Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

An online master's in school counseling prepares you to work with elementary school to college-aged students. Discover if that's the right path for you, and let us help you pick the best program.
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  • You need a master's degree to practice clinical school counseling.
  • School counseling graduate programs prepare you to work with students of all ages.
  • Licensed school counselors typically earn between 60K and 98K.
  • The right online master's degree program can help you make career progress while holding down a job and other responsibilities.

School counselors are the unsung heroes of the education system. They are devoted to ensuring student success, access, and equity from kindergarten through college.

If that sounds like the kind of career you want, an online master's in school counseling might be the best fit. Here's how to get started:

  • Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
  • Check out the top-ranked online master's in school counseling programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
  • Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for your schedule, pocketbook, and career goals.

What Can You Do With a Master's in School Counseling?

  • What It's About: In this program, you study challenges many children and students face. You work to develop skills so you can help children manage and potentially overcome their challenges.
  • Purpose: A master's degree is the minimum requirement for clinical counseling positions. You can go on to pursue advanced school counselor positions or move into other related fields.
  • Place of Work: School counselors work to maximize student success in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges.

Why Should I Get a Master's in School Counseling Degree?

To start, you can't become a school counselor without one. A master's in school counseling gives you the specialized skills and training required to work closely with student populations and develop a counseling program in a school.

Benefits of a Master's in School Counseling

  • Qualify for licensure to work with student populations
  • Access to school counseling roles
  • Boost your earning potential
  • Pick your preferred student age group
  • Make a major difference in the lives of young people
  • Learn transferable career skills

Reasons to Get Your School Counseling Degree Online

  • More flexibility
  • Complete coursework remotely
  • Ability to learn from anywhere
  • Great for career-changers

How Much Does a Master's in School Counseling Degree Cost?

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that tuition for a master's degree costs between $44,000-$57,000 for two years as of 2022. Attending a public school in your state or choosing an affordable online school counseling program can help keep your costs down.

Online programs can help you save on commuting costs, on-campus fees, and room and board. When you calculate the price tag of getting your online master's degree, weigh any potential indirect costs, including:

  • Travel
  • Books
  • Materials
  • Technology fees
  • Loss of income

Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Master's Degree

Public Institution

$11,957

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$19,167

Source: BestColleges


Total Average Cost of a Master's Degree (Two Years)

Public Institution

$54,718

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$72,572

Source: BestColleges

What Are the Best Online Master's in School Counseling Programs?

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#1 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

Campbellsville University

  • Campbellsville, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes 

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $310
Out of State | $310

Credits to Graduate
48

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation 

If you want to approach school counseling from a Christian perspective, CU's online master's in school counseling might be a good fit. The program teaches you how to guide students through modern emotional, social, and family issues. 

You'll complete all your coursework online. However, the program does require three internships in a supervised school setting. When you graduate, you'll have 400 hours of experience under your belt. To qualify for Campbellsville's master's in school counseling program, you need at least a 2.75 GPA. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$24,900
Out-of-state
$24,900
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,473
Out-of-state
$8,473
Retention Rate
64%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
12,771
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
72% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $565
Out of State | $565

Credits to Graduate
48

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Liberty is a Christian school that offers an online master's in school counseling. With this graduate degree, you'll hone skills to serve students at private Christian and public schools alike. Liberty allows you to transfer credits up to 50% of the degree total.

Liberty's online master's in school counseling program requires two in-person intensives and internships. You can expect to spend about 2.5 years on this degree. To apply, you'll need at least a 2.7 GPA from an accredited school. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,935
Out-of-state
$7,935
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

Seton Hall University

  • South Orange, NJ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $820
Out of State | $820

Credits to Graduate
48

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Seton Hall offers an online master of arts in school counseling that you can complete in about 2-2.5 years. While the program runs online, you can meet your professors and peers face to face through an annual four-day intensive. 

Seton Hall's master's in school counseling program covers topics like human development, learning and behavior modification, and career counseling. The application includes official transcripts and an application fee. If you have less than a 3.0 GPA, you will need special approval from the program director to gain admittance. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$42,920
Out-of-state
$42,920
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$24,372
Out-of-state
$24,372
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
9,814
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
87% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

  • Raleigh, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $505
Out of State | $1,572

Credits to Graduate
Varies 

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

With NC State's online master's degree in school counseling, you can advance your education in just three years on a part-time schedule. In this program, you'll learn about developmental theories and preventative interventions.

The program requires you to take courses over the summer. In addition, the final year of the program includes in-person weekend sessions. 

NC State's master's in school counseling program does not set specific GPA or test score requirements for admission. However, the admission committee evaluates you based on your academic achievement and demonstrated leadership abilities.  

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,535
Out-of-state
$26,654
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,095
Out-of-state
$26,421
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
46%
Students Enrolled
36,042
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

New York University

  • New York, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $2,020
Out of State | $2,020

Credits to Graduate
48

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Board

NYU's online master's in school counseling preps you to work with students in grades K-12. The program may be a great fit for you if you want to help students who speak English as a second language. 

In NYU's master's in school counseling program, you can choose a concentration in bilingual school counseling or general school counseling. You'll also develop skills through a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship. The school features a rolling admission year-round, and the application does not require GRE scores. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$52,204
Out-of-state
$52,204
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$34,704
Out-of-state
$34,704
Retention Rate
90%
Admission Rate
21%
Students Enrolled
52,775
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
89% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

University of West Alabama

  • Livingston, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes 

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $429
Out of State | $429

Credits to Graduate
60

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation 

If you want to be a school counselor in Alabama, UWA's online master's program ranks as one of the best in the state. You can tailor your studies to meet your career goals with electives in addiction recovery and trauma. 

To qualify for UWA's master's in school counseling program, you need about two years of experience working in the education field. The application also requires a portfolio that highlights your career goals, respect for cultural differences, and potential for success in the counseling field. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,100
Out-of-state
$18,200
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,678
Out-of-state
$13,356
Retention Rate
63%
Admission Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
5,734
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

Oregon State University

  • Corvallis, OR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $590
Out of State | $590

Credits to Graduate
90

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

OSU's online master's in school counseling emphasizes inclusion and equity in the school counseling field. Through this program, you'll learn how to empower all types of students, especially ones from underrepresented backgrounds. The courses also help you hone your group and family counseling skills. 

OSU's master's in school counseling program starts in the summer, and OSU only enrolls 18 students per annual cohort. The school assesses you based on your academic background, goals, experience, and personal suitability.  

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,846
Out-of-state
$29,445
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,257
Out-of-state
$26,109
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
32,312
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#8 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

Concordia University-Irvine

  • Irvine, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $650
Out of State | $650

Credits to Graduate
48

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

Whether you want to work as a school counselor in a private or public school in California, CUI is a good option. Counseling requires a versatile skill set, and this master's in school counseling program can help you rise to the challenge. 

The coursework covers counseling principles for academic, career, and social development. The school provides four different start times and follows a cohort format. You'll need a valid teaching credential or certificate along with a minimum 2.75 GPA to qualify for this program.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$37,250
Out-of-state
$37,250
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,121
Out-of-state
$8,121
Retention Rate
68%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
4,071
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#9 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

University of North Dakota

  • Grand Forks, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State |  $498
Out of State | $498

Credits to Graduate
60-66

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation

You can complete an online master of counseling with a K-12 specialization track in as few as 36 months at UND. Through your studies, you'll learn how to guide students in ​​cognitive and emotional development during their most formative years. 

Before you graduate, you'll gain hands-on experience at a local internship site. UND's master's in school counseling program offers three start times throughout the year. The application doesn't require the GRE. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,540
Out-of-state
$12,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,060
Out-of-state
$16,590
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
13,615
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
83% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

Monmouth University

  • West Long Branch, NJ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online or Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,348
Out of State | $1,348

Credits to Graduate
48

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program 

If you want to take a social justice approach in your school counseling practice, consider Monmouth. The school's master of science in education in school counseling discusses how socioeconomics, privilege, and gender identity impact the profession. 

Monmouth allows students to pick their learning format. You'll also put the theories and skills you learn to the test through 700 hours of supervised practice experience. The application requires your official transcripts and GRE scores. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$39,968
Out-of-state
$39,968
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$27,874
Out-of-state
$27,874
Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
5,674
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master's Degree in School Counseling?

Most full-time programs take between 18-24 months to complete. Part-time students generally need closer to three years to graduate, while some distance learners can graduate sooner by enrolling in accelerated programs.

Required Course Credits

30-60*

Field Study Requirements

Yes*
*Depending on your program and specialization

How Much Money Can I Make With a Master's in School Counseling Degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for school and career counselors was $60,510 in May 2021. This salary is well above the median annual wage of $45,760 for all U.S. workers.

Those working at elementary and secondary schools earned a median annual salary of $63,460 in 2021, while those at junior colleges made $49,430. Salaries vary depending on the employer and may increase with further education, experience, and credentialing.

"Generally, school counselors make similar salaries as teachers within the district. However, there is often additional pay for having a master's [degree]… "

Amanda Sterk, MS in School Counseling, Ed.D.

Median annual wage for school and career counselors

$60,510

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median annual wage for the highest 10% of earners

$98,190

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Salary also varies by location. The BLS reports that some of the top-paying states for school counselors include California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Washington.

What Jobs Can I Get With a Master's in School Counseling Degree?

What can you do with a master's in school counseling degree? In addition to school counseling careers, you may be able to pursue marriage therapy positions, mental health counseling careers, and other related support professions. Some of these positions may require extra licensure.

"Traditionally, those that get a degree in school counseling will want to [work] as a school counselor. However, many go on to work in social work, higher education positions, school-based after-school programs, and nonprofit organizations that focus on student success."

Amanda Sterk, MS in School Counseling, Ed.D.

You can also take on community social work roles, using your expertise in counseling and helping others. Some popular career paths include:

Career Paths You Can Pursue With a Master's in School Counseling

  • School or Career Counselor
  • Community Services Manager
  • Social Worker
  • Substance Misuse Counselor
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Juvenile Justice Counselor

Is an Online Master's in School Counseling Worth It?

Yes. Earning a master's in school counseling can provide many personal and professional benefits. According to the BLS, school and career counselors enjoy higher-than-average median annual earnings and projected job growth.

An advanced degree can lead you to a school counseling career and fulfill a need to make a difference. The training can also prepare you for careers in other fields, along with management positions.

"School counseling is worth it on many levels. Many teachers seek to be school counselors after a few years of teaching, as they love working with students but may not want to teach all day, and they like the more varied schedule."
Andrew Lokenauth

Amanda Sterk, MS in School Counseling, Ed.D.

"It sounds corny, but knowing that you're helping people reach their potential is huge. I loved that I was planting the seeds of self-care at a young age, teaching even kindergarteners that everyone has problems sometimes and it's okay to ask for help."
Andrew Lokenauth

Lisa Hess, M.S. in Education, Previously Served as an Elementary School Counselor

Everything Else You Need to Know About Master's in School Counseling Degrees

What's the difference between a master of arts (MA), a master of science (MS), and a master of education (M.Ed.) in school counseling?

While all three degrees can lead to similar careers, they have differences. M.Ed. programs tend to focus on educational psychology and helping students in a school setting.

MA programs lean more heavily into research and academia. MS programs offer a blend of research and clinical preparation and may feature more statistics and psychology courses.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in school counseling?

According to the BLS, elementary and secondary school counselors made the most money in 2021, with a median annual salary of $63,460 (compared to $49,430 for college-level counselors).

The highest-paid 10% of school counselors that year made a median salary of more than $98,190.

What courses will I take in a master's in school counseling program?

The exact curriculum will depend on your school and program, but most master's in school counseling degrees include classes like:

  • School counseling techniques
  • Multicultural counseling
  • Lifespan development
  • Academic and career counseling
  • Professional issues and ethics

But you won't complete all your learning in a (virtual) classroom — you must also complete about 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work before becoming a counselor.

If you are interested in helping professions, here are some other paths you might consider:

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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