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Online Master’s in School Counseling

Help P–12 students overcome personal challenges and reach their potential with an MS in School Counseling degree from Walden.

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

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Master’s in School Counseling

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current Step 1: About You
  • Step 2: Contact Information
""
GET SUPPORT AT EVERY STEP

Throughout your program, receive personalized guidance and support from faculty who are invested in your success.

BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE

Our MS in School Counseling program incorporates engaging technologies and opportunities to practice and refine your skills.

GAIN A NEW PERSPECTIVE

Interact with diverse faculty and students and benefit from coursework designed to help you work with youth of all backgrounds.

PURSUE YOUR PASSION

Choose our General Program or one of five specializations to tailor your coursework to your professional goals.

Program Details

Take a Closer Look

See what makes Walden’s online master’s in school counseling program different, from the robust curriculum to the array of specializations.

 

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostamount
Tuition90 credits$515 per quarter hour$46,350
Pre-Practicum LabsTwo in program$1,450 each (virtual)
$1,550 each (in-person: travel, lodging, and other expenses are additional)
$2,900–$3,100
Program FeePer quarter$175$1,925
   $51,175–$51,375**
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP

YOUR TUITION
-$7,210

$43,965*

*Represents General Program, two virtual pre-practicum labs, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.

**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 45 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0199.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost up to an additional $4,500.

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostamount
Tuition100 credits$515 per quarter hour$51,500
 9 credits of Practicum and Internship experiencesNo Tuition$0
Pre-Practicum LabsTwo in program$1,450 (virtual)
$1,550 each (in-person: travel, lodging, and other expenses are additional)
$2,900–$3,100
Program FeePer quarter$175$2,100
   $56,500–$56,700**
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP

YOUR TUITION
-$7,210

$49,290*

*Represents specialization, two virtual pre-practicum labs, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.

**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 45 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0199.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost up to an additional $4,500.

Find Your Specialization

Choose from five Master’s in School Counseling specializations to focus on the career and future you want.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Develop Your Skills

Walden’s MS in School Counseling program reflects professional standards set by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) to ensure you’re well-prepared for today’s P–12 environment.

 

Career Opportunities

With faster-than-average job growth expected, qualified school counselors are in demand.

Help Shape Bright Futures

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors

Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.

Expected growth: 5%1

Estimated annual wage: $40,140–$78,7801

1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)

Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of our online master’s in school counseling program, you will be academically prepared to:

Synthesize counseling knowledge into evidence-based action plans for promoting wellness. (Knowledge)

Construct collaborative relationships with diverse populations to promote social change. (Skills)

Develop professional counselor behaviors in academic settings to foster growth and wellness. (Dispositions)

Develop a professional counselor identity relevant to school counseling. (Knowledge)

Evaluate unique client needs within school settings. (Skills)

Evaluate community needs in relation to school settings and populations. (Skills)

Read our MS in School Counseling CACREP Vital Statistics Outcomes and Program Evaluation Outcome Report (PEOR) on the School of Counseling DATA webpage.

Meet Your Academic Team

Walden’s counseling faculty includes licensed practitioners, researchers, and subject matter experts, all committed to helping you thrive in your program.

You Might Also Be Interested In 

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MS in School Counseling FAQ

What can I do with a master’s in school counseling?

Your degree can academically prepare you to seek licensure or certification in your state. You’ll want to start the process as soon as you graduate. After attaining state licensure or certification, you can pursue employment as a school counselor in P–12 schools. School counselors help improve student success by implementing comprehensive school counseling programs that support the academic, personal-social, and career needs of all students. They also provide short-term counseling; collaborate with teachers, families, administrators, and community members to support students; advocate for students and student needs; and analyze data that identifies student needs, concerns, and challenges.

How long does it take to earn a school counseling degree online?

It generally takes up to 33 months to complete a school counseling master’s degree online. Walden provides an optional Accelerated Track that allows you to complete three courses per quarter and earn your degree sooner. This option requires a strong time commitment and is best suited for students who can dedicate themselves full-time to their studies.

Do you need a master’s in school counseling to practice?

Yes, individuals who wish to become employed as a school counselor in an elementary, middle, or high school are required to hold, at minimum, an MS in School Counseling degree.

What’s special about Walden’s MS in School Counseling program?

Walden’s online master’s in school counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and aligned with standards set by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national model. These standards help ensure that you graduate with the skills to implement a comprehensive school counseling program.

In addition, Walden’s diverse faculty have a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership in the school counseling field and bring those insights into the classroom each day. They’re here to support and guide you, from the start of your MS in Counseling program through to graduation and beyond.

In the MS in School Counseling program, courses incorporate compelling multimedia, advanced technologies, and opportunities for you to apply, practice, and refine your skills. You can also choose from a range of specializations to bring extra focus to your program of study. Additionally, live and on-demand webinars are offered by faculty and doctoral students on various counseling topics of interest. These workshops provide lifelong opportunities and valuable continuing education to students, faculty, alumni, and site supervisors. "