School Counseling Masters Programs in Pennsylvania

Anna Jankowski

Written by Anna Jankowski

Updated & Fact Checked: 06.19.2025

Twenty-two public and private institutions in Pennsylvania offer school counseling master’s degree programs, including many programs offered by public universities such as Kutztown University, Shippensburg University, and West Chester University. There are also several faith-based Catholic and Christian private colleges and universities, including Saint Joseph’s University, Moravian College, Messiah College, and Villanova University.  A number of these programs, offered by both public and private institutions, are conducted in an online or hybrid model for maximum convenience. The CACREP-accredited section highlights twelve CACREP-accredited school counseling master’s programs. Additionally, Pennsylvania has many affordable graduate programs for prospective school counselors. Keep reading to learn more about the programs available to future graduate students in school counseling. 

Pennsylvania School Counseling Programs Quick Facts

  • Number of School Counseling Programs in Pennsylvania: 22
  • CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Programs: 12
  • Hybrid or Online School Counseling Programs in Pennsylvania: 10
  • Tuition Cost Range: $11,440 – $127,662
  • Average Cost of Tuition: $45,383

Chestnut Hill College

  • Philadelphia, PA or Lehigh PA
  • 49 credits
  • Online + In-Person + Hybrid

Program: 
Master of Science

City: Philadelphia, PA or Lehigh PA

Modality: In-person, hybrid, or online

Length: 49 credit hours

Tuition: $700 per credit hour, $34,300 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
If you aren’t ready to commit to an on-campus program but also don’t want to learn 100% online, Chestnut Hill College may be a good option. Students can learn at either the Philadelphia or Lehigh campuses as well as in a hybrid format (as opposed to 100% online, which is also offered). It’s also among the more affordable private colleges in Pennsylvania.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Students can also become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) by adding 12 credits
  • Small to mid-size classes of 6-18 students on average
  • Multiple start dates and application deadlines throughout the year

Additional Considerations:

  • This program is not CACREP-accredited
  • Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 will need to submit both their MAT and GRE scores
More Details

Millersville University

  • Millersville, PA
  • 39 credits
  • In-Person

Program: 
Master of Education

City: Millersville, PA

Modality: In-Person

Length: 39 credit hours (minimum)

Tuition: $516 per credit hour, $20,124 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
Millersville University is a state school offering a flexible school counseling master’s degree. Students will need a minimum of 39 credits to qualify for school counseling certification in Pennsylvania but may earn up to 60 credits depending on their career goals. GRE scores are required for those with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0.

Why We Like This Program:

  • While the program for school counseling certification is 39 credits, students can pursue the 51-credit option toward LPC eligibility. 51 credits is less than most school counseling masters programs.
  • Students can complete this degree on a full-time or part-time basis no matter how many credits they are pursuing. 

Additional Considerations:

  • At least six undergraduate psychology credits are a prerequisite for admission to this program.
  • Millersville University will not accommodate transfer credits in most circumstances.
  • This program is not CACREP-accredited.
More Details

Pennsylvania Western University

  • California, PA
  • 60 credits
  • Online + In-Person

Program: 
Master of Science

City: California, PA

Modality: In-Person or Online

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $516 per credit hour, $30,960 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
Pennsylvania Western University, also known as PennWest, has three campuses across Pennsylvania but the school counseling graduate program is housed at the California campus. This program is rated #4 in the Top 10 Best Deals in Online Masters Degrees in School Counseling by U.S. News & World Report.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Students can “build their own” post-Masters certificate in counseling for an additional 12 credits
  • There are over 30 electives to choose from on a wide range of topics, such as addiction and sexuality
  • 100% of school counseling students passed the National Counselor Exam in both 2022 and 2023 (most recent data available)

Additional Considerations:

  • While there are many electives to choose from, school counseling students can only take two during their regular program of study.
  • Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 will need to submit MAT or GRE scores (but the MAT is preferred).
More Details

In the state of Pennsylvania, there are 8 fully online Master of School Counseling programs.

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 programs listed below, Pennsylvania Western University and Chestnut Hill College offer online versions of their programs.

Here are the online school counseling masters programs available in Pennsylvania:

Gwynedd Mercy University

  • Gwynedd Valley, PA
  • 60 credits
  • Online

Program: 
Master of Science

City: Gwynedd Valley, PA

Modality: Online

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $784 per credit hour, $47,040 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
This CACREP-accredited program offers the convenience of online learning without feeling impersonal. Students attend a 3-day in-person residency to network and enrich their experience. The MS in School Counseling at Gwynedd Mercy University is designed for working students who are new graduates or career changers.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Unique course offerings that center on the needs of diverse learners, such as “Disabilities in the School Counseling Setting” and “Needs of English Language Learners in the School Counseling Setting.”
  • Allows for up to six transfer credits
  • Follows a “scholar-practitioner model” which promotes not only academics but also interpersonal skills

Additional Considerations:

  • The only start date is in the fall.
  • Students with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 must provide GRE scores.
More Details

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

  • Lockhaven, PA
  • 48 credits
  • Online

Program: 
Master of Science

City: Lockhaven, PA

Modality: Online

Length: 48 credit hours

Tuition: $516 per credit hour, $24,768 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
The Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania’s school counseling program has start dates in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. This 100% online program offers classes typically held from 5 pm to 8 pm Monday through Thursday. Students of all undergraduate backgrounds are welcome. 

Why We Like This Program:

  • This program is extremely flexible for working students.
  • The GRE is not required. 

Additional Considerations:

  • This program is not CACREP-accredited.
  • Unlike many school counseling master’s programs in Pennsylvania, Commonwealth University does not offer a clear path to LPC certification from their School Counseling MS degree.
More Details

Geneva College

  • Beaver Falls, PA
  • 60 credits
  • Online

Program: 
Master of Arts

City: Beaver Falls, PA

Modality: Online

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $699 per credit hour, $41,940 estimated total program costs

Program Overview:
Geneva College is a private Christian college that offers CACREP-accredited counseling programs, including school counseling. GRE and other exam scores are not required for admission into this program. For students seeking a faith-based education with expertise in Christian counseling techniques, Geneva College is a strong option. 

Why We Like This Program:

  • 99% of students pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE) on their first try
  • Award-winning faculty, including the 2021 Pennsylvania Counseling Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Additional considerations:

  • This online program is conducted on a condensed schedule, meaning classes are held over 8 weeks instead of 14. This means that students must invest more time into their classes.
  • Only 2 students completed the professional school counseling program in 2023-2024, which indicates that this is an exceptionally small program.
More Details

Eastern University

  • St. Davids, PA
  • 48 credits
  • Online + Blended

Program: 
Master of Education

City: St. Davids, PA

Modality: Online or Blended

Length: 48 credit hours 

Tuition: $790 per credit hour, $37,920 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
Eastern University prioritizes flexibility with its online or blended format. Students also have access to a number of grants and scholarships on top of competitive tuition rates. This program is accredited through the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).

Why We Like This Program:

  • The number of practicum and internship hours is reduced for students who are already certified educators in Pennsylvania.
  • Students may be eligible to be paid during their internship via a grant from the Department of Education.

Additional Considerations:

  • This program is not CACREP-accredited. 
  • Students with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 are encouraged to submit their GRE scores.
More Details

Lancaster Bible College

  • Lancaster, PA
  • 42-60 credits
  • Online

Program: 
Master of Education

City: Lancaster, PA

Modality: Online

Length: 42-60 credit hours

Tuition: $480 per credit, $28,800 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
Lancaster Bible College offers a mostly online School Counseling MEd with monthly residencies on campus in Lancaster. This program is aligned with the ASCA National Model and “theological distinctiveness.” Students can pursue different tracks within the MEd that range from 42 to 60 credits that correspond to the level of certification and licensure.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Lancaster Bible College has a lower cost per credit than the public universities in Pennsylvania.
  • Accepts up to 18 transfer credits from other graduate programs.

Additional Considerations:

  • While this is an online program, students are required to be on campus monthly for residencies.
  • This program is not CACREP-accredited.
More Details

Messiah University

  • Mechanicsburg, PA
  • 60 credits
  • Online

Program: 
Master of Arts

City: Mechanicsburg, PA

Modality: Online

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $780 per credit hour, $46,800 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
Messiah University offers an online CACREP-accredited school counseling program from a Christian perspective. With two-, three-, and four-year timelines, this program offers ample flexibility for students to complete their coursework. The Master of Arts in School Counseling at Messiah University has been recognized for its affordability.

Why We Like This Program:

  • No fee tuition; Messiah University prides itself on not charging fees for enrollment, lab, or other miscellaneous items.
  • Rolling admission dates allow for students to begin their coursework year-round.
  • The GRE is not required.

Additional Considerations:

  • Applicants must have completed 9 undergraduate credits in social sciences as a prerequisite.
  • There is no outcome data for school counseling students in the most recent report from Messiah University (2023) indicating that this may be a new program.
More Details

There are twelve CACREP-accredited Master of School Counseling programs in the state of Pennsylvania. 

“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 be a boost to your resume. 

In addition to the programs listed in this section, the programs at Gwynedd Mercy University, Geneva College, Messiah University, Penn State, and West Chester University are also CACREP-accredited.

Villanova University

  • Villanova, PA
  • 60 credits
  • In-Person

Program: 
Master of Science

City: Villanova, PA

Modality: In-Person

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $955 per credit hour, $57,300 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
The School Counseling MS offered by Villanova University is CACREP-accredited. The curriculum highlights diversity, with courses on special education and English Language Learners. There is an active chapter of Chi Sigma Iota on campus and the GRE is not required for admittance. Students can enroll on a full-time or part-time basis.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Students have the option to pursue a thesis for six credits. This replaces the final comprehensive examination requirement. This is a great option for those who are not strong test takers.
  • Villanova University offers a College Admissions Counseling Certificate to better equip school counselors in the college process. It is offered entirely online.
  • Tuition discounts for educators; 20% for public school teachers and 40% for Catholic school teachers. Villanova University is an excellent option for Catholic school teachers especially.  

Additional Considerations:

  • At $955 per credit, this program is considerably more expensive for students who don’t qualify for any discounts.
  • Unlike several other programs in Pennsylvania, there is no direct path to LPC certification after completing this program.
More Details

Kutztown University

  • Kutztown, PA
  • 60 credits
  • In-Person

Program: 
Master of Science

City: Kutztown, PA

Modality: In-Person

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $642.10 per credit hour, $38,562 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
Kutztown University is a public university offering several counselor education graduate degree tracks, including school counseling. This program boasts small class sizes and places importance on in-person learning. 91% of students in this program pass the CPCE on their first attempt. The program is CACREP-accredited and there is no GRE requirement.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Scholarships are available for students in the counselor education program, including School Counseling. 
  • Kutztown University has an active chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society for counseling students
  • Fall and Spring start dates are available

Additional Considerations:

  • The program reportedly takes three years to complete, including summer classes, on a full-time schedule. In contrast, many full-time year-round programs can be completed in 2 or 2.5 years.
  • Students had mixed reviews regarding their Initial Advisement Seminar according to the 2024 Annual Report.
More Details

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

  • Indiana, PA
  • 60 credits
  • In-Person

Program: 
Master of Education

City: Indiana, PA

Modality: In-Person

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $516 per credit hour, $30,960 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
Students complete this program on-campus in either Indiana, PA, or Pittsburgh East, PA. This program is CACREP-accredited and GRE scores are not required. One benefit of this program is that students will gain practicum experience in both elementary and secondary schools. Students can also apply for Pennsylvania’s Associate Professional Counselor Licensure upon graduation.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Award-winning faculty who have recently been recognized at the state and regional level for excellence.
  • A certification-only track is available for those who already hold a master’s degree in a similar area (e.g. counseling).
  • Active chapters of both Chi Sigma Iota and Counselors for Social Justice.

Additional Considerations:

  • This curriculum only leaves space for one elective course (3 credits), when many allow for at least two elective courses. 
  • There is no publicly available data on employment rates after graduation.
More Details

Marywood University

  • Scranton, PA
  • 60 credits
  • In-Person

Program: 
Master of Science

City: Scranton, PA

Modality: In-Person

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $925 per credit hour, $55,500 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
A private Catholic school, Marywood University was originally a women’s university. However, it is now co-ed. Marywood University offers a CACREP-accredited School Counseling MS. GRE scores are not required for admission. Most students describe the campus as a welcoming environment.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Every student is assigned a faculty mentor.
  • Graduates of this program will qualify for LPC licensure in Pennsylvania.

Additional Considerations:

  • At $925 per credit hour, this program is significantly more expensive than many others in Pennsylvania.
  • There is no space allocated for elective courses in the plan of study.
More Details

The University of Scranton

  • Scranton, PA
  • 60 credits
  • In-Person

Program: 
Master of Science

City: Scranton, PA

Modality: In-Person

Length: 60 credit hours, $45,420 estimated total program cost

Tuition: $757 per credit hour

Program Overview:
The University of Scranton is a private institution based on the Catholic Jesuit tradition. As such, it has an emphasis on social justice in its CACREP-accredited school counseling program. The University of Scranton has the second oldest CACREP-accredited program in the state.

Why We Like This Program:

  • The University of Scranton has its own counselor training center. In this setting, students are able to get hands-on practice and review their work through recordings. 
  • This program boasts a 96% job placement rate for school counseling program alumni.
  • 9 credit hours are available for electives for students to take other classes in counseling.

Additional Considerations:

  • Students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0; those who do not will be asked to submit their GRE scores. 
  • Aside from veterans, The University of Scranton does not appear to offer discounts or scholarships for its graduate students.
More Details

Duquesne University

  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • 60 credits
  • In-Person

Program: 
Master of Science in Education

City: Pittsburgh, PA

Modality: In-Person

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $1,579 per credit hour, $94,740 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
Duquesne University is a private Catholic university. Its CACREP-accredited school counseling masters program has a 100% pass rate on the Praxis II exam and a 100% job placement rate every year for the past five years (2019-2024). Furthermore, there are no prerequisites and the GRE is not required for acceptance into this program.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Duquesne University offers a 36-credit MSEd in School Counseling for certified teachers.
  • Students are eligible for a 15% tuition reduction after completing six credit hours successfully.
  • This program also meets the requirements for LPC certification.

Additional considerations:

  • Duquesne University has the second-most expensive school counseling master’s program in Pennsylvania. Even with 15% off, the cost per credit is significantly higher than other schools. 
  • The statistics from the annual report show that enrollment in this program has declined over the past five years, from 19 students in 2020 to 9 students in 2024.
More Details

Shippensburg University

  • Shippensburg, PA
  • 60 credits
  • In-Person

Program: 
Master of Education

City: Shippensburg, PA

Modality: In-Person

Length: 60 credit hours 

Tuition: $516 per credit hour, $30,960 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
One of Shippensburg University’s claims to fame is that it has one of the oldest counseling master’s departments in the United States. The program is CACREP-accredited and students have the option to qualify for LPC eligibility after graduation. Additionally, the GRE is not required. Students who already have a masters’ degree may pursue a certification-only program for school counseling.

Why We Like This Program:

  • The Growing Edges Community Counseling Clinic is located on campus and gives students the opportunity for hands-on experience.
  • 92% job placement rate within six months of graduation.
  • Rolling admissions allow students to start in any semester; fall, spring, or summer.

Additional Considerations:

  • Students may only take one elective in this plan of study.
  • It’s unclear exactly who is eligible for the certification-only program and what the prerequisites are.
More Details

Fifteen institutions within the state of Pennsylvania have removed the GRE as a requirement for admittance into their Master of School Counseling programs.

If taking standardized tests isn’t your strong suit, fear not! There are plenty of schools that understand that test scores don’t tell the full story, especially for school counseling programs. If you do not want to submit GRE scores, you can choose from any of the aforementioned programs:

West Chester University, Shippensburg University, Duquesne University, Marywood University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown University, Villanova University, Messiah University, Geneva College, and the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania.

Penn State

  • State College, PA
  • 61 credits
  • In-Person

Program: 
Master of Education

City: State College, PA

Modality: In-Person

Length: 61 credit hours

Tuition: $1,061 per credit hour (part-time rate), $64,721 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
The Penn State College of Education’s MEd in Counselor Education with a school counseling emphasis is CACREP-accredited. This program not only meets all Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements but also the requirements to be a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). GRE scores are not required for this program.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Students get hands-on experience in the Dr. Edwin L Herr Clinic in addition to their school-based fieldwork sites. 
  • Students start gaining experience at their school site one day per week in the spring semester of their first year, significantly earlier than most comparable programs.

Additional Considerations:

  • At $1,061 per credit hour, this program is considerably more expensive than other options in Pennsylvania.
More Details

Moravian University

  • Bethlehem, PA
  • 60-66 credits
  • Hybrid

Program: 
Master of Arts

City: Bethlehem, PA

Modality: Hybrid

Length: 60-66 credit hours

Tuition: $750 per credit, $45,000 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
Moravian University is perhaps best known for also being a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its history with the Moravian Church and its early settlements in Bethlehem, PA. The university offers a Master of Arts in School Counseling with a focus on social justice to prepare students to become licensed professional counselors (LPCs) and school counselors upon graduation. The GRE is not required for acceptance into this program.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Students in this program automatically earn a trauma certificate and telehealth micro-credential.
  • A certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be earned for an additional six credits.

Additional Considerations:

  • This program is not CACREP-accredited.
  • There are no electives in the plan of study.
More Details

Slippery Rock University

  • Slippery Rock, PA
  • 48 credits
  • In-Person

Program: 
Master of Education

City: Slippery Rock, PA

Modality: In-Person

Length: 48 credit hours

Tuition: $516 per credit hour, $24,768 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
Slippery Rock University is a public state school that offers an affordable school counseling master’s program. It does not require the GRE and students can enroll on either a full-time or part-time basis. Classes are small and conducted in a cohort model so that students develop rapport with their peers.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Students in this program can meet the requirements for both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Behavioral Specialist (LBS) in the state of Pennsylvania. While some additional coursework may be necessary, these are excellent qualifications for a competitive job market.
  • Teachers have the option to complete their school counseling fieldwork where they are employed, which suggests that they will not have to quit their jobs in order to complete this program. 

Additional Considerations:

  • Not CACREP-accredited
  • The full-time schedule is designed to be finished in two years with only fall and spring semesters. While this is efficient, this requires students to take more classes per semester, which may be challenging to balance with work and personal obligations.
More Details

Saint Joseph’s University

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 60 credits
  • Online + Hybrid

Program: 
Master of Science

City: Philadelphia, PA

Modality: Hybrid (mostly online)

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $979 per credit hour, $58,740 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
A private Catholic school located in the heart of Philadelphia, Saint Joseph’s University was founded by Jesuits, an order of monks known for their commitment to social justice and service. These values are salient in their school counseling program. Additionally, the GRE is not required.

Why We Like This Program:

  • 20% graduate tuition discount for those who have completed one year of full-time volunteer service with a recognized organization, such as the Peace Corps, City Year, Teach for America, Catholic Volunteer Network, AmeriCorps, etc.
  • Students may transfer up to 12 graduate credits earned in the past 5 years from an accredited graduate program (provided that a grade of B or better was earned).

Additional Considerations:

  • Not yet CACREP-accredited. This program is in the process of seeking CACREP accreditation, so check their website for the most up-to-date information.
  • Without transfer credits or a tuition discount, the cost per credit is significantly higher than other school counseling master’s programs in Pennsylvania.
More Details

The University of Pennsylvania

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 20 course
  • In-Person

Program: 
Master of Science in Education

City: Philadelphia, PA

Modality: In-Person

Length: 20 course units

Tuition: $21,277 per term, $127,662 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
This Ivy League program stands out as the only one of its kind to offer classes in an “executive format.” Students complete their coursework in intensive in-person weekend sessions once per month and for a week in July. This allows students to work full-time and still learn on-campus without living in Philadelphia.

Why We Like This Program:

  • Students are trained as both school counselors and licensed professional counselors (LPCs).
  • The GRE is not required.

Additional considerations:

  • The executive format requires a substantial amount of independent study as classes are only held in person once a month. This may not be for everyone.
  • At $127,662, The University of Pennsylvania is the most expensive school counseling master’s program in the state.
  • This program is not CACREP-accredited.
More Details

A career in school counseling is tremendously rewarding but often has relatively lower pay. For this reason, prospective school counseling students should carefully consider the cost of attendance when applying to graduate school. While all programs have benefits, the program below offers the lowest tuition, which can give students peace of mind about their financial future.

West Chester University

  • West Chester, PA
  • 60 credits
  • In-Person

Program: 
Master of Education

City: West Chester, PA

Modality: In-Person

Length: 60 credit hours

Tuition: $1,430.03 flat rate for 9 credits or more per semester, $11,440.24 estimated total program cost

Program Overview:
West Chester University boasts an excellent rate for passing the PRAXIS exam with 97-100% of their students passing on their first attempt. (The national average is 46%.) This program is CACREP-accredited and prides itself on affordability. There is also no GRE requirement.

Why We Like This Program: 

  • West Chester University offers an in-house scholarship for School Counseling MEd students along with grant-funded stipends.
  • This is the most affordable school counseling program in Pennsylvania.
  • Students in this program will meet all of the requirements to become LPCs in the future.

Additional Considerations:

  • Applications are not accepted year-round; prospective students must adhere to the March 1st deadline.
More Details

With a population of 13.08 million, Pennsylvania is one of only six states in the country to exceed 12 million residents. While the natural change in population is declining (births versus deaths), net migration into the state has resulted in population growth in many areas. This is good news for those looking to go into school counseling; the projected job growth rate in Pennsylvania for school counselors is 8.6%.

There are more than 1.7 million students in Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts. Pennsylvania’s student-to-school-counselor ratio is 319:1. This is lower than the national average of 376:1 but higher than the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) recommended ratio of 250:1. However, the Safe2Say campaign launched by then-Attorney General (and now Governor) Josh Shapiro in 2022 highlighted the need for mental health support for students. “Hiring more counselors to serve our children will provide needed support for students and improve both school safety and educational outcomes,” Shapiro said, indicating that this need has been recognized and taken seriously by the Pennsylvania government.

School counselors in Pennsylvania are certified to work with students in all grades, pre-k through 12. There is no longer a distinction between elementary and secondary school counselors for certification purposes.

In order to be eligible for certification, aspiring school counselors must earn a master’s degree and pass the Professional School Counselor Exam. The combination of the GPA and the exam score determines eligibility (e.g., the higher the GPA, the lower the qualifying exam score). More information is available here.

Pennsylvania is unique in that many of its school counseling masters programs also qualify for LPC licensure. This allows individuals to work in a variety of settings outside of a school. Each program is slightly different, but more information about the state requirements can be found here.

How much does a school counselor make in Pennsylvania?

The average salary for school counselors in Pennsylvania is between $52,796 and $61,170.

How long does it take to become a school counselor in Pennsylvania?

Most school counseling master’s programs can be completed in two to three years. Many programs also allow for students to attend on a part-time basis, which will result in a longer completion time.

What is the best school counseling program in Pennsylvania?

It’s difficult to choose a singular best program in a state with so many impressive options. Public universities like West Chester University and Slippery Rock University offer affordable school counseling master’s programs. Catholic schools like Villanova University and Christian schools like Lancaster Bible College are ideal for those who prioritize a faith-based education. Several programs in Pennsylvania also have on-campus clinics, including The University of Scranton and Penn State. Ultimately, choosing the “best” program is about your values, lifestyle, and professional goals.

Delaware

Virginia

Maryland