Online Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Programs 2025

Licensed professional counselors, or LPCs, undergo extensive education to obtain their license and enter the field. They must not only hold a bachelor's degree but a specialized master's degree.

Do you already hold a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field? Wondering what type of master's degree to pursue and where to obtain it?

Keep reading. In this article, we'll talk about some top online licensed professional counselor master's degree programs you can pursue in 2024.

Top Online Licensed Professional Counselor Programs for 2024

Licensed professional counselors typically hold a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, or a related field. Let's look at the top 10 online degree programs for aspiring LPCs.

1. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private Christian school. Headquartered in Virginia, it offers both on-campus and online degree programs.

One of the online programs available is a Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling. This program does require two campus visits, known as intensives, as well as an internship lasting two semesters.

The program consists of 60 credit hours, with the option to transfer in half of those credits. Most students graduate within two and a half years.

2. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is one of the largest private schools in the country. It boasts around 30,000 students on campus and 70,000 enrolled online.

This school offers several master's degree programs relative to becoming a licensed professional counselor.

These include:

• clinical and mental health counseling
• addiction counseling
• mental health and wellness

Most of these programs offer several concentrations so you can personalize your degree toward your specific interests.

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is another private and mostly-online school that caters to non-traditional students and busy professionals.

It offers an online Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling. It offers online courses combined with the opportunity to complete an in-person residency to develop on-the-job skills.

The program is 60 credits in length.

4. Walden University

Walden University is a fully-online college based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It offers a variety of graduate, undergraduate, and specialist degrees.

Students at this school can complete a dual Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Standalone degrees in each major are also available.

Like other similar programs, the ones offered through Walden include online coursework coupled with in-person intensives and clinical experiences. They take about two years to complete.

5. Capella University

Capella University is another full-online school. Like Walden University, it is also headquartered in Minneapolis.

The school offers a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling.

Three specializations are available:

• General clinical mental health counseling
• Child and adolescent counseling
• Addiction treatment and recovery

The program includes practicum, internship, and residency opportunities to help you put your skills and knowledge in practice.

6. Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University is located in Fayette, Iowa, and offers online, independent, and distance education opportunities in addition to campus-based studies.

The school offers a Master of Science in counseling with two areas of emphasis: clinical mental health counseling and school counseling.

All in-person clinical experiences take place in your local area so you don't have to travel to meet these requirements.

7. Keiser University

Keiser University has campuses throughout Florida. It also offers an array of online degree programs.

One of these is a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling. This program combines online and clinical experiences and comprises 60 credit hours.

Keiser is a transfer-friendly school; students with appropriate transfer credits can finish their master's degree in as little as one and a half years.

8. Regent University

Regent University is another private Christian school offering both online and in-person degrees at both the graduate and undergraduate level.

This school offers a Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling. The program prepares students for a variety of counseling careers in various settings such as clinics, schools, and private practices.

Students can take advantage of the school's generous transfer policy to finish their degree more quickly, and course session options of 8 and 15 weeks give you added flexibility.

9. University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma is a large public school located in Norman, Oklahoma. It offers many of its degree programs in a flexible online format.

One of these is a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This specialized program includes a 600-hour internship and 100-hour practicum, both of which must be completed in person.

The degree comprises 60 credit hours and can be completed in as little as 30 months.

10. New York University

New York University is a private school with both online and campus-based degree programs.

The school offers an online Master of Arts in counseling for mental health and wellness. All coursework is completed online, though in-person practicum and internship experiences are required.

Students can fulfill the 60 credit hour requirement in as little as two years. Perks of this program include a rolling admissions process and no GRE requirement.

FAQs About Online Licensed Professional Counselor Programs

Still have questions about online licensed professional counselor programs? Read on to find answers.

What Is a Licensed Professional Counselor?

A licensed professional counselor, or LPC, provides therapy to those suffering from mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. They commonly work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and rehabilitation centers.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor?

LPCs must have a master's or doctoral degree in clinical mental health counseling or a related field. They must also have at least two years of clinical experience and pass the National Clinical Mental Health Exam or the National Counselor Exam.

Can You Complete a Licensed Professional Counselor Degree Online?

Yes. All of the schools in this article provide online master's degree programs that can help you pursue a career as a licensed professional counselor.

Enroll in a Licensed Professional Counselor Program Today

Becoming a licensed professional counselor can be both challenging and rewarding. If you are working toward pursuing this career, consider any of the online degree programs discussed above.