There are three school counseling master’s programs offered by public and private institutions in Idaho.
Idaho is a small, but growing, midwestern state best known for potatoes. While there are not many school counseling master’s programs to choose from, all of them are CACREP-accredited and do not require the GRE. There is also less than a $10,000 difference in estimated total program cost between the most expensive and least expensive program. Keep reading to find out more about the school counseling master’s programs in Idaho.
Idaho School Counseling Programs Quick Facts
- Number of School Counseling Programs in Idaho: 3
- CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Programs: 3
- Hybrid or Online School Counseling Programs in Idaho: 0
- Tuition Cost Range: $26,784 – $35,880
- Average Cost of Tuition: $32,074
Idaho State University
- Pocatello, ID
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Counseling
City: Pocatello, ID
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $4,464 per semester, $26,784 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Idaho State University offers a CACREP-accredited school counseling master’s program. Students have the advantage of small class sizes and complete the program in two years. Students may also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the Pocatello campus clinic.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students in the school counseling program are eligible to apply for the Western Region Graduate Program scholarship.
- Counseling students can choose from a wide range of study abroad programs.
- Applicants are not required to submit their GRE scores.
Additional Considerations:
- This program has graduated a very small number of students and therefore has a small sample size for outcomes data to consider.
Boise State University
- Boise, ID
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Boise, ID
Modality: In Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $5,593 per semester, $33,558 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Boise State University offers a CACREP-accredited school counseling program that trains all students to become both licensed professional counselors (LPCs) in addition to school counselors. The program is designed to be completed in three years.
Why We Like This Program:
- Both The College of Health Sciences and Boise State University offer numerous scholarships for graduate students.
- Applicants are not required to submit their GRE scores.
Additional Considerations:
- Admission to this program is competitive.
Northwest Nazarene University
- Nampa, ID
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling
City: Nampa, ID
Modality: In Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $598 per credit hour, $35,880 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Northwest Nazarene University is a private Christian school that offers a CACREP-accredited school counseling program. Students complete their coursework in under three years during evening classes. GRE scores are not required but can be submitted to bolster an application.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students have the opportunity to intern at the nonprofit counseling clinic, Families ETC.
- All students have the opportunity to choose from one of six emphases; 1) Play Therapy, 2) Trauma, Grief and Crisis; 3) Acceptance and Mindfulness Informed Therapies; 4) Addictions; 5) Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy or 6) Primary Care Behavioral Health.
- Students have up to six years to complete all required coursework.
Additional Considerations:
- This program requires 1,000 hours of practicum and internship, which is significantly higher than most other school counseling master’s programs. The Idaho Department of Education only requires 700 hours to earn a five-year certification as a school counselor.
School Counseling In Idaho
There are approximately 289,480 public school students across Idaho’s 705 public schools. The state is divided into 117 school districts.
The American School Counseling Association (ASCA) recommends a student-to-school counselor ratio of 250:1. In the 2022-2023 school year, Idaho’s student-to-school counselor ratio was 481:1. This is not only significantly higher than the recommendation, but also most other states. Idaho schools are likely in critical need of school counselors.
School Counselor Certification In Idaho
School counselors in Idaho hold a Pupil Service Staff Certificate, which is given to education professionals other than teachers. Candidates must hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university. The school counseling program must be accredited by either CACREP, CAEP, or AAQEP. The certification is valid for five years. For more information, visit the Idaho Department of Education’s website.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in Idaho?
The average salary for a school counselor in Idaho is approximately $48,800.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Idaho?
Typically, it takes between two and three years to become a school counselor in Idaho. This is because earning a master’s degree in school counseling (including completing the necessary fieldwork) usually takes this amount of time. Unlike some other states, Idaho does not require school counselors to have any prior teaching experience.
