8 Masters in School Counseling New York & Their Requirements

Want to get a Masters in School Counseling in New York? The timing couldn’t be better for your career. School and career counselor jobs will grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, creating about 26,600 openings each year over the decade.

The financial outlook makes this career path even more attractive. School counselors earned a median salary of $61,710 in 2023, while top professionals made over $100,050. Most New York school counseling master’s programs need 60 credits. Students can complete these programs in two years full-time or three years part-time. Your educational counseling master’s program includes at least 700 field hours in schools of different types. This hands-on experience prepares you to handle everyday challenges.

New York’s top-rated programs can help you reach your goals, whether you’re starting fresh or switching careers. Let’s look at nine leading schools and their requirements to find your ideal program match.

New York Institute of Technology – M.S. in School Counseling

NYIT provides a complete Master’s in School Counseling New York program that prepares you for modern school counseling challenges. This CACREP-accredited program helps students become culturally competent counselors who support social justice. You’ll learn skills to help PreK-12 students develop academically, socially, and emotionally.

Program Overview

NYIT’s Master of Science in School Counseling requires 60 credits and takes two years full-time or three years part-time to complete. Students move through the program as a cohort, which creates a strong support network. Classes take place on weekday evenings and/or Saturdays in a blended format that combines face-to-face and online learning.

The program develops counselors who can lead, support social justice, work in teams, and coordinate resources. Every course includes technology applications to prepare you for modern school counseling. The program expanded from 48 to 60 credits in Summer 2021, which lets graduates qualify for both Initial and Professional Certification in New York State.

Key Features of New York Tech’s Program

NYIT’s program is notable because of its practical experience and specialized training:

• CACREP accreditation ensures national quality standards
• School-based fieldwork throughout the program leads to a practicum (100 hours) and internship experience
• Students can earn a Bilingual Extension with their degree by completing six extra credits and bilingual practicum
• Small classes provide individual mentoring and ongoing advising
• Courses cover trauma and crisis counseling, multicultural issues, and special needs students
• Students can join faculty research projects

The program shows strong results with a 93% graduation rate for recent cohorts. About 82% of students graduate within three years.

Admission Requirements

The program has these requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• 0 minimum undergraduate GPA (GPAs between 2.85-2.99 might get conditional acceptance)
• Background in psychology, education, sociology, law, behavioral sciences, or relevant work experience helps but isn’t required
• Department portfolio must include:
  • 250-word goal statement about your path to school counseling
  • Three department reference forms (academic or professional)
  • Undergraduate transcripts and college diploma copies

Qualified applicants then take part in a structured individual or group interview with program faculty. The program reviews applications throughout spring and summer semesters.

Career Outcomes

NYIT’s School Counseling graduates find excellent job opportunities. Most recent graduates work as School Counselors, Wellness Educators, Care Managers, and College and Career Counselors. Many School Counselors now work in New York City and Long Island’s public, private, and charter schools.

Five students from a recent cohort started working under Internship Certificates for leave replacement or temporary positions before graduating. This record number shows both NYIT’s program quality and growing school counselor demand in the New York metropolitan area.

NYIT’s School Counseling program adapts to new educational standards while developing skilled counselors who can support diverse student populations effectively.

Hunter College – MSEd in School Counseling

Hunter College shines among New York’s Masters in School Counseling programs. The program focuses on cultural humility and clinical excellence. CACREP accreditation ensures you’ll learn to handle student needs in America’s most diverse educational settings.

Program Overview

You can complete Hunter College’s MSEd in School Counseling 60 credits full-time or part-time based on your schedule. The program aims to shape clinically skilled counselors who can work in a variety of settings while serving New York City’s diverse communities.

The detailed curriculum helps you become a counselor who uses evidence-based therapy, practical solutions, and methods to boost student confidence. You’ll be ready to work in K-12 schools, colleges, and other settings like correctional facilities, hospitals, and community organizations.

Key Features

The program’s strength lies in blending hands-on experience with solid theory:

• Classes in afternoons and evenings fit working professionals’ schedules
• Field experience of 700 hours at two different sites
• Three-semester practical training in elementary/middle and high schools
• Spanish-English bilingual track leading to NYS certification in Bilingual Education Extension
• Focus on cultural humility, critical thinking, and ethical practice

Spanish-English speakers can choose a specialized 66-credit track. This path opens doors to counseling roles in New York’s multilingual school districts.

Admission Requirements

The program carefully selects candidates based on their counseling potential and relevant experience. You’ll need:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school with at least 3.0 GPA
• 15-25 credits in relevant subjects like psychology, sociology, or education
• Two letters from professional or academic references
• A personal statement (400-600 words) about an event that sparked your interest in counseling
• An essay (400-600 words) about handling potential counseling challenges

Application deadlines:

Career Outcomes

Hunter graduates achieve remarkable success. Recent data reveals their starting salary averages $57,657, beating the national average of $42,896 by 34%. Most students find jobs right after getting their degree and certification.

The numbers speak volumes – 86% of students graduated on time in 2023-2024. Recent alumni surveys show 73% work full-time in counseling roles, while 11% work part-time.

Graduates work in:

• NYC public schools (38%)
• NYC charter schools (17%)
• NYC private schools (12%)
• Schools outside NYC (24%)
• Other settings (7%)

The program’s quality shows in its results – 83% of recent graduates say they felt well-prepared. Hunter College equips you with skills that work in New York’s competitive school counseling market and transfer well to any educational setting.

St. John’s University – M.S.Ed. in School Counseling

St. John’s University offers a Masters in School Counseling New York program built on Vincentian values and social justice principles. Located in Queens, this program helps you become a culturally responsive school counselor who can meet the varied needs of K-12 students today.

Program Overview

St. John’s University’s 48-credit Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in School Counseling takes about two years of full-time study. While shorter than typical 60-credit programs, it fully prepares you for New York State certification as a school counselor. Students learn together in cohorts, which creates a supportive community throughout their studies.

Students learn both theory and practical skills through 18 core counseling courses plus practicum and internship experience. Classes meet once a week in the evening, which works well for professionals who want to advance their careers.

The program includes over 700 hours of fieldwork in different school settings. This hands-on experience ensures graduates have real-world knowledge.

Key Features

St. John’s school counseling program offers:

• Vincentian values of service and social justice woven into all courses
• Preparation for New York State provisional and permanent certification
• Faculty who are active school counseling practitioners and researchers
• Membership in the Chi Sigma Iota counseling honor society
• Advanced counseling technology labs for skills development
• Additional certificates in bilingual education or school leadership

The program works with more than 75 schools across the New York metro area. Students can choose from urban and suburban internship locations. These connections help graduates find jobs after completing the program.

Admission Requirements

You need these items to apply to St. John’s school counseling program:

Students can apply three times a year. Priority dates are February 1 (fall), September 1 (spring), and January 15 (summer).

The program values students from different academic fields like psychology, education, sociology, and other subjects. Different views make the counseling profession stronger.

Career Outcomes

St. John’s School Counseling graduates do well in their careers. About 91% find jobs within six months of finishing the program. They work in public, private, and Catholic schools.

Recent graduates work in:

• New York City Department of Education (52%)
• Long Island school districts (23%)
• Catholic schools within the Diocese of Brooklyn and Rockville Center (18%)
• Independent and charter schools (7%)

New graduates earn between $58,500-$65,000, based on their district and experience. Many alumni also study for doctoral degrees in counselor education or educational leadership after working in the field.

The program has a strong alumni network that helps with mentoring and finding jobs. Experienced graduates often come back as guest speakers and supervise current students at their work sites.

Fordham University – M.S.Ed. in School Counseling

Fordham University’s M.S.Ed. in School Counseling program embraces the Jesuit principle of cura personalis (“care of the whole person”) as it prepares you for K-12 counseling environments. The program runs at the Lincoln Center campus in Manhattan and provides robust training that lines up with New York state certification requirements.

Program Overview

The Fordham Masters in School Counseling New York program needs 60 credits and meets every requirement for both provisional/initial and permanent/professional certification as a school counselor in New York State. Students attend on-ground courses during fall and spring semesters, with some classes available in two summer sessions.

The program has 54 credits spread across five core areas, plus a one-semester practicum and two-semester field experience. Students need to find their own placements for both field experiences and the Social Justice Practicum in Professional School Counseling.

The program’s quality shows in its accreditation from the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) through January 2026. This ensures education that meets professional standards.

Key Features

Fordham’s program is known for its mission-driven approach that develops counselors who excel in various settings. The program highlights:

• Detailed Preparation: Strong training in individual, group, and career counseling, among program development, evaluation, and assessment
• Ethical Foundation: Strong ethical decision-making skills through supervision and training experiences
• Diverse Population Focus: Training that recognizes different identities and builds self-reflection and awareness into professional identity
• Evidence-Based Practice: Dedication to scientific knowledge and emerging literature in professional journals
• ASCA Model Knowledge: Deep understanding of the American School Counseling Association National Model

The program stays true to Fordham’s Jesuit tradition and promotes awareness of gender, cultural differences, and social justice issues. This integrated approach helps you meet the complex needs of today’s students in public, parochial, and private elementary, middle, and high schools.

Admission Requirements

Fordham’s master’s in educational counseling program requires these qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Evidence of professional promise (personal, interpersonal, and intellectual characteristics suitable for counseling)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• CV or resume
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
• Application fee of $80
• Good command of oral and written English
• Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, meningitis, and rubella

Program faculty might ask for an interview to assess your fit better. Submit your application by January 15 to get priority consideration for GSE School-Based Aid (final deadline: April 15).

Career Outcomes

Fordham’s School Counseling program graduates show impressive completion rates and career success. Recent data reveals:

• 8% acceptance rate from applicants (30 accepted out of 32 applications)
• 80% retention rate into the second year
• 100% of graduates got state certification
• Average undergraduate GPA of incoming students: 3.2

The program’s hands-on focus on evidence-based methods and ethical decision-making prepares you for jobs right after graduation. Its mission helps you excel in public, parochial, and private schools at all levels (elementary through high school).

Fordham’s strong reputation and professional network throughout New York’s educational system helps graduates find meaningful jobs where they make vital contributions to student development and educational success.

Brooklyn College – M.S.Ed. in School Counseling

Brooklyn College is prominent among New York’s educational institutions with its Masters in School Counseling New York program. The program champions social justice and student development through an all-encompassing approach. This CACREP-accredited program prepares students to work in the digital world of New York City and beyond.

Program Overview

The M.S.Ed. in School Counseling at Brooklyn College needs 60 credits to complete, while students can opt for 66 credits with bilingual specialization. The program equips future counselors to work with New York City’s ethnically and racially diverse student populations in public and private schools. Students learn to boost their students’ socio-emotional, academic, and career growth. They also work with parents, administrators, teachers, and community organizations to create responsive educational environments. Graduates qualify for New York State Initial Certification as school counselors.

Key Features

Brooklyn College’s program is reputable with these notable elements:

• An all-encompassing, social justice-oriented approach that encourages lifelong learning and growth
• Field experiences and internships merged throughout the study period
• Bilingual school counseling specialization that prepares multilingual students to help English-language learners
• Strong focus on multicultural competence and skills to address harmful biases
• Diverse teaching methods including lectures, discussions, hands-on exercises, and technology-assisted learning

The program helps students develop critical self-reflection, social and emotional learning, compassion, and shared leadership skills.

Admission Requirements

These criteria determine admission eligibility:

Bilingual specialization candidates must pass an additional language interview. The program accepts applications until February 1st for fall enrollment, with no spring admissions.

Career Outcomes

Students create a complete counseling portfolio showcasing their skills and achievements. New York City’s 1,700+ public schools offer plenty of opportunities to find the right position. The program maintains strong connections with quality internship sites across New York, and many graduates return as internship supervisors. Schools actively seek graduates to counsel students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The Magner Career Center at Brooklyn College provides career guidance through events, alumni networking opportunities, and access to HireBC, the college’s job board.

Lehman College – M.S.Ed. in Counselor Education

Lehman College is esteemed in the Bronx with its specialized Masters in School Counseling New York program that emphasizes urban educational frameworks and cultural competence. The college runs the only school counseling program in the Bronx and lower Hudson Valley region with dual accreditation. Students learn to serve student populations of all backgrounds effectively.

Program Overview

The M.S.Ed. in Counselor Education: School Counseling program at Lehman College requires 60 credits. Students can complete this part-time, year-round program in three years. The original program from the late 1960s started with 36 credits and evolved into its current 60-credit structure, which New York State approved in 2021. Students learn social justice advocacy, make use of information-driven practices, and culturally responsive counseling.

Lehman boasts dual accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Graduates can qualify for both initial and professional School Counselor Certification in New York State.

Key Features

The master’s in educational counseling program at Lehman is special for several reasons:

• New York City’s first public CACREP-accredited Counselor Education program (since 2008)
• Students can pursue a Bilingual Counselor Education/School Counseling Advanced Certificate
• The curriculum emphasizes anti-racist and anti-oppression practices in coursework and fieldwork
• Students gain extensive field experience with 50 hours of supervised pre-practicum, 100 hours of practicum, and 600 hours of internship in K-12 schools

The program creates an environment that values collaboration, leadership, self-awareness, and mutual respect among diverse groups. Students develop skills in counseling theories, group work, multicultural counseling, career counseling, and trauma/violence/chemical dependency.

Admission Requirements

Candidates must meet these requirements:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Two letters of recommendation that evaluate counselor potential
• Responses to five essay questions about becoming a school counselor, advocacy, leadership, cultural competency, and closing achievement gaps
• Current resume
• Group interview (for qualifying candidates)

The program accepts applications for fall admission until March 15.

Career Outcomes

Most Lehman graduates work as school counselors in K-12 public, private, and charter schools throughout the New York City metropolitan area. The program’s focus on urban educational frameworks helps graduates succeed in diverse educational settings. School counselors in New York earn an average of $67,920 annually.

The program’s exceptional diversity shows in its numbers – 84% of degree recipients are racial-ethnic minorities, which exceeds the national average by 47%. This diverse environment prepares graduates to work effectively in schools of all types across New York and beyond.

Alfred University – M.S. in School Counseling

Alfred University offers a practical Masters in School Counseling New York program with weekend classes designed for working professionals. The 60-credit program helps students develop complete helping skills they can use in a variety of educational settings.

Program Overview

The graduate program at Alfred University prepares you for counseling positions in elementary, middle, and high schools, colleges, and universities. Students develop intellectually with social consciousness and self-awareness in a rigorous scholarly atmosphere created by the faculty. The program is available at multiple locations including Brooklyn, Long Island, and Westchester, making it easy for students throughout the region to attend. Each fall, groups of up to 25 students start and move through the program together. This creates a supportive learning community.

Key Features

Here’s what makes Alfred’s master’s in educational counseling program stand out:

• Weekend format with classes on Saturdays and/or Sundays during the school year
• Rich field experience with minimum 100 days (700 clock hours) in school settings over three semesters
• Real-world application opportunities at various sites including public/private schools, charter schools, after-school programs, and Saturday school programs
• Affordable tuition at $1,335 per three-credit course, totaling approximately $26,700 for the complete 60-credit degree

Students practice counseling skills through coursework and gain hands-on experience in the field. The program requires practicum experiences at both elementary/middle school and high school levels.

Admission Requirements

Here’s what you need to apply:

Students must pay a $200 enrollment deposit after acceptance. This deposit is refundable once you complete the program successfully.

Career Outcomes

The program recommends you for initial certification in school counseling after you meet all training requirements for professional certification. You can apply for professional certification after working three years full-time as a school counselor. This preparation helps you work effectively in educational environments of all types throughout New York and beyond.

Long Island University (LIU Post) – M.S. in School Counseling

LIU Post offers a complete Masters in School Counseling New York program. Students learn to understand themselves and their clients through an integrated didactic and experiential approach.

Program Overview

The CACREP-accredited 60-credit program prepares you for counseling roles in public and private schools. Students become eligible for the Initial School Counselor Certificate. Twenty three-credit courses form the curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications. These courses include counseling theory, group counseling, diagnostic tools, and specialized coursework in elementary, middle, and high school counseling.

Key Features

The program upholds strict CACREP accreditation standards that ensure highest quality faculty and curriculum. Meticulous annual self-reporting by the department has proven valuable in maintaining program quality in the last decade. Each student receives individual guidance about internships that align with their future career goals.

Admission Requirements

To qualify, you need:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• Personal essay including statement of professional goals
• Current resume
• Academic writing sample
• Interview with program director or faculty

Career Outcomes

The program’s success speaks through its results. 100% of surveyed graduates find employment in school counseling settings within three months of graduation. Students show strong performance with a 71.5% degree completion rate and 63% licensure examination pass rate.

Syracuse University – M.S. in School Counseling

Syracuse University’s School of Education offers a strong Master’s in School Counseling New York program. The CACREP-accredited 60-credit program equips you with skills to work with youth in a variety of educational settings.

Program Overview

The program aligns with standards set by the American School Counselor Association and the National Board of Certified Counselors while meeting New York State certification requirements. Students complete coursework in counseling theory, psychodiagnosis, crisis intervention, and learn specialized techniques to work with children and adolescents.

Key Features

This master’s in educational counseling program stands out with its robust fieldwork requirements. Students must complete 100 hours of practicum (40 direct service hours) and 600 hours of internship (250 direct service hours). The program’s faculty members have earned national recognition for their authority and research expertise in group counseling, social dimensions of counseling, and assessment techniques.

Admission Requirements

Application deadlines vary by semester:

Students need a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, three recommendation letters, transcripts, personal statement, and must complete an interview.

Career Outcomes

The program’s graduates build successful careers as school counselors, directors of guidance, career center counselors, and student assistance counselors. The complete preparation helps you work effectively in elementary, middle, and high school settings.

Choose Your School Counseling Program Today

Your professional success in this rewarding field starts with picking the right Master’s in School Counseling program. New York state’s range of institutions offers exceptional educational opportunities. These programs have their own strengths while keeping the basics – complete coursework, field experience, and paths to New York State certification.

School counselors’ career outlook remains bright. Growing job opportunities and competitive salaries make this a great time to chase your educational dreams. Programs need similar credit hours and field work, but their different approaches help you find what matches your career goals and situation best.

CACREP accreditation connects many top programs and ensures quality education meeting professional standards. Some schools also offer special tracks like bilingual counseling certification that boost your value in New York’s diverse digital world.

Programs fit different lifestyles – from Hunter College’s evening classes to Alfred University’s weekend format. You’ll find options all over the state, whether you want to study in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, or anywhere else.

The first step to becoming a school counselor is picking a program that fits your values, schedule, and career goals. Your training will help you change students’ lives across elementary, middle, and high schools.

The road ahead might look tough, but helping young people through vital developmental stages makes it all worth it. These Master’s programs give you the skills to grow professionally while making a lasting difference in New York’s educational communities.