An online school counseling graduate degree fosters the growth of counseling skills, understanding of student development and expertise in academic and career-related topics.

When researching an online school counseling degree, there are several factors to consider, including whether your desired program aligns with the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) National Model. Other factors include:

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The functions of school counselors, also known as guidance counselors, vary depending on the age or grade level of the students they serve.

Elementary school counselors help students with personal development and any academic or social challenges they may be facing. They play a crucial role in education, whether they are working with the students themselves, parents and other school staff. They provide counseling on an individual level, as well as in group settings, for students. They also provide teachers with the tools and resources they need to make their classrooms productive and safe spaces for students. Elementary school counselors may also consult with the school’s principal and other organizations to advocate for student issues, needs or problems.

Common responsibilities of an elementary school counselor may include:

Undertaking a multifaceted role, middle school counselors support students both individually and within group settings, tending to their personal, social and academic development needs. They also help students resolve interpersonal challenges that surface during this complex phase of life. In some cases, they may suggest classroom redesigns to optimize the learning environment for students or to cater to the requirements of those with specific requirements. Students learn in different ways, and middle school counselors address these learning styles through collaborative efforts. Middle school counselors work with parent organizations, as well as teachers.

In high school, counselors’ responsibilities grow to include teen issues as well as college and career planning. Their priorities cover academic and social matters, life skills and coordination with teachers and administrators. They may organize college-campus visits and help students who are applying to schools for financial support.

School counselors may teach classes touching on social topics, such as sex education and bullying. They may also conduct vocational counseling and work with students and parents in mental health situations, providing referrals to outside resources when needed. They may develop school programs to improve study habits and time management or give individual assessments to students that show promise or difficulty in specific areas.

Counselors at all levels develop written plans for their schools based on local student achievement goals and the ASCA’s School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies. These standards include ethical guidelines, professional norms and competencies and the ASCA’s Student Standards (PDF, 1.9 MB), which lists criteria to assess student development and increase achievement.

Organizations for professional support and networking include:

Look for Accredited School Counselor Degrees

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) and the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) are the accrediting bodies for online counseling programs that meet specific standards important in shaping future professionals. Accredited programs may set the foundation for licensure in many states, ensuring future school counselors are best prepared for their work with students.

If you’re debating whether an online Master of School Counseling degree is right for you, it may be helpful to consider what goes into the investment, program expectations and common characteristics of online students. While online programs give students the flexibility to attend universities across the country without having to relocate or give up personal obligations, a number of them are self-directed, which means students will likely need to feel comfortable working independently and remain self-motivated during the course of study. Additionally, online students are responsible for planning ahead and meeting all assignment deadlines.

Take time to think about your goals, qualifications and personal traits before applying to online master’s in school counseling programs.

As you research your options for a master’s degree, you may end up exploring courses within online school counseling programs accredited by the CACREP. Although specific course titles and content may vary, CACREP-accredited Master of School Counseling programs feature curriculum that covers eight core areas, representing knowledge fundamental to the counseling profession:

The curriculum for a Master of School Counseling program may include such topics as:

Refer to the ASCA’s School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies when evaluating a graduate-level school counseling program’s curriculum. The ASCA framework outlines the knowledge, abilities and skills needed to meet the rigorous demands of the school counseling profession. These competencies are also useful in helping school counselors self-assess their own skill sets and formulate appropriate professional development plans.

Online Master of School Counseling programs may include a practicum and/or internship component. In CACREP-accredited programs, this consists of a minimum of a 100-hour practicum (minimum 40 hours of direct service) and a 600-hour internship (minimum 240 hours of direct service). CACREP defines direct service as “the supervised use of counseling, consultation or related professional skills with actual clients for the purpose of fostering social, cognitive, behavioral and/or affective change.”

The practicum and internship portion of a graduate counseling program may satisfy fieldwork requirements for entry to professional practice; additional hours may be needed depending on your state’s licensure requirements.

Your internship experience is essential to post-graduate licensure or certification, and internship requirements vary by state. Internships will also give you the opportunity to practice your learned skills in real time, under a licensed and approved supervisor. Even if you have experience working in mental health or education, securing an internship site may be difficult to navigate. Some universities have distance-learning internship placement teams to help you secure your next experience, no matter where you live.

Because the clinical experience portion of an online Master of School Counseling program is time- and effort-intensive, prospective students should plan accordingly before enrolling. Some questions to ask regarding the clinical component include:

Students enrolled in on-campus graduate programs may be able to check in with their advisors, financial aid representatives or other support services personnel. For online students, connecting with critical support staff will look different. Some online school counseling programs have support for online students specifically—sometimes with extended office hours, virtual meeting times and online resources.

Additionally, having a smaller number of peers in your cohort or team may help you develop meaningful, professional relationships that transcend your online school counseling program. With a smaller ratio between students and instructors, professors may be available for more one-on-one discussions and personalized face time.

Synchronous learning allows students and instructors to meet at a designated time, possibly once a week virtually. In these live discussions, online school counseling students can “meet” face to face in a format mimicking on-campus interactions. This type of learning enables online school counseling degree students to share experiences, theoretical questions or ask for support.

Asynchronous learning, in contrast, provides students with the flexibility to engage with course materials and assignments at their own pace and convenience—without the need to gather with other students and their instructor at a specific time. This approach allows online school counseling students to work through lessons and tasks independently, accommodating their personal schedules. Asynchronous learning still facilitates interaction through discussion forums and communication tools, enabling students to exchange insights, ask questions and seek assistance when needed.

For any online master’s in school counseling, you may want to make sure that their curriculum and values align with the ASCA National Model. Master’s degree programs in school counseling cover topics such as foundations in school counseling, school counseling program development, child and student development theories and learning/behavioral disorders.

As a result, school counselors are prepared to develop and deliver school counseling resources and initiatives that promote student development in academics, personal/social aspects and careers. Through these programs, school counselors advocate for equitable access to education and use data to drive decision making.

Online school counseling graduate programs may confer either a Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling. The differences between MS, MA and MEd programs are minor, but it’s important that you understand these differences so you can decide which type of school counseling degree program is right for you.

You may be wondering, “What can I do with a master’s in school counseling?” There are a variety of career options available once you’ve earned a master’s degree. Many school counselors choose to work in educational settings such as elementary, middle and high schools, specializing in areas such as mental health and family counseling. There are also school counselors who work at universities and colleges.

Last updated September 2023.