Today’s Most Affordable Online Counseling Master’s Degrees

The Master of Science in Education in School Counseling prepares students to work as school counselors after graduation. To make this learning process as convenient as possible, most of the courses can be completed online. Students must also complete several counseling practicums or clinicals to graduate from the program. Prospective students thinking about working in any public or private K-12 school setting can enroll in the General Concentration while those wishing to work with students with particular needs can consider the Crisis and Trauma and Special Populations concentrations.

Program Highlights:

MS in Education in School Counseling

• Credits: 48
• Length: About 2 years
• Cost: $340.00/credit
• Mode: Partially online
• Accreditation: CAEP

Current teachers who are interested in shifting into an advising position within the education system (such as a guidance counselor) are perfect for Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Master of Education in School Counseling program. A current teaching certificate is required to apply and once admitted, students will complete almost all of their courses online. In addition to classroom instruction, students will complete a practicum that includes at least 100 hours of counseling practice.

Program Highlights:

Master of Education in School Counseling

• Credits: 42
• Length: About 1-2 years
• Cost: $280.00/credit
• Mode: Partially online
• Accreditation: CAEP

North Carolina Central University offers an online CACREP-accredited and IRCEP-endorsed Master of Arts in School Counseling degree program. This is designed to prepare individuals to become professional school counselors in North Carolina at the kindergarten through 12th grade level. Most of the classes can be completed online and to apply, prospective students must take the GRE, have at least a 2.7 GPA, hold a bachelor’s degree, obtain two recommendations, write an application essay, and provide official transcripts.

Program Highlights:

MA in School Counseling

• Credits: 60
• Length: Varies
• Cost: $298.73/credit (resident) and $1,038.07/credit (non-resident)
• Mode: Partially online
• Accreditation: CACREP

CUNY Kingsborough Community College offers a robust certificate in alcoholism and substance abuse counseling. The program consists of a set course schedule, with class topics including basic techniques in alcohol and substance abuse counseling, counselor-client ethics and confidentiality, and addiction and the family. Along with foundational courses, students also complete two internships. Depending on the internships, students may be able to complete the entire degree online. Upon graduation, students can take the alcohol and substance abuse counseling exam.

Program Highlights:

Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate

• Credits: 30
• Length: About 2 years
• Cost: $210/credit in-state | $320/credit out-of-state
• Mode: Online
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Learners interested in an associate degree in substance abuse counseling should consider the program from Northcentral Technical College. During the first year of study, this fully online degree covers general social-work topics such as case management and an overview of mental health disorders. In the second year, students dive into substance abuse counseling, with classes such as substance use disorder assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. In the final semester, students enroll in three clinical experiences, which often are completed in-person.

Program Highlights:

Associate of Substance Use Disorder Counseling

• Credits: 65
• Length: About 2 years
• Cost: $149.17/credit
• Mode: Online
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Interested in becoming a substance abuse counselor? The technical diploma in substance abuse counseling from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College might be a good fit. This online certificate can be completed in less than a year. It covers topics such as anatomy, understanding substance abuse, and substance abuse diagnosis and treatment. The degree also covers foundational topics from other fields, such as social work and anatomy. Successful applicants should already have an associate's degree in health science, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, or social work.

Program Highlights:

Substance Abuse Counselor Education Technical Diploma

• Credits: 37
• Length: About 1 year
• Cost: $146.20/credit
• Mode: Online
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Mount Hood Community College offers a comprehensive associate degree in Mental Health, Social Services, and Addiction Counseling. The curriculum consists of courses in all three disciplines, with class topics including case management; diagnosis and clinical treatment of mental health disorders; and addiction prevention, treatment, and assessment. Students also take a course on different careers in the field and complete an internship for real-world experience. While classes are all offered online, the internship is often completed in person.

Program Highlights:

Associate of Applied Science in Mental Health, Social Service, and Addiction Counseling

• Credits: 93-101
• Length: About 2 years
• Cost: $122/credit in-state | $247/credit out-of-state
• Mode: Hybrid
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Hudson Valley Community College offers an associate degree in chemical dependency counseling that can jumpstart students' careers in alcohol and substance abuse counseling. For this degree, students complete online courses in disciplines such as psychology, public health, and social work. They also must complete in-person field experience hours, which offer them the chance to see how their degree translates to a career.

Program Highlights:

Associate of Science in Chemical Dependency Counseling

• Credits: 61
• Length: About 2 years
• Cost: $211/credit in-state | $422/credit out-of-state
• Mode: Hybrid
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education