The Sunshine State is one of the fastest-growing states in the country and has the highest net migration of any state. With such a population boom, it makes sense that five of the ten largest school districts in the United States are located in Florida.
Florida is a diverse border state. In some school districts, such as Miami-Dade, there are large immigrant populations. Fluency in a second language is especially valuable, particularly if that language is Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole.
In the wake of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, many school districts across the state have invested heavily in more school counselors and additional mental health support services for students. Combined with the increase in population, there is often a high demand for school counselors.
Masters Programs in Florida To Become A School Counselor
There are twelve public and private higher education institutions in Florida that offer masters programs in school counseling. There are numerous options located throughout the state, with some programs offered entirely online. Most programs are CACREP-accredited and very few require applicants to submit their GRE scores. There are also many programs offered by public universities which means lower tuition costs. Keep reading to learn more about what Florida has to offer for prospective masters of school counseling students.
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 55 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Tampa, FL
Modality: In-Person
Length: 55 credit hours
Tuition: $7,840 per semester assuming 18 credit hours. $23,955 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
This program is not only accredited by CACREP, but also by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly known as NCATE. One unique course offering from the Master of Arts in Counselor Education at the University of South Florida program is “Online Services in Counseling and Helping Professions.”
Barry University
- Miami Shores, FL
- 60 hours
- Online + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science
City: Miami Shores, FL
Modality: Online or Hybrid Model
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $850 per credit hour, $51,000 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
This program stands out for its flexibility; students can take classes completely online or through a hybrid model at either the Miami campus or the Bahamas campus. Additionally, Barry University’s Master of Science in Counseling program is CACREP-accredited and has no GRE requirement.
Florida A&M
- Tallahassee, FL
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science
City: Tallahassee, FL
Modality: In-person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $3,651 per semester assuming 9 credit hours, $24,340.20 total program cost
Program Overview:
Florida A&M is the #1 Public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) according to US News & World Report, making it an excellent choice for the right student. Its Master of Science in Counselor Education programs are all CACREP-accredited. There is also the option to add a thesis track to this program for 6 additional credits.
Online School Counseling Masters Programs in Florida
There are two fully online school counseling masters degree programs in Florida. One is offered by a public university and the other by a private university. Keep reading to find out which online program is the best fit for you.
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Dual Degree Master of Science & Education Specialist
City: Tallahassee, FL
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $444.26 per credit hour, $26,655.60 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The 100% online dual-degree program at Florida State University is CACREP-accredited. It’s designed to be completed in about three years on a part-time schedule to accommodate working students. GRE scores are usually required, however, this requirement has been waived for all graduate programs at Florida State University through the Fall of 2026.
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 48 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Science
City: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Modality: Online
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $925 per credit, $44,400 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Nova Southeastern University offers a comparably short master’s program in school counseling. The program is aligned with standards set forth by the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). An important note: the program is only accepting applicants from Florida who are seeking school counseling certification in Florida.
CACREP Accredited School Counseling Programs in Florida
Ten of the school counseling masters programs in Florida are CACREP-accredited. This criteria helps to ensure that students receive a high-quality education. In addition to the programs listed below, these programs are also CACREP-accredited; Palm Beach Atlantic University, Florida International University, Florida State University, University of South Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida A&M, Barry University, and Florida Atlantic University.
University of Florida
- Gainesville, Florida
- 72 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Dual Degree Master of Education and Education Specialist
City: Gainesville, Florida
Modality: In-Person
Length: 72 credit hours
Tuition: $12,740 per semester, $101,920 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
This program is the #1 Education Counseling Graduate School program in the country according to US News & World Report. The CACREP-accredited dual-degree track prepares students for certification in k-12 school settings in Florida. Having both the MEd and EdS degrees makes graduates competitive candidates for jobs and often results in higher salaries.
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Orlando, FL
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $369.65 per credit hour, $22,179 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Ranked #11 for Education Counseling Graduate Schools by US News & World Report, this CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counselor Education is an excellent choice for those in the Orlando area. One unique feature of this program is that students can choose to complete their practicum in the UCF Community Counseling and Research Center as opposed to a school setting.
No GRE Required School Counseling Programs in Florida
Good news for anyone who hates taking tests! There are a total of eight school counseling masters programs in Florida that do not require GRE scores. In addition to the programs listed below, these programs also do not require the GRE; Florida Gulf Coast University, Barry University, University of South Florida, University of Florida, and Florida A&M University.
University of North Florida
- Jacksonville, FL
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Jacksonville, FL
Modality: In-person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $493.53 per credit hour, $29,611.80 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The Master of Education in Counselor Education with a concentration in School Counseling at the University of North Florida is built on a cohort model. This means that the same small group of students will take courses and progress through the program together. A cohort model offers benefits for networking and moral support while in graduate school. There are also no GRE scores required for admission to this program.
Palm Beach Atlantic University
- West Palm Beach, FL & Orlando, FL
- 72 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science
City: West Palm Beach, FL & Orlando, FL
Modality: In-Person
Length: 72 credit hours
Tuition: $650 per credit hour, $46,800 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private Christian school with locations in both West Palm Beach and Orlando. The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling has a concentration aimed at prospective school counselors. This program is also CACREP-accredited.
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 60 hours
- Online + In-Person + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science
City: Miami, FL
Modality: Hybrid In-Person and Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $4,101 per semester, $41,010 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
This CACREP-accredited program is offered via a hybrid schedule, typically with three classes per semester. One or two of these classes are conducted online while the remaining class(es) is held in person. The curriculum focuses on diversity, with courses on sexuality and cross-cultural counseling.
Florida’s Most Affordable School Counseling Programs
For the most budget-conscious students, there are several affordable graduate school options in Florida. Since many schools that offer masters degrees in school counseling are public institutions, tuition is comparably lower to private schools. Students can also look into grants and scholarships to help fund their education.
Florida Gulf Coast University
- Fort Myers, FL
- 38 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Fort Myers, FL
Modality: In-Person
Length: 38 credit hours
Tuition: $373.38 per credit hour, $14,188.44 total program cost
Program Overview:
The Master of Arts in School Counseling curriculum at Florida Gulf Coast University is recognized by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Additionally, it is CACREP-accredited. The coursework is catered to school counselors, with classes such as “School Counseling College and Career Development” and “Group Work for School Counselors.”
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Boca Raton, FL
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $371.82 per credit hour, $22,309.20 total program cost
Program Overview:
Florida Atlantic University is a public university with multiple campuses throughout South Florida. The Master of Education in School Counseling program is CACREP-accredited through 2032. While this program does require applicants to submit GRE scores, there is no required minimum score for acceptance into the program.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in Florida?
School counselors in Florida are usually paid on the same pay scale as teachers. Florida ranks last at 50th in the nation for teacher pay (and subsequently, school counselor pay). The average salary is approximately $53,000 but varies slightly between school districts.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Florida?
Graduate school counseling programs are typically completed within 2 to 3 years. Students who do not already possess a valid Florida teacher certificate may have to complete some additional coursework depending on their program requirements.
What is the best school counseling masters program in Florida?
Florida has several excellent options for school counseling masters programs. University of Florida is ranked #1 by US News & World Report for Education Counseling and offers a dual-degree program. Florida State University’s dual-degree program is more flexible as it’s entirely online. Florida A&M University and the University of Central Florida are also highly ranked. For those who prioritize low costs, Florida Gulf Coast University is the most affordable option.
