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

Your degree can 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 K–12 schools. School counselors help to improve student success by implementing comprehensive school counseling programs that support the academic, personal-social, and career needs of all students. School counselors 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.

Do you need a master’s degree 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, a master’s degree in school counseling.

How long does it take to earn a master’s degree in school counseling?

While students may go at their own pace, it generally takes approximately two to two and a half years to complete a master’s degree in school counseling. Walden provides an optional accelerated track that allows students to complete their coursework faster and earn their degrees sooner. This option requires a strong time commitment and is best suited for students who can dedicate themselves full time to their studies.

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

Walden’s MS in School Counseling program is aligned with standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national model to provide students with skills to implement a comprehensive school counseling program. Walden’s faculty are dedicated to supporting students and possess a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership in the school counseling field. Additionally, Walden’s online format provides flexibility for various student needs, allowing students to work and handle other life obligations with access to class wherever they can access a computer and internet. The MS in School Counseling program supports students in choosing to learn at their own pace, whether part time or full time, and courses use multiple forms of materials, such as videos, notes, articles, textbooks, and interactive programs, to cater to various learning styles. Additionally, Words of Wisdom (WOW) workshops are offered by faculty and doctoral students on topics of interest to students, faculty, clinical supervisors, and alumni. These workshops provide lifelong learning opportunities and valuable continuing education to students, faculty, alumni, and site supervisors. In terms of honor societies, Walden’s Omega Zeta (OZ) is the largest Chi Sigma Iota chapter, with 14 highly energetic officers. OZ pours energy into social change work in the United States and around the world. In addition, OZ focuses efforts on enhancing counseling student opportunities at Walden through learning communities. Members have the opportunity to grow as leaders in the field and as social change agents.

Online Master's in School Counseling Program

Students from grades preK–12 face unprecedented challenges, from academic struggles to bullying, self-esteem, and family issues. As a licensed or certified school counselor, you can help children and adolescents overcome obstacles and achieve success while building a rewarding career.

The CACREP-accredited MS in School Counseling program is offered by Walden University, an institution accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Through online coursework, two in-person residencies, and field experiences, you will prepare to provide critical guidance and support to diverse student populations in preK–12 settings.

Why Choose Walden to Earn Your MS in School Counseling?

Through Walden’s exclusive Virtual School—which uses online simulation to expose you to various perspectives of the school counseling profession—you gain the critical skills you need to function effectively within the school setting.
An optional accelerated track allows you to complete your coursework faster 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.
Align your studies with your goals by choosing a specialization in Addiction Counseling; Crisis and Trauma; Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling; or Military Families and Culture.
This program is tailored to the actual needs and challenges of school counselors today, including the use of technology and preparing preK–12 students for college and careers. Content is designed to address knowledge gaps within the counseling field as identified in the 2011 National Survey of School Counselors.²
Benefit from a curriculum that explores the latest models and methods of school counseling and reflects professional guidelines set forth by leading counseling and education organizations.

Accelerated Track Option

The accelerated track in the school counseling program is designed for students who are interested in taking three courses per quarter and finishing their program in a shorter time frame. The accelerated track has the same curriculum, residencies, and field experience requirements as the general track, but requires a strong time commitment and is best suited for students who can dedicate themselves full time to their studies.

Curriculum by Specializations

Walden’s MS in School Counseling program offers a General Program without a specialization, or a variety of optional specializations to help you meet your personal and professional goals. Learn more about each specialization and its related curriculum:

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be prepared to:

Analyze the different roles and settings of a counselor.
Apply sound ethical and legal practices in the work of a counselor.
Analyze cultural development theories and models.
Examine empirically based theories of human development.
Evaluate approaches of career development appropriate to diverse needs and life experiences.
Examine appropriate evidence-based counseling practices for prevention and intervention.
Apply essential counseling skills across multiple settings.
Select group facilitation strategies that are culturally and ethically relevant.
Analyze assessment procedures to support planning for appropriate counseling interventions.
Evaluate research methods commonly used in the counseling profession.

The competent and confident counseling professional will:

Examine the factors that put K–12 students at risk for mental health and behavioral disorders.
Choose strategies for assisting K–12 students in reaching personal, academic, and social growth.
Assess data to inform decision making within the school setting.
Critically examine the connections between social, familial, emotional, and behavior problems and academic achievement.

Read our MS in School Counseling Program Outcomes Report.

Career Impact

Skills That Are in Demand

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% employment growth for school and career counselors by 2022.¹

Earning an MS in School Counseling can prepare you for a variety of rewarding career roles, including:

School counselor
Academic counselor
Academic advisor
Counselor for college and career readiness

Career positions may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Testimonials

Melissa Enoch-Deberry

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate

I have worked in the substance-abuse field since completion of my bachelor's degree in psychology. I realized that I needed direction—just having a broad human service degree would be limiting. With my higher degree from Walden, my background and experience is now confirmed through my educational knowledge and allows me the authority to speak about social change.

Walden provides flexible online programs for working people.

When I started my first official job as a counselor and was asked to read over a clinical assessment and treatment plan, I realized that I literally had a license to be a positive influence in the lives of those I serve on a daily basis.

I am loving my Walden experience. I believe the university is providing a quality education. I also feel supported by staff and instructors as I move forward.

Melville Richardson MSEd Graduate

Iara Paz MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate

Elizabeth Wallmann-Filley MSW Student

FAQ About Walden’s Online MS in School Counseling Program

Note on Licensure:
The MS in School Counseling program is offered by Walden University, an institution accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), which is a requirement to practice as a school counselor in some states. The MS in School Counseling program meets the standards for school counseling licensure or certification and is a state-approved program in Minnesota and Ohio. The MS in School Counseling program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which may also be a requirement to become licensed or certified as a school counselor in some states. In addition, some states require school counselors to have an existing teaching license or certification, and teaching experience, in order to be eligible for a school counseling certification/license. Learn more about professional licensure.

Further, many states require school counseling programs to be approved in at least one state, either their own or another state. The MS in School Counseling program is approved by the states of Minnesota and Ohio, and while this approval is accepted by the majority of states which require state approval, it may not be accepted by all states.

¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, School and Career Counselors, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm (visited September 07, 2016). National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

²College Board Advocacy & Policy Center, “2011 National Survey of School Counselors: Counseling at a Crossroads.”

Questions about our MS in School Counseling?

We're here to help. Talk to your personal enrollment specialist for more information today. Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

We're here to help. Talk to your personal enrollment specialist for more information today. Please use our Domestic Form if you live in the U.S.

*Required Field

Academic Interests

Required

Choose a type of program *

Are you or your spouse an active or retired U.S. military service member?

Yes

Contact Information

Required

First Name *

Required

Last Name *

Invalid email address

Email *

Please provide a valid phone number

Phone Number *

Required

City

Please provide a valid zipcode

Postcode/ZIP

Required

Country

Additional Information

Required

Are you or your spouse an active or retired U.S. military service member living outside the United States?

Get Started

By submitting this form, I agree to receive emails, text messages, telephone calls, and prerecorded messages from or on behalf of Walden University and its affiliates as listed in the Privacy Policy regarding furthering my education. I understand that such calls, emails, and messages may be sent using automated technology. You may opt out at any time. Please view our Privacy Policy or Contact Us for more details.

Required

By checking this box, I agree to receive emails, text messages, telephone calls, and prerecorded messages from or on behalf of Walden University and its affiliates as listed in the Privacy Policy regarding furthering my education. I understand that such calls, emails, and messages may be sent using automated technology. You may opt out at any time. Please view our Privacy Policy or Contact Us for more details.

Start Chat