What to Put on the Entrance Counseling Page if Continuing With School
Best Online Master's in School Counseling 2022
Updated October 26, 2022 · 6 Min Read
Earning a master's in school counseling can lead to a rewarding career and increased salary potential. Find your path forward today.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
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School counselors shape the academic, social, and emotional futures of youth. Earning an online master's in school counseling gives working professionals the flexibility to earn an advanced degree that qualifies for state licensure or certification.
Unlike guidance counselors who focus on vocational help, school counselors offer academic and behavioral development to students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Use this guide to find the best online master's in school counseling programs, explore common curriculums, and find average salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Counseling
If you go to graduate school full time, you can become a school counselor in two years. Part-time students can graduate from accredited school counseling programs in three years.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts school counseling occupations to increase faster than the average rate for all other jobs. According to the BLS, school counselor positions will grow by 10% from 2021-2031. During that decade, the job market should see 32,000 openings for school counselors.
School counselors need specific personal traits and practical skills, such as classroom management and cross-cultural communication. They also need the ability to listen to others and relay information to students, parents, and teachers. While school counselors need empathy, they must maintain professionalism to build relationships and assess and treat students.
According to the BLS, school counselors make a median annual salary of $60,510. Salaries increase as school counselors gain seniority, with the top 10% making more than $98,190. Pay also varies by setting, with school counselors making the most in elementary and secondary schools. Elementary school counselors earn a median salary of $63,460 a year.
The best master's in school counseling programs match your interests, budget, and schedule. For instance, not every online master's in school counseling degree offers asynchronous courses, and students may need to meet at set times for lectures or discussions. Additionally, each online master's in school counseling degree features a different curriculum and practicum requirements.
Earning a master's in school counseling degree requires a time commitment and financial investment. Working as a school counselor can be demanding and physically and emotionally straining. That said, students should make sure the profession suits their interests and career goals.
Why Get a School Counseling Degree?
School counselors can make a lasting impact on students' lives. These professionals can also advance within a school or district. The highest-earning school counselors make over $90,000 annually.
Online school counseling programs make earning a degree easier for many students. Asynchronous programs allow learners to complete coursework around work or family responsibilities.
Online programs sometimes charge lower tuition than on-campus programs. Learners can attend the most affordable master's in school counseling online program without relocating.
Best Online Master's in School Counseling
#1
Liberty University
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lynchburg, Virginia |
| Admission Rate | 51% |
| Graduation Rate | 47% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 92% |
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Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: N/A
Accredited By: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? N/A
Liberty's online master's in school counseling features specialized education for learners pursuing licensure as K-12 counselors. The 48-credit program takes about 2.5 years to finish.
The curriculum focuses on assessment strategies, counseling techniques, and counseling theories that apply to real-life situations. Classes include multicultural counseling, theories of school counseling, and child and adolescent counseling in the schools.
Students participate in one practicum and two internships, an elementary-level one and a secondary-level one.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 2.7 GPA. Graduates with two or more years of teaching experience may qualify for Virginia licensure as a school counselor.
Available Scholarships: First Responder Discount
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#2
University of the Cumberlands
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Williamsburg, Kentucky |
| Admission Rate | 80% |
| Graduation Rate | 44% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 91% |
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Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: N/A
Accredited By: Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? N/A
Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, Cumberlands serves over 19,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
The school offers an online school counseling degree as a concentration in the M.Ed program. The degree covers diverse needs, group counseling, grief and loss, and legal and ethical issues in school counseling.
To graduate, students must earn 45 credits. Classes include introduction to addiction counseling, advanced clinical assessment, and lifestyle and career development.
Enrollees complete either a practicum or an internship. With five additional courses, learners can earn an education specialist degree in school counseling. Applicants need a 3.0 minimum GPA.
Available Scholarships: Christian Leadership Scholarship
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#3
University of the Southwest
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Hobbs, New Mexico |
| Admission Rate | 45% |
| Graduation Rate | 32% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 100% |
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Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: N/A
Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? N/A
A Christian university, USW features a 50-year heritage. The school teaches how to erase the environmental and institutional barriers that impede academic and social success.
Students in USW's online degree in school counseling prepare for elementary, middle, or high school counselor licensure in New Mexico. The 42-credit degree requires four core courses, two electives, and five classes in the major. Learners also complete six internship credits, a practicum, and a capstone.
Applicants need a regionally accredited bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA.
Available Scholarships: I CAN Scholarship
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#4
Prescott College
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Prescott, Arizona |
| Admission Rate | 97% |
| Graduation Rate | 33% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 65% |
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Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: N/A
Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
Founded in the 1960s, Prescott College began as an experiment to offer higher education with a dual emphasis on self-fulfillment and service.
Today, the institution offers an online master's in school counseling leading to an Arizona standard school counselor, preK-12 certificate. The 36-credit degree follows the American School Counselors Association program model requirements.
Courses include foundations of education, learning theories, curriculum design, and creating and managing learning communities. New students may transfer up to 15 credits into the program.
To apply, prospective learners should submit an application, essay, and official transcripts.
Available Scholarships: Achieve Educator Scholarship
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#5
New York University
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | New York, New York |
| Admission Rate | 16% |
| Graduation Rate | 85% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 10% |
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Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: Bilingual School Counseling
Accredited By: Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? N/A
NYU's online master's in school counseling emphasizes research and practice through the lens of equity and social justice. Learners in the 48-credit program complete a counseling lab, a 100-hour practicum, and a 600-hour internship.
The program offers two concentrations: school counseling and bilingual school counseling. In the second concentration, students learn to address the common challenges of ESL students.
Graduates may qualify for school counselor licensure in New York. NYU maintains a rolling application deadline and offers September, May, and January start dates.
Available Scholarships: New York State Tuition Assistance Program
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#6
University of Southern California
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Admission Rate | 11% |
| Graduation Rate | 92% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 17% |
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Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: N/A
Accredited By: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
USC offers an online school counseling degree that prepares students to serve as counselors in K-12 settings. The program combines weekly online classes with self-paced coursework. The curriculum qualifies students for the California commission on teacher credentialing's pupil personnel services: school counseling credential.
Program content rests on three pillars: restorative justice, trauma informed practice, and college and career readiness. Besides classwork, USC students complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. Learners can do their fieldwork in their state of residence.
For admission, USC requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA.
Available Scholarships: Zeta Phi Beta Foundation Scholarship Program
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#7
Lamar University
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Beaumont, Texas |
| Admission Rate | 84% |
| Graduation Rate | 34% |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 73% |
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Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Concentrations Available: N/A
Accredited By: Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes
Located in Beaumont, Texas, LU offers an online master's in counseling and development with a professional school counseling specialization. Students can complete the 60-credit degree in 30 months.
Classes include career development, substance abuse counseling, multicultural counseling, and research and program evaluation. Students also complete an internship and a practicum. All courses except the practicum and internship last five weeks.
Applicants submit a copy of their state-issued teaching certificate and proof of a bachelor's with a 2.75 GPA. New students enroll for one of eight start dates during the year.
Available Scholarships: Dr. David L. Bost, Sr. Endowed Scholarship in Guidance and Counseling
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#8
Concordia University-Irvine
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Irvine, California |
| Admission Rate | 71% |
| Graduation Rate | 63% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 63% |
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Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: N/A
Accredited By: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? N/A
A California school following the Lutheran tradition, CUI offers a master's in school counseling. The cohort-based degree prepares students to serve as counselors in public or private K-12 schools.
The program requires 48 credits and takes 26-33 months to complete. Eight-week classes cover educational assessment, theories of school counseling, human communication, and leadership. Students complete a practicum, field experiences, and a capstone research project.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 2.7 GPA and a valid teaching credential.
Available Scholarships: Betty W. Robbins Endowed Scholarship
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#9
Ottawa University-Surprise
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 100% |
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Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: N/A
Accredited By: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? N/A
OUAZ's online degree in school counseling prepares students to meet Arizona's school counseling requirements for certification. Classes include group counseling and dynamics, social/cultural concerns in counseling, and school counseling in changing environments. Each course lasts eight weeks.
Besides classes, students complete two practicums in school counseling. The program ends with a master's research project.
Applicants do not need a teaching certificate or teaching experience. However, they do need a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA and three recommendation letters.
Available Scholarships: Alumni Impact Scholarship
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#10
Concordia University-Wisconsin
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Mequon, Wisconsin |
| Admission Rate | 64% |
| Graduation Rate | 64% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 39% |
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Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: Professional counseling, school counseling
Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? N/A
A Lutheran-based institution in Mequon, CUW offers a master of science in education with school counseling licensure. Students may add on a certificate in substance abuse or Christian counseling. Graduates qualify for state licensure.
Classes include trauma counseling, career counseling foundations, tests and measurements, and scripture and the Christian counselor. Enrollees without a teaching license must also take a three-credit course in classroom management. Besides coursework, CUW students complete a six-credit practicum and a portfolio component.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA.
Available Scholarships: Strong Work Ethic Scholarship
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How Much Does a School Counseling Degree Cost?
What students pay for a school counseling degree depends on if they attend a private or public college. State residency also influences tuition costs.
Online master's in school counseling degrees may waive out-of-state fees and charge non-residents in-state tuition, but otherwise students pay more when they can't prove their residency.
School counseling and guidance services undergraduate in-state students pay an average of $7,070 at public colleges, and out-of-state students pay $32,660 at private schools, according to the 2020 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems (IPEDS).
A master's degree can cost $30,000-$120,000, depending on the college. The average master's degree costs $66,340, while the average doctoral program is $114,300.
Financial aid can help offset the cost of college. Students can take out private or federal loans, but they require repayment. Scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid.
Courses in School Counseling
An online master's in school counseling program teaches graduate students how to collaborate in elementary, middle, and high schools with administrators, parents, students, and teachers. Graduates also work in correctional facilities and hospitals —or wherever children and young adults need counseling services.
Online master's in school counseling students supplement theoretical coursework by completing internships and practicums —often in high-risk communities where they need to identify children and teens at risk of behavioral health issues or academic failure.
1 Counseling Skills
A course in counseling skills focuses on building the vital communication skills needed to work 1:1 and in groups with students. Degree-seekers learn interviewing and counseling approaches, often through laboratory scenarios.
They develop the knowledge to identify healthy and unhealthy social and emotional development, as well as learn techniques to build rapport with students. This course may also emphasize the common ethical issues that emerge in a counseling session.
2 Counseling and Culturally Diverse
School counselors need cross-cultural training to create responsive counseling that meets the diverse needs of people and families.
Counselors serve students across different religions, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic upbringings, and sexual orientations.
Creating fair opportunities for students starts by understanding the cultural factors that influence people. This creates a cultural context and allows school counselors to provide more effective counseling that addresses each person's unique needs.
School counselors need the knowledge from this course to serve as social advocates who create culturally responsive interventions that can lead to positive learning outcomes for students.
3 Lifespan and Development
A course on lifespan and development covers the human development theories from birth to old age, using various counseling theories and research.
Students study the developmental milestones for each stage in life and the changes that occur with age. They learn about emotional and learning challenges faced by children and adolescents, and how to best help them.
The curriculum teaches aspiring school counselors how to support and empower students from kindergarten to 12th grade, focusing on counseling approaches for people across the lifespan.
4 Multicultural Counseling
Through a multicultural perspective, future school counselors gain an awareness of culture and context and issues in diversity. Lessons also cover social justice and advocacy in school counseling.
Students enrolled in this course study intervention models, cross-cultural counseling, and effective techniques to increase parental involvement.
Coursework lets students learn to work in diverse populations at government agencies and schools. Developing multicultural competence comes from self-awareness, research and practical experience, which helps school counselors to develop more effective programs and advocacy work.
5 Professional Issues and Ethics
This course surveys the ethical, legal, and professional issues that emerge in school counseling. For instance, aspiring school counselors learn about contacting authorities, maintaining confidentiality, keeping boundaries, and honoring cultural differences.
A student's achievement depends on a school counselor's ability to provide professional and ethical assessments and consultation.
How to Become a School Counselor
-
Complete a bachelor's degree in counseling or education -
Finish an in-person or online master's in school counseling program -
Complete practicum and/or internship requirements -
Obtain certification, if mandated by the state or employer -
Pass the state exam, if required by your state to get licensed or certified -
Find a job -
Complete any required continue education courses to maintain certification or licensure
Licensure for School Counseling
- A bachelor's degree or master's degree in school counseling or a related-field
- Submit a formal recommendation
- Complete required coursework
- May need to complete post-bachelor's degree study requirements, ranging from 30-60 graduate credits
- Hold national certification, if required
- Complete practicum and internships hours
- Pass national exam, if needed
- Complete fingerprinting and background check
- Submit application fee
- File processing fee
How Much Do School Counseling Majors Make?
Deviations in school counseling salaries are the result of differences in work experience, responsibilities, education, and work settings. Salaries for school counselors may start at below $37,550 a year, but they can reach a median salary around $98,190 for the top 10% of earners.
| Career | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Educational and guidance counselors | $52,420 |
| Career Counselors and Advisors | $47,110 |
| High School Teachers | $51,510 |
| Elementary School Teachers | $48,360 |
| Psychologists | $83,640 |
| Middle School Teachers | $50,060 |
Source: Payscale
Source: https://www.bestcollegereviews.org/top/online-masters-in-school-counseling-programs/
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