College of Human Development, Culture, and Media
Seton Hall’s nationally recognized and CAEP-accredited M.A. in School Counseling program is designed to prepare compassionate, knowledgeable, and socially conscious professionals to support the success and well-being of students in today’s schools.
Offered in a flexible online format with in-person residencies, the program attracts a diverse community of learners—from recent graduates to experienced educators and career changers—who are committed to making a difference. Rooted in values of equity and inclusion, the program combines academic rigor with real-world application, providing students with the tools to address the complex challenges facing K–12 students.
Students learn alongside highly experienced researchers and practitioners who are actively engaged with schools and community agencies and model best practices. Interdisciplinary collaboration is a hallmark of the College, which recognizes that supporting and improving the lives of children, families and communities is a complex process.
Accreditation & Awards
"We have excellent students and amazing faculty. Our forward-thinking curriculum reflects best practice in training the next generation of counselors"
Admissions Requirements
The Online M.A. in School Counseling program accepts applications throughout the year on a rolling basis. Priority deadlines for scholarship consideration are May 1 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission.
- Online Application
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Three (3) letters of recommendation, including at least one from a professional colleague who can attest to the candidate’s ability to interact with others, fit with the counseling profession, and capacity for graduate study
- Personal statement, outlining a description of related work experience, qualifications, and academic and professional goals
- Resume or C.V.
- Interview with the Admissions Committee
Deadlines
Fall Semester - Priority May 1 Spring Semester - Priority November 1 Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Curriculum Overview
Seton Hall’s 48-credit online M.A. in School Counseling program provides a strong foundation in counseling theory, ethics, human development, and multicultural competency.
Students build practical skills in individual and group counseling, assessment, and consultation, with a focus on school-based applications. The program emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and crisis response, preparing students to support the well-being of children and adolescents.
In addition to online coursework, students participate in intensive summer residencies and complete a school counselor internship to apply their learning in real-world settings. Aligned with state certification requirements and national standards, the curriculum reflects a commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered practice.
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48
Credits
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25%
Online Grad Ed Program Ranking in U.S. (2025 – US NEWS)
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#3
Online Master's in School Counseling Program Ranking (2023 – Bestcolleges.com )
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the online M.A. in School Counseling program are prepared for a range of impactful careers in K-12 educational settings. The program leads to certification as a school counselor in New Jersey and many other states, and offers a pathway to professional counselor licensure through the optional Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree.
Designed for teachers, psychology or social work graduates, career changers, and adult learners, this program blends online coursework with in-person residencies. Students gain hands-on experience through internships and are trained to work effectively with families, teachers and multidisciplinary teams.
With a strong social justice focus and CAEP accreditation, graduates are well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in schools as consultants, leaders, and change agents, and can deliver comprehensive developmental counseling programs that support students’ academic, social-emotional and career growth.
7%
Projected Career Growth
$79,030
Annual Mean Wage in NJ (2023, bls.gov)
1:1
Academic & Career Advising
Our graduates make an impact at world-class educational institutions.
Our Faculty and Students
Online Graduate Education Programs Ranked Top 10 in Tristate Area by U.S. News
The M.A. in School Counseling program ranked in the top 25 percent of all online graduate-level
education programs in the U.S., third in New Jersey.
Department of Professional Psychology and Family Therapy Sponsors Walk Team for Mental Health Awareness
Program Responds to Growing Need for School Counselors
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Seton Hall University is committed to providing students with the most current information on how to finance your graduate degree. A graduate degree is within your reach – a variety of options can help you finance your degree including scholarships, federal aid, graduate assistantships, and more.
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50%
Amount Scholarships Can Reduce Cost of Degree
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any in-person requirements for the online M.A. in School Counseling program?
Does the program meet licensure requirements?
What accreditation does Seton Hall’s School Counseling program have?
Will I be certified to work in other states?
See all Graduate Admissions FAQs
Additional Resources
M.A. in School Counseling - On-Campus Program
Post-M.A. School Counseling Certificate
Ed.S. Professional Counseling
Request More Information
Office of Graduate Affairs
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About Seton Hall
One of the country's leading Catholic Universities, Seton Hall University has been developing students in mind, heart and spirit since 1856.
Home to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs, Seton Hall's academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.
Seton Hall's 58-acre campus in the quaint town of South Orange, New Jersey, is only 14 miles from New York City — offering students a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The University’s nationally recognized School of Law is located in nearby Newark, New Jersey. The Interprofessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in the owns of Clifton and Nutley, New Jersey, houses the University’s College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences.
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1856
Founded by James Roosevelt Bayley
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14
Miles from New York City
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90+
Career-Building Graduate Programs
