Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs of 2023
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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:
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.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
- 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?
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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.
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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.
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Place of Work: School counselors work to maximize student success in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges.
Check out these Best Colleges Sponsored Programs in School Counseling
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 amaster'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 of 2023?
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
— 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."
— 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.
