Online Master of Arts in School Counseling
A School Counseling Degree that Prepares You for Your Career
GRE/GMAT not required
Hands-On Experience
- Learn from expert faculty
- Complete your master’s degree in school counseling online at your own pace
- In-demand career opportunities — the school counseling field is expected to average more than 29,000 job openings per year through 20331
When you complete the online MA in School Counseling degree, you’ll have the necessary knowledge and training to pursue licensure or certification in your state, plus the skills to begin practicing as a school counselor capable of improving academic development, college and career readiness and social-emotional learning in your school.
Application Deadlines:
Summer 2025: 5/23/2025
Virtual Events:
Join us for a Virtual Information Session to learn more about the School Counseling program on March 25, 2025 at 7 pm ET.
Register here
What Makes Us Unique?
Applied Learning. The online MA in School Counseling offers a curriculum focused on skills development and licensure/certification preparedness. You’ll learn from expert faculty in each course and gain hands-on experience through a practicum and internship.
Learn More Today
Complete the form to learn more about this program.
- Duration 2.5 Years
- Cost per Credit $800
- Credit Hours 60-63
Program Benefits
- Learn online in an interactive, virtual classroom
- Significant practical experience in practicum and internship
- Small class sizes
Shine a Guiding Light as a School Counselor
From improving academic and social development to providing support for college and career decision-making, school counseling plays a major role in the lives of children at every age. Discover how you can make a positive impact in this fast-growing field with the online MA in School Counseling degree from Sacred Heart University.
This online master’s degree delivers the academic requirements to pursue licensure or certification in your state and begin practicing in a field you’re passionate about. You’ll learn from top-skilled educators with real-world counseling experience through an interactive, virtual classroom designed to give you the flexibility you need for success.
A Curriculum Built for Your Preparedness
- Pursue licensure or certification
- Flexible online format
The online Master’s in School Counseling degree program consists of 60-63 total credit hours and can be completed in just two and a half years. The curriculum also requires you to complete a practicum and an internship to ensure you build essential, hands-on experience and graduate ready to pursue licensure or certification in your state.
Preview CoursesCareer Outlook: In-Demand Opportunities for School Counselors
The need for licensed and certified school counselors is on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of school counseling is expected to grow by 4% through 2033. This expansion will result in more than 29,000 annual job openings for school counseling professionals.1
With Sacred Heart University’s online Master’s in School Counseling degree, you’ll complete the academic requirements to pursue licensure or certification in your state. Graduate in just two and a half years and transform your passion into a rewarding school counseling career.
Career OutlookWhat You’ll Learn
Like all of SHU’s academic programs, the online MA in School Counseling degree is designed to enhance your professional potential and help you qualify for the job you want. You’ll graduate with the skills to support PK-12 students across the domains of academic development, college and career readiness and social-emotional learning.
Program Outcomes
- Practice in accordance with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) ethical standards while meeting state-level expectations
- Be self-aware in regards to social and cultural skills, clinical counseling skills and professional dispositions necessary in school counseling
- Promote social justice and minimize barriers for PK-12 students
- Understand and demonstrate culturally relevant strategies and theory to support prevention, intervention, consultant and collaboration with and on behalf of PK-12 students
- Implement knowledge of appropriate strategies for effectively forming and facilitating group counseling and group work in the educational setting
- Promote optimum emotional wellness and career preparedness for all students
Admission Requirements
To apply for the online MA in School Counseling degree program from Sacred Heart University, you’ll need the following in addition to your online application:
- Non-refundable application fee
- Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (undergraduate and graduate)
- Two (2) professional letters of recommendation that can attest to your suitability for the school counseling degree. One must be from an academic source and one must be from an employer or volunteer supervisor
- Completion of a state-specific acknowledgment form while in a conversation with the School Counseling Program Director
- Respond to Personal Statement form questions
- Be available for a video conference interview
- Be available for two (2) week-long, in-person residencies at SHU
Tuition Details
The online MA in School Counseling degree is a 60-63 credit-hour program and costs $800 per credit hour. Affordability and transparency are priorities at SHU. We want you to have everything you need in order to make a decision about investing in a high-quality education.
Tuition and FeesFaculty Spotlight
Tylon (Ty) Crook has been a counselor educator for 12 years and has served as a school counselor and mental health counselor in the states of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio. Prior to becoming a counselor and counselor educator he served in the United States Air Force where he obtained training and experience in crisis response and critical incidence stress management. He is a member of the American School Counselor Association where he recently served as chair of the Position Statement Committee. He is also a member of the American Counseling Association, Counselors for Social Justice, and the Association of Counselor Education & Supervision.
Why Learn Online?
Flexible Learning: Study at your own pace and on your schedule, fitting education into your busy life.
Expert Faculty Support: Learn from the same accomplished faculty as on-campus students, with personalized, one-on-one guidance.
Equal Opportunities: Access the same resources and opportunities as on-campus students, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience.
ONLINE AT SHUFinancial Aid
At Sacred Heart University, we strive to offer competitive tuition and encourage you to explore all financial aid options, including federal aid, U.S. military benefits and available scholarships.
FINANCIAL AIDFrequently Asked Questions
If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call 877-791-7181.
Sacred Heart University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). In the future, the University also plans to pursue accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Join us May 14 @ 7pm ET for a virtual open house!
During this virtual open house for the School Counseling program, admissions requirements, coursework, and fieldwork experiences will be discussed. Learn how you are able to earn your degree at a pace that enables you to balance your personal and professional responsibilities while cultivating the knowledge and skills necessary to support the academic development & success, college & career readiness, and social-emotional development of K-12 students.
To view a recording of a previous Virtual Open House, click here.
Those who hold an MA in School Counseling degree often pursue career titles such as school counselor, career counselor or college academic advisor. This field is expected to grow by 11% through 2030 and offers median annual salaries that range from $58,120 to $62,320, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Learn more about your career options by visiting our careers page.
The online MA in School Counseling degree does not include any concentrations.
You may take up to six years to complete the program.
Tuition is $800 per credit hour. You’ll need to complete 60 credits for a total tuition of $48,000. You can review all tuition costs here.
Source:
- School and Career Counselors and Advisors. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Mar. 13, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm.