An online bachelor’s degree in counseling may provide students with the skills and training to assist others and develop specific social skills. Students enrolled in these four-year programs may study social and behavioral problems, and they may learn how to provide counseling for individuals or groups based on particular patterns. Coursework within these programs may include numerous general education requirements along with psychology-based electives and major-specific courses, such as personality theories, group dynamics, and abnormal psychology.

Graduates may either pursue entry-level employment or further their education and enroll in a graduate-level degree program in counseling. Bachelor’s-level graduates may find employment opportunities in community relations, education, public relations, and rehabilitation centers.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Four years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Master’s / Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 19% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online bachelor’s-level program in counseling may combine several general education requirements along with major-specific courses and electives. In these four-year programs, students may study a certain area of counseling, whether it is pertains to addiction, psychology, mental health, or crisis. Core online counseling courses may include the following:

• Counseling and Psychotherapy
• Personality Theories
• Abnormal Psychology
• Social Science
• Group Dynamics
• Counseling Skills
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling

Career Options

Graduates of online bachelor’s-level programs in counseling may find career opportunities working in education, rehabilitation, administration, and community relations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as school and career counselors are expected to increase by 17% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Social Worker
• School and Career Counselor
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Mental Health Counselor
• Psychologist

Continuing Education

Graduates of online baccalaureate-level programs in counseling may further their education and pursue a master’s degree program in counseling or related field. These upper-level programs may prepare students on how to deal with particular issues when counseling others as well as how to apply theoretical aspects to counseling and psychotherapy.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook