School Counseling Masters Programs in New Jersey

Of New Jersey’s 60 colleges and universities, ten have school counseling master’s degree programs. Though that may seem like a small number in comparison to the population of K-12 students enrolled in the state’s public and private schools, the programs are high quality with impressive post-graduation board exam and employment rates. The submission of the GRE to apply is completely optional for all programs. With 9 of the 10 master’s programs holding CACREP accreditation, New Jersey’s commitment to training and retaining skilled practitioners makes it an attractive destination for individuals interested in becoming school counselors. Read below to learn more about how New Jersey’s school counseling master’s programs prepare you for this evolving and dynamic profession.

New Jersey School Counseling Programs Quick Facts

  • Number of School Counseling Programs in New Jersey: 10
  • CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Programs: 9
  • Hybrid or Online School Counseling Programs in New Jersey: 3
  • Tuition Cost Range: $30,072 – $67,764
  • Average Cost of Tuition: $43,222

William Paterson University

  • Wayne
  • 60 hours
  • In-Person

City: Wayne

Modality: In person

Degree: Master of Education

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: In-state $7,518 per semester; $30,100 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
This CACREP-accredited program boasts  99% degree completion and post-graduation employment rates. By emphasizing advocacy and foundational counseling skills, William Patterson’s MEd graduates are prepared to serve the area’s richly diverse population.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Students in this program are eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) to become a National Certified Counselor (NCC).
  • This program is open to international students.

Additional considerations:

  • The deadline to apply is August 1st for the fall semester and December 1st for the spring semester.
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Caldwell University

  • Caldwell
  • 60 hours
  • In-Person

City: Caldwell

Modality: In person

Degree: Master of Arts

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $1,123 per credit hour, $67,380 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
Caldwell University is a private college based in the Catholic Dominican Tradition. Their CACREP-accredited school counseling master’s program offers two pathways: an open elective track and a licensed professional counselor track. Admission is GRE optional and coursework integrates research and writing with foundational counseling and student advocacy.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Students who complete this program have the option to pursue Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC) certification
  • The coursework integrates research and writing with foundational counseling and student advocacy.

Additional Considerations:

  • It’s unclear if this program can be completed on a part-time schedule
  • At $1,123 per credit hour, Caldwell University has a high tuition cost
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Rowan University

  • Glassboro
  • 60 hours
  • In-Person

City: Glassboro

Modality: In person

Degree: Master of Arts

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $7,524 per semester, $30,096 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
Rowan University’s school counseling master’s program trains future practitioners to support all students. Cultural sensitivity and service to all are emphasized throughout the curriculum. The CACREP-accredited program has a 98% degree completion rate and 100% post-graduate employment rate.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Students who complete this program are eligible for Licensed Assistant Counselor (LAC) which can lead to LPC.
  • There is space for two elective courses in this plan of study.

Additional Considerations:

  • Students must be prepared to give an on-site writing sample at the time of their interview.
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Monmouth University

  • West Long Branch
  • 60 hours
  • Hybrid

City: West Long Branch

Modality: Hybrid

Degree: Master of Education

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $8,955 per semester, $35,820 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
This CACREP-accredited, hybrid school counseling master’s program is known for training skilled and compassionate counselors. Through Monmouth’s Future Scholars, a pre-college mentoring program sponsored by the Educational Counseling department, master’s students gain practical experience by working to raise the number of college-bound, first-generation students in Long Branch City Schools.

Why We Like This Program

  • Students have the opportunity to earn numerous credentials through this program including National Counselor Certification, Student Assistance Coordinator, Licensed Assistant Counselor, and more.
  • 100% job placement rate for alumni

Additional Considerations

  • While all students begin this program in the fall semester, applications are accepted on a rolling basis until then.
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Online master’s programs have increased in popularity over the past several years. The flexibility of a fully online program allows students to complete coursework at their own pace. Though the majority of New Jersey’s school counseling master’s programs are in person, there is one program in the state with fully online coursework.

Seton Hall University

  • South Orange
  • 48 hours
  • Online

City: South Orange

Modality: Online

Degree: Master of Arts

Length: 48 credit hours

Tuition: Online $10,350 per semester; $41,400 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
At 48 hours, Seton Hall University’s program offers New Jersey’s fastest option to a master’s degree in school counseling. It also allows prospective students to choose either in-person or online delivery. With its focus on foundational counseling skills and professional competency, Seton Hall is an attractive choice for professionals seeking flexibility in a master’s program.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Seton Hall offers the Graduate Merit scholarship, which can reduce tuition by up to 50% in the first year of attendance. 
  • Classes are small. On average, classes have 13 students. 

Additional Consideration:

  • This program is not CACREP-accredited.
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The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs assures that accredited school counseling programs meet or exceed high standards for quality education. Graduates from accredited programs are attractive to employers who seek skilled and knowledgeable practitioners. The following schools are among New Jersey’s nine CACREP-accredited school counseling master’s programs.

Montclair State University

  • Montclair
  • 60 hours
  • In-Person

City: Montclair

Modality: In person

Degree: Master of Arts

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $8,028 per semester, $32,112 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
Montclair State University’s school counseling program emphasizes multicultural competency and exploring systems that influence student outcomes. The program prepares students to serve in diverse and inclusive settings and offers evening and weekend classes friendly to part-time students.

Why We Like This Program:

  • This program has the option for students to earn a Student Assistance Coordinator certification instead of taking elective courses.
  • The curriculum is aligned with the ASCA National Model as well as CACREP standards.

Additional Considerations:

  • Students may begin in either the fall or spring semester. The application deadline for the fall semester start is February 1st. The application deadline for the spring semester is October 1st.
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New Jersey City University

  • Jersey City
  • 60 hours
  • In-Person

City: Jersey City

Modality: In person

Degree: Master of the Arts

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $7,650 per semester, $30,600 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
This in-person master’s program, located in Jersey City, trains students to implement a comprehensive school counseling program. By emphasizing social justice and professional competencies, New Jersey City University’s school counseling graduates are prepared to be agents of change in their communities.

Why We Like This Program:

  • There is the option to take additional electives to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
  • Students are able to take two electives in this plan of study.

Additional Considerations:

  • Outcomes data for this program is not readily available. 
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College of New Jersey

  • Ewing Township
  • 60 hours
  • In-Person

City: Ewing Township

Modality: In person

Degree: Master of the Arts

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $1129.40 per credit, $67,764 estimated total program cost.

Program Overview:
With a 100% post-graduation employment rate, the College of New Jersey’s master’s in school counseling program is an attractive option for students who value diversity and work for systemic change in education. A summer program for international school counseling is offered in Portugal each year.

Why We Like This Program:

  • A summer program for international school counseling is offered in Portugal each year.
  • This program also prepares students to be certified school counselors in Pennsylvania, although Pennsylvania requires additional testing for certification.

Additional Considerations:

  • There is no discounted tuition rate for New Jersey residents. At $1,129.40 per credit hour, The College of New Jersey has a high cost of tuition.
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For years, the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, was a common requirement for admission into a master’s program. Recently, many programs have shifted to a holistic approach and review applicants’ academic records, experience, and personal interviews instead of the GRE. The following are among the 10 school counseling master’s programs that do not require applicants to submit a GRE score.

Kean University

  • Union
  • 60 hours
  • In-Person

City: Union

Modality: In person

Degree: Master of Arts

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition:  In-state $8,568 per semester; $34,272 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
Kean University’s master’s in school counseling program is CACREP-accredited and boasts a 100% graduate rate. With a diverse and accomplished faculty, the program focuses on training competent and culturally sensitive practitioners.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Students may also pursue LPC qualification in addition to school counseling certification.
  • Classes are scheduled either on weeknights or weekends to accommodate working students.
  • Kean University has an on-campus wellness center in which students can gain hands-on experience in counseling.

Additional Considerations:

  • Application deadlines vary based on campus so prospective students must ensure that they follow all directions closely.
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Rutgers University

  • New Brunswick
  • 60 hours
  • Hybrid

City: New Brunswick

Modality: Hybrid

Degree: Master of Education

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: In-state $1,045 per credit hour; $62,700 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
New Jersey’s flagship research institution, Rutgers University, is home to a CACREP-accredited school counseling master’s program. Rutgers prepares future school counselors through the framework of educational equity, emphasizing inclusion and diverse settings. The program has 100% completion and post-graduation employment rates.

Why We Like This Program:

  • The program has 100% completion and post-graduation employment rates.
  • There is space for three electives in this plan of study.

Additional Considerations:

  • Students may begin the program in either the fall, spring, or summer term. The application deadlines are December 1st, October 1st, and February 1st.
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Pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling is a significant financial investment. Fortunately, New Jersey has several affordable options for individuals interested in becoming school counselors. The most affordable program, at Rowan University, is also CACREP accredited and holds a 100% post-graduation employment rate.

Though there is not a designated accelerated school counseling master’s program in New Jersey, future school counselors may be interested in the opportunities available at Seton Hall University. The 48-hour credit program offers a fully online option, allowing students flexibility to earn their master’s degree.

Though New Jersey is small in terms of square mileage, it is the 11th most populous state in the country. The Garden State is home to 9.5 million people, making it the fastest-growing state in the Northeast region. With over 2,500 public schools serving more than 1 million students and an additional 200,000 students in private schools, New Jersey is at the forefront of ensuring students receive appropriate and equitable academic and social-emotional support.

In 2024, the New Jersey legislature passed a bill establishing guidelines for school counselor professional development. This requires training in mental health awareness, trauma-informed and crisis counseling, college and career readiness, and multicultural competency. The bill also mandates accredited school counselor preparation programs to incorporate coursework on the implementation of the American School Counseling Association national model or state-approved model.

To become a school counselor in New Jersey, candidates must hold a master’s degree in school counseling. There is no required teaching experience or examination. Candidates from out of state can apply for school counseling certification through New Jersey’s reciprocity program. More information can be found here.

How Much Does a School Counselor Make in New Jersey?

Many factors determine a school counselor’s salary. The school district, experience, and the state’s cost of living can influence pay. In New Jersey, the average base salary is $64,376, which is 12 percent higher than the national average pay for school counselors.

How Long Does It Take to Become a School Counselor in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, 9 of the 10 school counseling master’s programs require 60 hours to complete degree requirements. One school, Seton Hall, is a 48-hour program. Depending on the number of credits taken per semester, most students earn their degree between two and half to three years.

What Is The Best School Counseling Program in New Jersey?

New Jersey’s school counseling master’s programs are known for their commitment to preparing skilled counselors. Nine of the ten programs in the state are CACREP-accredited, and all programs emphasize social justice, diversity, and best practices. However, two schools stand out with their high-quality instruction and outcomes. With an emphasis on professional identity development and experiential learning, Monmouth University’s hybrid program allows students to put their skills to work through their mentor partnership with Long Branch City Schools. Rutgers University in New Brunswick has the state’s highest degree completion and employment rates and is also CACREP-accredited.

Delaware

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Pennsylvania

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