In this article, we profile the top 25 online master’s in school counseling programs.
Are you considering earning a master’s in school counseling? The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the earning potential for school counselors is related to how much education you have completed. To get a school counselor job, you will most likely need a master’s in school counseling. A closely related degree can also help you get a school counselor job. If you have adequate education, the job outlook for this career is favorable. BLS reports a five percent growth rate for school and career counselor employment. This is faster than average.
Read on to find our list of the top online master’s in school counseling programs.
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Top Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs
Methodology
We reviewed about 55 accredited colleges and universities, listed by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator and reputable online sources, that offered affordable online master’s in school counseling programs. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: accreditation (such as CACREP accreditation), institution and/or program rankings with U.S. News & World Report, and affordable graduate tuition and fees. Most of the schools on this list are entirely online except for a short on-campus residency; some are hybrid, combing online and on-campus instruction. We then listed our chosen schools according to affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for our top 25 online master’s in school counseling.
1. Liberty University
Online M.Ed. in School Counseling
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,405
The affordable online master’s in school counseling program offered at Liberty University prepares you for a career as a school counselor in both private and public schools. The program is primarily online, with some required intensive on-campus experiences. CACREP (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs) has accredited this program. The 48-credit program allows you to transfer up to 50% of program hours from an approved institution. You’ll benefit from a hands-on curriculum that includes a six-credit internship experience. There is no prior teaching license required for admission into this program. Liberty ranks with major publications like U.S. News & World Report as a top national university. This is one of the top CACREP accredited online schools and CACREP online programs.
2. Chadron State College
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Chadron, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,833
This degree is mostly designed for high-school teachers who would like to become school counselors. However, no teaching degree is required to pursue a master’s in school counseling at Chadron State College. This program, which is one of the best online school counseling programs, is accredited by the CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.) This program takes place in eight-week sessions, and there are three entry points. This program offers you the opportunity to spend time with others who plan to be professional educators or school counselors. Chadron State College ranks with U.S. News & World Report among top performers in social mobility and top public schools.
3. Western New Mexico University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Silver City, New Mexico
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,895
Western New Mexico University offers an online master’s in school counseling that is one of the top CACREP accredited online programs. This 60-credit online program takes three years to complete. The school counselor specialization is one of four available specializations at Western New Mexico University. This program is aligned with CACREP standards, and it is one of the top CACREP online schools. Western New Mexico University’s website lists three areas that they believe are central to the development of a counselor. These are:
- a strong professional identity
- excellent skills in the area of counseling
- a deep knowledge base
This program promises to provide these to its graduates. Western New Mexico University ranks with U.S. News & World Report among top regional universities in the West and among top public schools, in addition to other rankings.
4. Walden University
Online MS in School Counseling
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,381
Walden University offers an online master’s in school counseling that is accredited by CACREP. This means it counts as one of the top CACREP accredited online schools. There are four specializations available within the master’s in school counseling. These are:
- addiction counseling
- crisis and trauma
- marriage, couple and family counseling
- military families and cultures
This program makes use of the counseling software Theravue to simulate counseling sessions for its online students. With this degree, you will be prepared to work in:
- public schools
- private schools
- charter schools
- online K-12 schools
Walden University is listed with U.S. News & World Report among best education schools.
5. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Online M.Ed. in School Counseling
Durant, Oklahoma
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11, 412
The online M.Ed. in school counseling program at Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a 42-credit degree. It is a fully accredited (CAEP) degree that can be completed in as little as 12 months, after which you complete a practicum experience. This 100% online program examines assessment and child development, as well as diversity in the classroom and psychopathology. All courses are flexibly designed and proceed at an accelerated pace. Courses include:
- group counseling
- human growth and development in counseling
- theories in counseling
Southeastern Oklahoma State University ranks with U.S. News & World Report as a top regional university in the West. Also, the school ranks #103 in top performers on social mobility.
6. Arkansas State University
Master of Science in Education in School Counseling
* Crisis and Trauma Concentration Online
* Special Populations Concentration Online
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Website for Crisis and Trauma Concentration
Website for Special Populations Concentration
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,956
Arkansas State University offers two CACREP online master’s programs. The master’s in school counseling with a crisis and trauma concentration offers the following specialized courses:
- introduction to crisis and trauma in children and adolescents
- school-based crisis planning and intervention
- multicultural issues in crisis and trauma
The specialized courses for the master’s in school counseling with special populations concentration online include:
- counseling students with disabilities in the school setting
- counseling English language learners in the school setting
- counseling students who are gifted and talented in the school setting
Both are CACREP accredited online master’s programs. Arkansas State University ranks with U.S. News & World Report among best colleges.
7. Adams State University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Alamosa, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,161
Adams State University is a top choice for an online master’s in school counseling. You’ll benefit from:
- cheap tuition rates
- a low student/faculty ratio
- the rigorous curriculum expected from a CACREP-accredited program
You will gain the knowledge and skills needed to create comprehensive school counseling programs and individual plans. New cohorts start every fall, spring, and summer semester. Almost all courses are offered online. However, you will need to come to campus for a one-week intensive each summer. In addition to quality programs in school counseling, Adams State offers rankings with major publications like U.S. News & World Report. In fact, recent rankings include #94-#122 in best regional universities in the West.
8. Walsh University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
North Canton, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,510
Walsh University, one of the top CACREP accredited online schools, offers a CACREP online master’s in school counseling that requires no visits to campus. Other features include:
- a 100% job placement rate for graduates within six months of their graduation
- five start dates per year
- one-on-one faculty guidance
This degree requires:
- 60 credits
- 100 practicum hours
- 600 internship hours
The degree typically takes 10 semesters to complete. To be admitted to the program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You must submit a resume, a writing sample, and two letters of recommendation. Walsh University ranks #54 in best regional universities in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report. This is one of the top CACREP online programs available.
9. The University of West Alabama
Online M.Ed. in School Counseling
Livingston, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,546
The University of West Alabama’s online master’s in school counseling program is for educators seeking a master’s-level education and certificate. It is also for educators wanting to become school counselors. The 48-credit program is NCATE-accredited and features eight-week courses. These online courses cover topics like:
- educational statistics
- life span development and learning
- techniques of educational research
You will need to complete a practicum and internship experience to gain professional experience in the field. The estimated program length is one to two years. The University of West Alabama ranks with U.S. News & World Report. These rankings include #93 in best regional universities in the South and #46 in top public schools.
10. Sul Ross State University
Online Master of Education, School Counseling
Alpine, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,890
This 48-credit CACREP online master’s degree from Sul Ross State University is highly affordable. You are allowed to enroll in a maximum of nine credit-hours per semester in the fall and spring, and six credit-hours in the summer semesters. You can start in any semester throughout the year. Students who graduate are eligible to begin the process of becoming a licenced professional counselor in the state of Texas. If you are are interested in studying in this program, you must be a certified teacher with at least two years of teaching experience. This program, one of the best CACREP accredited online programs, is designed to prepare you fully for whatever may come your way in the field of counseling. Sul Ross State University ranks with U.S. News & World Report among best regional universities in the West, as well as ranking #38 in social mobility.
Related Resource: 5 Characteristics of a Successful School Counselor
11. Indiana Wesleyan University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Marion, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,112
The top-ranked school counseling master’s online program at Indiana Wesleyan University has earned CACREP accreditation. That makes this one of the top CACREP accredited online programs. The program prepares you to work with pre-K through high-school students to help meet their academic, social, and safety needs. This includes collaboration with staff, families, and the community as a whole. The majority of coursework can be completed online. However, you are expected to come to campus for two weekend intensives for networking and professional development. In the recent publication of Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, Indiana Wesleyan University ranks #19 in best regional universities in the Midwest.
12. Angelo State University
Online Master’s in Professional School Counseling
San Angelo, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,590
The MS in professional school counseling from Angelo State University is designed for individuals seeking careers as Texas school counselors. The 48-credit program is delivered completely online and meets the academic requirements to become a certified school counselor in the state of Texas. Online courses cover topics like:
- career and occupational counseling
- dysfunctional behavior
- legal and ethical principles
- professional writing for educators
- social and cultural influences
- tests and measurements
In addition to the high-quality counseling programs offered at Angelo State, the school has received recognition from major publications like U.S. News & World Report. In fact, recent rankings include #92 in best regional universities in the West and #83 in top performers on social mobility.
13. Capella University
Master’s in School Counseling, Online and In-Person
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,826
This degree from Capella University offers mainly online classes, with some in-person classes being required for degree completion. This Master’s in School Counseling at Capella now offers three specializations:
- Addiction Treatment and Recovery
- Child and Adolescent Counseling
- General School Counseling
You will need to complete:
- 13 core courses
- four specialization courses
- two in-person residencies
- one practicum
- two internships
The program boasts both CACREP and CAEP accredition, making this one of the top CACREP accredited online programs. In addition, the faculty in this program have real-world experience in the field of school counseling and are ready to share that expertise with you.
14. St. Bonaventure University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Saint Bonaventure, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,335
The CACREP online master’s in school counseling program at St. Bonaventure University has a flexible asynchronous format, ideal for those with non-traditional schedules. The program meets the criteria for provisional certification as a school counselor in the state of New York, but it does not require a teaching certificate or experience. You can complete a practicum field experience and two school counseling internship opportunities to gain experience in a school counseling setting. Some of the courses offered online include:
- group counseling
- management of school counseling programs
- multicultural counseling
St. Bonaventure ranks with U.S. News & World Report as the 18th best regional university in the North and fifth best value school.
15. Indiana State University
Online/On-Campus Master of Education in School Counseling
Terre Haute, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,778
If you are looking for CACREP accredited online master’s programs, here is an affordable option from Indiana State University. This program does require an in-person visit to campus once a month as well as Monday-Thursday sessions in the summer, so it is considered a hybrid rather than a fully online program. The CACREP online master’s is offered through the Bayh College of Education at Indiana State University. This program prepares graduates to be agents of change in the schools that they work in. As well as being one of the top CACREP online master’s programs, Indiana State University ranks with U.S. News & World Report among best national universities.
7. Pennsylvania Western University
Online Master’s in Counseling – School Counseling
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,735
Pennsylvania Western University features a NASP-accredited online master’s in school counseling program to prepare professional counselors to advocate and lead within school setting, at all levels. You will learn strategies and techniques to assist K-12 students with academic, social, and career development. Real-world experience is included, providing you with the opportunity for professional growth and development outside the classroom. In addition to the nationally recognized accreditation received by PennWest, the school has also earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report. These rankings include #131-#171 in best regional universities in the North and #53 in top performers on social mobility.
17. The University of Tennessee – Martin
Online Master of Science in Education with a Major in Counseling
Martin, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,838
The University of Tennessee – Martin offers a master’s in counseling that is entirely online, except for a three-day, on-campus residency. This residency is offered twice a year, and it is mandatory for all counseling students. Online courses include:
- reasearch in education and counseling
- multicultural issues in education and counseling
- growth and development across the lifespan
- theory and techniques of counseling
This program is ideal if you have a busy schedule or other responsibilities that take you away from school, due to its convenient online format. The University of Tennessee – Martin is currently seeking CACREP accreditation. UT Martin ranks with U.S. News & World Report: #31 in best regional universities in the South, #14 in best colleges for veterans, and #36 in best value schools.
18. Regent University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,628
The online CACREP-accredited master’s in school counseling program at Regent University is designed to prepare you for a career as a K-12 school counselor. Regent University offers instruction with a Christian perspective while using a relevant curriculum designed to meet the needs of today’s youth. Once you graduate, you will be able to positively impact high-school graduation rates and college readiness. This 60-credit program includes two on-campus residency requirements. Online courses cover topics like counseling children and adolescents and principles of school counseling. In the most recent publication of Best Colleges, Regent ranks with U.S. News & World Report as the 277th best national university.
19. Bradley University
Online Master’s in Professional School Counseling
Peoria, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,120
Bradley University is ranked second among best regional universities in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report. It should come as no surprise then that Bradley’s online master’s in school counseling is one of the best in the Midwest. The program is CACREP-accredited and leads to licensure as a school counselor. Students at Bradley University can study neuro-counseling, a new, groundbreaking practice. Practicum experiences can be completed in your own community, adding to the flexibility of this program. A sampling of the online courses taken include:
- crisis intervention
- human growth and development
- professional school counseling K-8
- professional school counseling in secondary schools
- school for non-teachers
Related Resource: What is a Typical Day for a School Counselor?
20. Our Lady of the Lake University
Online Master’s in Counseling – School Counseling
San Antonio, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,156
Our Lady of the Lake University is a Catholic liberal arts institution offering a top master’s in school counseling online. This flexible, online, 48-credit program focuses on your development, both professionally and as human beings. If you choose to add 12 credit-hours to the progam, it prepares you with the knowledge and academic requirements needed to apply for a Texas School Counseling Certification or a school counseling certification in many other states. Through a robust online curriculum, you will learn to promote healthy outcomes in children and adolescents, implement career planning strategies, and conduct yourself as an ethical practitioner. Our Lady of the Lake University is currenly seeking CACREP accreditation. This university ranks with U.S. News & World Report as a top national university.
21. North Carolina Central University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Durham, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,845
The 51-credit master’s in school counseling online program at North Carolina Central University is CACREP-accredited and fully online. Also, the program is endorsed by the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs. In this interactive online learning platform, you’ll benefit from the same rigorous curriculum as students in the traditional degree program do. Faculty are dedicated to student success and support students throughout the program. Career services are available that can help you with both internship opportunities and job placement. In addition to being among the top CACREP accredited online master’s counseling programs, NCCU has received recognition from U.S. News & World Report. In fact, NCCU ranks #48 in best regional universities in the South and #47 in best value schools.
22. University of Louisiana at Monroe
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Monroe, Louisiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,419
The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a unique counseling program in which you can select a focus in clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, or both. This CACREP- and NCATE-accredited program prepares you for many career options. These include:
- school counselor
- school administrator
- career counselor
- life coach
- vocational counselor
The online master’s in school counseling program is designed for those who plan to work with elementary and secondary students and need the flexibility of a predominantly online program. The University of Louisiana ranks with U.S. News & World Report as the 156th-209th top public school.
23. Marshall University
Master of Arts Degree in Counseling – School Counseling Emphasis
Huntington, West Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,486
Marshall University offers a 60-credit online master’s in counseling with an emphasis in school counseling. This program is accredited by both CACREP and CAEP, making this one of the top CACREP accredited online programs. This degree is offered in both campus-based and distance-education formats. If you choose to learn via distance education, you do need to complete some on-campus requirements. Online courses are offered in a semester-based format. In addition to being one of the best CACREP accredited online school counseling programs, Marshall University ranks with U.S. News & World Report among top national universities.
24. University of Alaska
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Fairbanks, Alaska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $25,873
With a demand for school counselor careers in Alaska, the University of Alaska offers a hybrid online program for those looking to earn a master’s in school counseling from one of the best CACREP online schools. The program is research intensive with hands-on learning that also features a field practicum requirement and internship. In addition to rigor, the program is fully accredited by the CACREP. Online courses include
- appraisal for counselors
- career development
- child and adolescent development
- developmental interventions
- foundations of counseling
The University of Alaska ranks with U.S. News & World Report among top national universities and top public schools.
25. Seton Hall University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
South Orange, New Jersey
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $34,328
The College of Education and Human Services at Seton Hall University is CAEP- and MPCAC-accredited and offers a top online master’s in school counseling that meets the credentialing requirements set by the New Jersey Department of Education. This 48-credit program includes foundational coursework, specialized counseling and clinical coursework, and a school counselor internship experience. You’ll be trained to provide crisis intervention, disaster response, and positive coping strategies to students and their families. Online courses include:
- abnormal psychology
- career development and counseling
- psychology of human development
In addition to accreditation, Seton Hall ranks with major publications like U.S. News & World Report as the 127th best national university. Seton Hall University offers one of the best online school counseling programs available.
ABADP Staff
November 2023
Related Resources:
- What is a Comprehensive School Counseling Program?
- What is the Difference Between a School Counselor and a Social Worker?
- What is a Typical Day for a School Counselor?
- 5 Characteristics of a Successful School Counselor
- 5 Roles of a School Counselor
- 5 Online Resources for School Counselors
