Master’s in School Counseling Online Programs

An online school counseling graduate degree fosters the growth of counseling skills, understanding of student development and expertise in academic and 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 (ASCA) National Model. Other factors include:

  • Accreditation
  • Student support
  • School internship placement assistance
  • Class size
  • Live discussions

University of Southern California (USC)

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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

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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

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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. 

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Compare Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

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What Does a School Counselor Do?

The functions of school counselors, also known as guidance counselors, vary depending on the age or grade level of the students they serve.

Elementary School

Elementary school counselors help students with personal development and any academic or social challenges they may be facing. They play a crucial 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 the tools and resources they need to make 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.

Common responsibilities 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 the curriculum when needed.
  • Providing parents with relevant information and discussing significant issues or incidents with them.
  • Dealing with signs of drug or alcohol abuse.
  • Monitoring how marginal, lower-income and minority students cope with daily school life. 
  • Counseling students who are coping with the death or incarceration of a parent.

Middle School

Undertaking a multifaceted role, middle school counselors support students both individually and within group settings, tending to their personal, social and academic development needs. They also help students resolve interpersonal challenges that surface during this complex phase of life. In some cases, they may suggest classroom redesigns to optimize the learning environment for students or to cater to the requirements of those with specific requirements. Students learn in different ways, and middle school counselors address these learning styles through collaborative efforts. Middle school counselors work with parent organizations, as well as teachers.

High School

In high school, counselors’ responsibilities grow to include teen issues as well as college and career planning. Their priorities cover academic and social matters, life skills and coordination with teachers and administrators. They may organize college-campus visits and help students who are applying to schools for financial support.

School counselors may teach classes touching on social topics, such as sex education and bullying. They may also conduct vocational counseling 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 ASCA’s School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies. These standards include ethical guidelines, professional norms and competencies and the ASCA’s Student Standards (PDF, 1.9 MB), which lists criteria to assess student development and increase achievement.

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • Two official transcripts
  • CV/resume
  • Two essays (professional and personal)
  • Three letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Arts in School Counseling from Adams State University

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • CV/resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL, valid ID, and proof of funds (international students)
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling from Bradley University

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)
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Counseling from Edinboro University

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/A

Admission 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 
Learn more about the Master of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University

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 
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Counseling from Messiah University

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree 
  • Official transcripts 
  • Two letters of recommendation 
  • Essay 
Learn more about the Master of Arts in School Counseling from North Carolina Central University

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Official transcripts
  • Bachelors degree
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Education in School Counseling from North Carolina State University

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Background survey
  • Unofficial/official transcripts
  • Three references
  • Valid ID
  • Interview
Learn more about the Master of Arts in School Counseling from Regent University

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
Learn more about the Masters of Education in Counseling from University of Massachusetts in Boston

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  •  CV/resume  
  • Letter of interest  
  • Three letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Masters of Science in School Counseling from University of Louisiana Monroe

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 
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Counseling from Wake Forest University

School Counseling Associations

Organizations for professional support and networking include:

  • 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 and Related Programs (CACREP) and the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) are the accrediting bodies for online counseling programs that meet specific standards 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 key aspects of the CACREP-accredited curriculum:

  • History and philosophy of the counseling profession
  • Multicultural and pluralistic characteristics within and among diverse groups
  • Theories of individual and family development
  • Theories and models of counseling
  • Theoretical foundations of group counseling and group work

Learn more about CACREP accreditation through our guide.

What is MPCAC Accreditation?

MPCAC accredits a handful of school counseling programs across the United States. The standards are more general but a bit more comprehensive. Curriculum standards and competencies for MPCAC accreditation include:

  • Evidence-based theories and practice of counseling and psychotherapy
  • Multiculturalism and diversity
  • Biological basis of behavior
  • Developmental basis of behavior
  • Social, organizational and community basis of behavior

University of Southern California (USC)

info

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

info

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

info

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. 

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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 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 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:

  1. Professional counseling orientation and ethical practice
  2. Social and cultural diversity
  3. Human growth and development
  4. Career development
  5. Counseling and helping relationships
  6. Group counseling and group work
  7. Assessment and testing
  8. 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 ASCA’s School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies when evaluating a graduate-level school counseling program’s curriculum. The ASCA framework outlines the knowledge, abilities and skills needed 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 enrolled in on-campus graduate programs may be able to check in with their advisors, financial aid representatives or other support services personnel. For online students, connecting with critical support staff 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 meaningful, professional relationships that transcend your online school counseling program. With a smaller ratio between students and instructors, professors may be available for more one-on-one discussions 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.

Asynchronous learning, in contrast, provides students with the flexibility to engage with course materials and assignments at their own pace and convenience—without the need to gather with other students and their instructor at a specific time. This approach allows online school counseling students to work through lessons and tasks independently, accommodating their personal schedules. Asynchronous learning still facilitates interaction through discussion forums and communication tools, enabling students to exchange insights, ask questions and seek assistance when needed.

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 ASCA 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 resources and initiatives that promote student development in academics, personal/social aspects 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 typically 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 can be almost identical to MS programs in terms of coursework and practicum/internship experiences and requirements. Even with an undergraduate degree in a field other than psychology, you may consider applying to an MA program. Be sure to review all admissions requirements thoroughly.
  • 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

Do you need a master’s degree to become a school counselor?

Counselors, typically, must hold a master’s degree in school counseling to become a school counselor. Beyond graduate coursework, students can also be required to complete a certain amount of hours of supervised training in a school environment.

Can a school counselor become an LPC?

Yes, a school counselor can become a licensed professional counselor (LPC), according to the ACA School Counselor Connection information sheet. It’s possible to pursue a license while in graduate school, but you typically 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.

Do you need a master’s to be a guidance counselor?

A guidance counselor is the equivalent of a school counselor; therefore, guidance counselors, or school counselors, usually must obtain a master’s degree 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.

What requirements are needed to be a school counselor?

The conventional path to becoming 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 then keep your skills up to date with continuing education.

How much does a school counselor make with a master’s degree?

School counselors usually have a master’s degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school and career counselors earned a median annual wage of $60,140 as of May 2022, and the highest 10% earned more than $98,530.

Last updated September 2023.