Online Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling

What Can I Expect in an Online Bachelor's Degree in Counseling Program?

Every bachelor's degree in counseling is made up of courses that are worth a number of credits. Regardless of whether you pursue a concentration or a general counseling bachelor's degree, you can expect to find courses with such titles as:

• Lifespan Development
• Theories of Personality
• Introduction to Counseling
• Understanding Psychological Diagnoses
• Research Methods in the Social Sciences
• Social Policy
• Contemporary Issues in Counseling
• Art Therapy
• Trauma and Crisis
• Counseling Children, Adolescents and Young Adults
• Group Dynamics
• Multicultural Counseling
• Family Interventions
• Addiction Issues
• Counseling Techniques
• Case Management in Social Work
• Professional Counseling Skills
• Internship may be a required part of the program

What Are the Bachelor's Degree in Counseling Admission Requirements?

Colleges will vary their minimum entry requirements, but they typically include:

• A minimum GPA on your High School Diploma, GED, or HiSET. This can be as low as 2.5 or as high as 3.5, but typically 3.0 in most cases
• High grades in English, Math (including Algebra II), Science (including lab courses), History and specified Social Sciences
• Official transcripts proving the above
• Between one and three recommendation letters plus the application form and fee
• Check each school for SAT or ACT requirements (it is a requirement in some cases)
• International students will need to prove English proficiency through TOEFL or other standards unless they come from an exempt country (where English is an official language), passport, and proof of legal residence in the USA

What Is the Length of a Bachelor's Degree in Counseling?

Most counseling bachelor's degrees in the U.S. take four years to complete. However, some schools offer accelerated programs where you study at a more intense pace and complete in approximately three years.

Adult learners with undergraduate courses that can be used as credits towards such a degree will not necessarily need to take them again, therefore shortening the course.

You may also opt for part-time study, often combining night classes and distance learning, which will extend the amount of time it takes to complete the program.

How Much Does a Bachelor's Degree in Counseling Cost?

In the U.S., courses are charged per credit. The amount of credits per course and per degree varies, but a typical range of cost is approximately $315-$445 per credit. A student beginning a counseling bachelor's degree can expect to pay $38k-$57k total.

For the majority of students, self-funding is out of the question unless they study through distance learning and spread the cost over many years.

There are ways for students to get assistance with the cost of tuition: FAFSA and other federal funding is available. Interest rates vary, so consider your total cost carefully. Private funding is also available through a range of finance providers.

Be sure to check out available scholarships. While some are available for students displaying academic excellence, some are available only to specialty and other minority groups. Some are available to those from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

List of Counseling Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based bachelor’s degree program in Counseling today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Tara Moretti, LMHC

Tara Moretti is a writer and Licensed Mental Health Counselor with extensive experience in the field of mental health. Tara specializes in helping individuals navigate life transitions, manage stress and anxiety, and improve their relationships. Tara has worked in a variety of settings, including private practice and university counseling centers. She is committed to ongoing professional development and has completed advanced training in trauma-focused therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. In her spare time, Tara enjoys crossword puzzles, practicing yoga, and spending time with her German Shepherd, Zeus.