There are seven school counseling masters degree programs offered by public and private institutions. Most are based in either Seattle or Spokane, but there are some other choices across the state. The only public university in Washington that offers a school counseling master’s degree program is Western Washington University. Private universities, such as Gonzaga University and Seattle University, offer the majority of programs. Seattle University offers both an in-person and online version of its school counseling masters degree program. Though Washington has a low number of school counseling master’s programs relative to its population, all of the options in the state offer quality, rigorous education. Five of the seven programs are accredited through CACREP, and all emphasize service, advocacy, and equity in developing future professionals.
School counselors are integral in developing comprehensive programming and providing direct services to support the academic, career, and personal growth of all students. If you are interested in pursuing a career in school counseling, Washington has seven masters degree programs from which to choose. Read below to find the perfect fit for your professional goal.
Washington School Counseling Programs Quick Facts
- Number of School Counseling Programs in Washington: 7
- CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Programs: 5
- Hybrid or Online School Counseling Programs in Washington: 2
- Tuition Cost Range: $27,006 – $77,325
- Average Cost of Tuition: $58,884
City University of Seattle
- Seattle
- 90 hours
- Hybrid
City: Seattle
Modality: Hybrid
Degree: Master of Arts
Length: 90 credit hours
Tuition: $710 per credit hour, $63,900 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
This CACREP-accredited, hybrid program is located in Seattle, Washington’s most populous city. The program’s framework is steeped in social justice principles, as future school counselors are oriented to serve all students regardless of race, immigration status, and socio-economic status. Didactic courses are worth 5 hours, and the program has 100% completion, licensure exam pass, and post-graduation employment rates.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program has 100% completion, licensure exam pass, and post-graduation employment rates.
- Students in this program will be qualified for Washington state associate licensure, which could lead to becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).
Additional Considerations:
- 90 credits is a hefty requirement. In comparison, many masters’ degrees require 60 credits.
Whitworth University
- Spokane
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: Spokane
Modality: In Person
Degree: Master of Education
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $675 per credit, $40,500 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Working professionals hoping to earn a school counseling master’s degree within 3 years may be interested in Whitworth University. Professional skills such as multicultural sensitivity, advocacy, and counseling competency are built through in-person instruction. The GRE is required for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0. The program is accredited through the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council and is the recent recipient of a federal grant to increase the number of licensed school counselors in Washington’s highest-need districts.
Why We Like This Program:
- Whitworth University is the recent recipient of a federal grant to increase the number of licensed school counselors in Washington’s highest-need districts.
- This program is actively recruiting diverse candidates.
Additional Considerations:
- While this program is accredited through MPCAC, it is not CACREP-accredited.
- This program is designed to be completed in three years.
Online School Counseling Masters Programs in Washington
Washington has one fully online school counseling masters degree program, offered through Seattle University. As a testament to the quality of the programs in the state, the online program is also CACREP-accredited.
Seattle University Online
- Seattle
- 90 hours
- Online
City: Seattle
Modality: Online
Degree: Master of Education
Length: 90 credit hours
Tuition: $68,130 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Seattle University’s school counseling master’s program allows students to choose between online and in-person delivery. The online, CACREP-accredited program frames student support and advocacy through a data-driven, anti-racist lens and explores the challenging issues facing today’s young population, including substance abuse and mental health. Several of the didactic and internship courses are worth 4 hours each.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can receive the Washington State Substance Use Disorder Certification upon graduation. No other program in the United States offers this direct pathway.
- The first two years of classes are online and asynchronous, meaning that students can work at their own pace provided that they adhere to all deadlines for assignments.
- Students will attend in-person residencies in Seattle during their plan of study.
Additional Considerations:
- 90 credits is a hefty requirement. In comparison, many masters’ degrees require 60 credits.
- This program is designed to be completed in three years.
CACREP Accredited School Counseling Masters Programs in Washington
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs is the most prominent accrediting organization for counselor preparation programs. Rigorous curricula, qualified educators, and competency-based instruction are among the standards set by CACREP. Washington state has five CACREP-accredited school counseling masters programs. In addition to the schools below, City University of Seattle, the University of Puget Sound, and Seattle University’s online program are all CACREP-accredited.
Gonzaga University
- Spokane
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: Spokane
Modality: In Person
Degree: Master of the Arts
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $1,120 per credit hour, $67,200 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Gonzaga University’s collaborative, cohort-based school counseling masters program is designed to be completed in two years. Taught in the Jesuit traditions of service and social justice, Gonzaga prepares students to be theoretically knowledgeable, professionally competent, and ethical interpreters of research and best practices.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- This program has a 100% NCE pass rate, 100% program completion rate, and 88% job placement rate.
Additional Considerations:
- Most classes are held during the day, which could be difficult for working students.
- There is no direct pathway to become an LPC or LMHC from this program.
Western Washington University
- Bellingham
- 90 hours
- In-Person
City: Bellingham
Modality: In Person
Degree: Master of Education
Length: 90 credit hours
Tuition: $4,501 per quarter, $27,006 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The northernmost institution in the contiguous United States, Western Washington’s small, cohort-based model can be completed in two years with full-time enrollment. Operating on a quarterly calendar, the immersive, cohort-based program equips students to be ethical, skilled advocates for diverse populations. Students may opt into a research project, completing a thesis along with clinical fieldwork.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students may opt into a research project, completing a thesis along with clinical fieldwork.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology will be required to complete some psychology courses as prerequisites.
- 90 credits is a hefty requirement. In comparison, many masters’ degrees require 60 credits.
No GRE Required School Counseling Masters Programs in Washington
Over the past several years, many graduate programs have suspended the GRE requirement in favor of a holistic applicant review. Academic record, prior experience, recommendations, and interviews have taken the test’s place as part of the comprehensive admission process. Six of Washington’s seven school counseling programs do not require the GRE; Whitworth University asks students to submit a recent test score if the applicant’s undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.
University of Puget Sound
- Tacoma
- 15 units
- In-Person
City: Tacoma
Modality: In Person
Degree: Master of Education
Length: 15 units
Tuition: $5,155 per unit
Program Overview:
The University of Puget Sound’s school counseling masters program prepares students to become advocates for educational equity. Through collaboration and experiential learning, this cohort model program trains students to apply counseling theory to culturally responsive practice. Courses are worth units, and this CACREP-accredited program can be completed in two years.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students receive mentorship during their internship.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- The school counseling program has a strong professional reputation.
Additional Considerations:
- Applications are closed for 2025. Check the program website for updated application information.
Seattle University In Person
- Seattle
- 90 hours
- In-Person
City: Seattle
Modality: In Person
Degree: Master of Education
Length: 90 credit hours
Tuition: $11,853 per semester
Program Overview:
Along with its online option, Seattle University offers an in-person delivery of its school counseling masters program. Designed to be completed in three years, students are prepared to be leaders and advocates for social justice and are trained to develop and implement a comprehensive school counseling program.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can receive the Washington State Substance Use Disorder Certification upon graduation. No other program in the United States offers this direct pathway.
Additional Considerations:
- 90 credits is a hefty requirement. In comparison, many masters’ degrees require 60 credits.
- This program is designed to be completed in three years.
Washington’s Most Affordable School Counseling Masters Programs
Cost is an important factor when considering which masters degree program is the best fit for you. With Washington’s higher-than-average cost of living, Whitworth University’s masters program is the most affordable of the state’s options. With their semester calendar and recently awarded grant to support high-need regions, this program is an attractive option for individuals interested in the school counseling profession.
Accelerated Washington School Counseling Masters Programs
Washington does not have a designated accelerated school counseling masters program for individuals who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree. However, the University of Puget Sound has an accelerated pathway to a masters degree in school counseling for enrolled undergraduate students who meet specific admissions criteria.
School Counseling In Washington
The Evergreen State is home to several of the most well-known companies worldwide. Microsoft, Boeing, Amazon, and Starbucks are among the prominent corporations based in Washington. With over 8 million residents also calling Washington home, the Pacific Northwest state has experienced steady population gains since COVID-19.
More than 1.1 million students are enrolled in public schools across 295 school districts and 8 state-tribal education compact schools, and an additional 80,000 students attend private schools. In 2021, Washington legislators passed a bill requiring districts to develop and implement comprehensive school counseling programs. In addressing the rapidly evolving academic, career-development, and social-emotional needs of students, the state has received recognition for its commitment to providing quality public education.
School Counselor Certification In Washington
In order to be eligible for school counselor certification in Washington, candidates must have completed a master’s degree in school counseling. This must be from an approved institution. If the candidate did not complete their master’s degree at an approved institution, they must have three years of experience in order to receive initial certification (this may be more common with those transferring from out-of-state). A comprehensive exam must also be passed. More information can be found here.
FAQs
How Much Does a School Counselor Make in Washington?
Factors such as the state’s cost of living, previous experience, and school district can influence a school counselor’s salary. Washington is among the more expensive states to reside in, with a cost of living that is 8.6% higher than the national average. As a result, the average salary for school counselors in Washington is $79,688, which is 30% higher than the national average.
How Long Does It Take to Become a School Counselor in Washington?
Washington’s school counseling programs typically include 15 didactic classes and multiple clinical placements. A masters degree can take 2 to 3 years to earn, depending on the length of the program, your enrollment status, and the institution’s academic calendar.
What Is The Best School Counseling Program in Washington?
Washington has seven school counseling masters degree programs, all of which thoroughly prepare students to serve public and private schools through rigorous, equity-informed instruction and engaging fieldwork placements. Among the high-caliber options, Seattle University’s CACREP-accredited online program stands out for its data-driven focus, social justice framework, and continuous growth.
