Online Colleges with School Counseling Degrees: How to Choose

School counseling degrees are normally for those who will become full-time student counselors in K-12 education. These degrees can commonly be found online, but only at the master's degree level.

How to Choose an Online College for School Counseling

Program Availability and Concentration

Degree programs for school counseling are normally only available at the graduate degree level. Prospective students may seek master's degrees in school counseling or other more general types of counseling; for those who wish to be counselor's aides, graduate certificates in counselor education may also be available.

Degree Type and Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements for school counselors vary by state. In most states, however, school counselors complete a master's degree in school counseling from an institution accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) in order to seek licensure.
While bachelor's degree programs with a focus in counseling may be available and accessible to online students, particularly among psychology degree programs, undergraduate education is not considered sufficient for a practicing counselor; therefore, these programs do not fulfill licensing requirements. Before enrolling in an online school counseling program, students should determine whether their chosen program meets local licensing requirements.

Online Degree Options for School Counseling

Master of Science in School Counseling

Master's degrees in school counseling are available in online form from different institutions. Students in these programs study subjects such as counseling theory, counselor ethics, abnormal psychology and human development. Often, online graduate-level degree programs offer flexibility to students, who are often working full time while still studying. However, this is not always the case for counselors because master's degrees in counseling are considered entry level programs. In some cases, students may be expected to attend class at regular times and turn in assignments and tests on a regular schedule.

Graduate Certificate in Counselor Education

Graduate certificates in counselor education are usually intended for those who will be counselor's assistants, and does not provide for students' licensing requirements. Courses studied often include human development, cross-cultural counseling and counseling theory. Often, online graduate certificates for counselor education are designed for working professionals, with flexible assignment schedules and no required class attendance.