Alaska’s public school system serves over 130,000 students, with school counselors playing a pivotal role. Alaska state statute 14.18.030 (1981) “requires public education to make available guidance and counseling services to all students equally.” The student-to-school counselor ratio in Alaska is 410:1, which is higher than the national average of 385:1. (The American School Counseling Association recommends a ratio of 250:1.) School counselors in Alaska may work in elementary, middle, and high school settings and support the academic, social, and emotional well-being of their students.
- Arizona State University - Online offers the respected CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work online. ASU Online knows today’s MSW students need remote learning options with no compromises. That’s why you’ll find the same professors, field work requirements, and internship placement assistance that ASU provides on campus. Visit School's Website
- Grand Canyon University offers Online Social Work Degrees. Choose between Bachelors of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing). Visit School's Website
- Syracuse University offers an Online Masters of Social Work Program. The Program has Advance Standing Available, Two Concentrations, and Social Justice Curriculum. Visit School's Website
- Walden University offers Master of Social Work (MSW) - Advanced Standing (requires BSW). Visit School's Website
- University of Kentucky offers its Online Master of Social Work: Advanced Standing Program available. MSW program includes options for an advanced-standing program (30 credits) and a 60-credit regular standing program. Visit School's Website
- George Mason University - Throughout Mason’s online MSW program, you’ll build knowledge for evidence-based practice in classes led by practicing social workers. Visit School's Website
The diverse climate means that there is a wide variety of schools across the state, from large, inner-city schools near the capital to “bush” schools in small villages. Itinerant school counselors are unique to rural Alaska. These school counselors often work at more than one school site and may travel by four-wheeler or snowmobile. If you love adventure and new experiences, being an itinerant school counselor may be worth looking into.
Masters Programs in Alaska to Become a School Counselor
There is one school counseling masters program offered by both public and private institutions in Alaska. As a relatively small state, Alaska only has a handful of colleges and universities. Fortunately, there is still an avenue to pursue the necessary education to become a school counselor.
University of Alaska at Fairbanks
- Fairbanks, AK
- Online
City: Fairbanks, AK
Modality: Online
Program: Master of Education in Counseling
Length: 60-78 credit hours
Tuition: $11,052 assuming 18 credits, $36,840-$47,892 total program cost depending on the number of credits
Program Overview:
The CACREP-accredited graduate counseling program in counseling at University of Alaska at Fairbanks offers a dual-degree option. All students who complete this program earn a Master of Education but choose their concentration(s). Students can combine both the clinical mental health and K-12 school counseling concentrations for greater professional advancement. Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores for admission to this program. All classes are delivered online through synchronous (a.k.a. live) sessions with asynchronous coursework that can be completed at any time.
Although the lack of school counseling masters programs available in Alaska may be disappointing, the program at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks is an excellent option by any measure. It’s CACREP-accredited which ensures high-quality coursework. Students also benefit from lower costs with in-state tuition and an online format that does not require commuting or paying for a dorm. If you’re determined to become a school counselor in Alaska, this is the school for you.
