Best CACREP-Accredited Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs 2021

Located in Raleigh, NC State University's online master of education in counseling education prepares students for careers as professional school counselors. Upon graduating, learners possess the skills and knowledge necessary for promoting the academic, personal, professional, and social development of students in grades K-12. Graduates also meet North Carolina's professional licensure course requirements.

The program's curriculum emphasizes multicultural diversity and the significance of these perspectives in counseling theory, practice, and research. Admission requirements include submitting three letters of recommendation from those who know the applicant's aptitude for graduate study and academic record.

Students earn their master's degree online by completing a three-year study plan that requires them to attend courses year-round, including during the summer. They must also attend some on-campus weekend classes during their final year. During their final semester, students can take licensing exams in their field.

Courses Include

Career Counseling and Development
Multicultural Counseling
Theories and Tech of Counseling
Group Counseling
Strategies for Clinical Assessment in Counseling
Techniques in Counseling

Unique Features

Cost: $446 per credit (residents); $1,295 per credit (non-residents)
Credits Required: 60 credits
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

University of Louisiana at Monroe offers an online master of science in counseling degree with a school counseling track. The program prepares students for careers in school, higher education, vocation counseling, and more.

Graduates may qualify for LCP licensure and their school counselor certification. Admissions requirements include submitting a current resume, a letter of interest, and three letters of recommendation. After receiving and evaluating all of the student's materials, the counseling faculty may choose to conduct a video interview.

Online classes take place year-round in eight-week sessions, allowing students to complete courses at an accelerated rate. Students must also meet clinical experience requirements via a practicum and an internship. The practicum involves at least 100 hours of field experience, while the internship requires a minimum of 600 hours spread over two semesters.

Courses Include

Counseling Theories
Law and Ethics in Counseling
Clinical Assessment and Psychometrics
Diagnostics in Counseling
Principles of Administration of School Counseling Programs

Unique Features

Cost: $500 per credit
Credits Required: 60 credits
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Located in Magnolia, Southern Arkansas University offers a hybrid version of its master of education in school counseling degree. Students typically complete the program in three years when following a year-round, two classes per semester schedule. Students prepare for careers as professional school counselors while fulfilling Arkansas's K-12 school counseling licensure requirements.

Program graduates develop a firm understanding of a child and adolescent's developmental needs. They participate in programs that connect to national standards and the American School Counselor Association's National Model.

If students hold a valid teaching license, there's an option to earn the K-12 add-on license. Teachers can obtain this advanced credential following two 300-hour internships, one at an elementary and the other at a secondary building. The program's admission process involves submitting a letter of application to the University's Director of Counselor Education.

Courses Include

Foundations of School Counseling
Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling
Human Development for Helping Professionals
Counseling in a Diverse Society
Development and Administration of School Counseling Programs

Unique Features

Cost: $284 (residents); $446 (non-residents) per credit
Credits Required: 60 credits
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

The online master of arts in school counseling available at North Carolina Central University prepares students for K-12 licensure practice as a school counselor. Students complete all experiences that the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) requires of professional school counselors. NCCU's master's in school counseling receives full accreditation by the CACREP and an endorsement by the IRCEP (International Registry of Counselor Education Programs).

Admission requirements include a 2.7 minimum GPA, GRE scores, and two letters of recommendation. Every student enrolled in this graduate degree program works with a trained academic advisor who assists in degree planning, course registration, and university resources. Students participating in online programs receive access to future networking opportunities with North Carolina employers and beyond.

Courses Include

Ethical, Professional Orientation to Counseling
Psychosocial Development
Multicultural & Gender Issues
Group Counseling
Advanced School Counseling

Unique Features

Cost: $273.63 (residents); $921.33 (non-residents) per credit
Credits Required: 51 credits
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

The master of education in school counseling at the University of Nebraska at Kearney prepares students for working directly with students who need academic guidance or other preventative or responsive services. Graduates may specialize in either elementary or secondary school counseling.

Admission requirements include submitting an online application, official transcripts, and a resume. Students must also write an essay about their motivation for becoming a school counselor and submit three professional references. After their application passes through the Department of Counseling and School Psychology, students must participate in a CSP Department admission interview and intake process.

While most students enter the UNK school counseling program with an undergraduate degree in education, those with a bachelor's degree in a non-education field may now pursue the school counseling degree. To do so, these students must complete an additional 12 credits of field-based teacher education training with the master's degree in school counseling program.

Courses Include

Theories in Counseling
Career Counseling
Child & Adolescent Development & Interventions
Multicultural Counseling
School Counseling Organization and Practice
Ethical, Legal, and Professional Practice in School

Unique Features

Cost: $315 (resident); $444 (non-resident) per credit
Credit Requirements: 43 credits
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Higher Learning Commission

Wake Forest University offers an online master of arts in counseling with a school counseling track that prepares graduates for serving students' and their family's unique needs. Students learn from highly-regarded counseling thought-leaders while simultaneously having access to 24/7 technical support and tutoring services.

WFU counseling program graduates boast a 95% pass rate when they take the National Counselor Examination and can find and secure internships with the university's network of industry partners.

Applicants must provide proof of receiving a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, GRE test scores, a personal statement, and three recommendation letters. After the application goes through the review process, students participate in a virtual interview with an enrollment advisor.

Courses Include

Life Span Development
Theories and Models of Counseling
Appraisal Procedures for Counselors
Issues in School Counseling
School Guidance and Counseling

Unique Features

Cost: $1,510 per credit
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

St. Bonaventure University offers an online master of science in education in school counseling to students who are passionate about guiding children through various academic, developmental, and social milestones. After participating in engaging coursework and in-field practice, graduates learn how to support primary, middle, and high school students.

Students take foundational courses asynchronously and must also complete residency and practicum requirements to receive their degree. SBU counseling graduates find work in colleges, junior colleges, nonprofits, public and private schools, specialized education facilities, and universities. The school boasts a 98% pass rate on the licensed professional counselor exam.

Applicants must possess a minimum 2.75 GPA from undergraduate coursework and submit transcripts, a writing sample, and two letters of recommendation. The program does not require test scores.

Courses Include

Abnormal Psychology
Group Counseling
Multicultural Counseling
Management of School Counseling Programs
Interventions for School and CMH Counseling

Unique Features

Cost: $799 per credit
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Oregon State University's master of counseling program has an option for school counseling intended specifically for Oregon and Washington residents. The curriculum takes place in a hybrid format, with courses occurring both in-person and online.

Face-to-face classes occur during two weekends every term in Wilsonville, Oregon. The internship and practicum course requirements during years two and three take place synchronously, which means students must participate in online courses in real-time during specific dates and times. OSU operates on a quarter-term schedule, with each term lasting 11 weeks.

With just 18 spots in each cohort, applicants compete rigorously for admission. Students must submit letters of recommendation and a resume with their application. Evaluation criteria during admissions include the student's academic background, emotional and personal suitability, paid and volunteer experience in helping professions, and educational and professional goals. OSU recommends that applicants with an undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0 also submit GRE scores.

Courses Include

Leadership of School Counseling Programs
Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Counseling
Research Methods in Education
Social and Cultural Perspectives
Special Education Issues

Unique Features

Cost: $590 per credit
Credit Requirements: 75 quarter-credits
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

The research-intensive master of education in school counseling program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks prepares students for the fast-growing field of school counseling. Along with the master's degree, students also receive certification as a school counselor upon graduation.

Students may choose a concentration in school counseling, K-12 school counseling, or a dual concentration with clinical mental health. While students may reside anywhere, UAF specializes in meeting the unique needs of Alaska's rural communities and cultural groups.

Admission requirements include completing a bachelor's degree, preferably in the human services field. Students must submit a statement indicating their academic goals, education, experience, motivations, personal characteristics, and intentions for earning this degree. Candidates must also submit at least three letters of recommendation and participate in an interview process.

Courses Include

Research in Counseling and Educational Settings
Counseling Theories and Applications
Developmental Interventions
Child and Adolescent Development
Professional Ethics
Multicultural Counseling

Unique Features

Cost: $513 (resident); $1,079 (non-resident) per credit
Credit Requirements: 48-60 credits, depending on the concentration
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Regent University offers a master of arts in school counseling degree both on-campus and online with residency requirements. Regent students gain real-world and solutions-focused training, all presented from a Christian worldview, to help families, students, and teachers navigate issues. Career opportunities include positions as a K-12 school counselor in private schools, public schools, or charter schools.

Prior to graduation, students must participate in two separate week-long residencies. They must also complete a two-semester internship.

Prerequisites for this degree program include holding a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university or college with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all undergraduate coursework. Applicants must submit an academic background questionnaire licensure survey, as well as resumes, references, and an interview.

Courses Include

Counseling Children & Adolescents
Principles of School Counseling
Program Development & Evaluation for School Counselors
Internship in School Counseling

Unique Features

Cost: $710 per credit
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges