What is the Difference Between an M.Ed. and an M.A. in School Counseling?

School counselors provide academic, career, emotional, and social support for students. These dedicated professionals work hard to make a positive difference in young people's lives. If you're looking to become one, you'll need a master's in school counseling. Nearly every jurisdiction in the United requires a master's degree to become licensed.

Some graduate programs for school counseling lead to a master of arts (MA) in school counseling degree, while others offer a master of education (M.Ed.). As you plan the next steps in your career, it's important to understand the differences between MA and M.Ed. counseling programs. Use this degree guide to inform your search for the right master's in school counseling.

Master of Arts in School Counseling

If you choose an MA program in school counseling, you'll start with foundational coursework that covers major counseling techniques. You'll also engage with topics in child and adolescent psychopathology. The curricula also emphasize learning and behavioral modeling theory.

From there, you'll proceed through a sequence of counseling and clinical courses. These components build your counseling skills based on leading social-emotional learning theory and developmental psychology. You'll then put your skills and knowledge to work in field settings.

Most MAs in school counseling consist of about 48-60 credits. They sometimes culminate in a capstone experience. Some capstones may function as an extension of your field-based clinical coursework. Others have more of an academic or thesis focus, requiring you to complete an original research project.

Some programs also include a comprehensive final exam, which tests the fundamental skills and knowledge you'll need to be an effective school counselor.

MA programs in school counseling may appeal to:

Importantly, MA programs may be a better match if you're planning to pursue a doctorate. Academically focused capstone or thesis requirements engage your research proficiencies. You'll draw heavily on these research skills if you proceed to the doctoral level.

Payscale data from March 2024 indicates that those with MA degrees in school counseling earn average base salaries of $51,000 per year.

Master of Education in School Counseling

An M.Ed. in counseling covers coursework similar to an MA program. However, M.Ed. programs are typically designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in education. Some are specifically intended for experienced teachers seeking to transition into school counselor roles.

In terms of the curriculum, you may find that some M.Ed. programs put less emphasis on theoretical foundations. Instead, they assume you already have a working knowledge of fundamental principles. Their admission standards may reflect this assumption. You may need a bachelor's degree in education, psychology, or a related field to get into an M.Ed. program.

In place of foundational courses, M.Ed. programs may feature deeper coverage of advanced counseling theory and more intensive fieldwork. Practical training experiences may include internships, clinical observation requirements, or both.

Like MA programs, M.Ed. degrees usually cover up to 60 credits. Culminating experiences often combine fieldwork with a capstone project or master's thesis.

Note that M.Ed. programs do not usually emphasize research. Instead, they prioritize the practical and applied skills you'll use as a school counselor.

An M.Ed. in counseling might be right for:

Payscale data indicates a slight salary boost for people with an M.Ed. compared to those who graduated from MA programs. As of March 2024, Payscale reports an average annual salary of $54,000 for a working professional with an M.Ed. in counseling.

Takeaways

Whether you choose an MA or an M.Ed. in counseling, you're ultimately putting yourself on the path to higher earning power. In March 2024, Payscale reported the average annual salary associated with a bachelor of education in counseling at $46,000 per year. That's about 11% lower than the average MA salary and 17% less than the average M.Ed. salary.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects higher-than-average job growth for school counselors from 2022–2032. During that time frame, the BLS projects 5% growth for the career path, which works out to about 18,400 new jobs.

Whichever master's in counseling degree you pursue, make sure it's offered at an accredited institution. You can also look for accredited counseling programs endorsed by reputable organizations like the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Finally, be sure to look up specific training requirements in your state.

Page last reviewed on March 14, 2024