You know you need to change your financial situation, and you know you want to stay in the counseling world. The simplest solution to this problem is to get licensed. The gap between the before and after of that decision is yawning. The benefit of this degree is difficult to argue against. Professionalization is a fact for most fields and to be competitive you will most likely need to get that degree. The online master’s degree programs in school counseling listed below mainly seek to increase your mastery of assessment and organization. Undoubtedly, along with the trend toward professionalization has been followed closely by a trend in distance learning for busy professionals. As a result, full ten or twenty years of data and growing online learning communities has data results: the degrees are parallel to the in-person versions. The better programs have a pedagogical approach to online teaching and learning that takes into account students’ need for support from asynchronous communication to video conference to constantly available technical support. Also desirable for those seeking online master’s degrees in school counseling is an emphasis on flexible scheduling options such as weekend study, intensified schedules, and openness to adjustments of schedule that working graduate students need. Contrastingly, students also tend to desire a feeling of cohesion, so a cohort schedule with incoming and graduating classes has been developed in the past decade or so.
Hourly tuition rate
- $300 and under- 5 points
- $400 and under- 4 points
- $500 and under- 3 points
- $600 and under- 2 points
- above $600 – 1 point
US News & World Report Ranking
- Top 25- 5 points
- Top 50- 4 points
- Top 100- 3 points
- Top 200- 2 points
- Top 300- 1 point
Special criteria
- Regional accreditation – 3 points
- CACREP Accreditation (International Accreditation Council for Business Education – 3 points
- CAEP Accreditation (Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation) – 3 points
#30 – Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania
Online MS in School Counseling
CAEP Accreditation: No
CACREP Accreditation: No
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $600
Points: 5
The Gwynedd Mercy University online master of science in school counseling is an opportunity to gain professional skills and study methods of improving mental wellness. Admission into the program requires that you have a bachelor’s for which you took coursework in psychology and statistics. Also, you must provide a significant essay with detailed explanations of your goals and specific areas of interest. Up to 6 credits of graduate study can be applied to getting the Gwynedd Mercy University MS in school counseling online, but the program focuses on serious core coursework preparation before getting to specialties such as the needs of English language learners, intervention techniques and group counseling. To graduate you must complete 600 hours of internship and 100 hours of practicum experience.
#29 – SUNY Oneonta
Oneonta, New York
Online MSEd in School Counselor K-12
CAEP Accreditation: No
CACREP Accreditation: No
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $565
Points: 5
SUNY Oneonta offers an online master of science in education in school counselor K-12 that stresses the value of advocacy. To get into the program you will need to have completed a bachelor’s that includes at least eighteen hours of social sciences with at least twelve of which psychology-related. Your undergraduate GPA is expected to be at least a 2.8. SUNY Oneonta’s MSEd in school counselor K-12 online can be completed part-time. Those seeking permanent certification will need two years of professional counseling experience.
#28 – Montana State University-Northern
Havre, Montana
MEd in Counseling Education Online
CAEP Accreditation: No
CACREP Accreditation: No
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 100
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $908.55
Points: 6
If you choose to study the Montana State University-Northern master of education in counseling education online, you will study the familiar theories of counseling and research-methods courses to prepare you for the more professional work settings. Of course, you will also get the value of study and training based in specialized distance learning setting the school calls “High-Tech–High-Touch,” which is a cohort structured learning experience. The online experience is balanced with face to face required sessions on weekends. The program has been in this format for over ten years in Montana State University-Northern’s online MEd in counseling education.
#27 – Morehead State University
Morehead, Kentucky
Online MA in Counseling
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: No
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $570
Points: 8
Morehead State University online master of arts in counseling features a 60 credit program divided into three potential areas: school counseling rank 1; school counseling; and educational specialist. To achieve the first rank, you will need to have 60 credit hours and pass an oral exit examination, while maintaining a 3.0 GPA. For the next levels, you will need further coursework, including a six-credit applied project. After you graduate Morehead State University MA in counseling online you will find a brisk growth rate among counseling positions and related positions. For these positions, your interview skills and other career prep are fully supplied the school’s career services.
#26 – Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Online MS in Professional School Counseling
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: No
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 148
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $647.50
Points: 9
Designed for students wishing to become school counselors in the Lone Star State, the Angelo State University online master of science in professional school counseling is a 48 credit hour program broken down into 100% online 8 week terms. Open to those with two years of classroom teaching experience, there is no GRE requirement for admission to the program. Angelo State University’s MS in professional school counseling online has five start dates per year and includes a professional practicum as part of the course requirements.
#25 – University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
MEd in School Counseling Online
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: No
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $479.12
Points: 9
To get into the University of Southern Mississippi master of education in school counseling online, you will be expected to write a sharply written personal statement demonstrating your skills and goals. If you are a teacher, Praxis scores are needed, while non-teachers can submit GRE scores. The school provides a balance of practical training After you have completed the 8 semesters in the University of Southern Mississippi online MEd in school counseling supports you in reaching graduation by making available a number of scholarships that contribute what the school terms an “ecological theoretical relationship” that stresses a blend of coursework, practice, and a lifetime of learning.
#24 – Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee
Online MEd with School Counseling Specialization
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,938
Points: 10
Vanderbilt University runs what the school calls a “rigorous and humanistic” online master of education with school counseling specialization that prepares you for the rigors of counseling in K-12 schools. You will get thoroughly trained in areas such as testing, consulting, diagnosis and assessment as well as organizational knowledge pertaining to school administration. The department recommends taking two to three years to complete the 48 credit-hour Vanderbilt University MEd with school counseling specialization online. To do this, in addition to online coursework you will need to have at least two “on-campus immersions, akin to a capstone, and fieldwork to put these to practice.
#23 – Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Master’s in School Counseling Online
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,465
Points: 10
The online counseling page that hosts Wake Forest University’s online master’s in school counseling directs students in either of two directions: clinical mental health counseling or school counseling. If you choose the first, you will be qualified to work as a college counselor. If you choose the second, you will discover, the degree greatly increases your options and earning potential. Support for students getting a master’s in school counseling online at Wake Forest University is designed especially for the distance student, including around-the-clock tech support and tutoring.
#22 – Chadron State College
Chadron, Nebraska
Online MAEd in School Counseling
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: No
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: Not Ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $370.75
Points: 10
At Chadron State College you can get your online master of arts in education in school counseling after choosing between two paths, one traditional and available to those with teaching certification and the other without the expected degree. If the latter, you will need to take an additional fifteen hours of teacher education on top of the thirty-nine hours of MAE everyone must take. Also available at Chadron State College MAEd in school counseling online is an internship in counseling.
#21 – St Bonaventure University
Saint Bonaventure, New York
MSEd in School Counseling Online
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 214
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $770
Points: 11
The online master of science in education in school counseling at St Bonaventure University provides placement in the field after you complete practicums and internships suited to your skills and interests. As with other schools in this list, St Bonaventure University’s online MSEd in school counseling may focus on school or clinical mental health, though the design is particularly for agencies based in communities. Your time as a student will be supported with a balance of personal attention, webinars, and asynchronous classroom spaces designed for distance learners. To complete your 60 hours, you will need two and a half to three years.
#20 – Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Online Master of Counseling in School Counseling
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $560
Points: 11
Oregon State University features a 75-credit online master of counseling in school counseling in an “Ecampus” hybrid-structured and part-time format that helps you professionalize your counseling and related skills in system change and advocacy. The site stresses affordability and flexibility, especially for those with a military background, these aspects are strongly emphasized in Oregon State University’s online master of counseling in school counseling.
#19 – Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
MEd in School Counseling Online
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $541
Points: 11
Indiana State University master of education in school counseling online. To get into the program you will need to have at least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Admissions will consider you also if you have nine credits of relevant successful graduate coursework. All of your cohort will take research foundations courses, including qualitative and quantitative. Aiding the affordability of studying online in the Indiana State University MEd in school counseling, several scholarships and benefits for veterans are available. The school follows the Veterans Choice Act, accordingly.
#18 – Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
Online MSEd in Counseling and Counselor Education
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $520.32
Points: 11
A 48-hour online degree, Indiana University’s master of science in education in counseling and counselor education forges a balance of study and work in the field to develop your professional understanding of essential knowledge in the field. Among these areas, you can develop your own strategies of intervention, better understand the precise ways individual and group counseling differ, especially in a range of cultural contexts. To help to afford studying, the Indiana University MSEd in counseling and counseling education online offers a notable number of assistantships and fellowships and is particularly favorable to students with military background.
#17 – University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Online MA with K-12 School Counseling Emphasis
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: No
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 61
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $439
Points: 11
The University of North Dakota online master of arts with K-12 school counseling emphasis takes at least thirty months for a rigorous 60-credit degree. Admissions expect at least two years of teaching with valid current certification. The well-developed range of courses will have to begin with courses such as human growth and development and foundations of professional counseling. Your undergraduate GPA must be greater than 2.5. As affordable as the University of North Dakota MA with a K-12 school counseling emphasis online is, the school has considered the concerns of distance-learners, with support system-wide.
#16 – Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, Oklahoma
Online MEd in School Counseling
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: No
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $265
Points: 11
Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online master of education in school counseling can be completed in as little as a year. You will get oriented with the rest of your cohort via study and discussion of ethical practice and theories of counseling, and after you do hands-on practicums, you can have your degree requirements fulfilled. Admission to the online Southeastern Oklahoma State University MEd in school counseling requires at least a 3.0 on your most recent undergraduate coursework, a baccalaureate degree, and proper certification.
#15 – University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
MS in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling Online
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 205
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $500
Points: 12
The University of Louisiana at Monroe’s offering is a master of science in counseling with a concentration in school counseling online. All students in your cohort will take introductory and theory and methods courses as well as a course in ethical and legal issues for counselors in K-12 workplaces. Before you graduate you will need to complete internships and a practicum to apply your research. When you have finished your pursuit of the University of Louisiana at Monroe online MS in counseling with a concentration in school counseling you will be able to call yourself a School Counselor. Also, your degree will qualify you for certification and licensure.
#14 – University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
MEd in School Counseling Online
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: No
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 115
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $315
Points: 12
While the University of the Cumberlands online MEd in school counseling does provide you with a thorough grounding in the necessary skills you need to master to reach a greater level of professionalism, you will need another avenue to licensure. Once licensed, or if you already are licensed, you can enhance your current certification with “literacy specialist, school counseling, and teacher as leader” concentrations. Of these, all require 30 credit hours–except for school counseling, which expects 45. The University of the Cumberlands master of education in school counseling online stresses the essential education programs it has over a century of tradition and departmental support.
#13 – Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
Online MEd in School Counseling
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 126
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $575
Points: 13
Students in the online Northern Arizona University master of education in school and guidance counseling will complete a 48-hour program strongly aligned with the ASCA National Model that applies data as well as assessment to improve training and outcomes. You will be working as an advocate for Arizona-based projects as part of your degree. As a graduate, you will be trained for certification and/or licensure with NBCC. Northern Arizona University’s online MEd in school counseling features on the job growth for counselors and related fields, particularly in career development, program evaluation, and cultural foundations and development.
#12 – Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
MA in Counseling Online
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 228-299
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $475
Points: 13
Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s master of arts in counseling is a 60-credit program designed to support students in a very close to 100% online setting but acknowledges the need for face to face training. With this preparation, you will need to concentrate your study in either school or clinical mental health areas, though both concentrations share foundation coursework content such as dynamics of the process, theories, and drug and alcohol abuse. Graduation, successful examinations, and placement rates via the Northwestern State University of Louisiana online MA in counseling are shown to be comparable with the larger, more expensive ones.
#11 – University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, Missouri
MEd in Educational, School and Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Mental Health Practices in Schools Online
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: No
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 38
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $453.03
Points: 13
The University of Missouri has designed a 100% online master of education in educational, school and counseling psychology with an emphasis in mental health practices in schools. This program is a 34-credit degree for those who seek suggested positions as professionals in special education, school administrators, as well as primary and secondary teachers. Your classes will significantly heighten your knowledge base related to assessment, conferencing, and evaluation. A suggested two years to finish would require you take two classes a semester–and summers–while not requiring you to come to campus. As a distance learner in the University of Missouri online MEd in educational, school and counseling psychology with an emphasis in mental health practices in schools, you will be considered in-state.
#10 – Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, Kentucky
MAEd in School Guidance Counselor P-12 Online
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: No
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 148
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $299
Points: 13
When you look into the Campbellsville University master of arts in education in school guidance counselor P-12 online, keep in mind that the school is Christ-centered. Among similar institutions, CU keeps costs down and contends with other similar religious schools for value and values. Your study and internships will help you better understand the contexts and challenges of counseling balanced with spiritual advocacy. Your 48 hours at Campbellsville University’s online MAEd in school guidance counselor P-12 should take about a year and a half.
#9 – Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Online MEd in Counseling and Development: Professional School Counseling
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: No
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 159
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $275
Points: 13
In thirty months or fewer, you can complete your degree in Lamar University’s online master of education in counseling and development: professional school counseling. Your sixty hours will likely focus on the highly valued skills that apply to the clinical or in-school positions you are preparing for. To get into the school, you will need to be a certified teacher with at least two years of experience, include a thoughtful personal letter, and you will need a letter of recommendation from the principal with whom you have worked. The Lamar University online MEd in counseling and development professional school counseling also focuses on flexible scheduling and affordability.
#8 – University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
MS in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling Online
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 61
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $511.66
Points: 14
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro master of science in counseling with a concentration in school counseling places emphasis on the direct learning experience as soon as possible. You and your classmates will do practicum work your first semester. Other features you will share include the courses such as counselor as scientist-practitioner and counseling diverse populations. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro online MS in counseling with a concentration in school counseling gives a vision of future positions in conventional positions as well as non-traditional areas in homes or community agencies.
#7 – Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, Minnesota
MS in Counseling Online
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 194
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $442
Points: 14
If you are looking at Minnesota State University Moorhead’s master of science in counseling online, you will find three main areas of counseling: addiction, clinical mental health, and school. These areas lead to the corresponding positions in the field, which you will have to consider. The site highlights a 93% positive career outcome rate. Minnesota State University Moorhead online MS in counseling. Also distinctive at this school is a community outreach center that functions as a real resource for students in need of counsel, but it also offers a place to observe and develop your eventual craft.
#6 – Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
MS in School Counseling Online
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 46
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $574.20
Points: 15
Kansas State University’s 48-hour master of science in school counseling is available online and joins a number of other programs at the school that appear consistently on affordability lists. The expected courses for your cohort include counseling theory and best practices. Further requirements include coursework in testing and assessment. The requirements in clinical study at Kansas State University online MS in school counseling make sure to prepare you for your real-life practice–this is done with internships and a practicum.
#5 – Arkansas State University-Main Campus
Jonesboro, Arkansas
MSEd in School Counseling Online
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 115
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $317
Points: 15
With multiple start dates per year, Arkansas State University’s master of science in education in school counseling online is a flexible degree that does not require a teaching license for applicants in Arkansas. The 48 semester hour degree can be completed in less than two years and is comprised of 7 week course terms and 10-15 week practicums and internships. The online MSEd in school counseling offered by Arkansas State University offers conditional acceptance, unconditional acceptance, and an appeals process for admission to the program.
#4 – University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, Nebraska
Online MSEd in School Counseling
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: No
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 25
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $309
Points: 15
In your 43-hour online degree program, University of Nebraska at Kearney online master of science in education in school counseling invites into a program that blends strong research methods and theory and technique coursework with the experience and coursework you bring to the program. Also required will be two internships courses and more advanced work in consultation. Whether you are completing a master’s degree, seeking certification, or you intend to add a teaching endorsement, the online MSEd in school counseling at the University of Nebraska at Kearney has options for you.
#3 – North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina
MEd in School Counseling Online
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 29
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $446
Points: 16
For entry into the North Carolina State University master of education in school counseling online, you will need graduate test scores, three letters of recommendation, and clear expression of your education and professional goals. The university has designed what the school calls a “school-college-community collaboration model” that balances training and education of tomorrow’s teachers. North Carolina State University online MEd in school counseling notes that the education department has been a North Carolina staple for the training and education of teachers and counselors and now emphasize distance-learning student needs via constantly updated audiovisual and networking technology
#2 – Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
MS in Counseling – School Counseling Online
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 54
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $287.75
Points: 17
The department that houses Fort Hays State University’s online master of science in counseling-school counseling seeks to train those that will be counselors so that students are constantly up to the moment in standards and professional development. Strong emphasis on sensitivity to diverse populations as well as learning to train others are among the detailed goals of the program. The 60 hour online Fort Hays State University MS in counseling-school counseling has main paths to licensure: traditional; parallel pathways; and restricted license.
#1 – University of Mississippi
University, Mississippi
Online MEd in Counselor Education
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
CACREP Accreditation: Yes
USNWR Online Graduate Education Degree Ranking: 34
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $363.25
Points: 20
The University of Mississippi’s online master of education in counselor education features a balance of study and training in clinical settings to prepare you to be of service of a range of people including from children to couples to families. To be admitted you will need a baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7. Also, you will need an up to date resume, recent GRE scores, and a personal statement. The site for the University of Mississippi MEd in counselor education online notes the flexibility of the program delivery as well as the thorough grounding in supervised practice you get from this program.
OCR Staff
January 2020
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