Discover the Fastest Online Counseling Degree Programs
If becoming a licensed therapist or counselor feels like the right path and you want to get your career started as soon as possible, this guide is for you. After all, most counseling careers call for a master’s degree, which can add years to your educational journey.
What’s good to know is that accelerated online counseling degrees are designed to get you licensed and working sooner.
In this guide, we’ll cover some of the fastest online counseling degree programs and what makes them stand out, weigh the pros and cons of accelerated coursework, and answer common questions about these programs.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareMedical CodingNursing HealthcareOnline LearningWhat Makes a Counseling Degree “Fast”?
Master’s degrees in counseling typically take more than two years to complete; fast programs usually take two years at most.
Instead of the usual 15-week semesters, accelerated courses may run in shorter 5- to 8-week blocks, often stacked back-to-back with little downtime in between. Many faster programs also run year-round calendars, so you keep moving forward while others are on summer break.
Another way students save time in these fast-track options is by transferring college credits and applying relevant work experience toward their degree. Online formats may add flexibility and can make it easier to move through coursework at a pace that fits your needs.
Put it all together, and you’re looking at a degree that’s structured to allow motivated students to graduate sooner.
Program Profiles: Inside the Fastest Counseling Degrees
Let’s take a look at three online counseling programs designed to help you complete your training and get your degree faster.
University of Bridgeport – Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The University of Bridgeport’s online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling makes it possible to earn your degree in just two years of full-time study. The part-time path takes about three years.
This 60-credit program is Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)-accredited. It’s grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based practice and includes 700 hours of supervised fieldwork through practicum and internships.
Except for your fieldwork, your MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is entirely online. And, you can choose between synchronous and asynchronous formats, allowing you to experience a live class or undergo coursework on your own time, depending on your needs.
The program aims to prepare students for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and licensure, with both the practical experience and professional training needed to serve diverse communities.
- Program Format: Online with practicum and internship requirements
- Credential Offered: Master of Science
- Program Length: 2 years (full-time)
Northwestern University – Online MA in Counseling
You can earn a Master of Arts degree in Counseling online from Northwestern University in as few as 18 months full-time. Part-time learners can take up to 36 months to graduate.
The program is CACREP-accredited and designed for flexibility, with four start dates each year and no Graduate Record Examination (GRE) requirement. You’ll complete online coursework alongside in-person immersions and 800 hours of supervised clinical training.
Depending on your background, you’ll follow either the Standard or Bridge to Counseling track, with foundational coursework for those new to the field. When it’s time for clinical training, Northwestern University’s placement team helps match you with approved sites in your community for hands-on experience under licensed supervision.
- Program Format: Online with required in-person immersions and internships
- Credential Offered: Master of Arts
- Program Length: 18 months full-time
Missouri Baptist University – Online MA in School Counseling
Prepare for a career guiding K–12 students with Missouri Baptist University’s online Master of Arts: School Counseling (MA-SC). This 45-credit program is built for working educators who want to transition into school counseling without leaving their current jobs.
Coursework is 100% online and taught by a Christian faculty who integrate faith-based perspectives into counseling education. The program is approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). It aims to prepare students for school counseling certification, pursue roles as career or academic advisors, and even continue into doctoral programs.
- Program Format: Online
- Credential Offered: Master of Arts in School Counseling
- Program Length: 6 semesters (approximately 2 years)
Pros and Cons of Accelerated Counseling Degrees
The condensed timeline of accelerated online counseling programs brings both advantages and challenges. Here’s what to consider before you commit:
Benefits
- Enter Workforce Sooner: You may start earning a counselor’s salary and helping clients one to two years earlier than traditional programs.
- Maintain Career Momentum: The shorter timeline can help you stay focused and motivated in your studies.
- Lower Overall Costs: Accelerated programs might make earning an affordable online counseling degree more achievable. Costs associated with going to and from campus are largely eliminated.
- Flexible Scheduling Options: Many accelerated programs allow students to learn asynchronously, so classes can be taken on their own schedule. Some schools also offer multiple start dates throughout the year, meaning you can start your studies when it works for you.
Challenges
- Intensive Workload: With fast-paced programs, expect heavier course loads and less breathing room between assignments.
- Limited Work-Life Balance: The accelerated pace often means more time studying, so students may need to make significant time sacrifices while in school.
- Reduced Networking Time: There may be fewer opportunities to build relationships with classmates, professors, and field supervisors who could become valuable professional connections.
- Higher Stress Levels: If you don’t cultivate strong time management and study habits, burnout is possible.
Answers to FAQs
What is the shortest counseling degree?
The shortest counseling degrees are accelerated master’s programs that can be completed in as little as 18 months full-time. These programs pack the regular traditional curriculum into condensed courses, often running year-round with limited breaks.
What is the shortest path to becoming a counselor?
Start with an accelerated master’s program if you already have a bachelor’s degree. Programs that give credits for prior work experience and past coursework can also shorten the timeline.
If you’re able to commit to full-time study, you’ll move through the program faster than part-time students. Look for schools with multiple start dates throughout the year, so you’re not waiting around for the fall or spring semester.
Is there a 2-year degree for counseling?
Yes, accelerated master’s in counseling programs can be completed in about two years and meet the education requirements for professional licensure.
Can I be a counselor with just a bachelor’s?
While you generally can’t be a licensed counselor with just a bachelor’s degree, you could find roles in fields like career counseling, case management, or vocational rehabilitation. If you want to work in academia and research, online counseling PhD degrees are available.
Tips for Succeeding in an Accelerated Counseling Program
The students who do well in accelerated online counseling programs tend to be those who get organized early and keep up with the coursework. The tips below can help you manage the intense pace and succeed without burnout.
Managing Your Time Effectively
Succeeding in an accelerated counseling program can take strong time management skills, planning, and serious discipline. You could face competing priorities between family, work, and life. So, how do you manage your time effectively?
- Block out study hours and treat them like non-negotiable appointments.
- Use a calendar to track assignment due dates, clinical hours, and exam schedules.
- Prioritize your responsibilities in order of importance.
Building a Reliable Support System
You’ll need people in your corner who understand the demands that come with completing an accelerated master’s in counseling program.
If you’re a working parent, that might mean coordinating your study and class schedules with a partner or family member to ensure every moment is covered with minimal stress for everyone involved. Supportive coworkers or a manager who respects your schedule can also make a world of difference if you’re working during the program.
Here’s what building that support can look like:
- Share your class schedule with family or friends so they know when you’re unavailable.
- Communicate your needs clearly with family and friends. Come up with a plan for how they can best support you.
- Find a mentor who’s completed a similar program and can offer realistic advice about what to expect.
Leveraging Technology and Tools
Smart use of technology can simplify your workload and keep you organized. In addition to the apps mentioned above, consider these:
- Use citation managers, like Zotero, to organize research.
- Use note-taking apps to organize course materials and create searchable study guides.
- Set up automated reminders and try time-tracking or productivity apps, like Toggl, to stay focused during study sessions.
