Online Master’s in School Counseling

Master’s in School Counseling programs typically include coursework in counseling theories, human development, assessment, crisis intervention, group counseling, career development, multicultural counseling, and ethical considerations. Students also engage in practicum and internship experiences, gaining hands-on skills in school settings. The aim is to equip graduates with the knowledge and practical competencies needed to effectively support students’ academic, social, and emotional development within an educational context.

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Master’s in School Counseling Programs

Each program’s curriculum offering a Master’s in School Counseling is designed to provide graduates with personal and career skills germane to educational settings. Key counseling skills include empathy, problem-solving, research aptitude, communication (parents, teachers, students), and multicultural understanding. Here are examples of courses and the knowledge students gain from each:

Human Development

This program explores psychological and emotional growth across the lifespan. This course equips counselors with a deep understanding of developmental milestones, informing their approach to supporting student’s academic and personal journeys within the school environment.

Counseling Theories

This program explores various psychological frameworks guiding therapeutic practices. This course equips students with a comprehensive understanding of counseling models, enabling them to apply diverse approaches in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being within an educational context.

Substance Use Disorders and Process Addictions

This course offers clinical mental health counseling students an overview of substance use disorders and process addictions, exploring contributing factors like neurobiological, genetic, psychological, socio-cultural, environmental, spiritual, and contextual elements. Emphasizing a bio-psychosocial model, it focuses on co-morbid disorders, differential diagnostics, evaluation methods, and barriers to effective treatment.

Practicum in School Counseling

This program provides students with hands-on experience in a school setting. This course allows them to apply theoretical knowledge, engage in supervised counseling activities, and develop essential skills, preparing them for the practical aspects of the counseling profession within educational environments.

Crisis and Trauma Assessment and Treatment

This course establishes a strong foundation for clinical mental health counseling students, focusing on the theory and treatment of psychiatric crises and emergencies. It explores trauma fundamentals and their impact on crisis intervention. The curriculum explores the distinctions between emergencies and crises, covering emergency assessments, lethality assessment techniques, risk factors, cultural considerations, and mental illness presence. Differential assessments across professional mental health responses, including Psychological First Aid, suicide prevention, stabilization, and immediate psychiatric crisis response, are thoroughly examined.

Upon graduation, students can expect to gain the following skills and learning outcomes:

•  A Comprehensive understanding of counseling theories and techniques.
•  Proficiency in conducting individual and group counseling sessions.
•  Skillful development and implementation of school counseling programs.
•  Effective communication with students, parents, and educators.
•  Assessment and interpretation of academic and personal data.
•  Competency in crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
•  Application of ethical and legal principles in counseling practice.
•  Collaboration with diverse populations and stakeholders.
•  Use of technology for counseling and program management.

Online Master’s in School Counseling Degree Types

Three online degrees, the Master of Arts (MA) in School Counseling and the Master of Science (MS) in School Counseling, along with the Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling, prepare graduates for careers in school counseling. All three degrees blend theoretical studies with practical classroom experience, and the choice depends on the student’s career goals and whether they plan to pursue a doctoral degree.

Specializations for Master’s in School Counseling Students

Specializations in a Master’s in School Counseling program allow students to tailor their education, focusing on specific areas such as career counseling or mental health. These specialized tracks enhance expertise and marketability, preparing students to address diverse challenges in educational settings. The flexibility to choose a concentration aligns the program with individual career goals, fostering a more comprehensive and personalized learning experience. Here are some specializations students of master’s in school counseling can consider:

Area of Focus	Description	Careers This Concentration Prepares For
Substance Abuse	This specialization focuses on equipping counselors with the expertise to address and reduce substance abuse issues among students. It includes prevention, intervention, and support strategies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to fostering a healthy, drug-free educational environment.	• Addiction Counselors • Recovery Coaches • Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists • Rehabilitation Counselors
Conflict Resolution and Mediation	This specialization equips students with skills to identify, address, and resolve conflicts in educational settings. This specialization emphasizes techniques for fostering positive communication, negotiation, and mediating disputes, promoting a harmonious and conducive learning environment.	• Mediators • Arbitrators • Dispute Resolution Specialists
Trauma-Informed Counseling	This specialization focuses on cultivating awareness and sensitivity to trauma’s impact on students. This specialization equips counselors with strategies to provide support, foster resilience, and promote a safe and nurturing educational environment for traumatized individuals.	• Trauma Therapists • Crisis Intervention Counselors • Mental Health Counselors
Career Development	This specialization emphasizes guiding students through comprehensive career exploration and planning. Counselors with this specialization assist students in identifying their interests, strengths, and goals, fostering informed decision-making and preparing them for successful transitions into the workforce or higher education.	• Career Counselors • Human Resources Specialists • Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
Child and Adolescent Counseling	This specialization focuses on tailored approaches to address the unique needs of younger students. This specialization equips counselors with age-appropriate therapeutic techniques, developmental understanding, and interventions to support the emotional and academic growth of children and adolescents within an educational setting.	• School Counselor • Child Psychologist • Play Therapist • Youth Counselor

Graduation Timeline for Master’s in School Counseling

Students seeking entry into the counseling field in K-12 classrooms set their own pace for completing their Master’s in School Counseling online. The major variables for completing the degree include the student’s availability (full- or part-time), the number of total credits needed for graduation, and the student’s financial ability to pay tuition and fees. The number of required credits varies by program. They range from 40 to 60 hours, making the programs one to three years in length. Accelerated programs offer the Master’s in School Counseling online, decreasing the time it takes to earn the credential.

Accelerated Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

Accelerated Master’s in School Counseling programs are designed for students who can keep up the academic pace for completing classwork and required internships on schedule. Degree requirements cover the same course materials as the standard 1 to 3-year programs but take half the time, reducing the overall tuition cost while preparing graduates for certifications and licensing. Because online courses are rigorous, students should be committed to courses and study hours. Here are two universities that offer accelerated master’s in school counseling:

New York University¹

Southeastern Oklahoma University²

Admission requirements for online Master’s in School Counseling programs are established by each university and the department that hosts the degree. Each school requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree. The following list contains a breakdown of the more common requirements:

•  Application form
•  Application fee (varies by institution)
•  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
•  Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions
•   2 to 3 Letters of recommendation 
•  Résumé or curriculum vitae outlining relevant experience
•  Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
•  Minimum GPA requirement (varies by program)
•  GRE scores (may be required by some programs)
•  Relevant work or volunteer experience in counseling or related fields

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test commonly required for admission to graduate programs. Some institutions may offer GRE waivers under specific circumstances. Waivers are often granted to applicants with extensive professional experience, advanced degrees, or exceptional academic achievements. Each institution establishes its own criteria for GRE waivers, and prospective students should check with the specific program to understand the waiver eligibility criteria and application process. Here are a few Universities that offer master’s in school counseling without a GRE:

St. Bonaventure University³

Utah Valley University⁴