The 11 Best Guidance Counseling Degree Programs in New York for 2026
A guidance counseling degree in New York opens doors to a rewarding career with strong growth prospects. School counselors earn a median annual salary of $61,710, and top earners make over $100,050. Employment in this field will grow 5 percent through 2032 and create approximately 26,600 openings each year.
You might be learning about masters in school counseling programs in New York or researching guidance counselor schooling requirements. Choosing the right program is significant. This guide breaks down the 11 best guidance counseling degree programs in New York and covers everything from accreditation to tuition costs.
1. Teachers College, Columbia University – Psychological Counseling: School Counselor EdM
Program Overview and Highlights
Teachers College at Columbia University is the nation’s first graduate school of education and offers an Ed.M. in Psychological Counseling with a school counseling specialization. This 60-credit program distinguishes itself through a detailed infusion of racial-cultural and social justice emphases throughout all program components. Every course operates within a social justice and racial-cultural framework and extends beyond dedicated multicultural courses to shape the entire educational experience.
The program emphasizes experiential training and self-awareness as foundational elements of counselor preparation. You’ll participate in transformational courses such as Foundations, Group Counseling, and Racial-Cultural Counseling Lab, where personal growth accompanies professional skill development. Research opportunities exist with faculty members who have shaped the counseling profession and maintain ongoing research teams open to students at any training level.
You can choose both online and on-campus formats. The online program features a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning and requires approximately 9 hours of instruction weekly (up to 4 hours live and 5 hours asynchronous).
Accreditation and Certification
The program holds NCATE accreditation, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for institutions that prepare educational professionals for K-12 settings. Teachers College’s Office of Teacher Education assists you in applying for certification as a state-approved program.
You become eligible for provisional certification as a School Counselor in New York State after completion, valid for 5 years. Permanent certification requires two years of employment as a school counselor. Students can use the en passant M.A. (earned at 32 points) to apply for provisional certification.
Admission Requirements
You’ll need to submit an online degree application that has a statement of purpose and resume, transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework, two letters of recommendation, and results from an accepted English proficiency exam if applicable. The application fee stands at $75. International applicants cannot apply for the online program format.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition rates for 2025-2026 are $2,131 per credit, with an estimated increase to $2,216 per credit for 2026-2027. Each term has a mandatory college fee of $528 (2025-26) or $538 (2026-27).
Sample Tuition Costs (2025-2026)
| Enrollment | Tuition Cost | College Fee | Total (excluding health fees) |
| 5 credits | $10,655 | $528 | $11,183 |
| 9 credits | $19,179 | $528 | $19,707 |
Scholarships include the Founders’ Award (up to $18,500 for first-year students) and the Teachers’ Future Award (up to $15,000 per year for certification programs, renewable for two years). Students in the online program receive the Vanguard Scholarship automatically upon admission.
Program Format and Duration
Full-time students complete the program in five semesters. You must complete a comprehensive examination (taken when reaching 45 credits) and a special project in addition to the 60 credits of coursework. Required courses often schedule in afternoons and evenings and allow flexibility for part-time attendance, though day courses occur sometimes. The online program operates on a cohort model that requires full-time enrollment. Second-year students complete a practicum that requires a minimum of 20 hours weekly at a school.
2. Mercy University – Master of Science in School Counseling
Program Overview and Highlights
Mercy University delivers a 60-credit Master of Science in School Counseling that prepares you to work with teachers, parents and administrators in K-12 settings. The curriculum spans three levels: Simple Foundational Knowledge (18 credits), Intermediate Pre-Internship Preparation (24 credits) and Advanced Specialty Concentration with Internship (18 credits).
The HEART Grant (Helping Evidence-Based Advocates with Responsive Training) sets this program apart. It offers stipends and tuition relief during your second year clinical placements. You’ll also access experiential training through service-learning projects. You can earn a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Certificate (CASAC-T) beyond school counseling certification. This expands your career opportunities into patient care and leadership roles.
Accreditation and Certification
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation accredits the program. The program guides you to provisional certification as a school counselor through the New York State Education Department.
You must pass the NYSTCE School Counseling exam before receiving your certification as of February 2024. The curriculum meets educational requirements for certification in 42 states and territories. These include Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Admission Requirements
You’ll need a baccalaureate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with lower GPAs may receive provisional admission. They must demonstrate adequate graduate-level work with grades of B or better in the first 18 credits.
Your application must include two professional letters of recommendation (at least one from a professor in a related major), a current resume and an 800-1,000 word personal statement. The statement should address these questions: What does it mean to be a school counselor? What influenced your decision? What are your three biggest strengths and challenges? How will these affect you as a student and future counselor?
Tuition and Financial Aid
Annual tuition averages $21,640. All incoming students receive automatic review for merit-based scholarships based on academic criteria. You must complete the FAFSA to receive your financial aid package. The priority deadline is February 15.
Financial aid options include grants, scholarships, federal loans and work-study programs. The university offers many scholarship opportunities created by alumni, organizations and foundations.
Program Format and Duration
Full-time students complete the program in 3 years. The curriculum offers both in-person and online courses. You can fit classes into your schedule. Part-time enrollment options accommodate working professionals.
You can transfer up to six credits of graduate work from accredited institutions. You must have earned at least a B in each course. The university makes transfer decisions on a case-by-case basis. Courses must have been completed within five years prior to acceptance.
3. St. John’s University – School Counseling Master of Science in Education
Program Overview and Emphasis
St. John’s University roots its School Counseling program in Vincentian values and social justice principles. The 60-credit Master of Science in Education prepares you to serve elementary, middle, and high school students in grades K-12. You’ll address academic and career development needs according to the American School Counselor Association’s vision.
The curriculum has 20 graduate courses and three supervised field experiences. You’ll complete coursework that lines up with CACREP standards while meeting NYS academic requirements for original school counselor certification. Core courses cover introduction to counseling, group dynamics, counseling skills and techniques, and assessment. Specialization courses have psychosocial development, research in counseling, multicultural counseling, crisis counseling, and two internship experiences.
Program objectives focus on training you as an effective leader and team member who can develop complete school counseling programs using evidence-based approaches. You’ll gain multicultural competence to identify and respond to diverse client needs while learning community resources and ethical considerations specific to school counseling.
Accreditation and Certification
The program holds CACREP accreditation through March 31, 2027. St. John’s University maintains membership in good standing with the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through December 31, 2030.
Students demonstrate exceptional performance on national exams. The program maintains a 100% passing rate on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE), required for graduation. St. John’s students achieve nearly 100% passing on the National Counselor Exam (NCE) as well. This allows them to use the Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) designation upon graduation.
Original certification in New York State requires you to complete the 60-credit degree, fingerprinting, required workshops, and pass the School Counselor CST Exam. Permanent certification requires two years of full-time work experience as a school counselor.
Admission Requirements
You need a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA in your general average and major field. A minimum of 18 credits in behavioral and social sciences or professional education courses is required. Students not meeting this requirement may be provisionally admitted but must complete additional coursework.
Your application requires two letters of recommendation from college instructors or field supervisors and participation in a faculty interview with an on-site writing sample. You’ll also submit a one-to-two-page personal essay that outlines your reasons for pursuing professional counseling. The Graduate Record Examination is no longer required.
Tuition and Financial Aid
NYC public school employees receive a 20% tuition reduction for School of Education graduate programs. This discount renews for up to three years of continuous study starting Summer/Fall 2025. You cannot combine this discount with other university discounts or scholarships and must provide annual proof of continued employment.
The School of Education offers several scholarships based on financial need. The Scholarship Committee makes determinations in collaboration with Student Financial Services.
Program Format and Duration
Full-time students complete the program in about two years through a cohort model. Classes meet once weekly in the evening to accommodate working professionals. The program has over 700 hours of fieldwork across different school settings. You must complete the CPCE examination and maintain ASCA membership, which has professional development opportunities, journal subscriptions, and required malpractice insurance.
4. New York Institute of Technology – School Counseling M.S.
Program Overview and Highlights
New York Institute of Technology offers a 60-credit Master of Science in School Counseling at both its Manhattan and Old Westbury campuses. The program achieved national recognition through CACREP accreditation and stands out with a cross-disciplinary approach where school counseling candidates share core courses with mental health and teacher education students.
Field experience integrates into coursework starting with your first course and uses technology in creative and meaningful ways. The curriculum expanded from 48 to 60 credits in Summer 2021. This allows you to qualify for both Initial and Professional Certification in New York State upon graduation. Recent cohorts demonstrate strong outcomes with a 93% graduation rate. Overall, 82% of students who enroll graduate within 3 years or less.
The program prepares you to deliver detailed services that address academic, career, and personal/social development for PreK-12 students through advocacy, collaboration, leadership, and informed interventions. You can complete a Bilingual Extension at the same time if you finish six additional credits and bilingual practicum experience, though NYSED certification requires passing the New York State Bilingual Education Assessment (BEA) on your own.
Accreditation and Certification
The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits this masters in school counseling program. You become eligible for Initial certification as a school counselor in New York State once you complete the degree.
Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA. Applicants with GPAs between 2.85 and 2.99 may receive conditional acceptance if they achieve a 3.0 GPA in their first 12 credits to continue.
Your department portfolio must include a 250-word goal statement that addresses how your career path led you to guidance counselor schooling and what excites you about the profession. Submit three department reference forms or letters that attest to your leadership, advocacy skills, and graduate study potential. Qualified applicants participate in structured individual or group interviews with program faculty after portfolio review. The application fee is $50.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Program Costs
| Component | Cost |
| Per Credit Rate | $1,800 |
| Total Program (60 credits) | $81,000 |
Graduate assistantships provide partial or total tuition remission to qualified students. The Graduate Scholar Award offers up to $4,050 per year for students who maintain a 3.3 GPA. Federal aid options include Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Program Format and Duration
The program follows a cohort model and requires enrollment in two courses per semester part-time or three courses full-time with summer sessions. You may begin studying in summer or fall terms. Full-time students complete the program in two years while part-time students finish in three. Classes meet weekday evenings and Saturdays in a blended format that combines face-to-face and online learning. You complete a practicum (100 hours) and internship totaling 600 hours under supervision of a certified school counselor.
5. Fordham University – School Counseling Program
Program Overview and Explains Key Features
Fordham University’s M.S.Ed. in School Counseling reflects the institution’s Jesuit commitment to cura personalis, or “care of the whole person”. This 60-credit program trains you to work in K-12 settings. You can work in public, parochial, and private elementary schools. You can also work in middle and high schools. The curriculum emphasizes individual counseling and group counseling. It also covers career counseling, program development, evaluation and assessment.
Social justice sensitivity and ethical decision-making are core program elements. You’ll develop evidence-based practice foundations and scientific-mindedness. Critical self-reflection skills support lifelong learning. The 2024-2025 cohort data shows strong acceptance rates: 93.8% of applicants got admission, with a mean undergraduate GPA of 3.2. 100% of graduates got state certification.
Accreditation and Certification
The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) accredits this masters in school counseling New York program through July 2026. You receive recommendation for both provisional/initial and permanent/professional certification as a school counselor in New York State upon completing all requirements.
Admission Requirements
You need a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Your application has official transcripts, resume, personal statement and two letters of recommendation. The program does not require standardized test scores. International students must demonstrate English proficiency and provide translated transcripts with course-by-course evaluation. Application deadlines fall on April 15. A January 15 priority deadline exists for early financial aid consideration.
Tuition and Financial Aid
2025-2026 Costs
| Component | Amount |
| Tuition per credit | $1,799 |
| General Fee (per term) | $95 |
| Technology Fee (per term) | $356 |
| Assessment Fee (one-time) | $190 |
You must maintain 6 credits per semester enrollment to qualify for GSE scholarships. Complete a FAFSA and meet minimum GPA requirements: 3.5 undergraduate or 3.75 graduate. Graduate assistantships provide tuition remission for one course per semester.
Program Format and Duration
Classes meet on-ground at the Lincoln Center campus during fall and spring semesters. Some summer session offerings are available. You complete 300 hours in an approved K-8 school counseling internship and 300 hours in a 9-12 setting. You also complete 100 practicum hours. Students secure their own field placements. You must maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete an end-of-program assessment.
6. SUNY Albany – Educational Psychology and Methodology
Program Overview and Highlights
SUNY Albany’s M.S. in Educational Psychology and Methodology provides a broad foundation to pursue research careers in education settings or advanced graduate studies. The 30-credit program focuses on human development psychology, disability, teaching methods, and knowledge acquisition. Coursework spans social, emotional, and intellectual development. It also covers learning theories, cognitive development, motivation, rubric development, testing and assessment, research design, and data analysis.
The curriculum requires completing one core course in each of six areas: Human Development, Learning, Individual Differences and Special Education, Research Methods, Measurement and Evaluation, and Statistics. You select four elective courses with your advisor’s approval. Students get hands-on experience. They design their own research project and collect data. Then they perform statistical analysis and report findings in a formal academic report.
If you hold a New York State ‘Generalist’ certificate in areas such as Early Childhood Education or Childhood Education, this masters in school counseling New York pathway fulfills the M.S. requirement to get Professional certification.
Accreditation and Certification
The program operates within the Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology, which maintains four disciplines: Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology and Methodology, School Psychology, and Special Education.
Admission Requirements
You need 12 undergraduate or graduate credits in psychology, educational psychology, education, or related fields. A 3.0 GPA (out of 4.0) or better is required. You may qualify with a 3.5 GPA in 9 credits of graduate coursework or excellent GRE scores. Your application has a personal statement that reflects knowledge of educational psychology and shows how your goals line up with program offerings. Three letters of recommendation are required, with at least two from instructors familiar with your academic work.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Annual Graduate Tuition (12 Credits)
| Residency Status | Tuition | Fees | Total Cost |
| New York State Residents | $5,655 per semester | $1,299 | $13,908 |
| Out-of-State Residents | $12,860 per semester | $1,299 | $28,318 |
Program Format and Duration
Full-time students complete the program in three semesters, while part-time enrollment allows completion over several years. Applications receive year-round review and enable enrollment soon after admission.
7. Long Island University – Masters in School Counseling
Program Overview and Highlights
Long Island University operates guidance counseling degree New York programs at several campuses. The LIU Post location offers CACREP-accredited training. The Master of Science in School Counseling at LIU Post spans 60 credits and prepares you to work with students from a developmental viewpoint. You’ll learn individual and group counseling techniques. Practical field experience comes through internships at elementary, middle and high school levels.
The LIU Brooklyn campus provides an M.S.Ed. program requiring 48 credits. Coursework has 24 credits of common core covering professional ethics, counseling theories, human development, counseling skills, pluralistic society considerations, group work, assessment and career development. Specialty courses add 9 credits in foundations, research, program development and advocacy. You complete 15 credits through practicum (75 hours with 40 direct service hours) and two internships totaling 600 hours.
The Hudson campus delivers a 60-credit program leading to Initial School Counselor Certificate eligibility. This masters in school counseling New York pathway uses an integrated didactic and experiential approach with individual-specific advisement to select internships.
Accreditation and Certification
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits the LIU Post program. Data shows a 71.5% degree completion rate within established timeframes. About 63% of students pass licensure or certification examinations. Employment outcomes are strong. All alumni survey respondents found school counseling positions within three months of graduation.
Programs satisfy educational requirements for New York State school counselor provisional certification. Permanent certification requires completing two years of professional experience plus 12 additional credits beyond the master’s degree.
Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applications below this threshold may receive consideration if you demonstrate strong GRE performance, a writing assessment score of 4.5 in particular.
Submit two professional or academic letters of recommendation addressing your potential to succeed and knowing how to complete graduate programs. Your personal statement should span 500 to 1,000 words. Describe your reasons to pursue guidance counselor schooling at LIU, relevant experience and professional goals. International applicants must provide TOEFL scores of 85 (internet-based) or IELTS scores of 6.5.
The Brooklyn campus requires faculty interviews and an Interim Assessment after completing 12 credits to discuss progress and identify concerns.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate Tuition Rates
| Academic Year | Per Credit Cost | University Fee (Part-Time) | University Fee (Full-Time) |
| 2025-2026 | $1,407 | $519 per term | $1,037 per term |
| 2026-2027 | $1,435 | $529 per term | $1,058 per term |
Complete the FAFSA to access federal and state grants, scholarships, loans and work-study programs. New York State residents can apply for Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grants up to $5,165 annually. Federal Pell Grants range from $740 to $7,395 based on financial factors. The Federal Work-Study Program provides on-campus employment for students demonstrating need.
Program Format and Duration
Full-time students at LIU Post complete the program within the established timeframe. Part-time options accommodate working professionals. The Brooklyn campus offers courses during fall, spring and summer sessions. This allows flexibility in credit load from semester to semester. You may begin during any term. Courses are scheduled afternoons and evenings.
Students must pass the Comprehensive Examination or CPCE Exam in the semester prior to graduation after completing at least 24 credits. Before receiving certification, you must complete Project S.A.V.E. Workshop, Child Abuse Workshop and New York State Fingerprint Clearance.
8. Hofstra University – School Counseling Graduate Program
Program Overview and Highlights
Hofstra University’s MSEd in School Counseling spans 48 credits and prepares you for original certification as a school counselor in New York State. The curriculum covers six core content areas that the New York State Education Department identifies. The program delivers these through a sequenced approach that requires prerequisite completion before you advance. You’ll complete a 600-hour internship in a supervised K-12 school counseling program. This internship provides hands-on experience at different grade levels.
Accreditation and Certification
You qualify for original certification as a school counselor in New York once you finish all requirements. The program combines classroom instruction with field experience at Hofstra’s Saltzman Community Services Center and off-campus clinical settings.
Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Submit three letters of recommendation and a personal essay that describes your professional intent and goals. You’ll also participate in an interview with the program director. You must complete nine semester hours in psychology and behavioral sciences before you begin the counseling curriculum.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The counseling program director reviews all graduate applications for merit-based scholarships automatically. External opportunities include the Marie C. Quinn Memorial Scholarship ($4,000) and NBCC Military Scholarship ($8,000). Graduate assistantships offer tuition remission and stipends.
Program Format and Duration
You must pass a complete exam and maintain a 3.0 GPA to graduate.
9. Syracuse University – School Counseling M.S. Ed Program
Program Overview and Highlights
Syracuse University’s residential M.S.Ed. in School Counseling prepares you to become a thoughtful, responsive counselor who promotes students using innovative best practices. The 60-credit CACREP-accredited program follows the American School Counselor Association’s national model and trains you to promote academic, career, and personal/social development for all students. You’ll develop comprehensive, informed programs that include direct and indirect services with program planning and management.
Project IMPRESS provides substantial scholarships and tuition stipends for future school counselors working with students who have disabilities in high-needs schools.
Accreditation and Certification
CACREP accreditation runs through October 31, 2026. Syracuse University holds AAQEP membership through December 31, 2027. The program meets academic requirements for both original and professional New York State certification as a school counselor.
Admission Requirements
You need a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Submit three letters of recommendation (at least two from academic references), a personal statement that connects career goals with school counseling, and participate in an on-campus or online interview. International students require TOEFL scores of 100. The program reviews applications in January for fall admission only.
Tuition and Financial Aid
2025-2026 Costs
| Component | Rate |
| Per Credit | $2,015 |
| Total Program | $121,500 |
The financial aid application deadline is January 15. Fellowships, scholarships, and field-related internships are available.
Program Format and Duration
Full-time students complete the program in two years and include summers. Part-time study requires flexibility for course scheduling, with a seven-year completion limit. You’ll complete a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship in elementary/middle and high school settings. Graduation requires passing the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination.
10. Iona University – School Counselor Education Program
Program Overview and Highlights
Iona University’s education programs emphasize practical skills development for working with diverse student populations. The Master of Education curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on applications and prepares educators through customized advisement and field experiences.
Accreditation and Certification
Iona maintains membership in good standing with the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). The institution holds regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Admission Requirements
A 3.0 undergraduate GPA is preferred for graduate education programs. The admissions process has transcript evaluation to determine any prerequisite coursework needs. Graduate students qualify for merit scholarship consideration during the application review automatically.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate education tuition stands at $1,095 per credit. Program fees are $275 per term for fall and spring, plus $100 per session for summer and January intersession. Graduate assistantships provide funding through tuition remission and stipends while offering professional development opportunities. Iona partners with companies, schools, hospitals and professional organizations to provide scholarships for employees and members.
Program Format and Duration
Evening classes accommodate working professionals who balance coursework with job responsibilities. Programs require thesis completion and allow synthesis and application of prior learning.
11. CUNY Hunter College – School Counseling Masters Program
Program Overview
CUNY Hunter College’s 60-credit MSEd in School Counseling trains clinically insightful practitioners committed to serving New York City’s diverse population. The program values cultural humility and empathy. It emphasizes critical thinking, self-awareness and ethical practice. You’ll prepare for careers in K-12 settings of all types and colleges. Employment opportunities extend to correctional facilities, hospitals and community-based organizations. Bilingual students fluent in Spanish and English can pursue NYS Bilingual Education Extension for Pupil Personnel Services certification among other school counselor credentials.
Accreditation and Certification
CACREP accredits this guidance counseling degree New York program through March 31, 2027. You may apply for provisional certification after you complete 30 credits and school-based practicum. Permanent certification recommendation occurs after graduation. All graduates must pass the School Counseling Content Specialty Test (CST) for certification beginning Spring 2024.
Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and 15 to 25 credits from approved fields. These fields are psychology, sociology and education. Submit two essays (400 to 600 words each) and two recommendation letters. You must demonstrate graduate-level written expression. The application deadline is February 1 for fall admission.
Tuition and Financial Aid
NY Residents Tuition
| Enrollment | Per Credit | Per Semester (Full-Time) | Academic Excellence Fee |
| Part-time | $620 | $50 per credit | |
| Full-time | – | $7,315 | $50 per credit |
Federal aid has Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loans up to $20,500 annually. Graduate PLUS loans cover remaining costs.
Program Format and Duration
You’ll complete 700 field hours in two different K-12 settings through practicum and internship over three semesters. Courses meet afternoons and evenings. This accommodates part-time or full-time study.
Start Today
Each of these 11 programs has distinct strengths. Columbia emphasizes social justice. Hunter College provides bilingual extension options. Choosing the right masters in school counseling New York program depends on your specific circumstances, including budget, location priorities and career goals.
Identify programs that match your financial situation and schedule requirements first. CACREP accreditation should be a priority, as shown above, since it strengthens your credentials beyond state certification. Visit campuses, speak with current students and review field placement opportunities before making your final decision.
Your path to becoming a school counselor begins with selecting the program that lines up best with your professional vision.