Master's in School Counseling Online Programs for 2019

In the past, school counselors were required to teach for a few years before obtaining this position. While some states still adopt this for certification and licensure, the requirements for others is the completion of a master’s degree in school counseling.

As any online degree in counseling, an online school counseling graduate degree promotes the understanding of student development, developing counseling skills, and increasing one’s knowledge on academic, personal/social, and career topics. Other coursework that most online master’s degree in school counseling require include: foundations in school counseling, school counseling program development, child and student developmental theories, and/or learning and behavioral disorders.

When researching for your online school counseling degree, you should consider several factors: accreditation, student support, school internship placement assistance, class size, live discussions, and an alignment with the American School Counselor Association’s National Model.

Choosing the Right School Counseling Degree

Accredited School Counselor Degrees

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Programs (CACREP) and the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) accredit online counseling programs that meet specific standards that are important in shaping future professionals.

CACREP Accreditation

CACREP school counseling accreditation is awarded to programs that meet their general standards as well as examine the following key aspects to the CACREP accredited curriculum:

History and Development of School Counseling
Various Models of School-Based Collaboration and Consultation
Assessments Specific to Grades PreK-12 Education
School Counselor Role as a Leader, Advocate, and System Change Agent
Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Warning Signs of Students at Risk for Mental Health and Behavioral Disorders
Interventions to Promote Academic Development
Personal and Social Counseling Techniques
Facilitation of School and Postsecondary Transitions
Promotion of Equity in Student Achievement and College Access

MPCAC Accreditation

MPCAC accredits a handful of school counseling programs across the United States. These standards are more general but a bit more comprehensive. Curriculum standards for MPCAC accreditation include:

Professional Identity & Ethical and Professional Standards
Evidence-based Theories and Practice of Counseling & Psychotherapy
Multiculturalism and Diversity
Theories of Psychopathology and Other Systems
Tests, Measurements, and Other Behavior Assessments
Research Methods and Program Evaluation
Career Development
Biological Basis of Behavior
Development Basis of Behavior
Social, Organizational, Community Basis of Behavior

Are you ready to turn your passion into a profession?

Check out our step-by-step guide on How to Become a School Counselor.

Student Support for Online Students

Students attending graduate coursework on campus may be able to check in with their advisors, financial aid representatives, or other support services personnel. For online students, connecting with these critical supporters may become more difficult. However, some online school counseling degrees have support for online students specifically, sometimes with extended office hours, virtual meeting times, and online resources.

School Counseling Internship Placement

Your internship experience is essential to post-grad licensure or certification. Internships will also give you the opportunity to practice your learned skills in real time, under a licensed and approved supervisor. Even if you have experience working in mental health or education, securing an internship site can be difficult to navigate. Some universities have distance learning internship placement teams to help you, no matter where you live, with securing your next experience.

Small Class Sizes

Not only should your classes be intimate, but having a smaller amount of peers in your cohort, or team, can help you develop professional and meaningful relationships that can transcend your online school counseling degree. When the ratio is 15:1 or less between students and instructors, professors may also be able to provide more one-on-one discussion and face time with you.

Live Discussion Learning

Synchronous learning allows students and instructors to meet at a designated time, possibly once a week - virtually. In these live discussions, online school counseling students can “meet” face-to-face in a format mimicking on-campus interactions. For online school counseling degree students, this type of learning can really help to share experiences, theoretical questions, or ask for supportive resources.

ASCA National Model Influence

For any online master’s in school counseling, you want to make sure that their curriculum and values align with the ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs. School counselors development and deliver school counseling programs that promote student development in academics, personal/social, and careers. Through these programs, school counselors advocate for equitable access to education, provide developmental support in the three previously mentioned domains, and use data to drive decision making.

All Online Master's in School Counseling Programs

Online Master's in School Counseling Programs
University Name	School Counseling Program Type	Type of Online Class	Program Length	Total Credits
Adams State University	Master of Arts in Counseling, Specialization in School Counseling	Not Live	2.5 Years	60 Credits
Bradley University	Master of Arts in Counseling, Specialization in Professional School Counseling	Live	2 - 3 Years	51 Credits
Edinboro University	Master of Arts in Counseling, Specialization in School Counseling	Not Live	2 - 3 Years	60-63 Credits
Indiana Wesleyan University	Master of Arts in Counseling, Specialization in School Counseling	Not Live	2.5 - 5 Years	36-60 Credits
Messiah College	Master of Arts in Counseling, Specialization iN School Counseling	Not Live	2 - 4 Years	60 Credits
New York University	Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance	Live	1.5 - 2 Years	48-60 Credits
North Carolina Central University	Master of Arts Counseling, Specialization in School Counseling	N/A	N/A	60 Credits
North Carolina State University	Master of Education in Counseling, Specialization in School Counseling	Live	3 Years	60 Credits
Regent University	Master of Arts in Counseling, Specialization in School Counseling	Not Live	2 Years	60 Credits
University of Massachusetts - Boston	Master of Education in School Counseling	Live	2 - 3.5 Years	60 Credits
University of Louisiana - Monroe	Master of Science in School Counseling	N/A	2 Years	60 Credits
University of Southern California	Master of Education in School Counseling	Live	2 - 3 Years	49 Credit Units
Vanderbilt University	Master of Education in Human Development Counseling	Live	2 - 3 Years	48 Credits
Wake Forest University	Master of Arts in Counseling	Not Live	2 - 3 Years	60 Credits

Featured Online School Counseling Degree Programs

Are you passionate about transforming the lives of youth in your area? Earn a master's in Counseling & Guidance from NYU online and make a difference.

Request more information from Counseling@NYU!

Sponsored Online School Counseling Program

Become a positive force in your community. Earn an online master's in school counseling from top-ranked USC Rossier.

Request more information from USC Rossier!

Sponsored Online School Counseling Program

Develop meaningful counseling programs to change lives. Earn your M.Ed. from top-ranked Peabody College.

Request more information from Peabody Online!

Sponsored Online School Counseling Program

Sponsored Online School Counseling Programs

Adams State University

Program Overview

Program Name: Master of Arts in School Counseling
Program Length: 2 1/2 years
Instruction Method: Asynchronous

Program Requirements

60 Credits
Completion of five consecutive semesters
Maintain a 3.0 GPA
Complete 12-credit hour internship

Admission Requirements

Completed online application with $30 fee
Official transcripts from baccalaureate degree
Two letters of professional recommendation
Personal statement, 3-5 pages typed, double-spaced on your past helping experiences, future goals in the helping profession, and personal qualities that will enable you to be an effective counselor
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75

(Back to Top)

Bradley University

Program Overview

Program Name: Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling
Program Length: Two to three years
Instruction Method: Asynchronous

Program Requirements

60-61 Semester Credit Hours (CACREP Accredited curriculum)
Completion of 750 hours of supervised experiences: practicum - 100 Hours, internship - 650 Hours
Two required campus-based residencies

Admission Requirements

Completed graduate online application with $40 application fee
Admissions essays
Official transcripts from an accredited baccalaureate university or college
Maintained a 3.0 GPA for the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate work
Three professional letters of recommendation - one must be a current supervisor
Official GRE or MAT scores may be used if other requirements are not available
Complete the program's online screening interview.

(Back to Top)

Edinboro University

Program Overview

Program Name: Master of Arts in School Counseling
Program Length: Two to three years depending on enrollment status
Instruction Methods: Asynchronous

Program Requirements

60-63 credits
The student must satisfactorily complete a comprehensive examination.
Capstone Project
12-credit internship of 600 hours of on-site experience.

Admission Requirements

Online graduate application and fee
Official transcripts from accredited institutions
Three letters of reference and contact information
Writing sample of up to 500 words
Admissions interview

(Back to Top)

Indiana Wesleyan University

Program Overview

Program Name: Master of Arts in School Counseling
Program Length: 2 ½ to 5 years full-time or 3 ½ to 5 years part-time
Instruction Methods: Asynchronous

Program Requirements: 48 credits

Admission Requirements

A bachelor’s degree and official transcripts from an accredited college or university
An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0
Six credit hours in Psychology, of which three credit hours must be in Abnormal Psychology (Developmental Psychology for Student Development Counseling and Administration)
Six credit hours in Bible
GRE taken within five years of application to the program. Verbal (V) score of at least 146 required.
Submit an autobiography
Three recommendations

(Back to Top)

Messiah College

Program Overview

Program Name: Master of Arts in School Counseling
Program Length: Two to four years
Instruction Method: Asynchronous

Program Requirements

60 Credits
Maintain a 3.0 GPA
Recommendation of graduation from advisor
Six credit internship and one practicum
Attend at least one professional counseling conference
Attend two one-week, one campus sessions

Admission Requirements

Official transcripts verifying baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
Completed application with $30 fee
Minimum cumulative undergraduate 3.0 GPA
Personal statement of purpose, 300-500 words
Two recommendations
Resume or curriculum vitae
150 word answers to four essay questions
State Authorization (Messiah can NOT accept online graduate students taking classes while living in Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, or Wisconsin)

(Back to Top)

New York University

Program Overview

Program Name: Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance
Program Length:1 ½ to 2+ year depending on enrollment basis.
Instruction Methods: Asynchronous and Synchronous

Program Requirements:

48 Credits
Completion of 700 hours of field work

Admission Requirements:

Completed online graduate application
Application Fee: $75, priority application timelines are $45
Statement of Purpose: Introduction of your goals, interests, career plans and reasons why you are pursuing a master's degree in counseling.
Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Transcripts from every postsecondary school uploaded. If admitted, you will need to provide official copies.
Two letters of recommendation from academic references.
If your native language is not English, you will need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores.

Learn more about NYU's online master's in counseling and guidance with information from Counseling@NYU.

Sponsored Online School Counseling Program

(Back to Top)

North Carolina Central University

Program Overview

Program Name: Master of Arts in School Counseling
Program Length: N/A
Instruction Methods: N/A

Program Requirements

51 Credits
100-Hour Practicum
600-Hour Internship

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate degree from an accredited university
Minimum GPA of 2.7
Completed online application with $40 fee
Two Recommendations
GRE Scores
Application Essay

(Back to Top)

North Carolina State University

Program Overview

Program Name: Master of Education in School Counseling
Program Length: Three years
Instruction Method: Asynchronous

Program Requirements

60 Credits
Internship completion

Admission Requirements

Official transcripts verifying baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
Online and Department Application with fee
Resume
GRE or MAT scores
TOEFL for International Students
Three Academic Recommendations

(Back to Top)

Regent University

Program Overview

Program Name: Master of Arts in School Counseling
Program Length: Two years
Instruction Methods: Asynchronous

Program Requirements

60 credit hours
Practicum: 100 hours
Internship: 600 hours

Admissions Requirements

Bachelors from a regionally accredited college or university
A minimum of a 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate coursework
Complete application online and pay application fee
Submit official and unofficial transcripts and test scores
Writing sample
Recent resume or curriculum vitae
Pre-admissions workshop

(Back to Top)

University of Louisiana-Monroe

Program Overview

Program Name: Master of Science in School Counseling
Program Length: Two years
Instruction Methods: N/A

Program Requirements

60 credit hours
Internship

Admissions Requirements

Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall or on the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate course work
Minimum combined score of 900 on the GRE General Test or a minimum combined score of 290 on the new GRE General Test (Verbal plus Qualitative).
A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Complete an application online, submit official transcripts from all schools attended, and submit a score from the GRE.
Have official transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution.
If any prior graduate coursework has been completed will be reviewed.

(Back to Top)

University of Massachusetts - Boston

Program Overview

Program Name: Master of Education in School Counseling
Program Length: Two Years
Instruction Methods: Asynchronous and Synchronous

Program Requirements

60 Credit Hours
100 Hour Practicum
600 Hour Internship
One Two-Week Summer Session

Admission Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited College or University
Online Application
Official Previous Transcripts
Minimum 3.0 Undergraduate GPA
GRE scores required if no advanced degree held
Three Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Intent
Resume
Personal Interview

(Back to Top)

University of Southern California

Program Overview

Program Name: Master of Education in School Counseling
Program Length: Two to three years
Instruction Methods: Asynchronous and Synchronous

Program Requirements

49 Units

Admissions Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
GPA of 3.0 or above
Statement of Purpose
Sealed, official post-secondary transcripts
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation
Official scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if applicable
Application fee of $90

Discover USC's online master of education in school counseling, request information from USC Rossier.

Sponsored Online School Counseling Program

(Back to Top)

Vanderbilt University

Program Overview

Program Name: Master of Education in Human Development Counseling with a Specialization in School Counseling
Program Length: Three to four years
Instruction Methods: Asynchronous and Synchronous

Program Requirements

48 Credit Hours
On-Campus Immersions
One-Year Internship

Admissions Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Official transcripts
GRE or MAT Scores
TOEFL or IELTS Scores if Applicant’s Native Language is Not English
Letter of Academic Interests and Professional Goals
Three Letters of Recommendation
Admissions Interview

Learn more about Vanderbilt's online master of education in human development counseling, request information from Peabody Online.

Sponsored Online School Counseling Program

(Back to Top)

Wake Forest University

Program Overview

Program Name: Master of Arts in School Counseling
Program Length: Two to three years
Instruction Method: Asynchronous

Program Requirements

60 Credits
200-Hour Practicum
600-Hour Internship

Admission Requirements

Complete online application with $75 fee
Official transcripts verifying baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
Undergraduate GPA greater than 2.5
GRE Scores
Three Letters of Recommendation

(Back to Top)