The Natural State is home to nearly 475,000 students in Arkansas’ K-12 public school system. With an additional 30,000 children attending private schools, Arkansas is committed to meeting the growing demands for student support services, including school counselors.
Arkansas is home to eight school counseling masters degree programs, in schools showcasing the state’s diverse landscape: urban research centers, the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, and agricultural areas. Individuals hoping to pursue a career as a school counselor will be pleasantly surprised at Arkansas colleges and universities’ range of options and affordability. Read below to learn about the school counseling masters programs available in Arkansas.
Masters Programs in Arkansas To Become a School Counselor
In 2019, Arkansas passed legislation (SB 199) that defined the essential duties of a school counselor. This bill mandates 90 percent of a school counselor’s time allotted for direct student services such as responsive interventions and assessments, as well as indirect services like family, staff, and community collaboration and consultation.
Arkansas’ school counseling masters programs meet the growing need to train skilled and compassionate professionals in this dynamic field. Through a variety of affordable and flexible programs, future school counselors will find that obtaining a master’s degree is attainable through the following options.
University of Arkansas Fayetteville
- Fayetteville
- 60 hours
- In-person
City: Fayetteville
Modality: In person
Degree: MS
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: In-state $5,355 per semester; Out-of-state $14,566 per semester
Program Overview:
This CACREP-accredited program is located at the University of Arkansas’ flagship institution in the Ozarks. With 100% program completion, board pass, and post-graduation employment rates, this in-person program prepares students to serve the growing population and economy of Northwest Arkansas.
Online School Counseling Masters Programs in Arkansas
Working professionals or those seeking flexibility while pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling will be pleased to learn of three fully online options available through institutions in Arkansas. Furthermore, tuition rates are the same for in-state residents and out-of-state students.
Arkansas State University
- Jonesboro
- 48 hours
- Online
City: Jonesboro
Modality: Online
Degree: MSEd
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: $3,060 per semester
Program Overview:
Arkansas State University’s CAEP-accredited (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) program offers three concentrations within its school counseling track: General, which gives a broad overview of school counseling and general populations; Special Populations, addressing students with diverse needs; and Crisis and Trauma, giving practitioners tools to support students with adverse childhood experiences.
University of Arkansas Little Rock
- Little Rock
- 48 hours
- Online
City: Little Rock
Modality: Online
Degree: MA
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: $3,564 per semester
Program Overview:
This fully online, CAEP-accredited program emphasizes delivery of direct services and leveraging resources to support school populations By encouraging students to be self-directed learners, the University of Arkansas Little Rock’s school counseling masters programs prepares graduates to serve in the K-12 public and private school systems.
University of Central Arkansas
- Conway
- 48 hours
- Online
City: Conway
Modality: Online
Degree: MS
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: $3,141 per semester
Program Overview:
The University of Central Arkansas’ school counseling masters program can be completed in two years. The online delivery includes independent work and synchronous meetings, and the program offers tuition reimbursement for students with existing educator licenses.
CACREP Accredited School Counseling Masters Programs in Arkansas
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs establishes standards for instruction and curriculum for counselor preparation programs. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program can positively influence employment prospects, as these programs are recognized for their quality and commitment to developing skilled practitioners. In addition to the University of Arkansas Fayetteville, the following programs are also CACREP-accredited.
Harding University
- Searcy
- 48 hours
- Hybrid
City: Searcy
Modality: Hybrid
Degree: MS
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: $6,100 per semester
Program Overview:
Harding University’s school counseling master program is delivered hybrid, with classes in-person and online. Cohorts are small, and the program can be completed in two years. The Christian-affiliated university focuses on teaching future practitioners current best practices in the school setting, including cognitive and behavioral interventions.
Henderson State University
- Arkadelphia
- 60 hours
- In-Person
City: Arkadelphia
Modality: In person
Degree: MSEd
Length: 60 hours
Tuition: In-state $3,060 per semester; Out-of-state $ 4,239 per semester
Program Overview:
Aspiring school counselors attending Henderson State University are well prepared to support Arkansas’ K-12 population. The school counseling masters program emphasizes counseling theory, clinical skills, and professional identity. As a result, the program boasts a 100% board licensure pass rate.
No GRE Required School Counseling Masters Programs in Arkansas
As demand for skilled professionals rises, many graduate programs are opting to review prospective applicants holistically. A combination of interviews, personal statements, and academic records are considered for the following school counseling master’s programs in Arkansas.
Arkansas Tech University
- Russellville
- 45 hours
- Hybrid
City: Russellville
Modality: Hybrid
Degree: MSEd
Length: 45 hours
Tuition: $5,113 per semester
Program Overview:
Located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Arkansas Tech University’s school counseling program weaves practical skills with counseling theory. The program’s format is hybrid, with once-per-month in-person meetings. ATU boasts a 100% pass rate on school counselor board licensure exams.
Southern Arkansas University
- Magnolia
- 48 hours
- In-person
City: Magnolia
Modality: In-person
Degree: MEd
Length: 48 hours
Tuition: In-state $6,894 per semester; Out-of-state $9,810 per semester
Program Overview:
Southern Arkansas University’s school counseling masters program offers two pathways-initial licensure for applicants who do not possess an existing educator’s license and a standard pathway for licensed teachers. The program builds future practitioners’ skills by building on the professional competencies outlined in the American School Counseling Association’s National Model.
Arkansas’s Most Affordable School Counseling Masters Programs
Individuals interested in pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling will be pleased with the options available in Arkansas. At $340 per credit hour and fully online delivery, Arkansas State University’s program combines affordability and accessibility. The tuition rate is standard for both Arkansas residents and out-of-state students, making Arkansas State University the most affordable school counseling master’s program in the state.
Accelerated Arkansas School Counseling Masters Programs
Although no school counseling masters programs in Arkansas are specifically designated as accelerated, six programs offer the chance to earn a degree in 48 credit hours or less. Requiring only 45 hours to complete, Arkansas Tech University’s hybrid MSEd program is the fastest path to a master’s degree in school counseling.
FAQs
How Much Does a School Counselor Make in Arkansas?
Factors such as cost of living, previous experience, and school district can influence a school counselor’s salary. The salary range for school counselors in Arkansas is $43,00 to $64,000, and the average is $52, 957.
How Long Does It Take to Become a School Counselor in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, school counseling master’s degree programs require students to complete between 45 to 60 credit hours, which includes coursework and supervised clinical experience. Upon passing the Praxis School Counseling test, prospective school counselors are eligible for licensure. This entire process can take 2 to 3 years, depending on the length of the program and the number of credit hours taken per semester.
What Is The Best School Counseling Program in Arkansas?
Arkansas colleges and universities offer many options for prospective school counselors to pursue their master’s degrees. Affordability, delivery, accreditation, and program statistics are factors to consider when choosing an institution to further one’s education. The University of Arkansas Fayetteville’s CACREP-accredited program stands out among the state’s many options. The in-person delivery and 100% program completion, board exam pass rate, and post-graduation employment rate make the University of Arkansas Fayetteville the state’s top institution for future school counselors.
SCM Masters Programs in Other States
Oklahoma
Mississippi
Missouri
Louisiana
Tennessee
Kansas