Quick Facts
- Number of school counseling programs in New Mexico: 5
- Number of CACREP-accredited programs: 2
- Number of online or hybrid programs: 4
- Number of programs not requiring GRE: 5
- Tuition cost range: $15,216 – $28,350
- Average annual tuition: $10,277
State of School Counseling in Oklahoma
There are nine school counseling master’s degree programs in Oklahoma. Four of these programs can be completed online, and two of them are CACREP-accredited. Only one of these programs requires the GRE on a conditional basis.
All Programs at a Glance
Oklahoma has nine master’s-level school counseling programs, with annual tuition ranging from $4,815.25 to $20,460.00. Four of these programs are available in an online or hybrid format.
| School | Degree | Credits | Annual Tuition | Modality | CACREP | GRE | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Oklahoma State University | Master of Education | 42 | $6,909 | Online | No | No | Accelerated online program for teachers |
| Oklahoma State University | Master of Science | 60 | $7,550 | In-Person | Yes | No | School Counselor & LPC dual licensure option |
| Mid America Christian University | Master of Education | 30 | $7,875 | Online or Hybrid | No | No | Tuition discount for Oklahoma schools employees |
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University | Master of Education | 33 | $7,530 | Online | No | Conditional | Coursework can count towards LPC. |
| The University of Central Oklahoma | Master of Education | 33 | $5,442.24 | In-Person | No | No | School Counselor & LPC Dual Licensure Option |
| Northwestern Oklahoma State University | Master of Education | 34 | $4,815.25 | In-Person | No | No | Low tuition cost |
| The University of Oklahoma | Master of Education | 60 | $11,812.50 | In-Person | No | No | School Counselor & LPC Dual Licensure Option |
| Oral Roberts University | Master of Education | 62 | $20,460 | Online & In-Person | No | No | 50% tuition discounts for school employees |
| Northeastern State University of Oklahoma | Master of Education | 60 | $9,292.50 | In-Person | Yes | No | School Counselor & LPC Dual Licensure Option |
As of 7/23/2026
Sources: All information is taken directly from each program’s website and its respective institution
The University of Central Oklahoma
- Edmond, OK
- 33 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Edmond, OK
Modality: In-Person
Length: 33 credit hours
Tuition: $340.14 per credit hour, $5,612.31 estimated annual program tuition
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: Rolling; admission in fall and spring semesters
Direct link to program admissions page: https://catalog.uco.edu/content.php?catoid=27&navoid=951
Program Overview: The University of Central Oklahoma is ranked as 32nd in the nation for public universities according to US News & World Report. It is the third largest public university in the state and offers a streamlined school counseling master’s degree program for educators.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) for 27 additional credits (60 credits total).
- Students have the opportunity to become Nationally Certified Counselors, allowing for job opportunities across the country.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants must hold a valid teaching certification or have completed certain coursework. See full details here.
The University of Oklahoma
- Norman, OK
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Norman, OK
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $393.75 per credit hour, $11,812.50 estimated annual program tuition
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: January 15 to start in the summer term for MEd, rolling admission for certificate only to start in the fall or spring term
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.ou.edu/gradcollege/apply
Program Overview: As Oklahoma’s flagship public school, the University of Oklahoma is the state’s largest research institution. It offers a professional clinical counseling program for sixty credit hours, in which fifteen of the credit hours can be specialized in school counseling. This structure allows students to work as licensed professional counselors (LPC) and school counselors in Oklahoma.
Why We Like This Program:
- School counseling students take courses in special education to better serve all students.
- All faculty in the professional counseling programs have doctoral degrees.
- Students may pursue only the school counseling track for fifteen credit hours to receive a professional certification.
Additional Considerations:
- While the clinical mental health counseling program is CACREP-accredited, the school counseling program is not.
Can I Earn a School Counseling Master’s Degree Online in Oklahoma?
Yes, you can earn a school counseling master’s degree online in Oklahoma at any of the schools listed below.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Durant, OK
- 42 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Education
City: Durant, OK
Modality: Online
Length: 42 credit hours
Tuition: $329 per credit hour, $6,909 estimated annual program tuition
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: August 3rd deadline for August 17th start date (multiple start dates throughout the year)
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.se.edu/gus/
Program Overview: Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers an accelerated online school counseling master’s program that allows students to finish in as little as 16 months. This CAEP-accredited program is specially designed for teachers who want to transition to school counseling.
Why We Like This Program:
- Both in-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate.
- Students in this program complete a 100-hour practicum and no internship, which allows them to finish sooner.
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a member of NC-SARA, which enables its programs to be authorized in many states outside of Oklahoma. More information can be found here.
Additional Considerations:
- Acceptance into this program requires a valid teacher certification.
Mid America Christian University
- Oklahoma City, OK
- 30 hours
- Online + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Education
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Modality: Online or Hybrid
Length: 30 credit hours
Tuition: $525 per credit hour, $7,875 estimated annual program tuition
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: Rolling admissions, next start date is August 18th
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.macu.edu/admissions/
Program Overview: Mid America Christian University offers an accelerated school counseling program aimed at current teachers looking to transition to school counseling. Students can choose from classes that are held online or hybrid classes that meet once per week on campus in order to accommodate working students.
Why We Like This Program:
- 10% tuition discount for employees of Oklahoma schools.
- The 150-hour practicum requirement is significantly lower than the fieldwork requirement for most school counseling master’s programs.
- Both online and hybrid classes are kept small for individualized attention and support.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants who are certified teachers are strongly preferred for this program, but teacher certification is not mandatory.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Weatherford, OK
- 33 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Education
City: Weatherford, OK
Modality: Online
Length: 33 credit hours
Tuition: $7,530 annual cost, $7,530 estimated annual program tuition
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: November 1st to start in the spring semester
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.swosu.edu/graduate-school/admissions/
Program Overview: Designed for those who are juggling work and family obligations, the program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University is practical and efficient. Students take their courses online during the evenings and weekends.
Why We Like This Program:
- Applicants of all professional backgrounds are accepted into this program.
- Students who complete the school counseling program may use their coursework towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
- The GRE is not required unless the applicant has an undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional Considerations:
- This program’s plan of study does not allow for elective courses.
Oral Roberts University
- Tulsa, OK
- 62 hours
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Tulsa, OK
Modality: Online or In-Person
Length: 62 credit hours
Tuition: $660 per credit hour, $20,460 estimated annual program tuition
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: July 15, start date unclear
Direct link to program admissions page: https://oru.edu/admissions/complete-enrollment/application-checklist/checklist-graduate.php
Program Overview: Launched in 2024, Oral Roberts University offers a Christian perspective in its school counseling master’s program. The program was designed to address the shortage of school counselors across the state. Students have the option to learn on campus or remotely through ORU Flex.
Why We Like This Program:
- 50% tuition waiver for six semesters for full-time employees of both public and Christian schools.
- Oral Roberts University is repeatedly ranked highly among Christian colleges.
- The program is taught in modules on Thursday and Friday evenings, as well as Saturdays. Students complete coursework in between these sessions.
Additional Considerations:
- Oral Roberts University requires students to adhere to a strict honor code. Prospective students should consider their lifestyle before applying to this program.
Which School Counseling Programs in Oklahoma Are CACREP Accredited?
Oklahoma has two CACREP-accredited programs.
Oklahoma State University
- Stillwater, OK
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science
City: Stillwater, OK
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $7,550 annual tuition
CACREP status: Yes
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: January 15th to start in the summer or fall terms
Direct link to program admissions page: https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/application-process?_gl=1*1rhruuc*_gcl_au*MTk3ODg3OTM4NC4xNzgyNjg0ODY5
Program Overview: As the state’s flagship public institution, Oklahoma State University offers its school counseling program at both the Tulsa and Stillwater campuses. School counseling master’s students can pursue dual-licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oklahoma for only three additional credits (63 total).
Why We Like This Program:
- The counseling department at Oklahoma State University runs multiple research labs, including the Body Image and Disordered Eating Lab and the Health Education and Rural Empowerment Lab.
- Students may complete a thesis option for an additional six credits.
- This program is both CACREP and CAEP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- Oklahoma State University does not appear to offer in-house scholarships to its graduate students.
Northeastern State University of Oklahoma
- Tahlequah, OK
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Tahlequah, OK
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $309.75 per credit hour, $9,292.50 estimated annual program tuition
CACREP status: Yes
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: December 15 to start in the fall semester.
Direct link to program admissions page: https://offices.nsuok.edu/admissions/default.aspx?_ga=2.211177301.1702300765.1784236529-1516844943.1782684917
Program Overview: The school counseling program at Northeastern State University of Oklahoma offers students the option to become licensed professional counselors (LPCs) and school counselors. Students can take courses at both the Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses on either full-time or part-time schedules.
Why We Like This Program:
- 100% program completion and job placement rate for school counseling students in the 2025-2026 year.
- Students of all backgrounds are welcome – no teacher certification is required.
- This program has an active chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society for counseling students.
Additional Considerations:
- Students must complete a 600-hour internship in this program.
Which School Counseling Programs in Oklahoma Don’t Require the GRE?
Most school counseling programs in Oklahoma do not require applicants to submit their GRE scores. The only school counseling program in Oklahoma that requires the GRE is Southwestern Oklahoma State University on a conditional basis for applicants with a GPA below 3.0. Oral Roberts University may require GRE scores, but it is unclear, and applicants should contact the admissions department directly.
What Is the Cheapest School Counseling Master’s Program in Oklahoma?
The most affordable option is Northwestern Oklahoma State University, with an estimated annual tuition of $4,815.25 and an estimated $9,630.50 total cost of tuition.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Alva, OK
- 34 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Alva, OK
Modality: In-Person
Length: 34 credit hours
Tuition: $283.25 per credit hour, $4,815.25 estimated annual program tuition
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: Rolling for fall, spring, and summer terms. No deadline specified.
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.nwosu.edu/apply-for-admission/graduate-students
Program Overview: The school counseling master’s program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University is open to teachers. It requires students to develop an Action Research Project throughout their plan of study to directly understand an issue in school counseling. Students work on their action research in milestones, beginning in the first semester.
Why We Like This Program:
- At $283.25 per credit hour, Northwestern Oklahoma State University offers graduate programs with a low tuition cost.
- Courses, such as “Psychology of Teaching” and “Educational Practices,” are tailored towards the everyday lives of school counselors.
- There is no comprehensive exam or thesis required to complete the program, as the Action Research Project fulfills this requirement.
Additional Considerations:
- Out-of-state applicants must hold a valid teaching certificate in their state as well as meet with the program director to be approved for enrollment in this program.
What Is the Job Outlook for School Counselors in Oklahoma?
There is likely a growing demand for school counselors in Oklahoma because the state’s population is growing. The 2020 Census reported that the state’s population increased 5.5% between 2010 and 2020. As of 2025, Oklahoma has an estimated population of 4,123,288.
In the 2024-2025 school year, Oklahoma’s student-to-school counselor ratio was 356:1. This ratio is slightly lower than the U.S. average of 372:1. The American School Counseling Association (ASCA) recommends a ratio of 250:1, which is much lower than Oklahoma’s current ratio.
There are 512 school districts in Oklahoma that operate 1,720 public schools. There are approximately 658,323 students enrolled in Oklahoma public schools. The largest school district, Oklahoma City Schools, spans over 135 square miles and serves over 31,000 students.
Oklahoma is a predominantly white state, with 69.1% of residents identifying as white, and 58.7% identifying as white and non-Hispanic or Latino. Hispanic and Latino residents make up 14% of the state’s population, followed by people who are two or more races at 10.6%. 9.4% of Oklahoma residents are American Indian and Alaska Native. 7.9% are Black, and 2.8% are Asian. Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders make up 0.3% of the state’s population.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in Oklahoma?
A school counselor in Oklahoma makes $56,830 per year on average as of May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Oklahoma?
Typically, it takes between two and three years to become a school counselor in Oklahoma. This is because earning a master’s degree in school counseling (including completing the necessary fieldwork) usually takes this amount of time. Oklahoma offers several school counseling masters programs for certified teachers that can be completed in one to two years.
What are the best CACREP-accredited programs in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma State University and Northeastern State University of Oklahoma both offer CACREP-accredited school counseling master’s programs in Oklahoma.
What is CACREP accreditation, and why does it matter?
CACREP stands for the Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. CACREP is a widely recognized programmatic accreditor for 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.
Can I get a school counseling degree online in Oklahoma?
Yes, you can get a school counseling degree online in Oklahoma at Oral Roberts University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Mid America Christian University, and Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
What is the cheapest school counseling program in Oklahoma?
Northwestern Oklahoma State University is the cheapest school counseling program in Oklahoma, with an estimated annual in-state tuition cost of $4,815.25.
Do I need GRE scores for school counseling programs in Oklahoma?
No, you do not need GRE scores for acceptance into school counseling programs in Oklahoma. Only one school, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, requires GRE scores on a conditional basis. Oral Roberts University may require GRE scores, but it is not clear from their program website.
What is the student-to-school counselor ratio in Oklahoma?
The student-to-school counselor ratio in Oklahoma is 356:1, which is much higher than the ASCA recommendation of 250:1, but slightly lower than the U.S.average ratio of 372:1.
How do I get certified as a school counselor in Oklahoma?
To become a certified school counselor in Oklahoma, one must hold either a master’s degree or a terminal degree (e.g., PhD, EdD). Additionally, one needs either at least 30 graduate credit hours related to counseling, or at least 15 graduate credit hours related to counseling and one year of relevant work experience, or three or more years of counseling-related work, or a publication in a peer-reviewed journal about school counseling. For more information, visit the Oklahoma Education website.
Is school counseling in demand in Oklahoma?
Yes, school counseling is in demand in Oklahoma. The job growth projection for school counseling in Oklahoma is 6%, according to Career One Stop. This is higher than the job growth projection for school counselors nationwide, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.