Online school counseling programs with no GRE

A school counselor is part of a school’s education team and helps students with their academic goals, social and personal development, and career development. Counselors 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.

The program cards and table featured on this page were last updated in August 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.

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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  
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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 for counselors. Your state’s department of education can also provide helpful information.

When seeking licensure, be sure to carefully consider the state’s specifications regarding the required number of academic credit hours or courses. You may also want to learn about requirements for components such as a practicum, internship, or fieldwork hours before enrolling. 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) develops nationally recognized accreditation standards for counseling programs. When choosing an online master’s in school counseling program with no GRE requirement, it is important to consider CACREP accreditation status. Some states, such as Colorado, only license graduates from CACREP-accredited programs (PDF, 146 KB).

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

What is the difference between a GRE waiver and 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 a MAT or GMAT. Depending on the institution, an advanced degree or cumulative GPA above a certain threshold may also help get waiver approval for 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 the university they are considering.

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

School counselors work in a variety of environments and schools. They work with youth, helping them navigate life transitions and family situations, giving guidance about major choices, and generally helping develop individuals’ wellbeing. Different states have different requirements for becoming a school or guidance counselor.

How much do school counselors make on average?

The median annual wage for school and career counselors was $60,140 in May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The same data indicates that the highest 10% of counselors earned more than $98,530 while the lowest 10% earned less than $38,280. The highest earners worked at state, local, and private elementary or secondary schools.

Sponsored online school counseling programs

Last updated December 2023