School Counselor Degrees
School success is not only a function of academic learning but for many children, requires extra support from school counselors in areas such as social, emotional and behavioral development. As students get older, they need help in determining what direction their lives should head after completing high school. Elementary and middle school counselors focus on ensuring children's success in school and often work with children who have a range of problems or special needs that impact their learning. High school counselors provide career and college guidance as well as address issues that affect adolescents' success in school and beyond.
Job opportunities for graduates of a school counselor degree program are expected to be fairly good over the next decade. Although school administrators and governments increasingly recognize the importance of school counselors, budget limitations may temper actual hiring.
Degree Options
- Master's Degree – A master's degree in school counseling will enable graduates to become licensed school counselors and to work in K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions.
- Doctoral Degree – A doctoral degree will enable graduates to work as school counselors or to conduct research and teach at the university level.
Schools
Hundreds of school counselor master's degree programs are available at universities and colleges throughout the country as well as at a number of reputable online schools. Doctoral programs in this field are more limited. School Counselor degrees are offered by psychology, human services and education departments.
Coursework
Below are some examples of coursework a student majoring in school counseling may take:
- Human Development and Counseling – Examines the stages of human development in relationship to the practice of counseling.
- Counseling Theory and Practice – Students examine a wide range of theories and specific techniques and how they are applied in various situations.
- Counseling the Early Adolescent – Physical, emotional and social development of early adolescents are examined along with the relationship to counseling needs.
- Diagnosis in Counseling – Major categories of mental disorder are studied with a focus on assessment and treatment.
- Counseling At-Risk Youth – Students learn prevention and intervention techniques related to drug abuse, suicide, eating disorders, pregnancy and other high-risk behaviors.
- Internship - Students are required to complete an internship in a school setting.
Aptitudes and Interests
Individuals considering a major in school counseling should enjoy working with children and/or adolescents and find satisfaction in helping students despite the high stress levels and emotional ups and downs inherent in the job. They need to be authoritative and able to earn the respect and trust of students.
Career Options
Graduates of a school counseling program will most commonly work as a licensed School Counselor. Other terms used for this career include Guidance Counselor and Educational Counselor. They may work in a public or private school at the elementary, middle or high school level and sometimes at the college level.
Related Majors
- School Psychology - These programs lead to licensure or certification as a school psychologist.
- Special Education - Teacher training for those who will work with special needs students.
- Applied Behavior Analysis - Training for behavior therapists to work with patients with Autism and other developmental disabilities.
- Marriage and Family Counseling - Trains individuals to counsel children, couples and families.
How To Evaluate School Counselor Degree Programs
Below are some important factors to consider when choosing a School Counselor program:
- Licensing Requirements – School Counselor license requirements vary by state so students need to make sure all academic requirements are met by the program.
- Accreditation – Most state licensing boards require that a counseling degree be earned at an institution accredited by a regional accrediting agency. Some states require the school be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP).
- Flexibility - Students who plan to work while attending school will want to find a program that allows students to attend part-time and one that offers classes online or during evenings and weekends.
- Tuition and Financial Aid - Since tuition costs and financial aid can vary drastically by school, finances can play a significant role in the choice of school.
Resources
American School Counselor Association
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP)
National Board for Certified Counselors
American Counseling Association
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