About this Program

This program prepares students to practice as professional school counselors in K-12 educational settings and meets the school counseling licensing requirements in Virginia. The School Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Additionally, students can expect to receive training on the American School Counselor Association National Model through didactic and experiential instruction.

Program Highlights

  • Elect to take courses as a full-time or part-time student

  • Courses are offered in the late-afternoons and evenings to accommodate students with multiple responsibilities

  • Study abroad opportunities available internationally as part of your coursework

  • Graduates meet requirements for the Virginia Licensed School Counselor credential

  • Graduates who complete electives in diagnosis, addictions, and family dynamics can also meet requirements for both the Licensed Professional Counselor and the Licensed School Counselor credentials

  • Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP)

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Master of Science in Education
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors

$58,620 Median Salary

Counsel individuals and provide group educational and vocational guidance services.

Mental Health Counselors

$48,050 (Approx) Median Salary

Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.

Alumni Careers

Ocean Lakes High School
Virginia Beach, VA
Norfolk Collegiate School
Norfolk, VA
Deep Creek Central Elementary
Chesapeake, VA

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for School Counseling at ODU?
Students entering the Master of Science in Education program in School Counseling should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.

Applicants may hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and must submit the following:

  • Online application at the Office of Graduate Admissions website

  • Current resume

  • Essay

  • Official Transcripts

  •  

    GRE Scores

     

  • Two Letters of Recommendation

Cost of Attendance

We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance. 

Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $620
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $642
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,486

Ways to Fund Your Degree

There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.

Assistantships

Counseling master’s degree students are sometimes awarded assistantships in various ODU offices including Academic Skills, Financial Aid, Office of Intercultural Relations, Resident Life, Student Activities, Student Development, Student Health Services, Student Life, and Vice President of Student Services. Students interesting in obtaining an assistantship should apply directly to offices on campus that have assistantships.