Earning a master's in school counseling degree prepares you to join a 100-year-old profession. School counselors represent a national workforce that's 336,000 strong and projected to grow by 10% from 2021-2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As a school counselor, you can help students reach their maximum success in elementary, middle, and high school.
This guide details the best master's in school counseling programs, learning outcomes, admission requirements, and career projections.
Understanding Master's in School Counseling Programs
Future school counselors need a master's in school counseling to find employment in the field. Prospective students enroll in master's in school counseling programs after earning an accredited bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related major.
As a master's in school counseling student, you will take courses in group counseling and leadership skills, consultations, trauma and crisis counseling, school violence prevention, and education law and policy. Field experience is a key component of every master's in school counseling program. Prepare to complete a field practicum and/or internship to gain skills working directly with students.
The curriculum teaches you to handle caseloads, where you implement academic achievement techniques and help students make college plans. Sometimes, school counselors also make referrals and advocate for students at district meetings.
After graduation, you can become an elementary school counselor, secondary school counselor, higher secondary school counselor, or school counseling coordinator.
- Program Length: 2-3 years, depending on your enrollment status
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: $19,750 average for public institutions as of 2021, according to the NCES
- Accreditation: The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs or National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Application Requirements: Admission requirements vary by school. Generally, you can qualify for admittance with an accredited bachelor's degree, prerequisites, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Additional application materials include a goal statement, three letters of reference, and official transcripts.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Master's in School Counseling Programs
Explore our ranking of 2023's best online master's in school counseling programs.
Read our ranking methodology
#1 Find the Best Master’s in School Counseling Programs in 2023
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, offers a master's in school counseling online with required weeklong on-campus intensives. Students can complete the degree in two-and-a-half years and apply up to 50% in transfer credits toward the program's total.
Graduates enter the workforce with skills in counseling techniques and psychology theory, along with an understanding of ethical and social issues from a Christian perspective. Distance learners can complete their internships and practicums at locations near their homes.
Applicants should submit a personal statement, two recommendations, and unofficial transcripts showing completion of a bachelor's degree with a 2.7 GPA. Upon acceptance into the program, Liberty requires official transcripts.
Courses Include
- Advanced school counseling interventions
- Counseling techniques for school counseling
- Crisis counseling in schools
- Foundations of exceptionality
- Professional, ethical, and legal Issues in school counseling
Program Details
- Credits Required: 60
- Cost: $565 per credit
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Find the Best Master’s in School Counseling Programs in 2023
Southeastern Louisiana University
- Hammond, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The school counseling master's program at Southwestern Louisiana University in Hammond takes three years to complete, including 700 hours of experience in K-12 schools. Graduates become eligible for the school counseling Praxis exam and Louisiana school counselor certification.
Most courses are taught on campus, but several follow a hybrid format; others take place entirely online. Pre-practicum and pre-internship experience classes rotate between day and evening sessions for the convenience of working students.
Admission requirements include transcripts showing a 2.8 GPA and nine credits of social/behavioral sciences, GRE scores, a resume, an autobiographical narrative, and three references.
Courses Include
- Cross-cultural issues
- Human growth and development
- Introduction to play therapy
- Pre-practice counseling techniques
- Substance abuse counseling
Program Details
- Credits Required: 60
- Cost: $858 per three credits
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Percent Online Enrollment
40%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Find the Best Master’s in School Counseling Programs in 2023
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Raleigh-based North Carolina State University offers its master of education in school counseling program on campus or online. Designed for educators and related professionals, the degree can take as little as two years to earn, including a 100-hour practicum and 600 hours of internships at K-12 schools. Students receive iPad minis for use during the program.
The curriculum fulfills the requirements for licensure as a North Carolina school counselor or licensed clinical mental health counselor associate. Graduates are prepared for careers in K-12 schools, and college and university counseling or advising.
Admission requirements include three recommendation letters, a personal statement, a resume, and official transcripts.
Courses Include
- Career counseling and development
- Gender Issues in counseling
- Introduction to school counseling
- Multicultural counseling
- Orientation to professional counseling, identity, and ethics
Program Details
- Credits Required: 60
- Cost: $526 per credit for North Carolina residents; $1,635 per credit for out-of-state students
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Find the Best Master’s in School Counseling Programs in 2023
Fairfield University
- Fairfield, CT
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master's in school counseling at Jesuit-based Fairfield University prepares graduates for Connecticut certification as K-12 school counselors. The program's focus areas center on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Students attend on-campus, evening classes and complete most skills courses, practicums, and internships at the school's Counselor Education Lab and Training Center. Fairfield also offers a post-master's school counseling sixth year certificate of advanced study.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree and a passing score on the PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators test. Waivers for the PRAXIS test may apply with submission of SAT, ACT, GRE, or PAA scores. Candidates attend individual and group interviews prior to admission.
Courses Include
- Assessment in counseling
- Career development: theory and process
- Lifespan human development
- Research methodology
- Schools counseling: procedures, organization, and evaluation
Program Details
- Credits Required: 60
- Cost: $880 per credit
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; New England Commission on Higher Education
Percent Online Enrollment
36%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#5 Find the Best Master’s in School Counseling Programs in 2023
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
- River Falls, WI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Wisconsin River Falls offers a campus-based master's degree in school counseling for full- or part-time enrollees. Small classes meet in the evenings and prepare students to become licensed professional school counselors in diverse K-12 settings. Some courses may follow an online or hybrid format.
The curriculum features elective tracks in higher education administration and substance misuse disorders. Graduation requires a comprehensive exam, practicum, and internship. The program reports that 96.6% of its graduates obtained school counseling jobs during the past five years.
Admission requirements include official transcripts from undergraduate degree-granting institutions, a letter of interest, a resume, and three recommendation letters.
Courses Include
- Comprehensive school counseling programming
- Cultural and ethical foundations
- Exceptional child
- Research and program evaluation
- School behavior assessment and intervention
Program Details
- Credits Required: 60
- Cost: $455 per credit for Wisconsin residents; $679 for Minnesota residents; $1,008 for out-of-state students
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Higher Learning Commission
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Find the Best Master’s in School Counseling Programs in 2023
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Brownsville, awards a master of education in counseling with a specialization in school counseling. Graduates can provide professional counseling services in P-16 schools. The campus-based curriculum includes a school counseling and guidance specialization course, a counselor preparation comprehensive exam, a practicum, and internships.
Admission requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA in the last 60 semester hours. Students may be conditionally admitted with GRE test scores of 150 verbal, 141 quantitative, and 4.0 analytical. Applicants submit three recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a resume. Candidates also complete personal interviews and criminal background checks.
Courses Include
- Abnormal human behavior
- Addictions counseling
- Assessment and appraisal techniques in counseling
- Child and adolescent counseling
- Treatment planning and crisis intervention
Program Details
- Credits Required: 60
- Cost: $1,585 per three-credit course for Texas residents; $2,809 for out-of-state students
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Find the Best Master’s in School Counseling Programs in 2023
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The school counseling master's program at Atlanta's Georgia State University is a full-time, on-campus experience that emphasizes anti-racism, cultural relevance, and social justice in counseling. Graduates gain expertise in child growth and development, assessment, group process facilitation, and classroom intervention techniques.
The curriculum comprises professional studies, teaching field/major classes, and applied practice. Enrollees select a concentration in elementary/middle school counseling for K-8 students or secondary school counseling for grades 9-12.
Applicants submit official undergraduate transcripts showing a 2.5 minimum GPA, a goals statement, a resume, and three letters of recommendation. Selected candidates will be invited to interview.
Courses Include
- Consultation in school counseling
- Group counseling systems
- Individual and family over the life span
- Program evaluation, advocacy, and leadership in school counseling
- Social/cultural issues in counseling and psychological services
Program Details
- Credits Required: 60
- Cost: $398 per credit for Georgia residents; $1,259 per credit for out-of-state students
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Find the Best Master’s in School Counseling Programs in 2023
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
- Indiana, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers a master of education in school counseling with courses and experiences that prepare K-12 counselors. Classes take place at the school's Indiana or Pittsburgh East campuses, and the department awards graduate assistantships to selected students.
The curriculum includes in-person practicums at elementary and secondary schools and 600 hours of field experience supervised by a certified school counselor. Enrollees learn to advise students about career awareness, educational planning, and personal development. Graduates can apply to take Pennsylvania's preK-12 commonwealth certification exam.
Admission requirements include official transcripts from all degree-awarded schools attended, a goal statement, and up to three letters of recommendation.
Courses Include
- Counseling children
- Counseling students/clients with disabilities
- Crisis and addiction counseling
- Group counseling theory and experience
- Management of a professional school counseling program
Program Details
- Credits Required: 60
- Cost: $7,716 per year for Pennsylvania residents; $11,200 per year for out-of-state students
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 Find the Best Master’s in School Counseling Programs in 2023
Texas A & M University-Commerce
- Commerce, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The school counseling master's program at Texas A&M University-Commerce takes 2.5-3 years to complete and leads to Texas professional school counselor certification. An optional track prepares graduates to also pursue licensed professional counselor credentials. The curriculum teaches clinical theories, mental health characteristics, and therapeutic techniques.
The program serves current educators and working professionals. Students can study on campus or complete their courses through hybrid learning. Three field experiences include practicums and internships. All students take a comprehensive exit exam.
Applicants must hold valid teaching certificates with two years of experience. Admission requires official transcripts, three references, a counseling essay, a resume, and an interview.
Courses Include
- Counseling children and adolescents
- Counseling diverse populations
- Introduction to play therapy
- Marriage and family counseling
- School counseling and development
Program Details
- Credits Required: 51-60
- Cost: $2,578 per semester for Texas residents; $5,026 per semester for out-of-state students
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Find the Best Master’s in School Counseling Programs in 2023
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's on-campus master of education in school counseling is a 14-month, accelerated program that includes a year-long school internship. Graduates qualify for North Carolina licensure as a K-12 counselor and can apply for their licensed clinical mental health counselor credentials after completing two years of post-master's supervised experience.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and experience working in schools or with children and youth. Applicants submit a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a resume. Candidates may be invited to an on-campus interview.
Courses Include
- Guidance and group counseling
- Human development
- Introduction to strengths-based school counseling
- Promoting career development/college access and admissions
- Promoting cultural competence and social justice in school counseling
Program Details
- Credits Required: 60
- Cost: $586 per credit for North Carolina residents; $1,602 for out-of-state students
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
How to Become a School Counselor
Aspiring school counselors almost always need a master's in school counseling degree. States determine education and work requirements for school counselors. Most states require you to hold a master's in school counseling or an equivalent major. However, some states let you become a school counselor with any master's degree, the completion of a school counseling preparation coursework, and practicum experience with students.
Experience as a teacher is another common requirement for school counseling licensure or certification. You may need to get licensed or hold another state-issued credential, such as certification, to work as a school counselor in your state.
You could be asked to pass an exam, such as a Praxis Test, before getting hired. That said, not every state has examination requirements. Background checks are required for licensure and certification, however.
Becoming a school counselor offers many benefits. According to the BLS, school counseling jobs nationwide could increase faster than the average growth rate for all other occupations. The BLS projects employers across the country will add 32,000 over the next decade.
Frequently Asked About Master's in School Counseling Programs
What is the best degree to become a school counselor?
A bachelor's degree and a master's degree can offer you a pathway to a career as a school counselor. Most states require an advanced degree, or graduate-level credits, for credentialing.
How long does it take to become a school counselor?
The educational requirements alone to become a school counselor include a commitment of 4-6 years. If your state requires additional school counseling preparation coursework, it could take more time to get credentialed.
What certification is available for school counselors?
Earning a certification from a professional counseling association gives you credibility as a school counselor. It can also help you get a pay raise. Generally, you need to take an exam and/or complete coursework for certification. The American School Counselor Association offers a certified school counselor credential to applicants who pass the Praxis and meet other continuing education requirements.
What are related fields to school counseling?
Many majors offer an education similar to school counseling, including psychology, sociology, and social work. When you study these majors, you may still qualify for state-issued credentials as a school counselor.
