Help Support Pre-K–12 Students Through Counseling

The Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling degree program at Grand Canyon University offers individuals with a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to seek certification and pursue a career as a school counselor. This master’s degree leads to initial licensure and serves as the next step for professional growth in two fields — education and counseling. 

Total Credits: 60

GCU Master of Education in School Counseling

Scholarships →
What qualifications do you need to become a
school counselor?
You are typically required to have at least a master’s degree that focuses on school counseling in order to work as a school counselor, along with meeting state licensure or certification requirements. Each state has different certification requirements for school counselors, but they generally include a master’s degree, internship and/or practicum hours and a passing score on an exam.4 Be sure to know your state’s requirements before choosing a graduate degree program.
Are online master’s in school counseling
degrees respected?
Many universities offer online school counseling programs for greater scheduling convenience and geographic flexibility.5 When choosing an online degree program, it’s important to ensure that it meets state standards for licensure/certification. GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offering programs that meet high education standards with approved, reviewed curriculum.
Is there a need for
school counselors?
Schools need school counselors to help students overcome challenges and to foster a safe, inclusive school environment for all. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates job growth for school and career counselors and advisors to be 4% from 2023 through 2033, as fast as average. This indicates that schools expect to hire about 16,200 new professionals during this time period.6 

MEd in School Counseling FAQs

If you want to learn more about earning your Master of Education in School Counseling, take a look at our responses to a few common questions about this degree and career field.

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No Application Fee | Most Online1 Classes Starting Weekly

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Earn Your Master's in School Counseling Online

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‡ MOUs 10134 & 10135: This scholarship is only valid for those admissible applicants who are participating in a GCU College of Education or secondary education emphasis master’s degree program, offered online, and who submit a completed application to start their program. If you enroll in a master’s degree program through any of the College of Education or secondary education emphasis degree programs offered online, GCU will offer you 20% off tuition per course for your program. This scholarship will be applied at the same time the tuition charges occur. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only and does not include fees.

1 Excluding observational and practice-based experiences, and student teaching. 

2 alumni_disclaimer

3 online_students_disclaimer

4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How to Become a School or Career Counselor or Advisor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on May 10, 2024. 

5 Online degree programs exclude in-person practicum experiences and internship hours.

6 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, School and Career Counselors and Advisors, retrieved on November 18, 2024.

Fund Your School Counseling Journey With GCU’s Scholarships

GCU offers scholarship opportunities to help make funding a private Christian education affordable.

    “Even though I did the online program, it never felt as if I was one among many. At GCU, I never felt like I was alone.”

    Keziah Tinkle-Williams

    GCU Alum

    “GCU was always clear about costs. I received scholarships and grants, giving me as much financial opportunity as possible. When people say they’re thinking of going to college, I always tell them about GCU.”

    Sarah Gallé

    GCU Alum

    “Having the remote, online ability to organize your schedule around your day is great. You don’t have to worry about being in the classroom on certain nights between certain hours.”

    Tyrone Nance

    GCU Alum

    “I looked at about 20 universities and GCU fit within my budget and my time-frame — I could start right away. Those were the two main factors for me, and because it was offered as an online degree, it worked out perfectly.”

    Tamara Grace

    GCU Alum

    “I am incredibly blessed and beyond thankful for the entire staff of the Colangelo College of Business for all they have done to help students like me succeed. Each and every one of my professors took a chance on me and mentored me.”

    Havilah Houston

    GCU Alum

    “I’ve been able to be successful in my job and get to where I am today because of my professors and the GCU community.”

    Becca Wayne

    GCU Alum

Learn the Skills Needed to Become a School Counselor

  • Address challenges experienced by children and adolescents, such as academic, social and emotional difficulties, low self-esteem and issues they may be experiencing at home


  • Identify risks that lead to mental health and behavioral disorders

  • Strategize ways to foster personal growth


  • Lead in data-informed decision-making and school counseling program development


  • Examine how various non-academic problems affect achievement in the classroom
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Discover Our School Counseling Program's Flexible Learning Options

Total Credits: 60


The courses in this initial licensure counseling degree program are offered online. In-person practicum internship hours are also required to meet the necessary field experience for Arizona licensure and the completion of this master’s program.


  • This program includes 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours for a total of 700 hours of experiential education.

  • You must have access to pre-approved pre-K–12 schools to complete program requirements.
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Make a Difference: ASCA-Informed School Counseling Program

The curriculum for this program is:

  • Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)


  • Approved by the Arizona State Board of Education and informed by the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model


  • Tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner with a strength-based approach


  • Facilitated by knowledgeable faculty skilled in child and adolescent development, counseling theory, group and individual counseling as well as trauma and psychopathology
Request Info →
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Benefits of an Online1 GCU Degree

GCU’s online courses offer flexibility and convenience for working professionals and students with busy schedules. Study on your own time, making it simpler to balance education with work, family and other commitments.

Flexible Programs

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GCU’s faculty advise students on how to grow academically, spiritually and personally. They bring experience in their fields and are passionate educators and collaborators who can enhance the college experience for all students.

Faculty & Leadership

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Male and Female GCU students studying in the evening on GCU's campus

GCU is committed to helping you find the academic guidance to complete your degree. Students have access to resources such as academic advising and technical support.

Support Services

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    Flexible Programs

    GCU’s online courses offer flexibility and convenience for working professionals and students with busy schedules. Study on your own time, making it simpler to balance education with work, family and other commitments.

    Request Info →

    Faculty & Leadership

    GCU’s faculty advise students on how to grow academically, spiritually and personally. They bring experience in their fields and are passionate educators and collaborators who can enhance the college experience for all students.

    Request Info →

    Support Services

    GCU is committed to helping you find the academic guidance to complete your degree. Students have access to resources such as academic advising and technical support.

    Request Info →

Request more information now and see where GCU can take you.

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Education Master’s Degree Scholarship

GCU is offering a 20% off tuition scholarship for all new education master’s students who qualify to start their program this month.‡

Check Eligibility →

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Competitive, affordable tuition

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GCU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968

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Most online classes starting every week

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What You Can Learn

Learn the Skills Needed to Become a School Counselor


  • Address challenges experienced by children and adolescents, such as academic, social and emotional difficulties, low self-esteem and issues they may be experiencing at home


  • Identify risks that lead to mental health and behavioral disorders

  • Strategize ways to foster personal growth


  • Lead in data-informed decision-making and school counseling program development


  • Examine how various non-academic problems affect achievement in the classroom

Request Info →
Program Structure

Discover Our School Counseling Program's Flexible Learning Options

Total Credits: 60

The courses in this initial licensure counseling degree program are offered online. In-person practicum internship hours are also required to meet the necessary field experience for Arizona licensure and the completion of this master’s program.

  • This program includes 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours for a total of 700 hours of experiential education.

  • You must have access to pre-approved pre-K–12 schools to complete program requirements.

Request Info →
Curriculum Standards

Make a Difference: ASCA-Informed School Counseling Program

The curriculum for this program is:

  • Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)


  • Approved by the Arizona State Board of Education and informed by the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model


  • Tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner with a strength-based approach


  • Facilitated by knowledgeable faculty skilled in child and adolescent development, counseling theory, group and individual counseling as well as trauma and psychopathology

Request Info →
  • No Application Fee
  • Most Online1 Courses Start Weekly

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Leads to Initial Licensure

The MEd in School Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Logo for Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
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New Education Master’s Degree Scholarship

Save 20% off tuition, if you qualify, when you enroll to start this month.‡