Master’s in School Counseling Degree Guide

School counselors support the academic, professional, interpersonal, and emotional development of students in their learning communities.

A master’s degree in school counseling carries particular value, as it opens the door to licensed career paths in many states.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the 2,406 learners who graduated with master’s degrees in mental and social health services in 2023 achieved a strong 82.0% career outcomes rate.

Learn more about available academic pathways for those who earn a master’s in school counseling degree.

School counseling master’s programs allow you to study the theories, concepts, and techniques used in real-world settings by professional K-12 counselors. They typically consist of about 60-90 academic credits and require about 2-3 years of full-time study.

Program curricula usually combine a rigorous lineup of core courses with personalization options, which can take the form of electives or concentration tracks. Schools usually supplement didactic coursework with field training components, which may include:

Face-to-face, online, and hybrid programs are all available. However, you’ll likely need to complete fieldwork requirements in person, even if all your classes are otherwise delivered virtually.

The skills taught in school counseling master’s programs can lead to various careers in educational, social, and human services. Here are some specific examples, along with salary data:

A master’s degree in school counseling leads most directly to licensed counseling careers in K-12 environments. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 4% job growth for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors from 2023 to 2033, a group that includes school counselors.

In this role, you’ll help students succeed academically, tap into their aptitudes, and navigate the interpersonal, emotional, and psychological dimensions of attending school.

By pairing your master’s degree with other relevant training, you can also become a:

Some of these alternative roles carry their own licensure requirements, and you may need undergraduate or graduate degrees in other areas to meet them.

School counselor salaries vary by location, sometimes by a lot. According to BLS data from May 2023, educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors earn a median annual salary of $61,710.

As of May 2023, the five highest-paying states for this group of professionals were:

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported the following average costs for graduate students in 2021-22:

The NCES data includes both tuition and mandatory fees.

In terms of overall program costs, you can use estimates from Capella University and Walden University as ballpark figures. Capella University’s program costs about $44,730-$50,197, depending on which concentration you choose, while Walden University’s 33-month program carries a total cost of around $45,540.

For many learners, program length and application requirements are major considerations. The following sections explain general trends you can expect to encounter in these areas.

School counseling master’s programs usually cover around 60 semester credits. If you study full-time, you can typically earn your degree in about two years.

However, some programs have higher credit requirements and longer graduation timelines. In exchange for this commitment, you may receive a more intensive education. For example, Walden University’s master of science in school counseling program requires 90 credits and takes a minimum of 33 months to complete.

You can also find faster-paced programs. These include accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s programs that confer both undergraduate and graduate degrees and programs that let you load up your schedule so you can graduate more quickly.

Typical application requirements for a master’s in school counseling program include:

Many schools will also evaluate your academic record, looking for a pattern of high achievement. If you require test scores, they’ll likely apply to the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

You do not necessarily need a bachelor’s degree in a related field, but your school may require coursework prerequisites in education, behavioral sciences, and/or social sciences.

To identify the best master’s in school counseling programs for your goals and needs, consider these important factors:

First, confirm that the school you’ll be applying to holds an active institutional accreditation recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Second, strongly consider enrolling in a program specially accredited by CACREP. Many states require their licensing candidates to hold CACREP-approved counseling degrees.

The links highlighted here will take you to web portals where you can search for accredited programs.

Longer programs with higher credit requirements may offer an educational experience with greater depth, but this can come at a cost. You’ll spend more time in school and more money on your education.

At the same time, longer programs can offer greater value if they align more fully with your learning goals. Consider your priorities as you search for the right balance.

Just be aware that state boards determine the educational requirements for becoming a school counselor. So if you’re considering a shorter program, confirm that it still meets your state board’s requirements. Otherwise, you may not be able to practice as a counselor in that state.

Online learning can be great if you’re seeking flexibility. Asynchronous courses with prerecorded lectures maximize this benefit by putting you in charge of your own learning schedule.

Face-to-face programs are less flexible, but they generally offer more in the way of peer, faculty, and employer networking opportunities.

A hybrid program can offer the best of both worlds. However, if you elect to study entirely online, remember that you’ll likely need to complete fieldwork requirements in person.