Master’s Programs in New Mexico to Become a School Counselor
Quick Facts
Number of school counseling programs in New Mexico: 5
Number of CACREP-accredited programs: 2
Number of online or hybrid programs: 4
Number of programs not requiring GRE: 5
Tuition cost range: $15,216 – $28,350
Average annual tuition: $10,277
State of School Counseling in New Mexico
There are five school counseling master’s degree programs in New Mexico. Four of these programs can be completed online or in a hybrid model. Two of these programs are CACREP-accredited, and none require applicants to submit GRE scores for consideration.
All Programs at a Glance
New Mexico has five master’s-level school counseling programs, with tuition ranging from $15,216 to $28,350. Four out of the five programs are available in online or hybrid formats.
| School | Degree | Credits | Annual Tuition | Modality | CACREP | GRE | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Highlands University | Master of Arts | 60 | $7,880 | Online | Yes | No | Hispanic-Serving Institution |
| Southwestern College & New Earth Institute | Master of Arts | 96 | — | Online or In-Person | No | No | Art Therapy/Clinical Counseling Dual Licensure Options |
| The University of New Mexico | Master of Arts | 60 | $11,445 | In-Person | Yes | No | 100% Job Placement & Dual-Licensure |
| The University of the Southwest | Master of Science in Education | 42 | $14,175 | Online | No | No | Small Christian college |
| Eastern New Mexico University | Master of Education | 48 | $7,608 | Online | No | No | Low number of required internship hours |
As of 6/15/2026
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 New Mexico?
Yes, you can earn a school counseling master’s degree online in New Mexico. Four out of the five programs are offered in either online or hybrid formats. New Mexico Highlands University requires two in-person residencies throughout the program of study.
New Mexico Highlands University
- Las Vegas, NM
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Las Vegas, NM
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $328.35 per credit hour, $19,701 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: Yes
GRE required: No
Application deadline: next upcoming, with the term October 15th to start in the spring term
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.nmhu.edu/landing-counseling/apply/
Program Overview: New Mexico Highlands University is a public, Hispanic-Serving Institution offering multiple graduate counseling concentrations. All counseling programs are CACREP-accredited. The program is conducted entirely online in a mixture of synchronous (live) Zoom courses and asynchronous work.
Why We Like This Program:
- New Mexico Highlands University participates in the Expanding Opportunities Project, which focuses on training the next generation of school counselors to work with high-risk student populations.
- This program boasts a 95% job placement rate for school counseling graduates for the past four years.
- Alumni surveys indicate high satisfaction with their courses and the program overall.
Additional Considerations:
- While the coursework is done entirely online, students are required to attend two in-person residencies in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Southwestern College & New Earth Institute
- Santa Fe, NM
- 96 quarter units
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Arts
City: Santa Fe, NM
Modality: Online or In-Person
Length: 96 quarter units equivalent to approximately 60 semester units
Tuition: Not available
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline: next upcoming, with the term starting September 1st in the winter term
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.swc.edu/overview/applying-to-counseling-program/
Program Overview: “Transforming Consciousness Through Education” is the mission of Southwestern College & New Earth Institute. A great deal of emphasis is placed on spirituality, although there is no religious affiliation. Students can pursue school counseling as a concentration in either the regular MA Counseling path or the MA Counseling/Art Therapy pathway, both online and in-person.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can pursue clinical counseling, art therapy, and school counseling all in one master’s program, offering a unique opportunity to pursue these fields simultaneously.
- Specialty certifications in Ecotherapy, Trauma Grief & Renewal, and Children’s Mental Health are available.
- While not CACREP-accredited, the program does follow the CACREP guidelines closely and purposely uses CACREP language to develop its curriculum.
Additional Considerations:
- Some of the courses and philosophies at Southwestern College & New Earth Institute are unconventional, such as those surrounding “consciousness” and “light figures.”
- Tuition for fall 2026 has not been posted as of mid-June 2026. Contact the school directly to inquire about the cost of attendance.
The University of the Southwest
- Hobbs, NM
- 42 hours
- Online
Program: Master of Science in Education
City: Hobbs, NM
Modality: Online
Length: 42 credit hours
Tuition: $675 per credit hour, $28,350 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline: next upcoming, with term Rolling, no deadline
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.usw.edu/admissions/masters-students
Program Overview: The University of the Southwest is a small, private Christian institution. It offers all of its master’s degree programs in a 100% online format. Its school counseling program is designed to adhere to both CAEP and New Mexico Public Education Department standards.
Why We Like This Program:
- Scholarships and other aid are offered to nearly every student.
- Students can choose two of the following elective courses: Human Sexuality, Counseling Families, Introduction to Play Therapy, Psychopathology, and Introduction to Addictions Therapy
Additional Considerations:
- There is very little information available about this program. Those who are interested in applying should contact the school directly for more information.
Eastern New Mexico University
- Portales, NM
- 48 hours
- Online
Program: Master of Education
City: Portales, NM
Modality: Online
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $317 per credit hour, $15,216 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: None listed
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.enmu.edu/academics/colleges-departments/graduate-school/admission-procedures
Program Overview: As the newest public university in the state, Eastern New Mexico University offers an exceptionally affordable school counseling master’s program. The program is held entirely online without the need to ever set foot on campus. The coursework is a mixture of live sessions and self-paced learning.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students in this program are required to complete a 300-hour internship, which is significantly less than the standard 600 hours in most programs.
- Eastern New Mexico University offers numerous scholarships to its students.
- Students in this program can choose three of the following electives: Trauma and Crisis Counseling, Gender Studies & Human Sexuality, Family Counseling, and Counseling Children & Adolescents.
Additional Considerations:
- The application deadline and enrollment dates of this program are unclear. Prospective students should contact the school directly for more information.
Can I Earn a School Counseling Master’s Degree Online in New Mexico?
New Mexico has two CACREP-accredited programs. In addition to the program listed below, the school counseling program at New Mexico Highlands University is also CACREP-accredited.
The University of New Mexico
- Albuquerque, NM
- 60 hours
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Arts
City: Albuquerque, NM
Modality: In-Person/Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $11,445 per year assuming 15 credits per semester; $22,890 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: Yes
GRE required: No
Application deadline: next upcoming, with term: July 15 to start in the fall semester
Direct link to program admissions page: https://grad.unm.edu/graduate-programs/application-instructions/counseling.html
Program Overview: The University of New Mexico is known for conducting the most research of any college or university in the state. This allows the school to offer robust, CACREP-accredited counseling master’s programs in both clinical mental health counseling and school counseling, with the opportunity to complete a dual master’s for 12 additional credits.
Why We Like This Program:
- 100% job placement rate every year since 2020 for both school counseling and clinical mental health counseling alumni who pursued employment after graduation.
- US News & World Report ranked the University of New Mexico #14 in diversity in the nation.
- The Manzanita Counseling Center offers students pursuing the dual-licensure track to complete half of their fieldwork requirements onsite, with the other half completed in a school setting.
Additional Considerations:
- Students are expected to complete the vast majority of their coursework on campus, in-person. There are some online courses, mostly over the summer.
Which School Counseling Programs in New Mexico Don’t Require the GRE?
None of the school counseling master’s programs in New Mexico require the GRE.
What Is the Cheapest School Counseling Master’s Program in New Mexico?
The most affordable option is Eastern New Mexico University, with an estimated $15,216 total cost of tuition. Please note that this is the rate for residents of New Mexico; the out-of-state tuition rate is higher.
What Is the Job Outlook for School Counselors in New Mexico?
There is likely a growing demand for school counselors in New Mexico. The 2020 Census reported that the state’s population increased 2.8% between 2010 and 2020. The state population is over 2.1 million people.
In the 2024-2025 school year, New Mexico’s student-to-school counselor ratio was 406:1. Despite a growing state population, this ratio is significantly higher than the US average of 372:1. In fact, New Mexico is one of fifteen states with a student-to-school counselor ratio of 400:1 or greater. The American School Counseling Association (ASCA) recommends a ratio of 250:1, which is much lower than New Mexico’s current ratio.
There are 129 school districts in New Mexico that operate 854 public schools. There are approximately 323,000 K-12 students enrolled in New Mexico public schools. New Mexico is a highly diverse state. According to the Economic Development of New Mexico site, the two largest ethnic groups are Hispanic at 49% and White (non-Hispanic) at 36%. 11% of the population is Native American. Both Asian American and Black are the smallest ethnic groups, at approximately 3% each. New Mexico also continues its rich linguistic tradition, as more than a third of the state’s population speaks a language other than English at home, typically Spanish or Diné.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in New Mexico?
A school counselor in New Mexico makes $75,480 per year on average as of May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in New Mexico?
Typically, it takes between two and three years to become a school counselor in New Mexico. 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 New Mexico?
The University of New Mexico and New Mexico Highlands University are the only CACREP-accredited school counseling programs in New Mexico.
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 New Mexico?
Yes, you can get a school counseling degree online in New Mexico at any of the following schools: New Mexico Highlands University, Southwestern College & New Earth Institute, the University of the Southwest, and Eastern New Mexico University.
What is the cheapest school counseling program in New Mexico?
Eastern New Mexico University is the cheapest school counseling program in New Mexico, with an estimated total in-state tuition cost of $15,216.
Do I need GRE scores for school counseling programs in New Mexico?
No, you do not need GRE scores for acceptance into school counseling programs in New Mexico.
What is the student-to-school counselor ratio in New Mexico?
The student-to-school counselor ratio in New Mexico is 406:1, which is higher than both the ASCA recommendation of 250:1 and the US average ratio of 372:1.
How do I get certified as a school counselor in New Mexico?
In order to become a certified school counselor in New Mexico, candidates must have completed a school counseling master’s program approved by the New Mexico Public Education Department or be a licensed mental health counselor who completed at least six graduate credit hours of school counseling coursework. All candidates must pass the Praxis School Counselor 5422 exam. Candidates must also be fingerprinted and pass a background check. For more information, visit the New Mexico Public Education Department website.
Is school counseling in demand in New Mexico?
Yes, school counseling is in demand in New Mexico. The job growth projection for school counseling in New Mexico is 11%, according to Career One Stop. This is more than twice as fast as the job growth projection for school counselors nationwide, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.