Grand Canyon University’s (GCU) online counseling degrees prepare you to counsel a variety of clients from diverse backgrounds. Designed to ensure you are academically prepared to meet the requirements for licensure, our online counseling degree programs from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences help you prepare to become a counselor.
As a counselor, you will work with clients who are impacted by psychological, social, behavioral and emotional issues. Choose from a variety of online counseling degree programs at GCU, from our Bachelor of Science in counseling to our MS in counseling degrees, including the Christian focused counseling degree and online addiction counseling degree.
What degree do you need to become a counselor?
All states require you to hold a masters degree in counseling to become licensed as a counselor. You will need to work with the appropriate body in your state to ensure that courses from GCU’s online counseling degrees meet the requirements for licensure or certification in your area. GCU’s graduate-level online counseling programs were developed to meet the academic requirements established by the National Board for Certified Counselors and Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. Find out more about degrees from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
How long does it take to become a counselor?
The length of time it takes to become a counselor depends on your prior education and experience, keeping in mind that you will need to hold a masters degree in counseling in any state to become a licensed counselor. If you are seeking an MS in counseling, any undergraduate- or graduate-level coursework you have already completed may affect the time it takes to become a counselor. Once you earn your counseling degree, licensure requirements vary by state. Call 855-GCU-LOPE to learn more about your opportunities at GCU and your options for transferring credits to one of our programs.
BS in Counseling
Pursue your calling with GCU’s online BS in counseling with an emphasis in addiction counseling. Study foundations of addictive disorders, family dynamics, ethics, counseling theories and more. Many who earn this counseling degree choose to earn an MS in counseling following completion of the program.
Christian Counseling Degree
Learn how to integrate Christian principles into your professional counseling practices with GCU’s online Christian counseling degree program. Develop a deep understanding of the gospel while learning foundations of counseling theory to help you prepare to counsel both believers and non-believers.
Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The College of Humanities and Social Science’s degree in clinical mental health is ideal for students seeking ways to promote mental wellbeing with a professional degree as a counselor. With four emphases to choose from, you have the ability to develop expertise in your preferred area of study. Upon completing the program, graduates are equipped to become licensed counselors and able to help people with varied backgrounds find mental health and emotional healing.
Emphasis in Christian Counseling
Apply Biblical beliefs in a practical way. This master’s degree with an emphasis in Christian counseling helps prepare you for careers in the professional counseling intervention field as you learn how to implement Christian principles and Scripture into treatment and care.
Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
Learn how to counsel families and struggling couples to identify and address pertinent issues to work toward healing. Through this Master of Science degree, you can become competent in the skills and techniques needed to apply for national certification post-graduation.
Emphasis in Trauma
Learn how to help victims of abuse, violence, natural disasters and other traumatic events. Our MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree broadens your knowledge of counseling theory so you can provide assessment, prevention, intervention and treatment for trauma-related disorders.
Online Addiction Counseling Degree
The online addiction counseling degree prepares you to treat those with substance abuse and dependency disorders. Study addiction, assessment and treatment, professional counseling theory and ethics, and how to counsel chemically dependent individuals. Or, choose a Christian counseling degree with an emphasis in addiction counseling to gain a strong biblical foundation while also learning how to help treat individuals with substance abuse problems.
Earn an Online Degree at GCU
GCU’s online counseling degree programs allow you to earn your degree around your busy schedule. Maintain work-life balance while gaining a high-quality education.
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences strives to promote critical thinking with applied practice to help prepare you for today’s evolving workforce.