With an estimated population of 7 million, Massachusetts is the largest state in New England and the 16th largest state in the United States. Approximately 896,000 students are enrolled in the Massachusetts public school system, with over 52,000 located in Boston.
Massachusetts stands out as a high-paying place for school counselors to work. School counselors here earn almost $18,000 more per year than the national average. They may work in inner-city districts such as Boston, seaside towns like Cape Cod, or anywhere in between.
Another unique feature of Massachusetts is the position of school adjustment counselor. School adjustment counselors are similar to school counselors but often have more of a social work background. They typically work with the most challenging students, such as those with severe behavioral issues or involvement with the juvenile justice system. This distinction is not universal across the United States, and it is unclear exactly which other states recognize and hire school adjustment counselors. In contrast, the role of the school counselor is well-known in all 50 states. Some of the masters programs listed below have an option to pursue school adjustment counseling along with school counseling.
Masters Programs In Massachusetts To Become A School Counselor
There are twelve public and private institutions in the state of Massachusetts that offer master of school counseling programs. While this region is known for its world-renowned colleges and universities, there are also excellent state schools for those on a budget. Keep reading to learn more about the programs available and to find the best fit for you.
University of Massachusetts Boston
- Boston, MA
- 60 hours
- Online + In-Person + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Education and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study
City: Boston, MA
Modality: Hybrid online/in-person, or fully online.
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $2,557 for 3 credits, $51,892 total program cost (in-state)
Program Overview:
The MEd/CAGS Counseling program at UMass Boston offers flexibility with its blended modality of both in-person and online classes. What sets this program apart is the option to pursue certification as a Career Development Facilitator, which opens up the possibility to become a career counselor. U.S. News & World Report has also recognized UMass Boston as one of the Best Grad Schools of 2024. There is also a fully online version of this program available.
Salem State
- Salem, MA
- 54-60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Salem, MA
Modality: In-Person
Length: 54-60 credit hours depending on program
Tuition: $9,255.00 per semester, in-state assuming 9 credit hours per semester
Program Overview:
Classes in this program are in-person and two are often taken in one day, with the first beginning at 4:30 pm and the second beginning at 7 pm. Salem State offers a dual MEd program in School Counseling and School Adjustment Counseling. This offers graduates a competitive edge for only six additional credit hours.
Boston College
- Boston, MA
- 48 hours
- Online + In-Person + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Boston, MA
Modality: Hybrid, in-person and online
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $1,764 per credit hour, $84,672 total program cost
Program Overview:
The Master of Arts in School Counseling program at Boston College is ranked 8th in the United States for student counseling graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report. The majority of classes are taken in-person but some are taken online. The program prides itself on aligning with the American School Counselor Association’s “whole child” approach.
University of Massachusetts at Amherst
- Amherst, MA
- 63 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education/Education Specialist
City: Amherst, MA
Modality: In Person
Length: 63 credit hours
Tuition: $17,787 in-state per semester assuming 9 credit hours.
Program Overview:
In this dual-degree program, students earn both a 33-credit Master of Education and a 30-credit Education Specialist degree in School Counseling. While the program is not yet CACREP-accredited, it is in the process of acquiring this credential. It’s best to check back on the program page for the most up-to-date information.
Online School Counseling Masters Programs In Massachusetts
There are a total of four fully online school counseling masters programs in Massachusetts. While courses are taken online, school counseling fieldwork (practicum and/or internship) must be completed in person at a school site. Several schools also offer hybrid programs, with some classes held online and others in person.
In addition to the programs listed below, the University of Massachusetts at Boston and Merrimack College offer fully online versions of their school counseling graduate programs.
Cambridge College
- Boston, MA
- 48 hours
- Online + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Education
City: Boston, MA
Modality: Hybrid, Online
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $639 per credit hour, $30,672 total program cost
Program Overview:
Cambridge College offers what it calls a hybrid MEd in School Counseling. However, all classes are completed remotely with live sessions while fieldwork and internships must be completed in person at a school site. Professors work as school counselors and bring real-world knowledge to the coursework so that graduate students are prepared when they work with their own students.
Assumption University
- Worcester, MA
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Worcester, MA
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $680 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Assumption University is a private Catholic university. The program overview highlights the evolving role of the school counselor in response to increased student need. There is an emphasis on social justice and anti-bias work. Small class sizes allow for robust discussion with students and faculty. This program has also been “Approved With Distinction” by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Graduates of this program are also eligible for national certification as a school counselor.
CACREP-accredited School Counseling Masters Programs In Massachusetts
Currently, there is one CACREP-accredited school counseling masters program in Massachusetts. However, the program at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst is in the process of becoming CACREP-accredited, so it’s worthwhile to check for the most up-to-date status.
Bridgewater State University
- Bridgewater, MA
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Bridgewater, MA
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: 516.50 per credit hour, $30,990.
Program Overview:
Bridgewater State University caps its school counseling graduate classes at 15 students. This CACREP-accredited program boasts small classes and affordable tuition. What’s more is that in-state and out-of-state students both pay the same tuition, which is rare for a public university. Bridgewater State University also offers a post-master’s licensure program in school adjustment counseling.
No GRE Required School Counseling Masters Programs In Massachusetts
None of the twelve school counseling programs in Massachusetts require applicants to submit their GRE scores. However, be sure to note that some programs require applicants to have a valid teaching license in Massachusetts or to obtain one.
In addition to all other programs mentioned in this article, the following schools do not require the GRE:
Lesley University
- Cambridge, MA
- 48 hours
- In-person
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Cambridge, MA
Modality: In-person
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $1,350 per credit, $64,800 total program cost
Program Overview:
Unlike some other programs, the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in School Counseling has a more clinical approach. Students take courses such as “Biological Bases of Behavior.” There is also a focus on cultural competency to work effectively with diverse populations.
Springfield College
- Springfield, MA
- 60 hours
- Online + In-Person + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Education
City: Springfield, MA
Modality: Hybrid online and in-person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $745 per credit hour, $44,700 total program cost
Program Overview:
With a blend of both education and psychology, the Master of Education at Springfield College offers students the opportunity to receive certification in both school counseling and school adjustment counseling. There is a strong emphasis on working with underserved populations.
Massachusetts’ Most Affordable School Counseling Masters Programs
There is no shortage of affordable graduate options here. At $347 per credit hour, Fitchburg State University is the most affordable school counseling masters program in Massachusetts. However, budget-friendly schools are situated across the state.
Fitchburg State University
- Fitchburg, MA
- 21 credits
- In-Person + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science
City: Fitchburg, MA
Modality: Hybrid in-person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $347 per credit hour, $20,820 total program cost
Program Overview:
Fitchburg State University hosts its Master of Science in School Counseling courses in the evenings and expects students to complete the full course load within two or three years (depending on the start date). However, students may take up to six years. With significantly lower tuition than its competitors, Fitchburg State University may be a good fit for budget-conscious working students.
Merrimack College
- North Andover, MA
- 48-60 credits
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: North Andover, MA
Modality: In-Person or Online
Length: 48-60 credits
Tuition: $675 per credit hour, $32,400 total program cost.
Program Overview:
Merrimack College offers both in-person and online only MEd in School Counseling programs. There is flexibility to complete the program as a full-time student in two years or to extend the program longer. Students may also add on a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in School Social Work/School Adjustment Counseling.
Westfield State University
- Westfield, MA
- 60 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Westfield, MA
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 Credit Hours
Tuition: $418 per credit, $25,080 total program cost
Program Overview:
This program stands out for its flexibility; classes are scheduled in the evening to accommodate working students and students must finish their coursework within seven years of starting their first course. There is also no GRE requirement. Students are frequently monitored throughout their course of study in order to ensure success, including ongoing dispositional assessments.
Accelerated School Counseling Masters Programs In Massachusetts
There are no accelerated school counseling masters programs in the state of Massachusetts.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is one of the highest-paying states for school counselors in the country. With a median annual wage of $79,670, only two other states pay more (Washington and California). This is significantly higher than the nationwide average salary of $61,710.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Massachusetts?
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.
What is the best school counseling program in Massachusetts?
With a wealth of excellent options, it’s impossible to decisively state which school counseling program is the best. However, the program at UMass Boston stands out for its dual MEd School Counseling/ CAGS School Adjustment Counseling program and recognition as a top grad school. Fitchburg State University is the most affordable option, while Assumption University and Merrimack College offer fully online programs for maximum flexibility.
