Best Online Master’s in School Counseling

School counselors can make a difference in a student’s future career and life. This guide explains how to earn an online master’s in school counseling to prepare to become a school counselor. Explore more today to see if this is the right path for you.

Earning an online master’s in school counseling can prepare you for a variety of careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of school counseling jobs could grow 5% between 2022 and 2032, faster than the average across all jobs. Many school counselors, like teachers, have at least part of the summer off, which allows for work-life balance and can help you take advantage of your own children’s summer vacations.

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School counselors should possess specific skills and competencies that lead to safe, effective learning experiences for students. The best master’s in school counseling programs develop compassion, empathy, interpersonal skills, acceptance, multicultural competencies, adaptability, and communication skills.

On average, master’s degrees in school counseling require 60 credits. Full-time students typically earn their degree in two years, while part-time learners might need four. Universities offer multiple program formats, including traditional in-person and online options.

Distance learning also offers multiple options. Synchronous learning does not limit students to geographic location, but learners in synchronous courses must attend virtual classes at set times. Hybrid learning allows students to study independently, but it requires in-person attendance for some classes. Alternatively, asynchronous learning provides optimal flexibility, allowing students to take courses on their own time. Distance programs may offer accelerated options that allow students to graduate faster.

Accredited master’s in school counseling programs include fundamental coursework, but students should note that colleges and universities develop their own curricula. Applicants should examine programs closely to select the best school, as coursework and program emphases vary. The five options below reflect potential courses schools may offer:

Colleges and universities provide advanced elective courses that develop specialized knowledge and skills, giving learners the competitive advantage in niche areas of the job market. Students should note that program outcomes vary by school. Therefore, students should consider their career goals when examining program options.

Elementary school counseling focuses on the needs and psychology of elementary students and their families. If you want to concentrate in this area, you can take electives that focus on communicating with young children and find placement for your fieldwork.

If you want to focus on secondary school counseling, you can pursue an online master’s in school counseling that offers electives or a concentration in teen and adolescent psychology and teen development. You can also pursue fieldwork in secondary schools.

While online master’s in school counseling programs include coursework on students with disabilities, you can also focus on the needs of students with various abilities. Some master’s programs have fieldwork placement opportunities in which you can work with differently abled students.

Advanced degrees, such as master’s in school counseling, require extensive field experience. However, state requirements vary. Students should turn to their state’s department of education website to find out the number of hours required. Field hours include direct client contact with small groups, classrooms, and individual clients. Students must also work directly under administrative supervisors.

This degree requires students to pass the national counselor examination, which includes 200 multiple-choice questions. This exam assesses human growth and development, social and cultural diversity, group counseling and group work, career counseling, assessment, research and program evaluation, and ethical practice.

Students earning a master’s in school counseling should research prospective programs to ensure that their education qualifies them for licensure. Learners may want to begin this research by identifying which agencies accredit their prospective schools.

Higher education accrediting agencies establish a minimum quality standard. Students should consider programs that hold accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP only accredits master’s and doctoral programs in counseling and related specialities. Employers also trust schools holding accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Prospective students should also verify credit transferability, even if they plan to stay at one school. If it is hard to transfer credits from a school of choice, learners should reconsider their options. Likewise, students should examine schools’ support services offerings.

The BLS projects that jobs for graduates with an on-campus or online master’s in school counseling could grow 5% between 2022 and 2032. While most school counselors work directly with students, they can also lead a team or department, work in educational nonprofits or think tanks, or in advocacy for schools.

The median salary for school counselors is $60,140, according to the BLS. While this is lower than the salary for other careers that require a master’s degree, many school counselors have at least part of the summer off.

Counseling professionals conduct ongoing research, which leads to new theories and innovations in the field. They may benefit from membership with professional organizations, which allow professionals to stay current on cutting-edge research and practices. Additionally, membership organizations allow both emerging and seasoned professionals to collaborate at national and global levels.

The ASCA prioritizes students’ learning and success both academically and developmentally. The ASCA strives to support professionals in the field by providing cutting-edge resources, statistical data, annual conferences, and professional development.

Established in 1985, Chi Sigma Iota international honor society supports both academic and professional excellence in counseling. Memberships include networking opportunities, mentorship, online resources, leadership development, research opportunities, and fellowships.

The NACAC supports higher education learners entering the field by connecting them with seasoned professionals. Members can participate in webinars, job fairs, collaborative networking events, and national conferences

The AMCD strives to foster professional growth and educational opportunities for counselors from diverse cultural backgrounds. AMCD membership provides leadership development, networking opportunities, growth workshops, mentorship, and a 25-state division network.

The ACAC supports all counselors working with children and adolescents. Organizational goals include promoting advocacy and advancing developmental prevention and intervention. Members access networking opportunities, a biannual journal, research grants, and presentations.

Earning a master’s in school counseling requires a significant financial commitment, and many students cannot pay out-of-pocket. These learners should explore other options, such as federal funding, scholarships, fellowships, and paid internships. The section below expands on each funding method.

Students should complete a FAFSA to see if they qualify for funding. The FAFSA is free for students, and funding availability varies depending on students’ income. Grants do not require repayment, but loans both need repaid and collect interest.

Scholarships do not require repayment. Foundations and multiple organizations in the private sector provide scholarships, often to support low-income students, specific cultural backgrounds, or students with disabilities. Some scholarships target students with excellent academic backgrounds or who want to study a particular subject.

Graduate students qualify for fellowship opportunities. Fellowships operate similarly to internships, allowing students to receive funding for labor. However, they often require a minimum GPA, and recipients gain access to mentorship and potential employment opportunities. Job duties may require students to conduct research relevant to the field.

School counseling students can apply for paid internships. Unlike scholarships, internships rarely include stipulations, allowing students to use the money as needed. Interns often work with seasoned professionals, which can lead to mentorship opportunities or future employment. Some employers may even offer additional contracts to further offset students’ tuition.

Each state has its own requirements for school counselor licensing, but typical licensing requirements include passing an examination and completing supervised experience.

You can determine if an on-campus or online master’s in school counseling program is accredited by checking the site, or looking up programs in the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) directory. All programs listed on this page are accredited.

Like other counseling programs, master’s in school counseling programs require practicum and internship hours. Most programs require approximately 700-800 hours of fieldwork.

Most graduates of master’s in school counseling programs work in primary or secondary schools. They may also work in colleges and universities, other educational programs, or nonprofit organizations.

All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.