Online Master's Degree in School Counseling Overview
As a professional school counselor, the difference you make in students' lives may take years to manifest, but the impact you make can last a lifetime. This master of arts in education with a PPS Credential in school counseling degree program prepares you to provide counseling and clinical mental health support for K-12 students who need to overcome personal and academic challenges or plan for life after high school.
As a school counselor, you can also help students in career development through career counseling, and guide them in meeting the requirements for getting into college. This comprehensive school counseling program includes subjects ranging from adolescent behavior, methodology, evaluation, counseling theory and professional counseling, helping to prepare you to give every student a chance to prosper. The counselor education online program can help get you a step closer to becoming a licensed professional counselor.
Program Highlights
CTC-Approved Curriculum
This masters in school counseling online graduate program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), one of the highest standards in the country and the world.
PPS-Only Option
If you already have a master's degree in psychology, counseling, or education, the PPS credential in professional school counseling is offered as a stand-alone option.
Mentorship and Fieldwork
Your professors and instructors in the school counselor education online program understand the challenges you face, and will apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world experience in a school setting.
Admissions
Learn About Admissions Requirements
Faculty
Get to Know Our Diverse Faculty
Degree Information
What You'll Learn
The MA in school counseling program covers various specific courses including, but are not limited to:
- Child Development & Learning Environments
- School Safety & Crisis Prevention
- Leadership in Advocacy & Equity
- Social Emotional Development
- Professionalism, Ethics, and Legal Mandates
- Introduction of Individual Counseling Theories
- Group Counseling and Counseling Theories
Career Paths for School Counseling Students:
- Academic counselors
- School counselors
- Guidance counselors
- Vocational counselors
Links and Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an MS (Master of Science) and an MAE (Master of Education) in school counseling specialization?
An MS in school counseling typically places more emphasis on the scientific and research-based aspects of counseling. It may have coursework related to counseling theories, techniques, research methods, and data analysis. This prepares students for roles that involve research and program development.
The MAE in school counseling tends to have a stronger focus on the educational and practical aspects of counseling. It focuses on human development, mental health counseling, and career development among others. This prepares students for direct counseling roles in schools or educational settings, working closely with students to provide support.
What scholarship and financial aid options are available to me?
Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education, and Alliant offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.
When does the degree program start?
The program is an eight-week term program and is open for enrollment during each of those respective enrollment periods. Learn more with our eight-week term academic calendar.
Can I work full-time and complete the program?
Students must complete 600 practicum hours during the program, some or all of which may need to be completed during school operating hours. Candidates are expected to spend at least two to five hours each week completing practicum.
How long does it take to complete the program?
This is a 49-credit program and takes a minimum of two years to complete over 11 terms.
What is the modality of this program?
All coursework for the program can be completed online, allowing you to tailor your education to your schedule.
"This is a profession in which you can really change the hearts and minds of many and extend your impact. There are many opportunities to completely transform systems and provide support in ways that exponentially increase your impact in the lives of many students."
Why Alliant
At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.
Why CSOE
CSOE offers a variety of degrees, certificates, and credentials in education that prepare you to make a lasting difference through teaching, counseling, leadership, advocacy, administration, management, and community work. Whether you’re looking for an online degree program or an in-person learning experience for your higher education, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
