Earning a master's in school counseling online can launch a rewarding career that helps students achieve academic success and supports their personal and social development. Learn more about the advantages of this degree, what to expect in a master's-level program, and how an affordable online school counseling degree can set you up for success.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Most Affordable Online Master's Degree in School Counseling Programs
#1 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in School Counseling
Fort Hays State University
- Hays, KS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
61%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in School Counseling
Chadron State College
- Chadron, NE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
84%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in School Counseling
Walden University
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 years
- Online
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
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in School Counseling
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
- Magnolia, AR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
84%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in School Counseling
University of West Alabama
- Livingston, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in School Counseling
Salem College
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in School Counseling
Capella University
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 years
- Online
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
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in School Counseling
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in School Counseling
Oregon State University
- Corvallis, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#10 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in School Counseling
Gwynedd Mercy University
- Gwynedd Valley, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
At BestCounselingDegrees.net, we use data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. The most important metric in our rankings -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, consult our ranking methodology.
Why Get a Master's Degree in School Counseling?
Earning a master's in school counseling prepares you for meaningful work that will make a positive impact on young people's lives.
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Positive Job Outlook
The demand for school counselors has risen as more school systems recognize the need to improve academic achievement and the importance of a safe and supportive school environment. As a result, school counseling offers increasing employment opportunities and job stability.
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Fulfilling Work
School counselors perform rewarding work, helping students reach their full academic potential and navigate personal and social challenges. They also help create a supportive environment for students by building relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, and other stakeholders.
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Versatile Employment Opportunities
In addition to employment in elementary and high schools, a school counseling degree can lead to professional opportunities in a variety of education settings. With this degree, you can go on to positions in higher education, career counseling, and nonprofit agencies.
What to Expect from an Online Master's Degree in School Counseling Program
A master's in school counseling prepares you to work as a licensed school counselor in grades K-12 and other educational settings. Students enrolled in a school counseling master's program must take between 48 and 60 credits comprising core coursework, electives, and practical training.
Both campus-based and online master's programs require in-person practical experiences under the supervision of a licensed school counselor. These hands-on placements help you fulfill the practice requirements needed for state licensure. Learners can also apply concepts and techniques learned in the classroom to professional settings. Many online programs allow you to arrange these required fieldwork experiences in your community.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the primary accrediting body for graduate counseling degrees. Most states require school counselors to hold a CACREP-accredited master's degree to obtain licensure.
Popular Master's Degree in School Counseling Courses
Master's programs in school counseling vary by institution but share some common features. Core courses include counseling theories, assessment, research, human development, ethics and professional standards, and multicultural counseling. Depending on the program, students may pursue electives in areas, such as addiction counseling, learning disabilities, and career and college counseling.
Child and Adolescent Counseling
This introduction to a family systems perspective on counseling children and adolescents emphasizes developmental, behavioral, educational, multicultural, and environmental factors. Students learn about interventions to improve individual and family functioning and legal and ethical issues related to counseling minors.
Ethics and Legal Standards for Professional Counselors
This course examines legal and ethical guidelines used in the counseling profession. Students become familiar with the American School Counselor Association and the American Counseling Association code of ethics and ethical decision-making processes.
Multicultural Counseling
Students in this course develop an awareness of issues related to working with diverse cultural and socio-economic student populations within a social justice and advocacy framework. Students explore how cultural identity, biases, stereotypes, power, privilege, and marginalization impact the student/counselor relationship.
Crisis Intervention
Students explore the impact of crises and trauma on children, adolescents, families, and schools. The course focuses on applying crisis intervention models, assessment, and treatment techniques to situations, such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, vicarious trauma, and natural disasters.
How Much Do Online Master's Degrees in School Counseling Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students paid an average of $20,513 in tuition and fees for a graduate degree in 2021-22. However, tuition costs vary widely by school and type of program. Graduate degrees at public institutions for in-state residents cost an average of $12,596 per year compared to $28,017 at private schools. Some online programs charge in-state rates regardless of your place of residence. An online program may also help you save on transportation and housing costs.
You might reduce your educational expenses by exploring financial aid options, such as loans, fellowships, merit- and need-based scholarships, and awards targeted for specific areas of study or underrepresented groups. Government and some school-sponsored financial aid programs require you to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as the first step to determine your eligibility.
What Can You Do with a Master's Degree in School Counseling?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of school and career counselors and advisors is projected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the national average for all U.S. occupations. The demand for licensed counselors continues to grow as more schools recognize the need to address academic, developmental, and social issues as well as provide workforce preparation for their students. The median salary for elementary and secondary school counselors in public and private institutions ranges from $60,700 to $73,520 annually.
Graduates of school counseling master's programs typically find employment at elementary and secondary schools. However, many degree-holders choose positions in other educational settings, social service agencies, and nonprofit organizations. With this degree and work experience, you may find career opportunities in areas, such as college admissions, mental health and addiction counseling, youth offender counseling, and educational consulting. Salaries vary depending on the employment setting, location, and years of experience.
Common Questions About Master's Degrees in School Counseling
The most respected online master's of school counseling degrees are offered by schools that hold institutional accreditation from one of the regional accreditation agencies authorized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and CACREP programmatic accreditation. CACREP accreditation confirms that the school counseling program you choose meets academic and professional standards for career success.
The average cost for tuition and fees for a graduate degree in 2021-22 was $20,513. However, the total cost varies considerably by type of institution, ranging from over $12,000 for in-state tuition at public schools to over $28,000 at private schools.
According to PayScale data from November 2024, the average salary for high school counselors is $64,460. Salaries for these counselors, which vary by location, employer, and work experience, range from $45,000 to $97,000 per year. Those with over ten years of work experience earn the highest salaries.
According to BLS data from May 2023, California ranks as the highest-paying state for education, guidance, and career counselors and advisors. California's school counselors earn a mean salary of over $85,000 per year. Other top-paying states for these professionals include Washington, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Maryland, with average yearly salaries ranging from $76,250 to $85,820.
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