[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School counselors play an integral role in the educational support system by guiding students through critical turning points in their lives. With the right support, students can pursue their passions and unlock their full educational potential.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you are interested in a fulfilling career helping students, learn more about how to become a school counselor, the required education, and the best online master’s in school counseling programs in this guide.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How We Chose These Schools[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias while accounting for key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This ranking is from 2023. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/ranking-methodology/” target=”_blank”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Choosing an Online Master’s in School Counseling Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colleges and universities create their own curricula, so students pursuing an online master’s in school counseling need to research prospective programs to determine if coursework satisfies local licensure requirements. Students should also consider other factors that may influence their own personal goals. Some factors to consider:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Cost:[/hen-ui-text] School counseling programs vary in cost. For instance, students may want to consider in-state programs over out-of-state programs, as out-of-state students often pay higher tuition rates.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Transfer Policies:[/hen-ui-text] Students who have transfer credits from previous graduate-level study should be sure to thoroughly research the transfer policy at any possible school. Being able to transfer credits can save you time and money in a master’s program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]School Size and Type:[/hen-ui-text] When selecting a program, students should consider their learning style. The size and structure of a school can influence the student experience. For example, students who need more individualized attention may prefer a smaller school.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length:[/hen-ui-text] Online school counseling programs vary in length. For instance, some institutions may follow traditional semesters, while others offer year-round accelerated programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]On-Campus Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] While fully online programs do not require in-person attendance, except for internships and field experience, hybrid programs may require in-person attendance for coursework.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Thesis, Fellowship, and Work Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] An online master’s in school counseling usually requires a thesis, and the best programs typically require field experiences to satisfy licensure requirements.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Else Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in School Counseling Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During your studies, you will learn about the needs of children and adolescents, child and youth development, how school systems work, different types of counseling, delivering culturally competent counseling, and the legal and ethical standards school counselors adhere to.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most online master’s in school counseling programs take approximately two years to complete and require 50-60 credits. While coursework takes place online, plan to complete fieldwork in person, typically on a school campus. When determining the best online master’s in school counseling for your needs, consider the logistics for attending your fieldwork. After you graduate and complete your required supervised experience and pass the national examination, you can apply for a state license. Each state has its own requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Online Master’s in School Counseling Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]Child and Adolescent Counseling[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This course explores counseling techniques and theories that apply to children and adolescents. Student outcomes include identifying common emotional and behavioral disorders, evidence-based interventions, cultural and environmental factors that impact treatment, and emerging trends. This course may include a final exam or special project. Students can use this opportunity to focus on their ideal target population.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]Career Development[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School counselors often provide career development. This course emphasizes development theories and strategies for decision-making. Topics include relationships between roles of life and career development, cultural influences, and relevant assessments. Course objectives include identifying a healthy work-life balance. This course often requires a comprehensive final exam.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]Group Counseling[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School counselors need to understand interpersonal influences on behavior, developmental stages of a group, and theoretical approaches for counseling groups. This course emphasizes group leadership skills. Learning outcomes include demonstrating knowledge and competence in both advanced and fundamental counseling skills. This course often includes a group project.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]Ethics and Legal Issues in School Counseling[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This course explores the relationship between ethical standards and legal regulations in counseling. Students also explore regulations for professional counseling practices, identify professional issues that impact counselors, and study ethical and legal standards in school counseling.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]School Counseling Certifications and Licenses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An accredited master’s in school counseling is required to earn a state license. Students must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nbcc.org/exams/nce/” target=”_blank”]National Counselor Examination[/hen-ui-link] (NCE) offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors, which includes 200 multiple-choice questions. Topics include social and cultural diversity, human growth and development, group counseling and group work, and research and program evaluation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requirements vary by state. Students should visit their local department of education website to determine specifics. Requirements typically include logged contact hours. For instance, states may demand a specified number of practicum hours acquired under a licensed practitioner, or two or more years of teaching or counseling experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students should also consider reciprocity guidelines if their career goals include moving to a different state. Professionals may need to complete additional coursework for applied experiences before earning reciprocity. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards also offers a voluntary certification that recognizes K-12 professionals who demonstrate skill with standards-based evidence.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accreditation for Online Master’s in School Counseling Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accrediting agencies establish a minimum standard of quality for educational institutions. Other universities, licensing boards, and employers use these standards to verify that students have been trained properly. Regional accrediting agencies are generally considered more prestigious than national accrediting agencies, which typically only accredit trade and specialty schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Transferring to another institution may prove difficult if your school is not regionally accredited, so it’s important to check the accreditation status of your institution. There are [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/regional-accrediting-organizations/” target=”_blank”]six regional accrediting agencies[/hen-ui-link]. Additionally, students may want to compare state licensing requirements to ensure they qualify to take the exam upon graduating.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students should also consider programmatic accrediting agencies to verify the quality of a particular school counseling master’s degree. For school counselors, these agencies include the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cacrep.org/about-cacrep/” target=”_blank”]Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”http://mpcacaccreditation.org/” target=”_blank”]Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]School Counseling Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School counselors help students address any challenges or issues they face in school and guide them on their next steps after graduation. They may address issues, such as bullying, choosing classes, and college applications, or they may help students with learning or behavioral difficulties find the appropriate resources.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Career counselors focus primarily on helping pupils decide on and prepare for a career. They can also work with students outside the school system, such as in nonprofits that focus on career readiness and preparation, or within the juvenile justice system. Some career counselors even work in corporations to interest young graduates in jobs with that organization or help existing employees plan their careers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]School Counselors[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/#school-and-career-counselors/”]School counselors[/hen-ui-link] help students establish and reach academic goals. These professionals usually work in elementary and secondary schools. For instance, high school counselors may examine students’ career interests to help them identify what they should study in college.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School counselors also help students apply for financial aid, write essays for scholarships, write resumes if they’re immediately entering the workforce, and find internship opportunities. School counselors may also administer aptitude tests or collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and other team members. This role typically requires a master’s degree and an unencumbered state license.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $55,900 ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=School_Counselor/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale, May 2024[/hen-ui-link])[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Projected Growth Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 5% ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm” target=”_blank”]BLS, 2022[/hen-ui-link])[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Career Counselors[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/#school-and-career-counselors/”]Career counselors[/hen-ui-link] primarily work with adolescents and young adults to make career or academic decisions that help students reach their career goals. Typical duties include small group or individual counseling, mock interviews, and classroom instruction. These professionals may also administer aptitude tests, advise clients on how to address conflict, or build professional networks.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Career counselors often work in high schools, colleges, or universities. However, placement firms or alternative schools also hire career counselors. This role requires a master’s degree and an unencumbered license. Practitioners need to earn continuing education credits periodically to keep their licenses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $50,930 ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Career_Counselor/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale, May 2024[/hen-ui-link])[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Projected Growth Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 5% ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm” target=”_blank”]BLS, 2022[/hen-ui-link])[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]School Counseling Professional Organizations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The counseling field demands ongoing research to solve modern problems. School counselors benefit from memberships in professional organizations, which provide active global networks and access to cutting-edge research and practices. Additionally, professional organizations allow graduates to collaborate with seasoned practitioners and receive mentorship.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.schoolcounselor.org/” target=”_blank”]American School Counselor Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] ASCA outlines ethical standards for school counselors. Membership allows access to cutting-edge resources and statistical data, professional development opportunities, and annual conferences. Professional members also have voting power. However, students earning a master’s or doctorate may apply as nonvoting members.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.counseling.org/” target=”_blank”]American Counseling Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] ACA advocates for culturally diverse and ethical practices that improve counseling services. It also provides information regarding policy changes and government affairs. Members can access online publications, career advancement resources, continuing education credits, and job opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://acachild.org/” target=”_blank”]Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] ACAC advocates for equal access to mental health services for children. It also provides resources for professional counselors working with youth and helps develop innovative prevention and intervention methods. Membership perks include networking opportunities and research grants.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Master’s in School Counseling FAQs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Do You Need a Master’s for School Counseling?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both K-12 and postsecondary schools typically require school counselors to hold an unencumbered state license, which requires applicants to earn a master’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Long Is a Master’s in School Counseling?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can earn an online master’s in school counseling in two years with full-time attendance. Part-time students should anticipate earning their degrees in four years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Where do school counselors make the most?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School counselors make the most in California, with an average annual salary of $85,820, followed by Washington ($81,280), Massachusetts ($79,670), New Jersey ($79,030) and Maryland ($76,250), [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211012.htm” target=”_blank”]according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS). School counselors make the most in elementary and secondary schools ($74,910), junior colleges ($67,420), and at colleges, universities, and professional schools ($58,390).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What are the admission requirements for online master’s in school counseling programs?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typical admission requirements for the best online master’s in school counseling programs include a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA and an application with an essay or statement of purpose. While most programs do not have specific requirements for your type of undergraduate major, coursework or a major in a related field, such as psychology or child development, show interest and commitment to your career choice.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]