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 • Denver, CO
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-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
Compare online master’s in school counseling programs that don’t require GRE
| Institution & Program | Test requirement | Study Length | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
Adams State UniversityMaster of Arts in School Counseling | No GRE required | 2 years | 60 |
Bradley UniversityMaster of Arts in Professional School Counseling | No GRE required | 2 years | 60 |
University of Louisiana at MonroeMasters of Science in School Counseling | No GRE required | 2 years | 60 |
Capella UniversityMaster of Science in School Counseling | No GRE required | 2+ years | 72 quarter credits |
Liberty UniversityMaster of Education in School Counseling | No GRE required | 2.5 years | 48 |
California State University-SacramentoMaster of Science in Counseling, Concentration in School Counseling with Embedded PPS Credential | No GRE required | 2 years | 60 |
University of Massachusetts-BostonMasters of Education in Counseling | No GRE required | 2 years | 60 |
| No GRE required | As few as 24 months | 72 quarter credits |
University of Denver • Denver, CO
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-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
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.
Sponsored online school counseling programs
University of Denver • Denver, CO
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-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
Information last updated: April 2026