What Is an Online Master's in School Counseling Degree?
Online master's degrees in school counseling can be earned in several different forms including a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Science in Education (MSEd or MSE), or Master of Education (MEd). Regardless of the type of degree chosen, all teach the foundations of school counseling and enable graduates to become certified to work with children and teenagers in a K-12 educational setting. School counselors provide emotional, social, and academic support to their students, work with teachers and parents, and liaise with community organizations.
The Best Online Masters Degree Programs in School Counseling
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Angelo State University | $6859 | 77% | 40% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | Arkansas State University | $6422 | 80% | 53% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | North Carolina Central University | $7546 | 68% | 49% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 4 | Liberty University | $8400 | 51% | 47% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 5 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | $11673 | 45% | 82% | 68% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | Regent University | $16952 | 86% | 57% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 7 | Brandman University | $12320 | 89% | 60% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 8 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | $7381 | 85% | 56% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 9 | University of Southern Mississippi | $8896 | 97% | 49% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | Fort Hays State University | $4356 | 91% | 43% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 11 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | $5022 | 74% | 35% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | University of Missouri-Columbia | $10478 | 81% | 71% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | University of North Dakota | $12058 | 81% | 61% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | University of West Alabama | $6868 | 35% | 35% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | University of Southern Maine | $8502 | 81% | 40% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | Marshall University | $8728 | 87% | 49% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | The University of Tennessee-Martin | $10616 | 64% | 47% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | $9239 | 80% | 47% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | Mercy College | $16806 | 82% | 44% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 20 | Our Lady of the Lake University | $17166 | 68% | 42% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 21 | Campbellsville University | $12690 | 70% | 36% | 94% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 22 | University of Massachusetts-Boston | $18888 | 76% | 49% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | Fort Valley State University | $4966 | 52% | 35% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | William & Mary | $16440 | 38% | 90% | 56% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Common Undergraduate Degrees for School Counseling
Generally, online master's degrees in school counseling welcome undergraduates from a broad range of disciplines. While some programs require several undergraduate courses in the social sciences, many teach the basics of psychology and counseling in the core courses. As there is no bachelor's degree in school counseling, those wishing to one day progress to a master's degree may want to pursue majors in psychology, sociology or social work. Students wondering, 'should I be a school counselor?' can take a self-assessment test to help figure it out.
Post-Graduate Options After Completing a Master's in School Counseling
After earning an online master's in school counseling degree, students may wish to progress to the doctoral level to deepen their knowledge in the field. These degrees can include a Ph.D. in Counselor Education or a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. Doctoral programs prepare graduates for several different career paths including teaching, counseling, and research. Students pursuing a Ph.D. generally must undertake a dissertation and/or comprehensive exam prior to being awarded the doctorate.
Why Should I Get an Online School Counseling Master's Degree?
Those interested in improving the lives of children may choose to pursue an online master's in school counseling. School counselors are found in elementary, middle, and high schools and provide counseling and support to students one-on-one as well as in groups. Individuals who are empathetic, caring, organized, and positive would do especially well in this field. Students who have prior familial or work engagements will benefit from the flexibility of an online master's degree. Although fieldwork is a component of the degree, theory classes are 100% online making it an appealing option for those who cannot attend traditional classes on-campus.
Curriculum for Online Master's Degree Programs in School Counseling
Master's degrees in school counseling integrate classroom learning with fieldwork. Students complete foundational courses which provide an overview of the profession followed by classes that cover theory. Practicums and internships are required for graduation and allow aspiring school counselors to work with students under supervision which will prepare them to enter the profession.
School Counseling Foundational Courses
Foundational classes for master's in school counseling degrees aim to give students a solid background on the theories of counseling and their application as well as insight into legal and ethical issues faced by school counselors. Across most programs, classes addressing these topics will include:
- Introduction to school counseling
- Research methods
- Ethical and legal issues
- Multicultural counseling
- Group counseling
- Practicum
- Internship
The internship and practicum portions of the degree require students to partner with schools in order to complete observation and supervised practice hours. The practicum is generally the introduction to practice while the internship requires face-to-face work with students.
School Counseling Specialist & Elective Courses
Students may wish to customize their school counseling master's to pursue areas of interest. Depending on the university offerings, certain concentrations or specialist electives may be available to explore specific topics related to the social, mental, and emotional needs of students. Common areas of focus within school counseling master's programs include:
- Family counseling
- Trauma
- Addiction
Licensure & Certification in School Counseling
The process to become a school guidance counselor involves a few steps post-graduation. Aspiring school counselors wishing to work in the K-12 system must be certified. Certification is granted on a state-by-state basis. Because of this, requirements vary by state in terms of education, experience, and exams. For example, Kansas requires prospective school counselors to pass the Praxis II: School Guidance Counseling exam while Kentucky has no exam requirements.
Most states require individuals to have the minimum of a master's degree in school counseling in addition to a minimum number of completed internship and practicum hours. Some states offer reciprocity agreements which allow school counselors to transfer their certification from other states. To protect the safety of the children, all states require a background check in order to complete the certification process.
Admissions Requirements for Online School Counseling Master's Programs
Online master's in school counseling programs generally have minimum requirements that applicants must meet in order to be admitted. Most schools will require at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and official transcripts from any prior educational institutions. Other application materials vary by university but may include:
- GRE scores
- Application fee
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume/CV
- Interview
Students will generally apply online through the university's website and send application materials electronically. Some universities accept official electronic transcripts.
What Can I Do with a School Counseling Master's Degree?
Graduates of master's in school counseling programs generally go on to work in a K-12 setting as a school counselor. After state licensure, graduates choose which level to work with depending on interest. Counselors working with elementary school-aged students may focus on social skills and school readiness while high school counselors help guide students toward college and career paths. School counselors often act as liaisons between teachers and also help solve home and family conflicts.
Job Outlook for a Master's in School Counseling
Jobs for those with a master's in school counseling are expected to grow by 8% between 2019 and 2029. School counselors provide a variety of important services to students that support their social and emotional health as well as their academic careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), rising school enrollment in K-12 settings will cause a faster than normal increase of available jobs for school counselors over the next ten years.
How to Become an Elementary School Counselor
Elementary school counselors help young students navigate the school experience. They promote social skills and may work with groups of children as well as entire classes to address bullying and conflict resolution. These professionals may also help identify possible learning or developmental difficulties and refer parents to outside services.
Students interested in becoming an elementary school counselor must complete a master's in school counseling from an accredited US university and become state-certified. These programs will typically include practicum and internship hours that will expose students to elementary, middle, and high school settings. While some universities may offer a specialized track in elementary counseling, most programs cover the entire K-12 system. For those applying to elementary school counseling positions, some teaching, work, or volunteer experience with this age group might be an advantage.
The BLS projects that faster than average job growth is expected over the next ten years for all school counselors. As of May 2019, elementary and secondary school counselors made a median annual salary of $64,060.
How to Become a High School Counselor
High school counselors focus on college and career guidance as well as helping teenagers through social and emotional conflicts. They will provide information on university programs or technical school, while also assisting with applications and financial aid. Counselors will also advise those students intent on entering the workforce after graduation. This job entails collaboration with teachers, parents, and outside organizations.
Prospective high school counselors need to earn a master's in school counseling by completing coursework and internship and practicum hours. After graduation, they must become state-certified in the state they wish to work. Most university programs require students to complete practice hours in all levels of K-12 education and specialization is rare. Experience or knowledge in college programs and financial aid may be an advantage for those applying to high school positions. Knowledge of addiction and substance abuse may also be helpful.
Counselors in all levels of the education system will enjoy an increase in available positions with around 26,800 jobs being added over the next ten years, according to the BLS. Like elementary school counselors, high school counselors earned a median salary of $64,060 a year in 2019.
School Counseling Professional Organizations
Participation in professional organizations is an optional but beneficial way to become more active in the school counseling community. Opportunities are available at the national and international levels and give members the chance to network with other professionals. Some popular organizations include:
- American School Counselor Association (ASCA): founded in 1952, the ASCA's mission is to promote professionalism and ethical practice while supporting school counselors across the US. Membership is available at the ASCA or individual state level with discounted fees offered to students. Participants have access to publications, annual conferences and workshops, and networking both in-person and online. Free liability insurance is also provided.
- Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling (ACAC): the ACAC believes that all children and adolescents should be entitled to mental health services regardless of their ability to pay. As a result, they are dedicated to equipping school counselors with the tools they need to make this possible. Members benefit from professional development opportunities including training and access to educational grants and their members' blog where they can consult with other school counselors and therapists. First time members are entitled to a discount on annual fees.
- International School Counselor Association (ISCA): the ISCA promotes the field of school counseling in international schools around the world. ISCA members can build their school counseling programs with free resources while also expanding their network and attending conferences and training at discounted rates. An international job board is also open to members.
Financial Aid, Scholarships & Grants for Online Master's in School Counseling Programs
Funding a master's in school counseling degree can be daunting, but financial aid in the form of federal student loans, scholarships, and grants are available to help defray costs. To qualify for US government loans, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. These loans need to be repaid after graduation, but a 6-month grace period and flexible repayment options help students manage student loan debt.
Grants are need-based awards that do not need to be repaid. Another source of funding that needs no repayment is scholarships. Scholarships are open to students regardless of financial situation and may require a minimum GPA, along with an essay, references, or demonstrated community or volunteer work. The NAJA Graduate Scholarship Program, for example, is offered to students pursuing graduate degrees that focus on working directly with children. Applicants must be permanent residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, or Tennessee and submit an application through the website. Award amounts vary by year.
