School counselors offer academic, behavioral, and emotional support to students from kindergarten through grade 12. Earning a master's in school counseling online provides a flexible and convenient pathway to a graduate degree and state licensure and certification.
Our guide ranks online master's in school counseling programs based on academic quality, curriculum offerings, and affordability to help you find the best school to fit your needs.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in School Counseling Programs
Why Get a School Counseling Master's Online?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects demand for school counselors to increase as more schools recognize the need to provide students with academic, psychological, and career support.
School counselors can make a difference in the lives of young people by helping them overcome challenges.
Most states require a master's degree, licensure, and certification to qualify for school counseling jobs.
An online master's in school counseling prepares you for employment in a variety of settings, including elementary and secondary schools.
Earning a master's in school counseling online makes it easier to earn a graduate degree while maintaining work and family responsibilities.
Online programs may save you more money than traditional campus-based programs.
How Much Does a School Counseling Master's Degree Cost?
The average tuition for a master's degree was $20,513 for the 2021-22 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Attending a public school in your home state costs significantly less than a private institution. Full-time graduate students at public postsecondary institutions paid an average tuition of $12,596 compared to $28,017 at private schools.
Some online programs may offer less expensive tuition than on-campus programs by charging in-state rates regardless of your location. Earning a master's in school counseling online may also save you money on transportation and housing.
What Can You Do With a Master's in School Counseling?
School counselors can pursue many career opportunities at educational institutions and youth organizations. Salaries vary depending on the employment setting, job responsibilities, and years of experience.
Specialization Areas in School Counseling
School counselors play an essential role in supporting the academic and personal development of students from elementary and middle school grades through high school.
While their duties vary depending on the age of the students they serve, school counselors provide individualized guidance and advocate for their students' well-being.
Elementary School Counseling
Elementary school counselors help young children develop the academic, emotional, and social skills they need to succeed in school. These counselors use techniques of early identification, assessment, and intervention to help and support children experiencing trauma, unexpected family changes, or other events that hinder a child's overall well-being. They work with students who have special needs and may recommend appropriate referrals for extra assistance.
Elementary school counselors collaborate and exchange information with teachers and other staff members. They often interact with parents and other family members to determine how home environments impact student behavior at school.
Middle School Counseling
Middle school counselors help students achieve academic success, develop healthy peer relationships, resolve conflicts, and foster self-awareness and acceptance during adolescence. In collaboration with other teachers and staff, they provide support and resources to students and their families coping with stress and transition.
An important part of their duties is providing academic and career guidance to help students make decisions about their future. They help students prepare for high school by fostering time management, test-taking, and study skills. Middle school counselors often develop and deliver cultural awareness training, sex education, and substance use awareness instruction.
High School Counseling
A high school counselor offers vital services from academic advising to career counseling. They assist students at the beginning of each term to choose classes, balancing student interests with degree completion requirements. They also serve as an important college and career planning resource, working individually with students about college admissions requirements, standardized tests, and career preparation.
High school counselors work directly with students with academic challenges and steer them to tutoring services. They advocate for students with special needs or disabilities, developing individualized educational plans and connecting them with social workers, psychologists, and other outside resources.
How to Become a School Counselor: 5 Steps
While each state and employer sets their own requirements, becoming a school counselor includes obtaining an undergraduate and graduate degree and passing the state-required licensure exam.
1 | Earn Your Bachelor's
The first step toward earning any graduate degree is to get a bachelor's, which typically takes four years. Most master's in school counseling admit applicants with undergraduate degrees in counseling or a related field such as psychology, sociology, or education. Graduate programs may recommend undergraduate prerequisite courses in statistics, research methods, and developmental psychology.
2 | Complete a Master's Program
After completing your bachelor's, you should apply to a master's in school counseling program at an accredited college or university. A master's consists of approximately 60 credits over 2-3 years, including coursework, research, and clinical experiences. Earning a master's in school counseling that meets standards set by the American School Counselor Association helps prepare you to take your state licensure exam.
3 | Fulfill Practicum, Internship, or Experience Requirements
During your master's program, you complete a clinical practicum or internship designed to give you experience in school counseling. The number of required hours is usually determined by the state in which you plan to practice. Some jurisdictions, such as Nebraska and Washington, D.C., also require two years of classroom teaching experience, which requires earning and maintaining state teaching certification.
4 | Obtain Certification
In addition to state licensure, school counselors may apply for certification demonstrating their knowledge and commitment to the field. Obtaining school counselor certification can also boost career opportunities and advancement. The American School Counselor Association and the National Board for Certified Counselors offer certifications for school counselors.
5 | Pass Your State's Exam
To practice as a school counselor, you must pass your state's licensure exam for school counselors. While specific requirements vary by state, school counselor licensure generally requires at least a master's degree in counseling from an accredited university, fingerprint and criminal background checks, and payment of applicable registration fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in School Counseling
It takes about six years of schooling to become a school counselor. After completing your bachelor's degree, you can finish graduate school in two years.
