Learn counseling
Counselors help people identify techniques to navigate their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and circumstances. Whether you want to advance your counseling career or become a counselor for the first time, learning counseling can help you achieve your goals and positively impact people’s lives. Explore our online counseling courses and programs to take the next step in your counseling career.
Why learn counseling?
Counseling programs aim to equip learners with the skills they need to help clients process daily stressors, relationship problems, barriers to learning at school, and traumatic experiences. Many people find counseling rewarding because they can positively impact their clients’ lives.
Counseling coursework can prepare you for a career as a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, or school counselor. Depending on their license, counselors can provide services in various settings, from one-on-one appointments to group sessions at community centers.
How to become a counselor
To become a licensed professional counselor (LPC), you typically need:
- A bachelor's degree
- A master's degree in counseling from an accredited program
- Hands-on clinical experience
- A passing score on the national counseling licensing exam
Exact requirements vary by state, so check with your state board for details.
Most counseling master's programs take 18-36 months to complete. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual student budget for a master's degree in social and behavioral sciences was $31,726 in 2020.
Since counselors are in demand, many graduates find that the cost associated with earning their master's in counseling is worth it.
Explore learning paths for counseling
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Choosing the right counseling program
Whether you're considering switching to a counseling career or want to continue your counseling education online, edX counseling programs can help you invest in your future. You can find courses in topics like clinical psychology, interpersonal relationship coaching, nutrition for mental health, and childhood development.
As you browse counseling programs, consider your:
- Desired timeline: Most master's in counseling programs take 12–36 months to complete.
- Budget: Typical tuition for a counseling master's program is $37,050–$135,401. Program costs depend on your chosen school, program length, and specialty.
- Flexibility preference: Online programs offer more flexibility than traditional programs. Choose a program that best fits your busy schedule.
- Practicum requirements: You must complete an in-person internship in your community to satisfy clinical requirements.
Counseling courses
You can enroll in a single counseling course to learn more about topics such as existential well-being, counseling research, and facilitating behavioral change.
Courses can typically be completed within 4–12 weeks with 1–8 hours of weekly study time. Many online courses are free with the option to purchase a certificate of completion and unlimited access to course materials.
Counseling degrees
A master's degree can prepare you for many counseling roles. You can earn your bachelor's and/or master's degree online — just be sure you meet the admissions requirements for your chosen degree(s).
An online bachelor's program can typically be completed within four years; an online master's program usually takes 1–3 years. Remember that in-person clinical hours may increase your program completion time.
Jobs in counseling
Counselors play an essential role in ensuring public health in various contexts. Counseling graduates may pursue career opportunities such as:
Learn counseling online with edX
Whether you want to help individuals, couples, students, or families navigate life's challenges, an online counseling program through edX can help you achieve your career goals at your own pace. Browse our available online courses and programs today to get started.
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