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Last Updated: Apr 2025

Top 10 Best Online Therapy Degrees 2025
Earn a therapist degree anytime

Compare the best online colleges & universities to find the best online therapist degree program that best fits your needs

Our Top 3 Online Therapist Degrees
We Recommend
SNHU
One of the lowest tuition fees
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Purdue Global
Terms start monthly
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The University of Arizona Global Campus
Multiple programs to choose from
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No Application Fees
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SNHU -Accredited university with online mental health bachelor's and master's programsRead Review
  • One of the lowest tuition rates in the nation
  • Study mental health, addictions, & more
  • Flexible schedule with no assigned log-in times or lectures
  • Transfer in up to 90 credits from previous college courses
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    Classes start on 05/05/2025
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Purdue Global -Earn a psychology degree backed by the power of Purdue, one of the nation’s most respected and innovative public universitiesRead Review
  • Access online resources 24 hours a day
  • Offers comprehensive career counseling services
  • New terms start monthly, with open enrollment
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    Classes start on 05/14/2025
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The University of Arizona Global Campus -Online university with 100+ years in education, bachelor's and master's programs in psychology, and a 3-week trialRead Review
  • Transfer up to 90 credits for a bachelor's degree
  • Student support available by phone 24/7
  • No application fees or test requirements
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    Classes start on 05/19/2025
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Regent University -Earn a degree in psychology & counseling, join over 11,000 students and gain high-quality education, values, and career skillsRead Review
  • Courses online or attend in-person in VA Beach
  • 8- and 15-week course sessions for online programs
  • Top-ranked psychology & counseling degrees
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    Classes start on 05/12/2025
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Arizona State University -Interactive online psychology and behavioral science courses built to prepare students for the professional landscapeRead Review
  • Degrees in positive psychology, addiction psychology, & more
  • Most courses have no set log-in times
  • Exams are exclusively online, never in-person
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    Classes start on 05/11/2025
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Liberty University -Move toward fulfilling your career goals with a mental health counseling degree designed for your future, online or on campusRead Review
  • Attend classes at any time, from anywhere
  • Transfer up to 75% of your credits
  • Pioneer in distance education since 1985
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    Classes start on 05/12/2025
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UMG -UMass Global offers online therapy and counseling degree programs for working adults with big goals and busy schedulesRead Review
  • Take courses 100% online
  • Transfer credits from eligible college coursework
  • Choose from six start dates for maximum flexibility
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    Classes start on 06/23/2025
Our Overall Top Choice for 2025
Our Most Popular
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SNHU -Accredited university with online mental health bachelor's and master's programsRead Review
  • One of the lowest tuition rates in the nation
  • Study mental health, addictions, & more
  • Flexible schedule with no assigned log-in times or lectures
  • Transfer in up to 90 credits from previous college courses
  • Bullet_Cap.20240314071538
    Classes start on 05/05/2025
View Programs
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100% Online

What are Online Universities?

Online universities offer a modern twist on the traditional college experience, utilizing digital platforms to deliver courses and online degrees. Unlike their brick-and-mortar counterparts, these universities operate primarily through the internet, allowing students worldwide to access educational resources, participate in virtual classrooms, and interact with faculty and peers digitally. This shift not only broadens accessibility but also introduces a flexible learning environment tailored to fit the diverse needs of its students. Online universities continue to evolve as we move forward, harnessing new technologies to enhance the learning experience and make education more inclusive. If you’re exploring online education options for becoming a therapist, these institutions often provide accessible and flexible paths to achieve that goal. Whether you're pursuing a psychology degree or researching the qualifications to be a therapist, online universities offer credible, accredited programs to get you there.

Why Should You Attend University Online?

Flexibility and Convenience

One of the main reasons to attend an online university is the unparalleled flexibility it offers. Whether you're balancing a full-time job, family commitments, or other personal responsibilities, online colleges allow you to fit your studies around your schedule. This convenience means you can pursue an online degree at your own pace, attending lectures and completing assignments whenever and wherever it suits you best. This is particularly advantageous if you're seeking an online therapist degree to jumpstart your career in mental health services. Programs tailored toward individuals wanting to become certified therapists are often designed with flexible timelines and remote access.

Affordability

Cost is a significant factor in education, and online universities often present a more affordable option than traditional colleges. With lower tuition fees, minimal travel costs, and the ability to maintain employment while studying, you can manage your finances more effectively while gaining a quality education through an online degree. If you’re an aspiring professional researching how to become a therapist, you can also benefit from these financial advantages, as they can help you advance your career goals. Those who are looking to become a certified therapist can do so without accumulating overwhelming student debt.

Broad Range of Programs

Online universities offer an extensive range of programs, from associate degrees online to the best online universities for bachelor's, catering to almost every academic interest and career aspiration. Whether you’re looking into business, technology, or learning how to become a certified therapist, the flexibility to choose from top online college programs worldwide allows you to pursue specialized fields that might not be available locally. Additionally, those pursuing a therapist degree can find niche specializations and advanced certifications that meet the required qualifications to be a therapist in the United States.

Learning Technology

Online education leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver interactive and engaging courses. This not only makes learning more accessible but also provides students with digital skills that are increasingly important in today’s job market. The use of multimedia, virtual simulations, and real-time interactions enriches the educational experience and prepares students for a digital world. These tools are invaluable if you’re seeking to obtain a therapist degree, as they allow hands-on learning experiences even in virtual settings. For those interested in how to become a therapist, these virtual platforms simulate real-world scenarios to strengthen your practice skills.

How to Choose the Right Online University for Your Needs

Accreditation

When choosing an online university, accreditation is crucial. This ensures the institution meets certain quality standards and that employers and other educational institutions will recognize your online degree. If you’re an aspiring mental health professional exploring how to become a therapist, you should verify that the program you choose is accredited to ensure eligibility for future licensing requirements. Accredited programs are essential if your goal is to become a certified therapist and meet the legal qualifications to be a therapist across different U.S. states.

Cost

While online education can be more cost-effective, prices can vary widely between programs. Consider not only tuition but also the cost of textbooks, software, and other necessary materials. Some of the best online colleges offer comprehensive financial aid packages that can help manage these costs. If you’re pursuing an online therapist degree, evaluating financial aid options and program costs is a vital step toward achieving a therapist degree without unnecessary financial strain. Be sure to look for programs that offer a clear roadmap on how to become a therapist within your financial capabilities.

Support Services

The level of support offered can make a big difference in your educational experience and success. Look for online universities that provide robust student services, including tutoring, career counseling, and tech support. These resources are particularly important if you’re learning how to become a certified therapist, as they can guide you through both academic and professional milestones. Support systems also play a crucial role in helping you understand the qualifications to be a therapist, from academic prerequisites to post-graduate licensing.

Student Outcomes

Check the success rate of the university's graduates. This includes employment rates, graduate school admissions, and student satisfaction scores. If you’re an aspiring therapist researching how to become a therapist, you should pay close attention to programs with high placement rates for roles requiring a mental health therapist license. These metrics can give you a good idea of how well the university supports its students and prepares them for post-graduation success. Especially if your goal is to become a certified therapist, strong student outcomes often reflect quality instruction and program credibility.

How Do You Apply to Online Colleges?

Applying to online colleges is typically straightforward. Most require a basic application form, transcripts from previous schools, and sometimes a fee. It’s important to understand each program’s specific requirements, which may include a statement of purpose or letters of recommendation. Qualifications like a high school diploma or GED are generally necessary, but some programs may have additional requirements. If you’re working toward an online therapist degree, certain programs may also require prior coursework in psychology or related fields to help you obtain your mental health therapist license. These requirements ensure you meet the qualifications to be a therapist, setting a solid academic foundation to become a certified therapist.

Find the Best College Online

Studying at an online university is a pragmatic decision for those juggling work and personal life but still aiming to advance their education. With the flexibility to create a personal class schedule, the convenience of multiple start dates throughout the year, and the ability to transfer credits, online education is designed to accommodate your life. As you look for the best online college, consider what matters most for your career goals and personal growth. Whether you’re aspiring to earn a therapist degree or exploring how to become a therapist, online universities provide the resources and flexibility to make your ambitions a reality. Remember, the best programs are those that not only provide excellent education but also offer comprehensive support to help you succeed. When choosing a program, make sure it aligns with your long-term goals, especially if you plan to become a certified therapist and meet every qualification to be a therapist in the U.S.

Our Top 3 Picks

  • 1
    Affordable online education
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    • Best for - User-friendly online platform
    • Popular programs - Business Administration, Psychology, and Nursing
    • Amount of accredited degree programs - 200+
    • Financial aid packages - Yes
    • Tech support - Yes
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    Affordable online education
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    SNHU (Southern New Hampshire University) offers affordable and flexible online education. They also have a wide range of financing options—such as the Stephen F. Knapp and Martha Van Hyland Scholarships—to ensure students can pursue their education without worrying about expensive tuition.

    To positively impact a constantly changing society, they create unique courses and support students to produce meaningful answers for their assessments. They also actively participate in local and worldwide activities like the HR Management Collegiate Association, allowing their students to connect with their peers.

    Many students have reported their appreciation of SNHU's online learning platform—Brightspace—for its design and user-friendliness. It also enhanced their online learning experience by providing a straightforward and enjoyable interface.

    Why we chose Southern New Hampshire University: SNHU transforms the lives of undergraduates, focusing on their success by constantly updating their curriculum. This aims to consistently challenge the status quo and ensure the best educational experience for their students.

    Read SNHU Review

    SNHU Pros & Cons

    PROS

    No application fee
    User-friendly online learning platform
    Affordable tuition

    CONS

    Low graduation and student retention rate
    Less academic programs than some more prominent universities
    SNHU
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  • 2
    Expand Your Career With Purdue Global Degrees
    • Best for - Networking opportunities
    • Popular programs - Business Administration, Computer Science, and Engineering
    • Amount of accredited degree programs - 300+
    • Financial aid packages - Yes
    • Tech support - Yes
    Expand Your Career With Purdue Global Degrees

    Purdue Global is an excellent option for working adults looking to earn a degree and make a difference in their professional lives. There are 119 degree programs with accreditation from renowned bodies. 

    The degree levels on offer are associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and certificate programs. The application process is relatively straightforward, and many student support options are available, including student clubs, an online library, extensive blogs, and career support. 

    Why we chose Purdue Global - We chose Purdue Global because we liked that students can gain credits through work experience. The student support is solid, too, providing students with career guidance and prompt assistance from advisors.

    Our experience - We were delighted with the website's easy navigation and user-friendly interface. We also liked that it presents students with two ways to earn the same degree based on their learning preferences. 

    Read Purdue Global Review

    Purdue Global Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Earn credits through work experience
    Three-week trial period for undergraduate programs
    Tuition rate calculator for transparent pricing

    CONS

    High cost of tuition
    No after-hours service
  • 3
    uagc
    Online degrees from a top-ranked university
    • Best for - Working professionals
    • Popular programs - Business, Criminal Justice, and Education
    • Amount of accredited degree programs - 50+
    • Financial aid packages - Yes
    • Tech support - Yes
    Online degrees from a top-ranked university

    The University of Arizona Global Campus is an online degree program from the University of Arizona, offering 51 online degree programs across seven study areas. The Global Campus program offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Students receive outstanding support, including 24/7 access to academic advisors and tutors. That support continues after graduation, with alumni receiving lifelong career coaching and networking opportunities.

    Why we chose the University of Arizona Global Campus: The University of Arizona is a nationally ranked university that enables students from anywhere worldwide to earn a degree 100% online. Students can take classes on their schedule, making this program ideal for busy professionals.

    Our experience: We found that the University of Arizona Global Campus program goes above and beyond to support its students. The list of resources available is extensive; most are available around the clock. On top of that, students can connect with each other through virtual clubs that enhance the online college experience.

    Read The University of Arizona Global Campus Review

    The University of Arizona Global Campus Pros & Cons

    PROS

    All classes are fully remote
    Wide range of student resources available 24/7
    Test out the program risk-free for three weeks

    CONS

    Fewer degree programs than competitors
    No in-person experiences available for online students
    The University of Arizona Global Campus