An online degree in school counseling or educational counseling can provide current education professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to take their careers to the next level. Administrators and teachers who wish to pursue work as academic advisors, educational psychologists, guidance counselors, or in educational assessment will likely need an advanced degree in a relevant field. In addition, a Master’s in Educational Counseling can open up doors for students looking to enter the field of educational counseling for the first time. The following is a list of the top 30 Master’s in Educational Counseling degrees online.
Methodology
In order to help students choose the best school to meet their academic and career goals as they relate to educational counseling, we took the liberty of compiling the following ranking based on a specific set of factors. To start, we used the College Navigator Tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) website and conducted a search for the term “Master’s in Educational Counseling degree online.” We were provided with an initial pool of 40 schools that matched our search terms, and we then narrowed down these results to find the top 30 institutions based on the following ranking methodology.
Average Cost of Graduate Attendance
When beginning the search for a potential school, most students first look at each institution’s cost of attendance. Unfortunately, some may automatically be drawn to those with the most inexpensive rates, despite the fact that these schools may not offer high-quality, accredited programs. For the purpose of this ranking, we have given more points to the more affordable schools while still taking into consideration accreditation and quality of the programs offered.
Points:
Under $20,000 per year: 3 points
$20,001 to $24,999 per year: 2 points
$25,000+ per year: 1 point
College Ranking
U.S. News & World Report and other similar American media companies are responsible for analyzing schools across the country, ranking each institution’s tuition rates, quality of degrees, the degrees offered, and other factors to develop lists comparing schools to one another. For the purpose of our list, we provided more points to those institutions that ranked higher on these national lists in categories that include specific academic programs, national rankings, regional statuses, and overall value.
Points:
U.S. News & World Report: Best Regional University, Best Value School, and Top Public School Ranking
Top 50: 3 points
Top 100: 2 points
Top 150: 1 point
U.S. News & World Report: Best National University, Best Education School, Graduate Psychology Program, Graduate Education Program Ranking:
Top 50: 5 points
Top 100: 3 points
Top 150: 2 point
Top 200: 1 point
Accreditation
Aside from tuition and ranking, one of the most important factors to look at when analyzing schools is whether or not they are accredited. Accreditation indicates that the school has undergone a peer-review process and that the institution meets or exceeds high standards of quality in areas such as its faculty, the quality of its programs, and the overall student learning experience. In this list, all schools hold regional accreditation, but we awarded additional points for program-specific accreditation.
Points:
American Psychological Association: 3 points
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP): 3 points
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which includes the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC): 3 points
Regional Accreditation: 2 points
Ranking Master’s in Educational Counseling
30. Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
The online M.Ed in Guidance and Counseling requires 36 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 7
Program Website
Angelo State University is known for offering unique, affordable distance learning programs, including an M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling. The 36-semester-hour program prepares students to work in higher education institutions and public schools as personal crisis, career, and academic counselors. Courses are available entirely online and taught in eight-week segments, allowing students to graduate within two years. The curriculum covers areas such as dysfunctional behavior, career and occupational counseling, theories of counseling, and group counseling. In addition, counseling certification options are available to Texas students who have completed this program and who hold a state-issued teaching certificate.
Degree Options:
M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling
Average Program Cost: $8,572
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#96-#127 in Regional Universities West
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
29. Seton Hall University
South Orange, New Jersey
The online MA in School Counseling requires 48 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 8
Program Website
Located in South Orange, New Jersey, Seton Hall University was founded in 1856, making it the oldest diocesan university in the country. The 48-credit-hour M.A. in School Counseling approaches educational counseling from a number of angles, and courses are divided into categories such as professional orientation, supervised experience, research, sociological foundations, psychological foundations, and the counseling core. The program features learning teams that help students connect, playing a significant role in the online students’ success by creating lasting relationships. The program culminates in a school counselor internship.
Degree Options:
M.A. in School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $29,088
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#119 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
28. Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
The online MA in School Counseling can be completed in either full-time or part-time study.
Points: 8
Program Website
Regent University, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, offers a 60-credit M.A. in School Counseling that provides education in areas such as counseling and Christian thought, psychopathology and diagnosis, program development and evaluation for school counselors, and principles of school counseling. In addition to the core coursework, two week-long residencies and a hands-on field experience are also required, and students may complete the program on a full- or part-time basis. Graduates from this program obtain positions in charter schools, private schools, and public schools.
Degree Options:
M.A. in School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $14,200
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
27. University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama
The online M.Ed. in School Counseling can be completed in one year of study.
Points: 8
Program Website
Located in rural Livingston, Alabama, the University of West Alabama originally began as a Presbyterian school for women in 1835. The 48-credit-hour M.Ed. in School Counseling program is designed for students with two years of teaching experience and a graduate background in education, and the program can be completed in one year. The curriculum divides courses into certification classes and professional classes, and students can expect to study counseling multicultural populations, strategies for crisis intervention, lifespan development and learning, and educational statistics.
Degree Options:
M.Ed. School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $20,592
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#107-#141 in Regional Universities South
Accreditations:
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
26. Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
The online Master’s in School Counseling requires 48 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 8
Program Website
Liberty University, founded in 1971, is the largest evangelical Christian university in the world and enrolls more than 100,000 students in its online programs. Its 48-credit-hour online M.Ed. in School Counseling program offers a biblical approach to counseling. Students take advanced education core courses in educational assessment and intervention, educational research, and human development across the lifespan, learning how to help their students undergo professional, academic, social, and personal development in different settings. Students must complete a six-credit-hour internship/practicum in a professional education environment and attend several one-week on-campus intensive residencies in order to earn the degree.
Degree Options:
Master’s in School Counseling (M.Ed.)
Average Program Cost: $13,560
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
25. Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
The online M.Ed. in Counseling and Development has two five-day residencies during the program.
Points: 8
Program Website
Lamar University, located in Beaumont Texas, is a member of the Texas State University System that was established in 1923. The online M.Ed. in Counseling and Development offers coursework in human growth and development, crisis prevention and intervention, and multicultural counseling. Students must also complete two five-day residency seminars on-campus as well as two field-based internships in counseling in a school setting or agency. Several starting dates are available throughout the year so students may begin the program when it is most convenient for them.
Degree Options:
Master of Education Degree in Counseling and Development
Average Program Cost: $13,330
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
24. University of the Southwest
Hobbs, New Mexico
The online MS in Education in School Counseling requires 42 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 8
Program Website
The University of the Southwest in Hobbs, New Mexico is home to just 1,000 students and offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees to on-campus and online students. The M.S. in Education with an emphasis on school counseling prepares students to become licensed in high, middle, elementary, and primary schools. The 42-credit-hour program is organized into three categories: elective requirements, major requirements, and the core curriculum. An internship and practicum experiences are required and must be completed in a private or public K-12 school.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Education, School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $12,579
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#96-#127 in Regional Universities West
Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
23. Chadron State College
Chadron, Nebraska
The online MA in Education in School Counseling requires 39 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 8
Program Website
Founded in 1911 as part of the Nebraska State College System, Chadron State College houses over 50 graduate and undergraduate majors, including an online M.Ed. in School Counseling. Through the 39-credit-hour program, students are prepared to become licensed professional counselors in Nebraska, and all of the courses are offered online except for a group counseling class, a counseling and communication skills course, and a practicum and internship in counseling. These three requirements must be fulfilled at the Chadron campus during the summer semesters. Graduates may seek careers as school counselors in private and public secondary, middle school, and elementary settings.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Education – School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $5,204
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
22. Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, Wisconsin
The online MS in Education in School and Professional Counseling requires a 600 practicum hours.
Points: 9
Program Website
Concordia University-Wisconsin is a private liberal arts college located in Mequon, Wisconsin that offers a 45- to 60-credit online Master’s in Education with a concentration in school and professional counseling. Students study the practical applications, theories, and principles of school counseling, and while those without a teaching license can enroll, they may need to take additional courses in order to graduate from the program. In addition to the coursework, students must complete a 600-hour supervised practicum experience that is evenly divided across a high school, a middle school, and an elementary school.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Education – School and Professional Counseling
Average Program Cost: $17,880
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#62 in Best Value Schools
#70 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
21. Edinboro University
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
The online MA in Counseling requires an internship as part of the degree program.
Points: 9
Program Website
Edinboro University in Edinboro, Pennsylvania offers an accredited online M.A. in Counseling with an option in school counseling. Students can take courses in areas such as counseling and consultation theories, organization and development of programs, appraisal techniques, and techniques for counseling the student with a disability. An internship is also required, providing students with the opportunity for professional development and growth outside the classroom. Throughout the program, students will learn how to become educational leaders and advocates in a variety of school settings, helping in the social, career, and academic development of students.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Counseling
Average Program Cost: $15,480
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#142-#187 in Regional Universities North
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
20. Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan
The online MA in Educational Psychology requires 30 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 9
Program Website
Located 35 miles west of Detroit in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Eastern Michigan University is a comprehensive, co-educational public school that traces its roots back to 1849. The 30-credit-hour online M.A. in Educational Psychology consists of foundation courses in human development, the basic concepts in educational psychology, and the principles of educational research. The program features two 13-hour concentrations: the Developing Learning track and the Research and Assessment track. Students must also complete six hours of required culminating experiences, including a thesis, a culminating project, and a seminar in educational psychology.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Educational Psychology
Average Program Cost: $11,055
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#153 in Best Education Schools
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
19. Missouri Baptist University
Saint Louis, Missouri
The online MA in School Counseling can be completed in three years of study.
Points: 9
Program Website
Founded in 1957 as an evangelical Christian institution, Missouri Baptist University has grown into a strong liberal arts university that enrolls more than 4,800 students in nearly 580 degree programs. The school offers an online M.A. in School Counseling degree that prepares graduate students for a career in school counseling. Students may complete the program within three years and prepares graduates for state certification as guidance counselors in a public K-12 setting.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts: School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $10,421
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#128-#165 in Regional Universities Midwest
Accreditations:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
18. Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
The online MS in Counseling requires 48 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 9
Program Website
Students may complete the online M.S. in Counseling with a focus on school counseling within three years. The 48-hour curriculum includes coursework in the social and cultural foundations of counseling, lifestyle and career development, and the management of counseling programs. Other areas of study include ethical counseling issues and the theories of counseling. Several on-campus visits are required, typically over the course of a weekend, and students complete a research paper, practicum, and an internship along with classroom and online courses. The program also prepares students for licensure as an Initial School Specialist in the state of Kansas.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Counseling – School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $8,492
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#128-#165 in Regional Universities Midwest
Accreditations:
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
17. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, Oklahoma
The online M.Ed. in School Counseling requires 42 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 10
Program Website
Located in Durant, Oklahoma, Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in a variety of disciplines. The online M.Ed. in School Counseling is an accelerated program that can be completed entirely online in one year. Students can expect a 42-credit-hour curriculum that consists of 15 courses in areas such as research, treatment planning, psychopathology, social and cultural diversity issues, and ethical practices. Students are required to complete two clinical/practical experiences, one of which must include at least 40 hours of client contact and 100 hours of work, before they can earn their degree.
Degree Options:
Master of Education in School Counseling Online
Average Program Cost: $11,130
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#96-#127 in Regional Universities West
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
16. University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
The online M.Ed. in School Counseling requires 48 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 10
Program Website
Located on a beautiful campus in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi offers an online M.Ed. in School Counseling. The 48-credit-hour program includes coursework completed entirely online, though students are required to attend a summer residency on the school’s campus in Hattiesburg. Students with both non-teaching and teaching backgrounds are considered for admissions. However, this particular degree is eligible for a program created by the Board of State Institutions of Higher Learning that offers scholarships to licensed classroom teachers in Mississippi for the purpose of pursuing advanced degrees in education.
Degree Options:
School Counseling M.Ed. Program
Average Program Cost: $8,624
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#164 (tie) in Best Education School
#190 in Psychology
Accreditations:
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
15. University of Louisiana Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
The online MS in Counseling can be completed in two years of full-time study.
Points: 11
Program Website
The University of Louisiana Monroe is part of the statewide University of Louisiana System and serves approximately 8,500 students through online and on-campus programs. The M.S. in Counseling with a concentration in school counseling program trains students to facilitate collaborative and creative learning environments for K-12 students, developing the attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential for effective counseling practice. The curriculum includes 60 credits and can be completed with two years of full-time study. Students must complete an internship consisting of 600 hours of supervised fieldwork in an approved educational setting.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Counseling
Average Program Cost: $15,000
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
14. University of Central Arkansas
Conway, Arkansas
The online MS in School Counseling requires 48 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 13
Program Website
Located in Conway Arkansas and founded in 1907, the University of Central Arkansas offers a number of online degrees for students with family or professional obligations, who require convenient, flexible distance learning options. The M.S. in School Counseling is comprised of 48 semester hours, including internship and practicum field experiences. Most online courses are synchronous, with the exception of occasional face-to-face and asynchronous learning opportunities. The 48-credit program includes a total of 16 courses that cover topics such as education programs for the mildly handicapped, school-based organizational leadership, and developmental guidance.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $8,778
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#26 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#71 (tie) in Regional Universities South
Accreditations:
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
13. University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler, Texas
The online MA in School Counseling has no residency requirement.
Points: 13
Program Website
Founded as part of the University of Texas System in 1971, the University of Texas at Tyler enrolls nearly 10,000 graduate and undergraduate students each year. Students in the online M.A. in School Counseling program learn how to apply current psychological and educational research findings in school counseling, and they must complete a supervised practicum in a school setting to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field. In addition, the school boasts a pass rate of 100 percent on the TExES professional school counselors certification examination. Graduates are employed as counselors in school settings across the state and beyond.
Degree Options:
School Counseling MA Degree – Online
Average Program Cost: $7,296
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#27 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#81 (tie) in Regional Universities West
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
12. University of Massachusetts-Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
The online M.Ed. in School Counseling requires 60 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 14
Program Website
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts-Boston is the third-largest campus in the five-campus University of Massachusetts System. The school offers an online M.Ed. in School Counseling. Through a highly relevant, rigorous 60-credit curriculum this program prepares students to become licensed school counselors in Massachusetts. Students may complete the coursework in six semesters, including classes in college-readiness counseling and family therapy theories. However, the program is not entirely available online; degree candidates must also complete two clinical courses, two internships, and a practicum on the UMass Dartmouth campus.
Degree Options:
Master of Education in School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $17,250
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#95 in Best Education Schools
#104 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#148 in Psychology
#191 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
11. University of Tennessee at Martin
Martin, Tennessee
The online Master’s in Counseling requires two 300-hour internships.
Points: 14
Program Website
One of five campuses in the University of Tennessee System, the University of Tennessee at Martin operates colleges in fields such as engineering, business, agriculture, humanities, behavioral sciences, and education. Students in the M.S. in Counseling program can choose from three concentrations: School Counseling Endorsement, School Counseling, and Clinical Mental Health. The traditional School Counseling track is more comprehensive in that it consists of 48 credits, including a practicum and two 300-hour internships. The “endorsement-only” track consists of just 27 credits, including two internships but no practicum. Graduates of both programs are eligible to take the PRAXIS exam and become licensed in the state of Tennessee.
Degree Options:
Master’s in Counseling Program
Average Program Cost: $11,760
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#14 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#42 (tie) in Regional Universities South
#44 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
10. Creighton University
Omaha, Nebraska
The online MS in School Counseling requires 36 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 14
Program Website
Founded in 1878 and located just outside of Omaha on a 140-acre urban campus, Creighton University is the largest private religious university in Nebraska. The school offers an online M.S. in School Counseling and Preventive Mental Health. The 36-credit-hour program provides students with their choice of three tracks: PK-12 School Counseling, Secondary School Guidance Counselors, or Elementary School Guidance Counselors. Before choosing a track, however, all students must complete 24 hours of required courses. Core classes delve into areas of educational counseling such as career perspectives for children and adolescents, social justice and diversity in school counseling, and data-driven perspectives in school counseling.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventive Mental Health
Average Program Cost: $10,080
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
#4 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
9. Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
The online MA in School Counseling has no residency requirement.
Points: 16
Program Website
Located 85 miles northeast of Indianapolis, Indiana Wesleyan University is a private Christian school based in the city of Marion and affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. IWU provides an online M.A. in School Counseling program that integrates counseling practice and theory with Christian morals, training students to serve as professional counselors in school settings who can address each student’s social and academic needs. The curriculum includes a six-credit internship, a three-credit practicum, a three-credit elective class, nine credits in specialization classes, and a 27-credit program core. Although coursework is delivered mostly online, students are required to attend two weekend on-campus intensive sessions.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts With a Major in School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $13,104
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#32 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
#67 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
8. North Carolina Central University
Durham, North Carolina
The online Career Counselor Program requires 48 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 16
Program Website
North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina offers an online career counseling program that is the only online CACREP-accredited program of its kind in the country. Students are prepared to work as career counselors in academic settings such as colleges as well as in other business and professional environments. Every student must complete 700 hours of supervised field experience before graduating as well as 48 semester-hours of coursework. Students may choose to add additional master’s degrees in school counseling or clinical mental health counseling, and field placement opportunities are available in each student’s geographical region.
Degree Options:
Online Career Counselor Program
Average Program Cost: $6,006
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#22 in Top Public Schools
#64 in Regional Universities South
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
7. Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
The online Master’s in School Counseling requires 60 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 17
Program Website
Founded in 1834 to cater to Baptist ministers, Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina has grown into a nonsectarian university that offers online and on-campus undergraduate and graduate degrees. Wake Forest offers a 60-hour, CACREP-accredited online master’s degree in school counseling that offers clinical instruction through internship and practicum experiences across areas such as professional orientation, research and program evaluation, appraisal, career and lifestyle development, group work, helping relationships, social and cultural foundations, and human growth and development. All students complete a final capstone course in which they compile an e-portfolio of their work and give a presentation about what they’ve learned throughout the program.
Degree Options:
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $42,600
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#24 in Best Value Schools
#27 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
6. Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
The online Master of Counseling is a hybrid program.
Points: 20
Program Website
With a total enrollment of more than 30,000 students, Oregon State University is the largest school in the state and home to one of the largest distance education programs in the region. The school’s Master of Counseling degree with an option in school counseling builds skills in individual and group counseling, action research, leadership, consultation, advocacy, and system change. Throughout the 75-credit curriculum, graduates are prepared to deliver counseling programs to K-12 students of all backgrounds. The program is held in a hybrid format, combining classroom learning and online coursework with two campus-based intensive sessions held in Salem every term. Online and in-person practicum and internship experiences are also required.
Degree Options:
Master of Counseling (M.Coun.) With an Option in School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $13,450
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#70 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#116 in Best Value Schools
#130 in Best Education Schools
#140 (tie) in National Universities
#148 (tie) in Psychology
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
National Council for Accredtiation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
5. University of Nebraska Kearney
Kearney, Nebraska
The online MS in Education in School Counseling is a hybrid program.
Points: 20
Program Website
Located in Kearney, Nebraska, the University of Kearney Nebraska offers a blended online graduate degree in educational counseling in which students complete 75 percent of the coursework online and the remaining 25 percent via an on-campus residency during the summer. Students can choose from a specialization in either secondary education covering grades seven through 12 or elementary education cover prekindergarten through sixth grade. Both specializations consist of 43 credit hours of coursework and prepare students to provide valuable assistance to students and become an important part of the educational leadership team.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Education in School Counseling Elementary PK-6 or Secondary 7-12
Average Program Cost: $7,617
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#10 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#47 in Best Value Schools
#53 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
4. Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
The online M.Ed. in Educational Psychology requires 48 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 22
Program Website
Texas A&M, located in College Station, Texas, offers a master’s degree in educational psychology with a school counseling specialization. Depending on their scheduling preferences, students can choose from an asynchronous or synchronous delivery format. The 48-credit-hour curriculum includes an educational psychology core in areas such as school counseling theories and techniques, career counseling in schools, and issues in child and adolescent development. Elective courses cover special needs individuals, measurements and evaluation in education, and the transition from school to work. A two-semester supervised internship is required in order to graduate from the program.
Degree Options:
M.Ed. in Educational Psychology With an Emphasis in School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $10,096
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#24 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#37 in Best Education Schools
#44 in Best Value Schools
#66 in Psychology
#66 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
3. University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
The online M.Ed. in Educational, School and Counseling Psychology requires 34 credit hours of coursework
Points: 23
Program Website
Also known as Mizzou, the University of Missouri is a public, land-grant research university located in Columbia, Missouri. The school was founded as the first public post-secondary institution west of the Mississippi River in 1839. Students can pursue a 34-credit-hour master’s degree in education in educational, school, and counseling psychology with an emphasis in mental health practices in schools. The program is available entirely online with no requirements for campus visits. Coursework covers diversity, evidence-based programs, effective intervention resources and strategies, collaboration with families and professionals, and assessing, identifying, and managing atypical behaviors.
Degree Options:
Master of Education in Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology With an Emphasis in Mental Health Practices in Schools
Average Program Cost: $14,734
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#45 in Psychology
#46 in Best Education Schools
#61 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#78 in Best Value Schools
#129 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
2. North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina
The online M.Ed. in School Counseling is a three-year cohort program.
Points: 25
Program Website
Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, North Carolina State University is a space-, sea-, and land-grant institution and part of the University of North Carolina System. The school’s M.Ed. in School Counseling with a focus on educational leadership, policy, and human development qualifies graduates for K-12 school counselor licensure. The online option is a part-time, three-year cohort program that requires year-round coursework, and students study both clinical counseling practice and theory as well as multicultural diversity, group counseling, and techniques of counseling. An internship is required prior to graduation, and students are eligible for K-12 school counselor licenses in North Carolina upon completing the training program.
Degree Options:
Master of Education in School Counseling – Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development
Average Program Cost: $12,228
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#32 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#46 in Best Education Schools
#55 in Best Value Schools
#80 (tie) in National Universities
#112 in Psychology
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
1. University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
The online M.Ed. in Education Psychology requires 34 credit hours of coursework.
Points: 26
Program Website
Founded in 1785, the University of Georgia sits on a 762-acre main campus in Athens, Georgia, and it is one of three schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the U.S. The M.Ed. in Educational Psychology features an applied cognition and development track designed for students who prefer to approach educational psychology from a research standpoint. The curriculum explores how human motivation and development can affect classroom experiences. Students are entered in a cohort of 10 students and must complete a minimum of 34 credit hours of coursework in order to graduate.
Degree Options:
M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, Applied Cognition & Development
Average Program Cost: $12,484
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#13 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#37 in Best Education Schools
#46 (tie) in National Universities
#84 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are My Career Options for a Master’s in Educational Counseling Degree?
School counselors are agents of change, both at the school and the individual level. Educational counselors not only advocate on behalf of their students and the profession but they also providing counseling for students from kindergarten to high school, empowering them to reach their potential. A career in educational counseling may also grow beyond the school. Some career paths include:
- Postsecondary Teacher
- School and Career Counselor
- School Psychologist
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
What Curriculum Can You Expect in an Online Master’s Program in Educational Counseling?
The exact courses students can expect in an online master’s degree in educational counseling will vary from school to school, and this may be a deciding factor when choosing a program. However, most institutions provide a similar core curriculum. Classes you may encounter include:
- Counseling Techniques: From modern practical techniques to foundational theory, all master’s degrees in educational counseling offer courses that teach the most appropriate and effective skills.
- Ethical and Legal Issues: There are numerous legal and ethical restrictions in counseling that aim to protect counselors and students. Every graduate student must take at least one course in this area to understand their limitations and rights.
- Internship/Fieldwork: Fieldwork and internships are common in online and on-campus master’s programs in educational counseling as they allow students to gain hands-on, real-world experience before they set out on their career path.
This concludes our ranking of the Top 30 Master’s in Educational Counseling online degree programs.
By OPD Staff
