Southern Arkansas University Online Counseling Programs
Southern Arkansas University offers several online counseling pathways through its College of Education and Human Performance and its Counseling and Professional Studies Department. The available programs include the college counseling and student affairs graduate certificate, the master of education in school counseling, the master of education in college counseling and student affairs, the master of science in clinical and mental health counseling, and the school counseling graduate certificate.
SAU delivers its counseling education online, with some programs offering hybrid access as well. The university describes its MEd programs as among the most affordable in the nation, and it also notes that its programs are often recognized as strong value options. The counseling department prepares students for work in schools, colleges, student affairs, and community mental health settings, giving learners both academic preparation and practical field experience.
The university’s counseling programs are built around professional training, leadership, and service. Students study counseling theory, ethics, human development, assessment, and applied practice. SAU also emphasizes flexibility for working adults, especially in its online graduate offerings. For students in the school counseling track, the program supports licensure preparation in Arkansas, while the clinical mental health program is designed to align with state licensure expectations.
The MEd in school counseling prepares students to become knowledgeable and self-aware professional school counselors. The program is designed to meet K-12 school counseling licensure requirements in Arkansas and focuses on developmental needs, counseling skills, and comprehensive guidance programs. Important courses include foundations of school counseling; development and administration of school counseling programs; counseling children and adolescents; and practicum in counseling. Students also complete supervised internship work in elementary or secondary school settings.
The MEd in college counseling and student affairs is designed for students who want administrative and counseling roles in colleges and universities. The program combines counseling preparation with student development and higher education leadership. Key courses include introduction to student affairs in higher education; student affairs theory and practice; counseling in higher education; and leadership and organization development. Students also complete practicum in counseling and internships in college counseling and student affairs.
The MS in clinical and mental health counseling prepares students for counseling careers in community mental health centers, state agencies, and other helping settings. The program is built around evidence-based counseling, ethics, and work with individuals, groups, and families. Important courses include introduction to the counseling profession; counseling theories; assessment procedures for counselors; case management and the DSM; and two clinical mental health counseling internships. The program also includes electives such as introduction to play therapy; substance use disorders; human sexuality; and special topics.
The college counseling and student affairs graduate certificate is for students who already hold a master’s degree in counseling and want added preparation for student affairs work. This 12-credit certificate is fully online and does not require an internship. Its main courses include introduction to student affairs in higher education; student affairs theory and practice; organization and administration of student affairs services; and counseling in higher education. The certificate is aimed at professionals seeking resume-ready preparation for student affairs roles.
The school counseling graduate certificate is for students who already hold a master’s degree in a related counseling field and want school counseling preparation. This 12-credit program is offered in hybrid and online formats. It includes Foundations of School Counseling; Development and Administration of School Counseling Programs; and supervised experience in elementary or secondary school counseling. The certificate is meant for students who want to meet school counseling admission and licensure-related requirements.
Admission requirements vary by program, but several common standards appear across SAU’s counseling offerings. Applicants to the college counseling and student affairs graduate certificate must already hold a master’s degree in counseling from a regionally accredited institution, and GMAT and GRE scores are not required. Admission to the MEd in school counseling program depends on the pathway, with one route for certified Arkansas teachers who hold a valid teaching license and another for applicants with an education certificate. The school counseling degree also requires admission to SAU Graduate School, a statement of purpose, a science of reading awareness agreement, and other licensure-related documents.
The clinical and mental health counseling program requires graduate school admission plus program-specific materials such as a statement of purpose, three reference letters, and an informed consent acknowledgment. The college counseling and student affairs master’s program requires a graduate application, official transcripts, and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The school counseling graduate certificate requires a master’s degree in a related counseling field and the requirements for admission to the school counseling program.
Southern Arkansas University is located in Magnolia, Arkansas, United States. The university is a public institution established in 1909 and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). SAU also states that its counseling programs are tied to its broader commitment to student success, professional preparation, and affordable graduate education.
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College Counseling and Student Affairs Graduate Certificate
M.Ed – School Counseling
M.Ed in College Counseling and Student Affairs
MS – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Counseling Graduate Certificate
100 E. UniversityMagnolia, Arkansas
Program Essentials
Post-Master's Certificate
Counseling: School Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
12
Fall, Spring, Summer, Summer II
Complete in as few as 1 year
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.50 or higher
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
12
$329.00
$3,948.00
$516.00
$6,192.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: School Counseling
No
5 – Five face-to-face on-campus visits required
48
Fall, Spring, Summer, Summer II
Complete in as few as 2.5-3 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.50 or higher
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
48
$329.00
$15,792.00
$516.00
$24,768.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: School Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
51
Fall, Spring, Summer, Summer II
Complete in as few as 3 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.50 or higher
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
51
$329.00
$16,779.00
$516.00
$26,316.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
60
Fall, Spring, Summer, Summer II
Complete in as few as 3.5-4 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.50 or higher
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
60
$329.00
$19,740.00
$516.00
$30,960.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master's Certificate
Counseling: School Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
12
Fall, Spring, Summer, Summer II
Complete in as few as 1 year
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.50 or higher
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
12
$329.00
$3,948.00
$516.00
$6,192.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Farheen Gani
WriterFarheen Gani has researched degree programs and salaries in counseling since 2020. She has written about topics such as genetic counselor salaries and family and human development bachelor’s degrees. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.