With a population of nearly 20 million people, New York State offers both the largest US city and gorgeous mountain views punctuated by the Hudson River. While many people immediately think of New York City, the Empire State also has numerous charming small towns and rural farming communities.
The New York City Department of Education is the largest school district in the country, encompassing all of the five boroughs; Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. Jobs in this district can be competitive but the job market may not be as competitive outside of the city. The student-to-school counselor ratio in New York State is 350:1 which is significantly higher than ASCA’s recommended ratio of 250:1.
Masters Programs in New York to Become a School Counselor
There are 26 school counseling masters degree programs offered by public and private institutions in New York. Many of these programs offer a bilingual extension for students to become certified as bilingual school counselors. This option is found most often in New York City-based colleges and universities.
New York has a robust system of public universities. Notably, this system is divided into two sub-systems; SUNY and CUNY. SUNY stands for the State University of New York. CUNY stands for the City University of New York. The primary difference is that CUNY schools are subsidized by both New York City and New York State, whereas SUNY schools are subsidized by the state alone. Additionally, there are many private colleges scattered throughout the Empire State. Keep reading to learn more about the school counseling masters programs offered in New York.
Columbia University
- New York, NY
- 60 hours
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: New York, NY
Modality: In-Person and Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $2,584 per credit, $155,040 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
As this program is housed at an Ivy League school it has renowned faculty. Some of whom, such as Derald Wing Sue, have written textbooks commonly used in graduate school counseling programs across the country. Columbia University is located in Manhattan, but for those outside of the five boroughs, the Master of Education in School Counseling program is also available in a completely online format.
SUNY Oswego
- Oswego, NY
- 48-60 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science
City: Oswego, NY
Modality: In-Person
Length: 48-60 Credit Hours
Tuition: $471 per credit hour, $28,260 estimated total program cost assuming 60 credits
Program Overview:
The school counseling graduate program at SUNY Oswego allows students to add on a graduate Certificate of Advanced Study in School Counseling for 12 additional credits. This gives students a competitive advantage when applying for jobs. While the GRE is not required, the admissions department highly recommends that any student with a GPA lower than 3.0 submit their GRE scores to bolster their application.
Fordham University
- New York, NY
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: New York, NY
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $1,736 per credit, $104,160 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Students in the masters program in school counseling at Fordham University will take classes with a strong emphasis on social justice at the Lincoln Center campus. This program does not require the GRE and offers a 15-credit bilingual extension for any language.
Hofstra University
- Hempstead, NY
- 48 hours
- 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
Program Overview:
The MSEd in School Counseling at Hofstra University has a unique emphasis on educational law, which is valuable for school counselors. Students also can choose from a wide variety of electives, such as substance use disorder counseling and leadership/administration. GRE scores are not required. Students must complete 9 credit hours of prerequisites before beginning the program.
New York Institute of Technology
- New York or Long Island, NY
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science
City: New York or Long Island, NY
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $1,260 per credit, $75,600 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Students in the MS School Counseling program at the New York Institute of Technology have the option to complete their degree on a full-time or part-time schedule in two or three years, respectively. The program emphasizes cultural competence and social justice. A bilingual extension is also available. The GRE is not required.
Online School Counseling Masters Programs in New York
There are four entirely online school counseling masters degree programs based in New York State. These programs allow for maximum flexibility for students with busy schedules or who would have to travel long distances for classes on campus. In addition to the four programs listed below, Columbia University and Mercy University also offer online-only versions of their on-campus school counseling masters degree programs.
SUNY Oneonta
- Oneonta, NY
- 48 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: Oneonta, NY
Modality: Online
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $5,655 per semester assuming 12 credits, $22,620 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
SUNY Oneonta’s School Counseling graduate degree program is offered entirely online, making it accessible to students across New York State and beyond. Students are placed into small cohorts which means they progress through their studies with the same group of peers. This allows for students to have a built-in professional network when they graduate.
New York University
- New York, NY
- 48 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts
City: New York, NY
Modality: Online
Length: 48 credits
Tuition: $2,185 per credit, $104,880 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
New York University offers an online-only Master of Arts in School Counseling. It does not require the GRE and offers a bilingual specialization for any language. The program can be taken either full-time or part-time and courses are offered both in the morning and evening to accommodate students with different schedules.
Touro University
- New York, NY
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Science
City: New York, NY
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $670 per credit hour, $40,200 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Touro University’s MS in School Counseling program is offered 100% online for maximum convenience for its students. A bilingual extension option is also available. Most students complete the full program within three years. Touro University provides relevant courses to its students such as Best Practices in Crisis Intervention and Classroom Management.
St. Bonaventure University
- St. Bonaventure, NY
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: St. Bonaventure, NY
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $825 per credit hour, $49,500 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
This program is 100% online, CACREP-accredited, and touts a 100% student pass rate on the certification exam. They also have a 100% job placement rate for students who complete the MSEd in School Counseling program. St. Bonaventure University offers rolling admissions and does not require the GRE.
CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Masters Programs in New York
There are ten CACREP-accredited school counseling masters programs in New York.
“CACREP” stands for Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This is a nationally recognized specialized accreditation for master’s and doctoral programs related to counseling. Attending a CACREP-accredited program can be a boost to your resume. In addition to the programs listed in this section, the online program at St. Bonaventure University is also CACREP-accredited.
CUNY Brooklyn College
- Brooklyn, NY
- 60-66 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: Brooklyn, NY
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60-66 credit hours
Tuition: $5,545 per semester, $27,725 estimated total program cost.
Program Overview:
CUNY Brooklyn College’s school counseling masters degree program is CACREP-accredited and does not require the GRE. The program offers a bilingual extension for qualified candidates who are fluent in a language other than English for an additional six credits. Students who pursue the bilingual extension must complete their fieldwork in a bilingual school setting.
St. John’s University
- Queens, NY
- 60 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: Queens, NY
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 Credit Hours
Tuition: $1,560 per credit, $93,600 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The MSEd at St. John’s University is CACREP-accredited and is dedicated to developing urban school counselors. The counselor education department hosts an active chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, a national counseling honor society for students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Students in this program are high-achievers, qualifying for this society and with a 100% pass rate on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE).
CUNY Hunter College
- New York, NY
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: New York, NY
Modality: In Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $11,090 per year, $22,180 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The Master of Science in Education at CUNY Hunter College is CACREP-accredited and also offers a bilingual concentration for six additional credits. However, this bilingual concentration is only for Spanish. Applicants should have 15-25 approved undergraduate credits in various social sciences. There is no GRE requirement.
Alfred University
- Alfred, NY
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education and Certificate of Advanced Study
City: Alfred, NY
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $21,640 per year, $43,280 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The CACREP-accredited school counseling program at Alfred University combines both a Master of Education and Certificate of Advanced study into one program, giving students a leg up when applying for jobs. Graduates from this program have a job completion rate of 95% over the past ten years. Applicants must submit GRE general test scores if their undergraduate GPA is lower than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
CUNY Lehman College
- Bronx, NY
- 60 hours
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: Bronx, NY
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $470 per credit, $28,200 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
CUNY Lehman College’s part-time, year-round school counseling graduate program is delivered via a hybrid model over three years. This plan of study is especially beneficial for working students. The program is accredited by both CACREP and CAEP and emphasizes an urban framework.
SUNY Brockport
- Brockport, NY
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: Brockport, NY
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $8,478 per semester assuming 9 credits, $67,824 estimated total program cost
Program 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. According to the counselor education webpage, 99% of graduates from the program from the past 12 years are employed in their field.
Mercy University
- Bronx/Westchester, NY
- 60 hours
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Science
City: Bronx/Westchester, NY
Modality: In-Person or Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $23,650 annual tuition, $70,950 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The masters program in school counseling at Mercy University stands out for its HEART grant opportunity. The HEART Grant places school counseling students in their second year where they are most needed and offers an educational stipend and tuition relief in exchange. This program is also CACREP-accredited and designed to be completed in either three or four years in-person or online.
Long Island University
- Rockland, NY
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: Rockland, NY
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $1,407 per credit, $84,420 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Long Island University offers its CACREP-accredited MSEd in School Counseling at its Hudson campuses located in Rockland, Westchester, and the West Point center. The courses in the program are specialized for future school counselors, such as Counseling the Special Education Student and College Admissions Process.
Syracuse University
- Syracuse, NY
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science
City: Syracuse, NY
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $1,945 per credit, $116,700 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Syracuse University has a reputation for being a top-tier teaching school. The MSEd in School Counseling is CACREP-accredited and is designed to be completed within two years on a full-time schedule that includes summers. There are also scholarships and tuition stipends for diverse candidates who will work with students with disabilities or in other high-need settings.
No GRE Required School Counseling Masters Programs in New York
New York State no longer requires those entering a master’s program in the education field to take the GRE. Therefore, few school counseling masters programs require applicants to submit GRE scores. In fact, the only two schools who require GRE scores (Alfred University and SUNY Oswego) only do so if a candidate has a low undergraduate GPA.
In addition to the programs described below, the following programs also do not require the GRE; Columbia University, Long Island University, Syracuse University, Mercy University, CUNY Lehman College, CUNY Hunter College, CUNY Brooklyn College, St. John’s University, SUNY New Paltz, CUNY Queens College, New York University, St. Bonaventure University, SUNY Oneonta, Touro University, SUNY Brockport, New York Institute of Technology, Hofstra University, and Fordham University.
Canisius College
- Buffalo, NY
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science
City: Buffalo, NY
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $945 per credit, $56,700 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The Master of Science in School Counseling at Canisius College focuses on preparing future school counselors not only to work one-on-one with students, but also in classroom guidance lessons and in collaboration with their colleagues in the school setting. The program can be completed on either a full-time or part-time schedule and applicants do not need to submit their GRE scores.
Niagara University
- Niagara University, NY
- 48 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: Niagara University, NY
Modality: In-Person
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $900 per credit hour, $43,200 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Niagara University’s MSEd in School Counseling program has small class sizes and does not require the GRE. They also offer students who already work in a school setting the option to complete their internship requirements by managing their employment so that students do not have to quit their jobs to intern.
Roberts Wesleyan University
- Rochester, NY
- 61 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science
City: Rochester, NY
Modality: In-Person
Length: 61 credit hours
Tuition: $815 per credit hour, $48,900 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Roberts Wesleyan is a private Christian school that offers both a Master of Science and a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Counseling. With courses such as Play Therapy, and Exceptionality and Diversity, this program prepares counselors to work with students of all ages and backgrounds. No GRE scores are required for admission to this program.
University of Rochester
- Rochester, NY
- 60 hours
- In-Person + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science
City: Rochester, NY
Modality: In-Person or Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $2,150 per credit hour, $129,000 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The University of Rochester’s School Counseling MS program has numerous courses with hybrid options. Up to 10 credits may be transferred from another program if they are approved. Students also have the option to test drive a class with the University of Rochester before making a full commitment. GRE scores are not required for admission to this program.
Russell Sage College
- Albany & Troy, New York
- 48 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science
City: Albany & Troy, New York
Modality: In-Person
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $645 per credit hour, $30,960 estimated total program cost.
Program Overview:
The School Counseling MS at Russell Sage College can also be completed with a Certificate of Advanced Study immediately after all MS credits are completed. This option will allow students to qualify for professional certification in New York State after graduation rather than provisional certification. The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
Manhattan University
- Riverdale, NY
- 60 Hours
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Riverdale, NY
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 60 Credit Hours
Tuition: $1,270 per credit hour, $76,200 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Manhattan University is a Catholic College located slightly north of New York City. Their MA in School Counseling is offered through a blended model with about 50% of classes being held in person and the other 50% completed online through asynchronous work. Live classes are held in the evenings and the program prides itself on welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.
New York’s Most Affordable School Counseling Masters Degree Programs
Like in most places, public universities are the most affordable options in New York State. Whether you choose a SUNY or a CUNY, your tuition will be much lower than the sticker price at a private college. Keep reading to learn more about a couple of New York’s most affordable school counseling masters degree programs.
SUNY New Paltz
- New Paltz, NY
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science
City: New Paltz, NY
Modality: In Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $5,655 per semester assuming 12 credits, $28,275 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
This program is designed to be completed in two years with summer classes but students may attend part-time and take up to five years to finish their coursework. The School Counseling program at SUNY New Paltz does not require GRE scores but preference may be given to applicants with a background in social sciences and/or human services.
CUNY Queens College
- Flushing, NY
- 60 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: Flushing, NY
Modality: In Person
Length: 60 Credit Hours
Tuition: $5,545 per semester, $22,180 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The school counseling program at CUNY Queens College is housed within the Department of Educational and Community Programs. It offers a bilingual extension program for those fluent in a language other than English. While GRE scores are not required, there are specific psychology pre-requisite courses that applicants must have completed for admittance to the program.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in New York?
The average salary for school counselors in New York is $61,700. This is on par with school counselors in the rest of the United States.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in New York?
Masters programs in school counseling in New York may be completed in as little as two years, while some may be completed over three or four years to balance other commitments.
What is the best school counseling program in New York?
New York has many graduate school counseling programs to choose from and it’s difficult to choose a singular “best” program. Syracuse University is an acclaimed education school with a prestigious school counseling program. Columbia University, an Ivy League school, also offers an esteemed school counseling program. Students on a budget should consider a SUNY or CUNY school. The rigorous program at CUNY Brooklyn College is an excellent choice, especially if they intend to pursue a bilingual extension.
