Ed.S. in School Counseling: Online Programs for Certified Counselors
An Ed.S. in school counseling is a post-master’s degree for practicing or previously trained school counselors. Most programs on this list run about 30 credits online. Admission varies by university and may include a school counseling master’s, current certification and experience. In states like Alabama and Mississippi, it can support a higher certificate tier.
Renee has been a high school counselor in Alabama for five years, and she holds a Class A certificate. She wants to be ready when her district’s counseling coordinator job opens. What she can’t do is leave her caseload for a year to get there.
That’s who this list is for. These programs are intended primarily for practicing or previously trained school counselors, and each university describes its program as online.
What an Ed.S. Does for a Working School Counselor
An Education Specialist degree sits between a master’s and a doctorate. For school counselors, it usually means about 30 credits beyond the master’s plus a capstone project. What it does for your career depends a lot on where you work.
A Certificate Upgrade in Some States
Several Southern states tie educator certificates to degree level. Alabama uses Class A for master’s-level professional educator certification and Class AA for qualifying sixth-year preparation. School counselors seeking Class AA must meet Alabama State Department of Education requirements, including the applicable prerequisites and approved program requirements. Our guide to Alabama’s Class A and Class AA certificates covers the full process.
In Mississippi, an eligible school counselor who meets the Class AA requirements and earns a qualifying specialist degree in guidance and counseling may qualify for Class AAA licensure through the Mississippi Department of Education. The degree alone does not guarantee the upgraded license. See our overview of Mississippi’s school counselor licensure levels for details.
Georgia uses numbered educator certificate levels. A qualifying specialist degree may support an upgrade to Level 6, subject to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission’s certificate-level upgrade requirements. Completing an Ed.S. does not automatically guarantee an upgrade. Our page on Georgia’s certificate levels explains how the state’s system works.
Not every state works this way. Many states issue one school counselor credential no matter how many degrees you hold. Before you enroll, ask your state’s education or educator certification agency two things. Does an Ed.S. change your certificate? And does a program from another state count?
A Path Toward Leadership Roles
Ed.S. coursework leans toward supervision, consultation and program leadership. The University of Mississippi built its Ed.S. to train district-level school counseling leaders. The University of West Alabama says graduates may qualify for roles such as school counseling coordinator or director. If you’re the counselor everyone calls when the master schedule breaks, this degree puts a credential behind that role.
Deeper Clinical Skills
Your master’s covered the foundations. An Ed.S. adds the cases that keep you up at night. Depending on the program, that means family counseling, crisis response, trauma, substance use or play therapy. For a counselor handling more mental health referrals every year, that coursework is often the real draw.
Two Kinds of Ed.S. in School Counseling
Here’s where the search results get confusing. Some universities award an Ed.S. as the entry-level degree for your first school counselor certificate. Others, including every program on this list, offer it as an advanced degree for counselors who have already trained in the field.
The admission requirements usually tell you which is which. If a program asks for a school counseling master’s or a current certificate, it’s the advanced kind. If it accepts a bachelor’s in any field, it’s entry-level. If you’re not certified yet, skip to the section for you below.
What to Look For in an Ed.S. Program
1. What the Degree Does in Your State
A Class AA or AAA upgrade only happens through a program that meets that state’s rules. The University of Alabama, for example, notes that Alabama requires its own Class A certificate before Class AA.
2. Experience Requirements
Many programs want one or two years as a certified school counselor. Count carefully. Valdosta State says practicum and internship time doesn’t count toward its one-year minimum.
3. Format and Pace
Every program here is described as online, but course length runs from 8-week terms to full semesters. Ask whether any sessions meet live, and when.
4. The Capstone
Expect a portfolio, an applied project, a comprehensive exam or some combination. Ask what it involves before you apply, since it lands during the school year.
5. Credits and Transfer
Most programs run 30 to 33 credits. Some accept transfer credit, so ask what you can bring in.
6. Cost
Several programs publish a per-credit rate. Add fees to it, and ask whether your district offers tuition support for advanced degrees.
How We Chose These Programs
Every program on this list is an Ed.S. in school counseling, or a counselor education Ed.S. with a school counseling concentration. Each is offered by an accredited university. To make the list, the university’s own pages had to show two things. Admission must require a school counseling master’s or a current school counselor certificate or license. The page must also state the program’s format. We used only university sources, checked in October 2026, and we report format as each university describes it. Programs are listed alphabetically, not ranked. These are advanced specialist degrees, not the entry-level master’s programs typically listed under CACREP school counseling accreditation. CACREP accreditation of a university’s master’s program should not be interpreted as separate accreditation of its Ed.S. State approval and eligibility for an advanced school counselor credential must be verified independently. This is a curated list, and it will grow as we verify more programs.
Ed.S. Programs at a Glance
| Program | State | Credits | Format | Admission Requires | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | AL | 30 | 100% online | School counseling master’s and Class A certificate | A one-year path toward Alabama Class AA |
| Morehead State University | KY | Confirm with the program | Online | School counseling master’s and P-12 certification | Counselors who want clinical depth |
| Troy University | AL | 30 | Fully online, no campus visits | State certification and two years’ experience | Counselors who want no campus travel |
| University of Alabama | AL | 30-33 | Completely online | School counseling master’s and certificate | Play therapy and family counseling coursework |
| University of Mississippi | MS | 30 | Online | School counseling master’s, license and one year’s experience | Counselors aiming for district leadership |
| University of West Alabama | AL | 33 | Online, 8-week courses | Master’s-level certificate and two years’ experience | Short terms and a published per-credit rate |
| Valdosta State University | GA | 30 | Fully online | Georgia certification and one year as a certified counselor | Georgia counselors focused on supervision and leadership |
School counselor certification is governed by individual state education agencies. Alabama uses Class A and Class AA, Mississippi uses Class AA and AAA, and Georgia uses numbered certificate levels. Completing an Ed.S. does not automatically qualify a graduate for an upgraded certificate, particularly when attending an out-of-state program. Confirm program approval and credential eligibility with the state agency before enrolling. Our guide to certification requirements for every state is a good place to start.
Ed.S. in School Counseling Programs
Programs are listed alphabetically. Each profile starts with the counselor it fits best, then covers admission, format and what the degree leads to.
Auburn University at Montgomery: Ed.S. in Counseling, School Counseling
Best for: Alabama counselors who want a focused, one-year route from Class A toward Class AA
Location: Montgomery, AL | Credits: 30 | Length: 1 year
Format: 100% online
Admission: Master’s in school counseling, a Class A certificate and at least a 3.0 GPA
Leads to: Eligibility to apply for Alabama Class AA certification, subject to Alabama State Department of Education requirements
AUM built this Ed.S. for counselors who want the next certificate tier without leaving their schools. The school counseling concentration runs 30 credits over about a year. Courses include Counseling Children and Adolescents and School Crisis Plans, and the program includes trauma-informed assignments.
AUM publishes its rates. It currently lists $483 per credit for Alabama residents and $531 for non-residents. Add a $30 per credit technology fee, a $40 per credit online fee and a $35 per semester administrative fee. You can transfer up to 12 credit hours, which can shorten your path if you’ve taken graduate courses beyond your master’s.
Good to know: Alabama certification also requires two years of school experience.
Morehead State University: Counseling Ed.S. (School Counseling)
Best for: Kentucky counselors who want clinical depth, with a practicum, internship and applied project
Location: Morehead, KY | Credits: Confirm program-specific credits
Format: Online
Admission: Master’s in school counseling, P-12 school counselor certification and a 3.5 graduate GPA
Leads to: An advanced degree for certified school counselors
Morehead State’s Ed.S. leans clinical. The 2025-26 catalog lists coursework in trauma counseling, substance abuse and addictions, and family counseling. It adds diagnosis and treatment planning, a practicum, an advanced practicum and an internship. The degree ends with an applied project and a portfolio you present in your final semester.
The bar for admission is high. Morehead asks for a 3.5 cumulative graduate GPA along with a school counseling master’s and P-12 certification. The program is grounded in Kentucky’s school counseling statutes and regulations, so it’s a natural fit for Kentucky counselors.
Good to know: Morehead’s catalog and its specialist-degree overview list different credit totals, so confirm the exact requirement before you plan cost or timeline. Courses from Morehead’s clinical mental health master’s can’t be reused for this Ed.S.
Troy University: School Counseling (Grades P-12) (Ed.S.)
Best for: Experienced counselors who want an advanced degree with no campus travel
Location: Troy, AL | Credits: 30
Format: Fully online, with no on-campus requirements
Admission: State-certified school counselor with two years of experience
Leads to: An advanced degree for certified school counselors. Ask the program about Class AA.
Troy says its school counseling Ed.S. has no on-campus requirements, so you can finish from anywhere while keeping your caseload. The program page lists no application deadline, which helps if you decide mid-year.
The curriculum leans toward leadership and crisis work. Courses can include Crisis Response Management, Advanced Practicum in Group Leadership, and Cognitive and Behavioral Interventions. Troy also notes that Alabama school counselor pay depends on degree level, years of service and the district’s pay scale.
Good to know: Troy’s published degree plan specifies 30 semester hours. Confirm the current course sequence and any additional requirements with the university.
University of Alabama: Ed.S. in Counselor Education (School Counseling)
Best for: Alabama counselors who want specialized coursework in play therapy and family counseling
Location: Tuscaloosa, AL | Credits: 30-33
Format: Completely online, with synchronous and asynchronous courses
Admission: Master’s in school counseling, a valid master’s-level school counseling certificate and two years of professional experience
Leads to: Eligibility to be recommended for Alabama Class AA certification
UA’s online Ed.S. comes with the same faculty and degree as the Tuscaloosa campus. Courses mix live and self-paced formats, so you get real-time contact without a fixed class every week. Topics include play therapy, family counseling, substance abuse counseling and psychopathology.
The program ends with a portfolio in which you design a full school counseling program. UA lists graduate online tuition at $480 per credit hour for 2025-26, excluding applicable course and other fees. Confirm the rate for your enrollment term. Applications are due February 15 for summer and fall, or October 15 for spring.
Good to know: UA notes that if your certificate is from another state, Alabama requires you to earn its Class A certificate before applying for Class AA. UA also requires a 3.50 GPA in the Ed.S. to receive Class AA.
University of Mississippi: Ed.S. in Counselor Education, School Counseling Leadership
Best for: Counselors who want to move into district-level leadership
Location: Oxford, MS | Credits: 30
Format: Online
Admission: Master’s in school counseling with a 3.0 GPA, a current state license or certification and one year of K-12 school counseling experience
Leads to: An advanced degree that can support Mississippi Class AAA licensure for eligible counselors
Ole Miss built this Ed.S. to train district-level school counseling leaders who use data, build partnerships and advocate for all students. The coursework shows it. You’ll take Supervision in School Counseling, Collaborative Principal-School Counselor Preparation and an advanced school counseling internship.
The principal collaboration course is the rare feature here. If you’ve ever had to explain your role to a new administrator, you’ll see the point. The admission language asks for a license from a state department of education, not Mississippi specifically.
Good to know: In Mississippi, an eligible school counselor who meets the Class AA requirements and earns a qualifying specialist degree in guidance and counseling may qualify for Class AAA licensure through the Mississippi Department of Education. The degree alone does not guarantee the upgraded license.
University of West Alabama: Online Ed.S. in School Counseling
Best for: Counselors who want short courses and a clear published cost
Location: Livingston, AL | Credits: 33 | Length: 1 to 2 years
Format: Online, with 8-week courses
Admission: Valid master’s-level school counseling certification and two full years of full-time experience
Leads to: An Ed.S.-level professional certificate in Alabama, subject to state requirements
UWA runs its Ed.S. in 8-week courses, so you can focus on one or two classes at a time. The program combines 12 hours of professional education courses with 21 hours of school counseling coursework. That includes supervision and consultation, strategic planning for counseling interventions, and family counseling.
UWA currently lists tuition at $429 per credit hour, plus a $120 technology fee each semester. You can transfer up to 9 graduate hours for matching courses.
Good to know: To finish, you’ll need a 3.50 GPA, a passing score on a written comprehensive exam and a valid Class A certificate in school counseling.
Valdosta State University: Ed.S. in School Counseling
Best for: Georgia counselors who want advanced training in supervision, consultation and leadership
Location: Valdosta, GA | Credits: 30
Format: Fully online
Admission: Georgia school counselor certification, or the credentials to be certified, and one year as a certified school counselor
Leads to: An advanced degree. Valdosta State calls it a degree-only program, not a certification program.
Valdosta State’s Ed.S. takes practicing counselors beyond the master’s level. Coursework covers counseling, supervision, leadership, consultation, research and mental health care systems. The 30-credit program is fully online, which makes it practical from anywhere in Georgia.
Be precise about your experience. Valdosta State requires one year as a certified school counselor, and practicum and internship hours don’t count. You’ll also need professional renewable certification in school counseling.
Good to know: Since Valdosta State calls this a degree-only program, ask how it affects your Georgia certificate level before you enroll. The program isn’t eligible for a student visa.
Not Certified Yet?
Kansas State University offers an online, entry-level Ed.S. in school counseling for students pursuing their initial school counselor credential. Unlike the advanced specialist degrees on this page, Kansas State’s Ed.S. is itself CACREP-accredited, through October 31, 2032. Check Kansas’s initial licensure requirements or those of the state where you intend to work. Our list of the best online school counseling programs covers more entry-level options.
Is an Ed.S. Worth It?
It depends on your district’s salary schedule. In Alabama, Troy notes that counselor pay depends partly on degree level, so an Ed.S. can move you to a higher column. Pull your district’s schedule and find the gap between the master’s and specialist columns. Then compare it with the program’s cost. Our Alabama school counselor salary breakdown adds statewide context.
The other return is harder to price. A coordinator role, deeper clinical training or more confidence supervising interns can make the degree worthwhile even where the pay bump is small. If none of that applies and your state doesn’t tier certificates, targeted continuing education and professional development options may serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be certified to apply to an Ed.S. in school counseling?
These programs are intended primarily for practicing or previously trained school counselors. Admission requirements vary by university and may include a school counseling master’s degree, current certification and professional experience. If you aren’t certified yet, look at entry-level programs instead.
Will an Ed.S. raise my salary?
It can, depending on where you work. In Alabama, Troy notes that school counselor pay depends partly on degree level. Check your own district’s salary schedule, since the difference varies.
Can I earn an Ed.S. from a university in another state?
Often, yes, since these programs are online. Your certificate upgrade still depends on your own state. The University of Alabama, for example, notes that Alabama requires its own Class A certificate before Class AA, so check with your state first.
What’s the difference between an Ed.S. and an Ed.D.?
An Ed.S. is usually about 30 credits beyond the master’s and focuses on practice. An Ed.D. is a doctorate with more coursework and a dissertation or capstone. For most working counselors, the Ed.S. is the faster route to a certificate upgrade.
How long does an Ed.S. take while working full-time?
Several programs here estimate one to two years. AUM lists about a year for its school counseling concentration, and UWA estimates one to two years. Your pace depends on your course load and when your capstone falls.
- Built for trained counselors: admission varies by university and may include a school counseling master’s, current certification and experience.
- The payoff depends on your state: Alabama and Mississippi tie certificate tiers to advanced degrees, but an Ed.S. never upgrades a certificate automatically.
- Most programs run about 30 credits online: plan for a capstone such as a portfolio, applied project or comprehensive exam.
- Count your experience carefully: many programs require one or two years as a certified counselor.
- Check your district’s salary schedule: it’s the best way to weigh the cost against the pay difference.
Before you apply, confirm with your state’s education or educator certification agency what an Ed.S. does for your certificate. Then compare programs on format, capstone and cost.
Check Your State’s Requirements