Online Master of Arts in School Counseling

Sacred Heart’s online MA in School Counseling can be completed in as few as 2 years, with most students finishing in 2–3 years. The 60–63 credit program is delivered in a fully asynchronous format with no required login times, giving students control over their weekly pace. Beyond coursework, students must plan for a practicum, two internships, and two 5 day on-campus residencies at SHU’s Fairfield, CT campus that are scheduled in advance and built into the program sequence. These are immersive, faculty-led skill-building experiences. Students who need additional flexibility can extend the timeline beyond three years without penalty.

Yes. Sacred Heart’s online MA in School Counseling is specifically designed for working students, with all coursework delivered asynchronously and no mandatory class meeting times. Students log in on their own schedule, which makes simultaneous full-time employment achievable for the majority of enrollees. The primary planning consideration is fieldwork: the practicum, two internships, and two 5 day on-campus residencies require coordinated on-site hours that should be discussed with your employer early in the program. Many students in K–12 settings are able to arrange practicum or internship placement within their current school, minimizing disruption to their professional schedule.

Applicants to Sacred Heart’s online MA in School Counseling need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, two professional letters of recommendation (one academic, one professional), a personal statement, official transcripts from all prior institutions, and availability for both a video conference interview and two week-long on-campus residencies. A $75 non-refundable application fee and a state-specific acknowledgment form, completed in direct conversation with the program director, are also required. No GRE or GMAT scores are needed.

Graduates of Sacred Heart’s MA in School Counseling are prepared to pursue licensure or certification as PK–12 school counselors, working in elementary, middle, and high school settings to support students in academic development, college and career readiness, and social-emotional learning. The program aligns with the ASCA National Model and the ASCA ethical standards and is designed to meet the curriculum requirements in CT and most other U.S. states. Depending on the state, additional coursework within the program may also satisfy the educational requirements for clinical mental health counselor licensure, giving graduates a broader career footprint than a school counseling credential alone.

Sacred Heart’s online MA in School Counseling costs $800 per credit hour, or approximately $48,000 for the full 60–63 credit program. That places it in the mid-range among private university online counseling master’s programs, which typically run $45,000–$70,000. The investment includes two week-long on-campus residencies in Fairfield, CT: intensive, faculty-facilitated skill-building experiences that most fully asynchronous programs do not offer. A $75 non-refundable application fee also applies. SHU’s admissions team provides a complete, transparent cost breakdown before enrollment.

Yes. Eligible students can access federal financial aid through the FAFSA, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Students may also reach out to their financial aid counselor to explore other alternative loan options. Many K–12 employees also qualify for employer tuition assistance through their school district or organization, a funding pathway worth exploring early in the admissions process. The ACA Foundation offers graduate-level counseling scholarships, and students committed to serving underserved communities after graduation may qualify for the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which offers up to $75,000 in tax-free loan repayment for eligible mental health providers.