Make a Lasting Impact as a Licensed School Counselor or School Social Worker
Prepare to support students’ academic, social and emotional success and strengthen school communities.
Earn your master’s. Advance your career.
Access a program brochure, connect with enrollment, and get a head start on your application.
Total Tuition Under $35K
Earn your M.Ed. in School Counseling for $35K or a Post-Master’s Certificate for as little as $12K.
Flexible Online or On-Campus Options
Study 100 percent online or a mix of online and on-campus courses, with full- and part-time options that fit your schedule.
Licensure Preparation Pathways
Prepare for the credentials you need with Massachusetts DESE-approved master’s and post-master’s pathways. Flexible out-of-state options are also available.
Aligned With ASCA National Standards
Our curriculum is built directly on American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards to ensure high-quality preparation.
Fellowships With Tuition Discount
Apply for a nine-month, on-campus fellowship and receive a 50–100percent tuition discount during your first year (up to 36 credits).
Overview
Prepare for rewarding careers in school- or community-based counseling, college readiness, career guidance, transitional services and more with our Master of Education in School Counseling or School Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor (SAC) Certificate for Post-Master’s Licensure.
Career Outlook
No. 3
Massachusetts is the third-highest-paying for school counselors in the U.S.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2024, Massachusetts ranked third highest in median annual salary for educational, school and career counselors and advisors ($79,670), with nearly 10,000 employed in this occupation throughout the state.
Choose From Two Pathways
M.Ed. in School Counseling
Earn your Master of Education through Merrimack College’s Massachusetts DESE-approved licensure program, offering flexible pathways for both Initial and Professional licensure.
Out-of-state students can complete fieldwork in their home state or replace on-site internships with advanced coursework.
Highlights:
- Two tracks: Choose between School Counseling or School Social Work/School Adjustment Counseling (SAC).
- Tuition-covering fellowships: Nine-month on-campus fellowships cover 50–100 percent of first-year tuition (up to 36 credits) and provide hands-on experience.
Post Master’s Certificate
Designed for current school counselors, social workers and mental health professionals, the School Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor (SAC) Post-Master’s Certificate accelerates your path to licensure endorsement.
Highlights:
- Fast-track licensure: Build directly on your existing master’s degree with 16–20 credits of targeted coursework.
- Specialized focus: Gain the specific credentials required for School Social Work/SAC licensure.
What Our Students Say
Key Dates and Deadlines
No. 8
Most Innovative Schools
Merrimack College was named No. 8 in Most Innovative Schools, Regional Universities North, by U.S. News & World Report (2026).
No. 38
Regional Universities North
Merrimack College was named No. 38 in Regional Universities North by U.S. News & World Report (2026).
NECHE-Accredited
Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Why Merrimack
Merrimack makes it easy and convenient to advance your career in school counseling.
- 100 percent online or hybrid coursework
- Initial and professional licensure preparation pathways meet Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) licensure requirements
- Out-of-state licensure pathways
- Aligned with the American School Counselors Association (ASCA) standards
- No application fee
- Financial aid eligible
Frequently Asked Questions
Students in the M.Ed. in School Counseling program are required to complete 48 credit hours. On average, students can earn their degree in as few as two years at a full-time pace or in three to four years at a part-time pace. This timeline may vary depending on how many credits are taken each semester.
The School Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor (SAC) Certificate for Post-Master’s Licensure is a 16–20-credit program that can be completed in as little as six months full time or one year part time.
Yes, through FAFSA student loans and other options. Request more information, and an enrollment advisor will contact you to answer your questions.
Connecting with an enrollment advisor will help you:
- Understand the program admission criteria and know whether you are eligible to apply
- Gain insight into application best practices and how to submit a strong application
- Know what to expect in your online or on-campus learning experience, including the level of faculty interaction, program outcomes and more
- Have an immediate line of support in the event you have questions or need clarification about the M.Ed. or School Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor (SAC) Certificate for Post-Master’s Licensure
Empower Minds. Shape Futures.
Propel your education career with our M.Ed. or School Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor (SAC) Certificate for Post-Master’s Licensure.
Begin Your Journey