There are 25 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, such as New York University and Roberts Wesleyan University, scattered throughout the Empire State. Keep reading to learn more about the school counseling masters programs offered in New York.
New York School Counseling Programs Quick Facts
- Number of School Counseling Programs in New York: 25
- CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Programs: 12
- Hybrid or Online School Counseling Programs in New York: 9
- Tuition Cost Range: $22,180 – $155,040
- Average Cost of Tuition: $61,881
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Columbia is an Ivy League institution. Graduates from this program will have earned a prestigious degree.
Additional Considerations:
- Classes are typically offered during the day and it is difficult to complete this program on a part-time basis or while working.
- Columbia University’s tuition is extremely expensive and this is the most expensive school counseling program in New York. It is likely among the most expensive in the United States.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can begin this program in either the spring or fall semester
- This program is designed to be completed in two years.
Additional Considerations:
- 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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can pursue a 15-credit bilingual extension in addition to the 60 credits of regular coursework.
- Fordham University is a Jesuit institution, which could be a good option for students seeking a Catholic education.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
- Fordham University’s tuition is expensive.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students complete educational law seminars throughout their plan of study.
- Students can begin this program in either the fall or spring semester.
Additional Considerations:
- 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.
Why We Like This Program:
- A bilingual extension is available for six additional credits.
- New York Tech offers some graduate scholarships.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is typically completed in three years.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students in this program have the option to pursue a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in school counseling if they want additional education beyond the master’s level.
- Students can complete this on a full-time or part-time basis.
Additional Considerations:
- Internships and practicum cannot be completed in a school district where one has attended school, works, or has worked for in the past five years. This could mean that a substantial commute may be necessary to complete the internship requirement.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- A bilingual extension is available (but limited information is on the program site).
- This program is spread out over three years on a part-time schedule.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants with an undergraduate concentration in psychology of at least 12 credits are preferred.
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 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.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- Students can also add on an Advanced Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling immediately after completing the school counseling program.
Additional Considerations:
- 61% of students complete the school counseling program, which may indicate that students find it difficult to meet all degree requirements.
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. 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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students may complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis.
- The GRE is not required.
Additional Considerations:
- Admission to this program is competitive.
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).
Why We Like This Program:
- 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.
- The GRE is not required.
Additional Considerations:
- At $1,560 per credit hour, St. John’s University has a high tuition cost.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Classes are held in the afternoons and evenings to accommodate working students.
- Students complete fieldwork in both primary and secondary school settings.
Additional Considerations:
- Admission to this program is competitive.
- The application deadline for this program is February 1st for a fall semester start.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Alfred University offers significant financial aid to its graduate students.
- Students can complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis.
Additional Considerations:
- 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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can complete this program either as a hybrid program or entirely online.
- This program focuses on social justice and anti-racism.
Additional Considerations:
- The application deadline is March 15th and students begin their coursework in the fall term.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- 99% of graduates from the program from the past 12 years are employed in their field.
- Students can also become a Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor – Trainee.
- Students can complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is designed to be completed in 2.5 years.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is designed to be completed in either three or four years in-person or online.
- Students can also pursue an Advanced Certificate in Alcohol/Substance Abuse Counseling (CASAC) in addition to the school counseling degree.
Additional Considerations:
- Application deadlines are not clearly stated. Prospective students should contact Mercy University directly for more information.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Several advanced certificates are also available, including in school counseling and crisis management.
- There is a 15-credit bilingual extension option for school counselors.
Additional Considerations:
- The application deadlines are not clearly stated on the website. Prospective students should contact Long Island University directly for more information.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Graduates of this program have a 100% employment rate over the past three years.
- There is the option to possibly complete the program part-time with “careful planning.”
Additional Considerations:
- Syracuse University has extremely expensive tuition.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- Canisius College also offers a Certificate of Advanced Study in Clinical Mental Health that’s available to school counseling students.
Additional Considerations:
- Students must take an empathy test and The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-II (MMPI-II) for admission to this program.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis with classes typically held in the evenings.
- Niagara University is a Catholic institution, which could be a good fit for those who prioritize a faith-based education.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Roberts Wesleyan University has a generous transfer credit policy, allowing for up to 30 credits from an accredited institution to be transferred.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in psychology are preferred.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students also have the option to test drive a class with the University of Rochester before making a full commitment.
- Students take classes that delve into the social context of what students face, such as family dynamics.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is extremely expensive.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Classes are held on weekday afternoons and evenings with some weekend classes. This is to accommodate working students.
- There are multiple program tracks for various levels of experience and certification in school counseling in New York.
Additional Considerations:
- Russell Sage College offers rolling admissions, so students can begin in the fall, spring, or summer semester.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- School counseling graduates have the option to pursue an Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling to work towards dual licensure in New York.
- Courses are held from 4:30 – 6:20 pm and 6:30 – 8:20 pm Monday through Thursday to accommodate working students.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants ideally have an undergraduate degree in behavioral science.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program accepts up to 9 transfer credits.
- The GRE is not required.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students may complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis.
- This program boasts a 100% exam pass rate, 90% completion rate, and 94% job placement rate.
Additional considerations:
- The deadline to apply is March 1st for a fall semester start.
School Counseling In New York
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.
School Counselor Certification In New York
New York offers two versions of its school counseling certification. Initial certification can be earned after completing 48 credit hours of graduate coursework in school counseling. Professional certification can be earned after completing 60 credit hours of graduate coursework in school counseling. Candidates for school counselor certification in New York will need to pass the new School Counselor Content Specialty Test. School counselors are certified for grades K through 12. More information about school counselor certification in New York can be found here.
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.
