Best Counseling Schools in New Jersey

Monmouth University's M.S.Ed. in School Counseling stands out as a comprehensive 60-credit hybrid program designed to equip aspiring school counselors with advanced skills for P-12 educational settings. The CACREP-accredited curriculum combines online and evening classes, providing exceptional flexibility for working professionals. Students benefit from a robust learning environment emphasizing social justice, diversity, and experiential training. The program uniquely prepares graduates for both New Jersey school counseling certification and LPC licensure. With small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a dedicated placement coordinator, students receive personalized support throughout their academic journey. The program's holistic approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to address students' academic, emotional, and developmental needs effectively.

• 60-credit curriculum
• Hybrid program format
• CACREP accredited
• Small class sizes
• Experienced faculty
• Dedicated placement coordinator
• Social justice focus
• Diversity emphasis
• Experiential learning opportunities
• Meets NJ certification requirements

The College of New Jersey's Master of Arts in School Counseling offers a dynamic hybrid program uniquely positioned for aspiring school counselors. Accredited by CACREP, this innovative curriculum combines online coursework with immersive summer sessions in Portugal, providing students a global learning perspective. The program supports both domestic and international students, offering pathways to New Jersey School Counseling Certification. With 60 total credit hours, students benefit from experienced faculty, experiential learning approaches, and flexible online and in-person options. The program emphasizes comprehensive training in school counseling techniques, professional development, and practical skills essential for successful career advancement in educational settings.

• CACREP accredited program
• Hybrid learning format
• 60 total credit hours
• Global summer courses Portugal
• NJ School Counseling Certification
• International student friendly
• Online and in-person options
• Standard certification available
• Experienced counseling faculty
• Experiential learning approach

Seton Hall University's online M.A. in School Counseling offers a transformative 48-credit program designed to cultivate compassionate and skilled K-12 educational counselors. Accredited by CAEP and approved by the New Jersey Department of Education, this program equips students with comprehensive developmental counseling strategies. Students explore multidisciplinary intervention techniques without requiring prerequisite counseling experience. The curriculum emphasizes early identification, prevention services, and student empowerment. Ideal for professionals seeking flexible, high-quality training, the program welcomes candidates with a preferred 3.0 GPA and provides a robust pathway to impactful school counseling careers.

• 48-credit online program
• NJ Department of Education approved
• CAEP accredited program
• No prerequisite counseling experience
• 3.0 GPA preferred
• Comprehensive developmental approach
• Multidisciplinary intervention training
• Prepares K-12 school counselors

Rutgers University-Camden's Ed.M. in School Counseling is a rigorous 60-credit hybrid program designed to cultivate culturally responsive school counselors for preschool through 12th grade. Students engage in comprehensive coursework exploring academic, career, and social-emotional development with a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion. The program stands out for its CACREP accreditation and practical experiences that prepare graduates to effectively advocate for student success. With a curriculum balancing theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, participants develop advanced skills in collaboration, community engagement, and student support. Graduates receive a Standard Certificate from the New Jersey State Department of Education, positioning them for impactful roles in educational settings.

• 60-credit hybrid program.
• CACREP accredited.
• Prepares for preschool-12 counseling.
• Focus on equity and inclusion.
• Includes practical experiences.
• Financial aid available.
• Standard Certificate awarded.

Rutgers University-Camden's M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track offers a comprehensive graduate experience for professionals seeking specialized mental health expertise. This 60-credit CACREP-accredited program uniquely prepares students to work with diverse populations, particularly individuals with psychiatric and disability challenges. Notably, the program eliminates GRE requirements and provides flexible two to three-year completion options through hybrid learning modalities. Students benefit from supervised clinical experiences, evidence-based practice training, and a curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, ethical standards, and community-centered service delivery. The program's innovative approach equips graduates with advanced counseling skills and a holistic understanding of mental health intervention strategies.

• 60-credit CACREP accredited program
• Hybrid learning options
• No GRE required
• Clinical mental health focus
• High employment demand
• Two or three-year completion
• Supervised clinical experiences
• Community-based counseling approach
• Multiple campus options

Rutgers University-New Brunswick's Ed.M. with Certification in School Counseling represents a transformative 60-credit hybrid program designed to cultivate culturally responsive school counselors. Emphasizing multicultural competence and social justice, the curriculum comprehensively prepares professionals for preschool through 12th-grade settings. Students engage in rigorous coursework exploring academic, career, and social-emotional development strategies. CACREP-accredited and strategically structured, the program integrates supervised practicum experiences with advanced counseling theories. Graduates receive a Standard Certificate from the New Jersey State Department of Education, positioning them as advocates for student success. The program's holistic approach ensures counselors are equipped to collaborate effectively with educators, parents, and community agencies.

• 60-credit hybrid program.
• CACREP accredited.
• Prepares for preschool-12 counseling.
• Focus on multicultural competence.
• Includes supervised practicum.
• Financial aid available.
• Standard Certificate awarded.

Rutgers University-New Brunswick's M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track offers a comprehensive online graduate experience targeting aspiring mental health professionals. This 60-credit CACREP-accredited program uniquely prepares students to provide specialized counseling services for individuals with diverse disabilities. Emphasizing evidence-based practices and cognitive behavioral interventions, the curriculum provides flexible full-time and part-time learning pathways. Students develop advanced clinical skills through comprehensive coursework and supervised experiences, positioning them for successful careers in community agencies, government services, and healthcare settings. With a remarkable 92% employment rate, the program represents a strategic educational investment in professional counseling development.

• CACREP-accredited program
• 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
• Online and on-campus options
• Full-time or part-time study
• High employment demand
• Two or three-year completion
• Supervised clinical experience
• Multiple campus locations