There are eight school counseling graduate programs in Colorado offered by both public and private institutions. In addition to several offerings from state schools, Christian colleges and non-religious private school also offer school counseling programs. Five of these programs are on campus, two are online and two are hybrid programs. The University of Colorado at Denver has both an on campus and hybrid option.
There are five on campus school counseling graduate programs in Colorado. These programs provide coursework and the opportunity to work with faculty on research and practical experiences. The majority of school counseling masters degree programs in Colorado are CACREP-accredited, too. Keep reading to learn more about the programs available and to find the best fit for you.
Colorado School Counseling Programs Quick Facts
- Number of School Counseling Programs in Colorado: 8
- CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Programs: 7
- Hybrid or Online School Counseling Programs in Colorado: 2
- Tuition Cost Range: $26,448 – $76,848
- Average Cost of Tuition: $44,687
Colorado State University
- Fort Collins, CO
- 60 credits
- Campus
Program:
Masters of Arts in Counseling and Career Development
City: Fort Collins, CO
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $13,967 tuition, $27,934 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A. in counseling and career development program provides preparation to be certified as a school counselor. Students complete coursework, a clinical practicum, and an internship. Students take general coursework and courses in their specialization of school counseling.
Why We Like This Program:
- All students who graduate from this program are license-eligible and eligible to become National Certified Counselors.
- This program is CACREP-accredited
- Electives in animal-assisted therapy and other unique topics are offered to school counseling students
Additional Considerations:
- While applications are considered for both summer and fall semester starts, all applications are due on January 1st.
Denver Seminary
- Denver, CO
- 64 credits
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling, School Counseling concentration
City: Denver, CO
Modality: On Campus
Length: 64 credit hours
Tuition: $720 per credit hour, $46,080 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A. in counseling, school counseling concentration is designed to train counselors who can integrate Christian faith into school counseling in K-12 settings. It is also designed to support students in meeting the licensure requirements. Courses are informed by the School of Counseling Mental Health Initiative which engages in research to address emerging needs and trends in K-12 school counseling.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- All counseling students participate in Denver Seminary’s personal formation program in which a student receives direct mentorship.
Additional Considerations:
- This is a three-year program.
- In addition to letters of recommendation from professors and employers, students will need a pastoral letter of recommendation from “a Christian leader in your life who has known you (for) over one year and is not related to you.”
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
- Colorado Springs, CO
- 61 credits
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling, School Counseling Emphasis
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Modality: On campus
Length: 61 credit hours
Tuition: $4,444-$6,783 per semester for in-state residents, $33,915 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A. in counseling with an emphasis on school counseling prepares counselors for K-12 schools. Students complete coursework as a cohort. Courses start in June and students select a day or evening cohort.
Why We Like This Program:
- School counseling students may be eligible for licensure in Colorado as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- Students take nine electives in this plan of study.
Additional Considerations:
- Applications are accepted once a year for a summer semester start. The deadline this year is December 1st, 2025.
- It’s unclear if this program can be completed on a part-time schedule.
University of Colorado at Denver
- Denver, CO
- 63 credits
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
City: Denver, CO
Modality: Online and on campus
Length: 63 credit hours
Tuition: $9,606 per semester, $76,848 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A. in school counseling prepares students to be advocates for children and adolescents. Students gain experience in the Student and Community Counseling Center. The school has a culturally informed, diversity and equity focus. Students take courses in the afternoons and weekends to accommodate working professionals.
Why We Like This Program:
- Courses can be taken on campus, online or in a hybrid format.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- Applications are accepted twice a year with both fall and spring semester start options.
Additional Considerations:
- This program takes 3 to 4 years to complete.
- There is no space for electives in this plan of study.
University of Northern Colorado
- Greeley, CO or Denver, CO
- 63 credits
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
City: Greeley, CO or Denver, CO
Modality: On campus
Length: 63 credit hours
Tuition: $15,067 tuition and fees per year, $30,134 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The graduate programs in school counseling at UNC are offered at both the Greeley and Denver campuses. The Greeley program is designed for full-time graduate students. Classes are during the week on a semester schedule. At the Denver Center at Lowry and the Loveland Center at Centerra, the program is designed for working professionals.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can earn a Registered Play Therapy credential through elective coursework.
- There is an active chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society for counseling students, on campus.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- Most classes are scheduled during the day at the Greeley campus, which may be difficult for working students. However, classes at the Denver campus are held on the weekends in an executive format.
- GRE scores are required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0.
Hybrid School Counseling Masters programs in Colorado
There are two hybrid graduate programs in school counseling. Hybrid programs combine on campus and online learning and are often a good option for graduate students who are working while pursuing their degree, and want both the convenience of online learning as well as the contact of on campus experiences.
Colorado Christian University
- Lakewood, CO
- 60 credits
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
City: Lakewood, CO
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $698 per credit hour, $41,880 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A. in school counseling is an online program with a focus on preparing students to work in K-12 schools. Students take classes two at a time, in seven-week blocks. Students are required to attend three in-person residencies in Colorado.
Why We Like This Program:
- A dual-degree track is available for 75 credits to earn both a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Arts in School Counseling.
- The GRE is not required.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is not yet CACREP-accredited. However, it is in the process of earning this accreditation. Prospective students should check the website for the most up-to-date information.
- On-campus intensives are required three times throughout the course of this program, even though it is otherwise held entirely online.
Online School Counseling Masters Programs In Colorado
There are a total of two fully online school counseling masters programs in Colorado. An online program provides flexibility and allows some students to complete counseling coursework while completing the internship in their local community.
Adams State University
- Alamosa, CO
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
Master’s in School Counseling
City: Alamosa, CO
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $492.80 per credit hour, $29,568 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The online master’s in school counseling was designed to provide an online cohort experience. Students take courses online, with the exception of a one-week lab experience on campus each semester. During the week-long labs, students interact with faculty and develop interpersonal skills and receive advising and tutoring.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program offers rolling admissions with no application deadlines.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- Courseload will be determined by program start date; fall cohorts will complete the program in five semesters with twelve credits per semester. Spring cohorts will complete the program in seven semesters with nine credits per semester.
- This program does not accept international students.
University of Denver
- Denver, CO
- 8-18 months
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts, School Counseling certificate
City: Denver, Co
Modality: Online
Length: 24 credit hours for certificate; 8-18 months
Tuition: $1,102 per credit, $26,448 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A. in school counseling certificate at the University of Denver is provided for students who already have a master’s degree and want to earn their school counseling licensure. The school counseling certificate provides an evidence-based curriculum focused on supporting K-12 students through culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate techniques.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- There are no in-person requirements, such as intensives or residencies.
- This program can be completed in under two years.
Additional Considerations:
- This program has the highest tuition per credit of all school counseling masters programs in Colorado.
- There is a lack of transparency about costs and program requirements on the website. Prospective candidates should do thorough research and contact the school directly via email for a written record of information about this program.
CACREP-accredited School Counseling Masters Programs In Colorado
Currently, there are seven CACREP-accredited school counseling masters program in Colorado:
- Adams State University
- Colorado State University
- Denver Seminary
- University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
- University of Colorado at Denver
- University of Denver
- University of Northern Colorado at Greeley.
No GRE Required School Counseling Masters Programs In Colorado
None of the school counseling programs in Colorado require applicants to submit their GRE scores. Each program has their own admissions requirements, so be sure to check the requirements well in advance of application deadlines.
Colorado’ Most Affordable School Counseling Masters Programs
Adams State University’s online program is provided at a rate of less than $500 per credit hour. The total cost for a master’s degree will depend on many factors, including residency and whether the program is on campus or online.
Accelerated School Counseling Masters Programs In Colorado
The University of Denver offers a school counseling certificate for students who already have earned a master’s degree. It can be completed in 8 to 18 months.
Also, practitioners who already hold a master’s in clinical counseling and want to earn the school counseling credential, can complete an accelerated pathway through:
- Adams State University,
- Denver Seminary,
- University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, or
- University of Denver.
School Counseling in Colorado
With an estimated population of more than 5.9 million that has increased in recent years, Colorado is a large and growing state. More than 880,000 students are enrolled in Colorado’s 179 school districts. And, Colorado is home to a variety of public and charter schools.
Average salary for a school counselor in Colorado is $57,953. The salary ranges depending on the city; the highest reported salaries are in Westminster ($180,906 per year) and Eagle ($79,346 per year). Colorado is a mid-sized state with multiple large and mid-sized cities, so school counselors can work in urban, suburban, or rural settings.
School Counselor Certification in Colorado
To become a school counselor in Colorado, practitioners must:
- Earn a master’s degree in school counseling,
- Complete an internship and practicum,
- Pass the comprehensive exam, such as the CPCE (Center for Credentialing and Education Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination),
- Pass the Colorado Licensing exam,
- Apply for licensure through the Colorado Department of Education.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in Colorado?
Average salary for a school counselor in Colorado is $57,953. The salary ranges depending on the city; the highest reported salaries are in Westminster ($180,906 per year) and Eagle ($79,346 per year).
How does someone become a school counselor in Colorado?
To become a school counselor in Colorado, one must complete an approved master’s program and obtain school counseling certification through the Colorado Department of Education. Those who hold a valid certificate from another state will need to meet all of Colorado’s requirements in order to work there. Certification cannot be automatically transferred.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Colorado?
Most masters programs in school counseling are completed within two to three years, though some programs may offer flexibility to finish sooner or to extend the duration of the program.
