Fastest Online Master's Degree in Educational Counseling for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

Adolescence is a particularly difficult time, full of pressure, uncertainty, and big decisions that can make or break a person’s future. As students juggle these dilemmas, the role of educational counselors has never been more vital. These professionals are more than just course planners—they’re trusted guides helping young people find direction, stability, and confidence.

For aspiring counselors who want to make a difference without spending years in traditional classrooms, online master’s programs offer a compelling alternative. The fastest of these programs are designed with working professionals and career-changers in mind, offering accelerated timelines, asynchronous classes, and streamlined practicum experiences.

In this article, we’ll break down the fastest online master’s degrees in educational counseling—what they offer, how they work, and how to choose the one that aligns with your goals. Because the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be helping others move forward, too.

What are the benefits of getting an accelerated online master’s in educational counseling?

• Job growth is steady, with demand for educational counselors projected to rise 4% by 2034 (BLS, 2024).
• The average annual salary for educational counselors is $59,514, offering stable income in a meaningful field (ZipRecruiter, n.d.).
• Online programs offer the flexibility to balance work, family, and study, making it easier to advance your career on your own terms.

What can I expect from an accelerated online master’s in educational counseling?

An online master’s in educational counseling is a launchpad into a profession built on trust, communication, and student advocacy. These programs are intentionally designed to prepare you for the realities of working in school environments, where you’ll help learners navigate everything from academic planning to personal struggles. 

Here’s what you’ll experience along the way:

• Academic and Career Planning Courses: Learn how to guide students in course selection, graduation tracking, and post-secondary decision-making—from college applications to vocational paths.
• Fieldwork in School Settings: Complete supervised practicum and internship hours in K–12 or college environments, applying counseling techniques to real-world student interactions.
• Training in Learning Support and Interventions: Study how to assist students with learning differences, behavioral issues, or academic performance barriers through targeted support plans.
• Crisis and Mental Health Counseling: Gain tools to address emotional and psychological issues that impact student learning, including anxiety, trauma, and peer conflicts.
• Cultural and Ethical Competency: Develop the skills to counsel students from diverse backgrounds with sensitivity, respect, and adherence to school counseling ethics.
• Licensure-Aligned Curriculum: Get coursework tailored to meet educational counseling certification or licensure requirements in your state, ensuring you’re job-ready upon graduation.

Where can I work with an online master’s in educational counseling?

Educational counselors don’t sit on the sidelines—they’re in the thick of it: helping a student pick classes that won’t derail graduation, coaching a teen through test anxiety, or guiding a first-gen college applicant through unfamiliar paperwork. With an online master’s in educational counseling, you’re not limited to one type of school or student. 

This degree prepares you to work across academic settings where the stakes are high and the need for support is real—from packed high school guidance offices to fast-moving college advising centers and beyond.

Here are some of the most common settings where educational counselors work:

• Public and Private K–12 Schools: Support students with academic advising, emotional well-being, and behavioral interventions as part of a school counseling team.
• Colleges and Universities: Help undergraduate and graduate students navigate degree requirements, manage stress, and plan for post-college careers.
• Vocational and Technical Schools: Guide students in aligning their education with career goals, often with a focus on practical skills and job readiness.
• Educational Nonprofits: Work in outreach or program roles that focus on underserved populations, college access, or youth development.
• Online Learning Platforms: Provide virtual counseling support for students enrolled in remote K–12 or higher education programs.

How much can I earn with an online master’s in educational counseling?

While most people pursue educational counseling to make a difference, the financial rewards are meaningful too. The field offers stable income, clear advancement paths, and the potential for higher earnings with experience. 

Your exact salary will depend on factors like your location, role, and years in the field—but here’s what the numbers look like according to ZipRecruiter (n.d.):

• Top Earners – $87,000/year: Counselors with years of experience or those working in high-paying districts or administrative roles.
• 75th Percentile – $75,500/year: Professionals with strong track records, often working in larger school systems or specialized programs.
• Average – $59,514/year: A solid national benchmark across public and private educational settings.
• 25th Percentile – $42,000/year: Early-career counselors or those working in rural areas or underfunded districts.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up in your career, an online master’s in educational counseling can lead to a stable, rewarding salary—and even higher earnings as you gain experience, take on leadership roles, or specialize in high-need areas.

Table of Contents

1. List of the Fastest Online Master’s in Educational Counseling for 2025
2. How long does it take to complete an accelerated online master’s in educational counseling?
3. How does an accelerated online master’s in educational counseling compare to a traditional program?
4. How can students accelerate earning an online master’s in educational counseling without fast-track options?
5. What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in accelerated online master’s in educational counseling?
6. What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online master’s in educational counseling?
7. What courses are typically in an online master’s in educational counseling?
8. What types of specializations are available in online master’s in educational counseling programs?
9. How to choose the best accelerated online master’s in educational counseling program?
10. What career paths are available for graduates of online master’s in educational counseling programs?
11. What are the potential challenges of an accelerated online master’s in educational counseling?
12. What is the job outlook for graduates with an online master’s in educational counseling?
13. What are the licensing and certification requirements for educational counselors?
14. Other Things You Need to Know About Accelerated Online Master’s Degrees in Educational Counseling

List of the Fastest Online Master’s in Educational Counseling for 2025

If you’re eager to step into schools as a skilled counselor without wasting years on coursework, these fast-paced options deliver—rivalling even the fastest online master's in elementary education programs in how quickly you can finish and start making a difference.

How do we rank schools?

Paying for a degree isn’t just a line item in your budget—it’s a leap of faith in your future. And in a world full of bold promises and glossy brochures, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. That’s why Research.com set out to create something different: a ranking that cuts through the noise. 

This ranking was developed by our team of experts, using a transparent and data-driven approach. We’ve gathered insights from the IPEDS database, Peterson’s database—including their Distance Learning Licensed Data Set—College Scorecard, and the National Center for Education Statistics. 

Built for real students with real goals, this guide is designed to help you choose a master’s in educational counseling that’s not only fast and flexible—but worth every dollar. Every datapoint was carefully considered to ensure that what you see is not just comprehensive, but trustworthy.

To learn more about how we evaluate and rank programs, check out our full methodology here.

1. Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University’s fully online MA in Education – School Counseling (P–12) equips you with the skills to support students’ academic, emotional, and career development. Rooted in ethical and Christian values, the program emphasizes compassionate, values-based counseling in diverse school settings. 

• Program Length: 18 months
• Tracks/concentrations: School counseling
• Estimated Cost: $15,312
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s 100% online MA in Education - School Counseling is designed for educators ready to expand their impact beyond the classroom. Building on your teaching experience, the program covers key topics like child development, diversity, assessment, and psychopathology. 

• Program Length: 16 months
• Tracks/concentrations: School counseling
• Estimated Cost: $13,356
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Marshall University

Marshall University’s MA in School Counseling is designed to meet the certification standards of the West Virginia Department of Education. The program also offers an alternative pathway for students without a teacher education background to pursue school counselor certification in the state.

• Program Length: 18 months
• Tracks/concentrations: School counseling
• Estimated Cost: $31,305
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Capella University

Capella University’s online MS in School Counseling is designed in collaboration with the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board to ensure career relevance and academic depth. The curriculum covers key areas such as counseling theories for children and adolescents, group counseling, college and career readiness, and adolescent psychopathology. 

• Program Length: 12-18 months
• Tracks/concentrations: School counseling, child and adolescent counseling
• Estimated Cost: $2,640 - $3,075
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Angelo State University

Angelo State University’s nationally recognized MA in Education - School Counseling is delivered 100% online, emphasizing practical application and equipping graduates with real-world skills, resources, and a portfolio of work they can immediately use in the field. Students gain extensive hands-on experience through internships and practicum placements. 

• Program Length: 8 weeks
• Tracks/concentrations: School counseling
• Estimated Cost: $7,508.90 - $14,888.90
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

How long does it take to complete an accelerated online master’s in educational counseling?

With demand for educational counselors projected to grow 4% by 2033, aspiring professionals are now eager to quickly earn their credentials, join the workforce, and start making a meaningful impact. That’s where accelerated online master’s programs come in—designed for driven individuals who want to fast-track their education without sacrificing quality.

Let’s compare the most common timelines for earning your degree based on the format and intensity of the program you choose:

• Accelerated Programs – As little as 8 months: Some universities, like Angelo State University (n.d.), offer fast-tracked formats with eight-week courses that allow motivated students to finish in under a year.
• Traditional Full-Time – 18 to 24 months: Most programs follow a standard pace, with students completing their coursework and field requirements in 1.5 to 2 years.
• Part-Time or Self-Paced – Up to 3 years: For those balancing work, family, or other commitments, universities like Seattle University (n.d.) offer flexible, part-time formats that can extend the program to three years or more.

No matter which timeline you choose, the key is finding a program that aligns with your goals and capacity. For those eager to start making an impact, choosing an accelerated program can offer the fastest way to become a counselor without compromising quality or readiness.

How does an accelerated online master’s in educational counseling compare to a traditional program?

An accelerated online master’s in educational counseling offers a faster, more flexible path to the same career outcomes as a traditional program—but with some key differences in structure. While both formats meet the academic and licensure standards required for practice, the accelerated model is tailored for motivated learners who want to enter the field more quickly, much like those who pursue the fastest online STEM education degree programs to shorten their academic journey.

Here's how the two approaches compare in specific areas related to educational counseling:

• Faster Track to the Field: Accelerated online programs typically take 8 months to complete, compared to the 18-24 months required for most traditional on-campus formats.
• School-Based Practicum Experience: Both formats require practicum hours, but accelerated online students often have the flexibility to complete placements in local K–12 settings that align with their career goals.
• Virtual Crisis and Trauma Response Training: Online programs use virtual simulations and case studies to equip students with decision-making skills in school crises—comparable to traditional classroom role-plays.

• Deep Dive, Fast Pace: The condensed format requires focused attention and consistent engagement, which can accelerate mastery of counseling competencies like active listening and intervention planning.

• Smarter Spending, Same Degree: Many accelerated online programs reduce tuition costs through shorter enrollment periods—allowing students to earn their counseling degree with less financial strain.

If you're also considering related roles that focus more specifically on emotional and developmental support, you may want to explore our child counselor career guide for a deeper look into that field.

How can students accelerate earning an online master’s in educational counseling without fast-track options?

Not every program comes with a built-in accelerated label—but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with a slow pace. Even in standard-format online master’s programs, there are smart, strategic ways to shave time off your degree and move more quickly toward the counseling office. 

With the right planning and a little persistence, students can create their own fast lane—without sacrificing depth, quality, or licensure readiness. Here’s how to fast-track your progress within a traditional online format:

• Take Counseling-Heavy Course Loads Early: Prioritize foundational courses like counseling theory and ethical practice early on to unlock advanced coursework and practicum eligibility sooner.
• Transfer Credits in Related Areas: Some programs accept transfer credits in education, psychology, or child development—fields directly relevant to school counseling.
• Use Break Terms for Specialized Electives: Instead of taking breaks, use summer or winter sessions to knock out electives in substance abuse counseling, group counseling, or college readiness.
• Secure Practicum Sites Early: Since in-person fieldwork is a critical part of any school counseling program, identifying a school placement in advance can prevent delays later on.
• Choose Asynchronous Educational Counseling Courses: These let you move through key topics like crisis response, career advising, or diversity in schools at your own pace—sometimes faster than scheduled classes.
• Align Assignments with Future Licensure Needs: Select research projects or capstone topics that support your state’s certification requirements—an approach also used by students in the fastest online master of arts in teaching programs to stay ahead of their academic goals.

If your interests extend beyond schools and into broader professional guidance, you might also want to explore how to start a career in career counseling—a closely related path that shares many foundational skills and values.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in accelerated online master’s in educational counseling?

Financing a graduate degree can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. If you're pursuing an online master’s in educational counseling, there’s a wide range of scholarships and grants available specifically for students like you: future counselors committed to supporting children, families, underserved communities, and mental health initiatives. 

Here are some standout scholarship and grant options to explore:

• NBCC Minority Fellowship Program for Mental Health Counselors: Offers $12,000 to master’s-level counseling students committed to serving minority populations and improving access to mental health care.
• NBCC Foundation Rural Scholarship: Awards $8,000 to students who plan to work in underserved rural areas, helping bridge gaps in mental health and school counseling services.
• Melanie Foundation Scholarship: Grants $2,500 to graduate students in accredited mental health programs, including educational counseling, with a focus on community impact.
• Harry and Susanne Clay Scholarship: Offers $2,000 to students enrolled in graduate-level school counseling programs, supporting those entering the field with academic promise.
• Emeliza Swain Scholarship: Grants $1,000 to students at Georgia universities enrolled in guidance or school counseling master’s programs.

If keeping costs low is a top priority, don’t forget to check out our list of the cheapest CACREP-accredited programs online—many of which offer high-quality training at a fraction of the typical tuition, especially when combined with targeted funding opportunities like these.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online master’s in educational counseling?

Before you can start guiding students, you’ll need to meet a few foundational requirements. Online master’s programs in educational counseling—like the fastest online TESOL master’s degree programs—are designed to prepare you for licensure and real-world school settings, so admissions criteria are tailored to ensure you're ready for both the academic rigor and the interpersonal demands of the role.

Here’s what most programs typically require:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field: While many programs accept various majors, degrees in psychology, education, or child development can provide helpful groundwork for counseling coursework.
• Minimum GPA for Graduate Study: Most schools look for a 2.75–3.0 GPA to ensure you’re prepared for advanced topics like counseling theory, ethics, and school-based interventions.
• Letters of Recommendation Focused on Counseling Potential: References should speak to your ability to work with youth, your communication skills, and your readiness for a school counseling role.
• Statement of Purpose with a Focus on Student Support: Admissions committees look for clear motivation to enter educational counseling, especially your desire to work with students in academic and emotional development.
• Resume Highlighting Youth or School Experience: Experience in education, mentoring, coaching, or youth services shows you’ve already engaged with the kinds of environments school counselors navigate daily.
• GRE Scores (Sometimes Optional): GRE scores help demonstrate your readiness for graduate-level coursework in areas like developmental psychology and school counseling practice.

Meeting these prerequisites is the first step toward becoming a school counselor. Once you're eligible, explore programs that match your goals—and if affordability matters, consider the most affordable online counseling degrees to stay on budget without compromising quality.

What courses are typically in an online master’s in educational counseling?

Online master’s programs in educational counseling combine coursework in counseling, psychology, and even elements of business to prepare you for the academic, emotional, and organizational challenges you’ll face in school settings. Whether you’re drawn to a general track or eyeing specialized paths like those in the fastest online master's in reading and literacy, most programs include a blend of these foundational subjects:

• Foundations of School Counseling: Introduction to the philosophy, history, and role of counselors in educational systems.
• Counseling Theories and Techniques: Study of major therapeutic models and how they apply to student counseling.
• Career Development: Frameworks for advising students on educational and vocational planning.
• Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed Care: Strategies for supporting students in crisis, including suicide prevention and grief counseling.
• Ethics and Legal Issues in School Counseling: Exploration of ethical frameworks, FERPA, mandated reporting, and confidentiality in schools.
• Psychology: Application of psychological research and theory to teaching, learning, and counseling practices.

To better understand the academic paths that lead to this career, here’s a breakdown of the most common undergraduate majors chosen by education counselors—including a strong showing in psychology.

What types of specializations are available in online master’s in educational counseling programs?

Specializations allow you to focus your training on specific student populations, mental health challenges, or school system needs. Many online programs offer concentration tracks or elective clusters—some even mirror the curriculum structure of the fastest online master's in gifted education programs—that align with real-world issues. Here are some of the most common specializations available:

• K–12 School Counseling: Prepares you to support students across all grade levels with academic planning, behavioral interventions, and emotional development.
• College Readiness Counseling: Focuses on helping students set post-secondary goals, apply to colleges, and explore vocational paths.
• Mental Health in Schools: Emphasizes emotional wellness, with training in how to support students experiencing anxiety, depression, or adjustment challenges.
• Special Education Counseling: Equips you to work with students with disabilities, learning differences, or behavioral disorders within IEP and 504 plan frameworks.
• Diversity Counseling: Provides tools to support students from varied cultural, racial, and linguistic backgrounds with inclusive and equitable practices.
• Substance Abuse and Behavioral Intervention: Trains counselors to recognize and respond to substance use, self-harm, and disruptive behavior in school settings. 
• Crisis and Trauma Counseling: Focuses on immediate and long-term support for students facing grief, abuse, family disruption, or community violence.

Specializing in a particular area helps you tailor your impact—whether that means guiding college applications or responding to anxiety and depression. To better understand the mental health landscape counselors are stepping into, here’s a look at the most common diagnoses among college students today:

How to choose the best accelerated online master’s in educational counseling program?

With so many options vying for your attention, you want more than “fast”—you need quality. Think of selecting your program like you would the fastest online master's in teacher leadership programs: look for a balance between speed and substance.

Here’s a few key criteria that can help you narrow your options with confidence:

• CACREP Accreditation: Choose a program accredited by CACREP to ensure it meets national standards in school counseling curriculum and qualifies you for licensure.
• State Licensure Alignment: Verify that the program includes coursework and supervised experience required for school counseling certification in your state.
• Condensed Course Format: Prioritize programs that offer short, intensive 6–8 week courses rather than standard 15-week semesters, so you can progress through content quickly without burnout.
• Stackable or Back-to-Back Terms: Choose programs that offer continuous enrollment and back-to-back start dates, allowing you to move immediately from one course to the next without delays.
• Cohort-Based Progression: Some fast-track programs use a cohort model where students move through courses together—this can provide structure, motivation, and consistent peer support during an intense schedule.
• Career-Focused Advising from Day One: Accelerated students don’t have time to waste—choose a program that aligns career planning, licensure steps, and practicum placement from the start.
• High Completion Rates: A solid accelerated program will have a track record of students successfully finishing on time—ask about attrition rates and average time to graduation.

What career paths are available for graduates of online master’s in educational counseling programs?

As the demand for student mental health support grows, so does the need for qualified, compassionate counselors. In fact, the American College Health Association (2024) found that over 33% of college students received mental health care in the previous year—a clear signal that schools need trained professionals more than ever.

Whether you choose a traditional pathway or one of the fastest online master's in multilingual learner education or educational counseling programs, your training can open doors to a wide range of roles that combine educational guidance with mental health expertise, leadership, and advocacy.

 Here are some of the most common career paths:

• Academic Success Coach: Partner with students in high schools or colleges to improve time management, study skills, and goal-setting for academic achievement.
• Child Therapist: Provide therapeutic support to children dealing with emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges, often in collaboration with schools or community clinics.
• Youth Program Director: Lead educational or counseling initiatives in community centers, after-school programs, or nonprofits focused on youth development.
• Addiction Counselor: Support students or community members struggling with substance use. This role requires you to obtain an addiction counselor certification.
• Crisis Intervention Counselor: Serve in schools or district support roles, responding to urgent student mental health issues, including self-harm, grief, or abuse.
• District-Level Counseling Coordinator: Oversee multiple schools' counseling programs, train staff, and ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Education Program Consultant: Use your expertise in counseling and school systems to advise school districts, education tech companies, or mental health organizations.

Whether you stay in the school system or branch into adjacent sectors, your degree gives you the tools to advocate for students, shape school policy, and build more supportive learning environments.

What are the potential challenges of an accelerated online master’s in educational counseling?

Accelerated online programs require rapid progression through comprehensive coursework and clinical experiences, which can limit opportunities for in‐depth reflection and integration of practical skills. Students may need to balance tighter schedules with professional and personal commitments, and securing quality practicum placements within condensed timeframes may add stress. Additionally, while these programs are designed to fast‐track careers, ensuring robust mentorship and networking can be challenging. For those seeking a streamlined approach without sacrificing real-world readiness, consider the fastest path to becoming a counselor.

What is the job outlook for graduates with an online master’s in educational counseling?

Behind every student facing academic pressure, mental health struggles, or uncertainty about the future, there's often a counselor working quietly in the background—offering clarity, support, and direction. As schools across the country continue to recognize the critical role counselors play in student success, the demand for qualified professionals is on the rise. 

From elementary classrooms to college advising offices, educational institutions are actively seeking counselors who can meet students where they are and guide them forward. For graduates of online master’s programs in educational counseling, that means stepping into a field with consistent opportunity, strong professional relevance, and room to grow.

Here’s a breakdown of the current job outlook according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024):

• Job Growth (2023–2033): Employment for school and career counselors and advisors is expected to grow at 4%.
• Job Openings Annually: Each year, approximately 29,100 positions are projected to open, largely due to retirements and career changes within the field.
• Jobs in 2023: As of 2023, there were 360,800 school and career counseling positions across the U.S., spanning K–12 schools, colleges, and career centers.

This steady demand reflects the growing importance of counselors in helping students navigate academics, personal challenges, and post-graduation plans—making it a strong, future-ready career path.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Online Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling

• “Balancing work, family, and graduate school seemed overwhelming—until I found the flexibility of an online master’s in educational counseling. Being able to learn at my own pace meant I didn’t have to put my life on hold to pursue my goals. The program still offered live discussions, one-on-one mentorship, and practical assignments I could apply immediately in my job. I finished feeling confident, supported, and ready to make a real impact.” — Samantha
• “Studying online gave me the freedom to stay in my hometown and continue working full-time while advancing my education. The coursework was rigorous but manageable, and the digital tools made collaboration with classmates seamless. I gained hands-on experience through virtual simulations and was able to complete my practicum locally. This format gave me the best of both worlds—professional growth and personal stability.” — Darren
• “I wasn’t sure an online program could feel personal, but I was blown away by how connected I felt. Professors were engaged, my cohort became a tight-knit support system, and the content was thoughtfully designed for real-world impact. The asynchronous learning model let me revisit complex topics and deepen my understanding at my own pace. This experience not only shaped me as a future counselor—it changed how I see learning itself.” — Bobby

Key Findings

• Some universities offer fast-tracked formats with 8-week courses that allow motivated students to finish in under a year.
• With demand for educational counselors projected to grow 4% by 2033, universities are designing online master’s degrees that match real-life schedules, not just academic calendars.
• Over 33% of college students received mental health care in 2023—a clear signal that schools need trained professionals more than ever. 
• Each year, approximately 29,100 positions are projected to open, largely due to retirements and career changes within the field.
• As of 2023, there were 360,800 school and career counseling positions across the U.S., spanning K–12 schools, colleges, and career centers.

What are the licensing and certification requirements for educational counselors?

Graduates must navigate state-specific licensure processes that typically include completing a set number of supervised clinical hours, meeting comprehensive examination requirements, and undergoing background checks. Clear understanding of state board regulations and recognized accreditation standards is essential to ensure a smooth transition into professional practice. Many institutions align their curriculum with established licensure criteria, which can expedite certification. In addition, for professionals looking to expand their scope or integrate cross-disciplinary approaches, exploring affordable MFT programs online may provide a competitive edge.

Other Things You Need to Know About Accelerated Online Master’s Degrees in Educational Counseling

Can I work full-time while completing an online master’s in educational counseling?

Yes, many students successfully work full-time while enrolled in an online master’s in educational counseling program. These programs are often designed with working professionals in mind and offer asynchronous courses, flexible deadlines, and part-time pacing options. 

However, managing both work and graduate school does require strong time management skills—especially during fieldwork or internship phases, which may require set hours during the school day. Communicating early with your employer and academic advisor can help you plan for busy periods in the program.

What technology or software is required for an online master’s in educational counseling?

Most programs require a reliable computer with high-speed internet, a webcam, and a microphone for virtual meetings and presentations. You’ll typically use a learning management system (like Canvas or Blackboard) to access lectures, submit assignments, and participate in discussions. 

Additional software may include video conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, and specialized counseling simulation tools used in training. Some programs may also require access to digital assessment platforms or secure portals for client documentation during practicum.

Are there cohort-based online master’s in educational counseling programs?

Yes, several online master’s in educational counseling programs use a cohort model, where a group of students progresses through the program together. This format fosters strong peer relationships, encourages collaboration, and provides a built-in support network throughout the program. 

Additionally, it also allows for more structured scheduling and predictable course sequencing. However, cohort models may offer less flexibility in pacing compared to self-paced or open-enrollment formats.

What is the typical weekly time commitment for an online master’s in educational counseling?

Students typically spend between 12 to 20 hours per week on coursework. This includes watching lectures, completing readings and assignments, participating in discussions, and preparing for exams or presentations. Time commitments increase during practicum and internship semesters, as you'll need to complete supervised hours in a school or counseling setting.

References:

• American College Health Association. (2024). NCHA IIIb Fall 2024 Reference Group Executive Summary. Acha.org. Retrieved 29 June 2025.

• Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). School and career counselors and advisors. U.S. Department of Labor. Bls.gov. Retrieved 29 June 2025.

• Campbellsville University. (n.d.). M.A. in Education – School Counseling (P–12). Online.campbellsville.edu. Retrieved 29 June 2025.

• Capella University. (n.d.). MS in School Counseling program. Capella.edu. Retrieved 29 June 2025.

• College Counseling Center Mental Health Trends (CCMH). (n.d.). Diagnostic prevalence and trends in college counseling. Penn State University. Ccmh.psu.edu. Retrieved 29 June 2025.

• Emporia State University. (n.d.). Lloyd A. Stone School Counseling Scholarship. Michigan School Counselor Association. Michiganschoolcounselor.org. Retrieved 29 June 2025.

• Georgia School Counselor Association. (n.d.). Scholarships. Gaschoolcounselor.org. Retrieved 29 June 2025.

• Melanie Foundation. (n.d.). Melanie Foundation Scholarship. Themelaniefoundation.com. Retrieved 29 June 2025.

• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). (n.d.). Minority Fellowship Program (MFP). Nbcc.org. Retrieved 29 June 2025.

• NBCC Foundation. (n.d.). Rural Scholarship Eligibility. Nbccf.org. Retrieved 29 June 2025.

• Southeastern Oklahoma State University. (n.d.). M.Ed. in School Counseling. Online.se.edu. Retrieved 29 June 2025.

• Zippia. (n.d.). Educational counselor education. Zippia.com. Retrieved 29 June 2025.

• ZipRecruiter. (n.d.). Educational Counselor Salary. Ziprecruiter.com. Retrieved 29 June 2025.