Key Information:
- Online psychology degrees are surging because they offer flexible, affordable pathways into counseling careers amid rising mental health needs and strong job growth.
- A bachelor’s in psychology provides essential foundations in human behavior. A master’s degree—especially CACREP-accredited—is required for LPC/LMHC licensure.
- Licensure requirements vary by state, making it critical for online students to verify coursework, internship hours, and exam criteria before enrolling.
- Graduates with online psychology degrees can pursue fast-growing counseling roles, with strong ROI due to high demand, telehealth expansion, and accelerated degree options.
Why Online Psychology Degrees Are Surging
People are talking openly about stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional wellness. This, in return, created a great demand for counselors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 4% growth in counseling jobs through 2034.
But with the increasing cost of college, attending a brick-and-mortar university can feel out of reach. This is especially true for those who are working, raising a family, or managing other life responsibilities.
Fortunately, you can now pursue an online psychology degree for counseling. These programs offer flexibility, lower costs, and access to accredited programs from anywhere.
This article is a deep dive into the best online psychology degrees for counselors. It includes topics on what they teach and how they set you up for a career in counseling.
Related:
- Best Bachelor’s in Psychology
- Top Bachelor’s in Counseling
- Best Bachelor’s in Addiction Counseling
- Most Affordable Addiction Counseling Degree
Psychology Degree Overview
What You Learn in a Psychology Major
A psychology degree provides comprehensive training in human behavior, emotion, and cognition. Key areas of study involved in the best online psychology degrees for counselors include:
- Human Development: Understanding growth and change throughout the lifespan.
- Theories of Personality: Examining factors that influence individual behavior.
- Abnormal Psychology: Studying mental health disorders, their causes, and treatment strategies.
- Cognitive and Behavioral Science: Exploring how thoughts influence behavior and habits.
- Introductory Research and Statistics: Developing analytical skills to evaluate psychological data.
Why Psychology Is the Top Pre-Counseling Degree
A psychology degree serves as the primary foundation for those pursuing counseling licensure, including:
- LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
- LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
It provides essential preparation for graduate-level clinical courses and is versatile enough to open career opportunities in the following fields:
- Research
- Education
- Human resources
- Organizational consulting
Types of Online Psychology Programs
The best online psychology degrees for counselors vary in format and focus:
- BA vs. BS: BA programs emphasize liberal arts and theory, while BS programs prioritize research and scientific methodology.
- Applied vs. General Psychology: Applied programs prepare students for practical work, while general programs focus on research and theory.
- Specialized Concentrations: Options include clinical psychology, child development, forensic psychology, and organizational psychology.
Online Bachelor’s vs. Master’s in Counseling/Psychology
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
This psychology degree for aspiring counselors is the foundational step for most careers. These programs focus on core areas, including:
- Human behavior
- Research methods
- Introductory counseling concepts
Specializations
Some bachelor’s programs offer concentrations such as:
- Child and adolescent psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Organizational psychology
Program Duration & Pace
- Most full-time students complete an online bachelor’s degree in approximately four years.
- Accelerated tracks may allow completion in about three years.
Average Costs
- Tuition varies by institution, ranging from $25,000–$45,000 for the full program. Public in-state programs typically fall on the lower end, while private institutions may be higher.
- The online bachelor’s in psychology reduces expenses related to housing, commuting, and campus fees.
Advantages:
- Flexible schedules with asynchronous coursework
- Lower tuition and no commuting or housing costs
- Easier to balance studies with work or family responsibilities
Limitations:
- A bachelor’s alone does not qualify graduates for counseling licensure
- Hands-on experience requires arranging local internships or volunteer placements
Online Master’s in Counseling or Psychology
A master’s degree is generally required for licensure and advanced counseling roles. These programs provide in-depth training in:
- Clinical skills
- Assessment
- Ethics
- Therapy techniques
Key coursework includes:
- Counseling techniques and professional ethics
- Mental health assessment and diagnosis
- Psychopathology and therapy strategies
- Supervised practicum and internships
Specializations
Master’s programs often include concentrations to prepare students for specific counseling careers:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- School Counseling
- Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
- Addiction/Substance Abuse Counseling
Program Duration & Pace
- Full-time students finish an online master’s in 2–3 years.
- Part-time for 3–4 years.
- Accelerated 4+1 programs combine bachelor’s and master’s in about five years.
Average Costs
- Tuition usually ranges from $30,000–$65,000, with CACREP-accredited programs often at the higher end.
Specializations
An online master’s in counseling often includes concentrations to prepare students for specific counseling careers:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- School Counseling
- Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
- Addiction/Substance Abuse Counseling
Accreditation
CACREP accreditation ensures programs:
- meet professional standards
- simplifies the licensure process
- enhances career competitiveness
Online students gain practical experience through local internships, telehealth placements, or community-based programs.
Choosing Between Bachelor’s and Master’s Online
Remember these guidelines when choosing between the best online psychology degrees for counselors:
- Start with a bachelor’s: For students new to psychology or exploring career interests.
- Proceed directly to a master’s: For individuals with prior related education who wish to enter the workforce quickly.
- Accelerated 4+1 Programs: Combine bachelor’s and master’s studies to save time and tuition costs.
Licensure Requirements: LPC, LMHC, State Rules
Overview of Counseling Licensure (LPC, LMHC, LPCC, LCMHC)
Licensure ensures that counselors are qualified to practice safely and effectively. Common credentials include:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)
Typical Licensure Steps
Licensure requirements vary by state, but generally require you to:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree (psychology recommended).
- Graduate from an accredited master’s program (CACREP preferred).
- Complete 600–1,000+ supervised practicum or internship hours.
- Pass a national counseling exam (NCE or NCMHCE).
- Complete 2,000–4,000 post-graduate supervised hours.
- Apply for licensure in your state.
States With the Most Open Counseling Jobs
According to a recent survey, the highest demand for counselors is in:
- California (63,000+ jobs)
- Pennsylvania (26,000+)
- Florida (24,000+)
- New York (22,000+)
- Texas (20,000+)
Why Online Students Must Check State Licensure Boards
Even with an accredited degree, licensure requirements can vary significantly between states. Differences may include:
- Number of supervised hours
- Required coursework (e.g., addiction, ethics, multicultural counseling)
- Examination eligibility
- Continuing education requirements
The two main pathways—LPC and LMHC—are essential for clinical counseling. Here’s what to know:
- LPC licensure requirements generally include
- CACREP-accredited coursework
- 600–1,000+ supervised hours
- Additional state-mandated training
- LMHC requirements vary by state and differ in title, hours, or coursework. Students must check local boards to ensure their program meets all criteria.
Career Options with an Online Psychology Degree
Here’s a breakdown of psychology careers and salaries in 2026.
Counseling & Mental Health Roles (Master’s Required)
These roles include individual and group counseling, telehealth services, and administrative or leadership positions.
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- School Counselor (with education coursework)
- Substance Abuse Counselor
Careers You Can Get with a Bachelor’s in Psychology
- Case Manager
- Behavioral Technician
- Research Assistant
- HR Specialist
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Residential Counselor
Non-Clinical Psychology Career Tracks
- Organizational psychology (HR, leadership development)
- User experience research
- Community outreach programs
- Educational and student support services
Fastest-Growing Roles for 2026
- Behavioral health counselor (+17%)
- Addiction counselor (+17%)
- School-based mental health roles (+14%)
- Marriage & family therapist (+13%)
- Telehealth & remote therapy support roles
ROI: Job Demand & Average Salaries
National Demand Trends
According to the BLS, counseling and psychology positions are in strong demand:
- Behavioral health counselors: +17%
- Marriage and family therapists: +17%
- Psychology jobs overall: +6%
Salary Ranges
- LPC/LMHC: $39,090–$98,210
- MFT: $42,150–$104,500
- School Counselor: $42,650–$102,780
- Psychologist (doctoral): $59,820–$162,350
- Bachelor-level psychology roles: $39,090–$98,210
Why Online Psychology Degrees Offer Strong ROI
Online programs provide cost savings by eliminating commuting and housing expenses. Plus, accelerated tracks allow students to enter the workforce sooner, enhancing overall ROI.
Preparing for Grad School with an Online Psychology Degree
The process of becoming a clinical psychologist or licensed counselor begins long before you enter a graduate program. Here’s how to prepare for counseling grad school:
How to Strengthen Grad School Applications
- Participate in research or lab work
- Volunteer or intern in mental health settings
- Join Psi Chi or psychology clubs
- Excel in statistics and research methodology
Top Prerequisites for Master’s Counseling Programs
- Abnormal psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Research methods and statistics
- Behavioral science foundations
How Online Students Gain Clinical Exposure
- Virtual labs and simulations
- Local practicum or internship placements
- Telehealth training
- Capstone projects in applied psychology or research
Best Online Schools with Strong Graduate Pathways
According to the U.S. News and World Report, the top online psychology programs for 2026 are offered by the following colleges:
| School | Location | In-State Cost / Credit | Out-of-State Cost / Credit |
| Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | $472.92 | $556.67 |
| Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | $309.00 | $309.00 |
| Penn State World Campus | University Park, PA | $576.00 | $617.00 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | $129.18 | $552.62 |
| Loyola University Chicago | Chicago, IL | $695.00* | $695.00* |
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Online Psychology Degree for Counseling
Online psychology degrees offer aspiring counselors a flexible, affordable, and high-quality path to their careers. A bachelor’s degree lays the essential groundwork in psychological principles, while a master’s degree equips graduates for licensure and hands-on clinical practice.
And with diverse career opportunities, competitive salaries, and growing demand for mental health professionals, these programs provide a strong foundation for a rewarding and impactful career.
Careful planning—including understanding state licensure requirements—ensures a smooth transition from student to professional. For those seeking a stable, rewarding career helping others, online psychology programs represent one of the most practical and effective pathways available in 2026 and beyond.
