There are eight school counseling programs in Indiana. Six are offered on campus (Ball State University, Indiana State in South Bend, Indiana State in Indianapolis, Marian University, and two Purdue Campuses in Hammond and Fort Wayne) and two are offered as hybrid or fully online programs (Butler University and Indiana State at Terre Haute). Seven out of the eight are CACREP certified.
Aspiring school counselors have a variety of high-quality options throughout the state. The majority are CACREP-certified, and all provide a combination of relevant coursework with field experiences.
Indiana Fun Facts:
- Eight universities offer school counseling graduate programs; two private universities and six public universities. Applicants can choose from online, hybrid, and on campus options.
- Indiana has seven CACREP-accredited school counseling master’s programs.
- There is a high demand for school counselors in Indiana, as schools and districts work to reduce the ratio of students-to-school counselors.
School Counselor Master’s Programs in Indiana
There are a variety of master’s programs in Indiana. Eight campuses offer either on campus or online programs. Six universities offer on campus options, and two offer either hybrid or online programs. On-campus programs provide the option to work closely with faculty and take advantage of internships in the university community. Keep reading to learn more about the programs available and to find the best fit for you.
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Why We Picked this Program: The M.A. in school counseling is a recognized “Transforming School Counseling” program with a focus on social justice in K-12 settings. Students learn how to understand students within school systems and structures. Students complete supervised practicum and internships. We chose this program for the personalized attention that students receive and more than 800 hours of practicum and internship experiences.
Key Highlights:
- The Ball State University program is nationally recognized by The Education Trust as a Transforming School Counseling program.
- Students complete internship and practicum hours in schools, camps, and other educational settings.
- The MA program complies with the American School Counselor Association standards.
Considerations: The program permits students to be considered for probationary admission if they have a GPA less than 2.75 but who have provided additional evidence of academic and/or professional achievement to indicate that they can succeed in a graduate program.
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: None listed
- Online availability: Courses are held on the main campus
- Program Length: 60 hours
- Tuition: $646 per credit hour (in-state)
- Acceptance rate: 72% university-wide
- Student population: Ball State University serves 5,566 graduate students with 25% minority students.
- Institution type: Public, Rural
Butler University
- Indianapolis, IN
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in School Counseling
Why We Picked this Program: The M.S. in school counseling is provided 100% online. Students take coursework and engage in hands-on experiences. Students have the option to engage in study abroad, and complete a dual licensure in mental health counseling. Butler University is recognized as a top university in the Midwest. We chose this program for its high ranking and strong reputation in preparing school counselors.
Key Highlights:
- Butler University is a top-ranked university in the midwest.
- Butler offers a dual-licensure in mental health and school counseling.
- Students have the option to study abroad.
Considerations: Applicants need to have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in their undergraduate coursework. An interview is part of the application process.
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: CACREP
- Online availability: The program is 100% online
- Program Length: 60 credit hours
- Tuition: $700 per credit hour
- Acceptance rate: 86% university-wide
- Student population: Butler University serves 1,244 graduate students with 19% minority enrollment.
- Institution type: Private, Urban
Indiana State University, Terre Haute
- Terre Haute, IN
- 60 hours
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Education in School Counseling
Why We Picked this Program: The M.Ed in school counseling is a blended/hybrid program that combines interactive online sessions and on-campus sessions held on Saturdays once per month. Students start working in schools in the first semester of study. Students are admitted and complete the program in a cohort. We chose this program for its cohort format and the blended/hybrid approach. Classes are held using interactive online sessions that are supported by required on-campus sessions once per month.
Key Highlights:
- The ISU program is one of the first Transforming School Counseling programs honored by The Education Trust.
- Students establish a working relationship with a school and complete their practicum during two-years at the same school.
- Students engage in various hands-on experiences during their coursework, including leading counseling sessions and shadowing established counselors.
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: CACREP
- Online availability: Classes are held online and students are required to come to campus once per month for in-person classes
- Program Length: 60 credit hours
- Tuition: $462 per credit hour
- Acceptance rate: 92% university-wide
- Student population: Indiana State University serves 1,636 graduate students with 30% minority enrollment.
- Institution type: Public
Indiana University, South Bend
- South Bend, IN
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in School Counseling
Why We Picked this Program: The M.S. in school counseling is a cohort model that is designed to accommodate working students. Classes are held on campus in the evening between 5 and 8 PM. Students complete coursework and field experience to earn the school counseling licensure. We chose this program because of the focus on enrolling small cohorts of students who progress through the program together.
Key Highlights:
- The Indiana University campus is diverse, with 38% minority enrollment.
- Students are admitted in cohorts with 24 students per cohort.
- On campus courses are held afternoons and evenings to accommodate working professionals.
Considerations: Applicants must come to campus for an interview and orientation as part of the admissions process.
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: CACREP
- Online availability: Courses are on campus
- Program Length: 60 credit hours
- Tuition: $350 per unit (in-state)
- Acceptance rate: 86% university-wide
- Student population: Indiana University serves 528 graduate students with 38% minority enrollment.
- Institution type: Public, Rural
Indiana University, Indianapolis
- Indianapolis, IN
- 48 hours
- Campus
Program:
School Counseling Graduate Program
Why We Picked this Program: The Indiana University School Counseling graduate program is designed to train school counselors to work in diverse settings with a range of students. The program has an urban-focused approach. Students participate in various field experiences and learn from faculty and counselors in the field. We chose this program because of its focus on supporting school counselors who want to work in urban settings.
Key Highlights:
- The Indiana University campus is diverse, with 38% minority enrollment.
- The program has an urban-focused approach with instruction in how to address opportunity gaps.
- 91% of graduates passed the school counselor licensure exam.
Considerations: HERE
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: CACREP
- Online availability: Courses are on campus
- Program Length: 48 credit hours
- Tuition: Calculate using the cost calculator
- Acceptance rate: 81% university-wide
- Student population: IU serves 8,466 graduate students with 38% minority enrollment.
- Institution type: Public, Urban
Indiana Wesleyan University
- Marion, IN
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master’s in School Counseling
Why We Picked this Program: The Master’s in school counseling program is entirely online. Students can complete the school counseling licensure, or add on a clinical mental health option. Both programs have a Christian focus and approach counseling through a servant-leader lens. We chose this program because of its focus on Christian-based principles that are incorporated into its curriculum and approach.
Key Highlights:
- Students can focus only on school counseling or both mental health and school counseling.
- IWU’s curriculum incorporates a faith-based component aligned with the university’s Protestant commitment.
- Students can transfer up to 35% of their credits into the program.
Considerations: A GRE exam is required for applicants with a GRE of less than 3.25.
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: CACREP
- Online availability: The program is 100% online
- Program Length: 60 credit hours
- Tuition: $602 per credit hour
- Acceptance rate: 82% university-wide
- Student population: Indiana Wesleyan University serves 128 graduate students with a minority enrollment of 15%.
- Institution type: Private
Marian University
- Indianapolis, IN
- 48 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling, School counseling track
Why We Picked this Program: The school counseling option within the M.S. in counseling prepares students to earn a K-12 school counseling licensure. Students complete coursework and 700 hours of supervised practicum and internship experience. We chose this program because of its focus on providing strong instruction in knowledge and skills within a shorter time frame.
Key Highlights:
- Students complete 700 hours of practicum and internship experiences.
- Students have the option of completing a thesis to meet the exam requirements.
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: CACREP
- Online availability: Not listed
- Program Length: 48 credit hours
- Tuition: $477.50 per credit hour (in-state)
- Acceptance rate: 95% university-wide
- Student population: Marian University serves 1,098 graduate students with 39% minority enrollment.
- Institution type: Private, Urban
Purdue University, Fort Wayne
- Fort Wayne, IN
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Education in School Counseling
Why We Picked this Program: Students complete a continuous 3-year program. In year 1, students take theory and content classes. In year 2, students complete on-site practicum and school counseling specific coursework. And, in year 3, students complete field-based internships and gain experience in the community. We chose this program because of its multidimensional training philosophy that supports understanding individuals within complex systems.
Key Highlights:
- Students complete the three-year continuous program in cohorts.
- Students complete practicum experiences at the campus Community Counseling Center.
- Purdue University has established partnerships with more than 100 organizations and schools where students can complete internship experiences.
Considerations: New students start during the second summer semester.
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: CACREP
- Online availability: Courses are on campus
- Program Length: 60 credit hours
- Tuition: $391.75 per credit hour (in-state)
- Acceptance rate: 86% university-wide
- Student population: The Fort Wayne campus of Purdue University serves 764 graduate students with 28% minority enrollment.
- Institution type: Public, Rural
Purdue University, Northwest, Hammond
- Hammond, IN
- 3 years
- Campus
Program:
Master of Education in School Counseling
Why We Picked this Program: The M.Ed in school counseling is structured as a continuous 3-year program that progresses from theory and practical coursework to internship and field work in the campus counseling center and community. We chose this program because of its sequential approach to counselor training and the high percent of students who pass the licensure exam and are employed after graduation.
Key Highlights:
- The campus serves a diverse population with 43% minority enrollment.
- 100% of candidates passed the licensure test; 85% were employed after graduation.
- Students can complete the Expressive Arts Certificate to incorporate those counseling skills into their practice.
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: CACREP
- Online availability: Classes are on campus
- Program Length: 3 years
- Tuition: $5,619 per semester (in-state)
- Acceptance rate: 38% university-wide
- Student population: Purdue University’s northwest campus serves 777 graduate students with 43% minority enrollment.
- Institution type: Public
Licensure Requirements in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Education oversees the licensure of school counselors in Indiana. To become a school counselor, applicants must:
- Successfully complete a master’s degree program from an accredited university school counselor program,
- Take and pass the Praxis test, and
- Complete the application form and pay the fee on the Department of Education web site.
School Counseling in Indiana
With an estimated population of 6.9 million, Indiana is a mid-sized Midwestern state. More than 1 million students are enrolled in more than 1,900 schools across Indiana, this includes large districts, like Indianapolis, and smaller, rural districts. The job outlook for school counselors in Indiana is project to increase as fast as average for all occupations between 2023 and 2033, at 4%. Nationwide, more than 29,000 openings for school counselors are projected each year.
Indiana needs more school counselors to support students. In the 2023-2024 school year, the ratio of students-to-school counselors was 497:1, much higher than the recommended 250:1 ratio set by the American School Counselor Association and one of the lowest ratios of any state.
Salary & Career Outlook in Indiana
School counselors earn an average of $57,483 per year in Indiana. The salary ranges and depends on the local market. For example, school counselors make more than $60,000 in Whiteland, and more than $58,000 in Muncie and Lafayette. School districts, day programs, and universities are all hiring school counselors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get a school counseling license in Indiana?
The Indiana Department of Education oversees school counselors. To become a school counselor in Indiana, a practitioner needs:
- To have successfully completed a master’s degree program with the required coursework,
- Take and pass the Praxis Content area test, and
- Pay a fee.
Does Indiana accept out-of-state school counseling degrees?
Indiana does not have a full reciprocity process, but applicants who have a current school counselor license in another U.S. state can submit materials to the Indiana Department of Education as an out-of-state applicant through the DOE web site.
How much does a school counselor make in Indiana?
School counselors earn an average of $57,483 per year in Indiana. The salary ranges and depends on the local market. For example, school counselors make more than $60,000 in Whiteland, and more than $58,000 in Muncie and Lafayette.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Indiana?
Most masters programs in school counseling are completed within three years, though some programs may offer flexibility to finish sooner or to extend the duration of the program. For example, Marian University and Indiana University at Indianapolis both offer programs that can be completed in 48 credit hours, instead of 60 credit hours.
