Best 15 Master’s in School Counseling Programs in 2021

The University of Akron’s Master’s in School Counseling program has an impressive 90% completion rate and an equally impressive 98% licensure exam pass rate. With a curriculum designed using the standards of both the Ohio Department of Education and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Professions (CACREP), this program allows for 85% post-graduate job placement.

A Master’s of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in School Counseling offered by the University of Arkansas prepares students for certification as a P-12 school counselor in Arkansas. Students wishing to work outside of Arkansas after graduation will have to contact the school district in their desired location to ensure the program curriculum satisfies their requirements.

Alabama A&M offers graduate students interested in becoming school counselors a Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology. Several concentrations are available within the degree program, including that for school counseling. Upon completing the academic program, internships, practicum, and comprehensive exam, graduates will have a Class A counseling certification.

A Master’s in School Counseling from McNeese State University prepares graduate students for a career in school counseling, with the added benefit of earning 48 of the 60 hours required by the State of Louisiana to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). This added benefit gives students a leg up when it comes to potential moves into the private sector.

Completing the Master’s in School Counseling program at Adam’s State University satisfies Colorado’s school counselor licensure requirements. This CACREP program, certified by The Colorado Department of Education, is offered on-campus and online.

Wilmington University offers a Master’s of Education in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling. The program, approved by the State of Delaware, ensures that students are eligible for licensure by the state upon completion.

Bridgewater State University offers advanced school counseling (PreK-8, 5-12) programs as Master’s and post-master’s licensure. Low student/professor ratio and access to several graduate funding opportunities give this program high grades for completion and affordability relative to schools in the surrounding area.

Florida Atlantic University offers graduate students a Master’s Degree in Education with a School Counseling Specialization.  Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to receive a school counselor certification from the State of Florida. Required fieldwork gives students the hands-on training vital to a successful career and leads to an impressive post-graduate job placement rate.

Many students choose the Master’s in School Counseling program at Concordia University Wisconsin because they are interested in an integrated faith-based program. The university plays an active role in helping public, private, and charter school systems through Academic Community Partnerships. These partnerships benefit graduate students as they help meet the needs of various school system’s students.

A Master’s of Education in Professional School Counseling from Houston Baptist University has a prerequisite of two years of teaching at a Texas Education Association accredited school (P-12). Additionally, completion of the program requires 400 practical and internship hours.

At Spalding University, the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling aligns with CACREP and offers varying specialties based on students’ career goals, including school counseling. Practical experience is even available at the University’s Center for Behavioral Health.

Attaining a Master’s of Education degree with a school counseling concentration at the College of William and Mary requires a significant amount of fieldwork. Sixty credit hours of course work is enhanced with over 700 additional hours of practicum and internship. Additionally, the school’s Project Empower gives students further opportunity to engage with and support a local school district.

Unlike most school counselor graduate programs, Emporia University does not require a teaching certificate or experience to enroll if accepted. This Direct Entry program gives candidates with undergrad degrees in other disciplines a more direct avenue of entry into education and counseling.

A Master’s of Arts in School Counseling from Clark Atlanta University satisfies the requirements for certification from the State of Georgia. This highly competitive program has a curriculum that meets all of the standards set by CACREP and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Undoubtedly, the most competitive program on our list, the USC Rossier School of Education, is a top-notch institution for educators, administrators, and counselors. The Master of Education in School Counseling online degree from USC prepares students to become school counselors in K–12 settings. Also, USC Rossier has a Master of Education in Educational Counseling program for individuals interested in academic counseling at colleges and universities.