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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 by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your master’s degree.
Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Scholarships & grants
Capella scholarships and federal grants are funds that you don’t have to pay back.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Ways to save
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.
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 numerous 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 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)
Financing support
- Assistance with the financial aid process
- Scholarships, transfer credits and credit for prior learning
Academic support
- One-on-one enrollment and advising support
- Writing Center, online library and tutoring services
- Expert faculty with real-world knowledge
Additional support resources
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.
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.
Additional benefits of a flexible education
MS in School Counseling program insights
“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.
Frequently asked questions
Applicants to the MS in School Counseling program must provide the following materials for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- 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 with a 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
- Your resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- A goal statement that includes five short-answer responses about your professional goals, aptitude, and potential for success in the counseling profession
- 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 numerous populations in various public and private settings.
*Capella University's 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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