There are eighteen public and private institutions that offer school counseling master’s degree programs in Ohio, including a program offered by the state’s flagship university: Ohio State University. Many programs are offered by public universities and a few are offered by private secular and Catholic universities, such as Xavier University and John Carroll University. A number of these programs are conducted in a hybrid model for maximum convenience. The CACREP-accredited section highlights sixteen CACREP-accredited school counseling master’s programs. Additionally, Ohio has many affordable graduate programs for prospective school counselors. Keep reading to learn more about the programs available to future graduate students in school counseling.
Ohio School Counseling Programs Quick Facts
- Number of School Counseling Programs in Ohio: 18
- CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Programs: 16
- Hybrid or Online School Counseling Programs in Ohio: 8
- Tuition Cost Range: $27,600 to $54,000
- Average Cost of Tuition: $37,480
Capital University
- Columbus, OH
- 64 hours
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Columbus, OH
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 64 credit hours
Tuition: $735 per credit hour, $47,040 estimated total program cost
Program Overview: Capital University offers both a school counseling and clinical mental health concentration in their counselor education graduate programs. Students can expect to complete the school counseling concentration in two years or both concentrations in as little as three years. Classes are offered in a hybrid format to better accommodate working students.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can simultaneously study to become both school counselors and licensed mental health counselors, opening up more career avenues
- 12:1 student to faculty ratio means smaller classes and more attention
Program Overview
- As a private university, tuition at Capital University is higher than most of its public counterparts
- Applicants must include a signed statement of assurance of good moral character with their application
- Applications are reviewed once per year in the fall, with in-person interviews held in the spring and actual coursework beginning the following year. This means that you cannot begin working towards your degree for about a year from when you apply.
Cleveland State University
- Cleveland, OH
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Cleveland, OH
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $618.25 per credit hour, $37,095 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Cleveland State University offers a CACREP-accredited MEd in School Counseling with no GRE requirement. In addition to the coursework for the school counseling program of study, students also have the option to pursue one of the following specializations; clinical mental health, chemical dependency, or early childhood mental health. While additional credits may be required for licensure in these areas, this structure allows students to gain knowledge outside of school counseling.
Why We Like This Program:
- According to the website, 95% of students completed the program
- 100% of students passed their licensing/certification examinations on the first attempt
- Rolling admissions with multiple starting dates throughout the year
Additional Considerations:
- The job placement rate is 59%, which is quite low
- These statistics are from 2018-2019 and may no longer be accurate, however they are still being highlighted on the program website page.
Heidelberg University
- Tiffin, OH
- 50 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Tiffin, OH
Modality: In-Person
Length: 50 credit hours
Tuition: $650 per credit hour, $32,500 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Heidelberg University is ranked as one of the top 30 schools in the Midwest for Counseling degrees. It has also been recognized for its affordability. While the program is face-to-face, some classes are also held online. There is also an active Sigma Phi Beta chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International at Heidelberg University.
Why We Like This Program:
- 98% program completion rate
- 95% job placement rate within the first year after graduation
- Heidelberg University is highly rated in the Midwest
Additional Considerations:
- Students must complete 9 credits and then sit for a faculty interview for full admission to the Master of Arts in Counseling program
- The Master of Arts in Counseling program does not have a very diverse student body according to the annual report.
Online School Counseling Masters Programs In Ohio
In the state of Ohio, there are two fully online Master of School Counseling programs.
Online graduate programs have become increasingly popular, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. The ease of taking classes from anywhere can mean less time and money spent on commuting. In addition to the program listed below, Ohio University also offers a 100% online version of its master of school counseling program.
Malone University
- Canton, OH
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in Education
City: Canton, OH
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $725 per credit hour, $43,500 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Malone University is a Christian institution with a CACREP-accredited school counseling graduate program. All coursework is completed online in both synchronous (live) and asynchronous formats. Additionally, applicants are not required to submit their GRE scores. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a faith-based option in Ohio.
Why We Like This Program:
- Offers military scholarships and is committed to working with veterans and active duty servicemen and servicewomen
- Alumni surveys rated the program highly. 100% reported that they felt prepared for their licensing exam and the field of counseling.
Additional Considerations:
- With a relatively high sticker price at $725, Malone University offers very little information about scholarships (outside of those available to veterans) which suggests that there is not much aid available.
- While there were 43 students enrolled in the School Counseling program in the 2023-2024 school year, only 4 graduated in that time, suggesting that students may struggle to complete the program in a timely manner.
CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Masters Programs In Ohio
There are sixteen CACREP-accredited Master of School Counseling programs in Ohio.
“CACREP” stands for Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This is a nationally recognized specialized accreditation for master’s and doctoral programs related to counseling. Attending a CACREP-accredited program can boost your resume. In addition to the programs listed in this section, the following programs are also CACREP-accredited; Capital University, Malone University, Heidelberg University, Cleveland State University, The Ohio State University, The University of Akron, Bowling Green State University, and Youngstown State University.
Kent State University
- Kent, OH
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Kent, OH
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $10,706 per semester, $53,530 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Kent State University offers a CACREP-accredited MEd in School Counseling. Students can enroll on either a full-time or part-time basis. Kent State University’s Counselor Education and Supervision Program has also committed to promoting diversity in recent years. According to their Learning Outcomes, the program has collaborated with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) to improve the programs.
Why We Like This Program:
- Interesting and relevant electives for school counselors, such as “Legal and Policy Foundations of Special Education” and “Motivational Interviewing”
- Students may pursue a thesis option if they receive approval from the department
Additional Considerations:
- The first time exam pass rate for school counseling students was 69%, although two of the students who failed passed on the second try which bumped the pass rate up to 81.8%.
- Kent State has higher tuition than even some of the private universities in Ohio
Ohio University
- Athens, OH
- 60 hours
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Athens, OH
Modality: In-Person or Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $505 per credit hour, $30,300 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Ohio University offers a CACREP-accredited school counseling graduate program either on-campus or fully online. The timeline for completion is five full-time semesters (approximately two years). No GRE is required. There is also an active Alpha chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International at Ohio University.
Why We Like This Program:
- Dual-specialization in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling is available
- Graduates are eligible to become National Certified Counselors
- All counseling students (regardless of specialization) successfully found work in their field after graduation
Additional Considerations:
- The number of students in these programs appears to be quite small, with only 2 school counseling students graduating in one year
- The online version of this program takes 6-7 semesters to complete, which is longer than the in-person version.
The University of Toledo
- Toledo, OH
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of the Arts
City: Toledo, OH
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $571 per credit hour, $34,260 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The CACREP-accredited school counseling program at The University of Toledo prides itself on individual attention to students to ensure their success. Classes are held once a week in the evening and the full program of study can be completed in 2.5 to 3 years. The student body is diverse – with students from all 50 states and 98 countries on campus.
Why We Like This Program:
- Strong emphasis on diversity (it’s the first point mentioned in the program’s values).
- Rolling admissions three times throughout the year
- One third of credits (in this case, 20) may be transferred
Additional Considerations:
- Completion rate is 81%, lower than some other Ohio schools
- The licensure rate for the school counseling program is very low, at 31-40%
Wright State University
- Dayton, OH
- 60 hours
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Education
City: Dayton, OH
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $680 per credit hour, $40,800 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
In this hybrid program, many courses in the school counseling program at Wright State University are offered online, however, some are conducted on campus. This program is CACREP-accredited and the GRE requirement has been temporarily waived. According to the program website, 100% of students find work in their field within six months of graduation.
Why We Like This Program:
- Options to complete the program on a part-time basis
- Wright State University offers a graduate tuition scholarship
- There is the option to add on the Trauma-Informed Counseling certificate
Additional Considerations:
- While the program website states that many students do not live in Dayton, this program will require a significant amount of commuting. It may not be worthwhile for those outside of Dayton
- There is no clear path to dual-licensure in this program
The University of Dayton
- Dayton, OH
- 60 hours
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: Dayton, OH
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $730 per credit hour, $43,800 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Offered in a blended format, students in the School Counseling MSE program at The University of Dayton take their school counseling classes online and classes that overlap with clinical mental health on campus. The program is CACREP-accredited and GRE scores are only required if the applicant has an undergraduate GPA below 2.75. There is also the option for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) to complete a 23-credit school counseling certificate.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can take their in-person classes at either the Dayton or Columbus campuses
- There is an emphasis on student research, which is presented at the Stander Symposium
- Active chapter of Chi Sigma Iota
Additional Considerations:
- While The University of Dayton boasts that it offers a “private university education at the cost of a public university,” its tuition is on-par with most other private universities in Ohio.
- 79% of school counseling students passed their credentialing exam on the first attempt, which is a drop from previous years.
Xavier University
- Cincinnati, OH
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Cincinnati, OH
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $722 per credit hour, $43,320 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Xavier University is a private school based in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Their MA in School Counseling is CACREP-accredited and offers classes in the evenings and weekends to accommodate working students. This program meets the requirements not only for licensure in Ohio, but also Indiana, Kentucky, and other states. Submitting GRE test scores is optional.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program requires a class in college counseling, which is essential for school counselors to know before starting their careers.
- Grants are available for both Catholic teachers and school district partners.
Additional Considerations:
- Some alumni have stated that they wished they had more practical experience before graduation
- The school counseling program student body is not very diverse
Walsh University
- North Canton, OH
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of the Arts
City: North Canton, OH
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $745 per credit hour, $44,700 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Walsh University offers a fully online school counseling masters degree program grounded in the university’s Catholic values. The program is CACREP-accredited and does not require applicants to submit their GRE scores if their undergraduate GPA was a minimum of 2.75.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program offers exceptional flexibility. This is not only because it is online; Walsh University offers five different start dates per year.
- Students also have 1:1 faculty guidance to better prepare them for their careers after graduation.
- Students can complete their practicum where they are already employed
Additional Considerations:
- Practicum and internship site supervisors reported that not all students are adequately prepared for the fieldwork experience
- Completion rates have declined over the past three years
No GRE Required School Counseling Masters Programs In Ohio
There are fifteen institutions within the state of Ohio that have removed the GRE as a requirement for admittance into their Master of School Counseling programs.
If taking standardized tests isn’t your strong suit, fear not! There are plenty of schools that understand that test scores don’t tell the full story, especially for school counseling programs. If you do not want to submit GRE scores, you can also choose from these programs: Bowling Green State University, Xavier University, Wright State University, The University of Toledo, Ohio University, Kent State University, Malone University, Heidelberg University, Capital University, and Cleveland State University.
Miami University
- Oxford, OH
- 60 hours
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Education
City: Oxford, OH
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $700 per credit hour, $42,000 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Students in this program may pursue a dual track in clinical mental health counseling alongside school counseling. Miami University’s counseling graduate programs are not yet CACREP-accredited (but intend to apply for accreditation in the future, so check their website for the most current status).
Why We Like This Program:
- An online only version of the counselor education graduate program is coming soon.
- Students an easily pursue their degree on a part-time track unless they are pursuing the dual degree.
Additional Considerations:
- Miami University utilizes a “market-driven tuition rate” meaning that tuition may increase unexpectedly.
- Students admitted into this program must be located in Ohio.
John Carroll University
- University Heights, OH
- 60 hours
- In-Person + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Education
City: University Heights, OH
Modality: In-Person/Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $900 per credit hour, $54,000 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The school counseling program at John Carroll University highlights the growing demand for school counselors, especially after the pandemic. Students can complete the program in as little as two years or up to five years on a part-time schedule. While the first set of classes is held on campus, students switch to hybrid or online classes during their internship and practicum.
Why We Like This Program:
- John Carroll University is a Catholic school, which may be appealing to students of the Catholic faith.
- US News and World Report ranked John Carroll University #2 in “Best Regional Universities Midwest Rankings”
Additional Considerations:
- This is the most expensive program on this list.
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
The Ohio State University
- Columbus, OH
- 61 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of the Arts
City: Columbus, OH
Modality: In-Person
Length: 61 credit hours
Tuition: $801.19 per credit hour, $48,872.59 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
With a 100% completion rate, exam pass rate, and job placement rate, The Ohio State University boasts one of the top counseling masters degree programs in the United States. The program is CACREP-accredited and does not require the GRE. Students progress through the program in a small cohort model and take classes in the evenings at either 4 pm or 7 pm.
Why We Like This Program:
- One of the top 10 counselor education programs in the nation according to US News & World Report
- Scholarships are available through the College of Education and Human Ecology department (where the school counseling program is housed).
Additional Considerations:
- Students must apply by December 1st to begin the program in the following fall semester. There are no rolling admission dates.
- There is only one elective course option which is focused on advanced individual studies. All students follow the same curriculum otherwise.
The University of Akron
- Akron, OH
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Akron, OH
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $462.50 per credit, $27,750 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
This CACREP-accredited School Counseling MA does not require GRE scores. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and applying sooner rather than later is strongly encouraged. The University of Akron also hosts the Alpha Upsilon Chapter (AU) of Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International.
Why We Like This Program:
- While not the most affordable program in Ohio, at $462.50 per credit The University of Akron is significantly more affordable than many other colleges and universities.
- This program has a 90% program completion rate, job placement rate, and licensure examination pass rate.
Additional Considerations:
- Open to people of all professional backgrounds
- Some students reported that course offerings were limited and not always the most tailored to the role of a school counselor.
The University of Cincinnati
- Cincinnati, OH
- 60 hours
- 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
Ohio’s Most Affordable School Counseling Masters Programs
A career in school counseling is tremendously rewarding but often has relatively lower pay. For this reason, prospective school counseling students should carefully consider the cost of attendance when applying to graduate school. Here are the most affordable school counseling masters programs in Ohio:
Bowling Green State University
- Bowling Green, OH
- 60 hours
- 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.
Youngstown State University
- Youngstown, OH
- 60 hours
- 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.
School Counseling In Ohio
Ohio is the seventh most populous state in the country. With a population of 11.88 million and counting, the Buckeye State needs education professionals. In 2022, there were 1,680,639 public school students at 3,632 schools in Ohio. As a diverse Midwestern state, school counselors in Ohio may find themselves working in cities like Columbus or Cleveland or in small agricultural communities.
Ohio’s student-to-school-counselor ratio is 383:1. This is higher than the national average of 376:1 and substantially higher than the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) recommended ratio of 250:1. Ohio was ranked 30th worst state in the school counselor shortage. Especially in rural areas, the school counselor shortage is so dire that teenagers are being trained in mental health first aid. This means that the demand for passionate, well-educated school counselors in Ohio is soaring.
School Counselor Certification In Ohio
Aspiring school counselors in Ohio should know that the certification path is slightly different than in other states. For those who already hold a valid Ohio teaching certificate, they will also need two years of teaching experience. Alternatively, new graduates from a school counseling program must work under the supervision of a licensed school counselor in a one-year induction period before applying for certification. There may also be examination requirements. More information can be found here.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in Ohio?
The average salary range of a school counselor in Ohio is $42,820 – $53,230, with a median salary of $46,920.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Ohio?
Most school counseling masters programs can be completed in two to three years.
What is the best school counseling program in Ohio?
It’s tough to say which school counseling program in Ohio is the best. Both Youngstown State University and Bowling Green State University have been nationally recognized and are affordable. For students who value a Catholic education, Xavier University and John Carroll University are excellent options. Prospective students seeking an online education should consider Malone University, Walsh University, or Ohio University.
