Top 10 Part-Time Master's in Counseling Degrees 2025

Earning a part-time master's in counseling allows students to balance education with work and personal commitments, while preparing them for licensure. Flexible formats, evening classes, and online options make these programs accessible to many learners. Keep reading to explore top-ranked part-time counseling degrees and find the right fit for your goals.

Can You Earn a Master's in Counseling Degree Part-Time?

Yes, you can earn a master's in counseling degree while attending classes part-time. Many universities offer flexible schedules that let students take fewer courses each semester, often one or two classes instead of a full-time load. Some programs are even self-paced, allowing learners to complete coursework at their own speed while balancing work, family, or other commitments.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Master's in Counseling Degree?

A full-time master's in counseling typically takes about two to three years to complete. Part-time students often finish in three to five years, depending on how many courses they take each semester. The exact timeline varies by program structure, transfer credits, and whether students enroll continuously or take breaks while balancing other responsibilities.

How Does a Counseling Master's Part-Time Degree Program Work?

Part-time counseling master's programs are designed for flexibility, allowing students to take fewer courses each semester. Classes are often scheduled in the evenings, on weekends, or delivered online or in hybrid formats to accommodate work and personal commitments. This structure enables students to progress at a manageable pace while still meeting academic and clinical training requirements.

Best Part-Time Master's in Counseling Degree Programs

Explore top part-time master's in counseling programs offering flexibility and a quality education to help students balance study with other commitments.

1. National University

National University offers a part-time master's in clinical mental health counseling, which requires 60 credits. The program features eight-week courses, with practicum and internship experiences extending to twelve weeks.

Students benefit from frequent start dates and flexible scheduling that support licensure preparation while accommodating professional and personal commitments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,284
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. Colorado Christian University

The Master of Arts (MA) in clinical mental health counseling at Colorado Christian University requires 60 credits and combines rigorous online and in-seat coursework. Offered fully online or hybrid, it features a part-time pace with optional emphases in areas like marriage and family therapy and substance use disorders.

• Estimated tuition cost: $41,342
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Liberty University

Liberty University's clinical mental health counseling MA is offered online with two on-campus intensives and a structured practicum and internship. The 60-credit program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). It teaches ethical, evidence-based counseling practices for preparation toward the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential, while affording flexibility for part-time students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $22,362
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Eastern University

Eastern University offers a 60-credit MA in counseling psychology with part-time options taking approximately four years to complete. Courses are available fully online, in the evenings at St. Davids campus, or via a hybrid format. The program includes concentrations such as trauma studies and applied behavior analysis and prepares students for LPC licensure in Pennsylvania.

• Estimated tuition cost: $38,400
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. Duquesne University

This 60-credit CACREP-accredited degree offers flexible enrollment with full-, half-, or part-time options. Evening classes support working professionals, and students gain hands-on experience through practicum and internship placements.

Graduates are prepared for LPC licensure, equipped with the clinical skills, ethical foundation, and cultural awareness needed for counseling practice.

• Estimated tuition cost: $48,986
• Accreditation: MSCHE

6. Commonwealth University

Commonwealth University's 60-credit clinical mental health counseling Master of Science (MS) program operates online in a cohort model, offering part-time students the flexibility to complete the degree over four years. The curriculum includes a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, with both synchronous and asynchronous delivery designed to support licensure preparation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,046
• Accreditation: MSCHE

7. Bowling Green State University

This CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling MA balances rigorous academics with flexibility for working students. Most evening classes accommodate part-time enrollment while prioritizing personal growth and strong faculty engagement. With a 97% first-attempt pass rate on the national counselor exam and nearly 100% employment within 180 days, outcomes are impressive.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,467
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Temple University

This inclusive program nurtures multicultural competence and social justice values while preparing students for diverse counseling roles. The 36-month part-time Master of Education (MEd) in counseling psychology offers two focus areas: mental health counseling and school counseling. Students can expect a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour, year-long internship.

With small classes and faculty mentorship, the school supports strong experiential learning.

• Estimated tuition cost: $23,011
• Accreditation: MSCHE

9. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

A single 60-credit Master of Arts in counseling program offers students three specialty tracks: clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and addictions counseling. The CACREP-accredited program welcomes both full- and part-time learners and supports licensure pathways with comprehensive training and flexibility.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,239
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Central Michigan University

Designed for working professionals, this 60-credit MA in counseling accommodates part-time enrollment. Students typically enroll in six credits per term to complete the program in about three and a half years, with courses delivered online, on-campus, or in hybrid formats. The three CACREP-accredited concentrations available are clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and addictions counseling.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,760
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We evaluate counseling programs using clear and consistent criteria to highlight quality education and flexibility for part-time students.

• Accreditation: Only schools with recognized regional or specialized accreditation are included, ensuring programs meet established academic and professional standards.
• Program flexibility: We prioritize programs that allow part-time enrollment, self-paced options, and varied delivery formats to support students' unique scheduling needs.
• Program reputation: Consideration is given to faculty expertise, licensure exam pass rates, and employment outcomes to reflect overall program credibility and success.

FAQs About Part-Time Master's in Counseling Degrees

Below are some frequently asked questions to help prospective students better understand part-time master's in counseling degree programs.

How Much Does a Part-Time Master's in Counseling Cost?

The cost of a part-time master's in counseling depends on school type and pace. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), average annual graduate tuition and fees are about $9,800 at public universities and $40,700 at private nonprofit institutions. Students enrolled part-time typically extend these costs over additional years of study.

What Careers Can I Pursue With a Part-Time Master's in Counseling Degree?

Graduates of a part-time master's in counseling can pursue careers as licensed professional counselors, school counselors, or mental health clinicians. Many work in hospitals, community agencies, or private practice, while others specialize in substance abuse counseling, marriage and family therapy, or college and career advising roles that support diverse populations.

What Is the Fastest Way To Get a Master's in Counseling?

The fastest way to earn a master's in counseling is through an accelerated or year-round program that offers shorter course terms. Taking heavier credit loads each semester, transferring eligible graduate credits, and choosing online or hybrid formats can also reduce completion time, though requirements like practicum and internships still extend timelines.

Is Getting a Master's in Counseling Worth It?

Earning a master's in counseling is often worthwhile for those seeking meaningful careers in mental health, education, or community support. The degree provides specialized training, licensure eligibility, and access to stable employment opportunities. Demand for counselors continues to grow, making the investment valuable for long-term professional development and personal fulfillment.

Is a Master's Enough To Be a Therapist?

A master's degree is typically sufficient to become a licensed therapist, though requirements vary by state and specialization. Graduates usually need supervised clinical hours and must pass licensing exams. In some fields, like psychology, a doctoral degree may be required, but for counseling, a master's is generally enough.

Explore Flexible Master's Degrees Online

Part-time master's in counseling programs provide flexibility and opportunity for future success. Explore more articles on part-time master's degrees today at Learn.org.