In this article, we profile the top 20 online accelerated master's programs in school counseling.
School counselors play a very specific role in the counseling world. They mentor middle and high school students, as well as their parents. School counselors work with students on college plans and help identify risk factors in students, from mental health issues to learning disabilities and, in some unfortunate circumstances, abuse and trauma counseling. Many online programs take three to four years to complete, given the extensive internship requirements for licensure.
featured programs
20 Methodology for Accelerated Online Master's Programs in School Counseling
We reviewed approximately 60 online School Counseling Masters programs listed by various websites such as NCES College Navigator. For most accelerated programs ranked here, courses that do not include internships (which are essentially the start of any school counselor's career) can be completed in less than two years. All of these programs are offered by regionally accredited colleges and universities. To narrow down our original group of schools, we selected programs that cost less than $24,000 per year. Programs on our list are ranked based on their raw accessibility.
Below is our list of 20 Accelerated Online Masters in School Counseling Programs for 2019.
#20 - Seton Hall University
Online Master's in School Counseling
South Orange, Nova Jersey
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 23.422
Seton Hall University's accelerated online Master's in School Guidance can be completed in just two years, including internships. Students will take classes such as learning principles and behavior modification, counseling and supervision in school settings, cross-cultural counseling and psychology,human development psychologyand professional development and counseling. The program consists of 48 credits and is accredited by CAEP. In addition to accreditation, Seton Hall is classified by the U.S. World News and Report. In fact, the U.S. News ranks Seton 119th among the top universities nationwide. With affordable tuition for state residents, Seton Hall earns you a spot on our accelerated online Master of School Counseling programs.
#19 – Our Lady of the Lake University
Online Master in Counseling
San Antonio, Texas
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 17.142
The online Masters in School Counseling at Universidade Nossa Senhora do Lago can be completed in just two years, including the necessary internships. Students will take courses such as child and youth psychological development, counseling services, ethical issues in schools, guidance and counseling services, and multicultural issues. Our Lady of the Lake is listed among leading publications such as U.S. World News and Report. In fact, the publication ranks the school 69th among the best regional universities in the West. Accessibility and acceleration earn Universidade Nossa Senhora do Lago a top spot in our list of online accelerated master's programs in school counseling.
Nº 18 – Colégio da Misericórdia
Online Master in Counseling
Dobbs Ferry, Nova York
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 16.338
Completing Mercy College's online Master of School Counseling with a concentration in school counseling usually earns students an interim certificate as a school counselor upon graduation. Full-time students can complete the coursework in 12 to 18 months and the internship over two additional semesters, making Mercy's online master's degree one of the fastest programs on our list. Students will take courses such as counseling and ethics, and professional development and counseling. US. News and World Report recognizes Mercy College as one of the top regional colleges in the North. Additionally, online graduate programs, including school guidance, ranked 228-299 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed.
No. 17 – Regent University
Online Master's in School Counseling
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 16.179
Regent University's online Master's in School Counseling program offers sixteen-week courses entirely online. A total of 60 credits are required to complete the course and prepare to work as a school counselor in charter, K-12, private, and public schools. Online courses include assessment techniques in counseling, career and lifestyle development, counseling skills and techniques, and school counseling principles. Regent ranks with US News and World Report as the 201st best national university in the country. Additionally, several online graduate programs, including school guidance, are among the top 100 programs out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by the U.S. News.
#16 – Oregon State University
Online Master in Counseling - School Counseling
Corvallis, Oregon
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 14.331
Oregon State University's Academic Counseling Unit offers online degree programs in school counseling, such as the Master's in School Counseling. Available through OSU's Ecampus, the 75-credit Master of School Counseling can be completed as a hybrid program. Hybrid means the degree requires some on-campus weekend work, although about half of the program is done online. The average time to complete this degree is less than two years. OSU offers reputation, academic performance ratings, and accreditation. In fact, the U.S. The News and World Report ranks OSU 140th among the Best National Universities and 116th among the Best Schools of Valor.
No. 15 – University of the Southeast
Online Master's in Educational Therapy
lake land, florida
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 13.155
Southeastern University's online school counseling degree consists of an M.Ed. of 36 credits. in exceptional student education and educational therapy. Estimated time to completion is 12-24 months as the program accepts up to nine transfer credits. The program also provides students with the necessary credentials to earn NILD educational therapy certification. While most of the program is completed online, there are hybrid courses that are taken over three consecutive summers. Southeastern is ranked by US News and World Report as the 107th to 141st best regional university in the South. Additionally, online graduate programs, including the educational therapy program, ranked 228-299 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by the U.S. News.
#14 – University of Eastern Washington
Specialist in Online Master in Education – School Psychology
Cheney, Washington
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 12.381
Eastern Washington University's online Master's in School Guidance is a two-year program designed specifically for educators and education professionals who want to re-specialize in school psychology. The program is open to education professionals with a master's or bachelor's degree and three years of full-time teaching. The program requires some face-to-face sessions, as well as some synchronous sessions during online classes, and requires strong supervision in the field. EWU ranks with major publications. In fact, the U.S. News and World Report ranks the school 77th among the best regional universities and 24th among the best public schools.
#13 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Online Master's in School Counseling
Marion, Indiana
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 11.563
Full-time students can complete courses for the online Indiana Wesleyan Master of School Counseling program in less than a year and a half. The program requires two on-campus weekend intensives, although most of the coursework is completed online. This program is accredited by CACREP and CAEP, bringing peace of mind to enrolled students. Students will take courses such as human growth and development, multicultural counseling, and theory and techniques for nurturing and helping relationships. In addition to accredited online Masters in School Counseling programs, the school offers a strong reputation with leading publications such as the U.S. World News and Report. In fact, the U.S. The News ranks Indiana Wesleyan 32nd among the best regional universities in the Midwest.
#12 – Mercy University of Gwynedd
Online Master's in School Counseling
Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 11.286
The course for Gwynedd Mercy University's Accelerated Online School Counseling Program can be completed in 18 months of full-time study. The two mandatory internships that culminate in the program place students in grades K-8 and 9-12, respectively. Students will take courses such as counseling assessment techniques, counseling intervention techniques, school counseling organization, and counseling theories. Gwynedd is an accredited private institution and ranked by all major publications. US. News and World Report ranks Gwynedd between 142 and 187 among the best regional universities in the north. In addition, several online graduate programs, such as the online school counseling program, achieved top ratings.
#11 – University of Tennessee
Online Master in Counseling
Martin, Tennessee
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 10.364
Courses for the University of Tennessee Martin's online Master's in School Counseling can be completed in as little as 18 months of full-time study and one-year internships. This is a rigorous, accelerated program open to working educators and students. Participants in this program will take classes on professional, ethical and legal issues in counseling, multicultural issues in education and counseling, lifelong growth and development, and group dynamics. UT Martin ranks with US News and World Report as the 42nd best regional university in the country. Additionally, UT is ranked 44th in Best Value Schools.
#10 – This rating has been removed by the publisher.
#9 - University of Liberty
Online Master's in School Counseling
Lynchburg (Virginia)
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 8.333
The course for Liberty University's 48-credit accelerated online master's program in school counseling can be completed in 16 months, making it one of the fastest school counseling programs on our list. The program requires four on-campus intensives, but a prior teaching license is not required for this program. As of 2015, Liberty's online school counseling program received an eight-year CACREP accreditation. Some of the required courses include child and adolescent counseling in schools, counseling theories and techniques, and the development and evaluation of school counseling programs. Liberty ranks with US News and World Report as the 230th to 301st best national university in the country.
#8 – University of Louisiana
Online Master in Counseling
monroe, louisiana
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 8.068
The online Master of School Counseling program at the University of Louisiana moves at an accelerated completion rate. Students can specialize in school counseling andmental health clinicadvice. By doubling the degree, students also increase their career opportunities as they will be qualified to work as mental health counselors, school counselors, school administrators, career guidance specialists, addiction counselors, gambling therapists, life coaches, and consultants. Even students who specialize can complete their degree in just 2.5 to 3 years. US. News and World Report ranks the University of Louisiana 230 out of 301 among the top universities nationwide. In addition, many of the school's online graduate programs have received rankings in the top 100 to top 200.
#7 – University of Texas
Online Master's in School Counseling
Tyler, Texas
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 7.126
Students in the University of Texas at Tyler's online accelerated master's program in school counseling can graduate in as little as 18 months. The downside with the fast track program is that while the program meets Texas certification requirements, it may not meet requirements in other states. Certification may be required if your residence is outside of Texas. Students with a master's or undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher are not required to submit GRE scores. The school is accredited and ranked with the U.S. News and World Report as the 81st best regional university in the West. Additionally, UT is ranked 27th among the best public schools and offers very affordable tuition for states earning a graduate degree.
#6 - University of West Alabama
Online Master's in School Counseling
Livingstone, Alabama
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 6.868
The University of West Alabama offers an online school counseling degree for current counselors seeking a master's degree and a master's-level certificate or current teachers who wish to become counselors. The 48-credit program takes 1-2 years to complete, depending on enrollment level. Each course lasts eight weeks. Courses include professional development and counseling, counseling for children and adolescents, diagnostic techniques for school counselors, and crisis intervention strategies. The program is accredited by several agencies, including the Council for Educator Education Accreditation and the National Council for Teacher Education Accreditation. US News and World Report ranks West Alabama 107th in Southern Regional Universities.
#5 – Angelo State University
Online Master in Guidance and Counseling
San Angel, Texas
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 6.696
Angelo State University offers an online school counseling degree for current educators or those seeking a career change. Applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75 along with all college and university transcripts. The GRE is not required. The program is 100% online, making it a great choice for working professionals. Courses include professional and occupational orientation, curriculum and methodological trends, legal and ethical principles, and professional writing for educators. US. The News and World Report ranks Angelo State University as the 148th best online graduate program.
#4 – University of Southern Arkansas
Online Master's in School Counseling
Magnolia, Arkansas
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 6.234
The University of Southern Arkansas Online School Counseling Degree is designed for current or aspiring educators looking to become K-12 school counselors. The program provides an initial and supplemental license to an Arkansas teaching license. The program is specifically designed to meet licensing requirements in Arkansas and most other states. The 48-credit program takes 2.5-3 years to complete based on two courses per trimester including the summer. The program is administered by the Faculty of Education and the Department of Counseling and Professional Studies. US. The News and World Report ranks the University of Southern Arkansas as the 228th best online graduate program.
#3 – Chadron State University
Master of Education Online: School Counseling
Chadron, Nebraska
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 5.204
Chadron State College offers amaster of education: Online school counseling for current or aspiring school counselors. The program leads to employment opportunities as school counselors in a K-12 environment. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Most of the program takes place online, with the exception of some courses and hands-on experiences. Courses can include advanced human development, career and lifestyle development, counseling and communication skills, and advice on ethics and professional identity. As part of the application process, students are also required to conduct an interview with faculty. US. The News and World Report recognizes Chadron State College in its group of midwestern regional colleges.
#2 – Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Online Master in Education and School Guidance
Durant, Oklahoma
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 5.022
The online Master in School Counseling from Southeastern Oklahoma State University is 42 credits and can be completed in as little as 12 months, followed by hands-on work experiences in the field. The program is accredited by the Educator Readiness Accreditation Council (CAEP). Admission requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.75 GPA or a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.0 GPA, valid teaching license, and two years of teaching experience . The GRE is not required to apply. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is ranked #1. Ranked 96th in Western Regional Universities according to US News and World Report.
#1 – Fort Hays State University
Online Master's in School Counseling
Hays, Kansas
Tuition/Graduation Fees: $ 4.266
Students in Fort Hays State University's online accelerated master's program in school counseling can complete the course in just one year. All three intensives are structured to be completed on campus during the summer semester, increasing program flexibility. Students will take courses such as lifestyle and career development, managerial counseling programs and career counseling in primary schools. Fort Hays is among the top regional universities according to the U.S. World News and Report. In fact, the U.S. News ranks Fort Hays between 128 and 165 among the best regional universities in the Midwest. Also, many of the online graduate programs have achieved top ratings.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Common questions
What can I do with a Masters in School Counseling online?
Individuals with an online Master in School Counseling have the opportunity to impact the lives of their clients and students in a wide variety of contexts and institutions. Most school counseling graduates work in public and private schools, helping students develop their academic, social, and career-related skills.
Elementary school counselors work with K-5 student populations to develop skills related to wise decision-making and academic skills. In addition, school counselors work closely with classroom teachers and parents to address and mitigate behavior issues and diagnose the strengths and weaknesses of those they work with. High school counselors perform many of the same job duties that involve academic and social counseling, as well as conducting classes and workshops related to academic and social skills.
High school counselors work with students to develop academic and soft skills, along with preparing for college admissions, job interviews, and life after high school. These counselors help students navigate the post-secondary landscape, including college selection, the application process, financial aid, major selection, and more. In addition, high school counselors can teach classes related to study skills, job interviews, college preparation, and career options.
While many school counseling professionals work in public and private schools, a large contingent may work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, and private organizations that work with clients across a wide range of social, occupational, and academic skills.
What is the job outlook for people with a Masters in Online School Counseling?
According to the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, school counselor jobs are expected to increase by 13% over the 2016-2026 ten-year period. Compared to the 7% occupational employment rate for all other types of jobs, people with a master's in school counseling can expect much better than average opportunities to find employment. As with other occupations, candidates looking to move to higher-growth regions will have better job opportunities.
The growing demand for employment is mainly due to the enrollment of students in public and private schools. As the population continues to increase, the need for qualified school counselors will only increase. As more government pressure is placed on schools, the role of school counselors will only increase as they play a vital role in students' academic and social development. In an environment of limited funding, public school funding is increasingly tied to student performance, which means that school counselors will play an integral role in helping students perform well academically. In addition, students also rely on post-secondary plans that include college, vocational training, military service, and entry into the workforce. As the economy becomes more layered and complex, students will need the services of high school counselors to make the right decisions for the future.
How Much Can I Earn With a Masters in School Guidance Online?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a school counselor as of May 2018 is $56,310. Despite the reputation for low salaries at public and private elementary and secondary institutions, the median salary for a school counselor is well above the national median salary for all other occupations, which is $38,640. The lowest ten percent earn $33,610 while the top ten percent earn $94,690 per year.
As with other occupations, several variables determine annual salary, including education level, geographic location, years of experience, and type of institution. According to salary research firm PayScale, late-career school counselors earn an average salary 29% higher than less experienced school counselors. Experienced school counselors earn an average of 16% more than middle, junior, and junior school counselors.
State, local, and private elementary and secondary schools pay the highest average salary of $63,280, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Post-secondary institutions including colleges, universities and community colleges pay much less with an average salary of $50,050 per year. It should also be noted that some school counselors at all levels of the education system do not work during the summer.
Counselors working in the health and social services industries earn significantly less than their peers, with an average salary of $38,790. This pay level is especially low considering that most occupations in this industry require a master's degree.
What are the admission requirements for online masters in school counseling programs?
Admission requirements for an online Master of School Counseling vary by program. Some programs are designed for current educators, while others accept applicants from all academic backgrounds, including those without educational experience or education. Some programs are a mixed bag, welcoming students with teaching credentials along with individuals seeking a career change and aspiring to become school guidance professionals.
Institutions aimed at current educators will require the student to have a degree in education at the elementary or high school level. Depending on the program ranking, students must have a minimum GPA between 2.0 and 3.0. More prestigious programs require higher GPAs, especially in higher education courses. Along with a degree in education, programs designed for current educators will likely require applicants to possess an open teaching license that is valid in the institution's program state. Aspiring Educator programs will require students to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in any discipline. Higher ranked programs will require the bachelor's degree to be from a regionally accredited institution. When it comes to test scores, the vast majority of online Masters in School Counseling programs do not require standardized tests like the GRE or MAT. Programs that require test scores often have exemptions for students with a certain GPA or years of teaching experience.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters in School Counseling Online?
The time to complete most online Masters in School Counseling is approximately two years. Programs for current educators with teaching credentials can be completed in 12 to 18 months due to the need for fewer courses and fewer hours of fieldwork with students.
Programs aimed at non-teachers can take much longer, depending on the classes required and the number of hours required in the field. Hands-on experiences can usually be done in the student's own community and are usually completed at the end of the program. For non-educators, students should take courses that familiarize them with the teaching and counseling profession, as well as courses that lead to initial certification. Fortunately, most non-educational online programs are designed to be completed in a relatively short period of time, which is typically 2.5-3 years, including internships and field experiences.
In addition to program structure and academic background, enrollment level plays a key role in how quickly a program can be completed. Most online students have obligations outside of their studies, including full-time work. Part-time students can still earn their degrees relatively quickly, depending on their education, but most students who take a term course take 3-5 years to complete.
Fuentes
All information in this article was taken directly from each school's website or from the National Center for Education Statistics.college navigatordatabase.
personal CVO
More interest ratings:
- Best Masters in Online Counseling
- cheapest online universities
- Which grade is better? Difference between online and university degree programs
- Online Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology