M.A. in School Counseling
Prepare for your Career with a School Counseling Master’s Degree
Now, more than ever, students need compassionate leaders who will listen, challenge, redirect and advocate for them. Is this your passion? The M.A. in School Counseling, online or on campus in Virginia Beach, can prepare you to become the kind of school counselor who can empower others with skills and resources to transform their own lives.
Expand Your Career Potential
Gain solutions-focused student skills to address specific, real-world problems faced by students, teachers, and families today.
Hands-On Fieldwork Experience in School Counseling
Enjoy experiences supervised by masters in school counseling and put classroom lessons into practice.
Collaborate With a Network of Leading-Edge Professionals
Become part of Regent’s respected community of school counselors, with the advantage of a science-faith integration to inform your career.
Presented from a Christian worldview, you’ll learn effective techniques relevant to today’s youth while you earn your master’s from highly experienced faculty in Virginia Beach and beyond.
Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.
Through this master’s in school counseling degree, you can:
- Apply the skills needed to meet the Virginia requirements for a career in professional counseling within the public school system.
- Advocate for the personal/social, career development, and academic success of students.
- Practice counseling skills and classroom management strategies to increase promotion, graduation rates, and college readiness.
- Prepare for real-world practice and consultation in public and private school settings.
Career Opportunities
- K-12 School Counselor
- Private School Counselor
- Public School Counselor
- Charter School Counselor
Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.
Application Deadlines
Spring: November 1
Cohorts are online only.
Fall: July 1
Cohorts are both online and on-campus.
Important Note: If admitted to an online program, you will be required to attend and successfully complete two on-campus, one-week residencies during the course of the program. These residencies are held in January and August.
Prerequisites
Master's applicants must:
- Hold a B.A. or B.S. from a regionally accredited college or university. Desirable degrees include those in counseling, psychology or related human behavioral fields. Other degree fields will also be considered.
- Have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate coursework.
Admissions Requirements
Step 1: Apply to Regent University
Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.
Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.
Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts
Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.
Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES or NAFSA approved agency.
Step 3: Complete an Admissions Questionnaire
Please complete a brief admissions questionnaire based on your professional goals and interests. This should only take a few minutes to complete but please answer the questions completely and thoughtfully. This enables you to demonstrate your interest in the field of counseling. Once completed, it will be sent directly to an admissions counselor who will be in touch with you right away to help complete the rest of your application.
Step 4: Submit Your Resume
Submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae that highlights your professional experiences, any research or academic projects you have completed, and includes three references with contact information. References should be able to address questions related to character, as well as your interpersonal and relational skills. The resume should also include thorough job descriptions of each position held. Please upload your document to regent.edu/items.
Step 5: Submit Your Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.
Step 6: Faculty Interview
Interviews for all licensure programs are by invitation only after review of the completed application. These required interviews are conducted online, and you must have both a webcam and microphone to participate. Your admissions counselor will provide information regarding interview days/times for you to register once your file is complete.
Applicants invited to the virtual interview should keep in mind that an interview does not assure admission. The School of Psychology & Counseling reserves the right to determine in its sole discretion whether a candidate is suitable for admission to the licensure program.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.
Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.
| State | Licensing Agency | Meets Education Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Department of Education 2777 Zelda Road Montgomery, AL 36106 334-420-7229 questions@abec.alabama.gov www.alabamaachieves.org | Yes |
| Alaska | Alaska Department of Education & Early Development – Teacher Certification PO Box 110500 Juneau, AK 99811 (907) 465-2831 tcwebmail@alaska.gov education.alaska.gov/teachercertification | No |
| Arizona | Arizona Department of Education – Certification Unit PO Box 6490 Phoenix, AZ 85005 (602) 542-4367 www.azed.gov | Yes |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education – Office of Educator Licensure Four Capitol Mall Little Rock, AR 72201 501-682-4475 lindsay.reed@ade.arkansas.gov (Program Coordinator for School Counseling) morgan.weigand@ade.arkansas.gov (Program Advisor for School Counseling) dese.ade.arkansas.gov | Yes |
| California | California Commission on Teacher Credentialing – Division of Licensure Certification 651 Bannon St., Suite 600 Sacramento, CA 95811 www.ctc.ca.gov | Yes |
| Colorado | Colorado Department of Education – Licensing Office 201 East Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80203 720-739-3304 cde.state.co.us | Yes |
| Connecticut | Connecticut State Department of Education – Bureau of Educator Standards and Certification PO Box 150471 Hartford, CT 06115 860-713-6969 teacher.cert@ct.gov portal.ct.gov/sdecertification | No |
| Delaware | Delaware Department of Education – Licensure and Certification Collette Education Resource Center 35 Commerce Way, Suite 1 Dover, DE 19904 302-857-3388 education.delaware.gov/legacy/home/educators/licensure-and-certification | Yes |
| District of Columbia | DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education – Division of Teaching and Learning Educator Credentialing 1050 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 727-6436 osse@dc.gov osse.dc.gov/page/teacher-certification | Yes |
| Florida | Florida Department of Education – Bureau of Educator Certification Room 201, Turlington Building 325 West Gaines Street Tallahassee, FL 32399 800-445-6739 www.fldoe.org/teaching/certification/ | Yes |
| Georgia | Georgia Professional Standards Commission – Educator Certification Division 200 Piedmont Avenue SE, Suite 1716 West Tower Atlanta, GA 30334 (404) 232-2500 www.gapsc.com/certification/home.aspx | Yes |
| Hawaii | Hawaii State Government – Teacher Standards Board 650 Iwilei Road, Suite 268 Honolulu, HI 96817 808-586-2600 htsb@hawaii.gov hawaiiteacherstandardsboard.org | Yes |
| Idaho | Idaho Department of Education – Certification Department 650 West State Street Boise, ID 83702 (208) 332-6882 certification@sde.idaho.gov www.sde.idaho.gov/about-us/departments/educator-certification | Yes |
| Illinois | Illinois Board of Education 555 West Monroe Street, Suite 900 Chicago, IL 60661 www.isbe.net/Pages/contact-licensure.aspx www.isbe.net | Yes |
| Indiana | Indiana Department of Education Indiana Government Center North, 9th Floor 100 N Senate Ave Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.in.gov/doe/about/contact www.in.gov/doe/educators/educator-licensing | Yes |
| Iowa | Iowa Department of Education Educational Licensure Office Grimes State Office Building 400 E 14th St, 2nd Floor Des Moines, IA 50319 515-418-1403 kelly.faga@iowa.gov (School Counseling) educate.iowa.gov/educator-licensure | Yes |
| Kansas | Kansas Department of Education 900 S.W. Jackson Street, Suite 102 Topeka, KS 66612 (785) 296-8109 www.ksde.org | Yes |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness 300 Sower Blvd., 5th Floor Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 564-4606 goteachky@education.ky.gov www.education.ky.gov/epsb/Pages/Educator-Certification.aspx | Yes |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Department of Education 1201 North Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 1-877-453-2721 doe.louisiana.gov/educators/certification | Yes |
| Maine | Maine Department of Education 23 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 (207) 624-6603 cert.doe@maine.gov www.maine.gov/doe/cert | Yes |
| Maryland | Maryland State Department of Education – Division of Educator Effectiveness 200 West Baltimore Street Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 767-0100 certinfo.msde@maryland.gov marylandpublicschools.org/about/pages/dee/certification/index.aspx | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Office of Educator Licensure 135 Santilli Highway Everett, MA 02149 781-338-6600 www.doe.mass.edu/licensure | Yes |
| Michigan | Michigan Department of Education – Office of Educator Excellence 608 W. Allegan Lansing, MI 48933 833-633-5788 www.michigan.gov/mde/services/ed-serv/ed-cert | Yes |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Department of Education – Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board 400 NE Stinson Blvd. Minneapolis, MN 55413 651-539-4200 pelsb@state.mn.us mn.gov/pelsb | Yes |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Department of Education – Office of Educator Licensure 359 N. West St. PO Box 771 Jackson, MS 39205 601-359-3483 teachersupport@mdek12.org mdek12.org/licensure | Yes |
| Missouri | Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education – Educator Certification PO Box 480 Jefferson City, MO 65102 573-751-0051 certification@dese.mo.gov dese.mo.gov | Yes |
| Montana | Montana Office of Public Instruction PO Box 202501 Helena, MT 59620 406-444-3150 cert@mt.gov opi.mt.gov | Yes |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Department of Education PO Box 94987 Lincoln, NE 68509-4987 402-471-2295 nde.tcertweb@nebraska.gov www.education.ne.gov/tcert | Yes |
| Nevada | Nevada Department of Education 700 E. Fifth Street Carson City, NV 89701 775-687-9115 license@doe.nv.gov doe.nv.gov | No |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire Department of Education – Bureau of Credentialing 25 Hall Street, 3rd Floor Concord, NH 03301 (603) 271-2409 cert.info@doe.nh.gov www.education.nh.gov | Yes |
| New Jersey | New Jersey Department of Education PO Box 500 Trenton, NJ 08625 (609) 292-2070 certificationoffice@doe.state.nj.us www.nj.gov/education | Yes |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Public Education Department – Licensure Bureau 300 Don Gaspar, Room 103 Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-827-5800 licensureunit@ped.nm.gov web.ped.nm.gov/bureaus/licensure | Yes |
| New York | New York State Education Department – Office of Teaching Initiatives 89 Washington Ave., 5N EB Albany, NY 12234 518-474-3901 www.nysed.gov | Yes |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Department of Public Instruction – Licensure Office 6301 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699 (919) 716-1800 www.dpi.nc.gov | Yes |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Department of Public Instruction 600 East Boulevard Ave, Dept 201 Bismarck, ND 58505 (701) 328-2260 www.nd.gov/dpi | No |
| Ohio | Ohio State Board of Education – Office of Educator Licensure & Effectiveness 30 W. Spring Street, 12th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-466-3593 educator.licensure@sboe.ohio.gov sboe.ohio.gov/educator-licensure | Yes |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma State Department of Education – Office of Teacher Certification 2500 N. Lincoln Boulevard, #212 Oklahoma City, OK 73105 (405) 521-3337 teachercertification@sde.ok.gov sde.ok.gov | Yes |
| Oregon | Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission 250 Division St NE Salem OR, 97301 contact.tspc@tspc.oregon.gov www.oregon.gov/tspc/Pages/index.aspx | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Department of Education – Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality Forum Building 607 South Drive Harrisburg, PA 17120 717-783-6788 www.education.pa.gov | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Department of Education – Office of Rhode Island Department of Education – Office of Educator Excellence and Certification Services 255 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02903 401-222-4600 eqac@ride.ri.gov ride.ri.gov | Yes |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Department of Education – Office of Educator Services 849 Learning Lane West Columbia, SC 29172 803-896-0325 certification@ed.sc.gov ed.sc.gov/educators/certification | Yes |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Department of Education 800 Governors Dr. Pierre, SD 57501 (605) 773-3134 certification@state.sd.us doe.sd.gov | Yes |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Department of Education – Office of Educator Licensure and Preparation 710 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243 educator.licensure@tn.gov www.tn.gov/education/educators/licensing | Yes |
| Texas | Texas Education Agency – State Board for Educator Certification 1701 N. Congress Avenue Austin, Texas, 78701 (512) 936-8400 tea.texas.gov | Yes |
| Utah | Utah State Board of Education 250 East 500 South PO Box 144200 Salt Lake City, UT 84114 (801) 538-7740 licensing@schools.utah.gov schools.utah.gov/licensing | Yes |
| Vermont | Vermont Agency of Education 1 National Life Drive, Davis 5 Montpelier, VT 05620 (802) 828-1130 education.vermont.gov | Yes |
| Virginia | Virginia Department of Education – Department of Teacher Education and Licensure PO Box 2120 Richmond VA, 23218 804-786-2302 licensure@doe.virginia.gov www.doe.virginia.gov | Yes |
| Washington | Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction – Certification Department PO Box 47200 600 Washington St. SE Olympia, WA 98504 360-725-6400 ospi.k12.wa.us | Yes |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Department of Education – Office of Certification 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East Charleston, WV 25305 (304) 558-7010 certification.wvde@k12.wv.us wvde.us | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction PO Box 7841 Madison, WI 53707 (800) 266-1027 dpi.wi.gov | Yes |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board 2001 Capitol Ave. Emerson Building, Rm 128 Cheyenne, WY 82002 307-777-7291 wyoptsb@wyo.gov wyomingptsb.com | Yes |
PART-TIME STUDENTS
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
| Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
| Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
| Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 6 | $4,500 $4,380 |
| Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 6 | $4,500 $4,380 |
| Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 6 | $4,500 $4,380 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 3 | $2,085 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | Full time enrollment is required. | ||
| Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | Full time enrollment is required. | ||
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
| Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
| Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 9 | $6,255 |
| Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 9 | $6,750 $6,570 |
| Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 9 | $6,750 $6,570 |
| Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 9 | $6,750 $6,570 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | $995 | 6 | $5,970 |
| Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | $1,079 | 12 | $12,948 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $750 |
Part-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
| Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
| Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
| Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 6 | $4,500 $4,380 |
| Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 6 | $4,500 $4,380 |
| Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 6 | $4,500 $4,380 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 3 | $2,085 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | Full time enrollment is required. | ||
| Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | Full time enrollment is required. | ||
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
| Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
| Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 9 | $6,255 |
| Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 9 | $6,750 $6,570 |
| Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 9 | $6,750 $6,570 |
| Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $750 (On-Campus) $730 (Online) | 9 | $6,750 $6,570 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | $995 | 6 | $5,970 |
| Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | $1,025 | 12 | $12,300 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $750 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.
The mission of the Counseling Department is to provide training in professional counseling, leadership, advocacy, and research with the integration of biblical principles consistent with professional standards of practice.
Goal A: Quality Curriculum
To deliver the high-quality education required by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Student Learning Objectives:
A.1. Students will demonstrate knowledge about the profession of counseling including history, organizational structures, ethics, standards and credentialing.
A.2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of social and cultural foundations to be effective in a multicultural and diverse society.
A.3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of human growth and development in order to understand the nature and needs of persons at all developmental levels and in multicultural contexts.
A.4. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of career development and related life factors.
A.5. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skill in group development, dynamics, counseling theory, group counseling methods, and group work approaches.
A.6. Students will demonstrate understanding and knowledge about individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation.
A.7. Students will demonstrate knowledge about various research methods and, statistical analysis, needs assessments and program evaluation.
A.8. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skill in counseling, crisis intervention, and consultation processes.
Goal B: Faith Integration
To provide leadership in the integration of sound and ethical clinical practice, skills and techniques within the context of Biblically based values.
Student Learning Objectives:
B.1. Students will demonstrate professional maturity and self-awareness to work with faith-based issues that arise in counseling.
B.2. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills to incorporate explicit and implicit spiritual/religious counseling strategies and techniques consistent with the values and ethical principles of the profession.
Goal C: Competent Students: (Disaggregated by Program)
To graduate students who demonstrate proficient knowledge and skill in working with individuals and groups from a multicultural and pluralistic society in mental health service delivery modalities.
Student Learning Objectives:
School Counseling
C.1.SC. Students will design and implement a data-informed comprehensive school counseling program that promotes academic, career, and Social/Emotional development of all P-12 students.
C.2.SC. Students will identify and evaluate the academic, career, and social/emotional development of all P-12 students and develop interventions to address those needs.
C.3.SC. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities, roles, and functions of school counselors in the settings in which they practice.
C.4.SC. Students will demonstrate skill in culturally responsive counseling, equity, social justice, and advocacy with all individuals, groups, and families.
Goal D: Professional Dispositions
To graduate students who demonstrate professional dispositions consistent with the counseling profession.
Student Learning Objectives:
D.1. Students will demonstrate professional dispositions consistent with the counseling profession.
Upcoming Residency Dates
Spring 2026:
- Residency A (On Campus) – Monday, January 5, 2026 – Friday, January 9, 2026. Residency A is scheduled for online students starting the M.A. Counseling Program in Spring 2026.
- Residency B (On Campus) – Monday, January 5, 2026 – Friday, January 9, 2026. Residency B is scheduled for online students starting the M.A. Counseling Program in Spring 2025.
Fall 2026:
- Residency A (On Campus) – Sunday, August 16, 2026 – Friday, August 21, 2026. Residency A is scheduled for online students starting the M.A. Counseling Program in Fall 2026.
- Residency B (On Campus) – Monday, August 17, 2026 – Friday, August 21, 2026. Residency B is scheduled for online students starting the M.A. Counseling Program in Fall 2025.
Note: Any questions regarding the residency should be directed to the Counseling Department's M.A. Program Director, Dr. Alicia Jenkins at alicjen@regent.edu.
Online students in our master's counseling programs are required to participate in two week-long residencies from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Eastern Time). Residency A provides networking and mentoring opportunities for students and facilitates discussion with faculty concerning relevant issues, course matriculation, licensure issues, and state/national exams. During Residency B, students will gain more intensive instruction in their specialty programs (Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling, and School Counseling.
During residency, students will begin a course that will be completed during the remainder of the fall semester. First-year students will receive an orientation to Regent and participate in sessions on graduate level writing and online learning technology. The School of Psychology & Counseling usually provides lunch and two breaks daily when courses are in session.
Students should consider the following residency costs: transportation, lodging, meals and textbooks purchased prior to residency. We discourage students from bringing their families during residency as the coursework is intensive and requires a considerable amount of study and preparation time, leaving no time for extracurricular activities.
Waiving of residency requirements will not be considered.
Online students may select from one of two progressions that allows them to take classes at a pace that works best for their own personal and professional schedules. On campus students are required to maintain a full-time course status.
With Regent’s M.A. in School Counseling degree, you can be prepared to meet state requirements for school counseling in schools, advocate for students’ academic and social-emotional success, and support college and career readiness. Career opportunities include roles such as K–12 school counselor, public, private, or charter school counselor.
School counseling is a dynamic and gratifying career. School counselors “provide support to students in pre-K through grade 12 in academic, career, and personal/social development.”1 These professionals advocate and care for students. The role of a school counselor is to consult and collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families “to help all students be successful academically, vocationally and personally.”2
The importance of a school counselor’s role is difficult to deny. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) revealed that school counselors are making a difference in their schools by addressing systemic racism, reducing inequities, and promoting mental well-being.3
The role of a school counselor is to better the development and educational progress of students. It is a career path worthy of consideration and admiration.
1. Acquire a bachelor’s degree.
Although it is commonly assumed, you do not need to have an undergraduate degree in psychology to become a school counselor. At Regent University, we do suggest applicants for the School of Psychology & Counseling have at least nine credit hours of psychology-related coursework. Again, this is not a prerequisite for admission. Recommended courses include:
• Intro to Psychology
• Research Methods/ Statistics
• Personality Theory
• Human Development
• Abnormal Psychology
• Psychological Test & Measurements
• Social Psychology
• Physiological Psychology
2. Earn a master’s degree in school counseling.
The Master of Arts in School Counseling at Regent includes an internship for all students. It can even be completed online! With our suggested three-year plan, you can quickly move forward to get licensed.
3. Complete your licensure requirements.
Licensure requirements can differ by state, so it is important to know that it may alter your completion timeline depending on where you choose to be licensed. The general standard for licensure is:
• The completion of an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. in School Counseling or an M.A. Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling
• Two years of supervision (post-degree)
• A state licensure exam is what most states require to become licensed as a professional counselor or its equivalent.
School Counseling licensure or certification is determined by the Board of Education in most states. Find out more about how Regent complies with licensure criteria by state. (Usually an M.A. in Counseling in School Counseling is sufficient.) Students should examine the requirements for licensure in the state or states they would like to practice in the future.
Once you complete all these steps, you can seek employment and become a school counselor!
What is the salary for a school counselor?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean pay for school counselors was $65,140 per year or $31.32 per hour in 2024.4 The average school counselor salary differs by state. School counselors are in demand. The job outlook shows an expected 4% increase in employment for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors — an increase of 13,300 jobs — for a total of 376,300 jobs by 2034.4 School counseling maintains a steady growth rate, keeping pace with the strongest career fields.
What is it like being a school counselor?
Dr. Jasmine Knight, an associate professor who worked for several years as professional school counselor, has valuable real-life insight into the profession. School counseling is a “fast-paced, solution-focused, student-first” profession. Main responsibilities include:
• Designing and delivering comprehensive school counseling programs that promote equity and access for all students
• Proactively addressing student needs and improving student success
• Engage in professional advocacy to highlight the work they do impacts student development and learning
Being a school counselor can be very rewarding! School counselors are the primary people in the schools “focused on the holistic development of the child.” They are “uniquely positioned to the support the student, the family, and improve academic success through their efforts.” As a school counselor, Dr. Knight says that one will be expected to fulfill different roles and complete duties that sometimes fall outside the role of a counselor which can be challenging.
Still, students are facing many struggles, obstacles, and mental health concerns. “For many students, a school counselor is the only counselor they have access to.” School counselors make a difference in the lives of students every day. Dr. Knight advises those who are considering pursuing a career in school counseling to speak with a practicing school counselor, learn about the expectations of the role, and be sure they have a heart for children.
References
- Virginia Board of Education. (2004). Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools. [PDF file]. Richmond, Virginia: Commonwealth of Virginia.
- American Counseling Association. (2005). What is a School Counselor: A Resource Guide for Parents and Students. [PDF file].
- American School Counselor Association. (2021). State of the Profession 2020. ASCA Research Report.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). School and Career counselors: Occupational outlook handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
To review syllabi for specific courses offered within the Counseling Department please email the Academic Services Manager, Linda Harrell (lindha5@regent.edu).
The M.A. in School Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).