Online School Counseling Programs No GRE

A school counselor is part of a school’s education team, and may help students with their academic goals, their social and personal development and their career development. They may work in public or private elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in school counseling, there are many degree programs available. Compare online school counseling programs with no GRE requirement below to find a program that meets your needs.

Sponsored Online School Counseling Programs

University of Southern California (USC)

USC Rossier School of Education

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Master of Education in School Counseling

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

Morgridge College of Education Online

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Master of Arts in School Counseling

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

NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

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Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance

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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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/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

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

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/A

Admission 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)
Learn more about the Master of Science in School Counseling from Capella University

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • CV/resume
  • Personal essay
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Unofficial/official transcripts
  • TOEFL and transcript evaluation (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Arts in School Counseling from Boston College

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

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Written statement
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • CV/resume
  • Interview
Learn more about the Master of Science in Counseling, Concentration in School Counseling with Embedded PPS Credential from California State University of Sacramento

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

What to Look for in an Online Master’s in School Counseling Program

State licensure requirements

The National Board for Certified Counselors compiles an online directory with information about each state’s licensure requirements . Your state’s Department of Education will also be able to provide helpful information.

For licensure, pay special attention to a state’s requirements for the number of academic credit hours/courses. You may also want to learn about requirements for practicum/internship/fieldwork hours before enrolling as some schools integrate field learning into their program. Consider your state’s accreditation requirements for educational institutions and online graduate programs.

CACREP accreditation 

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs  (CACREP) is the nationally recognized training standard for counselors by the National Academy of Medicine and the Department of Veterans Affairs. When choosing an online master’s in school counseling program with no GRE requirement, it may be important to consider CACREP accreditation status. Some states, such as Colorado, are only licensing new graduates from CACREP-affiliated programs (PDF, 587 KB).

Real-life experience and personal development

Counselors develop human relation traits such as empathy, boundaries and communication as essential therapeutic skills that are important to do their jobs well. Students may practice therapeutic skills in an internship/practicum and also on themselves. Look for a program that encourages self-exploration to deepen therapeutic skills and sets students up for opportunities to practice outside of the classroom.

FAQs

What is the difference between a GRE waiver and the no-GRE requirement?

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 an MAT or GMAT. Depending on the institution, an advanced degree or cumulative GPA above a certain threshold may also help waive the GRE requirement. 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 their prospective university.

What can you do with a master’s degree in school counseling?

School counselors work in a variety of environments from elementary to middle to high school. They impact youth, help them sort through difficult life transitions and family situations, give guidance about major choices and generally help to develop the well-being of the individuals they see. Different states have different requirements for becoming a school or guidance counselor.

How much do school counselors make on average?

The median wage for school and career counselors was $60,510 in May 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. The top 10% of counselors earned more than $98,190 while the lowest 10% earned $37,550 or less. The highest earners worked at state, local and private elementary or secondary schools.

Sponsored Online School Counseling Programs

If you’re ready to launch your career in counseling, learn about the best master’s programs with no GRE requirements for you.

Last updated: August 2022