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Become one of the most valuable players in the school system with one of the nation’s Best Online Master’s in Educational Counseling Degrees.
Do you envision yourself in the school system, inspiring young people to pursue their dreams? Are you passionate about the issues facing children these days? Do you want to become an advocate for young people, encouraging them to become their best selves? Then an advanced degree in educational counseling may be the next best career move for you.
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Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
What kind of online Master’s in Educational Counseling degree should you get?
Earning a Master’s in Educational Counseling degree looks like many things. For example, some programs will prepare you for licensure while others will not. Some will prepare you for state exams and others will focus on broad-based counseling applications.
Here at College Choice we’ve been sure to note which programs will put you on the path toward licensure and certification.
But the differences don’t end there. Though all of these programs will prepare you for assessing student behavior and needs, they each vary in emphasis and scope. For example, Edinboro University offers a college counseling program for those who specifically hope to work in higher education.
Find what’s best for you, your career goals, and your passions. Despite the distinctions in the programs, all of these can be earned online. Online education is not only a flexible way to advance your education and career, it’s affordable too.
For that reason, be sure to check out College Choice’s Best Online Colleges and Universities.
How much money do people make with an online Master’s in Educational Counseling degree?
An advanced degree in educational counseling will set you apart and set you up for a career that is both financially rewarding and economically stable.
School counselors, according to PayScale, make on average $46,700 a year. And while that may not seem like a lot up front, it’s important to consider that that number is just an average. PayScale also notes that K-12 counselors can make up to $68,000 annually.
And the news only gets better. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the need for school counselors will rise another 13 percent in the next few years, which is way above the national average.
What can you do with a Master’s in Educational Counseling?
Most go into their master’s programs with the expectation that they’ll work in the K-12 setting after graduation. This is a popular and viable option for those with a Master’s in Educational Counseling. You can also use the degree to find a career in private or public schools, in elementary or secondary education.
But the opportunities don’t stop there. These degrees can also lead to job titles such as:
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Vocational Counselor
- Play or Art Therapist
- Group Facilitator
What are the requirements for an online Master’s in Educational Counseling degree?
Though this ranking spans across MEd, MS, and MA degrees, each have similar requirements. You’ll first take a number of foundational classes that explore educational counseling fundamentals. These will include coursework on assessment and evaluation, counseling technique, and the professional, ethical, and legal issues in counseling.
From there you can explore more specialized areas in counseling, such as bullying, addictions, abuse, and peer pressure, among others.
In addition to coursework you may have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through an internship or practicum. Some programs even require it, which we’ve been sure to note.
Finally, all of these programs take around two years to complete, while some may take three and others a year and a half. It all depends on the kind of degree and licensure you seek.
What are the best online Master’s in Educational Counseling degrees?
While some of these educational counseling programs are housed in large research universities and others in small religious colleges, they all share on thing in common: they are the best online programs in the country.
To determine the best we first looked at every university and college that offers the degree online. From there we looked at the school’s academic reputation and student retention rates. Then we brought in the financial factors, looking both at the affordability of the program and the early salaries of graduates.
After such exhaustive research and data collation, we found those programs that are the nation’s best at training school counselors. Our figures and information come from the university and colleges’ websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.
Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
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Wake Forest UniversityLocation
Winston Salem, NC
Tuition$23826
Graduation Rate88%
Overview
Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, NC. It is home to around 8,000 students and is a nonprofit, private university. Wake Forest is a recognized leader in research and is renowned for its academic excellence. Dozens of Rhodes, Marshall, and Truman Scholars have graduated from Wake Forest, including over 60 Fulbright winners.
Features
Wake Forest offers an online MS in Counseling with specialization in school counseling. Through this program you will gain a foundation in the theories and modes of counseling as well as life span development. Youll practice applications and develop skills in counseling techniques, crisis management, and cultural sensitivity. And youll take classes such as:
Issues in School Counseling Counseling Children Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues in Counseling Addiction CounselingNotables
Wake Forests rankings and recognitions are many. It is nationally ranked by U.S. News World Report. It is considered one of the most affordable schools in the US, and its school counseling program is ranked among the 40 best in the nation.
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Liberty UniversityLocation
Lynchburg, VA
Tuition$24794
Graduation Rate50%
Overview
Founded by televangelist, Jerry Falwell, Liberty University is a large religious university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. With more than 110,000 students, most of whom study online, the university is known for having some of the best and biggest online programs. Liberty is also consider Americas most conservative university.
Features
Liberty offers a Masters in Education in School Counseling that can be earned mostly online with some required intensives. This two-year degree program will fully teach you how to plan, develop, and implement school counseling programs. You will graduate prepared to promote the social, academic, and vocational development of children and teens. Classes cover:
Social and Cultural Foundations in Counseling Structured Groups Counseling Theories and Techniques Child and Adolescent Counseling in the SchoolsNotables
Perhaps what is most notable about Liberty is that it has been ranked the Most Conservative College in America by Young Americas Foundation, among many others. In fact, this counseling degree is taught from a biblical perspective. Additionally, the university is also recognized for its affordability and its sprawling distance education programs.
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Vanderbilt UniversityLocation
Nashville, TN
Tuition$23150
Graduation Rate93%
Overview
Vanderbilt University, or Vandy, is based in Nashville, TN. It is a research-driven Around 12,600 students attend Vandy, enrolled in one of the ten colleges or professional schools. Though strong in many areas, the university is most known for its business and law programs.
Features
Vandys Peabody College offers an online MEd in School Counseling that readies students for careers in the K-12 setting. You will learn how to meet the academic, social, emotional, and psychological needs of children while also developing a comprehensive knowledge of the behavioral sciences. Classes include:
Career Counseling Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Counseling Exceptional Education and the DSM for School Counselors Group CounselingNotables
Vandys Peabody College of Education is ranked among the top 10 Best Education Schools in the nation by U.S. News World Report. Its graduate programs are especially renowned. And the university as a whole is ranked among the top 15 best in the US.
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University of MissouriLocation
Columbia, MO
Tuition$16317
Graduation Rate69%
Overview
Located in Columbia, the University of Missouri is a public school and a research institution. Mizzou is distinct in several ways but is perhaps best known for being one of only a handful of universities in the country that has a school of medicine, engineering, agriculture, law, and veterinary medicine all on the same campus. Around 33,000 students attend Mizzou.
Features
Mizzous College of Education offers an MEd in Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology degree. This program focuses on mental health practices in school, covering everything from diversity issues to managing atypical behaviors. Graduates from Mizzou have secured a range of careers positions, including those as:
Special Education Professionals
Community-based Practitioners School Counselors School AdministratorsNotables
Mizzou offers an affordable way to enhance your education and advance your career. All online students qualify for in-state tuition regardless of where they live. Indeed, U.S. News World Report ranks Mizzou among the top 100 most affordable schools in the country.
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Creighton UniversityLocation
Omaha, NE
Tuition$30353
Graduation Rate78%
Overview
Creighton University is located in Omaha, NE. It is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and was founded by the Society of Jesus. Today, Creighton maintains its Catholics roots and heritage, and it boasts being the largest religious university in Nebraska with over 8,000 students.
Features
For those looking for something a little different, Creighton offers an MS in School Counseling and Preventive Mental Health degree. While you will still be prepared for counseling in the school system, this program focuses on preventive measures that mitigate the many issues students face today, from bullying to drug use. Further, there are three tracks to choose from:
Elementary School Counseling Secondary School Counseling PK-12 Guidance CounselingNotables
Creighton offers a unique opportunity when earning this degree: the Magis Catholic Teacher Corps program. This program provides a faith-based support to accepted applicants. Accepted applicants also benefit by receiving a monthly stipend, subsidized tuition, health insurance, and more.
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Seton Hall UniversityLocation
South Orange, NJ
Tuition$27864
Graduation Rate66%
Overview
Originally founded as a liberal arts womens college, today Seton Hall provides dozens of academic and professional development opportunities. It is located in South Orange, NJ, and is a private, Catholic university affiliated with the Sisters of Charity. Approximately 2,500 students attend Seton Hall.
Features
When you earn an MA in School Counseling from Seton Hall you will become a highly thoughtful, socially conscious, and intuitive school counselor. Seton Halls program considers ethnic, geographic, and social differences and the implications of those differences in the K-12 setting. Classes include:
Appraisal and Assessment in Counseling Psychology of Human Development Principles of Learning and Behavior Modification Abnormal PsychologyNotables
Seton Hall is nationally ranked by U.S. News World Report, among many others. In addition to its overall academic reputation, the University boasts solid marks across departments. Seton Hall is particularly known for its business, education, and law programs.
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University of Massachusetts BostonLocation
Boston, MA
Tuition$11966
Graduation Rate42%
Overview
The Boston member within the University of Massachusetts is the flagship campus. It is a public, research-driven university with 16,000 students. UMass Boston is comprised of nearly a dozen schools and colleges and its most popular programs are in education, nursing, psychology, and management.
Features
UMass College of Advancing and Professional Studies offers an online MEd in School Counseling. This is a 60 credit-hour degree program that will fully prepare you for licensure in the state of Massachusetts, if you seek that kind of certification. In addition to general counseling and specialized school counseling courses, students are required to complete field experiences through practicums and internships. Graduates have gone on to become:
High School Counselors Academic Advisors Vocational School Specialists And moreNotables
UMass Boston is home to dozens of elite research centers and facilities. For example, as a student you have access to the research, networks, and services provided by institutes such as the Center for Social Development and Education, the Institute for Community Inclusion, the Institute for Learning and Teaching, and more.
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Angelo State UniversityLocation
San Angelo, TX
Tuition$10943
Graduation Rate30%
Overview
Based in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a member of the Texas Tech University System. With 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Angelo State provides more than 150 academic programs. Though it is best known for its professional schools and training in education, nursing, business, and more.
Features
Angelo State offers an MEd in Guidance and Counseling that prepares students to become counselors in the high school, college, and university setting. You will graduate ready for the Professional Certificate for School Counselors exam. Classes you will take as an online Angelo State student include:
Lifespan Development Social and Cultural Influences Legal and Ethical Principles Curriculum and Methodology TrendsNotables
At Angelo State you can earn your educational counseling degree in less than two years. The University provides eight-week courses that are all online, allowing students to expedite their graduation dates. Not only is the program flexible, it is one of the more affordable degrees on our ranking.
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University of West AlabamaLocation
Livingston, AL
Tuition$13545
Graduation Rate33%
Overview
The University of West Alabama is based in Livingston, AL and serves around 6,000 students. However, UWA is rapidly growing into a larger university. Currently it offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with its strongest and most popular programs in education, business, nursing, technology, math, and the arts.
Features
At UWA you can earn an MEd in School Counseling certification in just a year! Though this is a concentrated degree program, it doesnt skimp on the fundamentals. You will explore everything from counseling techniques to strategies for crisis intervention, counseling multicultural populations, and more. Required core courses include:
Techniques of Educational Research Advanced Educational Psychology Life-Span Development and Learning Educational StatisticsNotables
The University of West Alabama is regionally ranked by U.S. News World Report. Likewise, its online programs are consistently included among the listings of the best online programs in the nation. Specifically, the online graduate education programs are most recognized.
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Texas A&M UniversityLocation
Killeen, TX
Tuition$15455
Overview
A mammoth research university, Texas AM University is located in College Station, TX. It is both one of the largest schools in the state of Texas and one of the largest in the nation, in terms of enrollment, academic programs, and research projects. Nearly 70,000 students attend Texas AM.
Features
Texas AM University offers a Masters in Educational Psychology degree wherein you can specialize in School Counseling. This program trains students to become personal, academic, and career counselors. But not only that, this unique program also prepares students to become educational consultants, partnering closely with teachers and administrators. Classes include:Multicultural Counseling in Schools
School Counseling Theories and Techniques Planning and Organizing Comprehensive Guidance Programs Issues in Child and Adolescent DevelopmentNotables
Texas AM University is an elite research school. It is ranked sixty-ninth among all national universities and colleges by U.S. News World Report. Likewise, its online graduate education programs are among the top 60 in the nation.
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University of the SouthwestLocation
Hobbs, NM
Tuition$18063
Graduation Rate17%
Overview
The University of the Southwest is located in Hobbs, NM. It offers programs in business, education, and the arts and sciences to its 1,000 students. And though it was founded as a Baptist school, today its non-denominational in its religious affiliation.
Features
The Master of Science in Education program at the University of the Southwest focuses specifically on School Counseling. This program will prepare you for licensure at the elementary, middle, and high school settings. Entirely online, you will be prepared to help students with their future educational, social, and personal goals. Graduates have gone on to become:
Middle and High School Guidance Counselors Elementary School Counselors Literacy SpecialistsNotables
The University of the Southwest is consistently ranked among the top 100 best universities in its region by U.S. News World Report. Likewise, its online programs are renowned and make many lists for their quality and affordability. Indeed, the University offers financial aid, military aid, corporate sponsorship, and professional aid to qualified students.
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Lamar UniversityLocation
Beaumont, TX
Tuition$11755
Graduation Rate33%
Overview
Part of the Texas State University System, Lamar University is based in Beaumont, TX. It is home to 15,000 students, 150 academic programs, and more than a half dozen colleges and schools. Among those is the College of Education and Human Development, which offers NCATE accredited programs in everything from counseling to professional pedagogy.
Features
When you earn an MEd in School Counseling from Lamar University you will learn how to help students not just academically or socially but emotionally and physically as well. And when you study online at Lamar you can finish this degree in under two years. Classes include:
Individual Counseling Theories and Techniques Multicultural Counseling Professionalism, Ethics, and the Law Human Growth and DevelopmentNotables
U.S. News World Report ranked Lamar sixth in the nation for having the least amount of student debt among its students at graduation. Additionally, its online programs, across degree levels and subjects, are highly regarded. Finally, Lamar is considered a Military Friendly School by GI Jobs.
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University of Tennessee at MartinLocation
Martin, TN
Tuition$10430
Overview
The Martin-based campus within the wider University of Tennessee System is organized into five colleges. UT Martin specializes in education, agriculture, business, and engineering education, but also offers degrees in everything from global affairs to the behavioral sciences. Approximately 6,700 students attend UT Martin.
Features
The MS in Counseling program at UT Martin will not only give you a theoretical foundation in counseling fundamentals, it will help you become an aware, empathetic, and sensitive counselor. Additionally, UT Martin emphasizes the importance of technology integration and communication skillbuilding. Some of the classes youll take at UT Martin include:
Growth and Development Across the Lifespan Theory and Techniques of Counseling Career Development and Counseling Principles of Crisis InterventionNotables
UT Martins commitment to professional formation is evident in its internship and practicum programs. Students, including those studying online, are required to complete a dynamic internship experience. And if youre currently working as a school counselor? That counts!
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North Carolina State UniversityLocation
Raleigh, NC
Tuition$13066
Graduation Rate75%
Overview
North Carolina State University is located in Raleigh and is home to more than 32,000 students. NC State has many renowned academic programs and research projects, but its most popular areas of study are in engineering, education, agriculture, and the life sciences.
Features
NCSUs Master of Education in School Counseling program will ready you for a career in the K-12 setting. Youll learn preventive interventions, clinical counseling techniques, and how to effectively promote the academic, career, and social development of students. For example, some of the classes youll take at NCSU include:
Orientation to Professional Counseling, Identity, and Ethics Career Counseling and Development Multicultural Counseling Group CounselingNotables
When you graduate from NCSU you will graduate a fully trained expert in school counseling. Youll have an impressive 600 hours of direct experience under your belt through the Universitys internship program. And youll have the opportunity to work with faculty, school administrators, and more.
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University of North DakotaLocation
Grand Forks, ND
Tuition$14693
Graduation Rate55%
Overview
The University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks. Though today it is a large research-based university, UND was founded on a liberal arts ideology and maintains those commitments today. Approximately 15,000 students attend UND.
Features
For those who want a more liberal arts approach to education, UND offers an MA in Counseling with an emphasis on K-12 School Counseling. While most classes and coursework are held online, UND does require two campus visits in the summer, each offering four days of immersive learning experiences. Classes at UND include:
Group Theory and Process Diagnostic and Prevention Strategies in Counseling Dynamics of Addiction Theories of Counseling, Personality, and DevelopmentNotables
As a leader in online education, UND knows how to offer flexible education that doesnt skimp on experience and opportunities. The required semester-long practicum, for example, can be completed in a school close to where you live. And the university provides accessible services through tech, library, and counseling support.
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Salem CollegeLocation
Winston Salem, NC
Tuition$24480
Graduation Rate65%
Overview
Located in Winston-Salem, NC, Salem College is a liberal arts womens school. Though primarily serving women students, men are enrolled in the continuing education and online programs. A notably small school, less than 1,000 students attend Salem College.
Features
The Master of Education in School Counseling degree at Salem College is a research-based program. While working toward becoming a licensed school counselor you will also learn how to consolidate important data and research information. For example, some of the topics and coursework youll encounter at Salem College include:
21st Century Career and Educational Counseling Development Culturally Relevant Counseling: Exploring Educational Equity Managing the Comprehensive School Counseling Introduction to the School Setting: Practicum for School CounselorsNotables
With its focus on and commitment to womens professional development, Salem College excels in the area of equity. In fact, the Women of Purpose campaign illustrates the Colleges goals of uplifting women and helping them break the glass ceilings across industries and disciplines.
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Lehigh UniversityLocation
Bethlehem, PA
Tuition$27478
Graduation Rate87%
Overview
Lehigh University is a private school with a research focus. It is located in Bethlehem, PA and serves around 7,000 students. Lehigh is comprised of four colleges: in Engineering and Applied Science, the Arts Sciences, Business and Economics, and Education.
Features
Lehigh Universitys College of Education offers a unique opportunity for students who want to study counseling through a global perspective: a Masters of Education in International School Counseling. This program focuses on the school, community, and family, each with an international focus. For example, classes include:
Helping Skills in International Settings International School Counseling Culture-Centered Career Intervention Diversity and Multicultural PerspectivesNotables
Lehighs online counseling programs gives students the opportunity to participate in workshops in Shanghai. Students engage in three-day workshops that focus on everything from on clinical and therapeutic skill-building to treating anxiety, personality disorders, depression, and trauma. This is one of the only programs on our ranking to offer study abroad opportunities.
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Our Lady of the Lake UniversityLocation
San Antonio, TX
Tuition$18754
Graduation Rate38%
Overview
A Catholic school located in San Antonio, TX, Our Lady of the Lake University was founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence. Today the University provides a few dozen degree opportunities, including those offered online. Around 3,000 students attend OLLU.
Features
OLLU offers an MEd in School Counseling program that trains students to effectively assess the behavior and learning problems of its students. Even more, you will graduate ready to work with students on SAT/ACT prep, career coaching, the college admissions process, and much more. Some of the classes youll take at OLLU include:
Guidance and Counseling Services Vocational and Aptitude Assessment Child and Juvenile Psychological Development Disability IssuesNotables
OLLUs MEd in School Counseling program will prepare you to take the TExES (the Texas Examinations for Educator Stand) School Counseling Exam. For as long as the university has been preparing students for the exam they have boasted a 100 percent pass rate.
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Southern Arkansas UniversityLocation
Magnolia, AR
Tuition$11428
Graduation Rate31%
Overview
Southern Arkansas University is located just north of Louisiana in Magnolia, AR. It offers more than 70 academic degrees as well as specialized certificates, completion programs, and more. Under 5,000 combined undergraduate and graduate students attend SAU.
Features
The Master of Education in School Counseling program at Southern Arkansas University takes around two to three years to complete. It will prepare you to become a self-aware, compassionate counselor who can tackle everything from bullying issues to career development. As a SAU student you will take an array of classes, some of which include:
Introduction to the Counseling Profession Human Development for Helping Professionals Counseling in a Diverse Society Assessment Procedures for CounselorsNotables
SAU offers many ways to study school counseling at the graduate level. You can study online while also attending some classes on campus. Or you can earn a School Counseling Graduate Certificate in just a year. The certificate is comprised of 12-18 credit-hours in classes that provide a foundation in elementary and secondary school counseling.
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Concordia University WisconsinLocation
Mequon, WI
Tuition$25764
Graduation Rate61%
Overview
Concordia University Wisconsin is located in Mequon and is part of the larger Concordia University System, which is owned and operated by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. CUW is a liberal arts university comprised of five colleges. Around 7,000 students attend CUW.
Features
Concordia University in Wisconsin offers an online MS in Education degree with a concentration in counseling. This program prepares you for the K-12 setting in both private and public schools. In addition to classes on counseling theories, social and cultural foundations, and human development, at Concordia you will also take highly specialized courses such as:
Tests and Measurements Classroom Management for Counselors Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of Developmental CounselingNotables
For those who want a faith-based approach to school counseling, Concordia University may have the best program for you. In addition to your core counseling courses, listed above, you can take several that provide a Christian perspective on counseling. Examples include Christian Trauma Counseling, Consultation Strategies within the Church, Christian Perspectives of Family Development, and more.
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University of Louisiana at MonroeLocation
Monroe, LA
Tuition$9145
Graduation Rate41%
Overview
Around 9,000 students attend the Monroe school within the wider University of Louisiana System. ULM offers dozens of academic and professional degrees with its most popular being in business, education, psychology, and the health sciences. ULM is nationally ranked by U.S. News World Report.
Features
The MS in Counseling program at ULM offers two areas of specialization, one of which is in School Counseling. However, as a ULM student you have the unique opportunity to specialize in both school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. For that reason, graduates of this program have acquired careers with diverse titles, including:
Group Facilitator Play Therapist Addictions Counselor Art TherapistNotables
The University of Louisiana at Monroe earns one of the biggest merit badges for affordability as the most inexpensive schools on our list. Tuition at ULM comes in below $10,000, making an advanced degree an accessible option.
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Capella UniversityLocation
Minneapolis, MN
Tuition$16538
Overview
Capella University is a university specializing in elite, online education. It is based in Minneapolis, but offers more than 1,600 courses and 150 programs online and to students around the world. In fact, approximately 37,000 students attend Capella.
Features
Capellas MS in School Counseling program addresses all aspects of counseling children and adolescents in todays landscape. Not only will you learn how to tackle tough issues such as cyber bullying, drug use, and sexual orientation. But you will become an expert in behavioral assessment and evaluation through classes such as:
Assessment, Tests, and Measures Survey of Research in Human Development for Professional Counselors Crisis Intervention, Trauma Response, and Emergency Management Introduction to School CounselingNotables
Though you will be earning your degree online, Capella ensures you have a hands-on experience through intensive residencies, practicums and internships, and through connection with the licensure support team. You will also collaborate with peers and faculty to present a four credit School Integrative Project.
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Indiana Wesleyan UniversityLocation
Marion, IN
Tuition$19519
Graduation Rate63%
Overview
Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian college and one of the largest religious universities in the Midwest. It is located in Marion, Indiana and is a liberal arts school. Around 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend IWU, either on campus or online.
Features
When you earn an MA in School Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University you will be given a faith-based look into the world of educational counseling. This distinct program blends Christian principles with youth behavior theory and intervention techniques. Youll graduate knowing how to handle youth who are facing pregnancy, poverty, abuse, neglect, and more. Classes include:
Appraisal of Individuals and Families Multicultural Counseling Human Growth and Development Theory and Techniques in the Helping RelationshipNotables
IWUs Division of Graduate Counseling strives to provide real-world experience to its students. It owns and operates two different counseling centers through which students can gain clinical hours and experience. Students who intern in the centers, or others like them around the country, will gain valuable experience that translates directly to career aspirations.
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North Carolina Central UniversityLocation
Durham, NC
Tuition$10835
Graduation Rate47%
Overview
North Carolina Central University is located in Durham and part of the UNC System. It is a historically black university and a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Around 8,500 students attend NCCU and are enrolled in one of the universitys nine schools and colleges.
Features
At NCCU you can earn an MA in School Counseling degree that is fully online. This program will prepare you for working in the K-12 setting and it uniquely focuses on three areas of counseling: multiculturalism, ethical training, and theoretical development. In addition to practicums and internships, you will take 60 credits worth of courses covering:
Group Counseling Cultural Diversity and Gender Issues Psychosocial Development Vocational Theory and Career DevelopmentNotables
NCCUs program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This means you will be on track to become a National Certified Counselor who has to deal less with state licensure sanctions than graduates from other programs.
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University of Texas at TylerLocation
Tyler, TX
Tuition$12492
Graduation Rate45%
Overview
The Tyler campus within the wider University of Texas System is a public school with around 10,000 students. It is mostly comprised of professional schools and their respective professional development degrees in education, nursing, business, tech, and more. UT Tyler offers nearly 100 programs across all degree levels.
Features
UT Tylers MA in School Counseling program gives students fundamental insights into creative and empathetic school counseling. Youll complete a supervised practicum in a school while also studying cultural diversity, program evaluation, and advocacy for children and adolescents. Some of the classes youll take as a UT Tyler student include:
Counseling Theories and Applications Family Therapy Applied School Counseling Career Counseling and AssessmentNotables
UT Tylers program is housed in the Graduate College of Education and Psychology, a school that prioritizes, promotes, and emphasizes the partnership between education and therapy. It comes as no surprise then that UT Tyler is regionally ranked as a whole, as are its education, counseling, and online programs.
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Gwynedd Mercy UniversityLocation
Gwynedd Valley, PA
Tuition$24254
Graduation Rate60%
Overview
Gwynedd Mercy University is located in Lower Gwynedd Township in Pennsylvania. It is a Catholic university based in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and home to approximately 2,600 combined undergraduate and graduate students. Gwynedd Mercy offers around 40 professional degree programs in education, business, nursing, and the arts.
Features
You can get fully trained for K-12 counseling through Gwynedd Mercys online MS in School Counseling degree. GMU distinctively offers a scientist-practitioner model wherein students learn how to support, guide, and advocate on behalf of students. In addition to completing a core curriculum, you will take electives such as:
Disabilities in the School Counseling Setting Needs of English Language Learners in the School Counseling Setting Intervention Techniques in School Counseling Organization of School CounselingNotables
Understanding that the goals and needs of working professionals vary, Gwynedd Mercy provides more than one way to earn an advanced degree in school counseling. The university offers a one-of-a-kind Post-Masters in School Counseling Certification program. This program gives students a sure path toward licensure.
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Edinboro University of PennsylvaniaLocation
Edinboro, PA
Tuition$14323
Graduation Rate45%
Overview
Edinboro University is located in the Pennsylvanian town of the same name. With around 6,000 students, Edinboro is a relatively small university. But it still boasts a number of substantive, highly renowned programs, namely in the arts, education, and more.
Features
Edinboros MA in Counseling program can be paired with a concentration in college counseling or school counseling. For those who want to work with undergraduates, this is the program for you. Though both degrees will fully train you to become a compassionate, intuitive guidance and career counselor. College counseling specialization courses include:
Study of the Individual in Higher Education Student Affairs Practice and Administration Counseling the College Student Law in Postsecondary Higher EducationNotables
For the eco-conscious, Edinboro is a solid choice to earn a degree and decrease your carbon footprint. The university has made huge strides toward becoming a highly sustainable campus, including its initiatives to heat buildings through geothermal systems, to put up more solar panels, to expand recycling programs, and more.
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Regent UniversityLocation
Virginia Beach, VA
Tuition$17837
Graduation Rate50%
Overview
Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private Christian university with an evangelical focus. It offers dozens of traditional academic programs but is also well known for its many strong online degrees. Approximately 9,000 students attend Regent.
Features
Regents MA in School Counseling program is mostly online but requires two week-long residencies on campus. This is therefore an ideal program for those who want the flexibility of online learning but also want to establish close relationships with campus. As a Regent student you will graduate fully prepared for the K-12 school setting through a course load consisting of:
Counseling Children and Adolescents Principles of School Counseling Counseling Skills and Techniques Assessment Techniques in CounselingNotables
Regent University is nationally ranked by U.S. News World Report. Likewise, its graduate schools, namely its education college, are also well ranked and consistently acknowledged by a range of sources. And recently U.S. News World Report ranked Regents online graduate education programs among the top 60 nationwide.
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University of Southern MississippiLocation
Hattiesburg, MS
Tuition$11916
Graduation Rate48%
Overview
Located in Hattiesburg, the University of Southern Mississippi is a large research institution. USM is organized into half a dozen colleges that offer degrees in everything from business to education, tech, and nursing. Around 15,000 students attend USM.
Features
USM offers an MEd in School Counseling degree that is mostly online with one summer residency requirement. This is an ideal program for those without any teaching experience, as USM encourages students with both teaching and non-teaching backgrounds to apply. This is a licensure-track program that will prepare you to become:
Elementary Education Counselors Secondary Education Counselors Child Behavioral SpecialistsNotables
The University of Southern Mississippi boasts a large research endowment, which funds several of the universitys prestigious research projects and facilities. It has also lead to USMs regional and national rankings, often leading to it being the top-ranked university in the state.
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University of Central ArkansasLocation
Conway, AR
Tuition$12988
Graduation Rate45%
Overview
The University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR. It was founded as a teachers college and is still highly renowned for its education programs. Nearly 12,000 students attend UCA.
Features
UCAs MS in School Counseling degree will prepare you equally for the K-12 setting as it will to work closely with school leadership teams. Indeed, UCA emphasizes the importance of leadership development throughout the program and curriculum. This program can lead to licensure and consists of coursework such as:
Multicultural Counseling in Schools Career Guidance for School Counselors School Counselor as Consultant Educational Assessment and MeasurementNotables
The University of Central Arkansas has many awards, rankings, and recognitions to its name. It is regionally ranked among Southern universities by U.S. News World Report, for example. And UCAs online graduate education programs are some of the best in the nation.
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