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School counselors work with students from a variety of backgrounds and help with social and behavioral issues. Part of the job of a school counselor also entails sharing information about career options and helping them set goals which fit their ambitions and interests. The programs included on this list of Best School Counseling Degrees offer students a rigorous curriculum and the flexibility to study from anywhere an Internet connection is available.
Ranking The Top 10 School Counseling Programs Online
#1 Capella University
Executive Summary
Capella is an online University and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. This school has been offering degree programs since 1993.
Tuition
The cost per credit hour for this School Counseling Degree program is $458.00.
Unique Features
Courses in Capella’s Master of Education in School Counseling program are 10 weeks in length. Students are required to complete two, six-day residential sessions, a practicum, and an internship to graduate.
#2 University of Massachusetts
Executive Summary
The University of Massachusetts has been offering online programs since 2001. This school has been recognized for Excellence in Distance Teaching Education.
Tuition
Students at UMass Online can expect to pay $475.00 per credit hour for their school counseling degree.
Unique Features
This program works on a cohort model where all students complete their coursework as a group during a two-year learning cycle. Students are required to be present at the UMass campus during the first summer (July and August) when clinical courses are taught. The rest of the courses are available online.
#3 University of North Dakota
Executive Summary
The University of North Dakota is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. The School of Education & Human Development is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Tuition
Students enrolled in this program pay $446.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
UND’s Master’s in School Counseling with a K-12 School Emphasis starts every spring. Students are required to spend four days on campus, which are usually scheduled from Wednesday-Saturday during the third week of July.
#4 Salem College
Executive Summary
Salem College was established in 1766. This liberal arts school for women is the 13th oldest college in the country. Salem is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Graduate students pay $1,200.00 per three-credit-hour class.
Unique Features
The Master of Education in School Counseling degree can be completed in 36 months. Students complete coursework online, as well as an internship. This School Counseling Degree program also requires two weekend on-campus seminars.
#5 Liberty University
Executive Summary
Liberty University was founded in 1971. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Master of Education program is approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition
Tuition at Liberty University online is $505.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Students enrolled in the Master of Education – School Counseling degree program complete their coursework online. There is a residency requirement of four on-campus intensives for learners.
#6 Seton Hall University
Executive Summary
Seton Hall University was founded in 1856. Its College of Education & Human Services is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, the American Psychological Association, and the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.
Tuition
The cost of this program is $34,000.00.
Unique Features
The curriculum for this program includes courses in counseling, psychology, sociology, and research. They also complete a practicum and an internship.
#7 Lamar University
Executive Summary
Lamar University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It was founded in 1923 and has been part of the Texas State University System since 1995.
Tuition
In-state students pay $235.00 per credit hour, and out-of-state learners pay $277.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
LU’s Master of Education in Professional School Counseling can be completed entirely online. Students are not required to prepare a thesis. They do complete a practicum as part of the program. Courses are five weeks in length.
#8 University of Mary
Executive Summary
U-Mary is a private Catholic university. It was established in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Tuition
Online students pay $450.00 per credit hour for their School Counseling Degree.
Unique Features
Students enrolled in the MS in Counseling: School Counseling have the option of completing a thesis if they wish.
#9 Missouri Baptist University
Executive Summary
Missouri Baptist University opened its doors in 1957. This school is known for its affordable tuition rates, small class sizes, and faith-based curriculum.
Tuition
Students at MBU pay $482.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Students enrolled in the online Master’s degree in Counseling program can take courses on a year-round basis.
Students can choose to go to school on a full or part-time basis. All classes are eight weeks in length.
Concentrations
Elementary Counseling, K-8
Secondary Counseling, 7-12
Elementary and Secondary Counseling, K-12
#10 Wake Forest University
Executive Summary
Wake Forest University’s School Counseling program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Tuition
Graduate students at Wake Forest University pay $1,181.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Counseling – School Counseling program can take the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE).
