Online school counseling programs with no GRE
A school counselor is a licensed education professional who supports students in three key areas: academic progress, social and emotional development, and college or career readiness. School counselors work as part of a school’s student support team and may serve students in elementary, middle, or high school settings, depending on their training and state credentialing requirements.
If you’re considering this career path, it helps to look for programs that align with your goals, preferred grade level, and state licensure requirements. Comparing online school counseling programs that don’t require the GRE can be a practical way to narrow your options and find one that fits your schedule, budget, and professional plans.
The program cards and table featured on this page were last updated in April 2026. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.
Sponsored online school counseling programs
University of Denver
Morgridge College of Education Online
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Build a career while helping P-12 students achieve success. Apply today to earn your Master’s degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver.
- No GRE required
- Live, online classes
- Complete in as few as 24 months
Compare online master’s in school counseling programs that don’t require GRE
| University and Program Name | Test Requirement | Study Length | Number of Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adams State University Master of Arts in School Counseling | No GRE Required | 2 years | 60 |
| Bradley University Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling | No GRE Required | 2 years | 60 |
| University of Louisiana Monroe Masters of Science in School Counseling | No GRE Required | 2 years | 60 |
| Capella University Master of Science in School Counseling | No GRE Required | 2+ years | 72 quarter credits |
| Boston College Master of Arts in School Counseling | No GRE Required | 2+ years | 48 |
| Liberty University Master of Education in School Counseling | No GRE Required | 2.5 years | 48 |
| California State University of Sacramento Master of Science in Counseling, Concentration in School Counseling with Embedded PPS Credential | No GRE Required | 2 years | 60 |
| University of Massachusetts in Boston Masters of Education in Counseling | No GRE Required | 2 years | 60 |
|
University of Denver
Master of Arts in School Counseling AD | No GRE Required | As few as 24 months | 72 quarter credits |
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List of online master’s in school counseling programs with no GRE requirement
Adams State University
Department of Counselor Education and Family Therapy
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Alamosa, Colorado
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in School Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- Two official transcripts
- CV/resume
- Two essays (professional and personal)
- Three letters of recommendation
Bradley University
College of Education and Health Sciences
Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling
Peoria, Illinois
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- CV/resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL, valid ID, and proof of funds (international students)
University of Louisiana Monroe
College of Health Sciences
Masters of Science in School Counseling
Monroe, Louisiana
Name of Degree: Masters of Science in School Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- CV/resume
- Letter of interest
- Three letters of recommendation
Capella University
Master of Science in School Counseling
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Name of Degree: Master of Science in School Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 72 quarter credits
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
- Personal essay
- Valid ID
- Proof of fluency and transcript evaluation (for international applicants)
Boston College
School of Education and Human Development
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in School Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 48
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- CV/resume
- Personal essay
- Two letters of recommendation
- Unofficial/official transcripts
- TOEFL and transcript evaluation (for international applicants)
Liberty University
School of Behavioral Sciences
Master of Education in School Counseling
Lynchburg, Virginia
Name of Degree: Master of Education in School Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2.5 years
Credits: 48
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Two references
- Bachelors degree
- Course prerequisite in statistics (3 credit hours)
- Statement of purpose
- Official transcripts
- Completion of form agreeing to Mission/Diversity Statement
- Proof of proficiency in English
California State University of Sacramento
College of Education
Master of Science in Counseling, Concentration in School Counseling with Embedded PPS Credential
Sacramento, California
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Counseling, Concentration in School Counseling with Embedded PPS Credential
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Written statement
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
- Interview
North Carolina State University
College of Education
Master of Education in School Counseling
Raleigh, North Carolina
Name of Degree: Master of Education in School Counseling
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 3 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Bachelors degree
- Three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL (for international applicants)
Regent University
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in School Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Background survey
- Unofficial/official transcripts
- Three references
- Valid ID
- Interview
University of Massachusetts in Boston
College of Education and Human Development
Masters of Education in Counseling
Boston, Massachusetts
Name of Degree: Masters of Education in Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations:Adjustment Counseling
Admission Requirements:
- CV/resume
- Letter of interest
- Three letters of recommendation
University of Denver
Morgridge College of Education Online
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Denver, Colorado
Advocate for P-12 students and become an agent of change in your community. With no GRE required, earn your Master’s in School Counseling online in as few as 24 months from the University of Denver. Gain valuable skills through a curriculum centered on social justice and designed to adhere to the standards set by CACREP.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: As few as 24 months
Credits: 72 quarter credits
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current resume
- Unofficial transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you attended; if admitted, official transcripts will be required
- Statement of professional goals
- Diversity statement
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What to look for in an online master’s in school counseling program
State licensure requirements
School counselors are licensed or credentialed by the state where they work, and requirements vary by state. Before enrolling in an online master’s in school counseling program, review your state’s current requirements carefully. These may include specific coursework, total credit hours, supervised practicum and internship experiences, and exam requirements. It is also important to confirm that the program meets any state standards for institutional or programmatic accreditation.
The American School Counselors Association (ASCA) maintains a database of state and territory requirements.
CACREP accreditation
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) sets nationally recognized standards for counselor preparation programs and maintains a directory of accredited programs.
When choosing an online master’s in school counseling program with no GRE requirement, it is worth checking whether the program is CACREP-accredited, since accreditation may affect licensure pathways, application review, or degree portability across states.
Requirements vary by state, so confirm whether CACREP accreditation is required or preferred for the credential you plan to pursue. Learn more about CACREP accreditation and view our list of CACREP-accredited programs.
Experience and personal development
Counselors cultivate essential therapeutic skills, including empathy, setting boundaries, and effective communication, to help them excel in their roles. Students may practice therapeutic skills in an internship or practicum. Consider looking for a program that encourages self-exploration to deepen therapeutic skills and sets students up for opportunities to practice outside of the classroom.
FAQ
Schools may have a GRE waiver or no GRE requirement. Both may rely on other application materials to gauge whether you are a good fit for their program. A waiver typically requires an alternative test score, such as a MAT or GMAT. Depending on the institution, an advanced degree or a cumulative GPA above a certain threshold may also help secure approval for a GRE waiver. Schools with no GRE requirement typically don’t ask you to take the GRE test and don’t require supplemental information. Students should verify the specific requirements with the university they are considering.
School counselors work in a variety of school settings. They work with youth, helping them navigate life transitions and family situations, offering guidance on major choices, and generally supporting the development of individuals’ well-being. Different states have different requirements for becoming a school or guidance counselor.
The median annual wage for school and career counselors was $65,140 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The same data indicate that the top 10% of counselors earned more than $105,870, while the bottom 10% earned less than $43,580. The highest earners worked at state, local, and private elementary or secondary schools.
Sponsored online school counseling programs
Information last updated April 2026