Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling

Earning a Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling degree will equip you to flourish as an advocate for students at all developmental stages.

School counselors help preK-12 students navigate academics, college planning, and issues relating to social and emotional well-being. Offered both in person and online, our Master of Science program in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling will provide you with a sound foundation in the art and science of impacting students' lives for good. 

CREDENTIALING AND LICENSURE

Our program prepares you to be a credentialed school counselor and licensed educator in North Dakota. If you reside in or would like to be licensed in a different state, please get in touch with our admission representatives to discuss how our program can meet licensure requirements in your state.

Already have a master's in counseling? Our School Counseling Certificate program provides the coursework you need for licensure as a K-12 school counselor in the state of North Dakota.

Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission.
After you're admitted to the university as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

$65,140
Median annual wage for school and career counselors

Program Length

As little as 20 months, with our accelerated track

or 32 months with our extended track

Format

  • In-person
  • Online
  • Blended, courses online with classes one time per week on our main campus in Bismarck, ND, or via online video conferencing.

Tuition per Credit

$665

Next Start Date: 5/4/2026

Fall & Summer Start

Apply

Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Professionals who want to counsel students on a variety of issues in an educational setting
  • Professionals who want to work with children and/or teens
  • Aspiring counselors who want to deal with issues as diverse as mental health and career planning

Career Paths

  • School Counselor
  • Community Counselor
  • Career Counselor
  • School Administrator
  • District Administrator

What You’ll Learn

Designed for those who want to provide counseling to preK-12 students, our Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling degree is taught by faculty who are experienced practitioners and provides advanced lessons you can apply to the comprehensive demands of school counseling and beyond. 

When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to:

  • Foster clear and empathetic communication while maintaining cultural awareness to cultivate student relationships.
  • Utilize critical thinking and analytical skills to develop, implement, and evaluate diverse components within a comprehensive school counseling program.
  • Demonstrate self-awareness, personal development, and a commitment to personal enrichment.
  • Incorporate Catholic and Benedictine values within professional ethics.
  • Understand a school counselor’s role as a leader, advocate, and system change agent when collaborating in the preK-12 school setting.

Returning to school to pursue my Master of Science in Counseling with a school counseling emphasis at the University of Mary has been a transformative journey. My experience as a reserve deputy with the local sheriff's department ignited my passion for counseling and led me to earn my bachelor’s in social work. With the unwavering support of my family, especially as a busy mom to a toddler, I’ve embraced the challenges of graduate school. The connections I’ve forged with my cohort and the guidance from my professors have been invaluable, helping me secure a placement in a school and providing essential resources along the way.

Marissa Manning Class of 2026

Accreditations

  • CACREP

    The University of Mary’s Master of Science programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling are accredited through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

    View Accreditation (CACREP)

Program Details

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. After acceptance to the University as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

CORE COUNSELING FACULTY

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

The University of Mary is committed to putting your educational goals within reach. Learn what scholarships you qualify for.

View additional information regarding the accreditation of this program, including program statistics, objectives, data, and the counseling student handbook.

We welcome students from various backgrounds, including transfer students from institutionally accredited colleges and universities recognized by the US Dept. of Education and those with military or career and work experience. 

How do I show my previous college, military, or work experience?

  • Official transcripts (if applicable) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.
    • Did you graduate from the University of Mary? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
    • At most other schools, you can request transcripts by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
      • Have your transcripts sent to:
        Office of Admissions
        University of Mary
        7500 University Drive
        Bismarck, ND 58504
      • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu.
  • Military experience can count towards a degree.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO APPLY?
  • All of our programs require you to fill out the general application form in addition to submitting the application fee and your transcripts.
  • Any program-specific requirements you’ll need to submit in addition to the items listed above can be found in our catalog.

At the University of Mary, we review every application on an individual basis, ensuring that the materials you submit are evaluated with care and attention. Reach out to us if you have any questions in filling out your application.

Get Started Today

Apply Online