Help Young Students Thrive With a Master’s in School Counseling
From family issues to cyber-bullying, today’s preK–12 students can encounter an array of challenges as they grow and develop. Help them overcome these obstacles and shape successful futures with an MS in School Counseling degree from Walden.
Our CACREP-accredited online master’s in school counseling program focuses on practical application, including virtual simulations and field experience. Graduate from your program feeling confident, inspired, and ready to make a difference for your students and your institution.
A master’s in school counseling program academically prepares students to pursue licensure or certification as a school counselor and provide support to diverse youth in preK–12 settings.
Why Complete Your Online MS in School Counseling Degree at Walden?
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 program incorporates cutting-edge technologies and opportunities to help you practice and refine your skills.
Gain a New Perspective
Interact with diverse faculty and students and engage in coursework designed to help you work with students of all backgrounds.
Pursue Your Passion
Choose our General Program or one of four specializations to tailor your coursework to your career goals.
Program Details
Curriculum - General Program
Completion Requirements
- 75 quarter credits
- Core courses (66 cr.)
- Field experience (9 cr.)
- 2 Pre-Practicum Labs - 6 weeks online with 4 day synchronous intensive (choose virtual or face-to-face)
- Group Lab (9 weeks online with 10 hours of live synchronous group)
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
MS Dual Degree Program
You have the opportunity to switch to our MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling program at any point during your studies. This option gives you greater professional flexibility by allowing you to earn two counseling master’s degrees at the same time.
International Counseling Honor Society
Omega Zeta—Walden’s chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honor society—offers many ways to get involved and make your voice heard. This includes participating in Learning Communities—biweekly groups of students and faculty who gather to talk about counseling topics such as play therapy, private practice, and telemental health. Learning Communities are one more way to practice your skills, develop your professional school counselor identity, and forge lasting connections with like-minded peers.
Admission Requirements
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.
The progress you make now pays you back. Receive tuition-free courses as you successfully complete courses in your program with the Believe & Achieve Scholarship.™
We believe you can achieve your goals, and we're here to support you along your journey.
Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
*See Tuition details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 75 credits of core courses | $505 per quarter hour | $37,875 |
| 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 |
| Technology Fee | Per quarter | $170 | $1,700 |
| $42,475–$42,675** | |||
|
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP |
-$7,070 |
*Represents General Program, two virtual pre-practicum labs, minimum time to completion, and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary.
**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 37 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,500 and $3,500.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 85 credits of core and specialization courses | $505 per quarter hour | $42,925 |
| 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 |
| Technology Fee | Per quarter | $170 | $1,870 |
| $47,695–$47,895* | |||
|
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP |
-$7,070 |
*Represents Specialization Program, two virtual pre-practicum labs, minimum time to completion, and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary.
*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 37 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,500 and $3,500.
Program Outcomes
Counselor Education Focused on Today’s Field
Walden’s master’s in school counseling program reflects professional standards set by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and accreditation standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This helps ensure you’re well-prepared for today’s preK–12 environment.
In addition, we are one of the few institutions to fully integrate the counseling session simulation software Skillsetter into our curriculum. This technology empowers you to refine your counseling skills through intensive practice, opportunities for reflection, exploration of alternatives, and faculty assistance.
Career Outlook
With rising student enrollment in elementary, middle, and high schools, qualified school counselors are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 8% employment growth for school and career counselors through 2029—a rate much faster than the national average.1
Earning an MS in School Counseling can prepare you for a rewarding career in a number of scholastic settings. Empower students of all ages to conquer their challenges and develop the social and academic skills they need to thrive.
An MS in School Counseling program can prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Public schools
- Private schools
- Charter schools
- Online K–12 schools
Career positions may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
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.
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FAQ About Walden’s Online MS 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.
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.
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.
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.
Note on Licensure:
The MS in School Counseling program is accredited by the Council for 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.
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, School and Career Counselors, SOC code 21-1012. Retrieved February 2021. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual job growth, and are subject to change.