Top Online Masters of School Counseling Programs

Earning a master’s degree in school counseling is a significant milestone for professionals dedicated to guiding students through academic and personal challenges. Online Masters of School Counseling Programs have become increasingly valuable in recent times, offering the flexibility to pursue advanced education without disrupting current responsibilities.

These best online counseling programs emphasise both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring graduates are well prepared for licensure and meaningful work in diverse educational settings. Choosing the right program can shape the trajectory of a rewarding counseling career, especially when selecting from the best online masters of school counseling programs available today.

Here are some of the best online counseling programs available today, each offering unique strengths to help you achieve your goals.

St. Bonaventure University

St. Bonaventure’s master's of school counseling online program is built to help you rock that licensed professional counselor exam. The program is fully CACREP-accredited and structured around real-world practice, including a practicum and two internships that total at least 600 hours. Plus, you get to participate in a 100-hour practicum in your local community, supported by the school to help you find the right site.

Among the best online counseling programs, it stands out with a 100 percent exam pass rate, flexibility in start dates, and no GRE requirement.  For those exploring Online Masters of School Counseling Programs, this option provides both credibility and community. It also ranks among accredited online school counseling programs that deliver consistent student outcomes. This is an indicator of a curriculum that clearly prepares you well. Moreover, it’s flexible in terms of start dates across fall, spring, or summer. You also don’t need to worry about the GRE or GMAT. 

Students say they receive excellent support from faculty and peers and appreciate how the program balances coursework with life. It sort of feels like you’re part of the “Bonnie family,” which is a nice touch.

Walsh University

Walsh University's online master’s in school counseling is another CACREP-accredited option. It’s recognised as one of the best online counseling programs for students seeking both flexibility and faculty mentorship while preparing for licensure. Think crisis counseling, helping at-risk students, and building community links with strong field experience support. It’s completely remote, no visits required, and offers five start dates each year, so plenty of flexibility if you're juggling other responsibilities.

They’ve seen 100 percent of their 2021 grads pass the NCE on their first try, plus most landed jobs within six months of graduating. As one of the Online Masters of School Counseling Programs, it ensures strong faculty guidance and career readiness, aligning well with a master’s in school counseling online for aspiring professionals. Your GPA guidance is friendly too; if you're above 2.75, no GRE or GMAT needed. Add to that the dedicated student support advisor who helps you from day one to graduation, and you have a well-packed, caring experience.

Felician University

Felician University offers a master of Arts in Counseling Psychology that blends traditional counseling skills with Franciscan values and positive psychology. Its curriculum reflects what many students value in the best online counseling programs: a balance of practical training, personal growth, and community service.

The program allows both full-time (about two to three years) and part-time (up to four years) study options. You complete 60 credits plus clinical placements, and you could start any time, thanks to rolling admissions.

What’s really encouraging is their recent outcomes. These include a 100 percent capstone-project pass rate from 2023 to 2025, plus glowing intern evaluations and alumni satisfaction. For students interested in Online Masters of School Counseling Programs, Felician stands out for its values-based curriculum. It also aligns with school counseling graduate programs online that focus on student well-being and reflection. If you're drawn to values, reflection, and a supportive faculty, this one might just feel like home.

American International College (AIC)

AIC offers a bit of a hybrid experience with its master of Arts in Educational Psychology, plus a graduate certificate in school counseling. As one of the best online counseling programs in Massachusetts , it focuses on applied practice, assessment, and educational psychology with a strong licensure foundation.

It’s set up to meet licensure requirements from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The program is split into 30 credits for the MA and another 30 for the advanced certificate. It also embeds field experience through advanced practice with seminars, which makes it really practical. For individuals comparing Online Masters of School Counseling Programs, AIC provides a structured, licensure-ready pathway. It is also an excellent choice among online master’s degrees in counseling options with clear state-specific outcomes.

Holy Family University

Holy Family University offers an MS in counseling psychology with a school counseling concentration for becoming a PK-12 counselor in Pennsylvania. Known as one of the best online counseling programs, it emphasises practicum hours, tech-driven coursework, and certification readiness, making it a trusted option for aspiring school counselors. You’ll complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship in schools, readying you for certification and optionally helping you clear the National Counselor Exam.

The required specialty courses include group counseling, ethics, tech in school counseling, administration of counseling programs, and strategies for supporting learners with disabilities. If you're based in or near Pennsylvania and want a program tailor-made for state endorsement and real school settings, Holy Family is an attractive pick for Online Masters of School Counseling Programs. In addition, it is well recognised among flexible online counseling programs for students balancing work and study.

Why Choose an Online Master’s in School Counseling?

Pursuing a master’s in school counseling through the best online counseling programs is a commitment to shaping young lives while balancing your personal and professional goals. With the right program, aspiring counselors can transform their passion into purposeful careers that support the growth and well-being of future generations. These Online Masters of School Counseling Programs allow you to balance work, life, and study while preparing for licensure.

Whether you seek CACREP-accredited programs, accelerated options, or values-driven curricula, remember that the best online counseling programs are designed to open doors to meaningful, rewarding careers in education and mental health.

Think about what matters most, spiritual alignment, exam prep outcomes, scheduling flexibility, or state licensure. Whichever you choose, remember that Online Masters of School Counseling Programs open doors to a fulfilling, impactful career in education and mental health.