned the nod of the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation, recognized by the US Department of Education as a national accrediting agency for programs and institutions of biblical higher education in the United States, US Territories, and Canada.

Ecclesia College has also been recognized as an Arkansas independent college by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB).

What Makes this Program Unique:

Ecclesia College is a Biblical higher education institution incorporating Service Learning Requirements in its BS Psychology and Counseling curriculum.

Students must take Religion courses like Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, Mentoring Foundations, Christian Theology, Apologetics, History of the Israelite Kingdom, and Hebrew Wisdom Literature.

Did You Know?

Ecclesia College was established based on the Colossians 1:27 verse, “Christ in you the hope of glory, which has been the core of the school’s educational approach. The coursework in its programs is designed to equip students to bring God’s hope to the world.

Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University

Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology, Clinical Counseling Emphasis (Online)

Colorado Christian University offers an online degree program for its Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Counseling. It equips students with a thorough comprehension of the basic theories of human behavior taught from a Christian perspective.

Students are immersed in a learning environment that builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they explore the integration of faith and the study of human nature.

The Applied Psychology program requires 120 credit hours toward graduation, including 36 hours in the psychology major core. Topics of discussion under this curriculum include human development, behavioral patterns and analysis, and personal and social interactions.

The Clinical Counseling Emphasis curriculum includes five graduate-level clinical counseling courses credited to the Bachelor’s degree and may be applied toward the College’s Master of Arts – Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program.

The emphasis in Clinical Counseling is optional, and the Applied Psychology major is available in a non-emphasis format. Alternatively, students can opt for one of the two other emphases: Biblical Studies and Criminal Justice.

The HLC regionally accredits CCU.

What Makes this Program Unique:

CCU’s Dual Degree Programs allow Bachelor-level students to fast-track their graduate degree by taking Master ‘s-level courses after completing 60 credits.

With this program, online students who successfully attain their BS in Applied Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Counseling will only have to earn 48 credit hours of the 60 required to complete a master’s degree in Counseling.

Did You Know?

A $5,000 alumni scholarship is available to students who obtained their Bachelor’s degree from CCU or any of its heritage institutions and want to enroll in one of the online degrees offered at the  CCU College of Adult and Graduate Studies.

Regent University

Regent University

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology – Clinical & Counseling Psychology (Online)

Virginia-based Regent University presents all its courses in its BS in Psychology – Clinical & Counseling Psychology program from a Christian point of view to guide aspiring students with the calling to help others. The degree program is available online as well as on campus.

Aside from full-time students who take at least 12 credit hours per semester, the program is also available to part-time students with 3 to 11 credit hours per semester.

The Bachelor’s program requires 120 credit hours, including 51 credit hours of core psychology courses like the following:

Some of the skills the students will gain under this degree program include case management handling, treatment planning, and crisis intervention, all anchored on Christian values and principles.

The SACSCOC accredits the University to award degrees at all levels.

What Makes this Program Unique:

As a premier Christian university in the US, Regent University designs its General Education curriculum with Christian liberal arts core courses that groom students to live and serve as Christian leaders in modern times.

More specifically, its GenEd courses include two Biblical Worldview courses: Making of the Christian Mind (3 credits) and Making of the Christian Leader (3 credits).

Did You Know?

Regent University also offers an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and an MA in Human Services – Addictions Counseling, which can facilitate a smooth transition for Bachelor program graduates who want to advance their education and career.

The US News & World Report has consistently recognized Regent as one of the top national universities.

American Women’s College

American Women's College

BA in Psychology: Counseling Foundations Major (Online)

Students seeking entry-level counseling positions can consider completing the online BA in Psychology: Counseling Foundations major offered by The American Women’s College of Bay Path University (TAWC).

The program is also ideal as a stepping stone towards a master’s degree for those aspiring to become licensed counseling professionals.

This BA program requires 120 credits, including the Counseling Foundation major courses and the College’s undergraduate core courses. Some of the required major courses in this program include the following:

Aside from the Counseling Foundations Major, students can opt to pursue the standard Psychology degree or choose one of the other four major options:

Massachusetts-based Bay Path University is NECHE-accredited.

What Makes this Program Unique:
Did You Know?

The American Women’s College of Bay Path University primarily focuses on providing education for women. It was established to empower women through education and provide them with opportunities to advance their careers and personal development.

East Central University

East Central University

Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Human Services Counseling (Online)

The online program for the Bachelor of Arts in Human Services Counseling offered by East Central University allows students to earn their degree as early as two years.

The estimated completion time, however, will depend on the online students’ speed in mastering their coursework and the number of previously earned credits accepted for transfer, if any.

The curriculum requires 124 credit hours toward graduation; each course is approximately eight weeks long. Some of the topics for discussion under this program are:

The Bachelor’s degree in Human Services Counseling offers two concentrations, namely:

Students can transfer as many as 94 previously earned credits.

The HLC has granted East Central University institutional accreditation.

What Makes this Program Unique:

The curriculum is designed, updated, and taught by faculty members comprising professional educators with considerable experience in the industry.

Did You Know?

In line with the University’s mission to enable students to pursue their educational goals without high costs, the University offers a variety of grants, scholarships, and direct loans, such as the following:

The tuition rate for non-Oklahoma residents is almost twice the cost for Oklahoma students. However, out-of-state students may be eligible for a non-resident tuition waiver if certain conditions are satisfied.

Liberty University

Liberty-University-Online

Online BS in Psychology – Crisis Counseling

Liberty University offers a 100% online BS in Psychology – Crisis Counseling degree program to students passionate about bringing hope and healing to those who are hurting. Whether people are dealing with trauma, acute stress, or grief, Crisis Counseling graduates will be able to assist them through face-to-face counseling and even on an emergency hotline.

The program, offered through LU Online, requires 120 credit hours toward graduation, and courses are around eight weeks long. Some of the core psychology courses in the curriculum include the following:

Aside from a solid foundation in psychology knowledge and skills, the Crisis Counseling degree program deeply explores the historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of crisis response. Among others, the crisis counseling aspect of the module equips students with the ability to:

SACSCOC regionally accredits Liberty University.

What Makes this Program Unique:
Did You Know?

A Psi Chi Honor Society chapter is present at Liberty University. It is the International Honor Society for Psychology, where membership is an earned honor that lasts a lifetime and may be used for reference purposes in employment or graduate school applications.

The University has collaborated with the American Association of Christian Counselors AACC to grant completion certificates for many of the school’s psychology courses.

Common Courses in Bachelor in Counseling

The ideal curriculum for a Bachelor’s program in Counseling should include foundational psychology and counseling courses, including the ones below. However, note that their names may differ depending on the program and the institution offering them.

Abnormal Psychology

This is a core course that discusses psychological disorders as well as their assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.

Counseling Theories

This basic counseling course, usually an introductory subject, discusses the various counseling theories and their applications in public and private practice, including clinical mental health counselor jobs dealing with any behavioral disorder.

Counseling Techniques and Skills

This in-depth course in a typical online Counseling program teaches students practical counseling skills such as communication, active listening, and empathy.

Substance Abuse Counseling

Sometimes labeled as Counseling for Addictions and related names, this course discusses the nature of substance abuse and addiction and the counseling approaches for individuals and families.

Family Counseling

Often labeled Marriage & Family Counseling, this course helps students learn about family systems, dynamics, and counseling strategies for working with families.

Research Methods

Considering that most counseling degree programs include research assignments to help students develop critical thinking and analysis skills, this course teaches students the fundamental principles and techniques for designing, conducting, and interpreting research relevant to the counseling field.

Cultural Diversity and Counseling

This course helps students develop cultural competence in counseling by exploring various cultural perspectives, values, and practices. Other related names that some institutions may use for this course include Multicultural Counseling and Counseling across Cultures.

Common Roles of a Counselor

In essence, counselors provide support, guidance, and assistance to individuals and groups facing various challenges in their personal, emotional, and professional lives. The specific roles of a counselor can vary depending on their specialization and the work setting.

Below are some common roles of counselors.

Assessment

Counselors assess their clients’ needs, strengths, challenges, and goals through interviews, assessments, and evaluations to develop a clear understanding of their situations.

Advocacy

Counselors such as case managers advocate for their client’s needs and rights by helping them access resources, support systems, and appropriate services.

Prevention and Education

Counselors work to prevent issues by educating individuals and groups about stress management, communication skills, and mental health awareness.

Individual Counseling

Counselors can set one-on-one sessions with individuals and provide a space to safely and confidently discuss their concerns and explore their thoughts and emotions.

Group Counseling

Counselors can facilitate group therapy sessions where individuals with similar challenges can share their experiences, provide support, and learn from each other.

Crisis Intervention

Counselors offer immediate support, coping strategies, and emotional assistance to individuals experiencing trauma, emergency, and grief, among other crises.

Career and School Counseling

Counselors can assist students with their academic, social, and personal challenges and provide support to individuals with their employment, career paths, and job searching skills.

Marriage and Family Counseling

Counselors assist couples and families in dealing with relationship issues, communication challenges, and interpersonal conflicts.

Mental Health Support

Mental health counselors provide therapeutic interventions and coping strategies for clients with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

Addiction Counseling

Counselors provide therapy, support, and recovery strategies to individuals dealing with substance abuse and addiction.

Entry-Level Counseling Jobs for Bachelor Degree Holders

A Master’s degree in Counseling is required to sit for the examination for becoming a licensed professional counselor. It doesn’t mean that students will just be wasting time, money, and effort if they attain a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling without the intention of pursuing a Master’s degree.

Below are examples of entry-level counseling jobs that often require a Bachelor’s degree but do not necessarily require a Master’s degree or licensure.

Case Managers

They work with individuals in need of community or social services. Their responsibilities include assessing clients’ needs, developing care plans, connecting clients with appropriate resources, and monitoring their progress.

Residential Counselors

They assist with daily living skills, offer emotional support, and facilitate activities, among other responsibilities, for people living in group homes, shelters, and halfway houses.

Youth Counselors

They provide support, mentorship, and guidance for children and adolescents in various settings like schools, residential facilities, and community centers.

Crisis Hotline Operators

They provide immediate support to individuals in crisis over the phone by listening to them, offering empathy, providing resources, and helping them deal with difficult situations.

Family Support Workers

They assist families in need by offering parenting education, connecting them to community resources, and promoting healthy family dynamics.

Career Counselor Assistants

Working in educational institutions, community centers, or workforce development agencies, among other related settings, career counselor assistants help individuals explore their career options, prepare them for job searches, and develop their interviewing skills.

Admissions Counselors

In educational settings, they assist students in the admission process, provide information about programs, and guide them through enrollment procedures.

Community Outreach Specialists

They engage with communities to raise awareness about mental health, substance abuse, or social services. They may also organize events, workshops, and educational programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will employers and graduate schools respect a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling earned online?

Yes, reputable institutions offering accredited online Bachelor’s degrees in Counseling provide the same quality education as traditional on-campus programs. The accreditation reflects that the program has met the set academic standards.

Employers and graduate schools generally recognize degrees from accredited institutions, whether online or on campus. It’s important to verify the accreditation status of the program you’re interested in.

Additionally, potential employers and graduate schools often value the skills honed during online learning, such as self-discipline, time management, and technological proficiency, which can be advantageous in various professional settings.

Can a Bachelor in Counseling degree make students eligible to sit for a licensure exam?

Unfortunately, in most cases, an online Bachelor’s degree in Counseling alone may not be sufficient to apply for licensure as a professional counselor.

Licensure requirements for counselors typically include completing a Master’s in Counseling or a related field from an accredited institution, a specified number of supervised clinical hours and passing a licensing examination.

However, an online Bachelor’s degree in Counseling can be a valuable step toward a career in mental health or human services, as the program provides foundational knowledge and skills. It also serves as your ticket to pursue a Master’s in Counseling or a related discipline from an accredited program that meets the licensing board’s requirements.

It’s essential to research the licensure requirements in the specific region or state where you intend to practice. Licensing boards often have specific educational and clinical experience prerequisites for different levels of licensure.

If your goal is to become a licensed counselor, consider pursuing a Master’s degree program that aligns with the requirements set by the licensing board in your area.

Can students specialize in a specific area of Counseling with an online Bachelor’s degree?

While online Bachelor’s programs in Counseling may not offer specialized tracks to the same extent as Master’s programs, students can often tailor their studies through elective courses. Some programs offer concentrations or elective courses in areas like addiction counseling, family dynamics, or mental health support.

Bear in mind that specialization options may vary by institution, and thus, it’s essential to research the program curricula being considered to ensure they align with personal interests and goals.

Summary Points

Additional Information: