Master’s Programs In Nebraska To Become A School Counselor
Anna Jankowski is a certified school counselor in Florida. She holds a Master of Arts in School Counseling from New York University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Hunter College. She currently works in a Title I public elementary school in West Palm Beach.
QUICK FACTS
- Number of school counseling programs in Nebraska: 7
- Number of CACREP-accredited programs: 1
- Number of online/hybrid programs: 6
- Number of programs not requiring GRE: 7
- Tuition cost range: $14,640 – $29,450
- Average cost of tuition (annual): $20,310
State of School Counseling in Nebraska
There are seven school counseling master’s degree programs in Nebraska. One school, Wayne State College, offers a CACREP-accredited program. Six out of the seven of these programs can be completed online or in a hybrid model. None of the school counseling master’s programs in Nebraska require applicants to submit their GRE scores.
COMPARISON TABLE: All Programs at a Glance
Nebraska has seven master’s-level school counseling programs, with tuition ranging from $14,640 to $29,450, and six of seven are available online or in a hybrid format.
| School | Degree | Credits | Tuition | Modality | CACREP | GRE | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Nebraska at Omaha | Master of Science in School Counseling | 48 | $488 per credit hour | In-Person | No | No | On Campus with late afternoons/evening classes for working students |
| The University of Nebraska at Kearney | Master of Science in Education | 43 | $354 per credit hour | Hybrid | No | No | Options to take some classes either online or on campus |
| Wayne State College | Master of Science in Education | 60 | $412 per credit hour | Hybrid | Yes | No | Rated as one of the best programs both statewide and regionally |
| Concordia University Nebraska | Master of the Arts in School Counseling | 50-62 | $475 per credit hour | Online | No | No | Christian university with an accelerated track |
| Chadron State College | Master of Arts in Education | 42 | $412 per credit hour | Online | No | No | Dual-licensure tracks available |
| Doane University | Master of Education in School Counseling | 48-60 | $305-$388 per credit hour | In-Person or Online | No | No | Three campuses and an online option to choose from |
| Creighton University | Master of Science | 36-48 | $642 per credit hour | Online | No | No | Emphasis on and support for Catholic education professionals |
As of 3/15/2026
Sources: All information is taken directly from each program’s website and its respective institution.
Can I Earn a School Counseling Master’s Degree Online in Nebraska?
Yes, Nebraska offers 6 online/hybrid programs:
- The University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Wayne State College
- Concordia University Nebraska
- Chadron State College
- Doane University
- Creighton University
Please note that the program offered by Wayne State College requires weekend residencies on campus twice per semester.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Kearney, NE
- 43 credits
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City, State: Kearney, NE
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 43 Credit Hours
Tuition: $354 per credit hour, $15,222 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline: June 15th for the Fall Term start
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.unk.edu/academics/csp/csp_faq.php
Program Overview:
Designed to be completed in 2.5 years, UNK’s School Counseling program courses are conducted in a blended format. There are online courses that are entirely self-paced. There are also online synchronous courses with live sessions once a week via Zoom. Other courses are blended, with some online independent work and some in-person sessions held on campus. Other courses can be taken either online or in person.
Why We Like This Program:
- UNK welcomes students with a bachelor’s degree in any field to apply to its school counseling program.
- According to UNK’s Admissions web page (linked above), there are numerous scholarships available that students can apply for in February.
- Students have a generous 10-year maximum deadline to complete their counseling master’s program.
Additional Considerations:
- Students in this program must choose whether to specialize in working with elementary or secondary students.
Concordia University Nebraska
- Seward, NE
- 50-62 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
City, State: Seward, NE
Modality: Online
Length: 50-62 credit hours
Tuition: $475 per credit hour, $23,750-$29,450 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline: Rolling admissions, next start date May 7.
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.cune.edu/admissions/graduate
Program Overview:
Concordia University is a Lutheran institution with a campus located in Seward, Nebraska. Their school counseling program is aligned with the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) model and brings a Christian perspective to school counseling.
Why We Like This Program:
- Concordia University offers a special tuition rate for those who are employed by a Lutheran organization or worship in a Lutheran congregation. They also offer this reduced rate to Nebraska residents and alumni of any Concordia University program.
- All students complete internships in both elementary and secondary school settings to give them more experience working with different age groups.
- Students can progress through online coursework at an accelerated pace with the option to finish in as little as one year.
Additional Considerations:
- Students outside of Nebraska are welcome to enroll in this online master’s program but should check that it meets the requirements for certification in their state.
Chadron State College
- Chadron, NE
- 42 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in Education
City, State: Chadron, NE
Modality: Online
Length: 42 credit hours
Tuition: $412 per credit hour, $17,304 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: September 15 for Spring Term Start
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.csc.edu/academics/graduate/
Program Overview:
There are many different pathways for students who want to pursue school counseling at Chadron State College. Option 1 is for those who already hold a teaching certificate, and Option 2 is for those without any teaching experience. Students can also join a cohort of school counseling students or choose the non-cohort model.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students have the option for dual licensure as either a Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practitioner or a Provisional Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor.
- All students complete internships in both elementary and secondary school settings to give them more experience working with different age groups.
- Chadron State College’s School Counseling program is accredited through CAEP.
Additional Considerations:
- Students in both options must choose between two courses: “Crisis Counseling” and “Child and Adolescent Counseling.” They do not have the option to take both, as both are valuable for school counselors.
Doane University
- Crete, NE
- 48-60 credits
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Education in School Counseling
City, State: Crete, NE
Modality: In-Person or Online
Length: 48-60 credit hours
Tuition: $305 per credit hour, $14,640-$18,300 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: Not specified
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.doane.edu/academics/colleges/college-education/application-process-master-education-school-counseling
Program Overview:
As the oldest private higher education institution in the state of Nebraska, Doane University offers its school counseling master’s program at multiple locations. Students complete a program aligned with the ASCA National Model and accredited by CAEP.
Why We Like This Program:
- Doane University’s program can be completed either at the Lincoln, Omaha, or Bellevue campuses or online.
- The curriculum emphasizes using data-driven interventions for school counselors.
- This program is exceptionally affordable, especially for a private university.
Additional Considerations:
- Online students will pay slightly higher tuition at $388 per credit hour.
Creighton University
- Omaha, NE
- 36-48 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Science
City, State: Omaha, NE
Modality: Online
Length: 36-48 credit hours
Tuition: $642 per credit hour, $23,112 estimated total program cost for 36 credit hours
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: April 1st for Summer Term Start in June
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.creighton.edu/admissions/find-application/graduate-applications
Program Overview:
Creighton University offers a Master of Science in School Counseling rooted in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. The program is aligned with the ASCA National Model as well and focuses on the importance of faith and self-care for counselors.
Why We Like This Program:
- Current educators are guaranteed scholarships towards earning their school counseling master’s degree.
- Students can specialize in elementary school counseling, secondary school counseling, or guidance counseling, pre-K through 12.
- Through the Magis Teacher Corps, Creighton University trains teachers and school counselors to work in Catholic schools.
Additional Considerations:
- Creighton University has the highest sticker cost per credit of all school counseling programs in Nebraska.
Which School Counseling Programs in Nebraska Are CACREP Accredited?
Wayne State College is the only CACREP-accredited school counseling program in Nebraska, as of March 2026.
Wayne State College
- Wayne, NE
- 60 credits
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City, State: Wayne, NE
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $412 per credit hour, $24,720 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: Yes
GRE required: No
Application deadline: October 1st for Spring Term Start
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.wsc.edu/counseling-masters-degree/mse-counseling-program-admission
Program Overview:
While the MSED in School Counseling at Wayne State College is a predominantly online program, the unique format allows for low-residency without sacrificing in-person interaction. Students attend class on campus in a weekend intensive twice a semester, with classes all day on Saturday and half a day on Sunday.
Why We Like This Program:
- Wayne State College is known for its affordability and high student outcomes, not only in Nebraska but across the Plains region.
- Wayne State College is recognized as a Military-Friendly School.
- Students learn core counseling techniques in 36 credit hours and then focus on specific school counseling skills in 24 credit hours to complete their degree.
Additional Considerations:
- Students will take the CPCE as their culminating program exam, which is different from many school counseling programs, which take the Praxis Exam.
Which School Counseling Programs in Nebraska Don’t Require the GRE?
None of Nebraska’s seven school counseling master’s programs require GRE scores for admission:
- The University of Nebraska at Omaha
- The University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Wayne State College
- Concordia University Nebraska
- Chadron State College
- Doane University
- Creighton University
The University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Omaha, NE
- 48 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in School Counseling
City, State: Omaha, NE
Modality: In-Person
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $488 per credit hour (in-state), $23,424 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: September 15th for Spring Term Start
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-education-health-and-human-sciences/counseling/graduate/admissions.php
Program Overview:
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) boasts a robust counseling department with multiple specializations. The School Counseling program trains students to work with students from pre-K through high school with education-centric courses such as “Organization and Administration of School Counseling Programs.”
Why We Like This Program (3):
- Classes are held in the late afternoons and evenings to accommodate working students during the fall and spring terms.
- Students can complete this program on a full-time or part-time schedule.
- This program has start dates in the fall, spring, and summer terms.
Additional Considerations:
- UNO’s School Counseling MS program includes a mandatory summer practicum. This most likely will require students to be available during daytime hours.
- Students who do not currently hold a teaching certificate will have additional coursework to complete.
What Is the Cheapest School Counseling Master’s Program in Nebraska?
Doane University is the most affordable option as of March 2026, with an estimated tuition of $14,640. The University of Nebraska at Kearney is another budget-conscious choice for $15,222 estimated tuition. Finally, Chadron State College is the third cheapest option in Nebraska to earn a master’s degree in school counseling with an estimated tuition of $17,304.
What Is the Job Outlook for School Counselors in Nebraska?
Based on multiple data points, there is a growing demand for school counselors in Nebraska. The 2020 Census reported that the state’s population increased 7.4% between 2010 and 2020. This growth has continued more recently with a 0.6% increase between 2024 and 2025.
Furthermore, there is a high student-to-school counselor ratio. In the 2024-2025 school year, Nebraska’s student-to-school counselor ratio was 437:1. This is significantly higher than the official recommendation (the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) recommends a student-to-school counselor ratio of 250:1). This indicates a high need for more school counselors.
There are over 330,600 students in grades pre-K through 12 enrolled in Nebraska public schools. There are 1,097 Nebraska public schools spread across the state in 280 school districts. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the majority of Nebraska’s children are non-Hispanic White (66%), followed by Hispanics of any race (18.8%). Most of the Hispanic children in Nebraska are of Mexican descent. 5.7% of children are two or more races, while 5.6% are non-Hispanic Black. 2.4% of Nebraska children are Asian. 0.8% are American Indian or Alaska Natives, while .1% are Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders. Nebraska’s population has grown slowly but steadily. The diversity index also rose from 54.9% to 61.1% between 2010 and 2020.
FAQs
1. How much does a school counselor make in Nebraska?
A school counselor in Nebraska makes $69,480 per year on average as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2. How long does it take to become a school counselor in Nebraska?
It takes between two and three years to become a school counselor in Nebraska. This is because earning a master’s degree in school counseling (including completing the necessary fieldwork) usually takes this amount of time. In many cases, those without a teaching certificate will need to complete additional coursework.
3. What are the best CACREP-accredited programs in Nebraska?
The best CACREP-accredited school counseling program in Nebraska is at Wayne State College.
4. What is CACREP accreditation, and why does it matter?
CACREP stands for the “Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.” It is considered the gold standard for accreditation of school counseling programs. The education departments in certain states require a master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program for professional licensure as a school counselor. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program gives school counselors more portability in the future. For more information, visit the official CACREP website.
5. Can I get a school counseling degree online in Nebraska?
Yes, you can get a school counseling degree online in Nebraska at one of the following institutions: Concordia University Nebraska, Chadron State College, Doane University, and Creighton University.
6. What is the cheapest school counseling program in Nebraska?
The cheapest school counseling program in Nebraska is offered by Doane University for an estimated total cost of $14,640.
7. Do I need GRE scores for school counseling programs in Nebraska?
No, you do not need GRE scores for school counseling programs in Nebraska. None of the programs requires GRE scores for admission.
8. What is the student-to-school counselor ratio in Nebraska?
The student-to-school counselor ratio in Nebraska is 437:1, according to the most recent data from ASCA. This is much higher than the recommended student-to-school counselor ratio of 250:1.
9. How do I get certified as a school counselor in Nebraska?
To get certified as a school counselor in Nebraska, you need a minimum of 36 graduate credit hours, 100 practicum hours, and 450 internship hours in a school setting. Those who do not already hold a teaching certificate will need to complete additional coursework beyond the 36-credit minimum. The practicum (sometimes called pre-internship field experience) and the internship must be completed in an elementary or secondary school. For more information, visit the Nebraska Educational Clearinghouse website.
10. Is school counseling in demand in Nebraska?
Yes, school counseling is in demand in Nebraska. The job growth projection for school counseling in Nebraska is 4%, according to Career One Stop. This is aligned with the job growth projection for school counselors nationwide based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With Nebraska’s high student-to-school counselor ratio, more school counselors are definitely needed.
