Think About Your Future Goals
If you want to become a mental health counselor or marriage and family therapist, you will need to obtain a state license, which requires a master’s degree in most states. That said, if you eventually plan to practice counseling or therapy, a master’s degree in counseling psychology can help you achieve that goal.
To qualify for licensure as a counselor, you usually need to complete some hours of field work under the supervision of a licensed counselor. Most master’s in counseling psychology degrees build these program hours through a practicum or an internship experience. Online programs often allow you to complete these requirements at a placement site in your local community.
Make sure your chosen program meets the licensure requirements of the state where you want to practice.
Understand Your Costs and Investment Options
Per-credit tuition rates for the four online master’s in counseling psychology programs in our guide range from $604 to $1,090. Credit requirements range from 60 to 72 semester credits. That said, the average online master’s in counseling psychology degree will cost you somewhere between approximately $36,000 and $78,000 in total tuition.
For a point of comparison, the National Center for Education Statistics found that during the 2021-22 school year, the average public school graduate program charged $10,949 in annual tuition for students in state. Private schools charge $19,541. Over the course of a typical two-year master’s program, this translates to an average of approximately $20,000 to $40,000 in total tuition for a graduate degree; The schools on our list are quite expensive.
To finance your education, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the portal to federal aid opportunities such as loans, work-study programs and scholarships. You can also pursue private loans and gift aid opportunities through your school and third-party organizations.
