If you’re looking to become a school counselor, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of master’s programs out there. Graduates of school counseling programs may hold a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Education (MEd). While these degrees may seem almost identical on the surface, a Master of Education (MEd) is the usually best choice for school counselors. The reason why is simple. A university offers an MEd through its education department, meaning that it is more likely to have faculty and courses tailored for those who will work in schools. Similarly, MA programs are typically offered through various humanities departments and MS programs through science departments. While all of these perspectives can help inform a school counselor’s work, the MEd pathway is the most logical one.
A M.Ed. prepares you for a career in K-12 school counseling (in some states, pre-K is included as well). A good M.Ed program is nationally accredited through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). It should also clearly show evidence of at least 90% pass rates for licensure exams and 90% post-graduation employment rates (excluding the years 2020-2021 due to the pandemic). All school counseling programs should follow the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) framework and emphasize the ASCA National Model.
Quick Facts
- There are 84 CACREP-accredited Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling Programs.
- School counseling masters programs most commonly confer either a Master of Education (MEd), a Master of Science (MS), or a Master of Arts (MA) degree.
- 48 out of 50 states have student-to-school counselor ratios above the ASCA recommended ratio of 250:1.
- Nationwide, the average student-to-school counselor ratio is 464:1.
- A 2022 survey from ASCA indicated that 68% of school district directors said there are not enough school counselors to fulfill the need in their state.
How We Chose the Best M.Ed. in School Counseling Programs
In order to determine the best M.Ed programs, we considered a number of factors:
- Accreditation: We prioritized CACREP accreditation while also considering regional accreditation.
- Program quality: We looked for programs that provide the best opportunities for students, their practicum/internship rigor, faculty expertise, exam pass rates for licensure and overall alumni outcomes.
- Accessibility: We included a variety of program options, such as online, hybrid, part-time, and those that do not require GRE scores.
- Affordability and value: We considered the cost per credit as well as any additional credentials, such as dual-licensure as an LPC.
Top 20+ M.Ed. in School Counseling Programs
Monmouth University
- West Long Branch, NJ
- 60 credits
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Education
City: West Long Branch, NJ
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $8,955 per semester, $35,820 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
This CACREP-accredited, hybrid school counseling master’s program is known for training skilled and compassionate counselors. Through Monmouth’s Future Scholars, a pre-college mentoring program sponsored by the Educational Counseling department, master’s students gain practical experience by working to raise the number of college-bound, first-generation students in Long Branch City Schools.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students have the opportunity to earn numerous credentials through this program including National Counselor Certification, Student Assistance Coordinator, Licensed Assistant Counselor, and more.
- 100% job placement rate for alumni
Additional Considerations:
- While all students begin this program in the fall semester, applications are accepted on a rolling basis until then.
Accredited by: CACREP, MSCHE
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Huntsville, TX
Modality: In person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $4,476 per semester, $17,904 estimated total cost
Program Overview:
Located in Huntsville, Sam Houston State University’s school counseling masters program is driven by outcomes. Graduates prepare to serve K-12 students by applying theory to practice, communicating effectively, and developing a strong professional identity. Two years of teaching experience are required for admission into the program.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students in this program are eligible to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs).
- 100% pass rate on both the TExES and NCE.
- 100% job placement rate after graduation.
- The GRE is not required.
Additional Considerations:
- The application deadline is May 1st for a fall semester start.
Accredited by: CACREP, SACSCOC
Mississippi College
- Clinton, MS
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Clinton, MS
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $600 per credit hour, $36,000 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Mississippi College is a private Christian college that offers a CACREP-accredited school counseling program. This ASCA-aligned program prides itself on recruiting students from diverse backgrounds who “demonstrate character, maturity, scholarship, leadership, church/community involvement, and interest in the counseling profession.”
Why We Like This Program:
- Graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for licensure as a school counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
- Applicants are not required to submit their GRE scores for consideration.
- This program boasts a 90% completion rate, 96% exam pass rate, and 100% job placement rate.
Additional Considerations:
- Applications are accepted year-round, but there are deadlines to begin in a specific term. June 1st is the fall semester deadline, and October 1st is the spring semester deadline.
Accredited by: CACREP, SACSCOC, MCCA
University of Texas San Antonio
- San Antonio, TX
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: San Antonio, TX
Modality: In-person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $9,906 per semester, $39,624 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The University of Texas San Antonio trains future school counselors to organize and assess comprehensive programs for students in K-12 schools. 100% of students earn their masters degree within 5 years of enrolling, and the program has a 100% post-graduation employment rate.
Why We Like This Program:
- A 12-credit bilingual Spanish concentration is available to school counseling students
- Most classes are offered from 6:00 PM – 8:45 PM to accommodate working students.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- GRE scores are not required for admission to this program.
Additional Considerations:
- Two years of teaching are required to apply.
Accredited by: CACREP, SASCOC
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 48 credits
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Lubbock, TX
Modality: In person or online
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: In-state $2,826 per semester; $11,304 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The 10th largest city in Texas, Lubbock is the birthplace of rock-and-roll pioneer Buddy Holly and the home of Texas Tech University. TTU’s school counseling masters program prepares students to work in public and private settings and its curriculum emphasizes the implementation of the American School Counseling Association’s national model.
Why We Like This Program:
- The GRE score requirement is temporarily suspended, but prospective students should check with the office of admissions for the most updated information.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
- Up to 6 transfer credits are allowed for this program.
- Students have the option to complete the program entirely online.
Additional Considerations:
- Two years of prior teaching experience are required to enroll in the program.
- Coursework begins in the spring semester.
West Chester University
- West Chester, PA
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: West Chester, PA
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $1,430.03 flat rate for 9 credits or more per semester, $11,440.24 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
West Chester University boasts an excellent rate for passing the PRAXIS exam with 97-100% of their students passing on their first attempt. (The national average is 46%.) This program is CACREP-accredited and prides itself on affordability. There is also no GRE requirement.
Why We Like This Program:
- West Chester University offers an in-house scholarship for School Counseling MEd students along with grant-funded stipends.
- This is the most affordable school counseling program in Pennsylvania.
- Students in this program will meet all of the requirements to become LPCs in the future.
Additional Considerations:
- Applications are not accepted year-round; prospective students must adhere to the March 1st deadline.
Accredited by: CACREP, MSCHE
Shippensburg University
- Shippensburg, PA
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Shippensburg, PA
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $516 per credit hour, $30,960 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
One of Shippensburg University’s claims to fame is that it has one of the oldest counseling master’s departments in the United States. The program is CACREP-accredited and students have the option to qualify for LPC eligibility after graduation. Students will also become nationally certified counselors by sitting for the National Counselor Exam (NCE). Additionally, the GRE is not required. Students who already have a masters’ degree may pursue a certification-only program for school counseling.
Why We Like This Program:
- The Growing Edges Community Counseling Clinic is located on campus and gives students the opportunity for hands-on experience.
- 92% job placement rate within six months of graduation.
- Rolling admissions allow students to start in any semester; fall, spring, or summer.
Additional Considerations:
- Students may only take one elective in this plan of study.
- It’s unclear exactly who is eligible for the certification-only program and what the prerequisites are.
Accredited by: CACREP, Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Boca Raton, FL
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $371.82 per credit hour, $22,309.20 total program cost
Program Overview:
Florida Atlantic University is a public university with multiple campuses throughout South Florida. The Master of Education in School Counseling program is CACREP-accredited through 2032. While this program does require applicants to submit GRE scores, there is no required minimum score for acceptance into the program.
Why We Like This Program:
- This plan of study allows for students to take two electives
- FAU’s school counseling alumni boast a 100% rehire rate after graduation
- Up to 18 credits may be transferred from another program
Additional Considerations:
- Students who are not certified teachers will have additional coursework.
Accredited by: CACREP, SACSCOC
Northern Illinois University
- DeKalb, IL
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Masters in Science of Education
City: DeKalb, IL
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $509.75 per credit hour, $30,585 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.S.Ed at Northern Illinois University provides training in the strategies that have an impact in schools. The program offers a graduate certificate in trauma-informed counseling. Students have the opportunity to work at the Community Counseling Training Center and gain first-hand experience providing culturally responsive counseling services for the NIU community.
Why We Like This Program:
- Classes are offered in the late afternoon and evening in order to better accommodate working students.
- Students can complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis.
- This program is CACREP-accredited
Additional Considerations:
- Students begin their plan of study in the fall semester. The application deadline is January 8th.
Bowling Green State University
- Bowling Green, OH
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Bowling Green, OH
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $5,612 per semester (assuming 12-18 credits), $28,060 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The Wall Street Journal ranked Bowling Green State University as the best university in Ohio for both career preparation and student experience. Students can choose to complete their coursework on a full-time or part-time schedule. This program is CACREP-accredited with courses that cover play therapy and brief counseling.
Why We Like This Program:
- Scholarships are available for graduate students
- 86% of school counseling graduates were employed within 90 days of graduation.
- Bowling Green State University is also #1 public university in the Midwest “students would choose again” according to The Wall Street Journal.
Additional Considerations:
- Students must apply by December 1st for the following fall semester. There are no rolling admissions.
- Students will need to plan to either present a portfolio or thesis at the culmination of their program.
Accredited by: CACREP, HLC
North Carolina State University
- Raleigh, NC
- 60 credits
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Raleigh, NC
Modality: In-Person or Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $12,735 tuition per year, $25,470 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The M.Ed focuses on preparing practitioners to work in K-12 counseling settings. Students who attend classes on campus can attend as full-time or part-time students whereas online students attend on a part-time schedule. Full-time students will complete their coursework in 2.5 years and part-time students will complete their coursework in 3 years.
Why We Like This Program:
- US News & World Report ranks North Carolina State University’s college of education #27 in the nation.
- Graduates of this program will be qualified to work as both school counselors and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) in North Carolina.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- Students can begin this program in the fall or summer term, but the application deadline is December 15th regardless.
Accredited by: CACREP, HLC
Auburn University
- Auburn, AL
- 60 credits
- Online + In-person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Auburn, AL
Modality: In-person or Online
Length: 60 Credit hours
Tuition: $5,508 per semester assuming 9 credit hours, $36,720 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
This CACREP-accredited MEd can be completed either in-person on campus or remotely online. Students will take the national certification examination so that they can work in schools outside of Alabama. Auburn University offers fabulous research opportunities for its counseling students.
Why We Like This Program:
- Auburn University pioneered the School Counseling Initiative Program (SCIP) in which school counseling graduate students and college of nursing students collaborate to address the needs of vulnerable students in rural Alabama.
- Additionally, Auburn University runs the Immigrant Racial, Identity, and Socialization Experiences (I-RISE) lab to better understand the experience of adapting and assimilating to the United States. For school counselors who will work with large immigrant populations, this is an invaluable experience.
- The GRE is not required for admission.
Additional Considerations:
- There is no space for elective courses in this plan of study.
- Applications are accepted once per year on January 1st.
Accredited by: CACREP, SACSCOC
The University of Cincinnati
- Cincinnati, OH
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Cincinnati, OH
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $662 per credit hour, $39,720 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The University of Cincinnati is known for being a top tier research institution. Their school counseling graduate program draws on this with an emphasis on research. Students have the opportunity to conduct research as masters students in the program alongside their professors. Applicants are not required to submit their GRE scores.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students in this program scored higher on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination than average.
- 100% job placement rate for school counseling graduates.
- Alumni surveys are positive, indicating that they were adequately prepared for their careers
Additional Considerations:
- Admissions are competitive. Only 21 out of 41 applicants were offered a space in the program.
- Applicants should prepare three letters of recommendation, even though only one is required
Accredited by: CACREP, Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Clemson University
- Clemson, SC
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Clemson, SC
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $6,611 flat rate per semester, $39,666 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling at Clemson University is CACREP-accredited and does not require the GRE for admission. Students can also pursue an Education Specialist (EdS) degree for thirty credits following the completion of their MEd.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program was awarded the 2021 Outstanding Master’s Counselor Education Program Award, given by the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES).
- Students in the school counseling program can adjust their course selection to earn the proper credits to work as an LPC.
- This program can be completed on a part-time schedule.
Additional Considerations:
- All classes are held in-person with zero online or remote options.
- Classes are held on two different campuses throughout the program and students are expected to travel back and forth to both.
Accredited by: CACREP, SACSCOC
Youngstown State University
- Youngstown, OH
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: Youngstown, OH
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $460 per credit hour, $27,600 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Youngstown State University offers nationally recognized counseling graduate programs. These programs have won both the ACES Outstanding Counselor Education Program Award and the NCACES Innovative Counselor Education Program Award. Additionally, the school counseling program is CACREP-accredited. Students of all professional and educational backgrounds are encouraged to apply and the GRE is only necessary when the applicant’s undergraduate GPA is below a 2.7.
Why We Like This Program:
- Youngstown State University operates their Community Counseling Clinic, which allows local residents to access counseling for free or low-cost. This also gives students real-world experience.
- Students can also opt to complete their internship and practicum in western Pennsylvania.
Additional Considerations:
- This program does not guarantee that it meets the requirements for Pennsylvania school counseling certification, even though fieldwork may be completed there.
- Not all school counseling courses are offered every semester. Therefore, students must plan which courses they will take well in advance, ideally with a program advisor.
Accredited by: CACREP, HLC
Alfred University
- Alfred, NY
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education and Certificate of Advanced Study
City: Alfred, NY
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $21,640 per year, $43,280 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The CACREP-accredited school counseling program at Alfred University combines both a Master of Education and Certificate of Advanced study into one program, giving students a leg up when applying for jobs. Graduates from this program have a job completion rate of 95% over the past ten years.
Why We Like This Program:
- Alfred University offers significant financial aid to its graduate students.
- Students can complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis.
- All students in this program automatically receive 5-hour graduate assistantship for $3,000 in tuition reduction.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants must submit GRE general test scores if their undergraduate GPA is lower than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Accredited by: CACREP, MSCHE, New York State Board of Regents, and the Commissioner of Education
University of Northern Colorado
- Greeley, Colorado
- 21 credits
- Online
Program:
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Providence College
- Greeley, Colorado
- 42 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Providence, RI
Modality: In-Person
Length: 42 credit hours
Tuition: $690 per credit hour, $28,890 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Providence College offers a Master of Education that can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis. Students in the full-time program finish their coursework in two years, while part-time students finish in three years.
Why We Like This Program:
- Providence College offers a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Certificate to add on to their M.Ed. program.
- Applicants to this program can take up to two courses while their application is being reviewed.
- Applicants are not required to submit their GRE scores.
Additional Considerations:
- Outcomes data for alumni of the M.Ed. in school counseling at Providence College is not readily available.
Accredited by: CACREP, NECHE
University of Massachusetts at Amherst
- Amherst, MA
- 63 credits
- 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, $107,814 assuming six semesters to complete both degrees
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.
Why We Like This Program:
- The GRE is not required.
- Students have the opportunity to take up to three elective courses.
- Earning an EdS can often lead to higher salaries, which can pay off over the course of a career.
Additional Considerations:
- Applications are accepted once per year. The deadline is January 2nd.
- This program takes three years to complete due to the EdS. It’s unclear if this plan of study can be completed on a part-time schedule.
Accredited by: NECHE, CACREP (pending)
University of Massachusetts Boston
- Boston, MA
- 60 credits
- 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
Program Overview:
The MEd/CAGS Counseling program at UMass Boston offers flexibility with its blended modality of both in-person and online classes. 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.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program has the option to pursue certification as a Career Development Facilitator, which opens up the possibility to become a career counselor.
- The GRE is not required.
- The program at UMass Boston offers the chance to earn multiple credentials simultaneously which gives graduates far more career path options.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
- According to admissions data, this program is competitive.
Accredited by: NECHE, Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC)
University of Florida
- Gainesville, Florida
- 72 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Dual Degree Master of Education and Education Specialist
City: Gainesville, Florida
Modality: In-Person
Length: 72 credit hours
Tuition: $12,740 per semester, $101,920 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
This program is the #1 Education Counseling Graduate School program in the country according to US News & World Report. The CACREP-accredited dual-degree track prepares students for certification in k-12 school settings in Florida. Having both the MEd and EdS degrees makes graduates competitive candidates for jobs and often results in higher salaries.
Why We Like This Program:
- The University of Florida has been repeatedly recognized for excellence, especially in its education programs.
- Students from the counselor education program recently participated in Gator Connect, a grant-funded program to improve mental health in schools.
- Students can attend this program on either a full-time or part-time basis.
Additional Considerations:
- While the estimated cost of this program is high, it’s important to remember that graduates of this program will have two degrees conferred.
- This program is designed to be completed in 2.5 years.
- Students start their coursework in the fall semester. The application deadline is November 15th.
Accredited by: CACREP, SACSCOC
What Is an M.Ed. in School Counseling?
M.Ed. stands for “Master of Education.” An M.Ed. in School Counseling is a master’s degree specializing in school counseling from an educational perspective. This means that coursework is tailored to working in k-12 school settings. In contrast, MA and MS degrees approach school counseling from a different framework that may be less useful.
Top M.Ed. School Counseling Programs at a Glance
| Program | Admissions & Format (starts/year) | Estimated Total Cost | Residencies | No GRE | Credits | Time-to-Degree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Monmouth University | Fall start, hybrid; rolling admissions | $35,820 | Practicum: 100 hoursInternship: 600 hours | Yes | 60 | 2 years |
| 2. Sam Houston State University | Fall start, in-person | $17,904 | Practicum: 100 hoursInternship: 600 hours | Yes | 60 | 2 years |
| 3. Mississippi College | Fall/Spring start, in-person | $36,000 | Practicum: 100 hoursInternship: 600 hours | Yes | 60 | 2 years |
| 4. University of Texas San Antonio | Fall start, in-person | $39,624 | Practicum: 100 hoursInternship: 600 hours | Yes | 60 | Up to 5 years |
| 5. Texas Tech University | Spring start, in-person or online | $11,304 | Practicum: 100HoursInternship: 600 hours | Yes | 48 | 2 years (full-time) |
| 6. West Chester University | Fall start, in-person | $11,440.24 | Practicum: 100 hoursInternship: 600 credit hours | Yes | 60 | 2 years |
| 7. Shippensburg University | Fall/Spring/Summer start, in-person | $30,960 | Practicum: 100 hoursInternship: 600 credit hours | Yes | 60 | 2 years |
| 8. Florida Atlantic University | Fall start, in-person | $22,309.20 | Practicum: 100 hoursInternship: 600 hours | No | 60 | 2 years |
| 9. Northern Illinois University | Fall start, in-person | $30,585 | Practicum: 100 hours Internship: 600 credit hours | Yes | 60 | 2 years (full-time) |
| 10. Bowling Green State University | Fall start, in-person | $28,060 | Practicum: 100 hoursInternship: 600 hours | Yes | 60 | 2 years |
| 11. NC State University | Fall/Summer start, in-person/online | $25,470 | Practicum: 100 hours Internship: 600 hours | Yes | 60 | 2.5 years (full-time) |
| 12. Auburn University | January start, in-person/online | $36,720 | Practicum: 100 hoursInternship: 600 hours | Yes | 60 | 2 years |
| 13. University of Cincinnati | Fall start, in-person | $39,720 | Practicum: 100 hoursInternship: 600 hours | Yes | 60 | 2 years |
| 14. Clemson University | Fall start, in-person | $39,666 | Practicum: 100 hours Internship: 600 hours | Yes | 60 | 2 years |
| 15. Youngstown State University | Fall start, in-person | $27,600 | Practicum: 100 hoursInternship: 600 hours | Conditional (GPA<2.7) | 60 | 2 years |
| 16. Alfred University | Fall start, in-person | $43,280 | Practicum: 100 hoursInternship: 600 hours | Conditional (GPA<3.0) | 60 | 2 years |
| 17. Providence College | Fall, spring, or summer start, in-person | $28,890 | Practicum: 100 hoursInternship: 600 hours | Yes | 42 | 2 years (full-time) |
| 18. UMass Amherst | Fall start, in-person | $107,814 | Practicum: 100 hours Internship: 600 hours | Yes | 63 | 3 years |
| 19. UMass Boston | Fall start, hybrid/online | $51,892 | Practicum: 100 hoursInternship: 600 hours | Yes | 60 | 2 years |
| 20. University of Florida | Fall start, in-person | $101,920 | Practicum: 100 hoursInternship: 600 hours | Yes | 72 | 2.5 years |
Admission Requirements for M.Ed. in School Counseling
Each M.Ed. in School Counseling has its own admission requirements. However, there are some almost universal standards. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and will also need to provide some kind of writing sample, most often an essay explaining their interest in pursuing school counseling. Many programs also require an interview with a faculty member. GRE and MAT scores are good to have but are less commonly required to apply to a school counseling M.Ed. program.
Practicum, Internship, and Licensure Preparation
All M.Ed. in school counseling programs require both a practicum and an internship. A practicum is shorter in duration, usually 100 hours. Students in a practicum essentially shadow a school counselor and observe the daily functions of the role. An internship is longer, usually 600-700 hours and is more hands-on. Interns in school counseling may meet with students individually or in groups, assist with paperwork, and review credits for grade promotion.
All practicums and internships take place in an elementary, middle, or high school setting. Some programs require students to do their practicum and internship with different age groups. For example, a student will do a practicum in a middle school and an internship in a high school. This is best practice in order to gain more experience working with more diverse students.
The school counselor who hosts the graduate student for their practicum or internship will function as a mentor. They will advise the graduate student as they progress through their practicum or internship. The school counselor mentor also serves as a role model for how to perform the daily responsibilities of a school counselor.
A field supervisor is a professor who manages the progression of the graduate student through their practicum and internship. They ensure that all hours and requirements are met. The field supervisor most often teaches the concurrent course for practicum or internship.
All states require school counselors to have completed an internship in schools in order to become certified school counselors. Each state has its own unique requirements for school counseling certification/licensure.
Online and Hybrid M.Ed. in School Counseling Options
Several of the top 20 M.Ed. in School Counseling programs have options to complete coursework entirely online:
- North Carolina State University
- Auburn University
- Texas Tech University
- UMass Boston Global
Additionally, Monmouth College in New Jersey offers a CACREP-accredited hybrid program.
It’s important to note that while all coursework is completed online, practicum and internship requirements must still be completed in-person at an approved k-12 school site. All online CACREP-accredited programs have in-person residency requirements throughout the course of study. This is mandated by CACREP. Students in online M.Ed. programs must plan accordingly to travel and spend time on campus throughout their plan of study.
Please note that UMass Boston Global offers a highly-rated M.Ed. in school counseling, but it is not CACREP-accredited.
Career Outlook and Salary for School Counselors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school counselors in 2024 had a median pay of $65,140 per year, which amounts to $31.32 per hour. Most school counselor salaries are pre-determined at the district or state level and can vary greatly. California, Massachusetts and Washington are known for their high salaries but also have high costs of living. In contrast, Florida consistently ranks lowest for teacher pay and school counselors are compensated on the same pay scale. Careful consideration is necessary for school counselors to ensure that they can afford a good quality of life in their area on their salary.
The demand for school counselors is expected to grow at 4%, which is about average for all professions in the United States. School counselors typically work in public, private, or charter schools. Traditionally, school counselors were found in high schools but have become increasingly common in elementary and middle schools as well. School counselors may also work in school district offices or become school administrators (e.g. assistant principals).
Scholarships and Financial Aid for School Counseling Students
If you’re interested in pursuing an M.Ed. in School Counseling, choosing an affordable program is essential. Many of our top choices are offered by public universities with exceptional tuition rates for a master’s degree. Some even offer their own scholarships and in-house financial aid. For example, West Chester University in Pennsylvania has an estimated total tuition cost of under $12,000 and offers a stipend for its school counseling graduate students to further offset costs. Other organizations, such as Chi Sigma Iota, offer awards and scholarships to students and professional counselors alike.
The first step in determining a financial aid package is to complete the FAFSA. “FAFSA” stands for the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid.” You should never pay for services to assist with FAFSA as it is intentionally designed to be free. The FAFSA will help your prospective school determine how much financial aid you qualify for.
In recognition of the growing need for school counselors, many school districts across the country have offered tuition assistance for those who are pursuing school counseling. For example, Florida Atlantic University introduced its WAVES program in 2023 to train 119 school counselors across multiple school districts. The US Department of Education also
authorized the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program to increase the number of mental health services providers in high-need primary and secondary schools nationwide, which could lead to more grant opportunities.
School counselors may be eligible for the TEACH grant under specific circumstances. The TEACH grant provides up to $4,000 per year of tuition assistance to help fulfill identified shortages in the educational field across the nation. The tuition assistance is paid out to students who agree to teach in a high need field. School counseling is not identified as a high need field. However, certain specializations may be recognized as high need in specific regions in the annual Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing (Nationwide List). For the 2026-2027 school year, both Colorado and South Carolina have been identified in the nationwide list as high need for counseling. The TEACH grant has many stipulations, including that if all requirements are not met, that the grant will be converted to a loan that must be repaid.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a popular choice for education professionals, including school counselors who have accrued student loan debt to obtain their degree(s). PSLF requires that a borrower be employed full-time at an eligible government agency or non-profit organization. As most schools are either run by local governments (public schools) or non-profits (private and charter schools), this option is accessible to most school counselors working in their field. Borrowers must make 120 qualifying payments (which equals ten years) in order for any remaining balance to be forgiven. PSLF remains intact but the details of the program, such as the qualifying payment plans, can change over time and require careful attention to all updates.
FAQs About M.Ed. in School Counseling Programs
Is an M.Ed. required to become a school counselor?
No. All certified school counselors must have completed at least 30 credit hours in a school counseling master’s program for provisional certification and hold a master’s degree for professional certification. However, school counselors may hold an M.Ed., M.A., or M.S. in school counseling.
What is the best M.Ed. in school counseling program?
We ranked Monmouth University in New Jersey as our number one choice because of its multiple certification pathways, hands-on experience with their Future Scholars program, CACREP-accreditation, hybrid modality, 100% job placement rate and relative affordability. However, there are many excellent CACREP-accredited M.Ed. in school counseling programs located across the country, both on-campus and online. Ultimately, the best M.Ed. in school counseling program is the one that fits your needs.
Does an M.Ed. in school counseling qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?
School counselors who are employed full-time qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This is because school counselors work for public schools, which are government organizations, or private and charter schools, which are most often 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations.
What is the most affordable M.Ed. in school counseling program?
The most affordable CACREP-accredited M.Ed. in school counseling programs that we found are those at West Chester University and Texas Tech University. Both have an estimated total program tuition cost of under $12,000 for in-state students.
What can I do with an M.Ed. in school counseling?
Graduates of an M.Ed. in school counseling program most often work as school counselors in elementary, middle, or high schools. Several of the top 20 M.Ed. in School Counseling programs allow for multiple certification pathways, such as becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC.