Master’s Programs in Montana to Become a School Counselor
Anna Jankowski is a certified school counselor in Florida. She holds a Master of Arts in School Counseling from New York University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Hunter College. She currently works in a Title I public elementary school in West Palm Beach.
Quick Facts
- Number of school counseling programs in Montana: 4
- Number of CACREP-accredited programs: 2
- Number of online or hybrid programs: 4
- Number of programs not requiring GRE: 1
- Tuition cost range: $19,977.60 to $55,790
- Average annual tuition: $34,584
State of School Counseling in Montana
There are four school counseling master’s degree programs in Montana. All of these programs can be completed online or in a hybrid model. One program requires applicants to submit GRE scores conditionally based on undergraduate GPA. Two of these programs are CACREP-accredited.
All Programs at a Glance
Montana has four master’s-level school counseling programs, with tuition ranging from $19,977.60 to $55,790. All four programs are available in online or hybrid format.
| School | Degree | Credits | Tuition | Modality | CACREP | GRE | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Montana | Master of Arts | 60 | $55,790 | Online or In-Person | Yes | No | Part of the RMPH4 federal grant |
| Montana State University | Master of Education | 60 | $19,977.60 | Online or In-Person | Yes | No | Accelerated pathway available |
| Montana State University at Billings | Master of Education | 48 | $35,920 | Hybrid | No | Conditional | Majority of courses are completed over the summer |
| Montana State University Northern | Master of Education | 60 | $26,648.34 | Hybrid | No | No | Highly customizable coursework |
As of 4/26/2026
Sources: All information is taken directly from each program’s website and its respective institution.
Can I Earn a School Counseling Master’s Degree Online in Montana?
Yes, you can earn a school counseling master’s degree online in Montana. All four programs are offered in either online or hybrid formats. Montana State University flagship campus in Bozeman and Montana State University at Billings require in-person residencies over at least two weekends during the program.
The University of Montana
- Missoula, MT
- 60 credits
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Missoula, MT
Modality: Online or In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $11,158 per semester, $55,790 estimated total cost
CACREP status: Yes
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: Rolling admissions until the start of the summer or fall term
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.umt.edu/education/departments/counsed/application_requirements/default.php
Program Overview: Due to the high demand for school counselors across Montana, the University of Montana has launched The Rural Mental-Health Preparation/Practice Pathway (RMHP4). This federally funded grant is designed to “improve the preparation, retention, and overall numbers and effectiveness of rural school-based mental health service professionals for rural and remote contexts.”
Why We Like This Program:
- Students in the RMPH4 Program receive a stipend to support their education.
- Applicants have the option to submit their GRE scores to bolster their application, but are not required to.
- UMT offers unique courses such as “Risk & Resiliency.”
Additional Considerations:
- While the priority application deadline passed in January, the program will still consider candidates on a rolling basis until all spaces are filled.
- This is the most expensive school counseling master’s program in Montana.
Montana State University
- Bozeman, MT
- 60 credits
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Bozeman, MT
Modality: In-Person or Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $332.96 per credit hour, $19,977.60 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: Yes
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: February 1st for the summer term start
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.montana.edu/counselingdepartment/graduate/prospectivestudents.html
Program Overview: Montana State University’s school counseling program is structured so that the majority of the classes are held during the summer semester. During the rest of the year, students complete a maximum of 6 credits per semester in order to finish the program in three years. This schedule may appeal to teachers looking to transition to school counseling.
Why We Like This Program:
- Montana State University is also a part of the RMPH4 program, in which students can receive a stipend for their education.
- Students in 15-partner states qualify for in-state tuition via the WICHE partnership.
- Online students attend two in-person residencies during the three-year course of study.
Additional Considerations:
- Admissions to this program are highly competitive, with only 8 students accepted per year on average.
Montana State University at Billings
- Billings, MT
- 48 credits
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Education
City: Billings, MT
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $4,490 per 5-6 credit hours, $35,920 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: Yes, if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: Rolling admissions with varying start dates, but recommended to submit all application materials by the second Monday in April.
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.msubillings.edu/grad/application_options.htm
Program Overview: The flexibility of the school counseling program at Montana State University at Billings is hard to beat. With most of the coursework completed online, the average timeline is 2 to 3 years. However, if students take a full 9 credits each semester, they can finish in just six semesters to accelerate their degree.
Why We Like This Program:
- MSU Billings offers multiple scholarship and grant opportunities for its graduate students.
- Students in 15-partner states qualify for in-state tuition via the WICHE partnership.
- Classes are mostly held online in the evenings, with some in-person sessions held during weekends in the summer session.
Additional Considerations:
- Unlike other school counseling programs in Montana, this one does not appear to qualify to participate in the RMPH4 program.
Montana State University Northern
- Havre, MT
- 60 credits
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Education
City: Havre, MT
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $8,882.70 per year, $26,648.34 estimated total program cost based on three years of study
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: May 1st for the fall semester start
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.msun.edu/future/apply.aspx
Program Overview: Montana State University Northern’s MEd in Counselor Education program allows for a high level of customization for its students. All students complete 9 core credits, and then choose their courses in their area of specialization.
Why We Like This Program:
- According to the course catalog, students in this program may qualify to become licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPC) in addition to school counselors.
- The program site emphasizes that its coursework is aligned for school counselors to receive raises based on the courses they complete.
- Former students rave about the flexible class schedule and intensive course format.
Additional Considerations:
- There is very little information available online about the school counseling program at Montana State University Northern.
Which School Counseling Programs in Montana Are CACREP Accredited?
Montana has two CACREP-accredited programs:
- The University of Montana
- Montana State University
Which School Counseling Programs in Montana Don’t Require the GRE?
Three out of four programs do not require GRE scores in Montana. The only exception is Montana State University at Billings, which requires applicants to submit their GRE scores if their undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
What Is the Cheapest School Counseling Master’s Program in Montana?
The most affordable option is Montana State University at $19,977.60 estimated tuition. The second and third most affordable options are Montana State University Northern at $26,648.34 and Montana State University Billings at $35,920, respectively.
What Is the Job Outlook for School Counselors in Montana?
There is likely a growing demand for school counselors in Montana. The 2020 Census reported that the state’s population increased 9.6% between 2010 and 2020. The state population reached 1 million in 2020.
In the 2024-2025 school year, Montana’s student-to-school counselor ratio was 288:1. Despite a growing state population, this ratio is significantly lower than the US average of 372:1. The American School Counseling Association (ASCA) recommends a ratio of 250:1, which is close to Montana’s ratio.
There are 302 school districts in Montana, some of which have fewer than 100 students. There are over 144,000 students in grades K through 12 enrolled in Montana public schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 112,000 of these students are white, making them the largest racial group. American Indian/Alaska Native students account for nearly 15,000 students, followed by approximately 9,760 Hispanic students. Black/African American students and Asian American students make up approximately 1% of the student population in Montana.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in Montana?
A school counselor in Montana makes $64,770 per year on average as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Montana?
Typically, it takes between two and three years to become a school counselor in Montana. This is because earning a master’s degree in school counseling (including completing the necessary fieldwork) usually takes this amount of time.
What are the best CACREP-accredited programs in Montana?
The University of Montana and Montana State University are the only CACREP-accredited school counseling programs in Montana. Montana State University costs less than the University of Montana.
What is CACREP accreditation and why does it matter?
CACREP stands for the “Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.” It is considered the gold standard for accreditation of school counseling programs. The education departments in certain states require a master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program for professional licensure as a school counselor. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program gives school counselors more portability in the future. For more information, visit the official CACREP website.
Can I get a school counseling degree online in Montana?
Yes, you can get a school counseling degree online in Montana at any of the following schools: The University of Montana, Montana State University, Montana State University Billings, and Montana State University Northern.
What is the cheapest school counseling program in Montana?
Montana State University is the cheapest school counseling program in Montana, with an estimated total tuition cost of $19,977.60.
Do I need GRE scores for school counseling programs in Montana?
No, you most likely do not need GRE scores for acceptance into school counseling programs in Montana. Only Montana State University Billings requires applicants with undergraduate GPAs below 3.0 to submit GRE scores for consideration.
What is the student-to-school counselor ratio in Montana?
The student-to-school counselor ratio in Montana is 288:1, which is higher than the ASCA recommendation of 250:1 but also lower than the US average ratio of 372:1.
How do I get certified as a school counselor in Montana?
In order to become a certified school counselor in Montana, candidates must have completed a CACREP-accredited master’s program or an equivalent master’s program that required a 600-hour internship. All candidates must complete the course “An Introduction to Indian Education for All in Montana.”For more information, visit the Montana Office of Public Instruction website.
Is school counseling in demand in Montana?
Yes, school counseling is in demand in Montana. The job growth projection for school counseling in Montana is 9%, according to Career One Stop. This is twice as fast as the job growth projection for school counselors nationwide, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
