GCU offers a wide variety of counseling degree programs at every level. You can also earn an online graduate certificate of completion in counseling if you aren’t quite ready to commit to a full degree program yet.
Do note that some online counseling programs in California have in-person internships and practicums, which must be completed in person locally.1,3 It's important to ensure that you fully understand the requirements for your chosen program before applying. If you have any questions about degree requirements, fill out the form on this page and one of our university counselors will be pleased to assist you.
Explore the following online1 counseling degrees available from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences:
Bachelor’s Degrees in Counseling and Related Fields
If you’re just beginning your journey in higher education, you could apply for enrollment in the Bachelor of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency and Substance Abuse program. Over 46 million people aged 12 or older in the U.S. have a substance use disorder, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.6 As a counselor specializing in substance use disorders and addiction, you could work toward helping others overcome addiction and help them get their lives back on track.
GCU also offers several bachelor’s degrees that are closely related to counseling. It's important to note that while these bachelor's degrees are related, they may have different requirements and career outcomes. In some cases, they may not directly lead to counseling jobs but can provide a strong foundation for graduate studies or other roles in mental health and human services. That said, the following are a number of online bachelor’s degrees that you may want to explore:
View all Bachelor’s Degrees in Counseling
Master’s Degrees in Counseling
The state of California requires a graduate degree in counseling from an accredited school.2 As an institutionally accredited university, GCU is pleased to offer a wide range of counseling master’s degrees across various specialties. These include:
View all Master's Degrees in Counseling
Doctoral Degrees in Counseling
Experienced counseling practitioners are invited to explore the opportunities available at GCU at the doctoral level. The Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision degree is a sound option for practitioners who aspire to step into leadership positions. This doctorate is designed for experienced counselors who would like to advance their counseling skills, supervise clinical counselors in practice and teach counseling students in higher education.
When you earn your doctoral degree online at GCU, you’ll have opportunities to conduct your own original research and contribute to the body of knowledge in the counseling field. Do note that all doctoral programs require in-person residencies, which take place on or near our campus in Phoenix, Arizona.
Online Certificate Programs in Counseling
Several graduate certificate programs are available for students interested in developing advanced skills, such as the Graduate Certificate of Completion in Christian Counseling. This certificate examines how biblical principles can be applied in counseling contexts.
If you’ve already earned your master’s degree, then you might consider a post-master’s certificate. GCU offers the Post-Master of Science in Counseling programs with the following emphases:
View all Certificates in Counseling
