Accredited School Counseling Degrees and Schools – Online & Campus [2026]

The years an individual spend in school often shape their future. The school years are marked by academic, social and personal growth. But whether a person is in elementary, high school or college, school can also be a stressful period in a person’s life.

In addition to academic concerns, such as passing classes and completing assignments, there are also social pressures and personal issues, which students may be facing. It’s easy to understand why school is not always smooth sailing.

School counselors can play an important role in helping students of all ages navigate through their education. They work alongside instructors as part of the educational team to provide assistance to students and their families.

School counselors evaluate a student’s needs and implement a comprehensive counseling program that addresses academic, career, social and personal issues, which may interfere with a student’s academic success.

Counselors may use various tools, such as aptitude tests to help students determine career goals. Although they are not therapists, they may also provide direct one on one counseling to students and their parents.

It’s important to understand, school counselors work with all types of students, not just the top students or the students in trouble. They also provide support to parents and teachers.

What is a School Counseling Degree?

A school counseling degree is designed to prepare graduates to counselor and support students throughout their academic career. Students in a school counseling degree program develop the skills needed to assist students with concerns including career planning, academic problems and social development needs.

School counseling degree programs combine classes in education, psychology and counseling to have a broad understating of the social and emotional issues that may get in the way of a student’s academic performance.

There are a few different types of degrees for those who want to become school counselors including a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and a doctorate.

School Counseling Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is the first step to becoming a school counselor. In the United States, there are no undergrad programs specifically for school counseling. Instead, students should major in education, counseling or psychology to develop the foundation needed to work as a school counselor.

Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in an area, such as psychology or education are not usually eligible to work as a licensed school counselor in a K-through 12^th grade setting. But they may find employment in schools in other capacities.

In addition, a bachelor’s degree provides the educational requirements and background to prepare students for a master’s or doctorate school counseling program. Common courses may include:

• Interpersonal Communications: This class focuses on how to effectively communicate in a variety of contexts. It includes the verbal and nonverbal elements of listening and conflict management, which is essential for school counselors.
• Developmental Psychology: Coursework in developmental psychology provides students a foundation in the psychological development of individuals from birth through death. Consideration is given to the social, cognitive and emotional development.
• Educational Psychology: Education psychology provides an overview of the roles and functions of a school counselor. Credentialing, ethics and national standards are included.
• Foundations of Education: This entry level class provides an overview of the education profession. Historical and sociological influences on educational theories are explored.

Credit Requirements: Whether an individual chooses a bachelor’s degree in psychology or education to prepare for a school counseling career, most programs take four years of full-time study to complete.

Credit requirements may vary slightly, but 120 credits are often needed to graduate. In addition to general education classes, about half of the required classes are related to the chosen major.

Admission Requirements: Bachelor degree admission requirements typically include a high school diploma or GED. Depending on the program, an above average grade point average may be needed to gain admission. Most four-year schools also require applicants take the SAT.

School Counseling Master’s Degree

A master’s degree is usually the minimum required by most states to work as a school counselor, especially for those interested in becoming licensed.

Students in a master’s in school counseling will learn the theories of effective guidance counseling as well as practical strategies for helping students through problems.

In addition to classroom work, most master’s in school counseling programs require students to complete a supervised practicum in a school setting. Common courses in a master’s program may include:

• Introduction to School Counseling: This course provides an introduction to the history, operation and function of school counselors in various settings. It may include the changing role of a counselor as students move through their academic years.
• Career Development and Counseling: Theories of career choice and standardized methods for assessing career interests and aptitudes are covered in this course.
• Multicultural Counseling in Schools: In this course, the ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic concerns and issues in counseling and education are explored. Issues related to gender identity and sexual harassment in a school setting are also discussed.
• Intervention Techniques in Guidance and Counseling: Students in this class will focus on planning, organizing and implementing guidance counseling programs. Special consideration will be given to diverse issues that may face certain student populations.

Credit Requirements: Although the specific number of credits needed to earn a master’s in school counseling may vary, most programs require 36 to 48 credits. Full and part-time master’s in school counseling programs are options. Programs can often be completed in two to three years of full-time study.

Admission Requirements: Admission to master’s degree school counseling programs may be competitive. A bachelor’s degree in psychology, education or counseling is often required. Some programs also require students to have a teaching credential. Many programs require an undergrad GPA of at least 3.0. The Graduate Record Exam may also be required for admission to a master’s in school counseling program.

School Counseling Doctorate Degree

A doctorate is the highest degree, which can be earned in school counseling. Earning a doctorate will provide a student with the most diverse career options in a school setting.

Graduates of a doctorate can also work as advanced practitioners in school and clinical settings. Opportunities in research and academia as a professor in a school counseling program are also available. Common courses may include:

• Psychology of At-Risk Children: This class covers the characteristics and etiology of children at risk for dropping out of school, delinquency and poor academic performance. The role of a school counselor in intervening and assessing the student’s needs is also discussed.
• Vocational and Aptitude Assessment: School counselors often help students explore career choices. In a vocational and aptitude assessment class, students learn how to utilize assessment tests and help students with career planning.
• Advanced Principles of School Counseling: During this class, students will learn how to effectively develop a school guidance and counseling program. Elements of a program, such as crisis intervention and response, student advocacy and ethics will be covered.
• Child and Adolescent Counseling in Schools: A large number of school counselors work with children in grades K through 12^th. This class examines various counseling theories as they apply to adolescents and children in a school setting.

Credit Requirements: The exact number of credits required to earn a doctorate in school counseling can vary. Some programs combine a master’s degree with a doctorate.

Doctorate programs in school counseling often involve less time spent in the classroom than at the master’s degree level. But many programs require a few hundred hours of practical work as a school counselor. Doctorate programs in school counseling often take three to five years to complete.

Admission Requirements: Standards for admission into a doctorate in school counseling are often high. Students must have a master’s degree in school counseling or a closely related field. Three letters of recommendation are often required. A professional resume, a statement of purpose and a personal interview may also be part of the admission process.

Best School Counseling Degree Programs

We have reviewed popular schools that currently offer school counseling programs in USA. These selections are based on factors many students consider important, including academic quality, cost, study convenience, and access to helpful academic and career support services.

To find out how we select colleges and universities, please click here.

Monmouth University

Monmouth University is located in West Long Branch, New Jersey. The program is offered in a hybrid format and leads to a Master of Education. The total program length is 60 credit hours. Tuition is $8,955 per semester, and the estimated total program cost is $35,820.

This CACREP-accredited hybrid school counseling master’s program is recognized for preparing skilled and caring counselors. Through Monmouth’s Future Scholars, a pre-college mentoring program supported by the Educational Counseling department, master’s students receive practical experience by helping increase the number of college-bound, first-generation students in Long Branch City Schools.

Students in this program have the chance to earn several credentials, including National Counselor Certification, Student Assistance Coordinator, Licensed Assistant Counselor, and others. The program also reports a 100% job placement rate for alumni.

All students start the program in the fall semester. However, applications are accepted on a rolling basis until that term begins.

Florida State University

Florida State University is located in Tallahassee, Florida. It is a four-year institution that offers both campus and online study.

Florida State University’s school counseling master’s program gives you the opportunity to earn both a master’s degree and an Educational Specialist (EdS) degree within a 60-credit program.

The program prepares you to support the varied needs of K-12 students. It places special attention on students from different racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds. The program includes two pathway options, based on whether you complete the internship needed for CACREP accreditation in one semester or two semesters.

The program is accredited by the State of Florida Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. GRE scores are not required. Online students can use support services such as the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), the Career Center, and Counseling & Psychological Services.

Tuition for in-state graduate distance learning students is $444 per credit, with an estimated total cost of about $26,655 for the full program. Tuition for out-of-state graduate students in distance learning programs is $1,139 per credit. For admission, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The school reports 61% online enrollment. The average graduate tuition for in-state students is $9,684. The average graduate tuition for out-of-state students is $26,657.

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University is located in Huntsville, Texas. This program leads to a Master of Education degree and is offered in an in-person format. The program requires 60 credit hours. Tuition is $4,476 per semester, and the estimated total cost is $17,904.

The school counseling master’s program at Sam Houston State University is centered on student results. Graduates are prepared to support K-12 students by using theory in real practice, communicating clearly, and building a strong professional identity. Admission to the program requires two years of teaching experience.

Students in this program are eligible to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). The program reports a 100% pass rate on both the TExES and NCE. It also reports a 100% job placement rate after graduation. GRE scores are not required.

The application deadline for students who want to begin in the fall semester is May 1st.

Texas A & M International University

Texas A & M International University is located in Laredo, Texas. It is a four-year institution that offers both campus and online study.

Texas A & M International University’s master’s in school counseling offers the lowest tuition for online in-state students. In-state tuition is $367 per credit, which brings the total program cost to $17,616. Out-of-state students pay $1,030 per credit, for a total cost of $49,440.

The 48-credit program can be completed in 16 months. It is accredited by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification. The program prepares you to become a culturally aware school counselor in Texas K-12 schools, take the TExES School Counselor exam, and meet the educational requirements needed to seek state certification.

The program offers six start dates. Courses run in 7-week terms. A thesis is not required for graduation.

Applicants must have a Texas teaching license, two years of teaching experience, and a bachelor’s degree. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in the last 60 credit hours. Students can complete their clinical teaching experience at the school where they work.

The school reports 65% online enrollment. The average graduate tuition for in-state students is $3,350. The retention rate is 74%. The average graduate tuition for out-of-state students is $10,712.

University of Texas San Antonio

The University of Texas San Antonio is located in San Antonio, Texas. This program leads to a Master of Education degree and is offered in an in-person format. The program requires 60 credit hours. Tuition is $9,906 per semester, and the estimated total program cost is $39,624.

The University of Texas San Antonio prepares future school counselors to plan and evaluate full counseling programs for students in K-12 schools. The program reports that 100% of students earn their master’s degree within five years of enrollment, and it also reports a 100% employment rate after graduation.

A 12-credit bilingual Spanish concentration is available for school counseling students. This program is CACREP-accredited. GRE scores are not required for admission.

Applicants must have two years of teaching experience before applying.

University of Southern California

University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles, California. It is a four-year institution that offers both campus and online study.

The University of Southern California’s Master of Education in School Counseling offers a respected private-university program that prepares graduates for a school counseling credential in California. Students complete 100 hours of practicum and 700 hours of internship in K-12 placement sites. The program’s placement specialists help students arrange these field experiences.

The program includes online courses and takes two years of full-time study. Part-time students can finish the program in about 2.5 to 3 years. Students can choose a specialization in college and career counseling, restorative justice, or trauma-informed practice.

GRE scores are not required. The program offers two start dates in the fall and spring semesters. Admissions are offered on a rolling basis.

Tuition costs $2,467 per unit, and the total program cost is $120,883 for 49 units. The school counseling program does not have programmatic accreditation, and it may not qualify students from other states for school counseling licensure. The program combines self-paced coursework with weekly live online sessions.

The school reports 30% online enrollment. The average graduate tuition for in-state students is $66,640. The retention rate is 97%. The average graduate tuition for out-of-state students is also $66,640.

North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. This program leads to a Master of Education degree and is offered in both online and in-person formats. The program requires 60 credit hours. Tuition is $12,735 per year, and the estimated total program cost is $25,470.

The M.Ed. is designed to prepare practitioners to work in K-12 counseling settings. Students who attend classes on campus may study on a full-time or part-time basis. Students in the online format follow a part-time schedule. Full-time students complete the program in 2.5 years, while part-time students complete it in 3 years.

U.S. News & World Report ranks North Carolina State University’s College of Education at number 27 in the nation. Graduates of this program are qualified to work as both school counselors and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associates (LCMHCA) in North Carolina. This program is CACREP-accredited.

Students may begin this program in the fall term or the summer term, but the application deadline is December 15th for both entry options.

Auburn University

Auburn University is located in Auburn, Alabama. This program leads to a Master of Education degree and is available in both online and in-person formats. The program requires 60 credit hours. Tuition is $5,508 per semester, based on 9 credit hours, and the estimated total program cost is $36,720.

This CACREP-accredited Master of Education program can be completed either on campus or through remote online study. Students take the national certification examination so they can work in schools outside Alabama. Auburn University also offers strong research opportunities for counseling students.

Auburn University created the School Counseling Initiative Program (SCIP), in which graduate students in school counseling and students from the College of Nursing work together to address the needs of vulnerable students in rural Alabama.

The university also operates the Immigrant Racial, Identity, and Socialization Experiences (I-RISE) lab to improve understanding of the process of adapting to life in the United States. For school counselors who plan to serve large immigrant populations, this can be a very valuable experience. GRE scores are not required for admission.

This plan of study does not include room for elective courses. Applications are accepted once each year, on January 1st.

University of Louisiana at Monroe

University of Louisiana at Monroe is located in Monroe, LA. The university offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling with six concentrations. These options include School Counseling, as well as combined Addiction/School Counseling and combined Clinical Mental Health/School Counseling. This Master of Science in Counseling program prepares graduates to work toward Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure in Louisiana and K-12 school counselor certification.

The program is offered fully online and does not require any residency. Students can shape their degree based on their clinical interests because the program includes 30 elective courses to choose from.

• Program Length: 2 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 60
• Tuition: $500 per credit

What is an Online School Counseling Degree?

Online school counseling degree programs offer students added flexibility while still providing the necessary curriculum and training. For example, students who are working full-time may prefer to attend an online school counseling program over a campus-based program.

Both online master’s degrees and doctorate programs in school counseling are available. Some online school counseling programs allow students to enroll in an accelerated track and complete their degrees faster.

Related Reading: Online School Counseling Programs Without GRE

The American Counseling Association recommends students considering an online school counseling program evaluate online programs similar to traditional programs. For instance, online school counseling programs should be evaluated based on accreditation, curriculum and faculty qualifications.

An online school counseling program often combines the best of both worlds. Students complete online classes, but in most cases, they are also required to complete an in-person practicum in school counseling.

A specific number of hours working in a school under the supervisor of a licensed school counselor is usually required.

What are the Admissions Requirements for an Online Schools Counseling Degree?

Many online school counseling programs ask for several key items during the application process, including transcripts, recommendation letters, a minimum GPA, and related experience. Requirements can differ by school, but four elements are included in nearly all programs:

Official Transcripts: You must provide official transcripts from every college or university you previously attended.

Letters of Recommendation: You will usually need 2–3 letters of recommendation.

Minimum GPA: Programs often set a minimum GPA requirement, and 3.0 or higher is a common standard.

Related Work or Volunteer Experience: Many programs expect relevant work or volunteer experience in a helping field.

What are the Practicum and Internship Requirements?

All school counseling programs require both a practicum and an internship. The practicum is shorter and is commonly about 100 hours. During the practicum, you will mainly shadow a school counselor and observe the day-to-day duties of the role. The internship is longer, usually 600-700 hours, and includes more direct work. During the internship, you may meet with students one-on-one or in groups, help with paperwork, and review credits for grade promotion.

All practicums and internships take place in an elementary, middle, or high school setting. Some programs require you to complete the practicum and internship with different age groups. For example, you may complete a practicum in a middle school and an internship in a high school. This approach is considered best practice because it helps you gain experience with a wider range of students.

The school counselor who hosts you for the practicum or internship serves as your mentor. This mentor guides you as you move through the field experience and provides support during your progress. The mentor also functions as a model for how to carry out daily school counseling responsibilities.

A field supervisor is a professor who oversees your progress during the practicum and internship. The field supervisor confirms that you meet all hour totals and program requirements. In many cases, the field supervisor also teaches the course that runs at the same time as the practicum or internship.

All states require school counselors to complete an internship in a school setting to become certified school counselors. Each state sets its own specific rules for school counseling certification or licensure.

What Does it Take to Get a School Counseling Degree?

Since many school counselors work with children and teens, it’s important counselors are at ease working with people of all ages. There are also additional traits needed to be an effective school counselor.

• An Appreciation of Diversity: Students are diverse. They learn at different levels and have different issues that may play a role in their academic performance. School counselors must not take a one size fits all approach to counseling.
• Good Assessment Skills: Assessing a student’s obstacles in learning is part of what a school counselor does. Counselors also assess aptitude and vocational interests.
• The Ability to Work Well as Part of a Team: School counselors collaborate with parents, teachers and community agencies to understand and address student needs. They have to work well with other professionals to provide effective strategies for optimizing their student’s success.
• Resourceful: It is essential school counselors can develop different ways to help students overcome their difficulties. Counselors need to research and access appropriate community services as needed for students. They also need to develop individualized plans to help students overcome varied issues.

How To Apply to an Online School Counseling Degree Program?

A master’s degree in counseling is the entry-level degree required for licensure as a professional school counselor. The steps below outline common application requirements:

Do Your Research: You should review the licensing board in the state where you plan to practice to understand current school counselor licensure requirements. Use the CACREP directory and individual program websites to find accredited programs that offer school counseling specializations and compare degree requirements.

Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree: You must complete a bachelor’s degree in counseling or a related area such as psychology, behavioral science, or social work. Undergraduate coursework in general psychology, abnormal psychology, statistics, and research methods provides strong preparation for graduate study.

Gather Required Application Documents: Admission requirements differ by school, but they often include official transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, or work supervisors, and a personal statement. Some counseling programs request GRE scores, though many schools list them as optional. You may also need to complete an interview in person or online.

Submit Your Application: After you collect and review all required documents and complete every part of the application form, you may submit the online application. Most programs charge an application fee that must be included with the application materials. Some programs use set deadlines, while others use rolling admissions and accept applications throughout the year.

Is CACREP Accreditation Required for Licensure?

CACREP-accredited study is not required in every state, but many states prefer it and it can simplify the licensure process. CACREP-accredited programs follow national standards for counselor education, which can support license portability if you later relocate to another state.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a School Counseling Program?

Most master’s programs in school counseling require about 2 to 3 years for full-time students and about 3 to 4 years for part-time students. Program length can differ based on the format, total credit requirements, and the speed at which you complete required fieldwork hours.

What Can You Do With a Degree in School Counseling?

School counselors’ work in both private and public schools. Many work at the elementary, middle school or high school level. In order to work in a public school, counselors must be licensed. Licensing requirements for school counselors vary by state. But requirements often include a minimum of a master’s degree in school counseling and a criminal background check.

Although most school counselors work with children and adolescents, jobs may also be found in colleges and universities. Some school counselors may also find employment in government agencies.

In addition to working in schools, individuals with a degree in school counseling may also find employment as a career counselor in state career offices, prisons and private practice.

Employment opportunities for those with a school counseling degree may vary based on the type of degree an individual holds and whether they are licensed.

What Degrees are Similar to School Counseling?

Child Psychology: Child psychologists work with children of all ages to diagnose and treat social, emotional, developmental and cognitive issues. They may work together with school counselors to help children overcome academic obstacles.  

Education Psychology: Education psychology degrees prepare students to teach and work in various capacities in an educational setting. The exact nature of the work can vary based on the specific degree concentration. For example, areas of concentration may include special education and child development. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctorates in education are available.

Career Management and Counseling Degree: Career counselors are part coach, part advisor and part counselor. They help clients examine their aptitudes and interests in order to find a career that is a good fit. A career management and counseling degree prepares graduates to work with adults in various settings including career centers, vocational rehabilitation offices and private practice.