Counseling is one of the most giving career paths, and it’s perfect for individuals who would like to help others improve their lives.
However, to become a counselor, prospective industry professionals will have to go through an extensive educational journey to obtain a diploma.
Luckily, there are so many fantastic universities and colleges that offer courses in this area of expertise.
The list below focuses on online degree programs that are ideally suited for people who prefer distance-learning or don’t have enough time to go to physical classes.
Online degree programs are also great for individuals who have to balance work and education, allowing them to pursue both.
Without any further ado, here are the top 15 online schools that offer bachelor’s degrees in counseling-related fields:
Liberty University
Liberty University is situated in Lynchburg, Virginia, and it’s a well-known name in the online education industry thanks to its many different degree options.
On that note, this university has an outstanding online degree program in Psychology with an emphasis on Christian Counseling.
The goal of this program is to teach students about correct approaches and strategies in relation to counseling by following a Christian point of view.
To obtain a diploma, students will have to earn 120 credit hours, which includes both general education and major courses, some of which are:
- Composition and Rhetoric
- Social Psychology
- Issues in Christian Counseling
- Behavioral Modification
- Communication
- Math
- Technology
- Christian Life and Thought
Students will also have to complete a three-hour internship to graduate.
Liberty University also offers a fast-tracked program and it has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Official WebsiteClarks Summit - University
Clarks Summit University is located in South Abington Township, Pennsylvania, and it offers an excellent online degree program in the field of Addiction Counseling, as well as the Counseling Ministries degree option.
The purpose of the counseling degree program is to teach students about the fundamentals of counseling and psychology following a biblical perspective.
By attending this course, students will get an opportunity to obtain the relevant skills and knowledge needed to help and inspire others.
To obtain a diploma, prospective graduates will have to earn 123 credit hours, including discipleship, adolescent and adult psychology, women counseling women, building a biblical lifestyle, as well as personality theory.
When it comes to the Counseling Ministry program, it focuses on philosophical aspects of biblical counseling and is perfect for individuals who’d like to seek careers within the ministry.
This program requires 122 credit hours, and it’s comprised of classes in dynamics of discipleship, pastoral counseling, marriage, and biblical studies.
The curriculum follows an asynchronous learning format, and the classes are delivered in eight-week sessions.
Students are likely to earn their degrees in up to four years.
Clarks Summit University has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Official WebsiteSouthwestern Assemblies of God University
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is situated in Waxahachie, Texas, and it has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
This university offers a great online degree program in the field of Counseling that allows students to learn more about different theology and scripture concepts, human personalities, church history, and much more.
All students have to complete a philosophy of ministry, where they talk about the church’s mission, and they also have to take an exam to earn ministry credentials.
Graduates have to understand how Christian faith and psychology are interconnected since both can be used to help individuals improve their lives.
This degree option requires 127 credit hours, which includes the following:
- 52 General Education credits
- 57 Major credits
- 18 Elective credits
When it comes to electives, students can choose between courses such as addictive behavior and recovery strategies, the psychology of selfhood and the Christian faith, family counseling, human sexuality marriage, or theories of personality.
Online students will have access to many helpful resources such as the wellness center, the counseling center, and the career center.
The curriculum follows an asynchronous format, and students can opt for a fast-tracked version as well, to earn a diploma in less time.
Official WebsiteJohn Wesley University
John Wesley University is situated in High Point, North Carolina, and it has received accreditation by the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
This university offers a well-rounded Bachelor of Arts degree program in Ministry with a focus on Christian Counseling.
The goal of this program is to prepare students to seek counseling careers in churches and other faith-based organizations,
By attending this course, students can expect to learn how to spread hope, heal, and encourage people to become the best version of themselves through individual, marriage, and family counseling.
Upon completion, prospective graduates will be able to work as church counselors, rehab counselors, or camp counselors.
Students will also gain extensive knowledge on how to evaluate and asses customer’s needs by following different Christian methods.
The curriculum is comprised of biblical studies, general education courses, and major core courses, and it covers the following topics:
- Counseling Methods
- Principles of Christian Counseling
- Psychology of Abnormal Personality
Crown College
Crown College is located in Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota, and it has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Crown College offers an excellent online bachelor’s degree program in the field of Psychology and Counseling.
The goal of this program is to teach students various psychological methods and techniques by following a Christian perspective.
The curriculum is well-rounded and focused on experiential learning.
Students will also get an opportunity to choose between minors in drug counseling, alcohol counseling, and Christian rehabilitation.
To graduate, students will have to earn up to 131 credit hours.
They will learn about the following topics:
- Human Development and Behavior
- Techniques for Better Listening
- Counseling Theory
- Foundations of Christian Thought
- Diversity Issues in Counseling
- Methods of Counseling and Psychotherapy
Upon completion, prospective graduates will be able to work as service workers, addiction counselors, human resource workers, church counselors, administrators, or community relations workers.
Official WebsiteToccoa Falls College
Toccoa Falls College is located in Toccoa Falls, Georgia, and it has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
This college offers a great online degree option in the field of counseling psychology, which combines counseling strategies and methods with Christian principles.
To graduate, students will have to earn 126 credit hours, 69 of which are general education courses, 15 are elective courses, and the remaining 52 credit hours are earned through major classes.
Students will also have to take at least 72 credit hours of general education subjects such as Theology and the Bible, as well as social sciences.
Some of the courses include the following:
- Christ-centered Counseling
- Family Therapy
- Crisis and Trauma Therapy
- Foundations of Spiritual Formation
Upon completion, students can expect to become experts in adventure-based counseling, gender identity, and human sexuality, and they will gain vast practical experience through internships and outreach projects.
The curriculum follows an asynchronous format, making it very accessible for students.
Students will also have access to career services, academic advisors, and counseling.
Official WebsiteHobe Sound Bible College
Hobe Sound Bible College is situated in Hobe Sound, Florida, and it has an excellent online degree program in the field of Counseling.
Hobe Sound Bible College has also received accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
To graduate, students will have to earn 129 credit hours, which is comprised of subjects such as Bible studies, marriage therapy, foundations of faith, crisis intervention, family therapy, and other major courses.
Upon graduation, students will be fully ready to share their knowledge and use it to help people improve their lives.
Official WebsiteCrossroads College
Crossroads College is located in Rochester, Minnesota, and it has received accreditation from the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
This college has a stellar online degree program in Counseling that is well-suited for individuals with previous college credits, or for individuals who are likely to pursue licensure and certification.
This degree program aims to prepare students for careers in counseling and caregiving.
Students will be able to work as church counselors, camp counselors, marriage counselors, or family counselors.
By attending this course, students will learn about the best psychology practices through a Christian lens.
Before admission, students will have to take a course that will introduce them to the basics of psychology.
To obtain a diploma, prospective graduates will have to earn 120 credit hours.
Among others, students will discuss the following topics:
- Counseling and Ethnic Diversity
- Foundations of Marriage and Family Systems
- Theories of Personality and Psychotherapy
For students who have to work while studying, Crossroads College has a unique fast-tracked format that will allow them to graduate early.
Official WebsiteMid-Continent University
Mid-Continent University is situated in Mayfield, Kentucky, and it has received accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
This university features an online degree program in the fields of Psychology and Counseling, which is a fast-tracked program designed for individuals who’d like to obtain a diploma sooner.
Students will also get an opportunity to choose whether they’d like to take classes simultaneously and have a stronger focus on group interaction.
This is a great option for everyone who has difficulties with balancing work and educational life.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and it has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
This university features an online Bachelor’s degree program in Substance Abuse Counseling that emphasizes issues that deal with any kind of chemical dependency.
This course will prepare students for various state and national certifications.
It will also teach students about the struggles of substance abuse, and various methods and techniques of helping addicts in their recovery journey.
This is a well-rounded institution whose staff is very experienced and dedicated.
Official WebsiteTrinity College of the Bible and Graduate School
Located in Evansville, Indiana, the Trinity College of the Bible and Graduate School offers four different degree options in the field of counseling, namely:
- Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Counseling
- Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling
- Bachelor of Arts in Counseling Ministry
- Bachelor of Arts in Nouthetic Counseling
This college has received accreditation from the Association of Biblical Higher Education.
By attending this course, students will learn how to counsel and guide other Christians through life’s hardships.
Upon completion, prospective graduates will be able to work in various religious organizations and churches.
Official WebsiteAspen University
Aspen University is situated in Denver, Colorado, and it has received accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
This university offers an online degree program in the field of Psychology and Addiction Counseling, which is perfect for individuals who would like to advance in their careers
Students will learn about healthcare ethics, substance abuse treatments, and family therapy.
These are the core courses students will have to take:
- Psychology of Addiction Counseling
- Assessment Procedures: Addiction Counseling
- Counseling Skills
If they’d like to obtain state certification, prospective graduates will have to complete additional counseling hours.
Official WebsiteThe Baptist College of Florida
The Baptist College of Florida is located in Graceville, Florida, and it has a well-rounded online degree program in Christian Counseling.
This college has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
By attending this course, students will learn about counseling theory by following Christian principles and methods.
To obtain a diploma, students will have to earn 120 credit hours of general education courses and biblical foundation classes.
General education classes include the following subjects:
- English
- Math
- Science
On the other hand, biblical foundation classes aim to teach students about the Bible itself, biblical figures, and various life lessons.
This degree program is perfect for individuals who would like to obtain relevant diagnostic and research knowledge before pursuing a master’s degree in this area of expertise.
Official WebsiteJohnson University
Johnston University is based in Knoxville, Tennessee, and it has an online degree program in the field of Pastoral Care and Counseling.
This university has also received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges.
By attending this course, students will learn about the following topics:
- Pastoral Care
- Godly Counsel
- Efficient Leadership in Pastoral Ministry Settings
To further their knowledge and skills, students will have an opportunity to obtain professional internships and earn a diploma in up to four years.
Official WebsiteOral Roberts University
Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Oral Roberts University features an online bachelor’s degree program in Christian Caregiving and Counseling.
Upon completion, prospective graduates will be able to seek job opportunities working as missionaries, chaplains, teachers, researchers, or certified counselors.
Students who would like to obtain a counseling certification will have to earn 128 credit hours and learn about the following topics:
- Theological Studies
- Natural Science
- Social Science
To get a diploma, students will have to complete an internship or a capstone project to demonstrate their newly-acquired skills and knowledge.
Oral Roberts University has received accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Q. Which career opportunities will I be able to seek with a bachelor’s degree in counseling?
There are many different job opportunities for counseling graduates, including the following:
- School Counseling
- Ministry Counseling
- Mental Health Counseling
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Psychology
Q. What is the typical curriculum set up for a bachelor’s degree in counseling?
Although the curriculum and coursework may vary, depending on the educational institution of choice, these are the most commonly covered topics:
- Family Therapy
- Laws
- Ethics
- Psychology Introduction
- Substance Abuse Introduction
- Individual Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Family Counseling
- Psychopharmacology
- Problem and Compulsive Gambling
- Christian Counseling
- Ethics and Confidentiality in Addiction and Prevention
- Human and Spiritual Development Theory
Q. How long does it usually take to obtain a bachelor's degree in counseling?
This may vary depending on the chosen educational institution and preferred learning format.
However, most of the degree programs can be completed in two to five years.
Final Thoughts
Counseling is a fantastic career opportunity that will allow you to help others and have a significant impact on their lives.
By earning a degree in counseling, individuals will gain vast knowledge in psychology and will be able to work as camp counselors, family and marriage therapists, or substance abuse counselors.
There are many different job opportunities, so this diploma can be a valuable tool for career advancement and professional development.
Although the journey may be long and arduous, it is guaranteed to pay off in the long run, both emotionally and materialistically.