The key to success in school is not just about the letter grade on an exam or one’s percentile on standardized tests. Success starts with the readiness of the individual to learn. In reality, that’s easier said than done, and there are often many factors at-home, socially, and in the community that play into a student’s readiness to learn. Whether it be adverse childhood experiences (ACES), traumatic episodes, or social and communication differences, there are many barriers to academic success for individuals in today’s classrooms. As a school counselor you have the responsibility to ethically care for the individual emotional and psychological needs of students in schools and so therefore, requirements for this master’s degree often include lengthier course loads, heavy attention to ethics and legality in the field, and a number of theories and approaches used in practicum and internship experiences. The role of a school counselor is very important and as such changes have recently been made to meet credentialing requirements. A master’s degree in school counseling is the entry-level degree for this position. We understand that returning to school is a very big decision, so we wanted to provide you with options that are high quality, and affordable. A number of these programs may be completed 100% online though many will require in-person visits to their campuses. All programs require a practicum or internship experience. If you are ready to help children, youth, and adults break the barriers that impede their opportunities in this world, then a master’s in school counseling is right for you.
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1.)University of Missouri- Columbia
University of Missouri- Columbia (MU) is a public, land-grant research university located in Columbia, Missouri. MU is one of the top-tier R1 institutions according to Carnegie and one of only 34 public university to be apart of the American Association of Universities. There are 33,239 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits MU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks MU as the 120th best school in the nation, 74th best college for veterans, 77th best value school and 61st for bes online graduate education programs. Degree offerings includes everything from anthropology to jazz studies. When it comes to online education MU, offers over 30 fully online degrees and professional certifications like the online master’s in agricultural teacher education and their online master’s degree in counselor education and school counseling.
University of Missouri offers a Master of Education in educational school and counseling psychology. We selected this program for the affordable tuition rate and for the accelerated and flexible online format. The cost of this degree is $360 per credit hour and requires just 34 credit hours for completion. The course has three main components: required course materials, electives, and a culminating project. The curriculum focuses on mental emotional and behavioral disorders in youth, school mental health policy and law, diversity issues in school mental health, preventions and interventions in school mental health, and communication and collaboration with children and families. If you are looking for an accelerated and affordable route into school counseling, the Master of Education in educational and school counseling at MU is a great option.
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- Estimated Cost of Tuition: $360
2.)University of Louisiana- Monroe
The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) is a public institution located in Monroe, Louisiana. There are 9,038 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 21:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits ULM to award comprehensive degree programming and professional certifications. According to U.S. News ULM ranks as one of the top schools in the nation and 59th for bes online MBA programs. ULM is ranked as Military Friendly institution. All students benefit from a wide-range of supports like placement programs, remedial assistance, and academic and career counseling. There are a number of unique degree options available at ULM including piloting, meteorology, and music performance. There is also a robust health program. Perhaps one of the most robust programs is their online education offerings. There are 10 fully online degrees available that include bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs in specialization such as curriculum and instruction, early childhood education, and counselor education/school counseling and guidance services.
University of Louisiana Monroe offers a Master of Science in School Counseling. We selected this degree for the high quality academic offerings and flexible number of concentrations. This program requires about 2 years to complete and prepares students for an introductory level degree to the field of school counseling. The degree requires approximately 48 credit hours for completion and costs $500 per credit hour.The curriculum is divided into counseling core and area of specialization course material. You will study theories of counseling as well as methods of counseling. The program covers legal and ethical concerns in the practice of counseling and much more. If you are looking for a high quality academic program that will set you up for a wide range of job opportunities in the field of counseling the Master of Science in School Counseling is a great place to start.
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- Estimated Cost of Tuition: $500
3.)Salem College
Salem College is a private liberal arts college located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. There are 1,087 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Salem College to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees. According to their website Salem is the “oldest continuously operating educational institution for girls and women in the United States.” U.S. News ranks Salem College as the 117th best national liberal arts college, and 118th best for their high school counselor program. As small liberal arts college the average classroom size remains small giving each student more opportunities for individualized attention. Academic offerings include degrees in women’s studies, nonprofit management, creative writing, and historic preservation. There is one online degree offered and that is a master’s in school counseling.
Salem College offers a Master of Education in School Counseling. We selected this online degree for the high quality academic programming and affordable tuition. Like the brick and mortar option, this program follows a cohort model and may be completed in as few as 36 months. Like most Master’s in School counseling, this program requires 48 credit hours for completion. You will learn online, make two in-person trips to Winston-Salem, and complete a school counseling internship. The course material is comprehensive and inclues theory and practice of counseling, counseling in schools, ethics and legal concerns in education school counseling, assessment and evaluation and much more. If you are looking for a high quality academic degree that will set you up for success in a career in school counseling, this Master of Education in School Counseling is a great place to start. This program costs $500 per credit hour.
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- Estimated Cost of Tuition:$500
4.)Lehigh University
Lehigh University is a private research university located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Lehigh is considered to be one of 24 “Hidden Ivies” in the Northeast. There are 7,059 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is just 9:1. The Middle State Commission on Higher Education accredits Lehigh to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees as well as post-master’s certificates. U.S. News ranks Lehigh as the 46th best school in the nation, 28th best value school, 56th best school for high school counseling, 21st for best online MBA programs, and 44th for best online graduate engineering programs among others. As you may have imagined, Lehigh University offers an impressive range of degrees in disciplines like Art History, Ancient Studies, Mathematics, electrical engineering, architecture and so much more. There are 14 online degrees available as well including an MBA, and a Master’s in Counselor Education. Lehigh is not only a hidden ivy, it’s really a hidden gem.
Lehigh University offers a Master of Education School Counseling. We selected this degree for the high academic quality and affordable tuition rate. Lehigh University offers Pennsylvania certification along with this degree! This online master’s is based on the Pennsylvania School boards standards and competency requirements for Prek-12 school counselors. This high quality degree is divided into the following areas: core courses, school counseling, and clinical training. Clinical training includes a practicum and two internship experiences. The core courses include assessment, “culture-centered career intervention” approaches to counseling, diversity and human development across the lifespan. If you are looking for a program that leads to licensure, and provides a comprehensive overview of the expectations for school counseling, the Master of Education in School Counseling at Lehigh University is a fantastic option.
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- Estimated Cost of Tuition: $525
5.)University of West Alabama
The University of West Alabama (UWA) is a public institution located in Livingston, Alabama. There are 3,986 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UWA to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as post-master’s certificates. U.S. News ranks UWA as the 114th best school in the South. UWA offers the full gambit of student support services including on-campus day care, remedial support, as well as academic and career counseling. Student looking to transfer credits may do so by way of dual credits, credit for life experience, and AP credits. This is a great institution for non-traditional learners as UWA offers a number of its degree offerings completely online. There are nearly 30 fully online degrees and professional certifications including online degrees in experimental psychology, communication and media, business, and education. Some of the most popular programs include the online master’s in school counseling and online master’s of education in adult and continuing education.
The University of West Alabama offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling. We selected this degree for the accelerated online format and for the affordable tuition rate. The cost of this program is $429 per credit hour and requires 48 credit hours for completion. Courses are 8 weeks in length and this degree may be completed in 1 year when pursued full time. The online master’s in school counseling includes: core courses, counseling core, and two internships in school counseling. For your core course work you will study educational statistics, techniques for research and one of the following: advanced educational psychology or life-span development and learning. Those courses encompass 9 credit hours of material. The remaining course work focuses on school counseling and includes group counseling, diagnostic techniques, career development, and practicum in school counseling. If you are looking for an accelerated path towards a career in school counseling, ths Master of Education in School Counseling is a great option.
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6.)Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public institution located in Hays, Kansas. There are 14,658 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits FHSU to award comprehensive degrees and post-master’s certificates. U.S News ranks FHSU highly for a number of their online degree programs including 15th for best online bachelor’s programs, 29th for best online graduate nursing programs, and 77th for best online graduate education programs. FHSU supports its students with a number of student support services including remedial support and placement services for graduates. Academic offerings including trade and industrial teacher education, English language and literature,hospitality administration and more. There are 36 fully online degrees and professional certificates for both undergraduates and graduate students alike. The most popular programs by enrollment are in the fields of liberal arts, business, and education.
Fort Hays State University offer a Master of Science in School Counseling. We selected this program for the highly affordable tuition. The cost of this program is just $280 per credit hour and requires 48 credit hours for completion. While most of the material may be complete online, this course requires 3 weekend on-campus and two internship experiences. This curriculum covers assessment and appraisal, theories of counseling, group counseling, management of counseling programs, as well as lifestyle and career development. If you are looking for an affordable route towards a master’s in school counseling the degree at Fort Hays is a great option.
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- Estimated Cost of Tuition:$280
7.)Liberty University
Liberty University is a private Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. There are 75,756 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. Liberty University is the largest Christian university in the world. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Liberty University to award comprehensive degrees and a number of professional certifications. U.S. News ranks Liberty University among the best for myriad of online degree programs including: 38th best online graduate criminal justice programs, 87th best online graduate nursing programs, 92nd best online graduate business programs, and 174th for best online graduate education programs. As the largest Christian University in the world, it may come as no surprise that Liberty offers a robust academic program for both traditional and nontraditional students. The Visual and Performing Arts department is comprehensive including fine arts, music theory, cinematography and film, and jazz studies among others. There are 84 fully online degrees and professional certifications for both undergraduates and graduates alike. The most popular programs include online degree offerings in theology, public administration, and education.
Liberty University offers a Master of Education in School Counseling. We selected this course for the high quality academics and accelerated format. Like most master’s of counseling degrees, there are a few required days spent on-campus. The majority of programming is taken online. This degree provides the specialized course material required for a K-12 school position. You will gain a solid understanding of counseling theories and techniques, methods for career development counseling, in-depth analysis of child and adolescent counseling in schools, and school counseling program development. All students participate in a practicum experience. This is a great online degree for any individual looking for an accelerated route into the field of school counseling.
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- Estimated Cost of Tuition:$565
8.)Creighton University
Creighton University is a private Roman Catholic institution located in Omaha, Nebraska. There are 8,393 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Creighton University to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks Creighton as the number 1 university in the Midwest, number 1 best college for veterans and 6th best value school. Their online programs rank as the 20th best online graduate business program, 28th best online bachelor’s program, 47th best online MBA program, and 61st best online graduate education programs. Programs of student range from American studies to pharmacology to Acting. There are 20 online degree offerings including online degrees in organizational leadership, information technology, and a master’s in school counseling.
Creighton University offers a Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventative Mental Health. We selected this degree for the high quality of academic programming and the flexible online format. This program requires 36-39 credit hours for completion and the program may be completed in about two years. Students will take the required counseling courses and also have the option of studying the elementary school counseling track, secondary school counseling track or the Pk-12 track. We like the added flexibility this gives to participants of this program. Regardless of track all student will learn about the ethical guidelines of the field, action research in school counseling, career perspectives for children and adolescents, diagnosis group counseling approaches, theoretical perspectives in school counseling and more. For a high quality and flexible online degree in school counseling the program at Creighton University is a fantastic choice.
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- Estimated Cost of Tuition: $545
9.) University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota (UND) is a public space-grant institution located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. There best-known school at UND is most likely the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. There are 14,648 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UND to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News UND ranks as the 192nd best school in the nation, 156th for high school counselor rankings, and 25th as the most innovative school. The innovation is apparent for its unique programs that include drone training, aerospace engineering, and much more. There are over 250 degrees available to both undergraduate and graduate students. Classrooms remain small with an average of 25 students. There are over 20 online degree programs including an online master’s in air transportation, online bachelor’s in liberal arts, and an online master’s in school counseling.
The University of North Dakota offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with an Emphasis in School Counseling. We selected this degree for the quality academic programming. This online degree will prepare you for a career in school counseling. You will complete course material online, fulfill two mandatory 4-day on-campus visits, and complete an internship. The program will take 2.5 years to complete when taken full-time and requires 50 credit hours for completion. The degree program offers you a high quality academic material with a very clear route towards a potential career in the field. Each summer you gain hands-on experience working with elementary, middle, and high school students. All student receive in-state tuition regardless of their state of residency. This online degree costs $507 per credit hour. Upon completion of this course you will become eligible for state department education licensure in North Dakota. This is a fantastic online master’s degree for any individual who is looking find success in a career in school counseling.
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- Estimated Cost of Tuition:
10.)Oregon State University
Oregon State University is a public institution that was founded in 1868 and is located in Corvallis, Oregon. There are 30,354 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Schools accredits Oregon State to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. According to U.S. News, Oregon State University ranks as the 145th best school in the nation, 107th best value school, and 94th best college for veterans. The education school is considered to be the 130th best education school in the nation. Oregon State has an extremely robust academic program. Student attending are fortunate to have myriad of degrees from which to pick including interior design, urban forestry, gerontology, apparel and textile marketing and water resources engineering. The online program includes nearly 50 online degrees and professional certificates including a master’s in water, wetlands, and marine resources management and a master’s in school counseling.
Oregon State University offers a Master of Counseling degree in School Counseling. We selected this program for the high quality academic offerings. You will be expected to take clase synchronously online and like many programs of this nature, make a few on-campus visits. This course costs $528 per credit hour and requires 75 credit hours for completion. This master’s degree is intensive, high quality, and comprehensive. You will complete this program eligible for licensure, and eligible to work in a number of roles as a school counselor. The course curriculum covers, among other things, applied psychopath & diagnosis, special education issues, addictive behavior counseling, group counseling procedures, individual appraisal, crisis, grief, and loss, legal, ethical and professional issues in counseling and much more. Though a lengthier program in terms of credit hours, this program covers a very wide range of populations. This degree is a great choice for candidates who are looking to make a difference in the lives of all types of students.
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- Estimated Cost of Tuition: $528
