Best CACREP-Accredited Online Master's in School Counseling Programs of 2024

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $526

Out-of-State | $1,635

Credits to Graduate: 60

The online, CACREP-accredited master's in school counseling at North Carolina State University focuses on K-12 developmental theory and preventative interventions. Core coursework, primarily delivered asynchronously, explores clinical counseling practice and theory. Students complete field experiences in North Carolina schools, and graduates qualify for professional licensure in North Carolina.

Online study is part-time and takes three years to finish. The cohort program meets year-round. Some courses require on-campus attendance during the final year. Each applicant must submit transcripts, a resume, and three recommendation letters.

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $725

Credits to Graduate: 60

The CACREP-accredited counseling program at William & Mary awards a master's in school counseling that students can complete online in three years. The licensure-focused program emphasizes social justice and educational equity in public and private schools. In addition to online coursework, each distance learner completes two three-day residencies to prepare for practicums and internships in K-12 schools.

Admission requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must submit transcripts, a resume, a personal essay, and three letters of recommendation.

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $1,650

Credits to Graduate: 60

Wake Forest University's online master's in school counseling allows graduates to pursue North Carolina licensure and careers working with K-12 students. The part-time program requires two three-day residencies on campus for evaluations and experiential group activities, along with preparation for practicum experiences and internships. 

Courses include counseling children, issues in school counseling, and school guidance and counseling.

Applicants do not need a particular major or minor or a teaching license to qualify. The admissions department considers GPAs, recommendations, personal interviews, and professional or volunteer experience in human services. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $730

Credits to Graduate: 60+

The CACREP-accredited counseling program at Regent University confers a master's in school counseling. This online program includes two one-week on-campus residencies and hands-on field experience. The curriculum is grounded in a Christian worldview and meets Virginia professional counseling standards.

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school and a 3.0 GPA. Regent prefers applicants with degrees in counseling, psychology, or other human behavior fields but considers candidates from other fields.  

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $1,034

Credits to Graduate: 90 quarter credits

University of Denver's online school counseling master's degree takes as few as 24 months to complete with full-time study. This program also offers a part-time track. The curriculum trains preK-12 counselors and emphasizes data-driven practice methods, self-reflection, and social justice. 

Students take live weekly classes and can access online coursework and support 24/7. Each distance learner completes 300 practicum hours and 700 internship hours at local schools, consisting of direct and indirect practice experience. 

To qualify, applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA.

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $290

Out-of-State | $1,020

Credits to Graduate: 60

East Carolina University offers an online school counseling master's degree that meets North Carolina licensure and certification standards. Applicants from other states should check with their licensing boards. The curriculum includes school counseling and developmental counseling courses, a juvenile delinquency seminar, and internship and practicum placements at approved sites.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum 2.75 GPA. The department seeks applicants with leadership, volunteer, or work experience in human services or student teaching.

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $590

Credits to Graduate: 90 quarter credits

The CACREP-accredited counseling program at Oregon State University offers a master's in school counseling in a part-time, hybrid format. Designed for Oregon and Washington residents, the curriculum features 50% online classes and 50% on-campus meetings over two weekends per term. Internship and practicum experiences include some synchronous online courses.

The program trains graduates to deliver comprehensive school counseling services and increase college attendance among underrepresented groups. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 GPA, and three recommendation letters.

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $745

Credits to Graduate: 45-54

Missouri Baptist University's online master's in school counseling prepares students for Missouri K-12 school counseling certification. The Christian program takes two years, even for full-time working adults. Coursework includes child and adolescent counseling, crisis/substance abuse counseling, foundations of school counseling, and school counseling implementation and leadership. Graduation requirements include 400 supervised practicum and internship hours. State certification requirements include a professional counseling portfolio. 

Each candidate must complete an online application and contact the Online and Graduate Enrollment Services office for admission guidance.

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $500

Credits to Graduate: 60

Students at the University of Louisiana at Monroe can earn a master's in school counseling through 100% online delivery. Courses combine synchronous and asynchronous material with no required campus residencies. Learners study in cohorts through full-time or part-time enrollment. 

School counseling courses include career counseling, group counseling in schools, and school assessment and psychometrics. Each applicant must possess one of the following: a 3.5 graduate GPA, a 2.75 undergraduate GPA, or a minimum 2.74 GPA and GRE scores of at least 300. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $610

Credits to Graduate: 60

University of Mary features a school counseling master's program that offers an accelerated 20-month track and a 32-month extended pathway. The curriculum prepares graduates for licensure and credentials in North Dakota. Students seeking licensing in other states should contact the school's admission department for guidance.

ACCESS Grants can help school counseling students afford tuition and expenses, including a weeklong on-campus residency. The program accepts students with academic, military, or career experience.