Professionals who are interested in completing an accelerated affordable online Master’s in School Counseling understand that the job outlook for the profession stands at about 12 percent through 2022. This means that there are currently more job openings than there are qualified professionals. This may stem from the fact that career requires that students complete a graduate degree as well as earn licensure or certification in their state.
It may also be a result of the fact that working professionals in the field have previously not had the opportunity to attend a program while working full-time. Professionals who work full-time often want to go back to school, which is why the influx of qualified graduate programs are necessary.
These programs were built for working professionals and will provide them with an option to study live or on-demand, part-time or full-time, and even choose an accelerated path that will see them complete their degree in two years or less. And now that more than 50 programs are available, it is necessary to build a ranking that will provide these professionals with the information they need to make a decision on their education.
Methodology
This ranking was made possible by the information generated by the National Center for Education Statistics and its College Navigator database. An initial pool of 65 schools was identified by searching the database for “online Master’s in School Counseling.” Each program was then individually reviewed and compared to the others based on factors such as tuition rates, online features, and estimated degree completion times. The final 15 schools, which are listed below, are based on the total estimated in-state graduate tuition cost for the program.
Ranking Low-Cost Accelerated Master’s in School Counseling
15. The University of Tennessee at Martin
Martin, Tennessee
Online Master of Science in Education with a Major in Counseling, School Counseling Specialization
Tuition: $28,224
The University of Tennessee at Martin offers students an accelerated affordable online Master’s in School Counseling that was built to be completed entirely online and in two years. This degree provides students with the necessary foundation in the field as well as the chance to complete directed electives that inform their chosen career path. Students who are interested in earning licensure are reminded that students without prior teaching experience are required to complete a counseling practicum in a preK-12 environment; this program will lead to licensure.
The majority of the degree requirements can be found wholly online through the school’s learning management system; courses are delivered asynchronously or synchronously in 16-week terms for the convenience of the students. This is a rigorous curriculum; only students who study full-time every term, including summer terms, will be eligible for graduation in two years.
This degree requires that students complete 48 credit hours of coursework, a counseling practicum, 600 hours of an internship, and a comprehensive written exam. Sample courses include Assessment in Child and Family Studies, Organization and Administration of School Counseling Programs, and Theory and Techniques of Counseling.
14. Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online Master of Education in School Counseling
Tuition: $27,120
The affordable accelerated affordable online Master’s in School Counseling that is conferred by Liberty University was designed for working educators who are interested in becoming licensed as school counselors in their state. This degree is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This is a low-residency program; students will be required to complete some intensives on the school campus.
Coursework is offered through the school’s virtual portal and features small class sizes, live and on-demand courses, online academic advising, and more. Students will note that this school follows the traditional 16-week academic term format. As this is a professional counseling program, a practicum and two internships are mandatory for the completion of this program. Students who study full-time every term, as well as summer terms, will graduate within two years. This degree requires 48 credit hours of coursework, one practicum, two internships, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Human Development Across the Lifespan, professional school counseling, Social and Cultural Foundations in Counseling, and Principles of School Counseling.
13. Concordia University of Wisconsin
Mequon, Wisconsin
Online Master of Science in Education, Major in School and Professional Counseling — School Counseling Licensure or SAC Professional Counseling License
Tuition: $26,055
The Concordia University of Wisconsin delivers an accelerated online Master’s in School Counseling that is both rigorous and rewarding for students who are interested in finishing a two-year degree. This degree does lead to licensure in the state of Wisconsin; the LPC-IT endorsement, school counseling endorsement, and K4-12 license are all possible to obtain once this degree plan has been successfully completed. Students may also choose to complete a concentration in substance abuse which will lead to a Substance Abuse Counselor — In Training credential through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Students will complete all of their coursework online in the form of asynchronous or synchronous courses that are delivered through the school’s online learning management system. This program follows the traditional 16-week academic term structure. Students who engage in a full-time plan of study and complete summer terms may graduate in as early as two years. This degree has a base requirement of a minimum of 45 credit hours for graduation. Students who are interested in learning more about this degree, its requirements for specific licensure or endorsements and would like to a view a list of sample course offerings are encouraged to speak to an admissions advisor for more information.
12. Lehigh University
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Online Master of Education in International School Counseling
Tuition: $25,990
Students at Lehigh University are presented with an affordable accelerated online Master’s in School Counseling that can be completed in two years. This degree is offered as a hybrid program; students will attend the Bethlehem campus every summer for the duration of the two-year program. All other courses are offered entirely online through the school’s virtual portal. Lectures and seminars are delivered asynchronously or synchronously with terms running in 16-week sessions.
Students will find that this degree is best earned by professionals who are already working in educational or community settings. Students will need to be enrolled in at least three courses per term as well as attend the summer sessions in Bethlehem in order to graduate in two years. Requirements for this degree include 36 credit hours of coursework, an internship, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Diversity and Multicultural Perspectives, professional school counseling, Education and Inclusion of Individuals with Special Needs in K-12, and Counseling and Therapeutic Approaches.
11. The University of the Southwest
Hobbs, New Mexico
Online Master of Science in Education, Concentration in School Counseling
Tuition: $25,158
The University of the Southwest is home to an accelerated online Master’s in School Counseling that was designed for working professionals; the degree can be earned wholly online and within two years when students decide to take on a full-time program of study. The degree is designed to prepare students for licensure as a school counselor in K-12 educational settings.
Students will be able to take the majority of their degree requirements online through the school’s learning management system; courses are offered as live or on-demand sessions and run in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will note that by taking a minimum of three courses every term, including summer terms, they will be eligible for graduation in two years. This program requires that students complete 42 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, two internships, and a comprehensive written exit exam. More information on this program and a list of course offerings can be found by contacting the school’s graduate admissions office.
10. Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa
Online Master of Science in Counseling
Tuition: $24,000
Students at Drake University will be offered the chance to complete an affordable accelerated online Master’s in School Counseling that has several options for students interested in working as school counselors. Teachers who are licensed in Iowa will be eligible to an elementary licensure, a secondary licensure, or both; students without a teaching license may also enroll in the program but will be required to complete more coursework in order to keep pace with the curriculum. This degree is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This is a 100 percent online course of study that has no residency requirements.
Students will complete all of their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal; features of the portal include live or on-demand session options, simulation labs, and online tutoring services. Students who take four courses every term will be eligible to graduate within two years. This degree requires that all students complete a minimum of 48 credit hours of coursework, a counseling practicum, an advanced practicum, an internship, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses for this degree include Comprehensive School Counseling Program, professional school counseling, Classroom Management and Teaching, and Introduction to Special Education.
9. The University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Online Master of Education in School Counseling
Tuition: $21,648
The University of Southern Mississippi confers an accelerated online Master’s in School Counseling that can be completed in two years. This program will lead to licensure, however out-of-state students are highly encouraged to seek out the licensure requirements for their state prior to enrolling in this program. This is a hybrid program; students will take their courses during the traditional academic year online while attending campus during the summers.
Students will complete their online courses through the school’s learning management system; courses are delivered asynchronously or synchronously and run in the traditional 16-week academic term format. More information about the program, graduation requirements and a list of sample courses can be found by contacting the school’s graduate admissions office.
8. The University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama
Online Master of Education in School Counseling
Tuition: $20,592
The accelerated online Master’s in School Counseling that is offered by the University of West Alabama was designed for working professionals who need access to a one-year Master’s in School Counseling online degree. Students will find that the program will lead to an Alabama teaching certification; students from other states will need to check with their state’s Board of Education in order to find out if graduating from this degree will make them eligible for licensure in their own state. This program is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Students will complete one practicum and two internships in their own community in order to meet the requirements for graduation; all other coursework is available online through the school’s virtual portal. Students will find that courses are available asynchronously or synchronously and follow the accelerated eight-week term format. Students will be expected to complete 48 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, two internships, and a comprehensive written exam for graduation. Sample courses for this degree include Strategies for Crisis Intervention, Diagnostic Techniques for School Counselors, and Counseling Children and Adults.
7. Creighton University
Omaha, Nebraska
Online Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventive Mental Health
Tuition: $20,160
Creighton University prepares students for a passionate career through the completion of an accelerated online Master’s in School Counseling. This program can be completed wholly online and provide students with a program of study that can be completed in two years. This degree comes with three tracks: Elementary School Counseling, Secondary School Counseling, and PK-12 Guidance Counseling. Students will find that this degree can lead to licensure in the state of Nebraska; out-of-state licensure requirements may vary.
This program requires that students complete all of their courses online through the school’s learning management system; courses are delivered as live or on-demand sessions that follow the traditional 16-week term format. It is possible to graduate in two years just by taking three courses every term. This degree requires that students complete 36 credit hours of coursework, two internships in the track of their choice, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Data-Driven Perspectives in School Counseling, Career Perspectives for Children and Adolescents, and Action Research in School Counseling.
6. Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
Online Master of Science in School Counseling
Tuition: $18,497
Students at Emporia State University are offered the chance to complete an accelerated online Master’s in School Counseling that was designed to provide working professionals with a two-year degree. This program is a hybrid course of study; students will be expected to complete half of all of their courses online at either the Emporia or Overland Park campuses. Students will note that this degree may lead to licensure in their state; it is up to the individual to check the licensure requirements prior to enrolling in the program. This degree is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
Students will complete all of their coursework through the school’s virtual portal; courses are delivered asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term structure. Students will note that this degree comes with a variety of culminating experiences; these include a practicum and internship, the thesis option, or the research option. All students will be required to complete 48 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive exit exam for graduation. Sample courses include Career Counseling and Development, Multicultural Issues in Counseling and School Counseling, and Professional and Ethical Issues in Counseling.
5. The University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Online Master of Education in Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology
Tuition: $14,734
The University of Missouri prepares professionals for work as a school counselor through its accelerated online Master’s in School Counseling. This is a 100 percent online course of study that can be completed in two years or less. Students will note that this degree does not provide certification or licensure for counseling. This program of study can be found through the school’s online learning management system; students will complete asynchronous and synchronous courses in 16-week sessions.
Students will find that they can graduate in two years by taking two courses every term, including summer terms. This program requires that students complete 34 credit hours of coursework, the Mental Health in Schools Capstone Paper, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Overview of Research methods, Diversity Issues in School Mental Health, and Communication and Collaboration with Children and Families.
4. The University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Online Master of Art in Education, Specialization in School Counseling
Tuition: $14,175
Students with the University of the Cumberlands are provided with a chance to complete an accelerated online Master’s in School Counseling that can be completed in two years when students choose to study full-time. This degree was built for working professionals and is available wholly online.
Students will take the majority of their degree requirements online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are available asynchronously or synchronously for the convenience of the student. This degree requires that all students complete a minimum of 45 credit hours of coursework, a practicum or counseling internship, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling, Counseling Aspects of Grief and Loss, and Research Methods in Education.
3. Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Online Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling
Tuition: $12,723
Angelo State University confers an accelerated online Master’s in School Counseling that was designed as a 100 percent online course of study that can be completed in two years. Students who successfully complete this degree will be able to sit for the Texas Examination of Educator Standards for the Professional Certificate of School Counselors. All courses for this degree are available through the school’s learning management system and are delivered in an asynchronous format to accommodate working professionals.
Students who complete just three courses every term will graduate within two years. This degree requires that students complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a research paper, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Career and Occupational Counseling, Curriculum and Methodology Trends, and Theories of Counseling.
2. The University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler, Texas
Online Master of Arts in School Counseling
Tuition: $11,950
The affordable accelerated Master’s in School Counseling at the University of Texas at Tyler was created for working professionals who are interested in earning the school counselor certification in the state of Texas. Students pursuing this certification must possess two years of teaching experience as well as a teacher’s license in good standing in order to qualify for the program.
All courses for this degree are available through the school’s virtual portal and are delivered as live or on-demand sessions. Terms last for 16 weeks in this program, making it possible for students who take three courses every term to graduate in two years. Students can expect to complete 39 credit hours, an internship, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Career Counseling and Assessment, Advanced Principles of School Counseling, and Cultural Diversity and Advocacy.
1. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, Oklahoma
Online Master of Education in School Counseling
Tuition: $11,130
Southeastern Oklahoma State University confers a one-year online Master’s in School Counseling that serves as an accelerated program perfect for working professionals. This degree is offered entirely online through the school’s online learning management system; the only practical requirements include clinical experiences that are completed in a student’s community.
This degree’s courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously and in eight-week sessions. Students who take three courses every term will graduate within one year. This program requires that students complete 42 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Research in Counseling, Human Growth and Development in Counseling, and Social and Cultural Diversity Issues in Counseling.
What are the Career Options for an Accelerated Online Master’s in School Counseling Degree?
- School Counselor
- Guidance Counselor
- Administrative Assistant
- Learning Center Coordinator
- Career Counselor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- School Psychologist
- Mental Health Counselor
- School Administrator
- Director of a Nonprofit Educational Program
- Student Services Advisor
- College Career Counselor
- Senior Research Clinician
- University Academic Advisor
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
The current median salary for school counseling is $48,000. The salary range is between $43,000 to $80,000 for all positions in the field. This range accounts for positions in public and private schools as well as placements in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools. It does not account for any additional forms of compensation that may be applicable to a position, including bonuses or overtime pay.
Students will note that there is a direct correlation in the field between salaries and additional training and education. The best-paying positions in the field often require certification or licensure; some even require endorsements that can only be found in certain programs. While additional training is an investment, it can pay off dividends for professionals interested in earning a highly valued position.
What are the Various Disciplines of School Counseling?
School counseling is a field that merges education and counseling in a school environment. Developed to provide students with the necessary academic, developmental, and career advice needed to be functioning members of society, school counseling is now mandatory in 32 states across the country and requires a master’s degree as well as state licensure.
School counseling is informed by several disciplines, including human services, sociology, social work, psychology, development, education, and soft skills. Professionals in the field will find that they will be required to have a strong foundation in communication, writing, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills. They will also need to understand career development and how the education system works in the country.
The field also has concentrations, which may also be considered sub-disciplines. These consist mostly of the age of students in which a professional will focus their career on, including PreK-8, 5-12, and postsecondary students. Some schools may also provide specializations in career development or academic advising. However, most professionals will find that they will concentrate on one area once they are working in the field.
In the education system, school counselors provide students with an objective perspective about their own career development and their academic goals. It is an incredibly important part of the American academic field; so much so that the number of schools looking for school counselors is rising rapidly. For professionals interested in the field, an accelerated online Master’s in School Counseling degree is a great option for studying while continuing in a career path that will ultimately end in a challenging and rewarding position at an educational institution.
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