The best online school counseling degree programs are accredited, clearly disclose which states their curriculum aligns with for licensure, and offer real support for finding your practicum placement. Even fully online programs require at least 700 hours (100 practicum + 600 internship) of in-person fieldwork. CACREP accreditation is the field standard, but several strong programs operate outside it. State licensure alignment matters more than format or name recognition.
Here’s the thing most program search tools don’t tell you upfront: no matter how online your coursework is, you’ll still need to complete your supervised fieldwork hours inside an actual school. That means logging hundreds of hours with real students, coordinating with a site supervisor, and getting your placement approved by your state’s licensing board. The degree comes through your laptop. The training happens in person.
That’s not a reason to avoid online programs. Plenty of counselors earn their credentials this way and go on to work in excellent districts. It’s just something worth knowing before you start comparing tuition rates. If you’re still weighing whether school counseling is the right career fit, the school counseling career overview is a good place to start before diving into programs.
What to Look for in an Online School Counseling Program
CACREP Accreditation — Why It Matters (and When It Doesn’t)
CACREP stands for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. It’s the field’s primary accrediting body, and its standards are meaningful: CACREP programs must cover a defined curriculum, meet minimum credit-hour requirements (60 semester hours as of the 2024 CACREP Standards), and demonstrate that graduates are prepared for the specific school counseling role.
Several states either require or strongly prefer a CACREP-accredited degree for school counselor licensure. Hiring committees often use it as a screening filter. And if you ever want to move states, a CACREP credential may simplify licensure in some states, but it does not guarantee reciprocity. Many states do accept CACREP-accredited degrees, but requirements vary significantly; always verify directly with your state board before enrolling.
That said, non-CACREP programs from regionally accredited universities can and do lead to licensure in many states. The path is often just less automatic. You may need to submit additional documentation, and some states will require a course-by-course review. We flag CACREP status clearly for every program below so you can factor it into your decision.
State Licensure Alignment
This is the factor most program comparison sites underweight. An online program can be delivered from anywhere, but your license will be issued by the state where you plan to work. Those two things need to align. Look for programs that explicitly list the states where graduates are eligible to seek licensure, and always verify directly with your state licensing board before enrolling, since program claims may be outdated. Our state certification requirements hub can walk you through what your specific state requires.
Delivery Format: Fully Online vs. Low-Residency vs. Evening Cohort
A fully online program delivers all coursework asynchronously or via video, with no required campus visits. You complete coursework on your own schedule within weekly or module deadlines and arrange fieldwork locally.
A low-residency program is mostly online but includes one or more required campus intensives, typically a few days to a week, often built around skill practice or supervised simulation.
An evening cohort model schedules live synchronous class sessions one or two evenings per week. Students move through the program as a group on a set timeline. Many working teachers prefer this format because it builds in accountability and peer connection without requiring daytime availability for coursework.
Time to Completion and Pacing
Full-time students in most accredited programs complete their degree in two to three years. Part-time options typically extend that to three or four. Some programs offer accelerated terms with the option to take more courses once you’ve established a strong GPA, but that pace is genuinely demanding alongside full-time work. Ask programs directly what a realistic weekly time commitment looks like for a working student.
Practicum and Internship Support
This is the make-or-break factor for online students. A well-organized program will help you identify and secure a fieldwork placement in your area. A less organized one will hand you a list of requirements and tell you to figure it out. Ask directly: Does the program have existing relationships with schools or districts near me? Who coordinates my placement? What happens if my first site falls through? The answers tell you more than almost anything else in the admissions process.
Selection Criteria for This Guide
Programs listed here were evaluated on five factors: regional or CACREP accreditation status, availability of online or distance-accessible coursework, clarity of state licensure disclosure, availability of part-time or flexible pacing, and evidence of placement support for fieldwork. CACREP status is noted for every program, as it’s one of the most important variables in your decision and we won’t gloss over it. Program details including accreditation status, delivery format, and credit requirements can change; always verify current information directly with each program and your state licensing board before making enrollment decisions.
Online School Counseling Degree Programs
University of Denver (Morgridge College of Education) — MS in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Yes | No GRE Required
The University of Denver’s MS in School Counseling is CACREP-accredited and delivered primarily through live online sessions, which distinguishes it from fully asynchronous programs. Classes meet synchronously via video, giving you real-time interaction with faculty and peers. No GRE is required for admission, which removes a barrier that deters many otherwise-qualified applicants. The program can typically be completed in approximately 24 months full-time.
Denver’s program has a social justice emphasis woven throughout the curriculum. Fieldwork is completed locally; the program has connections in the Denver area but serves students nationwide who arrange their own placements. Licensure notes: The program is designed with Colorado requirements in mind, but graduates have pursued licensure in multiple states. Always verify directly with your state licensing board before enrolling, as program claims may be outdated. Tuition: on the premium end for this program type.
William & Mary — M.Ed. in Counseling, School Counseling Concentration
CACREP Accredited: Yes
William & Mary’s online counseling program is CACREP-accredited and designed to prepare graduates for school counselor licensure. The school counseling concentration covers P–12 development, school-based intervention, consultation, and program evaluation. The program serves students outside Virginia and has a track record of graduates pursuing licensure in multiple states, though licensure requirements change, so always verify current alignment with your state licensing board before enrolling.
This is a smaller, cohort-feel program with faculty access that students consistently describe as a meaningful advantage over larger programs. Fieldwork is student-arranged with program guidance. Credit hours: approximately 60 semester hours. Tuition: higher end, worth factoring in alongside the smaller class sizes and CACREP standing.
Butler University — Master of Science in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Yes
Butler University in Indianapolis offers a CACREP-accredited MS in School Counseling with online delivery options designed for working professionals. The program covers the full range of CACREP-required school counseling content: development across the lifespan, counseling theory and skills, group work, career counseling, assessment, research, and field experience.
Butler’s program has a practitioner focus. Coursework is designed to connect theory directly to school counseling practice, and faculty bring real school counseling experience to the curriculum. Fieldwork is arranged locally with program guidance. Tuition: mid-to-high range for a private university. Always verify state licensure alignment directly with your state licensing board before enrolling, particularly if you’re outside Indiana.
Winthrop University — M.Ed. in Counseling Development, School Counseling Concentration
CACREP Accredited: Yes
Winthrop University in South Carolina offers a CACREP-accredited M.Ed. in Counseling Development with a school counseling concentration. The program is available in an online or hybrid format, making it accessible to students who can’t relocate to Rock Hill. Winthrop is a public university, which keeps tuition more accessible than many private alternatives, and its CACREP accreditation is a meaningful asset for students in states that require or prefer it.
The school counseling concentration covers developmental counseling, program planning, consultation, and supervised field experiences. Fieldwork is arranged locally with program support. If you’re outside South Carolina, always verify directly with your state licensing board before enrolling, as licensure requirements vary significantly and program claims may be outdated.
Capella University — MS in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Yes
Capella’s MS in School Counseling is CACREP-accredited and built specifically around P–12 school counseling competencies. The program is fully online with asynchronous coursework, meaning you complete readings, assignments, and skill practice on your own schedule within defined term deadlines. Capella uses a competency-based structure that allows students to set their own pace.
The curriculum covers assessment, counseling theory, group work, career development, and school counseling program management. Fieldwork is arranged locally. Capella provides resources and guidance to help you identify sites in your area. Credit hours: 72 quarter credits. Tuition: mid-to-high range, with financial aid available. Many states accept their CACREP credential, but requirements vary significantly, so always verify directly with your state licensing board before enrolling.
Walden University — MS in School Counseling, General Program
CACREP Accredited: No (regionally accredited)
Walden’s MS in School Counseling is one of the more widely recognized online counseling programs in the country, delivered fully online with flexible pacing and multiple specialization options. The program is regionally accredited through Walden’s institutional accreditation but is not currently CACREP-accredited, which is an important distinction depending on where you plan to practice.
The curriculum is extensive at 90 credits and covers the breadth of school counseling competencies, including practicum and internship requirements. Fieldwork is arranged locally by students. Walden serves a large, geographically diverse student body, which means advising and placement coordination can feel less personalized than smaller cohort programs. The flexible schedule and broad name recognition make it a practical choice for many working students. If your state requires or strongly prefers CACREP accreditation, always verify licensure eligibility directly with your state licensing board before enrolling, as program claims may be outdated.
Adams State University — MA in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Yes
Adams State is a Colorado-based regional public university with a CACREP-accredited online school counseling program that is noticeably more affordable than most private university alternatives. Tuition runs closer to regional public rates, making it a serious option for price-conscious students who don’t want to sacrifice CACREP standing to save money.
The program is designed for working students, with evening online scheduling built to accommodate full-time employment. The smaller program footprint typically means more direct faculty contact. Fieldwork is student-arranged with program support. Always verify directly with your state licensing board before enrolling, as program claims about out-of-state eligibility may be outdated, particularly if you’re outside Colorado.
Sacred Heart University — Master of Arts in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Confirm directly with Sacred Heart — do not rely on third-party listings
Sacred Heart University in Connecticut offers an online MA in School Counseling designed to prepare graduates for school counselor certification. The program covers counseling theory, developmental psychology, group dynamics, assessment, and supervised fieldwork. Sacred Heart has a reputation for small class sizes and accessible faculty, which is a meaningful advantage for online students who need responsive advising.
The program is designed with Connecticut licensure requirements in mind, but out-of-state students should always verify alignment directly with their state licensing board before enrolling. Credit hours and tuition: verify directly with the program, as these details are subject to change. Important: accreditation status for this program must be confirmed directly with Sacred Heart University — do not rely on third-party listings, which may be outdated or inaccurate.
Bradley University — MA in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Yes
Bradley University’s online MA in School Counseling is CACREP-accredited and designed explicitly for working educators and career changers. The program uses a cohort model, meaning you move through the curriculum with the same group of students, which builds a peer network and keeps pacing structured without requiring you to manage your own timeline. Evening synchronous sessions make it possible to maintain employment while enrolled.
Bradley covers CACREP’s required content areas: human development, counseling theory, group work, assessment, research, and field experiences. Credit hours: 48 semester hours. Fieldwork is coordinated through the program with placement support. Tuition: mid-range for a private university online program. Always verify state licensure alignment directly with your state board before committing, as program claims may be outdated.
Campbellsville University — Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited: No (regionally accredited)
Campbellsville University is a Kentucky-based private Christian university offering an online MA in Education in School Counseling. The program is regionally accredited but not CACREP-accredited. It’s designed to be completed online with flexible scheduling, making it accessible for working students and career changers who need to fit coursework around existing commitments.
The curriculum covers school counseling foundations, human development, group counseling, and fieldwork requirements. Campbellsville tends to be among the more affordable private university options for online school counseling programs. Because this program is not CACREP-accredited, always verify your state’s licensure requirements directly with your state board before enrolling. Some states accept regionally accredited programs with a course-by-course review, while others have stricter requirements that program claims may not accurately reflect.
University of West Alabama — Master of Education in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited: No (regionally accredited)
The University of West Alabama offers an online M.Ed. in School Counseling that is regionally accredited through UWA’s institutional accreditation but is not currently CACREP-accredited. UWA has built a reputation for affordable online graduate education with flexible scheduling and is consistently noted as one of the lower-cost options for online counseling students.
The program covers school counseling foundations, developmental theory, consultation, group work, and supervised fieldwork. Credit hours and specific tuition rates: verify directly with the program. Because UWA’s program is not CACREP-accredited, always verify your state board’s requirements before enrolling. Students in states that require CACREP accreditation will need to explore alternatives or plan for a more involved documentation process. Program claims about licensure eligibility may be outdated; confirm directly with your state licensing board.
Auburn University at Montgomery — Education Specialist in Counseling, School Counseling
CACREP Accredited: Verify directly with AUM | Post-Master’s Degree
Important: Auburn University at Montgomery’s Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Counseling is a post-master’s degree, not a master’s program. If you don’t already hold a master’s in counseling or a closely related field, this program is not your entry point. You’d need to complete a master’s first.
For students who already have a master’s and want to deepen their school counseling expertise or meet advanced licensure requirements in Alabama, the Ed.S. can be a meaningful credential. The program focuses on advanced counseling competencies, supervision, and school counseling practice. Always verify current CACREP accreditation status and out-of-state applicability directly with AUM before applying, and do not rely on third-party listings, which may be outdated.
Comparison Table — Online School Counseling Programs at a Glance
| Program | Degree | CACREP? | Format | Approx. Credits | Tuition Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Denver | MS in School Counseling | Yes | Live online (sync) | ~60 credits | High |
| William & Mary | M.Ed. in Counseling | Yes | Online | ~60 credits | High |
| Butler University | MS in School Counseling | Yes | Online | Verify directly | Mid-to-high |
| Winthrop University | M.Ed. in Counseling Development | Yes | Online / hybrid | Verify directly | Low-to-mid (public) |
| Capella University | MS in School Counseling | Yes | Async online | 72 qtr credits | Mid-to-high |
| Walden University | MS in School Counseling | No (regionally accredited) | Async online | 90 credits | Mid |
| Adams State University | MA in School Counseling | Yes | Online evenings | ~48–60 credits | Low-to-mid |
| Sacred Heart University | MA in School Counseling | Confirm directly with program | Online | Verify directly | Mid |
| Bradley University | MA in School Counseling | Yes | Cohort, sync evenings | 48 credits | Mid |
| Campbellsville University | MA in Education in School Counseling | No (regionally accredited) | Online | Verify directly | Low-to-mid |
| University of West Alabama | M.Ed. in School Counseling | No (regionally accredited) | Online | Verify directly | Low |
| Auburn Univ. at Montgomery | Ed.S. in Counseling (post-master’s) | Confirm directly with program | Online | Verify directly | Verify directly |
Finding Additional Accredited Programs
The programs above cover a wide range of formats, price points, and accreditation tiers. If none of them are the right fit, whether because of geographic restrictions, scheduling, or licensure alignment, it’s worth searching the CACREP program directory directly for currently accredited programs in your region or state. Accreditation statuses change, and the directory is updated regularly.
For students in states with strict CACREP requirements, starting your search there and working backward to delivery format and tuition is usually more efficient than falling in love with a program and then discovering it doesn’t meet your state’s licensure criteria. See our school counseling master’s programs guide for a broader look at what to expect from graduate study in this field.
Can You Work Full-Time While Earning Your Degree Online?
It’s possible, but not without trade-offs. One course at a time in your first term is manageable for most people. Adding a second course works for many students once they understand the program’s rhythm and writing load, but school counseling coursework involves regular written reflections, case studies, and applied skill practice that don’t compress easily.
Evening cohort programs are designed around this reality. They schedule synchronous sessions once or twice a week, give you clear due dates, and build in peer accountability. Fully asynchronous programs offer more flexibility but require more self-direction to stay on pace.
Fieldwork complicates the picture further. Most programs require you to complete practicum and internship hours during the school day, since that’s when students and site supervisors are available. If you’re currently teaching, you may be able to arrange your fieldwork within your existing school. If you’re not already in a school setting, you’ll need to plan for daytime availability during your fieldwork terms, usually one or two semesters of the program.
How Practicum and Internship Work in Online Programs
CACREP requires school counseling students to complete a minimum of 700 clock hours of supervised field experience: 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship. These hours must take place in a school setting with direct service to students. Some states require additional hours beyond the CACREP minimum, so always verify your state’s licensure requirements directly with your state board before planning your timeline. For a closer look at what fieldwork actually involves, the internship and fieldwork guide covers what to expect from your supervised hours.
The “online” part of your degree does not extend to fieldwork. You’ll be in a school building, working under a qualified site supervisor, logging direct contact hours across academic planning, social-emotional support, crisis response, and group work.
What varies between programs is how much help you get arranging that placement. Some programs have established relationships with districts and actively coordinate placements for students in their region. Others provide requirements and templates but leave the arrangement largely to you. Ask programs directly about their placement support before you commit. It’s a more revealing question than almost anything else you can ask during an admissions conversation.
One more note: some programs describe simulation or role-play exercises as supplementing fieldwork, which is accurate. Simulation does not replace clock hours. Any program implying otherwise is worth scrutinizing carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online school counseling degrees respected by employers and hiring committees?
Generally, yes. Accredited degrees are widely accepted, though hiring competitiveness and individual district preferences can vary. A CACREP-accredited online degree carries the same credential standing as an on-campus one from the same program. What principals and districts typically care about is whether you’re licensed, whether your training covered the expected competencies, and whether you can do the job. Format is a secondary concern in most hiring contexts.
Will the program help me find a practicum or internship site?
Some programs actively coordinate placements; others don’t. This varies significantly between schools and is one of the most important questions to ask during the admissions process. Ask specifically: does the program have existing relationships with schools in my area? What support do I get if I can’t secure a site on my own? The answer tells you a lot about how well the program is set up for distance students.
How many fieldwork hours does a CACREP school counseling program require?
CACREP requires a minimum of 700 clock hours of supervised field experience: 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship. All hours must be completed in a school setting with direct service to students. Some states require additional hours beyond the CACREP minimum, so always verify your state’s requirements directly with your state licensing board before planning your timeline.
Can I enroll in an out-of-state online program and still get licensed where I live?
Usually, yes, but always verify directly with your state licensing board before you enroll. Programs that serve out-of-state students should have a licensure disclosure listing the states where their curriculum meets requirements, but those claims may be outdated. Licensing is governed by your state’s education department, not your school, so the burden of verification falls on you. Never rely on program marketing alone.
What’s the difference between a fully online and low-residency program?
A fully online program delivers all coursework remotely with no required campus visits. A low-residency program is mostly online but includes one or more required campus intensives, typically a few days to a week. Both formats still require in-person fieldwork completed in your local area. The distinction is about coursework delivery only, not fieldwork.
- CACREP accreditation is the field standard. It may simplify licensure in some states and is often preferred by hiring committees, but it does not guarantee reciprocity. Requirements vary significantly; always verify directly with your state board.
- Non-CACREP programs can still lead to licensure, but the path is less automatic. Several strong programs in this list are regionally accredited only; check your state’s specific requirements before ruling them in or out.
- All online programs still require in-person fieldwork. CACREP requires at least 700 hours (100 practicum + 600 internship). Plan for daytime availability during your fieldwork terms.
- State licensure alignment is the most important filter. Always verify that the program covers your state’s requirements directly with your state licensing board. Program claims may be outdated.
- Practicum placement support varies widely. Ask each program specifically what help you’ll get, especially if you’re not already working inside a school.
If you’re comparing master’s programs, start with the state where you plan to practice. Licensing requirements vary, and your program needs to align with the state’s credentialing process before you enroll.
