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School Counseling
Master of Science in School Counseling
If you’re committed to improving the future of our youth, consider an online MS in School Counseling from Capella University. This flexible program is part of our CAEP-accredited Education Preparation Provider (EPP) unit. It offers a combination of theory-based coursework and in-person experiences to help you prepare to pursue state licensure as a school counselor when you graduate.
The curriculum covers the knowledge and real-world skills you need to stand out in the field. Course content includes theories of counseling with children and adolescents, group counseling, counseling for college and career readiness, and child and adolescent psychopathology.
Classes start September 12
Use the code SUMMER to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- GuidedPath
- Online & in-person
- 6 Core courses
- 7 Specialization courses
- 2 Residencies
- Practicum
- 2 Internships
- CACREP and CAEP accreditation
Reduce your tuition by $2,500*
*Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore school counseling courses
- This degree requires a total of 72 program credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete six core courses, seven specialization courses, two residencies and two internships
| COUN5241 * |
Group Counseling and Psychotherapy
Learners in this course examine the theoretical components and developmental aspects of groups. Topics include types of groups, group dynamics and processes, group leadership and membership roles, ethical awareness in relation to groups, and crisis management within groups. For MS in School Counseling learners only. Prerequisite(s): COUN-R5861. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| COUN5280 |
Introduction to School Counseling
This course introduces learners to the profession of school counseling. Learners examine the history and development of school counseling; investigate ethical and legal requirements for school counselors; explore the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and service delivery systems, including specific programs and interventions; and analyze the multiple roles and functions of school counselors with various stakeholders. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate certificate learners only. |
4 quarter credits |
| COUN5284 * |
School Counseling Program Development and Evaluation
This course provides a comprehensive approach to developing school counseling programs and services, as well as the data-driven decision making and accountability needed to sustain them. Learners investigate the needs, structure, specialized areas, and evaluation functions of school counseling programs and examine comprehensive models using the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model as a framework. For MS in School Counseling learners only. Prerequisite(s): COUN5241, COUN5812, COUN-R5861. |
4 quarter credits |
| COUN5422 * |
Counseling for College and Career Readiness
In this course, learners examine models of P–12 comprehensive career development. Learners also evaluate developmentally appropriate interventions and assessments that enhance career readiness, improve graduation rates, and promote equity in student achievement and college access. For MS in School Counseling learners only. Prerequisite(s): COUN5279, COUN-R5861. |
4 quarter credits |
| COUN5812 * |
Theories of Counseling with Children and Adolescents
Learners in this course expand upon foundational counseling and relationship-building skills by integrating brief and strengths-based theoretical approaches and interventions relevant to the practice of counseling in P–12 schools. Learners analyze the influence of biopsychosocial factors on child and adolescent development and design individualized interventions that enhance wellness and resilience. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): COUN5280. |
4 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you’ll learn
Discover your path to gaining real-world skills to support young people as a licensed school counselor. This program is designed to help you apply counseling and child development theories and research to school practice, and provide compassionate counseling services to a diverse range of students. As a graduate, you will be expected to uphold codes of ethics from the American Counseling Association and the American School Counselor Association, and to champion the highest standards based on the ASCA National Model for Comprehensive School Counseling.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply theories, research, and evidence-based practices of counseling, consultation, and helping skills in schools
- Use assessment skills to inform delivery of school counseling services
- Deliver multicultural counseling services to diverse student populations
- Practice according to ethical and legal standards
- Provide comprehensive post-secondary planning services to extend access to college and career readiness
- Develop and deliver school counseling services according to the ASCA National Model
- Communicate effectively with sensitivity, understanding, respect, and professionalism in all interactions
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the MS in School Counseling cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$29,220–$35,064*
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS–AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$487 per credit, 72 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, using general program pricing, and it does not include fees (including application and resource kit fees). Your price may be higher or lower depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. If transfer credits are allowed in this offering, the prices above show what you would pay if you brought in the average number of transfer credits and the price if you brought in the maximum allowed transfer credits.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2020–2021
“The most fulfilling aspect of earning my degree was being able to do it while maintaining my grades and getting my dream job. I am able to connect with students in a way that I could have never imagined.”
Kelly Anders* – MS in School Counseling graduate and PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision student
*Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Preparing for licensure
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
MS in School Counseling admission requirements
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in School Counseling program must provide the following information 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 marriage and family therapy (see details)
- Your résumé or curriculum vitae and a 3–6 page essay (see details)
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
What can you do with an MS in School Counseling degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Master of Science in School Counseling.
Job titles to explore
- School counselor
- Guidance counselor
- Counselor
- College counselor
- Advisor
- Academic advisor
- Academic counselor
- Career counselor
Employment settings to explore
- K–12 public school
- K–12 private school
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community college
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Helping Professions Guide
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School Counselors vs. School Psychologists
A comparison of responsibilities, licensure, and degree requirements of school counselors and psychologists.
Financing Guide
We can help you understand education financing, review your options, and explore ways to save on your degree.