Earn a Counseling Degree On Your Time From GCU
Online, Evening & Campus Degree Programs
Find Your Counseling Degree & Learn More
Find the program that you are interested in below and complete the form to get more information on classes, admission and tuition.
GCU is dedicated to helping students change their lives.
You already have the tools you need to change your life. Let GCU teach you how to use them so you can reach your full potential through education.
Online Counseling Degrees at Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University offers a variety of online counseling degree programs to help you position yourself for possible career advancement. Our online courses offer a curriculum developed so that you receive the well-rounded education you need to position yourself to potentially take your career to the next level. Backed by the legacy of our traditional campus, GCU is an accredited university that stands out from other online education institutions.
Online classes starting every week
Counseling Degree Programs
Grand Canyon University’s 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 counseling degree programs at GCU, from our Bachelor of Science in Counseling to our counseling master's degrees, including the Christian-focused online counseling and addiction counseling degrees.
Grand Canyon University's
Bachelor's Degrees - Counseling
Gain foundational skills to start your journey toward your desired vocation. A bachelor’s degree can give you the insight needed to pursue graduate education to further your career goals. With a bachelor’s degree from GCU, you can make a career out of your passion to champion mental wellness. Program offerings span from behavioral health science to counseling.
Master's Degrees - Counseling
Expand upon your knowledge and step into a specialized counseling master’s degree. At GCU, we want your program to align with the causes you care about in the communities you serve. With a variety of emphases available, you can tailor your master’s degree program to your career goals. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to enter the human services field. Find a degree in clinical mental health counseling, mental health and wellness and school or addiction counseling.
Our Master of Science in Addiction Counseling program has been approved for accreditation through the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC).2
Doctoral Degrees - Counseling
Further your calling to help others with a doctoral degree from GCU.3 These doctoral degrees use practical research methods where learners grow in areas such as teaching, statistics, management and leadership where counseling is needed. Gain your PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and reach higher levels of academic and practical expertise.
Grad & Post-Master's Certificates - Counseling
Take your education a step further with our graduate certificates and post-master’s programs. Grad or post-master’s certificates might give you the needed edge to compete effectively in the job market as a qualified candidate. For those eager to acquire all available knowledge, these certificates can help prepare you to earn an advanced degree. Some of our popular programs include the Graduate Certificate in Christian Counseling and the Post-Master’s in Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy Certificate.
Earn a Counseling Degree On Your Time From GCU
New Scholarships Available!
Since the beginning, GCU has been dedicated to helping students change their lives.
Online, Evening & Campus Degrees
Find Your Counseling Degree & Learn More
Find the program that you are interested in below and complete the form to get more information on classes, admission and tuition.
What degree do you need to become a counselor?
All states require you to hold a master's degree in counseling to become licensed as a counselor. GCU’s graduate-level online counseling programs were developed to meet the academic requirements established by the National Board for Certified Counselors and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.
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 master's degree in counseling in any state to become a licensed counselor. If you are seeking a counseling master's degree, any undergraduate- or graduate-level coursework you have already completed may affect the time it takes to become a counselor.
Grand Canyon University
GCU is a private Christian university. We are dedicated to helping our students change their lives through education. Our knowledgeable faculty and staff will be with you every step of the way to help you reach your goals.
Competitive, affordable tuition rate so that furthering education is within reach for all
Online courses offer flexibility and convenience for working professionals and students with busy schedules
GCU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968
"I can honestly say Grand Canyon University is the best place to earn your graduate degree. GCU is different than any other university. The online education is excellent. The professors and the professional staff always do their best to encourage the students to be successful."
Abeer Ayesh
GCU Graduate Student
1 alumni_disclaimer
2 National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission | 44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314 | Phone: 703-741-7686 | nasacaccreditation.org
3 Program has residencies that take place on or near GCU's campus.
4 Test scores may be requested if GPA requirements are not met with transcripts alone.
5 online_students_disclaimer
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
High School Graduates
Graduates must meet the following:
- Unweighted GPA of 3.0+
- Or, unweighted GPA of 2.5+ and one of the following test scores:
- ACT: 19
- SAT: 1380 (Math and Reading only, 2400 scale, before 3/1/2016) or 1000 (1600 scale, after 3/1/2016)
Transfer students should meet one of the following:
- 25-90 transferrable credits: Post-secondary (college) transcripts with an unweighted GPA of 2.25+
- 6-24 transferrable credits: Post-secondary (college) transcripts with an unweighted GPA of 2.75+
- 1-5 transferrable credits: See admission requirements for high school students
- Undergraduate GPA Requirements: Bachelor's degree with an unweighted GPA of 2.0+
Transfer Students
GED and Transcript of All Credit-Bearing Coursework Students
Students must meet the following scores:
- 2014 Series and later: Cumulative score of 680+
- 2002-2013 Series: Cumulative score of 3000+
- 2002 Series and prior: Cumulative score of 258+
Graduate Admission Requirements
Earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited, GCU-approved college or program with a 2.8+ GPA.
If your GPA is below 2.8, you may still be eligible with both of the following:
- A graduate degree from an accredited, GCU-approved program
- Passing test scores:
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 1,000 combined verbal/quantitative (prior to August 2011); 300 combined verbal/quantitative (after August 2011)
Doctoral Admission Requirements
You may be accepted if you meet ONE of the following criteria:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.4+ (GPA of 3.0–3.39 may be accepted with specifications).
- Doctoral degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.4+ (below 3.4 may be accepted with specifications).
Undergraduate
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
No SAT or ACT Required5
No Essay Required
No Application Cost
High School Graduates
Graduates must meet the following:
- Unweighted GPA of 3.0+
- Or, unweighted GPA of 2.5+ and one of the following test scores:
- ACT: 19
- SAT: 1380 (Math and Reading only, 2400 scale, before 3/1/2016) or 1000 (1600 scale, after 3/1/2016)
GED and Transcript of All Credit-Bearing Coursework Students
Students must meet the following scores:
- 2014 Series and later: Cumulative score of 680+
- 2002-2013 Series: Cumulative score of 3000+
- 2002 Series and prior: Cumulative score of 258+
Transfer Students
Transfer students should meet one of the following:
- 25-90 transferrable credits: Post-secondary (college) transcripts with an unweighted GPA of 2.25+
- 6-24 transferrable credits: Post-secondary (college) transcripts with an unweighted GPA of 2.75+
- 1-5 transferrable credits: See admission requirements for high school students
- Undergraduate GPA Requirements: Bachelor's degree with an unweighted GPA of 2.0+
Request Info →
Graduate
Graduate Admission Requirements
No GMAT Required
Earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited, GCU-approved college or program with a 2.8+ GPA.
If your GPA is below 2.8, you may still be eligible with both of the following:
- A graduate degree from an accredited, GCU-approved program
- Passing test scores:
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 1,000 combined verbal/ quantitative (prior to August 2011); 300 combined verbal/quantitative (after August 2011)
Request Info →
Doctoral
Doctoral Admission Requirements
You may be accepted if you meet ONE of the following criteria:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.4+
(GPA of 3.0–3.39 may be accepted with specifications).
- Doctoral degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.4+
(below 3.4 may be accepted with specifications).
Request Info →
Please note: Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality. All academically qualified individuals willing to uphold our established mission and standards are encouraged to apply.
Complete the form at the top of the page to learn more about specific admissions requirements for your program.
GCU offers competitive, affordable tuition rates so that furthering education is within reach for all. Speak with a university counselor for guidance on enrollment and tuition fees when you complete the form at the top of this page.
FAFSA & Student Loans
Complete the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for government grants and loans, which can help cover your college expenses.
Tuition & Scholarships
Scholarships & Grants
GCU offers a variety of scholarship and grant offerings for those wishing to pursue their education as a campus, online or evening student.
