So, you’re ready to pursue a master’s in counseling. That’s great! This is a significant step in your journey to professionally investing in the lives of others. One of the biggest questions you may face as you work on pursuing your degree is the online vs in person master’s in counseling debate. Particularly because a quality counseling degree requires a level of vulnerability, community, and personalized faculty and peer interaction. Subsequently, you may wonder what modality makes the most sense not only financially, but also for your growth as a Christian professional.
At Cairn University, we understand that students pursuing a Christian counseling master’s degree often seek a program that supports their calling while accommodating their busy lives. We’ve put together a breakdown of the pros and cons of online and in person (and as a bonus, hybrid!) counseling programs, viewed through the lens of faith that we hope provides clarity to take the next step!
More Than an Impulsive Decision
Every decision you make is informed by who you are. For you, it’s being a Christian. That means in addition to the financial aspect of a master’s program, these factors determine where and how to study:
- Calling: Where do you see God leading you? An online program may fit if you’re called to serve in your current community, while an in-person program might better prepare you for a ministry-centered role that you already find yourself set up for.
- Accountability: Consider which format will best support genuine spiritual growth and discipline.
- Impact: How could each option allow you to integrate biblical truth into your studies and future counseling practice?
At Cairn University, both our MS and MA programs are grounded in Christian values (and if you aren’t sure if an MS or an MA is better for you, after you read this blog, check out our other blog: MA vs. MS in Counseling: Which Degree is Right for You?). These programs equip you to serve others with compassion and integrity without compromising a Christian education.
Online Master’s in Counseling
First, let’s dive into the online master’s option. This program provides flexibility and convenience but may lack the specific learning environment that’s ideal for a counseling degree.
Online Pros
- Flexible Schedule:
Study when and where it’s convenient for you, allowing time for work, family commitments, and church activities. Depending on your program, you may even be able to flex between modalities, because, after all, life happens. This may also allow you to have more control in the amount of overall time it takes you to complete the program. - Learn Anywhere:
Eliminate the need to relocate or commute, providing a beneficial alternative for those in remote areas. - Technology Awareness:
Online master’s in counseling is, well, online, so the advantage of programs with interactive tools, live discussions, and video simulations to enhance learning. It also may give you a leg up for if your counseling career takes you to providing counseling services online.
Online Cons
- Limited Classroom Face-to-Face Interaction:
Building personal connections with professors and peers may be more challenging online. With a deeply personal program such as counseling, taking this course online shouldn’t be considered lightly - Self-Motivation Required:
Online learning demands a high level of discipline to stay on track without in-person accountability. If you are a highly motivated individual, this will be a piece of cake! - Limited Direct Hands-On Experience:
While practicums and internships are required, accessing nearby sites might require additional effort. You can try asking institutions if they offer practice virtual sessions. portfolio. - Excess Screen Time:
If you already work remotely or use a phone a decent amount, adding full-time online work to your schedule could potentially result in health issues. More studies are revealing that excessive screen time is a source of health concerns.
Overall, the online master’s in counseling modality caters to the student’s more general lifestyle needs. It recognizes that someone’s priorities may not always be focused on one thing. While this modality limits personable interaction, modern technology makes sure that crucial element isn’t wholly eliminated. It can be the best choice if you are a student balancing full-time work, family, and/or ministry.
In-Person Master’s in Counseling
Compared to an online master’s in counseling, an in-person program provides a traditional learning experience, emphasizing community, collaboration, and direct mentorship. However, an in-person program inevitably lacks flexibility.
In Person Pros
- Strong Classroom Connection:
Unlike an online master’s in counseling, the in-person option engages directly with professors and peers in a collaborative environment. You will have the chance to foster deep relationships, which is an important element to have in the personal profession of counselor. - Immediate, Personal Support:
Another small benefit to the in-person modality is the access to on-campus resources such as counseling centers, libraries, and Christian fellowship groups. An online master’s in counseling may have these resources digitally, but it may be harder to access if there are internet issues or limited personnel availability. - Real-Time Practice and Feedback:
Participate in role-playing, group exercises, and other hands-on training that is best experienced face-to-face. - Faith Community:
On-site programs at a Christian university allows you to grow not only academically, but also spiritually. Through chapels, bible study opportunities, and generally being a part of the community, you can learn alongside like-minded individuals.
In Person Cons
- Less Flexible Schedule:
Classes are scheduled at specific times, which may conflict with work or family obligations. - Commute or Relocation:
Attending in person might require travel or moving closer to campus, adding time and expense.
Reflecting on the pros and cons of this method of learning, those who learn best in a close-knit, individualized environment should consider the the in-person modality. While it limits your options for where you study, it means that the institution you choose will be one that facilitates your ideal learning style.
The Bonus Option: A Hybrid Master’s in Counseling
(If you can't decide between online vs in person master's in counseling)
An additional option when considering online vs in person master’s in counseling is the hybrid model. This usually looks like:
You have some courses online and others you come in once a week for other classes.
OR
You take a majority of your courses online and then come together as a cohort for a week-long intensive in which the hours required for that course are completed during that week.
This option provides the personal nature of an in-person learning environment—which is particularly with counseling—but still allows a level of flexibility. The pros and cons are a mixture of what we have listed above, and will also be dependent upon what structure the institution you choose opts to conform to. Make sure to investigate various hybrid practices among institutions, familiarizing yourself with what is common and what might work best for you.
Why Choose Cairn for Your Degree?
We hope these pros and cons help you consider the whole picture. Maybe you’re even ready to take a step further in your decision. Allow us to throw in a few final thoughts about our counseling master’s degrees.
In addition to the points above, we also address students’ program needs through:
- Faith-Integrated Curriculum: Every course is taught from a biblical worldview, preparing you to counsel with a Christ-centered approach.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced professionals who share your commitment to faith and service and will work hard to make sure you succeed.
- Practical Training: Gain hands-on practice through experience with our own counseling program, CCCRD, or other network connections we have.
- Supportive Community: Engage in prayer, fellowship, and meaningful discussions, no matter the format.
Whether you’re studying in person or online, these factors play a part of your experience. If you’re ready to take the next step or even still weighing your options, we encourage you to put in an application with us today! It’s a great way to ask your specific questions and talk to someone who wants to help you find what’s best for you. Or, if you’re not quite ready to apply, there’s still more to learn about our counseling programs.
