2023 Best Online Master's in School Counseling Programs
An online master's in school counseling may be a smart choice for those who are interested in counseling K-12 students. School counselors typically help younger students address social or behavioral problems, issues with their home environments, and other challenges that may hinder their ability to learn and communicate effectively with their teachers and peers.
An online master's program in school counseling is designed to train students in assessment methods and counseling techniques. Some graduate students may also want to choose an area of concentration, such as mental health treatment or college and career readiness.
View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn more about OnlineU.
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2023 Best Online Master's in School Counseling Programs
Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Starting Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Valdosta State University | $57,170 | ||
Chadron State College | 93 | $53,336 | |
Our Lady of the Lake University | 90 | $52,159 | |
University of West Alabama | 90 | $52,130 | |
Creighton University | 85 | $50,507 | |
Seton Hall University | 81 | $49,575 | |
University of Missouri | 75 | $48,350 | |
University of the Southwest | 68 | $47,026 | |
Angelo State University | 68 | $47,019 | |
New York University | 67 | $46,814 |
#1 Valdosta State University
- Salary Score: 98
- Median Starting Salary: $57,170
- Locations: Valdosta (GA)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Valdosta State University (VSU) is a public institution that offers an online Educational Specialist in School Counseling. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours, which most full-time students achieve in two years.
VSU students use the school's BlazeVIEW system to access their online courses. Some of the core courses in the school counseling program cover advanced behavioral therapy, child psychopathology, and behavior modification. Students must also complete a semester-long practicum and a capstone project to graduate. The mission of the VSU program is to prepare graduates to work as K-12 counselors, using data, advocacy, consultation, and counseling to help students achieve high levels of success.
#2 Chadron State College
- Salary Score: 93
- Median Starting Salary: $53,336
- Locations: Chadron (NE)
- Accreditation: HLC
At Chadron State College (CSC), a public institution, future school counselors can opt for an online Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in school counseling. Students who have a valid teaching certificate need to complete 39 credit hours, while those without a teaching certificate must take an additional 15 credit hours of teacher education.
During CSC's eight-week online sessions, graduate students use the Sakai learning platform to access lectures, submit homework, and interact with peers and instructors. Students develop their counseling abilities by taking courses on topics such as the fundamentals of assessment and multicultural counseling and by completing both a practicum and an internship.
#3 Our Lady of the Lake University
- Salary Score: 90
- Median Starting Salary: $52,159
- Locations: San Antonio (TX)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Our Lady of the Lake University is a private, nonprofit, faith-based college affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. It's also a designated Hispanic-serving institution. The school offers both a Master of Arts in Counseling - School Counseling and a Master of Education in School Counseling, each of which requires 48-63 credit hours, depending on the student's prior experience. The programs are structured in seven-week sessions, and most students earn their degrees in two to four years of full-time study.
In either program, students take courses covering professional methods, child counseling, assessment, and appraisal. Required internships and practicums provide real-world experience before graduating.
#4 University of West Alabama
- Salary Score: 90
- Median Starting Salary: $52,130
- Locations: Livingston (AL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of West Alabama (UWA) offers both an online Master of Education in School Counseling and an online Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling. Either program requires the completion of 60 credit hours, which most full-time students achieve in two to three years.
At UWA, students use the Blackboard learning system to access their online courses. Some of the core courses explore diagnostic techniques, group counseling, and crisis intervention. Graduate students must also complete two semesters of practicum experience and a one-semester internship. UWA students are paired with mentors who can assist them throughout the program.
#5 Creighton University
- Salary Score: 85
- Median Starting Salary: $50,507
- Locations: Omaha (NE)
- Accreditation: HLC
Affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, Creighton University is a private, nonprofit school. Creighton accepts 71% of applicants and graduates 72% of its students. The school offers an online Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventive Mental Health, which features three possible areas of concentration: elementary school counseling, PK-12 guidance counseling, and secondary school counseling. Applicants with a teaching certificate will need to complete about 36 credit hours, while those who don't will need to complete about 48 credit hours and an additional practicum.
Creighton's program is designed to prepare students for licensure and certification through project-based learning activities and several semesters of required practicum experience. Core courses focus on common issues and counseling techniques for children.
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By OnlineU Staff Writers | 5/23/2023