Alabama has 743,012 students spread in 1,479 public schools. Compared to the majority of the United States, Alabama public school students often underperform in both math and ELA at primary and secondary levels. The student-to-school counselor ratio is 398:1, which is much higher than the American School Counselor Association’s recommended ratio of 250:1, but lower than the nationwide average of 444:1. A shortage of school counselors often means that there is a great need for their skillsets in many places.
School counselors play a pivotal role in the lives of their students. In Alabama, all ninth-grade students must have a four-year plan to help them prepare for college and career options after graduation. In elementary and middle schools, school counselors will provide emotional and academic support to their students in either individual sessions, group sessions, or classroom guidance.
Masters Programs In Alabama To Become A School Counselor
There are thirteen school counseling masters degree programs offered by public and private institutions in Alabama.
Alabama is home to a diverse array of higher education institutions. From Historically Black Colleges and Universities, prestigious state schools, to Christian colleges, everyone is sure to find their best fit.
None of the thirteen programs require applicants to submit their GRE scores (unless their undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 in the case of The University of Alabama).
An important note: Alabama had previously required anyone pursuing a masters degree in school counseling to work as a certified teacher for two years. Prospective candidates should be mindful that many, though not all, of the programs listed below maintain this requirement.
Keep reading to learn more about the programs available!
Alabama A&M University
- Huntsville, AL
- 60-66 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science
City: Huntsville, AL
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60-66 credits
Tuition: $422 per credit hour, $25,320 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Alabama A&M University offers a school counseling graduate degree. The program is a minimum of 60 credits as well as a thesis option for an additional 6 credits. Students can complete the program on either a full-time or part-time schedule.
Tuskegee University
- Tuskegee, AL
- 45 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Dual Degree, MA
City: Tuskegee, AL
Modality: In-Person
Length: 45 Credit Hours
Tuition: $696 per credit hour, $31,320 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Tuskegee University is the #3 ranked HBCU in the country. They offer a unique hybrid masters program in both Educational Psychology and School Counseling. For those interested in possibly pursuing school counseling and school psychology, this degree may be beneficial. It’s important to note that this program is quite different from other school counseling masters programs. It may not satisfy the requirements for school counseling on its own.
Online School Counseling Masters Programs In Alabama
There are five total fully online school counseling masters degree programs based in colleges and universities in Alabama.
Online graduate programs have become increasingly popular, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. The ease of being able to take classes from anywhere can mean less time and money spent on commuting. In addition to the programs listed below, the following schools also offer online school counseling masters degree programs: Auburn University and The University of West Alabama.
Here are the online school counseling masters programs available in Alabama:
Troy University
- Troy, AL
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: Troy, AL
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $475 per credit hour, $28,500 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
This CACREP-accredited school counseling masters degree program is fully online with synchronous (live) and asynchronous course content. This allows for students with different schedules to complete their degree. Troy University’s curriculum emphasizes psychology with courses like “Behavior Pathology” and “Diagnosis and Treatment Planning.”
Faulkner University
- Montgomery, AL
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Education
City: Montgomery, AL
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $475 per semester hour, $28,500 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
If you’re looking for a school counseling program through a Christian framework, Faulkner University is a strong contender. Their Master of Education in School Counseling program is fully online, making it ideal for learners in all locations. Students receive the same quality of instruction as graduate students at any of Faulkner’s multiple campuses.
Alabama State University
- Montgomery, AL
- 60 Hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Education
City: Montgomery, AL
Modality: Online
Length: 60 Credit Hours
Tuition: $12,628 per year, $25,256 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Alabama State University stands out as a historically black college/university (HBCU). Their school counseling classes are held entirely online both synchronously (live) and asynchronously. The plan of study requires a course in exceptional student education, highlighting Alabama State University’s commitment to diversity. This program is CACREP-accredited and students will be prepared to take the national counselor exam for licensure.
CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Masters Programs In Alabama
There are a total of ten CACREP-accredited Master of School Counseling programs in the state of Alabama.
“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 boost your resume. In addition to the programs listed in this section, the programs at Alabama State University, Troy University, The University of West Alabama, and Jacksonville State University are also CACREP-accredited.
Auburn University
- Auburn, AL
- 60 hours
- Online + In-person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Auburn, AL
Modality: In-person or Online
Length: 60 Credit hours
Tuition: $5,508 per semester assuming 9 credit hours, $36,720 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
This CACREP-accredited MEd can be completed either in-person on campus or remotely online. Students will take the national certification examination. Auburn University pioneered the School Counseling Initiative Program (SCIP) in which school counseling graduate students and college of nursing students collaborate to address the needs of vulnerable students in rural Alabama.
The University of Montevallo
- Montevallo, AL
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Montevallo, AL
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $438 per credit hour, $26,280 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The University of Montevallo offers several counseling concentrations at the graduate level, including school counseling. The MEd in School Counseling is CACREP-accredited and requires a minimum 2.5 GPA with no GRE scores. Students will also take courses in play therapy, counseling suicidal students, and classroom management to fully prepare them after graduation.
The University of North Alabama
- Florence, AL
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts in Education
City: Florence, AL
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $495 per credit hour, $29,700 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
$495 per credit hour, $29,700 estimated total program cost
Overview: The University of North Alabama opened in 1872 as the first state-supported teachers’ college south of the Ohio River. While program offerings have expanded, the university’s focus on education has remained steadfast. This CACREP-accredited program has a focus on diversity with course requirements including: “survey of students with disabilities” and “social and cultural diversity in counseling.”
The University of South Alabama
- Mobile, AL
- 60 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Mobile, AL
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 Credit Hours
Tuition: $480 per credit hour, $28,800 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The University of South Alabama’s master degree program in school counseling stands out for not requiring previous teaching experience. The CACREP-accredited program highlights that it welcomes candidates from diverse professional backgrounds. Students have the option to complete this program over five or seven semesters to best align with their schedules.
Auburn University at Montgomery
- Montgomery, AL
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Montgomery, AL
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $465 per credit hour, $27,900 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The Master of Education in School Counseling program at Auburn University at Montgomery is CACREP-accredited. While the program is advertised as being in-person, many of the courses are offered in a hybrid format for greater flexibility. Auburn University at Montgomery also offers an Education Specialist (EdS) in School Counseling which is conducted fully online. Some of the MEd courses fulfill requirements for the EdS as well.
The University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 60 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Tuscaloosa, AL
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 Credit Hours
Tuition: $670 per credit hour, $40,200 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The University of Alabama offers a CACREP-accredited Master of the Arts in school counseling. Students in this program will be required to take interdisciplinary courses from other departments, including Educational Research, Educational Psychology, and School Psychology. Students do not need to submit their GRE scores when applying unless their undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.
Alabama’s Most Affordable School Counseling Masters Programs
If you have your sights set on a budget-friendly school counseling master’s degree, Alabama has a great selection. There are both affordable online and in-person programs to choose from. Keep reading to learn about the costs and other details of these programs.
The University of West Alabama
- Livingston, AL
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Education
City: Livingston, AL
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $429 per credit hour, $25,740 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The University of West Alabama is proud of its reputation for affordability. With their CACREP-accredited online school counseling masters program, students from across the state are able to complete their degree within three years. Students are also matched with a mentor throughout their studies. For admission to this program, students must have two years of prior teaching experience.
Jacksonville State University
- Jacksonville, AL
- 60 hour
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Jacksonville, AL
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hour
Tuition: $410 per credit hour, $24,600 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Jacksonville State University offers a CACREP-accredited school counseling graduate degree program. This program is centered around nine elements; technological competence, professional identity, social and cultural diversity, human growth and development, career development, helping relationships, group work, assessment, research and program evaluation. Applicants should have prior work experience in education.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in Alabama?
School counselors in Alabama make approximately $51,000-$59,300 on average depending on the source. The highest-paying districts are Mobile, Huntsville, and Montgomery.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Alabama?
Until recently, the state of Alabama required all school counseling masters programs to only admit students who had worked as certified teachers for two years. Several colleges and universities still uphold this requirement. Earning a graduate degree in school counseling usually takes two to three years in Alabama, before accounting for any required teaching experience.
What is the best school counseling program in Alabama?
It’s tough to decide on a single “best” school counseling program in Alabama. There are numerous CACREP-accredited programs and niche colleges and universities. Auburn University offers the innovative SCIP partnership with nursing students to better serve rural students. For those seeking an online education, The University of West Alabama has an affordable, flexible program that matches each student with their own mentor.
