If you want to work as a school counselor, you must know that employers are more interested in your internship experience than whether you completed your GRE or not. You can now do Online School Counseling programs with no GRE.
What makes an applicant’s preparation for a career as a school counselor for clearer is their academic performance and hands-on experiences. When applying for a position as a school advisor, applicants usually have to submit certificates and letters of recommendation from faculty members for university graduates.
Many employers also value an applicant’s internship experience, particularly the type of internship they participated in, the grade levels they worked in, and the tasks assigned to them during their internship experience.
Likewise, employers will be more interested in the applicant’s educational and work experience, as stated in their resume. Applicants with a solid academic record and experience in an educational environment are often preferred for school advisory positions, regardless of whether a GRE result is available.
In this article, we shall be discussing extensively on the Best Online School Counselling Programs with no GRE and how you can benefit from it.
What is GRE?
One of the most common test requirements for students participating in master’s programs is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This test is taken after completing your bachelor’s degree and can help you enroll in select colleges in the United States.
Many students working towards enrolling in Master of Counseling programs may be looking for programs that enable quick enrollment without additional tests.
To simplify entry requirements, several universities in the United States have Masters of Counseling programs with no GRE requirements.
Numerous programs – in particular online counseling programs – either provide for a GRE waiver or waive the GRE entirely for all students participating in their Master of Counseling program to make the admission process straightforward and easier.
No GRE requirements allow these MS or MA in counseling programs to base the admission requirements on, among other things, your Bachelor’s degree, your professional experience in the counseling area, and your recommendations.
What is a Counselling Degree?
Counseling is a popular study program that helps learners prepare for careers and help needy people. The curriculum for this study program includes courses that teach participants the history of psychology and counseling, basic issues of normal and abnormal mental health, and techniques for therapeutic intervention for clients of different ages.
This program can take approximately four years for most students, with additional time required for the monitored clinical experience upon completion.
Different colleges may have personal experience requirements in their course list to prepare students for clinical experience, while other programs may be completed online.
About Online School Counseling Program
Given the many tasks of school counselors, online school counseling programs are very broad. The students of these programs deal with topics ranging from educational research to psychology, interpersonal communication to psychological assessment, ethics to child development, and many topics in between.
Many programs have also developed courses that train school counselors to deal with crises.
Because school counselors work not only with students but also with parents, guardians, teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders, school counseling programs often provide learning opportunities that develop students’ ability to communicate effectively with different groups, improve empathy, and focus on organizational skills.
You can obtain your Counselling degree without leaving your comfort. All you need to do is get more information on the 15 Online Schools Counseling Programs just by clicking the link.
What Do You Learn in an Online School Counseling Program?
Courses in this area cover a wide range of topics to develop students who have the skills to deal with complex problems in a school environment.
The following list, although not a complete list of students in these programs, contains several common learning goals for students in school counseling:
- Abnormal Behavior Identification – Students learn the characteristics of abnormal behavior (i.e., symptomology of personality disorders) that are common in childhood.
- Treatment of Mental Disorders – School Counseling graduates learn many treatments and interventions that help them provide support services to students with mental health needs.
- Educational Design – Because school advisors work closely with teachers and administrators to develop age-appropriate learning opportunities for students, they must learn the basics of educational theory and pedagogical design in graduate school.
- Diversity issues – K-12 schools are becoming more social, ethnic, racial, and religious. Therefore, school counseling graduates must learn to communicate with and build relationships with students from all walks of life.
- Evidence-based practice – School counseling graduates learn to do scientific research and implement and evaluate evidence-based programs that benefit students.
- Psychological Statistics – School counseling programs often require at least one or two semesters of psychological statistics courses in which students learn to analyze both descriptive and inferential statistics.
- Ethics – A critical component of all Research Training Groups in this area is the study of ethics. These courses help students understand how to behave in a way that supports students and their needs while maintaining healthy boundaries and meeting ethical standards in practice.
- Counseling Theory – Students explore many types of counseling theory, from psychoanalysis to cognitive behavioral therapy to gestalt therapy.
How long does it take to get an Online School Counseling Degree Program?
The duration of an online school counseling program varies greatly from institution to institution. Some universities offer programs with 30 to 36 credit hours, which can be completed in two years if a student is a full-time master’s degree.
Other programs require a few more credits – in the range of 48 credits – that would add another six months or a year to the timeline.
However, many master’s degrees in school counseling require more than 60 credit hours to complete the degree. Students can spend at least 3-4 years meeting their study requirements in such cases.
In addition to the credit requirements, the program’s number of internships, internships, and residence requirements determines how long it takes to complete.
What skills do you need to Complete a School Counseling Program?
School counseling students must have various skills that not only help them be excellent students but also prepare them to be competent school advisers after graduation.
While it is impossible to list all of the skills a student needs to succeed in the school counseling program, the following list outlines some of the key skills:
- Problem-solving skills – Many of the problems that school counselors deal with in their careers affect students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral problems. Students must develop excellent problem-solving skills in graduate school to identify and address these issues effectively.
- Emotional Intelligence – Graduates from school counseling programs must be in touch with their own feelings, control and direct their own feelings, and be able to recognize and respect the feelings and emotions of others.
- Empathy – School counselors often encounter very difficult situations with their students, from children abused or neglected to children with severe mental or emotional disorders. As a result, students in school counseling programs must have a very strong sense of empathy and be able to see and experience the world from the perspective of other people.
- Communication Skills – Students in these programs should have excellent communication skills before starting graduate school. During their studies, students will develop their written and oral communication skills and, at the same time, develop strong active listening skills.
- Patience – To work in a school system, school advisors must adhere to very strict guidelines and take into account the needs of the students, the wishes of the parents, and the requirements of the administrators. Therefore, school counseling graduates should have enormous patience and the ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to build relationships – Students in graduate schools in school counseling should have excellent relationships building skills. That means to be an effective school advisor, you have to be able to speak to children and adults from all walks of life, connect with them, and work closely with them.
- Self-reflection ability – A primary goal of master’s programs in this area is to help students learn how their opinions, thoughts, feelings, and prejudices can affect their work with others. Therefore, the students must have a strong ability for self-reflection and self-understanding.
How Much Can You Earn with a School Counseling Master’s Program?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school counselors with a master’s degree in 2019 earned an average annual salary of $57,040.
However, the wage range for this position is quite broad: the lowest ten percent of the workforce earns an average annual salary of only $32,660, and the highest ten percent of the workers earn an average annual wage of $91,960.
One of the biggest factors determining a school counselor’s salary is his years of experience. Like teachers, school advisors can increase the salary scale in their position every year.
In public school systems, this could mean an increase in wages of several hundred dollars a year.
In addition, school counselors can increase their wages by continuing their education. For example, many public and private school systems set a specific salary for workers with a master’s degree and then offer higher wages for workers with a master’s degree plus 15 additional graduation credits, 30 additional graduation credits, and 45 additional graduation credits.
Combining additional education with years of experience is often the key to making more money as a school counselor.
Why is the GRE sometimes required?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a skill and knowledge test for graduates of bachelor’s programs. Some universities require incoming students to complete this assessment before they are accepted into their graduate programs.
This is an additional step on the educational path of the students.
This exam tests students in analytical writing, quantitative analysis, and verbal skills. After completing the exam, students receive a score based on their cumulative progress in each section.
Different universities have different expectations of the points required for admission. Universities with a higher admissions rate can use these test results to determine which applicants are included in their programs.
What are the Online School Counseling Programs that do not require GRE?
There are online degree programs for school counseling from universities nationwide that do not require a GRE score to be approved. Here are the online school counseling programs without GRE.
We have considered the program’s cost and given the higher-ranking online school counseling master’s degree the higher rank.
University of Massachusetts Boston
- AVERAGE NET PRICE: $2,590
- NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS: 5
The University of Massachusetts Boston offers an online Master of Education in Counseling that prepares individuals for government licenses and careers as school counselors. The program is available online but begins with a two-week personal stay.
Students also have the option to complete an adjustment counseling concentration that requires two additional courses and additional internship hours. This program meets the requirements for state licensing in Massachusetts.
The master’s degree from UMass Boston requires 60 credits and two years. The courses include counseling theory and practice, group counseling for children and adolescents, facilitating and training in career development, and psychopathology and diagnosis.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and competitive GRE results. UMass Boston waived the GRE requirement for applicants with a master’s degree. Potential students with low GRE scores can submit an optional writing pattern.
The University of Massachusetts Boston is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Fort Hays State University
- AVERAGE NET PRICE: $3,205
- NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS: 12
Fort Hays State University offers an online Master of Science in counseling with a licensing path in school counseling from the Kansas Department of Education.
The FHSU Masters in Counseling Psychology requires 48 credits and takes three years. Courses include counseling skills development, human lifespan development, psychopathology and diagnosis, and professional counseling in primary schools.
The curriculum also requires an internship in primary or secondary school counseling, an internship, and a comprehensive exam. To qualify for the Kansas Initial School Specialist license, students must have a 3.25 GPA.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution. Kansas residents receive a substantial discount.
The Higher Learning Commission regionally accredits Fort Hays State University.
Southern Arkansas University
- AVERAGE NET PRICE: $4,878
- NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS: 12
Southern Arkansas University offers an online Master of Education in school counseling that meets Arkansas’s licensing requirements for advanced and initial K-12 school counseling. Students outside Arkansas should check that this program meets their home state’s licensing requirements.
The Master in Counseling Psychology from the SAU requires 48 credits and takes 2.5-3 years. Courses include counseling theories, human development to support professionals, counseling in a diverse society, and assessment processes. Students must also do internships at a local school.
Students must have a 3.0 GPA to graduate. The first K-12 school counseling license is available to students who complete this program and do not have a standard teaching license.
The extended license is available to students who complete this program and have a teaching license.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- AVERAGE NET PRICE: $5,513
- NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS: 6
Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers an online Master of Education in school counseling for students pursuing careers as career counselors or career counselors in educational institutions. The SOSU program delivers all coursework online, asynchronously, and in an accelerated format.
SOSUs M.Ed. School credits require 42 credits and take 12 months to complete. Core courses include human growth and development in counseling, counseling theories, group counseling, and research in counseling.
Students must also complete an internship consisting of 100 hours of supervised advice.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and a valid teaching license. Students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements can submit additional materials for the exam. SOSU does not need a GRE.
North American University
- AVERAGE NET PRICE: $5,777
- NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS: 9
North American University offers an online Master of Education in school counseling that prepares students for careers as K-12 school counselors or for further study. NAU offers courses 100% online to meet the needs of professionals.
The Master in Consulting at the NAU requires 48 credits. The core courses include human growth and development, curriculum and lesson design, counseling for children and adolescents, and multicultural counseling. The curriculum includes both a thesis and a non-thesis.
Students who choose to do a thesis must complete six theses, receive faculty approval, and successfully defend.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. No GRE points are required for admission.
Lamar University
- AVERAGE TUITION: $5,940
- NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS: 10
Lamar University offers an online Master of Education in Consulting and Development that prepares school counselors for the needs of various K-12 students.
The LU program also meets the Texas requirements for licensing school counselors and certification as a licensed professional counselor. Students residing outside of Texas should check that this program meets the licensing requirements in their state.
The Master in Consulting from LU requires 60 credits and takes 30 months. The core courses include human growth and development, counseling for children and adolescents, multicultural counseling, and advice on drug abuse. The curriculum also includes an internship and an internship at Texas schools.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 2.5, a valid teaching license, and two years of teaching experience.
University of the Cumberlands
- AVERAGE NET PRICE: $5,970
- NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS: 9
The University of the Cumberlands offers students interested in advancing their careers in education an online Master of Arts in Education with a focus on school counseling. This degree does not result in licensing.
Cumberlands’ Masters in Consulting requires 45 credits. The core courses include advanced development and learning of human behavior, social and cultural foundations, counseling theories and techniques, and counseling for people with different needs.
The curriculum also requires an internship and an internship and culminates in a comprehensive exam.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a valid teaching license. Applicants without a license to teach must submit GRE or MAT results.
Transfer students can bring up to nine credits when enrolling.
University of Nebraska at Kearney
- AVERAGE NET PRICE: $7,209
- NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS: NA
The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers an online Master of Science in school counseling that leads to an elementary PreK-6 or secondary 7-12 license. This program offers professionals a combination of evening and online courses, summer residences, and field research experiences.
The Master in Consulting from the UNK requires 43 credits and takes 2.5 years. The course work includes counseling theories, career counseling, development and intervention of children and adolescents, and multicultural counseling.
The curriculum also requires two internships and one internship. Nebraska residents receive a substantial discount.
The Higher Learning Commission regionally accredits the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
East Carolina University
- AVERAGE NET PRICE: $7,699
- NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS: 5
East Carolina University offers an online Master of Science in adviser training with three main focuses: clinical psychological counseling, school counseling, student affairs, and student counseling.
In any case, the ECU master needs 60 credits for advice. The core courses include analysis of the individual, advice theory and techniques, social and cultural issues in advice, and development advice and learning.
After completing the core courses, the students choose a concentration. The learners must also complete an internship and a supervised internship.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Potential students must also submit GRE or MAT results.
The Colleges Commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools regionally accredits East Carolina University.
Concordia University Irvine
- AVERAGE NET PRICE: $7,774
- NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS: 11
Concordia University Irvine offers an online Master of Arts in school counseling for practicing teachers who are career advisors in K-12 environments. This cohort-based program meets the requirements for qualification as student staff in California. The courses are available online or in a mixed format. CUI offers online courses both synchronously and asynchronously.
The CUI Master in Counseling Psychology requires 48 credits and takes 33 months. The courses include educational assessment, counseling theories, counseling exceptional children, and psychopathology.
The curriculum also requires an internship, field research, and a joint keystone project. Students must gain 600 hours of supervised field experience.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 2.7 and a valid teaching license. CUI grants a 10% discount to applicants working in Lutheran schools.
The Northwest Commission regionally accredits Concordia University Irvine on Colleges and Universities.
New York University
- AVERAGE NET PRICE: $7,794
- NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS: 9
The NYU offers an online Master of Arts in counseling and guidance for prospective school counselors who want to work with different students. The program has two priorities: school counseling and bilingual school counseling. Graduates can apply for a license in their home countries.
The NYU Masters in Counseling Psychology requires 48 credits and lasts 18 months. The courses include intercultural counseling, research and evaluation methods in behavioral sciences, human growth and development, and evaluating children and adolescents.
The curriculum requires a 100-hour internship and a 600-hour internship in NYU-recognized public or private schools. Students must also pass the comprehensive exam in the last semester to prepare for the advisor.
Prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally recognized university. The program is aimed at applicants committed to promoting justice and social justice. No GRE points are required for admission to NYU.
Liberty University
- AVERAGE NET PRICE: $7,781
- NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS: 18
Liberty University offers an online Master of Education in school counseling that prepares students to become school counselors in public and private schools. The program uses a hybrid delivery method that combines asynchronous online coursework with multiple intensive courses on campus.
Liberty’s Master in Consulting requires 48 credits and takes 2.5 years. The coursework includes the basics of education, assessment and intervention of educational institutions, principles of school counseling, and the development and assessment of school counseling programs. The students also complete a two-semester internship and an internship. Professors teach all courses through a biblical lens, and the curriculum includes religious competencies for school counseling.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0. Incoming students can transfer up to 24 credits from another graduate program.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission for Higher Education regionally accredits Liberty University.
Arkansas State University
- AVERAGE NET PRICE: $9,514
- NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS: 4
Arkansas State University offers an online Master of Science in school counseling that prepares students for licensing in Arkansas.
The Master in Advice from A-State requires 48 credits and takes 16 to 18 months. The course work includes the social and cultural foundations of counseling, career development and services, theories and techniques in counseling, and psychological tests.
Each course lasts seven weeks. The curriculum also includes two internships and an internship of 15 weeks each. The program delivers all coursework asynchronously.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and at least a 3.0 GPA. Students who do not meet these requirements can still qualify for conditional admission. No license to teach is required to approve the program.
The Higher Learning Commission regionally accredits Arkansas State University.
Vanderbilt University
- AVERAGE NET PRICE: $21,454
- NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS: 4
Vanderbilt University offers an online Master of Education specializing in school counseling that prepares students to become effective counselors at K-12 schools. This program is available online but requires three-semester experiences in the local student communities and two on-campus immersions. Graduates can acquire a school counseling license in Tennessee.
Vanderbilts’ Master in Consulting requires 48 credits and takes three years. The coursework includes research in counseling, counseling theories, counseling of different population groups, and evaluation and assessment.
The curriculum includes field research experience at an elementary school, a middle school, and a secondary school.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a satisfactory MAT or GRE results.
The higher education commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools regionally accredits Vanderbilt University.
University of Southern California
- AVERAGE NET PRICE: $45,426
- NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS: 4
The University of Southern California offers an online Master of Education in school counseling for students seeking license and employment as a K-12 school counselor in California. License requirements differ from state to state.
Therefore, students outside of California should review the requirements in the state where they plan to practice.
The Master in Consulting from USC requires 49 credits and takes 2-3 years. The program is divided into college and career readiness, restorative justice, and traumatized practice.
The courses include legal and ethical issues related to counseling, learning, individual differences, the theory of human development, research methods, and consultant data analysis. Students must also complete a 100-hour internship and a 600-hour internship.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0.
The WASC Senior College and the University Commission regionally accredit USC.
Do All Online School Counseling Programs Require a GRE?
Though many online graduate programs in school counseling require students to have a satisfactory GRE for admission, many others do not. For institutions that do not require a GRE, admissions officers rely on other criteria to assess a student’s suitability for the program.
Typically, non-GRE requirements revolve around the applicant’s performance. Students typically submit certificates showing they have completed an accredited institution with satisfactory grades (i.e., a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale).
Many colleges and universities also require applicants to submit letters of recommendation from faculty members for students to get a complete picture of the student’s academic skills.
FAQs – Online School Counselling Programs with no GRE
Virtual school counseling is a way to reach a diverse student set, help students meet their potential, and impact their learning in a way they may not receive in a traditional face-to-face school environment.
It’s a Personally Rewarding Profession.
For those who were teachers first, becoming a school counselor changes the focus of the interaction with young people. School counselors often describe their jobs as rewarding because they make a difference in young lives.
Master’s in counseling programs are generally designed to be completed in four academic semesters, or roughly two years of full-time enrollment. Students who enroll part-time in a counseling program may take three or more years to complete the degree.
Conclusion
If you complete an online master’s degree in school counseling, especially without GRE, you will qualify for jobs in schools and colleges, as well as in career centers, private companies, and government institutions.
School counseling is a very rewarding field, but not the highest paid industry in the world. Therefore, it is important that you understand and apply for any of the online school counseling programs no GRE that is available for you.
References
- www.psychologyschoolguide.net › guides › online-school-counseling…
- www.counselingdegreesonline.org › masters › no-gre-required
- teach.com
- www.bestcounselingdegrees.net
Writer’s Recommendation
