Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranking college for a master’s degree in educational counseling is University of Florida, followed by Ohio State University.
- An educational counseling degree includes coursework and practical experience to prepare for roles in schools or other settings
- Programs may offer specializations like substance abuse or crisis management.
- Graduates are prepared for licensure and roles as school counselors, family counselors, or mental health counselors.
The best master’s in educational counseling program can blend academia and practical experience together, creating well-rounded graduates who are experts in every area of their field and ready for the working world.
What Is an Educational Counseling Degree?
An educational counseling degree shares many commonalities with a psychology degree; it’s not uncommon to cover topics such as abnormal psychology as part of your curriculum. You’ll take a blend of coursework and practical experience to prepare you for the unique combination of theory and skills that are required by a school or other type of counselor.
Most programs share certain core courses that you’ll find in almost every curriculum. For example, individual counseling techniques, group counseling techniques, and ethics in counseling. From here, curriculums can vary; some may include courses in substance abuse, others in crisis management, so it’s about finding the best fit for your career aspirations.
Related (Campus):
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Related (Online):
- Best Online Graduate Schools for Curriculum and Instruction
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What Are the Best Educational Counseling Degrees?
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University of Florida
The University of Florida is a highly competitive institution, with a recent freshman class averaging 3.3 GPA and an average SAT score of 1918. As a successful applicant, you’ll join an institution that boasts 36 national championship sports teams and a plethora of student clubs and organizations.
Comprising 72 credit hours, this Master of Education and Education Specialist program is a dual degree that will take students an average of 2.5-3 years to complete. You’ll undertake a combination of clinical experiences and coursework to fulfill the program requirements, with assignments covering general education and clinical education.
As part of your application, you’ll need to include a 2-4 page personal statement that discusses your career aspirations and how they align with the program content. You will also need 3 letters of recommendation, official transcripts, plus any relevant work experience you can highlight.
As part of the program, you will choose from one of three specialty areas, including marriage and family counseling, school counseling, or mental health counseling. For students based in-state, tuition and mandatory fees total around $12,740 per year regardless of your living arrangements. Out-of-state students pay an additional $17,394.
Ohio State University
Established in 1895, the College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE) at Ohio State offers 140 programs, majors, and other concentrations to prospective students. Among these are 24 undergraduate and graduate degree programs that link to numerous licensure opportunities, plus other majors and minors to help you personalize your education.
The Master of Arts in educational studies and counselor education is designed to prepare students for work as a professional school counselor or clinical counselor with licensure. However, a second specialization can lead to work as a clinical mental health counselor for those more interested in working in a clinical setting.
It is a full-time program lasting for 2 years, with four to five courses per semester that meet once-weekly at either 4 p.m or 7 p.m, offering a high degree of flexibility for working professionals. You’ll also undertake 30 hours per week of practicum and internship field experience.
Including all fees, room and board, and books and supplies, the estimated cost for a graduate freshman who’s an Ohio resident is around $31,524. For out-of-state students, this rises to around $56,240. You may be eligible for a range of scholarships or grants, which you can find more information on here.
University of Maryland-College Park
Home to more than 40,000 students and around 14,000 members of faculty and staff, the University of Maryland, College Park is a respected public research institution that boasts 3 Nobel laureates, 3 Emmy winners, and 2 Pulitzer Prize winners. New and returning students benefit from more than 800 student clubs and organizations.
The University of Maryland-College Park offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in school counseling, preparing students to become professional school counselors. The curriculum focuses on the application of skills and knowledge across a diverse range of social, cultural, and economical backgrounds, with an ultimate aim of closing the achievement gap in schools.
The program includes courses such as counseling skills, human development, family and social support, multicultural issues in counseling, research in counseling, and group counseling techniques, among others. This particular counseling department has been ranked in second place in a ranking curated by U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition is charged on a per-credit rate, with a single graduate credit costing $731 for residents of the state, or $1,625 for out-of-state students, plus fees. Including fees, the total rate for a resident is $1,148.50, or $2,042.50 for a non-resident. More information on fees can be found on their website.
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia’s (UGA) College of Education was recently renamed, in February 2020, to Mary Frances Early College of Education. This was to celebrate UGA’s first African American graduate, who went on to become an integral player in the campaign for racial equality in Georgia.
The MEd.EdS in professional counseling (school counseling) program will prepare you with the necessary prerequisites to gain state licensure or certification. This dual degree program will allow you to seek licensure as a school counselor in Georgia upon completion of supervised counseling experiences and a final examination.
It’s a program that has been widely recognized for its excellence, having been ranked at number 2 by U.S. News & World Report in 2018. What’s more, selected students will receive cutting edge training in integrative behavioral health. These applicants will also receive a $10,000 stipend toward their graduate education.
Tuition fees for this institution are about average for similar research universities; the graduate school at the University of Georgia charges $11,168 for resident tuition, or $27,476 for students who are non-residents. According to collegetuitioncompare.com, the average amount of financial aid awarded to students is slightly below $10,000.
Indiana University-Bloomington
Indiana University’s School of Education brings in students from around the world. In fact, U.S. News & World Report listed the institution as being the state’s top choice for online master’s degree programs in the education discipline, plus 28th in the nation. They also took 26th place for the best graduate education school nationwide.
Comprising 48 credits, the M.S.Ed. in Counseling and Counselor Education is intended for students who aspire to become counselors within Pre-K to post-secondary age groups. The curriculum combines both field experience and coursework to impart you with the skills and knowledge needed to support a diverse student body.
For admission into this program, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a combined minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Alongside your application, you should submit a personal statement, transcripts, your resume, and three letters of recommendation. For GPAs below 3.0, you’ll also require GRE scores for submission.
While some websites publish graduate tuition rates for Indiana University-Bloomington, rates can vary across courses and departments. The easiest way to check the average cost of your graduate education is using the tuition calculator on the institution’s website. You’ll also find information on fees here.
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin can boast of a wide range of accolades, including 12th place for Most Innovative Schools and 14th for Top Public Schools. The campus comprises 11 research centers, 5 academic schools, and 14 offices dedicated to student support and education.
The institution offers the M.Ed. in counselor education, which has itself been named in rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Comprising 48 credit hours, this program typically lasts two years full-time and allows two concentrations: school counseling as well as higher education counseling and student affairs, which lead to employment as a K-12 or higher education counselor, respectively.
As part of the program, you’ll engage with numerous practicum placements. The university has established relationships with partner organizations, including local schools and universities, ensuring that your hands-on field placements are highly relevant to both your course and your future career.
In terms of tuition, there’s a useful calculator on the institution’s website you can use to estimate your cost of attendance. However, as a rough guide, graduate tuition comes in at approximately $12,000 for Texas residents and approximately $22,966 for other students. A small number of these will be eligible for grants or scholarships up to approximately $10,000.
California State University-Long Beach
CSULB is accredited by WASC Senior College and the University Commission. In fact, due to outstanding performance during previous accreditation reviews, the institution has been selected for something called Thematic Pathway for Reaffirmation. This process should lead to even higher standards of education within the institution’s various schools and colleges.
The College of Education at California State University, Long Beach offers two programs in this discipline: the School Counseling Option and Pupil Personnel Services Credential. You’ll have the opportunity to gain both your master’s degree and PPS credential simultaneously. The PPS, or Pupil Personnel Services credential, allows you to work as a K-12 counselor in California.
This program comprises at least 51 units and requires you to enroll in 4 courses each semester. Some courses take place in the evenings, though practicum and fieldwork experiences necessitate you to be available between 8 a.m and 3 p.m—the typical K-12 school hours.
According to the university’s publicized information, based on an average of 9 units per semester, you’ll pay a total of approximately $21,490 as a student living off-campus, or around $26,500 to be housed in university accommodation. This rises to around $28,614, or $33,600 for out-of-state students.
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University—Penn State—sits among the top 1% of universities across the world. Established in 1855, it has been awarded the highest rating possible for a research university by the Carnegie Foundation, with a graduate school that educates over 14,000 students, making it one of the largest in the U.S.
This M.Ed. in counselor education and comparative and international education is designed with multiple areas of emphasis in mind. The curriculum covers career counseling, school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and clinical mental health counseling. A doctoral degree in the same discipline is offered, too, for those who would like to study further after graduation.
These specializations lead to well-rounded graduates who can take on roles in varied areas of educational counseling. Courses that make up the curriculum include those such as Counseling Theory and Method, Foundations of Career Development and Counseling Information, Multicultural Counseling, and Applied Testing in Counseling.
Generally speaking, the combined cost of both comes to approximately $22,990 for residents of Pennsylvania or $38,728 for students from out of state.
University of Missouri-Columbia
The University of Missouri, commonly referred to as Mizzou, knows its students as ‘Tigers’. Tigers champion four principles: respect, responsibility, discovery, and excellence. A huge 48% of Tigers graduate without any student debt, and they enjoy a broad range of dining options and student organizations.
The Department of Education, School & Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri offers a direct path to gaining state certification as a counselor. The school counselor: elementary and/or secondary M.Ed. has a curriculum that is structured around the scientist-practitioner and counseling program training model. These models champion best practices in psychology theory, practice, and research.
Available either on-campus or online, you’ll need to meet admission requirements set by the Office of Graduate Studies, in addition to the requirements of the M.Ed. program. This includes the provision of three letters of recommendation, your resume, transcripts, and a statement of purpose that highlights specific information and motivations.
Inclusive of all room and board, books and supplies, and other expected fees, graduates at Missouri who are residents of the state can expect to pay around $32,240 in total costs. This drops to around $20,298 for distance learners. Non-resident students pay around $45,415 on-campus, or $20,298 for distance programs.
CUNY Hunter College
Founded 150 years ago in 1870, the Hunter College of Education that provides this degree program was NYC’s first teacher-training institution. With strong links and partnerships to a range of local schools, students will have excellent opportunities for real-world experiences during the course of their studies.
This school counseling (MSEd) program will lead to certification as a school counselor in the state of New York. What’s more, should you be fluent in both English and Spanish, you’ll be able to gain the additional Bilingual Education Extension for Pupil Personnel Services certification with validity for practicing in the same state.
This program prepares you to work in a variety of educational settings, including elementary, middle, high schools, and colleges. You may also find a role within a community organization. Certification can be applied for after completion of 30 credits. For admission, you’ll need a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Tuition is charged per-credit, with residents of the state paying $560.95 and non-residents paying $945.95. However, this is capped for residents studying in a graduate program; beyond 10 credits, you’ll pay a maximum of around $5,698.45. The same isn’t true for non-residents, who do not have tuition fee capping.
California State University-East Bay
California State University, East Bay (CSUEB) offers 50 bachelor’s degrees, 35 master’s programs, and a range of other minors. The institution boasts 15 athletic teams and is the choice for many students who are the first in their family to attend college (61% of the student body).
Cal State’s school counseling concentration is a full-time program, lasting two years. Courses are run both during daytime hours and in the evening, with students gaining the knowledge and skills needed for curriculum development. You’ll also understand how to conduct solo and group therapy sessions.
Upon graduating from the program, in addition to a Master of Science in school counseling, you’ll also be able to obtain the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in school counseling. Should you opt to complete the marriage and family therapy option, you will also be eligible to gain the associate marriage and family therapy license.
The graduate school’s tuition and fees are $8,434 for residents of the state, or $17,938 for non-residents. The university also has a limited number of scholarships available through the Pioneer Scholarships program, running October through January. More than 100 financial awards are available to both newly enrolled and existing students.
California State University-Los Angeles
Founded in 1947, Cal State LA has been ranked in top place for the upward mobility of students. With a student body of 26,000 and 250,000 alumni worldwide, most enrolled students are in fact graduates, at around 71% of students. Around 7,000 degrees were awarded in 2018-2019, nearly double the number recorded a decade ago.
This program is an M.S. in counseling with an option in school psychology. Based at the Charter College of Education, the curriculum is designed for those who want to become school psychologists, focusing on the development of individuals from birth through to age 21. It’s a full-time, three-year degree program.
Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists, and with accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, this program requires you to have a minimum GPA of 2.75 in your past 60 semester units. You must also have completed an undergraduate inferential statistics course.
Graduates must enroll in a minimum of 8 units to maintain status as a graduate student. The cost of tuition for 6 to 12—or more—units is around $4,098.08 per semester, or $8,196.16 for the academic year. For non-residents or international students, this rises to around $17,700.16 per academic year.
California State University-Northridge
California State University Northridge, or CSUN, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The campus features a host of facilities, including numerous dining options; in fact, the university website even features an overview of all eateries, with full menu listings that you can view at any time.
The university offers a Master of Science in counseling, with an option in school counseling. Upon graduation from this full-time course of study, you’ll be prepared to work in a PreK-12 public school or community agency. Learning objectives have been aligned with accreditation standards and have been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
Your courses have also been integrated with real-world experiences based within partner schools, which will prepare you with the skills and knowledge needed to meet students’ personal, emotional, social, and academic development needs. Upon graduating from the program, you will qualify for the State of California PPS credential in school counseling.
CSUN graduate students who are taking a minimum of 6.1 units will pay around $3,588 per semester in tuition. For international or non-resident students, there is an additional charge of $496 per unit, per semester, in tuition. Other fees apply, which can be found on the institution’s student finance website.
CUNY Lehman College
Lehman College boasts a student body of over 14,000 learners, with 81,000 alumni having passed through its doors. There are over 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs on offer at this institution, which has been ranked at number 4 for the highest mobility rates in the country by the National Bureau of Economic Research.
CUNY Lehman College offers an M.S.Ed. in counselor education, which will lead graduates into careers as K-12 school counselors. You’ll study counseling interventions in areas including group therapy, multicultural counseling, identity, and human development, among other disciplines. You’ll also study niche subjects including trauma and violence, and drug dependency.
On this program, you’ll undertake 50 hours’ worth of supervised practical work prior to undertaking your 100-hour practicum; you’ll also need to complete 600 hours of internship within a K-12 school environment. In total, the degree program comprises 48 credits and should take around two years when studied full-time.
Graduates who are residents of NYS will pay $470.00 per credit, while non-residents pay $855.00 per credit. Additional fees apply, including a student activity fee, technology fee, and more that you can see here.
National University
Established in 1971 by a retired U.S. Navy Captain, National University is the largest nonprofit, private university in the state of San Diego. More than 175,000 alumni worldwide have benefited from what is now a prospectus of over 75 degree programs. National University is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
This university offers a Master of Science in educational counseling with PPSC credential option program. As with some of the above courses, this means you’ll be eligible for state credentials allowing you to work as a school counselor upon completion of the program. The curriculum comprises numerous 4-week classes.
You’ll look in depth at critical theories of human development and how they apply to the field of counseling. You’ll understand how behavior in schools and the learning process can impact these stages of development, in addition to developing the skills needed to promote and advocate your students’ success.
Graduate tuition runs at $442 per quarter unit or $1,989 per 4.5 quarter unit course. The usual fees apply, including a transcript fee and graduation processing fee. Books and supplies are estimated at around $1,700, while the estimated off-campus cost of living is approximately $12,200.
Texas A & M International University
Part of The Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Accolades include third place for highest mobility, according to The New York Times, and fourth place for economic mobility, according to the Washington Monthly.
This Master of Science in school counseling leads to eligibility for both the school counselor certification, in addition to licensure as a professional counselor in Texas (LPC). Courses will include social, cultural and family issues, human growth and development, and psychopathology. The full curriculum breakdown can be seen on their website.
For admission into the program, you’ll need to have averaged a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 undergraduate credit hours. You’ll also need to provide your resume and a personal statement, 700 words in length minimum, that highlights your career aspirations and plans to succeed in the program. You’ll also need to have a Texas Tech Certificate.
For residents of the state living on campus, the total cost of attendance runs at around $17,099. For off-campus students, this is slightly lower at $16,376, and for non-residents who live on campus, $22,864. You can see the full breakdown of what makes up these fees on the graduate costs breakdown, here.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California has been educating graduates for decades; in fact, the institution awarded more than double the number of advanced degrees in 2019 as it did bachelor’s degrees. The university was established in 1879 after nearly a decade of dreaming and planning by a group of dedicated citizens.
Your field experience will impart you with supervised practice in a real-world setting, in highly relevant areas to your profession. You can start this experience as soon as semester two, with a total requirement for 210 hours of practice. You will be expected to reflect on your experiences and how they connect to your study of counseling theory.
Your coursework will be split among five key areas. You’ll take 6 courses in counseling, 8 in student affairs, and 1 in research methods and data analysis. The remaining two areas of study will be 1 course in fieldwork experience and 2 courses in seminar or thesis.
Graduate tuition at this university is fairly high, with the estimated cost for 15 to 18 units per semester $59,260 in tuition; with other costs, the total is around $86,183. However, full-time—considered to be 8 to 14 units per semester—is a little lower, at $66,523 in total. The total cost of this 48-credit program is $95,760.
University of West Alabama
The University of West Alabama (UWA) features small class sizes taught by professors who are subject matter experts in their respective fields. As a student at UWA, you’ll benefit from more than 60 student organizations and clubs that ensure you’ll find something you’re interested in.
The curriculum includes 9 hours’ worth of professional courses, plus 39 hours relevant to the certification area. To successfully complete the program, you will need to maintain a GPA of no less than 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and score satisfactorily on a Praxis II examination, in addition to completing 600 hours’ worth of practical experience.
Admissions into this program are fairly strict. Firstly, you’ll need to meet the requirements for admission into the graduate school. Secondly, you’ll need to meet requirements set by the counseling program admissions office, which includes submission of a portfolio to the counselor education program. Full details—which are quite lengthy—can be found here.
The cost of attendance for graduates at UWA is $371.00 per credit hour for state residents, or $742.00 per credit hour for out-of-state students. There’s an information technology fee of $180.00 and ID activation fee of $10.00, too. For graduates who choose to study remotely, online, the cost is $429.00 per credit hour.
Concordia University-Irvine
Concordia University Irvine, based in Southern California, is a Christian university offering degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students participate in a range of clubs and organizations, including many groups that promote cultural diversity and inclusion. Even if you can’t find a club that interests you, you’re encouraged to start one.
CUI offers the Master of Arts in education: school counseling program, which can be completed in around 26 to 33 months. Comprising 48 units, the program has been designed for working educators and meets the requirements set for the pupil personnel services credential.
Available as a fully-online or blended degree program, your courses will include topics such as educational assessment, major theories in counseling, leadership, and human communication. There are four start dates throughout the year, giving you a high degree of flexibility to fit your studies into your existing schedule.
In terms of tuition and fees, there’s a $50 application fee, or $150 for international students, plus various other fees. The cost per unit for tuition is $595, though under a special Lutheran Educators Discount Program, those currently working as a teacher or administrator in a Lutheran school could be eligible for a 10% discount on all tuition.
University of La Verne
The University of La Verne was ranked in the top 5 for social mobility of its graduates, with nearly 85,000 alumni having now passed through its doors. Class sizes are reasonably small, with a 14:1 student to faculty ratio. The institution has more than 10 locations across the state of California.
This program is available at numerous campus locations across California, offering you greater flexibility around your busy schedule; you can study at La Verne, Bakersfield, Burbank, Irvine, Oxnard, and College of the Canyons. Classes take place in the late afternoons, and on evenings and weekends.
Comprising 46 to 60 credits, you can opt for full or part-time study, with 2.5 to 3.5 years required for completion, respectively. The degree program can be completed as an individual master’s degree, but you have a choice of taking two extra units to gain the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential; this is highly recommended if you have the time and have not yet gained licensure or credentials.
The graduate school charges tuition of around $14,436.76 on average, with total costs of approximately $45,000 including fees, room and board, and books and supplies costs. However, financial costs tends to average at around $18,000 if you’re eligible for support with the costs of your education.
Seattle University
Seattle University routinely features among the top 10 universities in rankings by U.S. News & World Report. It has also been featured on a Best Colleges guide published by The Princeton Review. The faculty to student ratio is 1:11, with class sizes that average around 18 learners.
This master’s degree in counseling from the College of Education was the first of its type to be awarded accreditation—by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)—in Seattle. Courses are based on campus, but they start at 4pm to allow for busy working professionals to attend.
Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for licensure as a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), in addition to certification as a SUPD, or substance use disorder professional in Washington state.
Tuition fees vary from one department and discipline to the next, with programs in education costing between $625 and $750 per credit. For this program, total costs are estimated at around $58,500 for a total of 90 credits. Scholarships can vary from $1,400 to $10,000, if eligible.
Concordia University-Chicago
Concordia University is a Lutheran university that integrates curriculums with the Christian faith. Established in 1864 under the name Addison Lutheran Teachers Seminary, the institution today serves around 6,000 full-time students, with around 90% of graduates finding work or moving onto further study within 6 months of graduation.
This MA in school counseling is designed to produce professional counselors that will champion the Christian faith. You’ll be qualified to work in schools from elementary through to high school, learning both individual and group therapy techniques, and in the context of both private and public school settings.
The curriculum has been designed in such a way that it meets the requirements for certification in the State of Illinois. Once you’ve graduated, you’ll be eligible to apply for the Illinois Professional Educator’s License: School Service Personnel Certificate K-12 certification.
Full-time graduate students who are enrolled in each full term will pay around $15,500 in tuition. The cost of attendance (COA) that includes all room and board, books and supplies, and other mandatory fees comes to around $16,112. Financial aid is available directly from the university for a limited number of students, too.
Alfred University
At Alfred University, there are heaps of activities for students to get involved in. According to the institution’s website, this includes at least movie nights, games and gallery openings, and various sports, in addition to educational guest speakers and theater performances. Saxons, as students are known, get involved in just about everything.
In partnership with CITE (the Center for Integrated Teacher Education), Alfred University offers a master’s degree in school counseling. As a satellite of the main counseling program in Alfred, NY, studies may take place across a number of locations, including Brooklyn, Oceanside, Long Island, and Westchester.
Classes are kept small, with groups not permitted to exceed 25 students, ensuring each learner gets the support they need. You’ll take a total of 48 units, with courses including topics like multicultural counseling, human development, and group counseling. In the final semesters, you’ll undertake a practicum worth 6 units.
Alfred University offers around $25 million in grants and scholarships, so you may be able to get help with the cost of your program. And nearly 100% (97%) of students receive at least some form of financial aid. Total costs including tuition stand at around $35,624 for graduate students.
Saint Peter’s University
Located just minutes away from New York City, Saint Peter’s University is a Jesuit institution that excels in numerous areas. U.S. News & World Report named Saint Peter’s at the top of its Social Mobility ranking, while Money Magazine named it as a top-ranking transformative school. It has also been ranked in the top spot for transformation by the American Council on Education (ACE).
This counseling degree program will give you all the qualifications needed to apply for state licensure or certification as a school counselor. Approved by the New Jersey Department of Education, you’ll take a total of 48 credits and gain the necessary skills and knowledge to work in numerous settings.
In addition to undertaking a practicum worth 6 credits, you’ll study courses such as College Counseling, Substance Abuse and Treatment, Individual Counseling and Interviewing, and Abnormal Psychology. For admission, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution and may be required to submit transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
Full-time graduate students taking 18 credits or more will pay tuition of around $20,376, plus room and board, books, and technology fees. The total cost of attendance is around $31,692. This figure doesn’t include indirect costs, including transportation or miscellaneous expenses.
Spalding University
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Spalding University offers programs at every level. According to their website, the university has “the most racially diverse student body” among Kentucky’s private colleges. A third of students self-identify as people of color.
On the Master of Arts in school guidance counseling, you’ll gain 50 clock hours of supervised experience in school counseling. This practical work is combined with a diverse curriculum to prepare you to help students from every cultural and social background.
A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required to be considered for admission, in addition to a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school. As part of the application process, you’ll need to submit a written response to specified topics, provide a copy of your resume with recommendations, and undergo an interview with a member of the faculty.
Graduate tuition at Spalding University is calculated on a per-credit hour basis and varies from one program to the next. This program is among the cheapest, with a per-credit cost of $395.00. You will also need to pay an annual fee of $100 for health and counseling services.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking for a job, the answer is yes! The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports a 5% growth in jobs for school and career counselors through 2032. About 26,600 job openings will result in this field each year, on average, over the next decade. This is nearly double the growth rate for all other occupations.
With a Master’s in Educational Counseling, you can pursue various rewarding jobs, including:
• Career Counselor
• College Admissions Counselor
• Educational Consultant
• Mental Health Counselor in Educational Settings
• School Counselor
These positions involve supporting students’ academic, personal, and social development to enhance their overall well-being and success in school.
A Master’s in Educational Counseling takes between 2 and 3 years of full-time study. Part-time or online programs can have flexible timelines, extending the duration based on individual pacing and program structures. But the average time to get a master’s in this discipline is 2.5 years.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school and career counselors and advisors make an average of $60,140/year. The highest 10% make over $98,500/year. Where you work can impact how much money you make. The top paying industry for this career is elementary and secondary schools, offering $65,930/year, on average.
A Master’s degree in School Counseling or a closely related field, such as a Master’s in Educational Counseling, is the best choice for aspiring school counselors. These programs provide specialized training in counseling techniques, child and adolescent development, and the skills necessary to support students in an educational setting.
You can make the most money as a school counselor working in elementary and secondary schools. The average pay is $65,930/year. But your geographical location also impacts pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are five top paying states for school counselors. These include:
• California: $81,100/year
• Washington: $79,180/year
• Massachusetts: $76,860/year
• New Jersey: $76,580/year
• Connecticut: $71,920/year
While a degree in educational counseling prepares students for roles as school counselors, some programs include coursework that aligns with teaching requirements. But to become a classroom teacher, states require specific teacher certification or licensure, which is not always covered in an educational counseling program.
• Administrative Demands: Counselors face administrative tasks, diverting time from direct student support.
• Advocacy Challenges: Navigating bureaucracy to advocate for students’ needs can get challenging.
• Emotional Strain: Dealing with students’ emotional and personal issues can get emotionally draining. Self-care is critical.
• Heavy Workload: School counselors face high caseloads, making it challenging to provide individualized attention to each student.
• Limited Autonomy: Counselors can have limited control over systemic issues that affect students’ well-being.