Master’s in School Counseling Online Programs
An online school counseling graduate degree develops counseling skills, understanding of student development and academic/career-related topics.
When researching an online school counseling degree, there are several factors to consider, including whether your desired program aligns with the American School Counselor Association’s National Model. Other factors include:
- Accreditation
- Student support
- School internship placement assistance
- Class size
- Live discussions

University of Southern California (USC)
USC Master's in School Counseling online — No GRE
The University of Southern California Rossier School of Education offers a Master of Education in School Counseling online for aspiring K-12 school counselors. The program can be completed in less than two years and there is no GRE requirement.
- No GRE required
- Prepares you for school counseling credential
- Bachelor’s degree required

University of Denver
Master’s in School Counseling Online from the University of Denver
Advocate for P-12 students and become an agent of change in your community. With no GRE required, earn your Master in School Counseling online in as few as 24 months from the University of Denver. Gain valuable skills through a CACREP accredited curriculum centered on social justice.
- No GRE required
- Live, online classes
- Complete in as few as 24 months

New York University
Prepare to Become a School Counselor at NYU Steinhardt
Learn more about NYU Steinhardt’s online MA degree that prepares you to become a school counselor in as few as 18 months. Graduates can pursue certification and employment in pre-K–12 schools. Bachelor’s req.
- Complete in as few as 18 months.
- Pursue school counselor certification.
- Study bilingual school counseling (optional).
- GRE scores are not required.
SPONSORED
Compare Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs
What Does a School Counselor Do?
Depending on the age level of the students, school counselors — who are also sometimes called guidance counselors — perform different functions.
Elementary school
Elementary counselors help students with personal development, and any academic or social challenges students may be facing. They play a very important role in education whether they are working with the students themselves, parents and other school staff. They provide counseling on an individual level as well as in group settings for students. They also provide teachers with tools they need to keep their classrooms productive and safe spaces for students. Elementary school counselors may also consult with the school’s principal and other organizations to advocate for student issues, needs or problems.
The role of an elementary school counselor may include:
- Helping students set academic and social goals
- Working with those who are developmentally delayed or behaviorally challenged
- Working with teachers and the administration to adjust curriculum when needed for Particular students
- Informing parents and discussing significant issues with them
- Dealing with signs of drug or alcohol abuse
- Monitoring how marginal, lower-income, and minority students cope with daily life as students
- Counseling students who have a parent who has died or is in prison
Middle School
Middle school counselors also help students with personal, social and academic development. They may help students individually or gather a group of students together to help them work through interpersonal issues that arise in middle school, which can be a challenging time. In some cases, they redesign classrooms in order to give students the best possible learning environment or accommodate students with specific needs. Students learn in different ways, and middle school counselors address these unique needs through collaborative efforts. Middle school counselors work with parent organizations as well as other teachers to address student needs or help provide interventions.
High School
In high school, typically grades 9 or 10 through 12, those responsibilities grow to include teen life issues as well as college and career planning. Their priorities cover academic and social issues, life skills, and coordination with teachers and administrators. They may coordinate college-campus visits and help students who are applying to schools for financial support.
School counselors may teach classes on social issues, such as sex education. They may do vocational counseling, present information to the student population on bullying, and work with students and parents in mental-health situations, providing referrals to outside resources when needed. They may develop school programs to improve study habits and time management or give individual assessments to students that show promise or difficulty in specific areas.
Counselors at all levels develop written plans for their schools based on local student achievement goals and the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) School Counseling Standards. These standards include ethical guidelines, professional standards and competencies, and the ASCA’s “Mindset and Behaviors” for Student Success: K-12 College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Every Student,” which lists 35 standards to assess student development and increase achievement.
Sponsored Online Graduate Degree Programs in School Counseling
University and Program Name | Format | Test Requirement | Study Length | Number of Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Southern California (USC)
Master of Education in School Counseling SPONSORED | Online | No GRE Required | 2-3 years | 49 |
University of Denver
Master of Arts in School Counseling SPONSORED | Online | No GRE Required | As few as 24 months | 72 quarter credits |
New York University
Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance SPONSORED | Online | No GRE Required | As few as 18 months | 48 |
SPONSORED
Compare Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs
University and Program Name | Format | Study Length | Number of Credits |
---|---|---|---|
Adams State University Master of Arts in School Counseling | Online | 2 years | 60 |
Bradley University Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling | Online | 2 years | 60 |
Edinboro University Master of Arts in Counseling | Online | 2 years | 60-63 |
Indiana Wesleyan University Master of Arts in Counseling | Online | 1.5+ years | 36-48 |
Liberty University Master of Education in School Counseling | Online | 2.5 years | 48 |
Messiah University Master of Arts in Counseling | Online | 2+ years | 60 |
New York University
Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance SPONSORED | Online | As few as 18 months | 48 |
North Carolina Central University Master of Arts in School Counseling | Online | 2 years | 51 |
North Carolina State University Master of Education in School Counseling | Online | 3 years | 60 |
Regent University Master of Arts in School Counseling | Online | 2 years | 60 |
University of Denver
Master of Arts in School Counseling SPONSORED | Online | As few as 24 months | 72 quarter credits |
University of Massachusetts in Boston Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling | Online | 2 years | 60 |
University of Louisiana Monroe Masters of Science in School Counseling | Online | 2 years | 60 |
University of Southern California (USC)
Master of Education in School Counseling SPONSORED | Online | 2-3 years | 49 |
Wake Forest University Master of Arts in Counseling | Online | 2 years | 60 |
SPONSORED
Insights into Online School Counseling Master’s Degrees
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)
Edinboro University
Master of Arts in Counseling
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 60-63
Concentrations:Art Therapy Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, College Counseling, School Counseling
Admission Requirements:
- Personal essay
- Unofficial/official transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
- Disposition rating form
- TOEFL/IELTS/CAEL (for international applicants)
Indiana Wesleyan University
Division of Graduate Counseling
Master of Arts in Counseling
Marion, Indiana
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5+ years
Credits: 36-48
Concentrations:Addictions, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, School Counseling, Student Development Administration, Community Care
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
Messiah University
Master of Arts in Counseling
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 60
Concentrations:Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling, School Counseling
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Admission questions
- Course prerequisite in behavior science (9 credits)
- Two letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
- Interview

New York University
NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance
New York, New York
The Counseling@NYU program is designed for aspiring school counselors who want to help diverse pre-K–12 students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The online MA degree program is delivered by the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, which educates students to use their knowledge creatively to inspire social change.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: As few as 18 months
Credits: 48
North Carolina Central University
School of Education
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Durham, North Carolina
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in School Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 51
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Essay
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 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 in School Counseling online in as few as 24 months from the University of Denver. Gain valuable skills through a CACREP accredited curriculum centered on social justice.
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
SPONSORED
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 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

University of Southern California (USC)
USC Rossier School of Education
Master of Education in School Counseling
Los Angeles, California
The University of Southern California Rossier School of Education offers a Master of Education in School Counseling online for aspiring K-12 school counselors. This program prepares students to pursue their credential as a school counselor and focuses on three core areas of study: college and career readiness, restorative justice, and trauma informed practices.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2-3 years
Credits: 49
Admission Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree or its recognized equivalent from a regionally accredited institution
- A superior scholastic record, normally above a 3.0 GPA
- The ability to communicate effectively (both written and verbal) as demonstrated by academic performance and/or professional experience
- A Statement of Purpose
- Two short-answer responses
- Employment Information
- A minimum of two letters of recommendation
- Basic Skills Requirement
SPONSORED
Wake Forest University
Master of Arts in Counseling
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations:Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Interview
School Counseling Associations
The following are organizations counselors can access for professional support and networking:
- The National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. (NBCC): NBCC is the premier credentialing body for counselors, ensuring that counselors who become board certified have achieved the highest standard of practice through education, examination, supervision, experience and ethical guidelines.
- American School Counselor Association (ASCA): The ASCA supports school counselors’ efforts to help students further their academic, career and social-emotional development. ASCA provides professional development, publications, research and advocacy resources to school counselors nationwide.
- American Counseling Association (ACA): The ACA is a nonprofit organization that promotes the professional development of counselors and ensures ethical, culturally inclusive practices that protect those using counseling services.
- The Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling (ACAC): ACAC is a support and information network for counselors who work with children and adolescents, which strives to promote greater awareness, advocacy and understanding of children and adolescents within the counseling community.
How to Choose the Right School Counseling Degree
Look for Accredited School Counselor Degrees
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Programs (CACREP) and the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) accredit online counseling programs that meet specific standards that are important in shaping future professionals. Accredited programs may set the foundation for licensure in many states, ensuring future school counselors are best prepared for their work with students.
What is CACREP Accreditation?
CACREP school counseling accreditation is awarded to programs that meet their general standards as well as examine the some key aspects to the CACREP accredited curriculum:
- Various Models of School-Based Collaboration and Consultation
- Assessments Specific to Grades PreK-12 Education
- School Counselor Role as a Leader, Advocate, and System Change Agent
- Interventions to Promote Academic Development
- Promotion of Equity in Student Achievement and College Access
Learn more about what CACREP accreditation is through our guide.
What is MPCAC Accreditation?
MPCAC accredits a handful of school counseling programs across the United States. These standards are more general but a bit more comprehensive. Curriculum standards for MPCAC accreditation include:
- Evidence-based Theories and Practice of Counseling & Psychotherapy
- Multiculturalism and Diversity
- Biological Basis of Behavior
- Development Basis of Behavior
- Social, Organizational, Community Basis of Behavior

University of Southern California (USC)
USC Master's in School Counseling online — No GRE
The University of Southern California Rossier School of Education offers a Master of Education in School Counseling online for aspiring K-12 school counselors. The program can be completed in less than two years and there is no GRE requirement.
- No GRE required
- Prepares you for school counseling credential
- Bachelor’s degree required

University of Denver
Master’s in School Counseling Online from the University of Denver
Advocate for P-12 students and become an agent of change in your community. With no GRE required, earn your Master in School Counseling online in as few as 24 months from the University of Denver. Gain valuable skills through a CACREP accredited curriculum centered on social justice.
- No GRE required
- Live, online classes
- Complete in as few as 24 months

New York University
Prepare to Become a School Counselor at NYU Steinhardt
Learn more about NYU Steinhardt’s online MA degree that prepares you to become a school counselor in as few as 18 months. Graduates can pursue certification and employment in pre-K–12 schools. Bachelor’s req.
- Complete in as few as 18 months.
- Pursue school counselor certification.
- Study bilingual school counseling (optional).
- GRE scores are not required.
SPONSORED
Is an Online Master of School Counseling Right for You?
If you’re debating whether an online Master of School Counseling degree is right for you, it may be helpful to consider what goes into the investment, program expectations and common characteristics of online students. While online programs give students the flexibility to attend top-ranked universities across the country without having to relocate or give up personal obligations, a number of them are self-directed, which means students will likely need to feel comfortable working independently and remain self-motivated during the course of study. Additionally, online students are responsible for planning ahead and meeting all assignment deadlines.
Take time to think about your goals, qualifications and personal traits before applying to online master’s in school counseling programs.
Consider Online School Counseling Program Curriculum
As you research your options for a master’s degree, you may end up exploring courses within online school counseling programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Although specific course titles and content may vary, CACREP-accredited Master of School Counseling programs feature curriculum that covers eight core areas, representing knowledge fundamental to the counseling profession:
- Professional counseling orientation and ethical practice
- Social and cultural diversity
- Human growth and development
- Career development
- Counseling and helping relationships
- Group counseling and group work
- Assessment and testing
- Research and program evaluation
The curriculum for a Master of School Counseling program may include such topics as:
- Counseling theories, methods and techniques
- Principles of human growth and psychological development
- Social and cultural foundations
- Group counseling in the school setting
- Individual counseling
Refer to the American School Counselor Association’s School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies [PDF, 340 KB] when evaluating a graduate-level school counseling program’s curriculum. The ASCA framework outlines the knowledge, abilities and skills needed in order to meet the rigorous demands of the school counseling profession. These competencies are also useful in helping school counselors self-assess their own skill sets and formulate appropriate professional development plans.
Consider Online School Counseling Program’s Practicum and/or Internship Requirements
Online Master of School Counseling programs may include a practicum and/or internship component. In CACREP-accredited programs, this consists of a minimum of a 100-hour practicum (minimum 40 hours of direct service) and a 600-hour internship (minimum 240 hours of direct service). CACREP defines direct service as “the supervised use of counseling, consultation or related professional skills with actual clients for the purpose of fostering social, cognitive, behavioral and/or affective change.”
The practicum and internship portion of a graduate counseling program may satisfy fieldwork requirements for entry to professional practice; additional hours may be needed depending on your state’s licensure requirements.
Your internship experience is essential to post-graduate licensure or certification, and internship requirements vary by state. Internships will also give you the opportunity to practice your learned skills in real time, under a licensed and approved supervisor. Even if you have experience working in mental health or education, securing an internship site may be difficult to navigate. Some universities have distance learning internship placement teams to help you secure your next experience, no matter where you live.
Because the clinical experience portion of an online Master of School Counseling program is time- and effort-intensive, prospective students should plan accordingly before enrolling. Some questions to ask regarding the clinical component include:
- What are the practicum and/or internship requirements?
- What is the weekly expected time commitment for fieldwork?
- Does the program help identify suitable clinical sites?
- Are there any required on-campus residencies or intensives?
Consider Class Size and Student Support
Students attending graduate coursework on campus may be able to check in with their advisors, financial aid representatives or other support services personnel. For online students, connecting with these critical supporters will look different. Some online school counseling programs have support for online students specifically—sometimes with extended office hours, virtual meeting times and online resources.
Additionally, having a smaller number of peers in your cohort or team may help you develop professional and meaningful relationships that may transcend your online school counseling program. With a smaller ratio between students and instructors, professors may be able to provide more one-on-one discussion and personalized face time.
What Is the Type of Online Learning Environment?
Synchronous learning allows students and instructors to meet at a designated time, possibly once a week virtually. In these live discussions, online school counseling students can “meet” face-to-face in a format mimicking on-campus interactions. This type of learning enables online school counseling degree students to share experiences, theoretical questions or ask for support.
Do the Courses Have an ASCA National Model Influence?
For any online master’s in school counseling, you may want to make sure that their curriculum and values align with the American School Counselor Association’s National Model. Master’s degree programs in school counseling cover topics such as foundations in school counseling, school counseling program development, child and student development theories and learning/behavioral disorders.
As a result, school counselors are prepared to develop and deliver school counseling programs that promote student development in academics, their personal/social lives and careers. Through these programs, school counselors advocate for equitable access to education and use data to drive decision making.
MS vs. MA vs. MEd in School Counseling
Online school counseling graduate programs may confer either a Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling. The differences between MS, MA and MEd programs are minor, but it’s important that you understand these differences so you can decide which type of school counseling degree program is right for you.
- Master of Science degree programs promote mastery of counseling psychology through research projects, thesis presentations and fieldwork experiences. As a scholarly focused degree, the MS in School Counseling may be ideal for students interested in continuing their education with a doctoral degree.
- Master of Arts degrees are almost identical to MS programs in terms of coursework and practicum/internship experiences and requirements. If you have an undergraduate degree in a field other than psychology, it may be easier to be admitted to an MA program.
- Master of Education degree programs may focus more on pedagogy and educational theory than MS and MA programs. To apply to a Master of Education in School Counseling degree program, you may need an undergraduate degree in education or experience working as an educator.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in School Counseling?
You may be wondering, “What can I do with a master’s in school counseling?” There are a variety of career options available once you’ve earned a master’s degree. Many school counselors choose to work in educational settings such as elementary, middle and high schools, specializing in areas such as mental health and family counseling. There are also school counselors who work at universities and colleges.
FAQs
Yes. Counselors must hold a master’s degree in school counseling in order to become a school counselor. Beyond graduate coursework, students also complete a certain amount of hours of supervised training in a school environment.
Yes, school counselor can become an LPC, or licensed professional counselor, according to the American Counseling Association School Counselor Connection information sheet [PDF, 176 KB]. It’s possible to pursue a license while in graduate school, but you must obtain a master’s degree to become licensed. School counselors pursue licensure for a variety of reasons, such as to help deepen their knowledge of mental health disorders.
A guidance counselor is the equivalent of a school counselor; therefore, guidance counselors, or school counselors, must obtain a master’s degree in order to become a counselor. A typical pathway is earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field and then pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling.
In order to become a school counselor, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree, earn a master’s degree in school counseling, complete an internship and pass exams for licensure. You must keep your skills up to date with continuing education.
All school counselors must hold a master’s degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school and career counselors earned a median annual wage of $60,510 as of May 2021, and the highest 10% earned more than $98,190
See our guide to school counselor salaries.
Last updated April 2022.