In Kentucky, there are seven accredited school counseling master’s degree programs. The programs at Northern Kentucky University and the University of Louisville are on campus. Four are online (Campbellsville University, Morehead University, Murray State University, and Spalding University). And, Eastern Kentucky University offers a hybrid program. Three programs (Eastern Kentucky University, Northern Kentucky University, and the University of Louisville) are CACREP-certified.
Aspiring school counselors in Kentucky have a limited number of on campus programs to choose from, however they do have a variety of online options and three CACREP-certified programs. All programs provide the coursework and field experiences that are required for state certification.
Kentucky Fun Facts:
- Kentucky provides school counseling programs that meet a variety of student needs and interests, including Christian-based programs and fully online master’s programs.
- The tuition for school counseling master’s programs ranges from $319 to $887, depending on the school.
- Kentucky has three CACREP certified schools: Eastern Kentucky University, Northern Kentucky University, and the University of Louisville.
- Kentucky has a high demand for school counselors as the state works to align the ratio of school counselors with students.
School Counselor Master’s Programs in Kentucky
There are a variety of master’s programs in Kentucky. One, at Northern Kentucky University, is provided in a traditional, on campus format. One, Eastern Kentucky University, provides classes in a hybrid format. And five (University of Louisville, Campbellsville University, Morehead State, Murray State, and Spalding University) offer online only options.
Campbellsville University
- Campbellsville, KY
- 48 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Why We Picked this Program: The M.A. in school counseling takes 18 months to complete, minimum. The program incorporates internships within coursework. Campbellsville University provides a faith-based education that focuses on personal and professional growth through 100% online classes. We liked this program for its practical focus and three intensive internships that provide practical application of counseling skills.
Key Highlights:
- The program can be completed in 18 months and students can transfer up to 9 credit hours.
- There is no GRE requirement for admission.
- The university has a Christian perspective and incorporates Christian principles into its coursework.
- Online courses are small and provide engagement with faculty and peers.
Considerations: A 2.75 GPA in bachelor’s coursework is required for admission. And, applicants who are applying for a Rank 1 certification must have a teaching certificate.
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), CAEP, Educational Programming Standard Body of Kentucky
- Online availability: The program is 100% online
- Program Length: 48 credit hours
- Tuition: $319 per credit hour
- Acceptance rate: Not listed
- Student population: Campbellsville University serves 5,364 graduate students with 18% minority enrollment.
- Institution type: Private University
Eastern Kentucky University
- Richmond, KY
- 60 hours
- Online + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Arts in Education, School Counseling
Why We Picked this Program: The M.A. in school counseling prepares practitioners to work in PK-12 settings with diverse populations. Courses are taught by instructors with real-world experience. Students also complete field experiences, including practicum and internship work. We picked this program because of the wide range of courses that are offered, including theory and practice, techniques, group counseling, counseling diverse populations, lifestyle and career, and crisis and grief counseling.
Key Highlights:
- All books are provided for free.
- There is no application fee.
- Courses are predominantly online and hybrid.
- Students receive mentoring and guidance to make the most of the program.
Considerations: A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA is required for admission. If an applicant does not have a 3.0 GPA, then they can take the GRE and must have a 3.25 GPA on the last 60 credit hours of their bachelor’s degree.
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: CACREP and CAEP
- Online availability: Classes are online or hybrid
- Program Length: 60 credit hours
- Tuition: $419-$514 per credit hour (in-state)
- Acceptance rate: 97% university-wide
- Student population: Eastern Kentucky University serves 2,282 graduate students with 19% minority enrollment
- Institution type: Public
Morehead State University
- Morehead, KY
- 36 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Why We Picked this Program: Students complete the coursework needed to earn the school counseling licensure through online coursework. Students must be accepted in the Morehead State University graduate school to apply for the M.A. program. We like this program because it creates a rigorous, supportive online environment to develop the skills and knowledge required by today’s counselors. Students develop social consciousness, ethics, and self-awareness.
Key Highlights:
- An emphasis is put on developing teacher leaders and counselors who can serve as leaders in school communities.
- Online courses are rigorous.
- Coursework consists of 36 credit hours.
Considerations: Applicants must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher. The GRE is required for admission, though tests may be waived for students who have a GPA of 3.5 or higher or who have already earned a master’s degree.
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: None listed
- Online availability: Fully online
- Program Length: 36 credit hours
- Tuition: $405 per credit hour (in-state)
- Acceptance rate: 82% university-wide
- Student population: Morehead State University serves 560 graduate students with 10% minority enrollment
- Institution type: Public University
Murray State University
- Murray, KY
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Why We Picked this Program: The M.A. in school counseling provides instruction in counseling skills using the American School Counseling Association National Model framework. Students complete coursework, internship, and practicum. Courses are provided using synchronous and asynchronous distance learning technology. The foundational program includes 42 credit hours, and an additional 18 credit hours in advanced coursework completes the specialist program. We like the mission of the MSU program, to promote and advocate for mental health through foundational school counseling practices.
Key Highlights:
- Students can participate in Chi Sigma Iota, the international honor society for school counselors.
- The School of Education hosts international trips to support global awareness.
- Kentucky residents, and residents of neighboring states, received reduced tuition rates.
Considerations: Admission to the program includes an interview with the admissions committee.
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Online availability: Fully online
- Program Length: 60 credit hours
- Tuition: $593 per credit hour (in-state)
- Acceptance rate: 86% university-wide
- Student population: Murray State University serves 1,746 graduate students with 13% minority enrollment
- Institution type: Public University
Northern Kentucky University
- Highland Heights, KY
- 54 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Why We Picked this Program: The M.A. in school counseling is taught by experienced faculty. Classes are scheduled in the evenings to accommodate working students. Students complete internships and practicum that are selected based on the students’ interests in a variety of placements in schools and mental health centers. We picked this program for its focus on creating communities of professionals that can support each other during and beyond their time at the university.
Key Highlights:
- Each student is assigned an advisor that works with them to support them throughout the program.
- Courses are offered through a traditional face-to-face model.
- Courses are held weeknights, to provide flexibility.
- Students can enroll full or part-time.
Considerations: The NKU program is meant to be completed on a year-round schedule, students take courses fall, spring, and summer terms. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a 2.75 minimum GPA. Undergraduate coursework must include at least 48 credit hours in liberal arts and a statistics course with a grade of C- or higher.
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: CACREP
- Online availability: None
- Program Length: 54 credit hours
- Tuition: $887 per credit hour (in state)
- Acceptance rate: 63% university-wide
- Student population: Northern Kentucky University serves 5,037 graduate students with 36% minority enrollment
- Institution type: Public
Spalding University
- Louisville, KY
- 33 hour
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Why We Picked this Program: The M.A. in school counseling is a 33 credit hour online program that incorporates field work within each course that allows students to gain the knowledge, and practicum and internship work required to earn the school counselor license. We chose this program because of its efficient format that combines online coursework with field experiences, providing the requirements for school counselors in Kentucky within 12 to 14 months.
Key Highlights:
- This fast-paced program can be completed in 12-14 months in courses that combine classwork and field experiences.
- Students can transfer up to 12 graduate-level credit hours.
- Learn how to support students by applying theories and research to students in school contexts.
Considerations: Applicants must have a 2.75 GPA on bachelor’s coursework and attend an interview for admission.
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: CAEP
- Online availability: Fully online
- Program Length: 33 credit hours
- Tuition: $440 per credit hour (in-state)
- Acceptance rate: 97% university-wide
- Student population: Spalding University serves 821 graduate students with 30% minority enrollment
- Institution type: Private, not-for-profit
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- 60 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services, School Counseling concentration
Why We Picked this Program: The M.Ed in counseling prepares counselors to contribute to society through work in schools with a focus on equity and social justice. Students complete coursework as well as practicum and internship experience to work as mental health professionals in PK-12 schools. We picked this program because of its focus on preparing counselors who contribute to society by supporting social justice, fairness, and equity. The program offers a Rank 1 in School Counseling option, for students who have already earned a master’s degree in school counseling but want the rank change for salary purposes.
Key Highlights:
- Rank 1 option for students who have already earned a master’s.
- Faculty who are involved with state and national organizations and initiatives.
- Strong commitment to social justice and supporting diverse communities.
Considerations: While candidates do not have to be certified as a teacher to enter the program, some districts require a teaching license in order to be a school counselor. Check with the district you want to work in to determine if you need a teacher license as well as a school counselor certification.
For admission, a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA is 2.75 on the last 60 undergraduate credit hours is required.
Program Data Snapshot:
- Accreditation: CACREP, Council for Accreditation of Educational Programs (CAEP)
- Online availability:
- Program Length: 60 credit hours
- Tuition: $7,466 per semester for more than 9 credit hours (full-time)
- Acceptance rate: 81% acceptance rate university-wide
- Student population: The University of Louisville serves 5,945 graduate students with 36% minority enrollment.
- Institution type: Public
Licensure Requirements in Kentucky
School counselors in Kentucky initially earn a Provisional license from the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). It is valid for five years. Then, counselors advance to the Standard certificate.
To earn the Provisional license, candidates must:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (can be in any related field) and a master’s degree in school counseling that fulfills the requirements for the EPSB certification.
- Complete the school counseling internship (6 credit hours) and school counseling practicum (3 credit hours). This is typically provided as part of the master’s program. The EPSB requires that counseling students complete at least 40 hours of practicum that involves working with actual clients, and an additional # internship hours.
- Pass the Praxis 5422 exam that covers topics in the history and role of the school counselor, service delivery, data driven decision making, assessing outcomes, and other related topics.
- The EPSB does not require a background check, however the school or district may require one for employment.
- Submit your application materials to the Kentucky Department of Education web site.
- Learn more at the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). Address: 500 Mero Street, 2 SC 32, Frankfort KY 40601
School Counseling in Kentucky
Kentucky, a large state in the East-South region of the United States, has more than 4.5 million residents. More than 660,000 students are enrolled in the Kentucky public schools, in more than 1,500 schools. Kentucky is home to urban areas, like Louisville and Lexington, and rural areas. In fact, more than 44% of Kentucky residents live in rural areas.
School counselors work in K-12 school settings, supporting students, teachers, and school communities with individual and small group counseling, as well as whole-school programming. Interested in becoming a school counselor in Kentucky? There are more than 360,000 school counseling jobs in the U.S. and the field is growing at 4% per year (as fast as average). Currently, Kentucky needs more school counselors to support students across the Commonwealth.
Salary & Career Outlook in Kentucky
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for school counselors is steady (growing at the expected rate of 4% per year). School counselors, nationwide, are paid a salary of $65,140 per year ($31.32 per hour).
In Kentucky, there is a greater demand for school counselors than is currently being met. In 2023, there was a ratio of 350 students to 1 school counselor, a far reach from the goal of 250 students for 1 school counselor.
The salary for school counselors in Kentucky is less than the national average, $52,467 per year ($25 per hour), though there is variability depending on the district and city. For example, the average school counselor salary in Lexington is $59,536 and in Paducah it is $59,245. Currently, according to Zip Recruiter, there are a variety of districts that are hiring school counselors, from public districts like Shelby County and Greenup County, to religious organizations, like the Archdiocese of Arlington Catholic Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get a school counseling license in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, school counselors are certified through the state Department of Education. To become a school counselor in Kentucky, practitioners must:
- Complete a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited program.
- Pass the Praxis5422 exam.
- Obtain certification by submitting an application for School Counselor Certification (TC-1) to the state.
Counselors earn a five-year provisional certificate and, after five-years, can pursue a standard certificate after gaining experience and additional coursework.
Does Kentucky accept out-of-state school counseling degrees?
If you hold an out-of-state school counseling license, the Kentucky Department of Education will evaluate your credentials and qualifications in comparison with Kentucky’s requirements. If the qualifications from another state align with those in Kentucky, you will be awarded a school counselor certification. Use the Form CA-2 to request a review of out-of-state credentials.
How much does a school counselor make in Kentucky?
According to Zip Recruiter, school counselors make an average of $52,467 per year in Kentucky. Salary ranges depending on location; counselors in Lexington make an average of $59,536 per year and counselors in Paducah make $59,245 annually.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Kentucky?
Most masters programs in school counseling are completed within two or three years, though some programs may offer flexibility to finish sooner or to extend the duration of the program. For example, Spalding University’s online program can be completed in 12 to 14 months.
