Best Online Master's in School Counseling
Updated May 2, 2024
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School counselors play an integral role in the educational support system by guiding students through critical turning points in their lives. With the right support, students can pursue their passions and unlock their full educational potential.
If you are interested in a fulfilling career helping students, learn more about how to become a school counselor, the required education, and the best online master's in school counseling programs in this guide.
The Best Online Master's in School Counseling Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit: $319
Credits to Graduate: 48
Campbellsville University tops our list of best online master's in school counseling programs. The Campbellsville, Kentucky-based program awards a master of arts in education and prepares graduates to counsel pre-K-12 students. The 18-month, Christian-focused curriculum features three field internships and asynchronous coursework that includes counseling theory and practice, cultural competency, and human development.
Admission requires official college transcripts, a 2.75 GPA, a rationale essay, and two references. Kentucky educator Rank I applicants submit a copy of their teaching certificate.
#2 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit: $880
Credits to Graduate: 48
Students can earn their master of arts in school counseling at South Orange, New Jersey's Seton Hall University. The program includes online foundation, counseling, and clinical coursework; periodic campus residencies; and K-12 school-based practicums and internships. Courses cover topics in appraisal and assessment, career development and counseling, learning and behavior modification, and multicultural counseling and psychology.
Applicants submit official transcripts, three recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a resume. The department prefers candidates with a 3.0 GPA.
#3 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $526
Out-of-State | $1,635
Credits to Graduate: 37-48
Located in Raleigh, North Carolina State University offers an online master of education in counselor education that emphasizes K-12 counseling theory and practice and multicultural diversity. The part-time program takes three years to complete, including summer terms, and students can take their licensure exams during the final semester of study. The department provides an iPad mini for each enrollee.
Required application materials include official transcripts, three recommendation letters, and a resume. Admitted students must complete their field experiences in North Carolina.
#4 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
New York University
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
Avg. Cost per Credit: $2,101
Credits to Graduate: 48
New York University's online master of arts in school counseling prepares pre-K-12 counselors in public and private schools. Students can concentrate on school counseling or bilingual school counseling and graduate in two years. The curriculum features weekly virtual class sessions, online counseling lab experiences, and practicums and internships at schools in students' communities. Enrollees also attend an immersion at the NYC campus.
Rolling admissions offers multiple start dates each year and requires an undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA.
#5 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit: $429
Credits to Graduate: 60
University of West Alabama, based in Livingston, offers an online master of education in school counseling. The three-year curriculum focuses on advocacy, assessment, evaluation, and providing a range of school counseling services. Enrollees pair with an online mentor and participate in a four-day campus residency.
Candidates need baccalaureate-level certification in a teaching field or a master's-level educator certificate, along with two years of teaching experience. The program requires submission of a portfolio with an essay, resume, recommendations, and a video interview.
#6 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Avg. Cost per Credit: $590
Credits to Graduate: 90 (quarter credits)
Oregon State University awards a master of counseling with an option in school counseling to graduates of the three-year program. The part-time, hybrid curriculum blends online learning, including synchronous practicum and internship courses, and face-to-face attendance on the Corvallis campus. Students complete on-site internships, school-based practicums, personal counseling sessions, and professional development.
Applicants must reside in Oregon or Washington. The program admits 18 students per year based on academic background, experience, personal and emotional suitability, and educational and professional goals.
#7 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
Concordia University-Irvine
Irvine, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Avg. Cost per Credit: $665
Credits to Graduate: 48
The online master of arts in education: school counseling program at Concordia University Irvine prepares graduates for positions in California schools. Students can finish the Christian-based program in 26 months. Synchronous coursework includes topics in counseling and guidance, crisis response and management, educational assessment, and school law and ethics. Supervised field experience requires on-site attendance.
Admission requires official transcripts, a 2.75 GPA, a valid teaching credential, and completion of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing's Basic Skills Requirement training.
#8 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit: $800
Credits to Graduate: 60
The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks offers a master of arts in counseling online with a K-12 school counseling track. Students can graduate in as soon as 36 months of part-time study. The curriculum features asynchronous coursework focused on academic, career, and emotional counseling and intervention; working with families, school staff, and community stakeholders; and facilitating a positive school community.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA and must submit a personal statement, three professional recommendations, and a resume.
#9 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,095
Credits to Graduate: 60
Monmouth University's master of education in school counseling qualifies graduates to become certified school counselors and awards half the credit requirements toward becoming a licensed professional counselor. The hybrid format combines in-person meetings at the West Long Branch, New Jersey, campus with online coursework and on-site field placements.
Rolling admissions requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, two recommendation letters, a group interview, and an essay discussing why social justice is important to the applicant and its role in school counseling.
How We Chose These Schools
At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias while accounting for key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.
This ranking is from 2023. Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Choosing an Online Master's in School Counseling Program
Colleges and universities create their own curricula, so students pursuing an online master's in school counseling need to research prospective programs to determine if coursework satisfies local licensure requirements. Students should also consider other factors that may influence their own personal goals. Some factors to consider:
- Program Cost: School counseling programs vary in cost. For instance, students may want to consider in-state programs over out-of-state programs, as out-of-state students often pay higher tuition rates.
- Transfer Policies: Students who have transfer credits from previous graduate-level study should be sure to thoroughly research the transfer policy at any possible school. Being able to transfer credits can save you time and money in a master's program.
- School Size and Type: When selecting a program, students should consider their learning style. The size and structure of a school can influence the student experience. For example, students who need more individualized attention may prefer a smaller school.
- Program Length: Online school counseling programs vary in length. For instance, some institutions may follow traditional semesters, while others offer year-round accelerated programs.
- On-Campus Requirements: While fully online programs do not require in-person attendance, except for internships and field experience, hybrid programs may require in-person attendance for coursework.
- Thesis, Fellowship, and Work Requirements: An online master's in school counseling usually requires a thesis, and the best programs typically require field experiences to satisfy licensure requirements.
What Else Can I Expect from an Online Master's in School Counseling Program?
During your studies, you will learn about the needs of children and adolescents, child and youth development, how school systems work, different types of counseling, delivering culturally competent counseling, and the legal and ethical standards school counselors adhere to.
Most online master's in school counseling programs take approximately two years to complete and require 50-60 credits. While coursework takes place online, plan to complete fieldwork in person, typically on a school campus. When determining the best online master's in school counseling for your needs, consider the logistics for attending your fieldwork. After you graduate and complete your required supervised experience and pass the national examination, you can apply for a state license. Each state has its own requirements.
Online Master's in School Counseling Curriculum
Child and Adolescent Counseling
This course explores counseling techniques and theories that apply to children and adolescents. Student outcomes include identifying common emotional and behavioral disorders, evidence-based interventions, cultural and environmental factors that impact treatment, and emerging trends. This course may include a final exam or special project. Students can use this opportunity to focus on their ideal target population.
Career Development
School counselors often provide career development. This course emphasizes development theories and strategies for decision-making. Topics include relationships between roles of life and career development, cultural influences, and relevant assessments. Course objectives include identifying a healthy work-life balance. This course often requires a comprehensive final exam.
Group Counseling
School counselors need to understand interpersonal influences on behavior, developmental stages of a group, and theoretical approaches for counseling groups. This course emphasizes group leadership skills. Learning outcomes include demonstrating knowledge and competence in both advanced and fundamental counseling skills. This course often includes a group project.
Ethics and Legal Issues in School Counseling
This course explores the relationship between ethical standards and legal regulations in counseling. Students also explore regulations for professional counseling practices, identify professional issues that impact counselors, and study ethical and legal standards in school counseling.
School Counseling Certifications and Licenses
An accredited master's in school counseling is required to earn a state license. Students must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors, which includes 200 multiple-choice questions. Topics include social and cultural diversity, human growth and development, group counseling and group work, and research and program evaluation.
Requirements vary by state. Students should visit their local department of education website to determine specifics. Requirements typically include logged contact hours. For instance, states may demand a specified number of practicum hours acquired under a licensed practitioner, or two or more years of teaching or counseling experience.
Students should also consider reciprocity guidelines if their career goals include moving to a different state. Professionals may need to complete additional coursework for applied experiences before earning reciprocity. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards also offers a voluntary certification that recognizes K-12 professionals who demonstrate skill with standards-based evidence.
Accreditation for Online Master's in School Counseling Degree Programs
Accrediting agencies establish a minimum standard of quality for educational institutions. Other universities, licensing boards, and employers use these standards to verify that students have been trained properly. Regional accrediting agencies are generally considered more prestigious than national accrediting agencies, which typically only accredit trade and specialty schools.
Transferring to another institution may prove difficult if your school is not regionally accredited, so it's important to check the accreditation status of your institution. There are six regional accrediting agencies. Additionally, students may want to compare state licensing requirements to ensure they qualify to take the exam upon graduating.
Students should also consider programmatic accrediting agencies to verify the quality of a particular school counseling master's degree. For school counselors, these agencies include the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council.
School Counseling Careers
School counselors help students address any challenges or issues they face in school and guide them on their next steps after graduation. They may address issues, such as bullying, choosing classes, and college applications, or they may help students with learning or behavioral difficulties find the appropriate resources.
Career counselors focus primarily on helping pupils decide on and prepare for a career. They can also work with students outside the school system, such as in nonprofits that focus on career readiness and preparation, or within the juvenile justice system. Some career counselors even work in corporations to interest young graduates in jobs with that organization or help existing employees plan their careers.
School Counselors
School counselors help students establish and reach academic goals. These professionals usually work in elementary and secondary schools. For instance, high school counselors may examine students' career interests to help them identify what they should study in college.
School counselors also help students apply for financial aid, write essays for scholarships, write resumes if they're immediately entering the workforce, and find internship opportunities. School counselors may also administer aptitude tests or collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and other team members. This role typically requires a master's degree and an unencumbered state license.
- Median Annual Salary: $55,900 (Payscale, May 2024)
- Projected Growth Rate: 5% (BLS, 2022)
Career Counselors
Career counselors primarily work with adolescents and young adults to make career or academic decisions that help students reach their career goals. Typical duties include small group or individual counseling, mock interviews, and classroom instruction. These professionals may also administer aptitude tests, advise clients on how to address conflict, or build professional networks.
Career counselors often work in high schools, colleges, or universities. However, placement firms or alternative schools also hire career counselors. This role requires a master's degree and an unencumbered license. Practitioners need to earn continuing education credits periodically to keep their licenses.
- Median Annual Salary: $50,930 (Payscale, May 2024)
- Projected Growth Rate: 5% (BLS, 2022)
School Counseling Professional Organizations
The counseling field demands ongoing research to solve modern problems. School counselors benefit from memberships in professional organizations, which provide active global networks and access to cutting-edge research and practices. Additionally, professional organizations allow graduates to collaborate with seasoned practitioners and receive mentorship.
Master's in School Counseling FAQs
Do You Need a Master's for School Counseling?
Both K-12 and postsecondary schools typically require school counselors to hold an unencumbered state license, which requires applicants to earn a master's degree.
How Long Is a Master's in School Counseling?
Students can earn an online master's in school counseling in two years with full-time attendance. Part-time students should anticipate earning their degrees in four years.
Where do school counselors make the most?
School counselors make the most in California, with an average annual salary of $85,820, followed by Washington ($81,280), Massachusetts ($79,670), New Jersey ($79,030) and Maryland ($76,250), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). School counselors make the most in elementary and secondary schools ($74,910), junior colleges ($67,420), and at colleges, universities, and professional schools ($58,390).
What are the admission requirements for online master's in school counseling programs?
Typical admission requirements for the best online master's in school counseling programs include a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA and an application with an essay or statement of purpose. While most programs do not have specific requirements for your type of undergraduate major, coursework or a major in a related field, such as psychology or child development, show interest and commitment to your career choice.
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