Most states in the United States require you to have a master’s degree to practice as a school counselor. But earning that master’s degree can be challenging, particularly if you’re working full time, raising a family or have other life commitments. That’s where online school counseling programs can offer a host of benefits. From the flexibility to study on your schedule to avoiding a commute, earning your master’s in school counseling online provides unique opportunities to build your knowledge and expertise. 

However, online learning also comes with challenges, such as a lack of face-to-face interactions and less structure than in-person classes. Here are some ways to get ahead of potential challenges, balance your commitments and ultimately succeed in a school counseling graduate program online. 

1. Create dedicated times for classes and coursework.

Because online courses are less structured than face-to-face formats, one of the biggest challenges of online learning is time management. Most online school counseling programs include asynchronous learning, which means you’ll work through lectures and coursework at your own pace. 

“This type of self-guided learning requires you to be a self-starter,” says Dr. Becky Reed, lecturer and field placement coordinator for Teachers College’s master’s in school counseling online program. 

“I always tell my students to carve out a time during the week for their class, just as they would for an in-person course. For example, we might not be asking you to be in class on Monday evening from 7-9 p.m., but that could still be your time to watch lectures and complete coursework for one of your classes. I have found students who can create a structure like this can move past the challenges of self-directed learning,” says Dr. Reed.

2. Co-study with (and get to know) your classmates.

Even in programs with a live component, adhering to a schedule and dedicating enough time to your courses can prove difficult. That makes getting to know your classmates — and supporting each other — even more important. Connecting with peers reduces feelings of isolation and alleviates some of the pressure to learn or attend classes on your own. 

“Co-studying with a classmate is another way to overcome challenges of self-directed learning while creating a sense of belonging,” says Dr. Reed. “I encourage my students to find a classmate with whom they can log onto Zoom and work or review lectures. Making connections during live sessions, whether formal class meetings or informal virtual gatherings, can help mitigate online learning fatigue and contribute to a sense of community.”

Participating in online discussions, leading virtual study sessions or simply introducing yourself to a classmate are all effective ways to connect in a master’s in school counseling online program. You can also take advantage of the program’s virtual check-ins or informal gatherings. 

“At TC, we want to ensure all of our students get to know each other, so we host live virtual get-togethers, particularly within the first year. This less structured environment ensures our students can connect with one another, ask questions about the program, and form relationships with their professors. It’s a really valuable way to connect and learn about each other as people — and, they know they have others they can go to if they need support,” says Dr. Reed. 

3. Connect with online school counseling program faculty.

Creating strong relationships with professors is important in any degree program but particularly so in an online format. Connecting with professors in your online school counseling program positions you for success by creating opportunities for additional learning, feedback, and mentorship — all of which are essential for success as a future school counselor. 

Becoming a school counselor requires you to build communication, listening, adaptability, leadership, and counseling skills. Proactively introducing yourself, attending virtual office hours, and asking thoughtful questions outside of class are all ways to gain additional insights and feedback. TC's school counseling professors, for example, have rich experiences in the field and can guide you on how to approach various challenges as a school counselor. They can also help you locate research in the field and translate it to practice, lead you through practice scenarios, or offer career advice.

“Our program is taught by full-time faculty members who are experts in the field. They love being a part of the program and are passionate, friendly, warm and welcoming. That allows us to also create a community where students feel a part of it, which helps us train competent counselors. Outside of class, all of our professors hold office hours every week on Zoom. Even though you're not going to their physical office, you’re still able to get live face time with your professors to reinforce what you’re learning in class and build that relationship,” says Dr. Reed. 

4. Choose the right online master’s in school counseling program.

While an online format offers a flexible way to earn your master’s degree in school counseling, not all online programs have the same delivery format or learning experiences. Some programs are entirely asynchronous, meaning you’ll work through your coursework at your own pace. Others offer a live component in which you can attend lectures virtually, participate in class discussions, and learn from your classmates’ experiences in a live context.

In some programs, you advance with a specific group of students, known as a cohort model. Because you’ll be taking classes with the same people, this structured learning model creates a close-knit community and support system. 

You’ll also want to consider the resources available to you as an online student — and the faculty’s experience teaching online. These factors can help you determine the program's quality and whether earning a master’s in school counseling online is right for you. 

Dr. Reed shares, “At TC, we are prepared to help students in the online format with resources geared toward remote learners. Our professors have been teaching in this modality for years, helping students all over the country get trained and secure field placements.”

The best online school counseling programs use a variety of delivery formats to reach students with a range of learning styles, create a sense of belonging, and develop counseling skills. Our courses prioritize accessibility, incorporating it into the instructional design process, another standard to look for in online school counseling programs.

Additionally, quality programs are staffed with full-time faculty who can support you outside of class and create added opportunities for connection. Perhaps most importantly, the online program you choose should understand the need for balance and flexibility without sacrificing rigor and quality. These features will ultimately help you succeed in a school counseling graduate program online and in your future career. 

“An online master’s in school counseling program that allows for flexibility is a game changer. I worked as a full-time classroom teacher while working towards a full-time degree. Thanks to TC, full-time programs like this one allow for nontraditional students like myself to become part of the TC community.”

Denise J. Herrara, Ed.M. in School Counseling, 2022.

Explore Teacher’s College’s Online School Counseling Program

Whether you’re looking to change careers or coming straight from a bachelor’s degree program, the online school counseling program at Teachers College sets you up to succeed and positively impact students’ lives. Explore the Online Ed.M. in School Counseling or apply today.