Anna Jankowski is a certified school counselor in Florida. She holds a Master of Arts in School Counseling from New York University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Hunter College. She currently works in a Title I public elementary school in West Palm Beach.
Students searching for a “master’s in college counseling” are often looking at several related career paths at once. Academic advisors, admissions counselors, student affairs professionals, student success advisors, school counselors, and counseling-focused student support professionals may all work with college-bound or college-enrolled students, but they often need different graduate degrees. This guide explains the strongest online pathways for 2026 and how to choose the degree that best fits your career goal.
Bottom line: There is no single standardized master’s degree in college counseling. The best online program depends on the role you want. School counseling programs fit students who want to support college readiness in K-12 schools. Higher education, student affairs, and college student personnel programs fit students interested in admissions, academic advising, student success, and campus leadership. Clinical or counselor education programs may be better for students who want counseling-focused or licensure-aligned roles.
At a Glance: Online Master’s Pathways for College Counseling Careers
| Question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| Is there one standard master’s in college counseling? | No. College counseling is a broad career area supported by several graduate pathways. |
| Common degree types | School counseling, counselor education, higher education administration, student affairs, college student personnel, educational counseling, and clinical mental health counseling |
| Common careers | Academic advisor, admissions counselor, enrollment counselor, student affairs coordinator, student success advisor, college access counselor, career counselor, school counselor, and college counselor |
| Is licensure required? | Sometimes. K-12 school counselors and clinical counseling roles usually require state licensure. Admissions, advising, and student affairs roles often do not. |
| Typical program length | Usually 1–3 years, depending on credit hours, enrollment pace, and internship requirements |
| Internship required? | Often required for counseling and school counseling programs. Internship expectations vary for higher education and student affairs programs. |
| Does CACREP matter? | CACREP matters most for counseling and licensure-aligned pathways. It is less common in higher education administration or student affairs programs. |
| Common work settings | High schools, colleges, universities, admissions offices, nonprofit college-access organizations, student support centers, career centers, and counseling centers |
| Online availability | Many related master’s programs are available online, but formats vary by program. Some are asynchronous, while others require live classes, residencies, internships, or practicum placements. |
What is college counseling?
College counseling is a broad student-support field that may include college access counseling, admissions guidance, academic advising, student affairs, student success support, career counseling, and counseling-related services for students preparing for or attending college.
College counseling encompasses assisting both prospective and current college students throughout their post-secondary education process. There are multiple jobs within the college counseling field. School counselors, college coaches, and admissions professionals focus on the application and acceptance portion of the college experience. Academic advisors, career counselors, and student affairs professionals assist students throughout their college experience and in planning for life after graduation. Clinical mental health counselors also work with college students to help them manage the stresses of their academic workloads and major life transitions.
College counseling-related professionals may work in high schools, colleges, universities, admissions offices, nonprofit college-access organizations, student support centers, career centers, counseling centers, and other student-facing settings.
The degree-naming problem: what should you actually search for?
There is no singular “college counseling” degree program. As discussed above, the college counseling field includes many different but related jobs. Finding the right program for you is about being clear on your specific career goals.
| If your career goal is… | The degree most commonly used is… |
|---|---|
| Advising high school students through college applications | M.Ed. in School Counseling |
| Working in college admissions | M.A./M.S. in Higher Education Administration |
| Academic advising on college campuses | M.Ed. in Student Affairs or Higher Education |
| Mental-health-adjacent student support | Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Student affairs leadership | Higher Education Administration or CSP |
How college counseling differs from school counseling
When people think about the college application process, they often think of their high school guidance counselor. The term “school counselor” is the preferred term to describe this job, and the role of the school counselor in the college process has expanded. As college admissions have become more competitive, school counselors at the high school level assist students and their parents in submitting the appropriate documentation, such as the FAFSA. School counselors may also advise secondary students to take advanced placement (AP) or other rigorous classes to improve their college options.
It’s important to note that school counselors work in both primary and secondary education settings. While school counselors can assist with the college process, this is only a portion of their work. School counselors have many other competing responsibilities on their campus aside from college counseling, even at the high school level.
Do you need licensure to become a college counselor?
Certain job roles do require licensure. School counselors who work in K-12 schools must hold the appropriate professional licensure. Admissions counselors, academic advisors, student affairs professionals, and other higher education leadership roles do not typically require a license. However, licensure requirements vary by employer and state.
For clinical counseling-focused roles, students should verify whether the program supports LPC, LMHC, or other state counseling licensure requirements. Higher education, admissions, academic advising, student affairs, and student success roles often do not require counseling licensure, but requirements vary by employer and state.
What types of master’s degrees support college counseling careers?
There are many master’s degrees that support college counseling careers. Keep reading to learn about the many different graduate degree pathways in the college counseling field.
School Counseling Programs
School counseling programs may be master’s degrees in science (MS), education (MEd), or the arts (MA). They train people to work at the primary and secondary levels. School counselors who work in high schools support students in the college application process. School counselors hold professional licensure at the state level.
Counselor Education Programs
Counselor education programs are most often master of education (MEd) or master of science (MS) degrees that prepare counselors to work primarily in clinical settings, such as in mental health clinics, schools, or inpatient settings (e.g., rehab). School counseling programs may also fall into this category in certain cases. Counselors in both clinical and school settings require professional licensure at the state level.
Higher Education Administration Programs
Higher education administration programs may be master of science (MS) or master of education (MEd) degrees. They train people to work in the management side of colleges and universities, overseeing budgets, curriculum planning, student enrollment, and more. These professionals do not typically hold a license.
Student Affairs and College Student Personnel Programs
Student Affairs and College Student Personnel programs are either Master of Education (MEd), Master of Arts (MA), or Master of Science (MS) degrees. These programs concern the non-academic side of the college experience for students and include diversity initiatives, extracurricular activities, student athletics, and other campus events. These professionals do not typically hold a license.
Educational Counseling Degrees
Educational counseling degrees may overlap with school counseling degrees, depending on the program and state licensure pathway. They may be master’s degrees in science (MS), education (MEd), or the arts (MA). They train people to work at the primary and secondary levels. School counselors who work in high schools support students in the college application process. School counselors hold professional licensure at the state level.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs
Clinical mental health counseling programs may be Master of Education (MEd), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Arts (MA) degrees.
They prepare counselors to work as therapists and other counselors focused on mental health. Clinical mental health counselors work in many different settings, including outpatient counseling offices, inpatient settings (e.g., hospitals, rehabs), and community-based organizations. Clinical mental health counselors hold professional licensure at either the state or national level.
How we evaluated these programs
To determine the best college counseling programs, we considered a number of factors:
- Accreditation: We looked for programs that allowed for state licensure and CACREP accreditation when applicable.
- Online flexibility: We prioritized programs with multiple start dates and self-paced coursework.
- Practicum/Internship support: We included programs that offered placement support during practicum and internships when applicable.
- Faculty expertise: We valued expert faculty in the field, especially with doctoral degrees.
- Specialization options: We included programs that allow for specialization within counseling and higher education administration.
- Tuition: We searched for programs that offer a great financial value and scholarship opportunities.
- Career alignment: We emphasized programs that offered multiple pathways to various roles in college counseling and higher education at large.
Please note that this is not a ranking list. The first program listed is not “the best,” and the last program is not “the worst” out of ten. Programs are organized by career alignment. The best program for you depends on your career goals, budget, and individual lifestyle.
Program tuition, deadlines, start dates, and format details were reviewed in June 2026. Students should confirm current costs, fees, admissions deadlines, internship requirements, and licensure alignment directly with each university before applying.
Best online master’s programs for college counseling careers in 2026
Best for College Admissions Counseling
Penn State
- 30 credits
Program:
Master of Education in Higher Education
Length: 30 credit hours
Tuition: $1,037 per credit hour, $31,110 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Career Pathways: Academic Affairs Director, Admissions Director
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: April 1, 2027, to start on August 23, 2027
Direct link to program admissions page:
https://gradschool.psu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply
Program Overview: Penn State has offered master’s programs in higher education for over 50 years. Students can choose their pace to earn their degree in as little as one year or in up to four years. Courses are offered on either a 12-week or 15-week schedule during the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
Why We Like This Program:
- Penn State World Campus is highly rated by US News & World Report, especially for its educational master’s programs.
- This program offers an optional internship, which is recommended for students who do not have prior experience working in higher education.
- This program can also be combined with a graduate certificate in Institutional Research for an additional 15 credits.
Additional Considerations:
- Students must be certain that their computer meets the technical requirements of this program.
- Graduate students pay a flat fee of $12,448 per semester if they take 12 or more credits. For students who are able to take more than 12 credits, this offers substantial cost savings.
Northeastern University
- 34 credits
Program:
Master of Education in Educational Administration
Length: 34 credit hours
Tuition: $831 per credit hour, $28,254 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Career Pathways: Admissions Counseling, Academic Advising, Student Affairs
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: August 3, 2026, for a fall semester start date in either September or November.
Direct link to program admissions page:
https://graduate.northeastern.edu/admissions-aid/
Program Overview: Northeastern University emphasizes group-based work and networking in this program. This is exemplified by the annual Graduate School of Education residency that is held in Boston, which is open to all current students and program alumni.
Why We Like This Program:
- Alumni from this program have gone on to work at prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, Tufts University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
- US News & World Report rated Northeastern University as the eighth most innovative school in the country in 2024.
- The program features a proud emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) coursework.
Additional Considerations:
- This program appears to be transitioning from a 45-credit program in a quarterly format to a 34-credit program in a semester-based format beginning in fall 2026. See the changes here.
- It is unclear if this program can be completed on a part-time basis. Applicants who need a part-time schedule should verify with the department directly.
Best for Academic Advising Careers
Sacred Heart University
- 36 credits
Program:
Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $785 per credit hour, $28,260 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Career Pathways: Academic Advisor, Enrollment Manager, Student Affairs Director
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: Rolling admissions with multiple starts per year. Next term starts in August.
Direct link to program admissions page:
https://www.sacredheart.edu/majors–programs/higher-education–student-affairs—ma/admission-requirements/
Program Overview: Sacred Heart University offers a highly flexible online Higher Education & Student Affairs MA with self-paced, asynchronous coursework. Students can complete the program in two years by taking one class for every eight-week term, or they can double up and finish in one year.
Why We Like This Program:
- Sacred Heart University has been highly rated by various news sources, such as The Princeton Review, US News & World Report, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.
- There is a Bachelor’s-Master’s of Arts in Higher Education dual degree program that can be completed over five years for those who do not have an undergraduate degree.
- If you already work in higher education, you may qualify for a three-credit waiver for professional experience, which allows you to save time and money.
Additional Considerations:
While the program is delivered in an asynchronous format, students are required to complete a 150-hour internship.
California Lutheran University
- 45 credits
Program:
Master of Science in College Counseling and Student Personnel
Length: 45 credit hours
Tuition: $875 per credit hour, $39,375 total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Career Pathways: College Counseling, Academic Advisor, Administrative Leadership, Student Affairs
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: Priority deadline: September 1st, 2026. Final deadline November 10th, 2026, to start on January 11, 2027.
Direct link to program admissions page:
https://www.callutheran.edu/programs/graduate/msc-csp/admissions/
Program Overview: Cal Lutheran is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) that offers an online version of its Master of Science in College Counseling and Student Personnel degree. The online program is designed to be completed in under two years with a blend of both synchronous classes and asynchronous learning.
Why We Like This Program:
- The curriculum is focused exclusively on college counseling and student affairs – not the broader field of counseling in general.
- Cal Lutheran offers the STRIVE Scholars program to support first-generation college students, including graduate students.
- Multiple scholarship opportunities are available for graduate students.
Additional Considerations:
- This program requires a total of 300 hours of in-person internship work.
Best for Student Affairs Leadership
The University of Southern California
- 30 credits
Program:
Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs
Length: 30 units
Tuition: $2,539 per unit, $76,170 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Career Pathways: Academic Advising, Student Affairs, Other Administrative Leadership Roles
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: July 10, 2026, to start on August 24, 2026
Direct link to program admissions page:
https://www.usc.edu/graduate-professional/?search-by-keyword=student
Program Overview: USC Online allows students to complete its rigorous Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) Master’s program from anywhere in the country on either a full-time or part-time schedule. Students complete a culminating capstone project to solve a problem in student affairs that they present at a research symposium.
Why We Like This Program:
- All applicants to this program are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships between $15,000-$30,000.
- There is no in-person practicum or internship requirement or on-campus residency requirement.
- Full-time students can complete this program in as little as one year.
Additional Considerations:
- Without a scholarship or financial aid, the tuition for this program is expensive.
- Online classes are held from 4 pm – 6 pm and/or 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Pacific Time, which may be difficult for students on the East Coast.
Southern New Hampshire University
- 36 credits
Program:
Master of Science in Higher Education Administration
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $659 per credit hour, $23,724 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Career Pathways: Student Affairs, Student Recruitment and Retention
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: July 4th 2026, deadline for July 6th 2026 program start
Direct link to program admissions page:
https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/masters/ms-in-higher-education-administration
Program Overview: Southern New Hampshire University offers a highly flexible Master of Science in Higher Education Administration over ten-week sessions. Students complete coursework asynchronously with weekly discussion board posts. This program is geared towards those looking to work in leadership roles in higher education.
Why We Like This Program:
- Over 93% of students would recommend Southern New Hampshire University Online.
- 24/7 online tech support and library access for students
- Generous credit transfer policy from other institutions, CLEP, Google, and more.
Additional Considerations:
- There are no counseling courses in this program, as it is designed for those looking to move into leadership roles within academia.
Best Budget-Friendly Online Options
The University of Louisville
- 30 credits
Program:
Master of Arts in Higher Education and Workforce Development
Length: 30 credit hours
Tuition: $850 per credit hour, $25,500 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Career Pathways: Academic Advisor, Other Administrative Leadership Positions
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: August 1, 2026, for an August start date (note: students are admitted on a rolling basis).
Direct link to program admissions page: https://graduate.louisville.edu/admission/apply
Program Overview: The courses in the online Master of Arts in Higher Education and Workforce Development at the University of Louisville are offered on an 8-week schedule, asynchronously. This allows students from all time zones to complete their coursework at the most convenient times for them. This program also has specializations to choose from so that the plan of study aligns most with its students’ goals.
Why We Like This Program:
- At $25,500, the University of Louisville offers an affordable pathway into higher education administrative positions.
- Active duty military members receive a tuition discount of $250 per credit hour ($7,500 estimated total program cost).
- This program is open to international students, but they will not be issued a visa due to the remote nature of the program.
Additional Considerations:
- This program requires students to complete a 105-hour internship during their final nine credit hours, even with work experience in higher education.
- While the program offers multiple concentrations, the student affairs concentration is not available in an online format.
Tiffin University
- 30 credits
Program:
Master of Education in Higher Education Administration
Length: 30 credit hours
Tuition: $635 per credit hour, $19,050 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Career Pathways: Student Affairs, Academic Advisor, Student Enrollment Specialist, Student Services Coordinator
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: Rolling Admissions, next start date June 29, 2026.
Direct link to program admissions page: https://go.tiffin.edu/apply-now/
Program Overview: This program is geared towards individuals who are looking to make a career change, such as K-12 education professionals looking to transition to higher education. Students can complete their coursework 100% online with no internship required in under two years.
Why We Like This Program:
- Over 96% of graduate alumni from Tiffin University “have a positive career outcome” shortly after graduation, which is higher than average.
- There are six separate start dates offered throughout the year so that students don’t need to wait to begin their coursework.
- 100% of program faculty hold a PhD in Higher Education Administration or a closely related field.
Additional Considerations:
- The course sequence for the Higher Education Administration MEd program is not publicly available.
Best CACREP-Aligned Counseling Pathways
North Carolina State University
- 60 credits
Program:
Master of Education in College Counseling and Student Development
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $568.33 per credit hour, $34,099 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: Yes
GRE required: No
Career Pathways: Academic Advisor, College Counselor, Career Counselor, Student Affairs
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: December 1st for the summer semester start
Direct link to program admissions page: https://grad.ncsu.edu/admissions/
Program Overview: Students who are interested in counseling from a more scientific perspective but prefer to work in a college setting may be suited for North Carolina State University. This program focuses heavily on the Scientist-Practitioner Model and multiculturalism. Students complete a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, which is similar to the requirements for school counseling master’s programs.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students who complete this program will also be eligible to become Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors in North Carolina.
- The program utilizes a cohort model so that students progress through their classes together.
- Online students attend classes part-time and can expect to complete the program in three years.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is designed for residents of North Carolina, as the internship must be completed within North Carolina.
East Carolina University
- 60 credits
Program:
Master of Science in Counselor Education
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $277 per credit hour (in-state), $16,620 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: Yes
GRE required: No
Career Pathways: Academic Advisor, College Counselor, Student Affairs, School Counselor, Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: November 3rd to start in the spring semester
Direct link to program admissions page:
https://gradschool.ecu.edu/find-your-program/?id=889
Program Overview: East Carolina University’s Counselor Education program offers three specializations: school counseling, college counseling/student affairs, and clinical mental health counseling. All students take the same 45 core counseling courses, then choose their specialization course and electives.
Why We Like This Program:
- 91-100% of graduates find employment or are accepted into doctoral programs.
- Exceptionally affordable tuition rate for North Carolina residents.
- This program welcomes students from all professional backgrounds.
Additional Considerations:
- Students are required to complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship.
- Only two students graduated from the student affairs/college counseling specialization in the 2024-2025 school year. Students on this track likely received individual attention from the professor but may not have had as many networking opportunities based on the size of the program specialization.
What careers can you pursue with a college counseling-related master’s degree?
There are many careers you can pursue with a college counseling-related master’s degree. Keep reading below to learn about some potential roles.
Academic advisor
Academic advisors help college students decide which courses and degrees best align with their career goals. Their role is somewhere between that of a school counselor and a career counselor. Academic advisors work on college campuses and typically do not need to hold a specific professional license, although this can vary by state. Some academic advisors may have a background in a related field, such as school counseling or social work.
Admissions counselor
Admissions counselors recruit students to apply to and attend their respective schools. While “counselor” is in the job title, this position is more about recruitment and sales. Admissions counselors often travel to meet with prospective students at different high schools or college fairs. Working as an admissions counselor is an excellent way to gain experience in higher education. Since it’s typically an entry-level job, admissions counselors do not need to hold any kind of professional licensure.
Student affairs coordinator
Student affairs coordinators organize all non-academic aspects of the college experience for students. This includes important logistical issues, such as student housing. It also includes campus events and initiatives, such as diversity programming. Student government, athletics, and many other important college activities fall under the purview of student affairs. Student affairs coordinators do not necessarily hold a professional license, but the Higher Education Consortium For Student Affairs Certification offers several specialized certifications. Student affairs coordinators usually have a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with several years of experience.
Career counselor
A career counselor is a professional dedicated to helping adults find a career that fits their talents, skills, and values. Career counseling is a distinct field within counseling that utilizes its own assessments and theories. While they may work on a college campus, career counselors often work in their own private practices or community-based organizations/non-profits. They work with adults of all ages and at all stages of their careers. Career counselors may be licensed mental health counselors or become Certified Career Counselors via the National Career Development Association (NCDA).
Dean of students (advanced trajectory)
The dean of students at a college or university is the head of student life. They are in charge of the student affairs department, which deals with all things non-academic on campus. The dean of students can also advocate for students with the administration, if necessary. Becoming a dean of students requires many years of experience working in higher education, usually in student affairs. A dean of students may also hold a doctoral degree. There is no professional license requirement to be a dean of students.
Salary data for college counseling-related careers can be difficult to compare because federal data groups several roles together. Academic advisors, career counselors, school counselors, admissions professionals, student affairs professionals, and postsecondary administrators may fall into different categories depending on employer and job duties.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies school counselors, career counselors, and advisors as the same profession when collecting data. The median pay for these professions is about $65,000, with the lowest 10% earning under $44,000 and the highest 10% earning over $105,000. Those working in public colleges and universities earn slightly more on average than their counterparts in private colleges and universities. The demand for school counselors, career counselors, and advisors is expected to grow 4%, which is about as fast as the average for all jobs.
Similarly, the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not collect data on student affairs coordinators alone, but it does track postsecondary education administrators. The median pay is about $104,000, with the lowest 10% earning about $64,000 and the highest 10% earning over $212,000. While the earning potential for postsecondary education administrators is much higher than that of career counselors and advisors, there are far fewer positions available. In fact, the demand for postsecondary education administrators is expected to grow only 2% over the next ten years. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics clarifies that it predicts that there will be a need for admissions officers, registrars, and student affairs workers as more people pursue higher education.
What to look for in an online college counseling program
There are several important factors to consider when selecting which online college counseling program to apply for. Firstly, you must make sure that the program is properly accredited. CACREP is considered the gold standard for many counseling programs, but other regional accreditations are common, too (e.g., SACSCOC, HLC, etc.)
Not all online programs are created equally. Some require participation in live, or synchronous, class sessions with a professor and classmates. This is a great way to better comprehend the material and also network with others. Some online programs even offer networking opportunities in person, like Northeastern University.
Other programs may operate on an asynchronous basis, meaning that there are no live classes to attend. The benefit of this is complete flexibility in completing your coursework. However, you need to be a self-starter and be able to process the material without a live lecture or class discussion to guide you.
Some programs require lengthy internships. This is universally true for school counseling master’s programs. It is less common to require an internship for master’s degrees in higher education or student affairs.
Master’s programs in any field should also offer significant support for their students. Be sure to inquire about student support services, especially IT support for remote online programs! Additionally, job placement services should be easily accessible with a solid track record of success.
Are CACREP programs better for college counseling?
CACREP stands for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. It is considered the gold standard for accreditation of school counseling programs. Both clinical mental health and school counseling master’s programs are often CACREP-accredited.
CACREP accreditation can help programs meet educational standards associated with counselor credentialing and licensure pathways, including pathways that may support National Counselor Certification. The education departments in certain states require a master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program for professional licensure as a school counselor. Since state licensure requirements vary, it is helpful for school counselors and clinical mental health counselors to graduate from a CACREP-accredited program so that their professional license is more likely to transfer if they move.
It is less common for college counseling programs to be CACREP-accredited because most college counseling professionals (academic advisors, enrollment advisors, admissions professionals, student affairs professionals, etc.) do not need to hold a professional license. CACREP-accredited programs typically offer a more clinical perspective to college counseling than other programs, but also require hefty practicum and internships. Whether or not graduating from a CACREP-accredited program makes sense depends on your specific professional goals.
Online vs. campus-based college counseling programs
Online master’s programs have exploded in popularity in recent years. One of the biggest advantages of online programs is the flexibility of being able to learn from anywhere. Some online programs are self-paced and allow students to complete their coursework entirely on their own schedule. This is great for students with work or caretaking obligations that can’t commit to a rigid schedule.
One of the drawbacks of online programs is that there may be less of an opportunity to bond with classmates. Regular class discussions, especially in a cohort model, build rapport and challenge students intellectually. This also opens up networking possibilities.
Some online programs have aimed to bridge this gap with in-person residencies. These are short-term visits to the campus, usually 2-5 days, that occur sporadically throughout the program. Additionally, many online college counseling programs require students to complete in-person practicums and internships to gain real-world experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a specific master’s degree in college counseling?
No, there are many master’s degrees that are used to enter the college counseling field, such as school counseling, higher education administration, and student affairs programs.
Do college admissions counselors need a master’s degree?
No, college admissions counselors do not need a master’s degree, but it can be helpful and necessary for moving into leadership positions within college admissions.
Can school counselors work in college admissions?
No, school counselors typically do not work for college admissions. They work in K-12 schools and may help students navigate the college application process. Some school counselors may later transition into admissions or higher education roles.
What is the difference between academic advising and counseling?
Academic advising is the process of helping college students decide which degree pathway and courses will help them reach their intended career goal after graduation. Counseling can include academics, but also focuses on mental health.
Are higher education counseling programs CACREP-accredited?
The majority of higher education counseling programs are not CACREP-accredited. Some higher education counseling programs are CACREP-accredited, such as those offered by East Carolina University and North Carolina State University.
Do academic advisors need counseling licenses?
No, academic advisors typically are not required to hold any type of professional license.
Can you work in student affairs with a counseling degree?
Yes, you can work in student affairs with a counseling degree. Many colleges and universities look for candidates with a degree in counseling to work in student affairs.
How long does an online college counseling-related master’s program take?
Typically, an online college counseling-related master’s program takes between one and three years to complete.
Is student affairs the same as counseling?
No, student affairs is not the same as counseling. Student affairs concerns the non-academic side of the college experience, such as campus life, diversity initiatives, and extracurricular activities. Counseling involves supporting students with both their academics and mental health challenges.
What degree is best for college advising careers?
A master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, school counseling, counseling, or a related field can support college advising careers. The best fit depends on whether you want to work in academic advising, admissions, student affairs, K-12 college readiness, or counseling-focused student support.
Sources
- https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/ee8b2e1b-d021-4575-982c-c84402cb2cd2/Role-Statement.pdf
- https://nacada.ksu.edu/Resources/Clearinghouse/View-Articles/Definitions-of-academic-advising
- https://www.naspa.org/about/about-student-affairs/about-student-affairs
- https://www.uh.edu/dsa/csam/whatis/index.php
- https://studentaffairscertification.org/certifications/student-affairs-educator-certification
- https://lccnc.org/what_is_an_lcmhc.php
- https://www.ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/credentialing_home_page
- https://www.cacrep.org/about-cacrep/
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm#tab-5
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm#tab-6
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm#tab-5
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm#tab-6