Masters Degree Programs In South Carolina To Become A School Counselor
There are six school counseling masters degree programs in South Carolina. Two of these programs are offered by public universities; Coastal Carolina University and South Carolina State University. Four are offered by private institutions (including one military academy); The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, Clemson University, Winthrop University, and The University of South Carolina. Five out of six school counseling programs in South Carolina are CACREP-accredited and most do not require applicants to submit GRE scores.
Aspiring school counselors in South Carolina may not have a large selection of programs to choose from, but that doesn’t mean there is a lack of quality. The majority of the programs are CACREP-accredited. There are also online and hybrid options.
Keep reading to learn more about the school counseling program options available to you.
South Carolina School Counseling Program Quick Facts:
- Universities Offering School Counseling Programs In South Carolina: 6
- CACREP-accredited School Counseling Programs In South Carolina: 5
- Hybrid or Online School Counseling Programs In South Carolina: 3
- Tuition Cost Range: $29,800-$48,000
- Average Tuition Cost: $39,546
Online School Counseling Masters Degree Programs In South Carolina
There are two fully online school counseling masters degree programs in South Carolina.
Online graduate programs have become increasingly popular, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. The ease of being able to take classes from anywhere can mean less time and money spent on commuting.
In addition to the program listed below, Winthrop University also offers a 100% online version of its Master of Education in School Counseling.
The Citadel: The Military College of South Carolina
- Charleston, SC
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Education
City: Charleston, SC
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $700 per credit hour, $42,000 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
As a military college, The Citadel may not be on most people’s radar for graduate school counseling programs. However, it definitely should be. This fully online CACREP-accredited program does not require the GRE. The Citadel is ranked as one of the best schools for earning a master’s degree in South Carolina.
Why We Like This Program:
- Ranked #2 out of 24 in Best Master’s Degree Schools in South Carolina Ranking
(College Factual’s 2022 Best Quality Rankings) - There is the option to add on courses to become a Licensed Professional Counselor, or LPC
- Offers a Counselor Education Masetros Program to encourage diverse cadets from the South Carolina Corps of Cadets in their junior or senior year to pursue school counseling.
Additional Considerations:
- Students must pass the PRAXIS II test for professional school counselor before enrolling in their practicum course
- Must specialize in either elementary or secondary education, which some may find limiting
CACREP-accredited School Counseling Masters Degree Programs In South Carolina
There are a total of five CACREP-accredited Master of School Counseling programs in the state of South Carolina.
“CACREP” stands for Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This is a nationally recognized specialized accreditation for master’s and doctoral programs related to counseling. Attending a CACREP-accredited program can boost your resume. In addition to the programs listed in this section, the programs at The Citadel and South Carolina State University are also CACREP-accredited.
The University of South Carolina
- Columbia, SC
- 66 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Education Specialist
City: Columbia, SC
Modality: In-Person
Length: 66 credit hours
Tuition: $6,867 flat rate per semester, $48,069 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The University of South Carolina awards students in their graduate-level school counseling program an Education Specialist (EdS) because CACREP requires a minimum of 60 credit hours. Awarding a specialist degree “better reflects the number of credit hours required to achieve the graduate degree in counseling.” Students learn in a cohort model and typically complete the program within two years.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program also satisfies the requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern (LPC). Students can pursue this license with additional coursework
- Over 100 learning outcomes stated for the counselor education programs
Additional Considerations:
- The educational specialist degree requires more coursework than an average master’s degree
- Must apply in January and begin in the summer semester
- This is the most expensive school counseling masters program in the state of South Carolina. However, considering that students earn an EdS and are on track to become LPCs, this cost may be worthwhile for some applicants.
Clemson University
- Clemson, SC
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Clemson, SC
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $6,611 flat rate per semester, $39,666 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling at Clemson University is CACREP-accredited and does not require the GRE for admission. Classes are held at both campuses in Clemson and in Greenville, so students must plan to travel to both campuses. Students can also pursue an Education Specialist (EdS) degree for thirty credits following the completion of their MEd.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is award-winning; it won the 2021 Outstanding Master’s Counselor Education Program Award from the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES).
- Clemson University’s School Counseling program is focused on better serving diverse student populations, which is important to many prospective school counselors.
- Clemson University will accept up to 12 transfer credits for this program
Additional Considerations:
- At 30 credits, the EdS at Clemson University requires a substantial investment of time and money
- Students may only be admitted to this program for the summer semester which requires all application materials to be submitted by January 15th.
Winthrop University
- Rock Hill, SC
- 60 hours
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Rock Hill, SC
Modality: In-Person or Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: Online: $698 per credit hour, $41,880 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
$426 per credit hour, $25,560 estimated total program cost.
Overview: Winthrop University offers its CACREP-accredited Master of Education in School Counseling in both the traditional on-campus and 100% online modalities. This program follows the practitioner-scientist model of preparation, meaning that there is a heavy emphasis on empirical research alongside the counselor’s experience. Winthrop University boasts faculty from diverse theoretical perspectives in their counselor education programs.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students who graduate from Winthrop University’s School Counseling program will be eligible for certification in both South Carolina and North Carolina
- Students will learn an collaborative approach to school counseling so that they can be most effective in their careers
- Many faculty members are experts in special education, which is a valuable perspective for school counselors
Additional Considerations:
- The GRE is required if the applicant’s undergraduate grade point average is below a 3.0.
- Acceptance into this program is competitive
No GRE Required School Counseling Programs In South Carolina
Four public and private institutions in South Carolina do not require GRE scores.
If you’re not a fan of taking tests, consider applying to a program that doesn’t need you to! Prospective school counseling students in South Carolina may choose from multiple programs that do not ask for GRE scores.
Clemson University, The University of South Carolina, and The Citadel also do not require applicants to submit GRE scores for consideration.
Coastal Carolina University
- Conway, SC
- 60 hours
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Education
City: Conway, SC
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $598 per credit hour, $35,880 estimated total program cost (lower for school district employees)
Program Overview:
Coastal Carolina University offers a hybrid-learning school counseling program for its students’ convenience. Students will complete synchronous (live) and asynchronous coursework online. The classes are held year-round, with mandatory in-person seminars on campus every fall and spring semester for the first two years of the program. The program is completed within three years.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students are required to complete half of their internship in a primary setting and the other half in a secondary setting, which ensures that they receive a well-rounded experience
- This program has small class sizes
- School Counseling students still take courses in clinical topics, such as psychopathy, to better inform their professional judgment
Additional Considerations:
- This program is not yet CACREP-accredited, but is in the process of seeking accreditation
- This is a brand new program and therefore, outcomes and overall quality cannot be determined
South Carolina’s Most Affordable School Counseling Program
For those on a tight budget, South Carolina has more affordable options. There is also the possibility that some schools may still be able to use grant money from the Department of Education to lower the cost of tuition. Keep in mind that some schools also offer reduced tuition rates for those who work in a school district.
While there are other affordable options in South Carolina, the school listed below has the best tuition rate.
South Carolina State University
- Orangeburg, SC
- 60-63 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Orangeburg, SC
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60-63 credit hours
Tuition: $4,964 flat rate per semester, $29,784 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
South Carolina State University offers a CACREP-accredited school counseling graduate program with small class sizes. Classes are held on campus in the evening or on the weekend to complete the entire program of study in six semesters. Students must choose whether they will specialize in primary or secondary education and take classes accordingly.
Why We Like This Program:
- Small class sizes, with student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1
- 100% pass rates on the PRAXIS exam every year and high rates of employment after graduation
- Site supervisors at internships rate interns from this program highly, exceeding expectations in nearly every area
Additional Considerations:
- This program requires the following GRE scores for admission: 145 for quantitative, 145 for verbal, and a 3 in analytical.
- As a public university, tuition rates will be higher for students who are not residents of South Carolina. This is the most affordable school Counseling program based on the in-state tuition rates.
School Counseling in South Carolina
South Carolina is a small, coastal state in the southeastern United States. There are approximately 751,660 public school students in 1,167 schools across South Carolina. At 15:1, the statewide student-to-teacher ratio is slightly better than the national ratio of 16:1. The student-to-school counselor ratio is 336:1, much higher than the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) recommended ratio of 250:1.
In response, South Carolina has begun bringing mental health counselors into the school setting. South Carolina State University, the University of South Carolina, and Clemson University have received grants from the Department of Education to increase the number of school counselors.
Prospective students should also note that some colleges and universities listed below offer reduced tuition rates for those who already work in a South Carolina school district. That means if you’re a teacher looking to become a guidance counselor, you will pay less for your degree than those from another professional background.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in South Carolina?
On average, school counselors in South Carolina make between $41,500-$51,230 per year.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in South Carolina?
Students typically earn their masters degree in school counseling and complete their fieldwork within two to three years.
What is the best school counseling program in South Carolina?
With multiple CACREP-accredited programs, it’s difficult to say which school counseling program in South Carolina is the best. The programs at The Citadel and The University of South Carolina are highly rated. For those looking for the most affordable option, South Carolina State University has the lowest cost of tuition.
