There are 15 school counseling graduate programs offered by public and private institutions in North Carolina; 12 are on campus and 3 are fully online. Flagship state schools like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Appalachian State University offer rigorous coursework and affordable tuition. There are also several prestigious private schools that offer esteemed school counseling programs, like Gardner Webb University and Wake Forest University. Most programs are 60 credit hours and provide the coursework and internship experiences required to earn a school counseling license. Keep reading to learn more about the programs available and to find the best fit for you.
North Carolina School Counseling Programs Quick Facts
- Number of School Counseling Programs in North Carolina: 15
- CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Programs: 15
- Hybrid or Online School Counseling Programs in North Carolina: 3
- Tuition Cost Range: $14,267 – $99,000
- Average Cost of Tuition: $29,815
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling
City: Boone, NC
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $5,954 per six credit hours for in-state residents, $29,770 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A. in professional school counseling provides 42 hours of counseling coursework, 12 hours of electives, and 1-6 hours of internship work. The program takes two to three years to complete. The internship is designed to be a full-time experience in a school setting.
Why We Like This Program:
- Appalachian State University is recognized as a top university by US News & World Report and The Princeton Review.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- The application deadline is May 1st for fall admission.
Eastern Carolina University
- Greenville, NC
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Counselor Education
City: Greenville, NC
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $7,973 per semester, in-state resident, $31,892 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The Graduate counselor education program at ECU prepares culturally competent school counselors within schools and communities. The program has been in place since 1951. One unique feature is students’ flexibility to design elective study that suits their interests.
Why We Like This Program:
- Classes are held online with a combination of synchronous (live) sessions and asynchronous coursework for flexibility.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is designed to be completed in 2 – 2.5 years. It’s unclear if this program can be completed on a part-time basis.
Gardner Webb University
- Boiling Springs, NC
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
City: Boiling Springs, NC
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $585 per credit hour, $35,100 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A. in school counseling teaches theory, philosophy, and strategies that apply to K-12 school settings. The counseling program focuses on developmental, preventative, and remedial services as well as appreciation of diversity and decision-making. Students examine their personal values and potential influence in a counseling setting and complete a school-based internship experience.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- Undergraduate students at Gardner Webb University can apply for the Accelerated School Counseling program which allows them to complete both degrees for a cumulative 90 credits.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants with undergraduate backgrounds in psychology are favored.
Lenoir-Rhyne University
- Hickory, NC, Asheville, NC
- 61 hours
- Campus + Hybrid + Online
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling
City: Hickory, NC, Asheville, NC
Modality: On campus with some hybrid or online courses
Length: 61 credit hours
Tuition: $710 per credit hour, $43,310 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A. in counseling program provides coursework in supporting students in K-12 settings. Students can progress through the program full or part-time. Students can take additional coursework to complete the school counselor credential. Classes are offered at Hickory and Asheville campuses and some are hybrid or online.
Why We Like This Program:
- In-Person classes are offered at Hickory and Asheville campuses (some are hybrid or online).
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- While students can take courses in both the school counseling and clinical mental health counseling concentrations, there is not a dual-degree or dual licensure track available.
North Carolina A&T University
- Greensboro, NC
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling
City: Greensboro, NC
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $250 per credit hour, in-state, $15,000 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.S. in school counseling prepares practitioners for a career in K-12 counseling. Students complete core and specialization courses, and complete a 100 hour supervised practicum and two internships. Students can choose to complete the program as full or part-time students.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students may pursue a double major in both school counseling and clinical mental health counseling.
- North Carolina A&T is an established HBCU campus.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- This program admits students in the fall term only.
North Carolina Central University
- Durham, NC
- 60 hours
- On campus
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
City: Durham, NC
Modality: Campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $299.23 per credit hour, in-state, $17,954 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A. in school counseling prepares counselors to work in K-12 settings. The program may be completed on campus or online.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- This program is also a member of the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs (IRCEP).
Additional Considerations:
- GRE scores are required and must be no more than five years old.
North Carolina State University
- Raleigh, NC
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Education in School Counseling
City: Raleigh, NC
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours, minimum
Tuition: $12,735 tuition per year, $25,470 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.Ed focuses on preparing practitioners to work in K-12 counseling settings. There are on campus and online options.
Why We Like This Program:
- US News & World Report ranks North Carolina State University’s college of education #27 in the nation.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- Students can begin this program in the fall or summer term, but the application deadline is December 15th regardless.
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Education in School Counseling
City: Chapel Hill, NC
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours, accelerated to 14 months
Tuition: $653.50 per credit hour, $39,210 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.Ed in school counseling is an accelerated program, which 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. The program applies a strengths-based approach.
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.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- While the application deadline is January 13, 2026, all materials are due by December 13, 2025 to be considered for any financial aid.
University of North Carolina, Charlotte
- Charlotte, NC
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
City: Charlotte, NC
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $256.11 per credit hour, $15,367 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Students have the option of completing research alongside faculty. Graduates are well prepared in analyzing data to determine and address student needs. And, students have the option to complete additional coursework towards a graduate certificate in play therapy.
Why We Like This Program:
- UNC Charlotte is home to the School Counselor Collaborative which conducts research in primarily urban schools to better serve students and advocate for the profession.
- Students who complete this program will be eligible to become a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, which allows them to work towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants must submit GRE or MAT scores.
University of North Carolina, Greensboro
- Greensboro, NC
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science, School Counseling Concentration
City: Greensboro, NC
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $8,614 annual tuition and fees, $17,228 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.S. in school counseling provides instruction in evidence-based, ethical and culturally responsive practices. Classes are held on the UNCG main campus during the day, between 9 AM and 5 PM. Students also engage in field experience in schools and at the Nicholas A. Vacc Counseling Clinic.
Additional Considerations:
- Students also engage in field experience in schools and at the Nicholas A. Vacc Counseling Clinic.
- UNC Greensboro’s Department of Counselor Education has been highly ranked as one of the top 15 in the nation for the past two decades by US News & World Report.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program cannot be completed on a part-time schedule and daytime classes may make this program unsuitable for working students.
University of North Carolina, Pembroke
- Pembroke, NC
- 60 hours
- Campus + Hybrid + Online
Program:
Master of Arts in Education in Professional School Counseling
City: Pembroke, NC
Modality: On campus, hybrid, online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $237.78 per credit hour, in-state students, $14,267 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A.Ed in Professional School Counseling is designed to prepare students to be committed, collaborative and competent school counsellors. Instruction is provided in a variety of formats, including on campus, hybrid, and online. Students also develop skills in advocacy, evidence-based practices, and data collection.
Why We Like This Program:
- There is an active chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society for counseling students, on campus.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- Students can choose two elective courses in their plan of study.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is designed to be completed in three years.
Western Carolina University
- Culowhee, NC
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Education in School Counseling
City: Culowhee, NC
Modality: On campus
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $5,147.78 tuition and fees per semester, in-state full-time students, $20,591 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A.Ed in school counseling provides training and internship experiences. Students are trained in school counseling program development, counseling children and adolescents, career counseling, and other topics. Students also engage in hands-on field experiences across two placements.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- This program emphasizes working with diverse and multicultural student populations.
Additional Considerations:
- Coursework typically begins in the fall, but students may be able to start in the summer in some cases.
Online School Counseling Masters Programs In North Carolina
There are a total of three fully online school counseling masters programs in North Carolina. An online program provides flexibility and allows some students to complete counseling coursework while completing the internship in their local community.
North Carolina Central University
- Durham, NC
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
City: Durham, NC
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $299.23 per credit hour, in-state, $17,954 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.A. in school counseling prepares counselors to work in K-12 settings. The program may be completed on campus or online.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- This program is also a member of the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs (IRCEP).
Additional Considerations:
- GRE scores are required and must be no more than five years old.
North Carolina State University
- Raleigh, NC
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Education in School Counseling
City: Raleigh, NC
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours, minimum
Tuition: $12,735 tuition and fees, in-state residents, $25,470 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.Ed focuses on preparing practitioners to work in K-12 counseling settings. There are on campus and online options.
Why We Like This Program:
- US News & World Report ranks North Carolina State University’s college of education #27 in the nation.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- Students can begin this program in the fall or summer term, but the application deadline is December 15th regardless.
Wake Forest University
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 21 credits
- Online
Program:
Masters in School Counseling
City: Winston-Salem, NC
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $1,650 per credit hour, $99,000 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The fully online Master’s in school counseling provides instruction and internship experiences across eight focus areas: Human growth and development, social and cultural foundations, helping relationships, group work, career and lifestyle development, appraisal, research and program evaluation, and professional orientation.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program has a 90% pass rate on the National Counselor Exam (NCE).
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
Wake Forest University has the most expensive school counseling program in North Carolina.
CACREP-accredited School Counseling Masters Programs In North Carolina
Currently, there are 13 CACREP-accredited school counseling masters program in North Carolina:
- Appalachian State University
- Eastern Carolina University
- Gardner Webb University
- Lenoir-Rhyne University
- North Carolina A&T University
- North Central California University
- North Carolina State University
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte
- University of North Carolina, Greensboro
- University of North Carolina, Pembroke
- Wake Forest University
- Western Carolina University
No GRE Required School Counseling Masters Programs In North Carolina
None of the school counseling programs in North Carolina 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.
North Carolina’ Most Affordable School Counseling Masters Programs
There is no shortage of affordable graduate options here. These school counseling graduate programs are offered at less than $500 per credit hour:
- North Carolina A&T University,
- NC Central University,
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Accelerated School Counseling Masters Programs In North Carolina
There are two accelerated options in North Carolina:
- Gardner Webb University provides an accelerated option for undergraduate students who are already enrolled in the university and want to move straight from their undergraduate coursework into the school counseling program.
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides a 14 month cohort-model accelerated school counseling program.
School Counseling In North Carolina
With an estimated population of more than 10 million, North Carolina is a large and growing state. More than 1.5 million students are enrolled in North Carolina public schools, many in its two largest school districts, in Charlotte and Wake County.
Average salary for a school counselor in North Carolina is $48,270. This salary ranges depending on city; the salary in Ashville is $56,723, in Raleigh $43,290, and Charlotte $50,732. North Carolina 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 North Carolina
The NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI) oversees school counselor licensure. To work as a school counselor in NC, the practitioner must have a school counseling license. This requires:
- A master’s degree in school counseling from an accreditation,
- A passing score on the Professional School Counselor Praxis Exam,
According to state policy (LICN-001), practitioners who have partially met licensure or have a master’s degree in another counseling area can be employed by a district as a school counselor while they are enrolled in a university program to earn a full licensure.
School counselors must renew their licenses every five years. To renew a school counseling licensure, school counselors must complete 8.0 renewal credits; 3 that align with NC standards and 2 that address digital learning competencies, 3 general credits.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in North Carolina?
Average salary for a school counselor in North Carolina is $48,270. This salary ranges depending on city; the salary in Ashville is $56,723, in Raleigh $43,290, and Charlotte $50,732. North Carolina is a mid-sized state with multiple large and mid-sized cities, so school counselors can work in urban, suburban, or rural settings.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in North Carolina?
Most masters programs in school counseling are completed within two years, though some programs may offer flexibility to finish sooner or to extend the duration of the program.
