Most Affordable School Counseling Master's Programs Online
Updated June 28, 2024
Here we have put together a list of the best low-cost online master’s degrees in school counseling. School Counselors work in the elementary, middle, and high school settings. An accredited online master’s degree in school counseling from one of the low-cost graduate programs listed here will prepare graduates to provide advocacy, assessment, evaluation, personal, social, developmental, academic and career counseling to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Along with providing a broad range of services, school counselors work with a diverse population of individuals including not only students and teachers but also parents, school staff, administrators, coaches, and community members.
We are confident you will find the best low-cost online master’s degree in school counseling to meet your academic and career goals here! For more information about the methodology used for this ranking, please see the methodology section at the end of he article.
Featured Online Programs
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Top Most Affordable School Counseling Master's Programs Online
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Fort Hays State UniversityLocation
Hays, KS
Online Master of Science in Counseling- School Counseling
Fort Hays State University offers the lowest-cost online Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis on School Counseling program on our list. Students in the School Counseling program offered through the Virtual College at Fort Hays University will have the opportunity to complete three four-day on campus residencies meant to enhance student's educational experience and clinical skills . Students in this program will also develop professionally through internship and practicum experiences that they can complete in their home town. This 45 credit School Counseling Program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Graduates of this program will be prepared for licensure in Kansas, as always, students should consult their home state licensure board for more information regarding licensure.
Courses include: educational research; counseling skills development; lifespan human development; foundations of counseling; lifestyle and career development; appraisal in counseling; theories in counseling; management of counseling programs; group counseling- theories and procedures; social and cultural foundations; professional counseling in elementary schools; and professional and ethical issues in counseling.
- Credits Required: 45
- Cost: $272.71 / Credit Hour
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University of the CumberlandsLocation
Williamsburg, KY
Online Master of Arts in Education - School Counseling
The University of the Cumberlands offers an online low-cost Master of Arts in Education -School Counseling degree. Program courses cover a wide range of topics to prepare students to work with the variety of issues that school counselors inevitably face working in diverse school settings. The University of the Cumberlands offers flexible online courses in synchronous and asynchronous formats in an effort to meet the various needs of all students.
Courses include: research methods in education; research methods and program evaluation; advanced human behavior, development, and learning; introduction to school counseling; theory and practice of multicultural counseling; psychological assessment; counseling individuals with diverse needs; lifestyle and career development; counseling theories and techniques; introduction to addiction counseling; legal and ethical issues in counseling; advanced clinical assessment; group counseling; and counseling aspects of grief and loss.
- Credits Required: 45
- Cost: $315 / Credit Hour
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Chadron State CollegeLocation
Chadron, NE
Online Master of Education - School Counseling
Chadron State University offers a low-cost online Master of Education in School Counseling. Students in this 39 credit program can complete the majority of classes online (note: two courses as well as practicum/internship are not available online). Students in this program also have the option of preparing for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor with the completion of five additional courses. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work with elementary, middle, and high school students in private and public schools.
Courses include: counseling ethics and professional identity; fundamentals of assessment; multicultural counseling; family development; counseling children; crisis counseling; counseling theories; career and lifestyle development; school counseling; and advanced human development.
- Credits Required: 39
- Cost: $400 / Credit Hour
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Walden UniversityLocation
Minneapolis, MN
Online Master of Science in School Counseling
A Master of Science in School Counseling is available at Walden University. The School Counseling Degree offers students the opportunity to specialize in: addiction counseling; career counseling; crisis trauma; and military families and culture. Walden University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The School Counseling Program aims to prepare graduates to pursue licensure/certification as school counselors in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Licensure requirements vary by state and students should consult their home state licensing board for specific requirements. An accelerated track is available for students who are able to commit to full time study.
Courses include: foundations of graduate study in school counseling; introduction to school counseling; counseling techniques in schools; counseling theories for school counselors; ethical and legal issues for school counselors; leadership, advocacy, and consultation in school counseling; lifespan development; child and adolescent counseling; group counseling and guidance in schools; crisis, trauma, and disaster response; and academic and career counseling.
- Credits Required: 84
- Cost: $410 / Credit Hour
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Southern Arkansas UniversityLocation
Magnolia, AR
Master of Education in School Counseling Online
Southern Arkansas University offers a low-cost online Master of Education in School Counseling. The program aims to provide a broad curriculum emphasizing theory and practice. Students will be trained in child and adolescent development and gain hands on experience through the completion of a field internship at an approved school. Graduates will be prepared to pursue licensure as a school counselor and ready to meet the needs of all youth in K-12 settings.
Courses include: introduction to the counseling profession; ethical, legal, and professional issues in counseling; counseling theories; basic counseling skills; group counseling; human development for helping professionals; career counseling-theory and practice; counseling in a diverse society; assessment procedures for counselors; counseling children and adolescents; and development and administration of school counseling programs.
- Credits Required: 51
- Cost: $414 / Credit Hour
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University of West AlabamaLocation
Livingston, AL
Online Master of Education in School Counseling
The University of West Alabama offers a low-cost online Master of Education in School Counseling. Applicants to this program need to have educational (teaching or instructional support) experience. This 48 credit program will prepare graduates for certification as a school counselor.
Courses include: professional orientation; introduction to school counseling; techniques of counseling; career development and counseling; counseling children and adolescents; strategies for crisis intervention; group counseling; counseling multicultural populations; practicum in school counseling; and internship in counseling.
- Credits Required: 48
- Cost: $429 / Credit Hour
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Salem CollegeLocation
Winston-Salem, NC
Master of Education in School Counseling Online
Salem College offers a low-cost online Master of Education in School Counseling. The School Counseling Program at Salem College emphasizes research and clinical skills to prepare graduates for licensure. This 48 credit program can be completed in 36 months. Students will gain clinical training through two weekend residencies as well as the school counseling practicum and school counseling internship experiences. Graduates will be well prepared to partner with students, parents, teachers, and school administrators with the goal of enhancing all students academic and social development. Established in 1772, Salem College is the longest standing educational institution for girls and women with a tradition of attracting diverse students that continues today.
Courses include: counseling, leadership, theory, and practice; introduction to the school counseling profession; ethics and legalities in education for school counseling; culturally relevant counseling-exploring educational equality; group counseling-strategies and techniques for school counselors; introduction to the school setting- practicum for school counselors; practicum in school counseling; and internship in school counseling.
- Credits Required: 48
- Cost: $480 / Credit Hour
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Capella UniversityLocation
Minneapolis, MN
Master of Science in School Counseling Online
A low-cost online Master of Science in School Counseling is available at Capella University. Students in this 72 credit program will complete practicum and internship experiences. Students will also have the opportunity to grow professionally and develop relationships with peers and faculty through two required residency experiences. Graduates will be prepared to pursue licensure as school counselors in K-12 settings and ready to work with diverse populations. Capella University works to provide support for students before, during, and after their time in the program with enrollment counselors available to support students in choosing the degree to meet their career goals and licensure teams to support students in navigating the licensure process in their home state.
Courses include: ethical and legal issues in professional counseling; group counseling and psychotherapy; life planning and career development; counseling and advocacy with diverse populations; theories of counseling and guidance for children and adolescents; contemporary issues in school counseling; introduction to school counseling; developmental school counseling and student services; and crisis intervention and emergency management.
- Credits Required: 72
- Cost: $485 / Credit Hour
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University of Louisiana at MonroeLocation
Monroe, LA
Online Master of Science in Counseling - School Counseling
The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers students a Master of Science in Counseling. Students interested in this low-cost online graduate degree in counseling can choose an emphasis in school counseling, clinical mental health counseling or both. This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a distinction that means the program has met or exceeded national standards, making the process towards licensure more streamlined. Graduates will be prepared to work in K-12 settings with diverse populations and can pursue careers such as school counselors, career counselors, and school administrators.
Courses include: introduction to counseling; legal and ethical issues; counseling theories; methods of counseling; advanced techniques; career counseling; multicultural populations; crisis counseling; assessment; school counseling; human growth and development; and addictions counseling.
- Credits Required: 60
- Cost: $500 / Credit Hour
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Indiana Wesleyan UniversityLocation
Marion, IN
Online Master of Arts in Counseling - School Counseling
Indiana Wesleyan University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling- School Counseling Program. This low-cost online master's degree requires the completion of 48 credits. Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian university offering students a comprehensive curriculum integrated with Christian principles. Students in this program will complete two weekend intensives on campus to connect with peers and faculty and build on what they have been learning from home. The School Counseling Program at Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) ensuring that curriculum has met national standards and allowing graduates to have a more streamlined process towards licensure.
Courses include: human growth and development; multicultural counseling; theory and techniques in the helping relationship; theory and techniques in group counseling; theory and techniques in career counseling; appraisal of individuals and families; legal, ethical, and professional issues; integration of the theory and practice of christian counseling; theories and techniques of school counseling; and child and adolescent development and treatment.
- Credits Required: 48
- Cost: $520 / Credit Hour
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Oregon State UniversityLocation
Corvallis, OR
Master of Counseling Online
Oregon State University offers a unique hybrid program that combines 50% online learning with 50% in-person engagement. This low-cost online Master of Counseling with the School Concentration will be a good fit for students who live in the Northwest and want the benefit of personal connection in combination with the convenience of online programming. Students in this program engage in coursework online throughout the term and will also meet in Salem, Oregon two weekends each term. This 75 credit program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Graduates will be prepared to be competitive in pursuing careers in the field of School Counseling.
Courses include: developmental perspectives in counseling; social and cultural perspectives; addictive behavior counseling; legal, ethical, professional issues in counseling; leadership of school counseling programs; theory and techniques of counseling; theory and techniques of child and adolescent counseling; lifestyle and career development; group counseling procedures; family counseling; crisis, grief, and loss; and cross-cultural counseling.
- Credits Required: 75
- Cost: $521 / Credit Hour
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Gwynedd Mercy UniversityLocation
Gwynedd Valley, PA
Master of Science in School Counseling Online
Gwynedd Mercy University offers a low-cost online Master of Science in School Counseling. Students in the program will have the opportunity to take what they learn and apply in a practical setting through internship opportunities in both the PreK-8th grade school setting and the 9th-12 grade school setting. Graduates will be prepared to work with children and adolescents in the pre-kindergarten through high school setting as well as in mental health settings.
Courses include: human development; foundations of counseling; research skills for reflective practitioners; theories of counseling; assessment techniques in counseling; intervention techniques in counseling; organization of school counseling; social justice, multicultural, and diversity issues in school counseling; career development; and group counseling and facilitation skills.
- Credits Required: 48
- Cost: $525 / Credit Hour
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Edinboro UniversityLocation
Edinboro, PA
Online Master of Arts in Counseling - School Counseling Specialization
Edinboro University offers several counseling degrees including the low-cost online Master of Arts in Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling. Students at Edinboro University have the opportunity to earn a dual degree such as School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling depending on their area of interest. The Counseling Core is 30 credits and each additional area of specialization is 30-33 credits. The Department of Counseling, School Psychology, and Special Education at Edinboro University offers programs accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program emphasizes the use of research based practices in working with diverse populations of children, adolescents, adults, individuals, and families.
Courses include: group process; human development across the lifespan; career development and life planning; introduction to the helping professions; ethical and professional issues in counseling; individual development-childhood through adolescence; developmental counseling in schools; techniques for counseling the student with a disability; supervised counseling practice; and multicultural counseling.
- Credits Required: 60
- Cost: $531 / Credit Hour
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Concordia UniversityLocation
Mequon, WI
Online Master of Science in Education - Counseling
Concordia University offers a low-cost online Master of Science in Education-Counseling degree. Students have the opportunity to choose from electives such as: psychopharmacology; addictions counseling; psychopathology; and educating students at risk. Along with a variety of elective choices, students are encouraged to choose a practicum site centered around individual interests and career goals. Graduates will be well prepared to work in a variety of K-12 school settings including public and private schools. Christian School Educators may be eligible for a 25% tuition discount.
Courses include: counseling theories and issues; social/cultural foundations in counseling; models and methods of family counseling; human development; professional ethics in the helping profession; career counseling foundations; trauma counseling; classroom management for counselors; individual counseling; and group counseling.
- Credits Required: 45
- Cost: $565 / Credit Hour
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Liberty UniversityLocation
Lynchburg, VA
Master of Education in School Counseling Online
Liberty University offers a low-cost online Master of Education in School Counseling. Four on-campus residencies are required for this 48 credit National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) approved school counseling program. Students will be prepared to pursue a career as a K-12 school counselor or go on to pursue a doctoral degree. Graduates will be prepared for licensure and as always should consult their home state licensing board to confirm eligibility. Liberty University is a well established Christian University that has been providing a broad range of distance education degrees since 1985.
Courses include: understanding educational research and assessment; foundations of exceptionality; human development across the lifespan; foundations of education; professional, ethical, and legal issues in counseling; social and cultural foundations in counseling; counseling theories and techniques; career development and counseling; child and adolescent counseling in the schools; and principles of school counseling.
- Credits Required: 48
- Cost: $565 / Credit Hour
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Missouri Baptist UniversityLocation
Saint Louis, MO
Online Master of Arts in Counseling - School Counseling
Missouri Baptist University offers a low-cost online graduate program in School Counseling. The School Counseling Program at Missouri Baptist University prepares graduates to pursue licensure as a school counselor in a K-12 public school setting. Students at Missouri Baptist University will have the support and guidance of Christian faculty and learn from the Christian perspective throughout their time in the program. This program aims to meet the needs of working professional students by offering start dates throughout the year, flexible scheduling, and an efficiently timed curriculum that and can be completed in 2-3 years.
Unique feature: Missouri Baptist University offers a liberal arts education with a Biblically based Christian framework.
- Cost: $588 / Credit Hour
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Regent UniversityLocation
Virginia Beach, VA
Master of Arts in School Counseling Online
A Master of Arts in School Counseling is available at Regent University. This low-cost online graduate degree is offered through the School of Psychology and Counseling and is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Regent University supports students in integrating the Christian faith into the practice of professional counseling. Students in the program will have the opportunity to connect with one another and advance academically in two one-week residencies while in the program. Graduates will be prepared to pursue licensure as a professional school counselor in the K-12 school setting and/or pursue further graduate study and work towards a doctoral degree in an area such as Counselor Education and Supervision.
Courses include: orientation to the counseling profession; research and statistics; counseling skills and techniques; theories of counseling; assessment techniques in counseling; career and lifestyle development; human growth and development; concepts of family systems; group counseling; multicultural counseling; counseling and christian thought; counseling children and adolescents; principles of school counseling; program development and evaluation for school counselors; and addiction therapies for individuals and families.
- Credits Required: 60
- Cost: $595 / Credit Hour
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University of the SouthwestLocation
Hobbs, NM
Online Master of Science in Education - School Counseling
The University of the Southwest offers a low-cost online Master of Science in Education with a School Counseling focus. This program requires the completion of 42 credits and is available fully online and so it would be a good fit for someone who doesn't feel that traveling to and completing a residency requirement would be manageable. Students will have the opportunity to grow professionally through the completion of practicum and internship requirements. Graduates will be prepared to enter the profession of school counseling ready to support and collaborate with students in elementary, middle, and high school.
Courses include: counseling theories; counseling techniques; professional/ethical issues in counseling; child and adolescent counseling; psycho-educational assessment; career development and life planning; group counseling for schools; program development and management; crisis and trauma intervention in schools; psychopathology for school counselors; counseling families; and human sexuality.
- Credits Required: 42
- Cost: $599 / Credit Hour
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The University of Tennessee – MartinLocation
Martin, TN
Online Master of Science in Education with a Major in Counseling - School Counseling Concentration
The University of Tennessee-Martin offers a Master of Science in Education with a Major in Counseling- School Counseling Concentration. This low-cost online school counseling degree can be completed in 48 credit hours including two internships (300 hours each). All students will complete a four-day residency early on in the program. The program offers students the opportunity to select from several electives on topics such as: marital and family counseling; alcohol and substance abuse; psychopharmacology; and human sexuality. Graduates will be prepared to pursue licensure as a professional school counselor.
Courses include: research in counseling; multicultural issues in education and counseling; professional, ethical, and legal issues in counseling; theories and techniques of counseling; career development and counseling; group dynamics; principles of crisis intervention; mental and health psychopathology; growth and development across the lifespan; counseling children/adolescents with psychological dysfunctions; and organization and administration of school counseling services/programs.
- Credits Required: 48
- Cost: $614 / Credit Hour
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Angelo State UniversityLocation
San Angelo, TX
Online Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling
The College of Graduate Studies at Angelo State University offers a 100% online low-cost Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling. Courses are offered in 8 weeks sessions allowing students to complete the program in less than two years. This 36 credit program prepares graduates to work as counselors in K-12 public schools, colleges and universities, and other settings. Angelo State University was founded in 1928 and is affiliated with the Texas Tech University System.
Courses include: social and cultural influences; tests and measurements; lifespan development; applied research; legal and ethical principles; individual counseling; group counseling; theories of counseling; career and occupational counseling; dysfunctional behavior; and leadership.
- Credits Required: 36
- Cost: $618.20 / Credit Hour
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Hampton UniversityLocation
Hampton, VA
Online Master of Arts in Counseling with concentration in School Counseling
Hampton University offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling with the opportunity to specialize in a number of areas including School Counseling. This low-cost online School Counseling degree is unique in that it only requires the completion of 31 credits however, applicants must already hold a Master of Arts in Counseling from an accredited program. Graduates interested in licensure will need to take additional courses.
Courses include: assessment and appraisal in counseling; life span development; theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy; career development; treating the substance abuser; identity, ethics, and legal aspects of counseling; and counseling with diverse populations.
- Credits Required: 31
- Cost: $695 / Credit Hour
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Seton Hall UniversityLocation
South Orange, NJ
Master of Arts in School Counseling Online
The College of Education and Human Services at Seton Hall University offers an online Master of Arts in School Counseling. This low-cost online School Counseling program is 48 credits and can be completed in 2 to 2-1/2 years. The program follows a cohort model of training allowing students to be a part of a supportive group, all taking classes together, throughout their time in the program. This program prepares graduates to work with children and adolescents in K-12 school settings with an emphasis on diversity.
Courses include: counseling theories; abnormal psychology; career development and counseling; group counseling; counseling skills; appraisal and assessment in counseling; psychology of human development; multicultural counseling and psychology; counseling and community agencies; practicum in counseling; internship in counseling; counseling and supervision in school settings; and counselor ethics in practices.
- Credits Required: 48
- Cost: $739 / Credit Hour
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Prescott CollegeLocation
Prescott, AZ
Online Master of Science in Counseling - School Counseling
Prescott College offers a Master of Science in Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling. This low-cost online School Counseling program will prepare graduates to work with and support students in grades K-12 academically and socially. This is a 60 credit online program that includes limited residency requirements. Graduates will be prepared to pursue licensure but as always should confirm requirements with their home state licensing board. Prescott College is in the process of pursuing CACREP accreditation.
Unique concentrations available in addition to specializations include: adventure-based psychotherapy; eco therapy; equine-assisted mental health; and expressive art therapy.
- Credits Required: 60
- Cost: $820 / Credit Hour
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Mercy CollegeLocation
Dobbs Ferry, NY
Master of Science in Counseling Online
Mercy College offers a Master of Science in Counseling with a focus on School Counseling. Students can choose to enroll in the program full or part time depending on what fits their individual scheduling needs. This low-cost online counseling degree requires the completion of 48 credits and prepares graduates to work with youth in the K-12 setting. The program emphasizes professional and ethical standards, specific issues related to suburban and urban schools, integrating technology into the practice of counseling, and attention to cultural diversity. Mercy College also offers a Bilingual School Counselor Program!
Courses include: counseling and ethics; human development; introduction to school counseling; counseling and application; multicultural perspectives in counseling; practicum in group work; career development and counseling; diagnostic tools- measurement; research methodology; supervised internship-school counseling; and college planning and preparation counseling.
- Credits Required: 48
- Cost: $842 / Credit Hour
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Minnesota State University MoorheadLocation
Moorhead, MN
Online Master of Science in Counseling and Student Affairs with an emphasis in School Counseling
Minnesota State University Moorhead offers a Master of Science in Counseling and Student Affairs with an emphasis in School Counseling. This low-cost online degree requires the completion of 54 credits, school counseling students interested in pursuing licensure as a professional counselor have the opportunity to complete additional credits. Students will complete practicum and internship hours in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools in order to be prepared to work with the K-12 student population. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) allowing a streamlined process towards licensure and certification.
Courses include: foundations of counseling; theories of individual and family counseling; counseling assessment and appraisal; career development; human growth and development for counselors; social and cultural foundations of counseling; counseling skills; group counseling; ethical and legal issues in counseling; trauma informed and crisis management; organization and administration of school counseling programs; counseling children, adolescents, and their families; classroom management for school counselors; internship in school counseling; and practicum in school counseling.
- Credits Required: 54
- Cost: $875 / Credit Hour
Methodology:
- A list of schools offering programs in Counselor Education / School Counseling & Student Counseling was gathered using the NCES College Navigator database.
- Only schools that offered these programs as Distance Education were selected.
- From this list, each school's regional accreditation was gathered and only schools that were regionally accredited remained.
- Then each school's website was searched to confirm if a counseling programs was indeed offered on line. Schools that didn’t have counseling programs offered online were removed from the list.
- Each school's Graduate tuition per credit hour was obtained from the schools's web site. The lowest tuition rate was listed for schools that offered multiple programs with multiple tuition rates.
Accreditation
All of the schools on this list are regionally accredited, in addition many of the schools listed here are also accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP ). Accredited programs generally provide graduates with an advantage of having completed specifically required coursework when applying for licensure, streamlining the licensure process. Regardless of the program you choose, all students are encouraged to contact their home state’s licensing board to determine if the online master’s program they are interested in meets their home state’s licensing and certification requirements.
Requirements For Affordable School Counseling Graduate Degrees Online
Internship And Practicum
Most of the low-cost online master’s degrees in school counseling listed here require students to complete an internship and practicum experience. The internship and practicum is generally designed to be completed in your home town and is incorporated into the program curriculum to be manageable for all students. Practicum and internship experiences provide students with valuable hands on learning experiences, in a school setting, allowing students to gain clinical and professional skills.
Residency
Another requirement that is common among online counseling programs, including many of the low-cost online master’s degrees in school counseling listed here, is the residency requirement. Residencies provide online counseling students the opportunity to engage in face-to-face on campus learning opportunities with peers and faculty. Residencies often take place once or twice for a few days to a week at a time during the course of the program. Students typically report that residencies provided invaluable learning opportunities as well as connections with peers and faculty that they feel appreciative of.
See also: The 50 Best Low-Cost Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
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