25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Educational Counseling Programs 2021

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, GMercyU offers a liberal arts education infused with Catholic values. The school's online master's in educational counseling ranks among Pennsylvania's top programs and leads to state school counselor certification. GMercyU reports a 100% pass rate for graduates on the certification exam.

The curriculum includes 60 credits divided evenly between the program core and school counseling certification courses. The core includes courses such as human development, foundations of counseling, and college and career readiness. The certification section includes courses in intervention techniques, group counseling and facilitation skills, and disabilities in the school counseling setting. All candidates also complete three semesters of internships, gaining hands-on experience in an approved educational environment.

A private Jesuit college based in Omaha, Nebraska, Creighton hosts an online master's in educational counseling infused with Jesuit values. Centered on reflection, relationship-building, compassion, and humility, the program trains counselors to offer effective leadership and guidance to K-12 students. The curriculum covers contemporary issues facing children and teens, including bullying, self-esteem, drug use, and relationship problems.

Creight offers two enrollment pathways: a 36-credit option for certified teachers and a 48-credit option for all other applicants. All candidates can choose from tracks in elementary school, secondary school, or PK-12 guidance counseling. Regardless of enrollment status and concentration, all students complete core courses including ethical guidelines for school counselors, individual and group assessment, and action research in school counseling.

All counseling candidates must also complete a 600-hour internship to meet Nebraska's counseling certification requirements. Candidates without a teaching certificate must complete additional practicum hours and education courses.

A major public college noted for its education programs, UCA enrolls more than 10,000 students annually. The school offers one of the state's top online educational counseling master's programs, training candidates to provide counseling services at public and private K-12 institutions. The program is approved by the Arkansas Department of Education and leads to school counselor licensure in Arkansas. 

UCA offers two enrollment tracks: add-on licensure for candidates with Arkansas teaching licensure and initial licensure for candidates without teaching licensure. All learners study topics like lifespan development, multicultural counseling in schools, and educational assessment and management. All candidates must also complete a school counseling practicum and an internship, both of which build hands-on experience in a professional educational setting.

Affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Concordia operates a main campus in Seward, Nebraska, along with a significant online program. The school offers a top-rated online master's in educational counseling, which trains counselors to assist K-12 students in social, academic, and career exploration. The curriculum emphasizes the skills and knowledge necessary to manage developmentally appropriate, research-based, and objective-driven school counseling programs.

Candidates complete 50-62 credits depending on their educational background. Concordia offers coursework entirely online, with no campus visits required, and courses use an accelerated eight-week format. The curriculum aligns with American School Counselor Association standards and leads to professional PK-12 certification in Nebraska.

Candidates complete several hands-on learning activities, including a small group field experience, a practicum, and an internship. The practicum lasts 100 hours, while the internship lasts 450 hours.

A small public college based in Magnolia, SAU enrolls around 4,400 students annually. The school's master of education in school counseling trains school counselors to implement and update comprehensive developmental guidance programs for grade-school students. The program uses a hybrid format that combines online learning with campus courses. Most candidates graduate in 2.5-3 years. 

SAU offers an add-on counseling licensure pathway for applicants who already hold a valid teaching license. This enrollment track enables candidates to graduate faster, but they must still complete at least 600 internship hours, divided evenly between elementary and secondary school counseling practice. 

While most courses occur entirely online, counseling candidates must attend one summer intensive session on campus. Typically occurring in late June, the residency session focuses on the development and administration of school counseling programs and is taught in partnership with the Mulerider Kids College.

One of North Carolina's major public colleges, NC State enrolls more than 36,000 students annually, operating a main campus in Raleigh along with a sizable online program. The school offers one of the state's most affordable educational counseling master's online programs. The program uses a scientist-practitioner model, highlighting concepts of diversity, anti-racism, and social justice. All counseling students receive a new iPad mini for the program's duration.

The master of education in school counseling fulfills the requirements for both North Carolina school counseling licensure and the licensed professional counselor associate credential. Candidates complete courses including theories of counseling, gender issues in counseling, research issues, and crisis counseling. All candidates complete a three-credit practicum as well as two six-credit internships.

A small state college based in Durant, SOSU enrolls around 4,700 students annually. The school hosts one of Oklahoma's top online master's in educational counseling programs. The flexible, accelerated program primarily serves working teachers. The degree focuses on child development, assessment, diversity, and psychopathology. Online students benefit from an affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition rate. 

The 42-credit program includes courses like social and cultural diversity issues in counseling, career counseling and development, assessment in counseling, and counseling children and adolescents. Counseling students also complete a minimum of 100 practicum hours, at least 40 of which must include direct client contact. Full-time enrollees can complete the program in 12 months. However, practicum experiences require additional time beyond the core curriculum.

A public, historically Black college based in Durham, NCCU offers an online master's in educational counseling that builds the skills, knowledge, and practices necessary for effective, impactful school counseling. Endorsed by the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs, the program prepares graduates for K-12 school counselor licensure in North Carolina.

The 51-credit program includes courses such as multicultural and gender issues, vocational theory and career development, group counseling, and educational research. Candidates also complete both a practicum and an internship, building experience through observation and direct work with student populations. Candidates may complete two internships or fulfill the second internship requirement with an additional elective.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college with a minimum 2.7 GPA. Applicants must also submit GRE scores, an application essay, and two recommendation letters.

A private Lutheran college and member of the Concordia University system, CUW offers an online master's in educational counseling that emphasizes the role of faith in school counseling practice. The counseling curriculum integrates evidence-based theories and intervention techniques. The program admits applicants with and without teaching licensure.

The 45-credit program features courses in 10 foundation categories, including counseling theory, human growth and development, social and cultural foundations, and helping relationships.

The program leads to Wisconsin K4-12 school counseling licensure or licensed professional counselor in training certification. Candidates who complete additional coursework can earn the substance abuse counselor in training credential offered through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Students can also complete a Christian counseling certificate as part of the program.

One of Massachusetts' major public colleges, UMass Boston offers an online master's in educational counseling that prepares candidates for Massachusetts school counselor licensure. The program uses a hybrid format that combines online courses with select on-campus residency sessions.

Counseling candidates can add an optional adjustment counseling concentration to their degree, which requires the completion of two additional courses and extra internship hours. The concentration prepares graduates to pursue initial licensure as a school adjustment counselor at the K-12 level.

All counseling candidates must attend a two-week campus residency in Boston at the beginning of the program. This intensive in-person session enables candidates to meet with peers and faculty while completing the program's first two clinical sections.

A private Christian college based in Hobbs, New Mexico, USW offers one of the Southwest's top online educational counseling master's programs. The school's master of science in education in school counseling emphasizes counseling techniques, professional ethics, career development, educational assessment, and crisis counseling. The program prepares candidates for school counselor licensure at the elementary, middle, and high school level.

Candidates complete 42 credits total, divided among core courses, major requirements, and electives. The program core builds foundational knowledge in educational research, counseling theories, professional ethics, and counseling practice. Major courses explore advanced topics including psych-educational assessment, group counseling, and crisis and trauma intervention. Electives enable candidates to specialize their studies in areas like play therapy, addictions counseling, and human sexuality. 

Students also complete one practicum experience and two internships. All candidates end the program with a capstone project focused on counseling program development.

Based in Houston, Texas, UST is a private Catholic college that admits students of all faiths and backgrounds. The school offers one of Texas' top-ranked online master's in educational counseling degrees. The master of education in counselor education with a specialization in school counseling offers both fully online and hybrid enrollment options. Graduates can pursue school counseling licensure in Texas.

The 48-credit program includes courses such as educational research and scholarly writing, group dynamics of counseling, lifestyles and career development, and consultation in school settings. The program ends with a 15-week counseling practicum that includes 160 hours of observation and 80 hours of direct client contact.

School counselor certification in Texas requires candidates to hold a valid Texas teaching certificate and at least two years of experience as a classroom teacher. Program applicants can pursue these requirements concurrently with their degree.

Home to one of New Jersey's top online master's in educational counseling programs, Monmouth emphasizes flexibility for working students, offering both fully online and hybrid enrollment options. The program trains counselors to serve as advocates for students and cultivate self-awareness, continuous learning, and personal and professional development. Monmouth reports a 100% employment rate for graduates as school counselors.

The 48-credit program includes courses in counseling and ethical practice, group counseling, diversity and social justice, and behavioral issues in counseling. The curriculum prepares candidates for a variety of certifications and licenses, including national certified counselor, licensed professional counselor, and student assistance coordinator.

Counseling students also complete an integrative 700-hour practicum that occurs across three semesters. The practicum occurs at three distinct counseling sites, building experience in both primary and secondary education settings.

A Christian liberal arts college located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, UC enrolls students of all backgrounds. The school offers one of Kentucky's most affordable educational counseling master's online programs.

The 45-credit program includes 15 courses total, covering key topics such as issues and trends in special education, counseling individuals with diverse needs, research methods in education, and advanced clinical assessment. All candidates complete a counseling practicum and an internship. The practicum builds initial clinical experience, while the internship serves as the program's culminating requirement.

The curriculum leads to school counseling certification in Kentucky, and the state maintains certification reciprocity agreements with several other states. Candidates who reside outside of Kentucky should check with their local licensing board to ensure the program meets their state's certification requirements.

One of North Carolina's major public colleges, ECU enrolls more than 28,000 students annually through on-campus and online programs. The school hosts one of the state's best educational counseling master's online programs, training counselors to promote human development and assist children, adolescents, and young adults with social, professional, and personal decisions. The program offers three concentrations: school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and student affairs and college counseling. 

The 60-credit program includes 45 credits of core courses and 15 elective credits. Core courses cover topics such as analysis of the individual, counseling skills and techniques, and social and cultural issues in counseling. All candidates complete a one-semester practicum and a two-semester counseling internship. At the program's conclusion, students must pass a comprehensive examination. Candidates can also complete an optional thesis.