Best Online Masters in School Counseling Programs

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A Masters in School Counseling can help professionals who are interested in gaining a better understanding of the field. School counseling as a career is increasing in popularity in recent years, partially because of cultural events. School shootings, in particular, have traumatized our culture and motivated a refocusing of priorities in the education sector. Many schools are now restructuring and emphasizing school counseling programs. School counselors are also looking at new ways to care for and help the students in their charge.

The changing landscape of school counseling has led many of these professionals to seek the best online masters programs in their field. The more up-to-date tactics and information they get, the better they will be able to perform their jobs. Also, professionals who are interested in a career in this field should also consider completing a Masters in School Counseling.

Here are the 20 best Masters in School Counseling programs for professionals looking to further their degree, as well as their careers, in the field.

#1 – University of Missouri

Location: Columbia, Missouri
Tuition: $350.10 per credit

The University of Missouri offers an online Master’s in School Counseling program through the Department of Educational, School & Counseling Psychology. Graduates of the School Psychology program work with children, youth, families, and educators. The program helps students develop professional competencies in assessment, consultation, intervention, and research/evaluation.

#2 – Lamar University

Location: Beaumont, Texas
Tuition: $1,488 (in state), $2,658 (out of state) per three-credit class

Lamar University offers an online Master’s in School Counseling as a 48-hour program. The program is designed for certified teachers who possess a bachelorís degree and are interested in becoming part of a school counseling team. Students must complete core classes, as well as electives. They must also attend a residency before they move into field experience.

#3 – University of Massachusetts

Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
School Profile
Tuition: $505 per credit

The University of Massachusetts online offers a Master’s in School Counseling program that is fully integrated with the rest of the university. The program is designed to meet the needs of local, national, and international audiences. Students must complete 60 hours of study and two weeks on campus is required to complete two clinical courses. The program operates on a cohort model, meaning all participants complete the same program of study.

#4 – University of North Dakota

Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
School Profile
Tuition: $477.52 per credit

The online Master’s in Counseling Emphasis in K-12 School Counseling at the University of North Dakota begins every January. Students must complete 50 credit hours and the program takes 2.5 years to complete. Classes are held in the evenings where students and instructors meet together online for live interactive classes. Students must participate in two 4-day on-campus visits each summer for a total of four visits.

#5 – Liberty University

Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Tuition: $540 per credit hour

Liberty University Online offers a Master of Education with a specialization in School Counselor. The program prepares students to be a school counselor in Christian, public, and private schools. Students learn to master counseling and psychology skills, while focusing on ethics and techniques, ethnicity and family counseling, and career guidance.

#6 – Seton Hall University

Location: South Orange, New Jersey
Tuition: $35,500 per degree

An online Master’s in School Counseling through Seton Hall University’s College of Education and Human Services is aimed at preparing competent, socially conscious and reflective counselors to work at public and private schools. Students learn how to maximize the potential of their students through comprehensive developmental school counseling programs.

#7 – Fort Hays State University

Location: Hays, Kansas
Tuition: $253.07 per credit

An online Master’s in School Counseling at Fort Hays University ensures that students receive the most up-to-date information in their profession. The program offers rolling admissions and offers a customizable practicum for each studentís state licensure. The degree concentrates on the practical needs and challenges faced by todayís school counselors. A practicum and internship are both required for degree completion

#8 – Regent University

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Tuition: $710 per credit

Regent University offers a Master of Arts in School Counseling that prepares students to meet the Virginia requirements to become a school counselor. It is up to students outside Virginia to make sure they meet the necessary guidelines for their state. The program includes 60 credit hours and can be completed in as little as two years. Regentís goal is to provide a counseling program supported by a spiritual component.

#9 – Kansas State University

Location: Manhattan, Kansas
Tuition: $529.50 per credit

Kansas State University Global Campus offers an online Master’s in Counseling and Student Development with an emphasis in School Counseling. The program requires 48 credits and emphasizes development of knowledgeable, caring, ethical decision-makers. Students learn theory-driven, research-guided school counseling techniques.

#10 – Wake Forest University

Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Tuition: $1,300 per credit hour

Wake Forest University offers an online Master’s in School Counseling through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The mission of the program is to train and mentor future leaders in research, teaching, and innovation for serving humanity. The School Counseling program prepares students in elementary, middle school, and high school opportunities with a comprehensive online program. Graduates can be eligible for state licensure as a school counselor.

#11 – University of the Southwest

Location: Hobbs, New Mexico
Tuition: $599 per credit hour

The online Master of Science in Education, School Counseling degree at University of the Southwest is comprised of 42 credits of core and elective classes. Coursework includes counseling theories and techniques, counseling ethics, career development, and more. Students learn to focus on the relations and interactions between students and their school environment, as well as assisting students with evaluating and considering future educational and career paths.

#12 – Adams State University

Location: Alamosa, Colorado
Tuition: $415 per credit

Adams State University offers an online Master’s in School Counseling program through their Online Plus platform. The program requires 60 credit hours and meets Colorado’s academic requirements for licensure as a school counselor. Students from out-of-state can also attend, though they should make sure the curriculum meets requirements to licensure in their respective states. Online students must attend two one-week sessions on the Adams State campus.

#13 – LeTourneau University

Location: Longview, Texas
Tuition: $595 per credit hour

LeTourneau University’s Master of Arts in Counseling offers an emphasis in school counseling. Students learn techniques that equip them to help people live more fully functional lives. Students here enjoy an almost 100 percent online education, with the exception of a three-day intensive learning experience at LeTourneau’s main campus in Longview, Texas.

#14 – Messiah Online College

Location: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Tuition: $610 per credit hour

Messiah Online College offers an online Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in School Counseling. The program includes 51 credits, which will increase to 60 credits for the Fall 2016 semester. Students are prepared to take the PRaxis II exam and become as certified school counselor in Pennsylvania. Students from out-of-state can apply as well, though they should make sure the curriculum meets the requirements for their stateís testing.

#15 – Concordia University

Location: Mequon, Wisconsin
Tuition: $548 per credit

Concordia University offers an online Master’s in Counseling with a School Counseling track. Students here take between 45 and 48 credits, including core courses and School Counseling track practicums. The program offers small class sizes and talented faculty who have experience in their field. Students have the freedom to pick their practicum sites based on their academic interests and talents.

#16 – Our Lady of the Lake University

Location: San Antonio, Texas
Tuition: $1,089 per credit

Our Lady of the Lake University’s online Master’s in School Counseling program prepares students with the skills needed to be an effective school counselor at the primary and secondary levels. Students learn about their new profession through classes like Guidance and Counseling Services, Multicultural Issues, and Counseling Theories: Methods and Techniques. The program takes two years to complete.

#17 – Grand Canyon University

Location: Phoenix, Arizona
School Profile
Tuition: $500 per credit

At Grand Canyon University, students can earn an online Masterís in Counseling with an emphasis in School Counseling. The program is constructed to meet the requirements established by the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor Credential. The program enables graduates to apply for licensure as a substance abuse counselor, licensed professional counselor, or substance abuse counselor.

#18 – University of West Alabama

Location: Livingston, Alabama
Tuition: $429 per credit

University of West Alabama’s online Master’s in School Counseling program prepares students for all necessary accreditations, including outside of Alabama. In order to apply, students must hold a valid bachelorís degree in a teaching field, have two years of educational experience, and meet other background check criteria. Classes in the curriculum include Advanced Educational Psychology, Introduction to School Counseling, and Techniques of School Counseling

#19 – Capella University

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Tuition: $487 per credit

At Capella University, students can complete an online Masterís in School Counseling program with 72 quarter credits. The program is state-approved and built on the American School Counselor Association National Model. Students complete online coursework, field training, and residencies. The program teaches students to apply brief counseling and child/adolescent development theories and research to school practice.

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