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.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Walden’s online master’s in school counseling program academically prepares you to pursue licensure or certification as a school counselor and support diverse student populations in P–12 settings.
Featured MS in School Counseling Courses
Academic and career counselors are concerned with student life on all levels to support the personal and educational development of each student. Students in this course examine educational, developmental, and counseling theories related to academic and career counseling. The focus of this course is on academic and career development from elementary school through college. Students will explore intellectual and emotional intelligence, multicultural issues, attitudes, values, and psychosocial needs of the life-long learner. Students will gain skills required to assist a highly diversified student body in academic planning, career exploration, decision making, and personal growth.
Small- and large-scale disasters of all types continue to abound. Communities need trained individuals who are prepared to respond to such incidents and who can help plan for future disasters as well as train others to plan and respond. In this course, students learn the fundamentals of crisis management and crisis leadership. They develop an understanding of the theories and models related to crises, disasters, and other events caused by trauma. Students also learn about ethical, legal, and diversity considerations in crisis and trauma response. Through analyses of topical literature, applications, and discussions, students gain a practical understanding of the models for training and supporting other counselors in the areas of crisis response applicable to community, national, and international crises. Employing concepts learned in the course, students develop a crisis management plan for their own community.
As client advocates, counselors rely on knowledge of psychotropic medications to inform treatment. This course introduces a spectrum of psychotropic medications used in the management of mental, behavioral, and addictive disorders. Students explore medication classification, drug interaction, and side effects. In addition, students distinguish between medical and psychopathological conditions that present in similar ways to addictive disorders. As part of a professional learning community, students collaborate with peers in written scholarly dialogue to explore psychopharmacological intervention in the treatment of addiction and other psychopathologies that may coexist. Students analyze factors that increase the likelihood for a person, community, or group to be at risk for disorders and examine the cultural and contextual factors considered in the ethical treatment of clients. Across counseling specializations, this course builds foundational clinical knowledge of the intersection of counseling and psychotropic medical treatment.
Students in this course have the opportunity to increase their awareness, knowledge, skills, and advocacy related to working with clients from a multicultural perspective. Students foster self-understanding of their own cultural-identity development, biases, stereotypes, values, and strengths while gaining self-awareness of the effects of power, privilege, and marginalization within the counseling relationship. Further, students can gain knowledge of various issues within diversity. Students explore various theories of multicultural counseling and the role of social justice and advocacy in counseling.
This course introduces theories of counseling and psychotherapy to prepare students to conceptualize problems and respond with appropriate, evidence-based interventions and techniques. Students will become familiar with the origin, key concepts, and interventions and techniques of each of the theories presented. Students will develop an awareness of how counseling theories drive the treatment process and apply theories to diverse case studies. A major focus of this course is to support students as they develop their personal theoretical orientation.
Admissions
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Earning your MS in School Counseling degree can help you take the next step in your professional journey. Getting started is easy with Walden’s streamlined admissions process that includes:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No GRE
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Tuition Breakdown
We know that when you’re exploring online master’s in school counseling programs, cost is a factor. Walden offers ways to lower your tuition through:
Experience-based credits
Believe & Achieve Scholarship®
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 90 credits | $550 per quarter hour | $49,500 |
| Pre-Practicum Labs | Two in program | $1,450 each (virtual) $1,550 each (in-person: travel, lodging, and other expenses are additional) | $2,900–$3,100 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $185 | $2,035 |
| $54,435–$54,635** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$7,700 $46,735* | ||
*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 Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 100 credits | $550 per quarter hour | $55,000 |
| 9 credits of Practicum and Internship experiences | No Tuition | $0 | |
| Pre-Practicum Labs | Two in program | $1,450 (virtual) $1,550 each (in-person: travel, lodging, and other expenses are additional) | $2,900–$3,100 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $185 | $2,035 |
| $59,935–$60,135** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$7,700 $52,235* | ||
*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.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 105 credits | $550 per quarter hour | $57,750 |
| Pre-Practicum Labs | Two in program | $1,450 each (virtual) $1,550 each (in-person: travel, lodging, and other expenses are additional) | $2,900–$3,100 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $185 | $2,220 |
$62,870–$63,070** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$7,770 | ||
*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.
**Represents Telehealth Counseling, Private Practice, and Supervision 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 and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost up to an additional $4,500.
Career Opportunities
With faster-than-average job growth expected, qualified school counselors are in demand.
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)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the (include applicable program) program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th - 75th percentile.
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.
Learning Objectives
Create a learning environment where counseling graduates will gain and apply the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to impact positive social change.
Foster the development of, and adherence to, a strong professional counselor identity for School of Counseling graduates within their scope of practice.
Prepare counseling graduates who advance cultural humility, advocacy, awareness, and engagement to best serve an ever-changing, diverse society.
Inspire counseling graduates to actively engage with the professional counselor identity by participating in professional counseling organizations, continuing education, and other learning opportunities that contribute to personal and professional growth over time.
Develop counseling graduates who exemplify the highest ethical standards outlined in the profession's codes of ethics and key competency documents.
Equip counseling graduates to recognize social determinants of health and to tailor their practice to client needs by considering the impact of these factors.
Establish a programmatic learning experience that instills in our graduates a focus on assessment, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement.
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.
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MS in School Counseling FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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. "