Georgia is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. It’s one of just eight states with over 11 million people. As of 2022, over 1.7 million students were enrolled in Georgia public schools. These students were spread out across over 2,200 schools in 180 different districts. With this boom in population comes the need for dedicated education professionals, including school counselors.
This need is so apparent that there is a new legislative initiative to hire more school counselors. GA HB59 was introduced on January 15, 2025, in the Georgia State House of Representatives. The bill aims to improve the current statewide student-to-school counselor ratio from 450:1 to the recommended ratio of 250:1. While it’s too soon to know what will become of this specific bill, it’s a good sign that policymakers recognize the importance of school counselors. Keep reading to learn how to become a school counselor in Georgia.
Masters Programs in Georgia To Become a School Counselor
There are ten Master of School Counseling programs in the state of Georgia offered by both public and private higher education institutions.
Georgia is home to a plethora of higher education options. Not only is there a robust statewide public university network, but there are also numerous private options including HBCUs, Christian and women’s colleges. Not every college or university in Georgia has a graduate program to become a school counselor but there are still several to choose from. If you’re on a budget, you’ll be happy to know that multiple state schools offer a master’s degree in school counseling. Many are on-campus, while some are online or blended (part in-person, part online). Keep reading to find which program is the right fit for you.
Georgia State University
- Atlanta & Alpharetta
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education (MEd)
City: Atlanta and Alpharetta
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 hours
Tuition and Fees: ~$5,436 per semester
Program Overview:
Georgia State University offers its Masters of Education in School Counseling on two campuses: Atlanta and Alpharetta. The program features a strong emphasis on anti-racism and social justice with “community-based, hands-on experiential learning.” Most alumni graduate to work in large public school districts across the state. It’s CACREP-accredited, too.
University of Georgia
- Athens
- 66 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education with Education Specialist Option
City: Athens
Modality: In-Person
Length: 66 hours
Tuition & Fees: $10,260 per semester
Program Overview:
The University of Georgia offers a regular Master of Education in School Counseling as well as a top-tier Dual MEd/EdS School Counseling degree program. The Dual MEd/EdS is the #1 program in the country according to US News & World Report. Students will also receive a small stipend during their internship year.
Mercer University
- Atlanta
- 60 hours
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Science (MS)
City: Atlanta
Modality: Blended Online and In-Person
Length: 60 hours
Tuition & Fees: $13,458 per year, ~$6,729 per semester
Program Overview:
Mercer University offers a curriculum designed for working students. While many of the courses are offered on campus in Atlanta, the program also features some hybrid online classes. The academics are rigorous and the results speak for themselves. 95% of graduates pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) on their first attempt.
Fort Valley State University
- Fort Valley
- 60 hours
- Online + In Person
Program:
Master of Science (MS)
City: Fort Valley
Modality: Online & In Person
Length: 60 hours
Tuition & Fees: $5,790 per semester
Program Overview:
A great option for those seeking a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), Fort Valley State University offers flexibility in its graduate school counseling program. Applicants who are already certified teachers are not required to take the GRE or GMAT entrance exam.
Online School Counseling Masters Programs in Georgia
In the state of Georgia, there are three fully online Master of School Counseling programs.
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. Here are the online school counseling masters programs available in Georgia:
Albany State University
- Albany
- 60 hours
- Online + Asynchronous
Program:
Master of Education (MEd)
City: Albany
Modality: Online, Asynchronous
Length: 60 hours
Tuition & Fees: $5,530 per semester
Program Overview:
This program is entirely asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework online and at their own pace. The flexibility can’t be beat and the program has excellent placement results as it prepares students for national certification. This could be a good option for students who are self-starters and work in a related field, such as teaching.
Valdosta State University
- Valdosta
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Education (M.Ed)
City: Valdosta
Modality: Online
Length: 60 hours
Tuition & Fees: ~$4,610.5 per semester
Program Overview:
Another state school option, Valdosta State University offers a school counseling track within its Master of Counselor Education program. The program site emphasizes data-driven practices to help students become successful leaders in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This degree is offered within the Department of Human Services.
Piedmont University
- Demorest
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Education (M.Ed)
City: Demorest
Modality: Online
Length: 60 hours
Tuition & Fees: ~$8,402 per semester
Program Overview:
A private university that delivers on getting its students hired. Piedmont University is the #1 job placement for educators in the state of Georgia (98% of alumni are placed). The online format is great for students who can’t commute to campus due to distance or work schedules.
CACREP Accredited School Counseling Masters Programs in Georgia
There are five CACREP-accredited Master of School Counseling programs in the state of Georgia.
“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 programs at Georgia State University and the University of Georgia are also CACREP-accredited.
Clark Atlanta University
- Atlanta
- 60
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts (MA)
City: Atlanta
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60
Tuition & Fees: ~$15,120 per semester
Program Overview:
This program is unique in that students earn a Master’s of the Arts instead of a Masters of Education. But that doesn’t mean it’s inferior! The Clark Atlanta MA in School Counseling not only meets the CACREP standards, but also the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC), and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Augusta University
- Augusta
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education (MEd)
City: Augusta
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 hours
Tuition & Fees: $2,956 per semester
Program Overview:
Augusta University’s Master of Education is designed to be completed in 2.5 years with most classes being held in the evenings to accommodate working students. However, there is the ability to take fewer courses per semester and extend the length of time up to seven years. All faculty hold doctoral degrees and often present their research at prestigious conferences, sometimes with the help of graduate students.
Columbus State University
- Columbus
- 61
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education (MEd)
City: Columbus
Modality: In-Person
Length: 61
Tuition & Fees: ~$3,285 per semester
Program Overview:
Columbus State University is a public school that offers a CACREP-accredited MEd in School Counseling. They also offer a Post Graduate Certificate in School Counseling (PGCSC) that prepares students for certification as a school counselor. This school is known for its affordability.
No GRE Required School Counseling Masters Programs in Georgia
There are six institutions within the state of Georgia that have removed the GRE as a requirement for admittance into their Master of School Counseling programs.
If taking standardized tests isn’t your strong suit, fear not! There are plenty of schools that understand that test scores don’t tell the full story, especially for school counseling programs. If you do not want to submit GRE scores, you can choose from any of the aforementioned programs:
- Georgia State University
- Valdosta State University
- Piedmont University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Augusta University
- Columbus State University
Georgia’s Most Affordable School Counseling Masters Programs
A career in school counseling is tremendously rewarding but often has relatively lower pay. For this reason, prospective school counseling students should carefully consider the cost of attendance when applying to graduate school. While all programs have benefits, the most affordable options in Georgia are Valdosta State University, Augusta University, and Columbus State University. At these schools, 12 graduate credit hours range from about $2,700 to $3,900, making them significantly more affordable than their private counterparts. It’s important to note that private colleges may have more generous financial aid packages that reduce their advertised “sticker price.” If you’re a competitive candidate, it might be worth applying to a range of programs and seeing which one has the best offer.
Accelerated Georgia School Counseling Masters Programs
While there are no specific accelerated programs in Georgia, the Albany State University online program is completely asynchronous, meaning it can be completed at the student’s own pace. It may be challenging, but there is the possibility of finishing this program faster than a traditional program with live lectures.
There is also the University of Georgia Dual degree program in which a student earns both an MEd and an EdS in two years. Those who plan to pursue additional education beyond the graduate level should consider this program.
FAQs
How Much Does a School Counselor Make in Georgia?
School counselors in Georgia can generally expect to earn anywhere from $49,000-$75,000 depending on education and years of experience. This range varies by district and is subject to change.
How Long Does It Take to Become a School Counselor in Georgia?
School counselors in Georgia must complete their master’s degree and pass the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) II Content Assessments for School Counseling for certification. Most programs can be completed in about two years but may vary.
What Is The Best School Counseling Program in Georgia?
Prospective school counseling students in Georgia have excellent choices. However, the clear frontrunner is the Dual MEd/EdS at the University of Georgia. It’s the top program in the country, CACREP-accredited, and has the advantage of also learning a specialized degree in the same amount of time as a standard master’s program. If affordability and flexibility are your top concerns, the School Counseling programs at Valdosta State University or Augusta University may be best for you.
