An online master’s in counseling psychology is the standard academic pathway to licensure as a professional counselor or therapist, with the flexibility to complete your degree while continuing to work. This guide covers three accredited programs at different price points, what you’ll pay, what the degree qualifies you for, the licensure process, and answers to the questions prospective students ask most.
Author: Blake Huggins, PhD
Expertise: Graduate Ed.Online LearningBusinessEditor: Jordan Cosselman
Reviewer: Rebecca Newman, MSW
Expertise: Social WorkPsychologyMental Health- Inside Real Programs
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What doors open after graduating with my master’s degree…
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An explanation of necessary licenses and certifications, including requirements and steps to achieve them…
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3 Online/Hybrid Master’s Programs in Counseling Psychology
These three regionally accredited programs are each designed to meet licensure requirements and can be completed online or in hybrid formats. All three require 60 credits — the main differences are cost, format, and program focus.
Eastern University — MA in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: MPCAC
- Credits: 60
- Duration: 3 years
- Format: Fully online or hybrid; practicum and internship arranged locally
- Cost: $790/credit; $47,400 total
- Licensure Preparation: Meets Pennsylvania’s LPC requirements; designed to prepare students for LPC licensure
- Concentrations: Trauma Studies or Applied Behavior Analysis (elective)
The curriculum covers human development, psychopathology, and counseling techniques. Supervised practicum and internship experiences are arranged in the student’s local community to fulfill licensure hours.
Admissions requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 2.8 GPA
- Prerequisite coursework
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Personal interview
Felician University — MA in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: MPCAC-aligned curriculum
- Credits: 60
- Duration: 2 or 3 years (full-time or part-time)
- Format: Online or hybrid; interactive online learning environment
- Cost: $925/credit; $55,500 total
- Clinical Hours: 100 practicum hours + 600+ internship hours
- Licensure Preparation: Prepares students for licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Felician’s program emphasizes contemporary approaches including positive psychology and mindfulness in counseling. The flexible pacing — full-time or part-time — makes it well-suited for working professionals.
Admissions requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3.0 GPA preferred)
- Résumé
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Admissions interview
Golden Gate University — M.A. in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: WASC
- Credits: 60 units
- Duration: 2.5–3 years
- Format: Online or hybrid; practicum conducted in-person or via Zoom (300+ hours face-to-face clinical experience)
- Cost: $1,090/credit; $65,400 total — highest cost of the three programs
- Unique Requirement: 50 hours of personal psychotherapy during the program — reflecting a commitment to developing self-aware, reflective practitioners
- Licensure Preparation: Meets California educational requirements for LPCC or LMFT; guidance provided for students seeking licensure in other states
Admissions requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- Résumé
- Statement of purpose
Expert Insight
Going through 50 hours of personal psychotherapy is a meaningful way to break down some of the stigma surrounding mental health care, by starting with known requirements of all students to address their personal mental health needs. A real strength in a program!
Tuition and Financial Aid for Online Counseling Psychology Master’s Programs
All three programs above require 60 credits, so total cost is determined almost entirely by per-credit rate, ranging from $790 to $1,090/credit. Industry-wide, tuition typically runs $575 to over $2,000 per credit.
Sample Program Costs
| School Name | Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern University | 60 | $790 | $47,400 |
| Felician University | 60 | $925 | $55,500 |
| Golden Gate University | 60 | $1,090 | $65,400 |
Cost Factors to Budget For
- Technology and student services fees — added on top of per-credit tuition at most programs
- Practicum and supervision fees — some programs charge separately for clinical placement credits
- Residency travel — programs with required in-person components (like Felician) may require occasional campus visits
- Licensure exam fees — budget for NCE or NCMHCE exam costs after graduation
- Textbooks and course materials — variable but typically several hundred dollars per term
Online programs typically eliminate commuting and relocation costs, which can offset some of the above. Financial aid, scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and payment plans are worth exploring early in your program search.
Careers with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology
Employment for mental health counselors is projected to grow 19%, which is much faster than average. Demand is driven by increased mental health awareness and persistent provider shortages across the country.
The most common career path after an online master’s in counseling psychology is licensure as a professional counselor (LPC, LMHC, or LPCC depending on state), which qualifies you to provide therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and related concerns.
Common work settings for counseling psychology graduates:
- Community mental health centers
- Private practice (following licensure)
- Hospitals and inpatient facilities
- Schools and educational settings
- Substance abuse and behavioral health programs
- Government agencies and nonprofits
With experience, licensed counselors can advance into clinical supervisory roles, program director positions, or choose to continue toward a doctoral degree if they decide to pursue psychologist licensure later.
Licensure and Certification for Counseling Psychology Graduates
Earning your master’s is the academic foundation, but licensure requires additional supervised experience and a passing exam score. Here’s what the process typically looks like:
Step-by-Step Path to Counseling Licensure
Step 1: Complete an accredited master’s program. The degree must meet your state’s educational requirements for the license you’re pursuing (LPC, LMHC, LPCC, etc.). Verify this before you enroll.
Step 2: Accumulate supervised post-graduate experience. Most states require 2,000–3,000 supervised hours, completed over approximately 1.5–2 years of full-time work. During this period you’ll typically hold a provisional or associate license.
Step 3: Pass a national licensing exam. Common exams include:
- National Counselor Examination (NCE)
- National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
Step 4: Complete a background check and formal application. Submit documentation of your education, supervised hours, and exam results to your state’s licensing board.
Step 5: Maintain licensure with continuing education. Most states require 20–30 continuing education hours every two years, plus adherence to the field’s ethical codes.
Optional: The National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential is not required for licensure but can enhance professional credibility and mobility across states.
Important: Licensing titles (LPC, LMHC, LPCC) and specific requirements vary by state. Review your state’s counseling board website early in your program search — especially if you’re enrolling in an online program based in a different state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I become a licensed psychologist with an online master’s in counseling psychology?
No, psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or PsyD). A master’s in counseling psychology prepares you to become a licensed counselor (LPC, LMHC, or equivalent), not a psychologist.
That said, many professionals build long, fulfilling careers as licensed counselors without pursuing a doctorate. And the option to advance to doctoral study later remains open if your goals evolve.
Expert Insight
You may find that practicing as an LPC is where you’d like to spend the majority of your career, rather than embarking on further study. An online master’s and licensure is a great way to start.
Q: Do I need a bachelor’s degree in psychology to get into a counseling psychology master’s program?
No, most programs accept students from a wide range of undergraduate backgrounds. Admissions committees typically prioritize academic ability, communication skills, and genuine interest in the field over a specific undergraduate major.
If your degree isn’t in psychology, you may need to complete prerequisite courses (such as Introduction to Psychology) before starting or during your first term. A strong personal statement and relevant experience — volunteer work, employment, or coursework in adjacent fields — can also help demonstrate readiness.
Q: How do online students handle practicum and internship requirements?
Online programs arrange local placements at approved sites near where you live. You complete supervised clinical work — typically 100 practicum hours and 600+ internship hours — at schools, clinics, or mental health agencies in your community, under a qualified on-site supervisor.
Programs provide support in identifying and approving placements so you gain hands-on experience without relocating. Confirm the extent of placement assistance a program offers before enrolling.
Q: Will an online degree be accepted for licensure in my state?
Yes, if the program is regionally accredited and meets your state’s specific coursework requirements. Licensure boards evaluate the degree’s content and the school’s accreditation, not whether you attended in person.
The critical step: verify your state’s requirements before choosing a program. Some states have specific coursework mandates, and an online program from another state may not automatically satisfy them. Check your state board’s website and confirm directly with the program.
Q: Do online counseling psychology programs require any in-person attendance?
It depends on the program. Some are fully online with no required campus visits; others include brief in-person residencies for clinical skills practice.
Residencies, when required, typically last a few days and focus on hands-on technique practice and peer networking. Many students find them valuable. If travel is a concern, fully online options exist, but always verify a program’s specific requirements before applying.