Some people who want to become school counselors may feel discouraged when they learn how long they will have to study. Most school counseling master’s programs are 2.5 to 3 years long, even with a full-time course load. Fortunately, accelerated programs are on the rise. These programs may be held in-person, online, or in hybrid formats over a shorter span of time.
If you’re interested in becoming a school counselor, you will need to find a master’s program that aligns with your goals and lifestyle. To make this process easier, we narrowed it down to the top 20 accelerated master’s programs in school counseling, all designed to be completed in 2.5 years or less.
Quick Facts
- Top Accelerated Programs: 20
- Asynchronous Online Programs: 1
- CACREP-accredited programs: 8
- Tuition Cost Range: $14,520 – $81,360
- Average Tuition Cost: $35,520
How We Chose the Best Accelerated School Counseling Master’s Programs
To determine the best accelerated programs, we considered a number of factors:
- Accreditation: We prioritized CACREP accreditation while also considering regional accreditation
- Program quality: We looked for programs that offer the best opportunities for students, rigorous practicum/internship, faculty expertise, exam pass rates for licensure, and overall alumni outcomes.
- Affordability and value: We considered the cost per credit and any additional credentials, such as dual licensure as an LPC.
A Guide To Accreditation for School Counseling Master’s Programs
An important consideration for a prospective school counseling student is the program’s accreditation. There are different kinds of accreditation: program accreditation and regional accreditation. Program accreditation gives legitimacy to a school counseling program’s curriculum. Regional accreditation gives legitimacy to an entire institution.
Here are some of the common program accreditations for school counseling programs:
- CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs)
- CAEP (The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation)
- AAQEP (Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation)
- APA (The American Psychological Association)
- MPCAC (Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council)
CACREP is considered the gold standard for accreditation of school counseling programs. CACREP accreditation allows for National Counselor Certification. The education departments in certain states require a master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program for professional licensure as a school counselor.
Some of the common regional accreditations for universities in the United States are:
- HLC (Higher Learning Commission)
- SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools)
- NECHE (New England Commission of Higher Education)
- MSCHE (Middle States Commission on Higher Education)
- WSCUC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission)
Top 20 Accelerated School Counseling Master’s Programs
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 60 credits
- Campus
Program:
Master of Education in School Counseling
City: Chapel Hill, NC
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $653.50 per credit hour, $39,210 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: The M.Ed. in school counseling is an accelerated program that is implemented using a cohort model and can be completed in 14 months. Students complete a year-long school-based internship that provides the fieldwork required for licensure.
Why We Like This Program:
- The program applies a strengths-based approach.
- Students in this program are eligible to apply to become a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor after graduation and two years of supervised counseling experience.
Additional Considerations:
- Students in this program begin their coursework in the summer semester and the application deadline is in mid-January. However, in order to be considered for financial aid, students must submit all of their application materials by mid-December.
Accredited by: CACREP, CAEP, SACSCOC
Spalding University
- Louisville, KY
- 33 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
City: Louisville, KY
Modality: Online
Length: 33 credit hours
Tuition: $440 per credit hour, $14,520 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: The M.A. in school counseling is a 33-credit-hour online program that incorporates fieldwork in each course, allowing students to gain the knowledge, practicum, and internship work required to earn the school counselor license.
Why We Like This Program:
- Spalding University’s accelerated school counseling program is designed to be completed in 12-14 months, significantly faster than most comparable programs.
- Spalding University has been recognized by US News & World Report as one of the Best Regional Colleges in the South and has received a College of Equity and Inclusion Distinction.
Additional Considerations:
- The structure of this program differs from that of most school counseling master’s programs, with internships occurring alongside each course.
Accredited by: CAEP, SACSCOC
Albany State University
- Albany, GA
- 60 credits
- Online + Asynchronous
Program:
Master of Education (MEd)
City: Albany, GA
Modality: Online, Asynchronous
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition & Fees: $308 per credit hour, $18,480 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: Albany State University’s program is entirely asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework online and at their own pace. The flexibility can’t be beat, and the program has excellent placement results as it prepares students for national certification. This could be a good option for students who are self-starters and work in a related field, such as teaching.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- Students who complete this program will be prepared to pursue National Counselor Certification (NCC) and National School Counselor Certification (NSCC).
- Students may transfer up to 9 credit hours or up to 12 credit hours from another university with a CACREP-accredited program.
Additional Considerations:
- While this program is customizable to the student’s schedule, students are required to attend two four-day in-person residencies during their plan of study.
- 100% asynchronous programs can be challenging because students lack a professor who can directly explain complex concepts.
Accredited by: CACREP, SACSCOC
Virginia Commonwealth University
- Richmond, VA
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Richmond, VA
Modality: In Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $537 per credit hour, $32,220 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: Virginia Commonwealth University offers an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option in its school counseling program. This allows students to complete both degrees in six years by beginning their graduate coursework in their senior year of college.
Why We Like This Program:
- Graduates of this program will also be qualified to work as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Virginia.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- The application deadline is January 15th, and the program can only start in the fall term.
Accredited by: CACREP, SACSCOC
SUNY Brockport
- Brockport, NY
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: Brockport, NY
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $8,478 per semester, assuming nine credits, $67,824 estimated total program cost
Overview: SUNY Brockport’s CACREP-accredited School Counseling, MSEd program offers a strong focus on social justice. The GRE is not required. There is also a strong track record of successful job placement.
Why We Like This Program:
- 99% of graduates from the program from the past 12 years are employed in their field.
- Students can also become a Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor-Trainee.
- Students can complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is designed to be completed in 2.5 years.
Accredited by: CACREP, MSCHE
Eastern New Mexico University
- Portales, NM
- 48 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Education
City: Portales, NM
Modality: Online
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $317 per credit hour, $15,216 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: Eastern New Mexico University offers an accelerated track for its counseling degrees, allowing undergraduate students to take up to 12 graduate credits toward their Master of Education. With lower internship requirements and an online modality, students can complete this program more quickly than most.
Why We Like This Program:
- Eastern New Mexico University offers exceptional affordability plus scholarship opportunities.
- The internship requirement is 300 hours, which is lower than many other programs and may enable students to finish their degree more quickly.
Additional Considerations:
- Courses in this program are divided into pre-recorded and live lectures, with students being required to complete a combination of both.
- The internship hours requirement is exceptionally low and may pose a challenge for certification in other states. Prospective students from outside New Mexico should learn what their state requires before committing to this program.
Accredited by: HLC
California State University, East Bay
- Hayward, CA
- 60 credits
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling
City: Hayward, CA
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $9,680 $19,360 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: The M.S. in counseling prepares practitioners to work in K-12 schools. The mission of the program is to prepare school counselors who promote diversity and inclusion, advocate for social-emotional and mental health, and are collaborative and life-long learners.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students in this program can pursue Marriage and Family Therapy licensure to expand career options.
- Students enter and progress in a cohort model.
Additional Considerations:
- This program must be completed on a full-time schedule within two years.
- An introductory statistics course is a prerequisite for this program.
Accredited by: WSCUC
California State University, Fresno
- Fresno, CA
- 48 units
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling
City: Fresno, CA
Modality: In person
Length: 48 units
Tuition: $4,032 per semester, $20,160 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: The M.S. in counseling with an option in school counseling prepares school counselors and includes the PPS Credential. Students take coursework in theory and practice and complete a culminating project.
Why We Like This Program:
- The Benjamin and Marion Kremen Scholarship is available for counseling students.
- There is an active chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society for school counseling students, on campus.
- Students can complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis as long as they meet all requirements within five years of starting the program.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is competitive and typically accepts about 25% of applicants.
Accredited by: WSCUC
Northwestern College of Iowa
- Orange City, IA
- 48 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Orange City, IA
Modality: Online
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $590 per credit hour, $28,320 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: Northwestern College in Iowa is a private Christian college offering a 100% online master’s program in school counseling. This program operates in a small cohort model and is designed for working professionals. The majority of the coursework is self-paced with occasional live classes.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can finish this program in just five semesters, which is slightly under two years, if they attend full-time.
- Applicants are not required to submit their GRE scores for consideration.
- The program blends the faith-based perspective with the ASCA National Model.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
Accredited by: HLC, IDOE
Missouri Baptist University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 45-54 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Saint Louis, MO
Modality: Online
Length: 45-54 credit hours
Tuition: $777 per credit hour, $34,965 estimated total program cost (assuming 45 credit hours)
Program Overview: Missouri Baptist University offers one of the fastest master’s programs in school counseling. Students complete coursework online and can finish in as few as six semesters.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is designed to be convenient for working teachers and their schedules.
- This program is ranked among the Best Christian Colleges by Top Counseling Schools.
Additional Considerations:
- There is no dual-licensure option in this program.
Accredited by: CACREP, HLC
Azusa Pacific University
- Azusa, CA
- 50 credits
- Online
Program:
M.A.Ed. in School Counseling
City: Azusa, CA
Modality: Online
Length: 50 credit hours
Tuition: $815 per credit hour, $40,750 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: Graduates earn an M.A.Ed. in school counseling and are ready to work with students in school settings. During coursework, students work with practicing school counselors to develop knowledge and skills.
Why We Like This Program:
- Azusa Pacific University was ranked in Money’s Best Graduate School Programs 2025 for education and nursing.
- This program offers a pathway to the LPCC license.
Additional Considerations:
- This program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
Accredited by: CAEP, WSCUC
University of Redlands
- Redlands, CA
- 48 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts in Education: School Counseling
City: Redlands, CA
Modality: In person
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $905 per credit hour, $43,440 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: The M.A. in Education trains school counselors to become empathetic advocates for students and work within a social justice frame. Students complete coursework and 600-800 fieldwork hours.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program requires only 48 credit hours, making it faster to complete.
Additional Considerations:
- There is no clear path to pursue additional licensure, such as an LPCC license.
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
Accredited by: WSCUC
Concordia University
- Irvine, CA
- 48 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in Education, School Counseling
City: Irvine, CA
Modality: Online
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $710 per credit hour, $34,080 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: The M.A.Ed. in school counseling is completed in about 2 years. Students complete coursework and 800 hours of field experience. Coursework focuses on the knowledge and skills students need to succeed in diverse school environments.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program offers multiple start dates throughout the year.
- This program is structured in a cohort model, meaning that the same group of students progresses through their plan of study together.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
Accredited by: WSCUC
Ottawa University
- Surprise, AZ
- 36-48 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in Education
City: Surprise, AZ
Modality: Online
Length: 36-48 credit hours
Tuition: $649 per hour, $23,364 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: The M.A.Ed. in school counseling equips students with the skills to provide counseling and guidance in the school setting. Students are trained to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate culturally sensitive school counseling programs.
Why We Like This Program:
- Classes are provided in 8-week terms to accelerate program completion.
- Includes a course on grief and “school counseling in a changing environment.”
- There is a version of this program that meets the requirements to be a school counselor in Kansas.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
- It’s unclear exactly how many credits are required and may depend on whether the program is based on Arizona or Kansas standards.
Accredited by: CAEP, HLC
Prescott College
- Prescott, AZ
- 36 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Education in School Counseling
City: Prescott, AZ
Modality: Online
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $14,352 per year, $28,704 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: The M.Ed. in school counseling is provided through the College of Education and is designed to complement teaching. Students learn a balance of theory and practice, and engage in relevant field experience. Social justice is at the heart of the program, and coursework provides students with the opportunity to serve diverse communities.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is designed to be completed in two years without exceeding 8 credit hours per semester.
- The GRE is not required.
Additional Considerations:
- Prescott College cannot accept most students from outside of Arizona into its school counseling program.
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
Accredited by: HLC
Marquette University
- Milwaukee, WI
- 48 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Milwaukee, WI
Modality: In-Person
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $18,810 per year, $37,620 estimated total program cost
Overview: Marquette University is a private Catholic university based in the Jesuit tradition. Their school counseling master’s program can be completed on a full-time or part-time schedule, but is designed to be completed in two years.
Why We Like This Program:
- Graduates from this program have a 100% employment rate within 120 days of graduation.
- Faculty in this program include past presidents of the American School Counselor Association and the Wisconsin School Counselor Association.
Additional Considerations:
- The GRE is required for admission to this program.
- A background in human services is preferred for applicants to this program.
Accredited by: HLC
College of New Jersey
- Ewing Township, NJ
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of the Arts
City: Ewing Township, NJ
Modality: In person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $ 1,129.40 per credit; estimated total program cost: $67,764.
Program Overview: With a 100% post-graduation employment rate, the College of New Jersey’s master’s in school counseling program is an attractive option for students who value diversity and work for systemic change in education.
Why We Like This Program:
- A summer program for international school counseling is offered in Portugal each year.
- This program also prepares students to become certified school counselors in Pennsylvania, though the state requires additional testing for certification.
Additional Considerations:
- There is no discounted tuition rate for New Jersey residents. At $1,129.40 per credit hour, The College of New Jersey has a tuition cost.
Accredited by: CACREP, MSCHE
Hofstra University
- Hempstead, NY
- 48 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: Hempstead, NY
Modality: In-Person
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $1,695 per credit hour, $81,360 estimated total program cost
Overview: The MSEd in School Counseling at Hofstra University emphasizes educational law, a valuable focus for school counselors. Students can also choose from a wide range of electives, including substance use disorder counseling and leadership/administration. GRE scores are not required.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students complete educational law seminars throughout their plan of study.
- Students can begin this program in either the fall or spring semester.
Additional Considerations:
- Students must complete nine credit hours of prerequisites before beginning the program.
- This is a very expensive program.
Accredited by: MSCHE
Capella University
- Online
Program:
Master of Science
City: n/a
Modality: Online
Length: Not specified.
Tuition: $17,500 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: Capella University is a private, for-profit online institution that offers an accelerated plan called FlexPath for all of its programs. FlexPath allows for self-paced learning, which is excellent for those with busy or variable schedules. According to the website, students can finish their master’s degree in 15 months for under $18,000 when they enroll in FlexPath. This includes the Master of Science in School Counseling.
Why We Like This Program:
- Applicants are not required to submit their GRE scores for consideration.
- 24/7 Tech Support is available for students to learn online on their schedule.
- Classes are billed per 12-week session, so students may save on tuition if they progress through their courses quickly.
Additional Considerations:
- There is limited information publicly available on the Capella University website. Prospective students may have to contact the admissions office directly.
Accredited by: CACREP, CAEP, HLC
Walden University
- Minneapolis, MN
- 90 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Science
City: Minneapolis, MN
Modality: Online
Length: 90 credits
Tuition: $45,540 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: Walden University is a private, for-profit online university that offers a dedicated accelerated track for master’s students in school counseling. The website provides few details about this, except that it advises that only students who can commit to a full-time course load enroll in the accelerated track.
Why We Like This Program:
- Walden University offers the “Believe & Achieve Scholarship” that can be applied to up to 14 credits at the end of the program.
- The school counseling master’s degree offers eight specializations, including play therapy and military families and culture.
Additional Considerations:
- The program start date is January 5, 2026.
Accredited by: CACREP
Comparison Table – Top 20 Accelerated School Counseling Programs at a Glance
| School | Program | Modality | Accreditation | Credits | Length of Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNC Chapel Hill | Master of Education (MEd) | In-person | CACREP, CAEP, SACSCOC | 60 | ~14 months |
| Spalding University | Master of the Arts (MA) | Online | CAEP, SACSCOC | 33 | ~12-14 months |
| Albany State University | Master of Education (MEd) | Online | CACREP, SACSCOC | 60 | Self-paced |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Master of Education (MEd) | In-Person | CACREP, SACSCOC | 60 | ~2 years, including coursework that begins in the last year of undergrad |
| SUNY Brockport | Master of Science in Education (MSEd) | In-Person | CACREP, MSCHE | 60 | ~2.5 years |
| Eastern New Mexico University | Master of Education (MEd) | Online | HLC | 48 | ~2 years, including coursework that begins in the last year of undergrad |
| CSU East Bay | Master of Science (MS) | Hybrid | WSCUC | 60 | ~2 years |
| CSU Fresno | Master of Science (MS) | In-Person | WSCUC | 48 | ~2 years |
| Northwestern College of Iowa | Master of Arts (MA) | Online | HLC, IDOE | 48 | ~20 months |
| Missouri Baptist University | Master of Arts (MA) | Online | CACREP, HLC | 45-54 | ~1.5 – 2 years |
| Azusa Pacific University | Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) | Online | CAEP, WSCUC | 50 | ~2 years |
| University of Redlands | Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) | In-Person | WSCUC | 48 | ~2 years |
| Concordia University Irvine | Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) | Online | WSCUC | 48 | ~2 years |
| Ottawa University | Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) | Online | CAEP, HLC | 36-48 | ~1.5 – 2 years |
| Prescott College | Master of Education (MEd) | Online | HLC | 36 | ~2 years |
| Marquette University | Master of Arts (MA) | In-Person | HLC | 48 | ~2 years |
| College of New Jersey | Master of Arts (MA) | In-Person | CACREP, MSCHE | 60 | ~2 years |
| Hofstra University | Master of Science in Education (MSED) | In-Person | MSCHE | 48 | ~2 years |
| Capella University | Master of Science (MS) | Online | CACREP, CAEP, HLC | Not specified | ~15 months |
| Walden University | Master of Science (MS) | Online | CACREP | 20 | Not specified |
Practicum, Internship, and Licensure Preparation
All school counseling master’s programs require both a practicum and an internship. A practicum is shorter, usually 100 hours. Students in a practicum essentially shadow a school counselor and observe the daily functions of the role. An internship is longer, usually 600-700 hours, and is more hands-on. Interns in school counseling may meet with students individually or in groups, assist with paperwork, and review credits for grade promotion.
All states require school counselors to complete an internship in schools to become certified, usually at least 600 hours long (although each state has its own unique requirements for school counseling certification/licensure). Students are eligible for professional school counselor certification after graduating from a school counseling master’s program approved by their
state’s department of education (or equivalent). While provisional certification may be offered to students who have completed some graduate coursework in school counseling, a completed internship is still required for professional, renewable certification to work as a school counselor permanently.
These requirements are often the biggest hurdles when it comes to completing a school counseling master’s program as it is a substantial time investment. Completing an internship may add a year or more to a student’s completion timeline. Traditional programs begin with coursework and later place students in practicum and internship sites. Accelerated programs can minimize the difficulty of meeting this requirement. For example, Spalding University’s internship runs concurrently throughout all coursework so that all requirements are met within 12-14 months.
Notably, Eastern New Mexico University has a much lower requirement of just 300 hours. While this contributes to the accelerated timeline, this may not satisfy the requirements of a professional school counseling license in all states. Those interested in Eastern New Mexico University’s program outside New Mexico will need to verify their state’s professional licensure requirements.
All practicums and internships take place in an elementary, middle, or high school setting. Some programs require students to do their practicum and internship with different age groups. For example, a student will complete a practicum at a middle school and an internship at a high school. This is the best practice for gaining more experience working with more diverse students.
The school counselor who hosts the graduate student for their practicum or internship will function as a mentor. They will advise the graduate student as they progress through their practicum or internship. The school counselor mentor also serves as a role model for performing the daily responsibilities of a school counselor.
A field supervisor is a professor who manages the progression of the graduate student through their practicum and internship. They ensure that all hours and requirements are met. The field supervisor most often teaches the concurrent course for practicum or internship.
Career Outlook and Salary for School Counselors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school counselors in 2024 had a median pay of $65,140 per year, or $31.32 per hour. Most school counselor salaries are pre-determined at the district or state level and can vary greatly. California, Massachusetts, and Washington are known for their high wages but also have high costs of living. In contrast, Florida consistently ranks lowest for teacher pay, and school counselors are compensated on the same pay scale. Careful consideration is necessary for school counselors to ensure that they can afford a good quality of life in their area on their salary.
The demand for school counselors is expected to grow at 4%, which is about average for all professions in the United States. School counselors typically work in public, private, or charter schools. Traditionally, school counselors were found in high schools, but have become increasingly common in elementary and middle schools as well. School counselors may also work in school district offices or become school administrators (e.g., assistant principals).
Scholarships and Financial Aid for School Counseling Students
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in school counseling, choosing an affordable program is essential. Many of our top choices are offered by public universities, with exceptional tuition rates for master’s degrees. Some even offer their own scholarships and in-house financial aid. For example, Eastern New Mexico University, CSU Fresno, and Walden University offer scholarships and accelerated school counseling programs.
Students in accelerated programs may have the added benefit of completing their coursework in a shorter timeframe. For those attending a public university that charges a flat rate per semester (rather than per credit), this can add up to a substantial savings versus a traditional 2.5 to 3 year program. This is a simple strategy to pay lower tuition before considering any financial aid offers.
The first step in determining a financial aid package is to complete the FAFSA. “FAFSA” stands for the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid.” You should never pay for services to assist with FAFSA, as it is intentionally designed to be free. The FAFSA will help your prospective school determine how much financial aid you qualify for.
School counselors may be eligible for the TEACH grant under specific circumstances. The TEACH grant provides up to $4,000 per year in tuition assistance to help address identified shortages in the educational field nationwide. The TEACH grant has many stipulations, including that if all requirements are not met, the grant will be converted to a loan that must be repaid.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a popular option for education professionals, including school counselors, who have taken on student loan debt to obtain their degree(s). PSLF requires that a borrower be employed full-time at an eligible government agency or non-profit organization. PSLF remains intact, but the program’s details, such as qualifying payment plans, can change over time and require careful attention to all updates.
FAQs
What is the best accelerated school counseling program?
We ranked UNC Chapel Hill as our number one choice because of its dual licensure, 14-month completion timeline, CACREP accreditation, and prestige. However, there are many excellent options. Ultimately, the best school counseling program is the one that fits your needs.
Which accelerated school counseling program is the fastest to complete?
Spalding University and UNC Chapel Hill have program timelines of about 14 months for their accelerated programs, making them the fastest to complete. Alternatively, Capella University and Albany State University are self-paced programs, potentially allowing motivated students to finish in a similar amount of time.
What can I do with a master’s degree in school counseling?
Graduates of a master’s program in school counseling most often work as school counselors in elementary, middle, or high schools. Some of the top accelerated school counseling programs listed above allow for multiple certification pathways, such as becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC.
Does an accelerated master’s program in school counseling qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?
Full-time school counselors qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This is because school counselors work for public schools, which are government organizations, or for private and charter schools, which are most often 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations.
What is the most affordable accelerated school counseling program?
The most affordable accelerated school counseling program we found is the one at Spalding University, which costs $14,520. Other options with an estimated total program cost under $20,000 are Albany State University, Eastern New Mexico University, CSU East Bay, and Capella University.