School counselors offer academic, behavioral, and emotional support to students from kindergarten through grade 12. Earning a master's in school counseling online provides a flexible and convenient pathway to a graduate degree and state licensure and certification.
Our guide ranks online master's in school counseling programs based on academic quality, curriculum offerings, and affordability to help you find the best school to fit your needs.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in School Counseling Programs
#1 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: State of Florida Department of Education; Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $444
Out-of-State | $1,075
Credits to Graduate: 60
FSU's online master's in school counseling degree offers a path to pursue licensure working with K-12 students in Florida. The coursework integrates data-driven methods for creating and analyzing school counseling programs. Students must pass a comprehensive exam. FSU requires 700 hours of internships and supervised field experience that prepare you for licensure.
Out of the 23 students from FSU who took the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination in 2022, 52.17% passed, according to the Florida Board of Mental Health.
Percent Online Enrollment
58%
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
New York University
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,101
Out-of-State | $2,101
Credits to Graduate: 48-51
NYU's online master's in school counseling degree, with a focus on equity and social justice, prepares students for certification to work in elementary or secondary schools. This 48-credit program requires a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. NYU Steinhardt offers multiple start dates, and students can graduate in 18-33 months.
The program combines synchronous class meetings, online counseling labs, and one in-person immersion experience in New York City. In your last term, you'll complete the Counselor Education Comprehensive Examination.
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
University of the Cumberlands
- Williamsburg, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Kentucky's Educational Professional Standards Board; Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $315
Out-of-State | $315
Credits to Graduate: 45
UC offers a master's in education degree with a specialization in school counseling that caters to current educators seeking credentials. This 45-credit program delves into counseling for students with diverse needs and special education. The degree culminates with a practicum or internship.
Course options include online, in-person, and hybrid formats for weekend and evening classes. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, at least a 2.75 GPA, and employment in a Tennessee school district.
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,244
Out-of-State | $2,244
Credits to Graduate: 49
Students can pursue a part-time or full-time school counseling master's online at USC. Over a span of 2-2.5 years, students progress through self-paced coursework and live-streamed classes. Courses integrate college and career readiness, restorative justice, and trauma-informed practice. Get experience in K-12 schools, completing a 600-hour internship and 100-hour practicum.
This program prepares students to pursue the pupil personnel services credential. Admission to USC's graduate school requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
Texas A&M International University
- Laredo, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Texas State Board for Educator Certification
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $367
Out-of-State | $367
Credits to Graduate: 48
TAMIU's online master's in school counseling degree helps educators make a career switch to become counselors. The 16-month program is entirely online except for required practicums. Coursework teaches students to apply counseling theories and culturally responsive interventions. Graduation requirements include a 100-hour practicum and a 300-hour internship under the supervision of a school counselor.
TAMIU requires applicants to hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Candidates must also have at least one year of teaching experience.
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $1,635
Credits to Graduate: 60
NC State's master's in counselor education gives students the foundation to pursue a professional counseling license in North Carolina. The three-year, part-time program builds competency in theory and practice with field experiences in K-12 schools. The final year requires in-person courses on the weekends and two 300-hour internships.
Applicants must provide three letters of recommendation and complete an interview, if requested. According to NC State, 100% of the 22 graduates in 2023 secured jobs and 50% passed the licensure exam.
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
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
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Cost per Year:
In-State | $16,416
Out-of-State | $16,416
Credits to Graduate: 48
NU's master's in educational counseling degree offers social justice leaders two career pathways. Students can specialize in pupil personnel services or community college counseling. Students develop skills in cultural conscious counseling, equity driven leadership, ethics and legal mandates, and research methods in schools through online coursework, internships, and field experiences.
Apply and start this program the following month, thanks to NU's rolling admission process. Applicants with undergraduate GPAs below 2.5 may need to submit standardized test scores.
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#8 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
University of Missouri
- Columbia, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Teacher Education Accreditation Council and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $535
Out-of-State | $535
Credits to Graduate: 60
Mizzou's master's in educational, school, and counseling psychology allows students to take one course at a time over three years with no on-campus requirements. The 60-credit curriculum highlights diversity, equity, and inclusivity and offers teacher preparation courses for students without a K-12 teaching certification. Graduates can pursue school counseling certification in Missouri if they complete two practicums.
To pursue this master's of school counseling online, applicants need a bachelor's degree in any major and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
East Carolina University
- Greenville, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $263
Out-of-State | $994
Credits to Graduate: 45
ECU's master's in counselor education program prepares graduates for careers in professional school counseling, student affairs, college counseling, or clinical mental health counseling. Coursework explores career counseling and development, theory and techniques, and research problems in adult education. The program includes a practicum and two internships. To meet the degree requirements, students must pass a comprehensive exam.
According to ECU, in the 2022-2023 school year, 88% of the program's 30 graduates passed the state exam.
Percent Online Enrollment
74%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling
Regent University
- Virginia Beach, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $730
Out-of-State | $730
Credits to Graduate: 60
Regent's master's in school counseling degree offers a path to school counselor certification in Virginia. Online courses explore counseling children and adolescents, principles of school counseling, and program development and evaluation through a Christian perspective. The program requires an in-person practicum, two semester-long internships, and two-week-long residences on campus.
Admission requires a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology or a similar field and a 3.0 GPA. Applicants with a 3.5 GPA can opt out of the GRE or GMAT requirements.
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Why Get a School Counseling Master's Online?
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects demand for school counselors to increase as more schools recognize the need to provide students with academic, psychological, and career support.
- School counselors can make a difference in the lives of young people by helping them overcome challenges.
- Most states require a master's degree, licensure, and certification to qualify for school counseling jobs.
- An online master's in school counseling prepares you for employment in a variety of settings, including elementary and secondary schools.
- Earning a master's in school counseling online makes it easier to earn a graduate degree while maintaining work and family responsibilities.
- Online programs may save you more money than traditional campus-based programs.
How Much Does a School Counseling Master's Degree Cost?
The average tuition for a master's degree was $20,513 for the 2021-22 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Attending a public school in your home state costs significantly less than a private institution. Full-time graduate students at public postsecondary institutions paid an average tuition of $12,596 compared to $28,017 at private schools.
Some online programs may offer less expensive tuition than on-campus programs by charging in-state rates regardless of your location. Earning a master's in school counseling online may also save you money on transportation and housing.
What Can You Do With a Master's in School Counseling?
School counselors can pursue many career opportunities at educational institutions and youth organizations. Salaries vary depending on the employment setting, job responsibilities, and years of experience.
Specialization Areas in School Counseling
School counselors play an essential role in supporting the academic and personal development of students from elementary and middle school grades through high school.
While their duties vary depending on the age of the students they serve, school counselors provide individualized guidance and advocate for their students’ well-being.
Elementary School Counseling
Elementary school counselors help young children develop the academic, emotional, and social skills they need to succeed in school. These counselors use techniques of early identification, assessment, and intervention to help and support children experiencing trauma, unexpected family changes, or other events that hinder a child’s overall well-being. They work with students who have special needs and may recommend appropriate referrals for extra assistance.
Elementary school counselors collaborate and exchange information with teachers and other staff members. They often interact with parents and other family members to determine how home environments impact student behavior at school.
Middle School Counseling
Middle school counselors help students achieve academic success, develop healthy peer relationships, resolve conflicts, and foster self-awareness and acceptance during adolescence. In collaboration with other teachers and staff, they provide support and resources to students and their families coping with stress and transition.
An important part of their duties is providing academic and career guidance to help students make decisions about their future. They help students prepare for high school by fostering time management, test-taking, and study skills. Middle school counselors often develop and deliver cultural awareness training, sex education, and substance use awareness instruction.
High School Counseling
A high school counselor offers vital services from academic advising to career counseling. They assist students at the beginning of each term to choose classes, balancing student interests with degree completion requirements. They also serve as an important college and career planning resource, working individually with students about college admissions requirements, standardized tests, and career preparation.
High school counselors work directly with students with academic challenges and steer them to tutoring services. They advocate for students with special needs or disabilities, developing individualized educational plans and connecting them with social workers, psychologists, and other outside resources.
How to Become a School Counselor: 5 Steps
While each state and employer sets their own requirements, becoming a school counselor includes obtaining an undergraduate and graduate degree and passing the state-required licensure exam.
1 | Earn Your Bachelor's
The first step toward earning any graduate degree is to get a bachelor's, which typically takes four years. Most master's in school counseling admit applicants with undergraduate degrees in counseling or a related field such as psychology, sociology, or education. Graduate programs may recommend undergraduate prerequisite courses in statistics, research methods, and developmental psychology.
2 | Complete a Master's Program
After completing your bachelor's, you should apply to a master's in school counseling program at an accredited college or university. A master's consists of approximately 60 credits over 2-3 years, including coursework, research, and clinical experiences. Earning a master's in school counseling that meets standards set by the American School Counselor Association helps prepare you to take your state licensure exam.
3 | Fulfill Practicum, Internship, or Experience Requirements
During your master's program, you complete a clinical practicum or internship designed to give you experience in school counseling. The number of required hours is usually determined by the state in which you plan to practice. Some jurisdictions, such as Nebraska and Washington, D.C., also require two years of classroom teaching experience, which requires earning and maintaining state teaching certification.
4 | Obtain Certification
In addition to state licensure, school counselors may apply for certification demonstrating their knowledge and commitment to the field. Obtaining school counselor certification can also boost career opportunities and advancement. The American School Counselor Association and the National Board for Certified Counselors offer certifications for school counselors.
5 | Pass Your State's Exam
To practice as a school counselor, you must pass your state's licensure exam for school counselors. While specific requirements vary by state, school counselor licensure generally requires at least a master's degree in counseling from an accredited university, fingerprint and criminal background checks, and payment of applicable registration fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in School Counseling
It takes about six years of schooling to become a school counselor. After completing your bachelor's degree, you can finish graduate school in two years.
School counselors are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% job growth for school and career counselors and advisors from 2022-2032, which is faster than average.
Earning a master's in school counseling requires time, commitment, and financial investment. Working as a school counselor can be physically and emotionally demanding but rewarding as you help students overcome challenges. Like any career, make sure this profession suits your interests and career goals.
School counselors earned a median annual salary of $60,140 in 2022, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% of earners make more than $98,000. Pay varies by setting, with school counselors earning the most ($65,930) in elementary and secondary schools.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Best College Reviews. Page last reviewed November 29, 2023.
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