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A flexible MS in School Counseling
The MS in School Counseling is an online degree program designed with input by the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board to cover theories of counseling with children and adolescents, group counseling, counseling for college and career readiness, and child and adolescent psychopathology. Program specializations help provide focus for your career path.
MS in School Counseling program overview
This program emphasizes both the fundamental knowledge you need to pursue your goals in school counseling and the practical skills you need to put what you learn to work. It provides the opportunity to develop a professional, specialized skill set that can help prepare you to make an impact on today’s youth.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, student services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Why Capella?
- Cost & savings
- Quality curriculum
- Student experience
- Flexibility
Reduce your tuition
Student loans can help you finance your education – but they must be repaid. Before you apply for a loan, explore options for discounts, tuition assistance and other ways to reduce your tuition.
Scholarships and grants
Capella scholarships and federal grants are funds that you don’t have to pay back.
- Capella Progress Rewards $2,500 master's scholarships: These scholarships are not need-based – they’re our way to support your commitment to your education.*
- Student/Alumni Referral Scholarship: Capella students and alumni can refer eligible friends, family or colleagues to Capella to pursue a degree with a scholarship.*
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Military benefits
Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, veterans, their spouses and dependents.
Employer benefits
Tuition discounts and scholarships are available for eligible employees of our partner organizations.
Credit for previous experience
Get the credit you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university or getting credit for prior learning (CPL).
Program specializations
Various factors impact your time and cost to complete your degree, such as your program specialization. For more information, visit the MS in School Counseling specialization pages.
MS in School Counseling specializations
Expert advisory board
The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board helps ensure the school provides innovative education that is competency-based, rigorous, relevant and transformative. Our programs prepare graduates to be change makers in behavioral health to meet the needs of a diverse, ever-evolving society.
The contributions of the advisory board help Capella University provide:
- Academic offerings that are designed with relevant and meaningful learning opportunities
- High-quality, relevant educational programming that is challenging, engaging, supportive, transformative and diverse
- Experiences and opportunities to develop skills that may help students lead and contribute to their organizations and communities
MS in School Counseling outcomes
The CACREP-* and CAEP-accredited** Master of Science in School Counseling program helps prepare students to pursue their professional goals in the field of school counseling, serving diverse populations in various public and private settings.
Built on national standards and models, the curriculum offers a comprehensive approach to the delivery and management of contemporary school counseling programs and emphasizes assessment; intervention; individual and group counseling; school counseling core curriculum; consultation and collaboration with teachers, parents and the community; and advocacy for systemic change in the P–12 environment. Through coursework and clinical skills training, students demonstrate proficiency in evidence-based counseling approaches for P–12 children and adolescents.
*Capella University’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, MS in Mental Health Counseling, and MS in School Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through March 31, 2028.
**Capella University’s Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) unit is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through 2024. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. (CAEP, 1140 19th St. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077)
Distinguished faculty
While teaching and guiding you through a curriculum designed to prepare you for your chosen career, our faculty bring a wealth of experiences that translate the courseroom material to the real world. You’ll learn the skills you need and gain insights into your chosen profession.
“The academic coaches and faculty made my experience unforgettable and unique. I never felt like just a number or name on a roster. My coach made sure I got what I needed when I needed it and stuck with me during difficult times. Faculty was always ready to help and still continues to after I’ve graduated, which is something I value so much as I take this journey beyond the degree.”
Alyssa Rodriguez
MS in School Counseling
Actual Capella alum who agreed to appear in our promotional materials.
MS in School Counseling specializations
MS in School Counseling services and resources
Education isn’t one-size-fits-all – that’s why support is available to you at every step. From choosing your program and starting classes to coursework assistance and graduation, our support teams are here for you.
Academic support
- One-on-one enrollment and advising support
- Writing Center, online library and tutoring services
- Expert faculty with real-world knowledge
Financing support
- Assistance with the financial aid process
- Scholarships, transfer credits and credit for prior learning
Career support
- Resume help, interview prep and employer database of job listings
- One-on-one career coaching
- Student & Alumni Networking Platform to connect in your field
Personal support
- Disability services
- Student communities and peer-to-peer mentoring
- 24/7 tech support
Alumni Association
As a graduate, you’ll have a community of Capella students, alumni and faculty you can tap into for career advice and networking.
Career Development Center
Our Career Development Center offers a variety of career resources to meet your unique career needs, including one-on-one career coaching. With a competency-based education, you could gain marketable skills before you graduate and encourage you to start planning early.
The benefits of online learning
Our GuidedPath learning format offers structured learning with the flexibility of 24/7 access to the courseroom. Set deadlines help you stay focused and motivated. You’ll engage with peers for weekly discussion posts, and instructors provide regular check-ins and feedback on assignments. Courseload per term is also up to you with guidance from dedicated support staff.
Structured for your success
Access courses in an online courseroom, where instructors present engaging interactive learning experiences and guide weekly discussions. The online format gives you more flexibility to study on your time – just meet your deadlines and communicate with your instructors and peers.
24/7 Courseroom access
Access your coursework anytime, anywhere, and work on it as it suits your schedule. Weekly deadlines and regular check-ins help you stay motivated and on track.
Experiential learning opportunities
Capella provides opportunities for GuidedPath students in select programs to gain work experience and apply on-the-job learning toward earning a degree.
Competency-based learning
Rather than taking a test, you’ll showcase specific skills in your assignments. Each course you pass is a building block in a strong foundation of career-focused knowledge.
Connect with peers and faculty
Collaborate with classmates and faculty in virtual discussions and assignments. Discuss the skills you’re learning on your own time with others who understand where you’re coming from.
Frequently asked questions
Applicants to the MS in School Counseling program must provide the following materials for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale; if your GPA is lower, call enrollment services at 1-866-736-1751 to discuss alternate admission options
- Your official transcripts from all previous educational institutions, including any graduate or professional school coursework
- Two letters of recommendation completed by professionals who can assess your aptitude for graduate education in school counseling
- Your resume or curriculum vitae and a 3- to 6-page essay
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
View full admission requirements for each School Counseling specialization: Addiction Treatment and Recovery, Child and Adolescent Counseling, General School Counseling.
The CACREP-* and CAEP-accredited** Master of Science in School Counseling program is designed to prepare students to pursue their professional goals in the field of school counseling, serving diverse populations in various public and private settings.
*Capella University’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, MS in Mental Health Counseling, and MS in School Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through March 31, 2028.
**Capella University’s Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) unit is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through 2024. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. (CAEP, 1140 19th St. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077)
The Master of Science in School Counseling is built on national standards and models, the curriculum offers a comprehensive approach to the delivery and management of contemporary school counseling programs and emphasizes assessment; intervention; individual and group counseling; school counseling core curriculum; consultation and collaboration with teachers, parents and the community; and advocacy for systemic change in the P-12 environment. Through coursework and clinical skills training, students demonstrate proficiency in evidence-based counseling approaches for P-12 children and adolescents.
For more information on school counseling courses, view the available specializations in Addiction Treatment and Recovery, Child and Adolescent Counseling and General School Counseling.
Capella University offers degrees ranging from bachelor’s to doctorates, as well as certificate options. But what if you just need one specific class? Enrollment specialists Rey Bayl and Terry Metoxen share their insights into how individual courses work and what you can expect from the experience.
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