Best Master's Degrees in School Counseling

Students hoping to pursue a master's degree in school counseling must have at least a bachelor's degree. However, the major of study can be flexible. Most master's in school counseling programs accept applications from individuals with diverse educational backgrounds and do not require specific majors or prerequisites. Undergraduate degrees that may prove helpful for graduate study in this field could include psychology, education, sociology, or social work. Former classroom teachers with bachelor's degrees in education may choose to transition to a counseling role.

Students who apply to school counseling master's programs will need to meet university admissions requirements. Each university sets its own standards but commonalities exist between programs. In general, students must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in any subject from an accredited university or college. Official transcripts demonstrating GPA and courses completed must be sent in either paper or electronic form. In addition to an application that is usually completed and submitted online, students may need to provide one or more of the following to their university:

• GRE scores
• Statement of purpose or personal statement
• Between 1-3 letters of reference from former professors or supervisors
• Resume detailing relevant past work experience

Individuals who pursue school counseling master's degrees generally enjoy working and interacting with children and teens. School counselors enjoy a daily schedule that includes a lot of variety and for this reason, those interested in this field are usually flexible and able to switch between different tasks easily. School counseling professionals should also have excellent communication and listening skills as they are expected to work with not only students but teachers, parents, and community members.

A wide range of choices exist for students wishing to study school counseling. In terms of mode of study, students may attend a physical campus or one of the many online colleges with school counseling degrees. With on-campus programs, students are able to interact face-to-face with professors and classmates, which is a preference for some learners.

Students may also want to think about factors such as location, cost, and issues surrounding licensure. Location will affect cost. In-state tuition is granted to permanent residents of a state and is typically cheaper than out-of-state tuition. Students who attend a university outside of the state in which they hope to work should also consider licensure requirements. Every state has different requirements so it is important to make sure your chosen program fulfills licensure requirements where you plan to work.

Degree plans for master's programs in school counseling are fairly uniform in terms of coursework. To meet licensing requirements, accredited schools must cover specific topics. Because of this, students generally do not have much flexibility in course options. Foundational classes teach research, theory, and legal and ethical issues within school counseling. Other courses typically consist of core themes, including counseling techniques and how to work with specific populations. Compulsory internship and practicum hours are included in the majority of programs.

School Counseling Foundational Courses

Foundational courses in school counseling master's degrees teach important entry-level knowledge in the field. Students with no prior experience in counseling or in a school setting will learn about educational research and the theories that underpin counseling as a whole. Classes teaching the ethical and legal aspects behind school counseling ensure future counselors can set boundaries and function within appropriate professional parameters. Some common courses include:

• Introduction to school counseling
• Counseling theories
• Legal and ethical considerations
• Group counseling

Students are also required to undertake both an internship and a practicum in a K-12 setting. These usually must cover all levels including elementary, middle, and high school.

School Counseling Specialist & Elective Courses

Master's in school counseling degrees are generally made up of a set curriculum, although some schools offer opportunities to choose from a limited number of elective courses. These may relate to topics surrounding elementary school counseling, high school counseling, or specific techniques such as play therapy. Electives will vary widely by institution or may not be available at all depending on the program of interest. Students may need to obtain approval from their advisor before selecting electives.

Licensure & Certification in School Counseling

School counselors must be licensed in the state in which they plan to work. Licensure requirements vary by state. However, the majority of states require a master's degree in school counseling from an accredited university as well as completed practicum and internship hours. Some states also require a minimum amount of professional experience. All school counselor applicants must undergo fingerprinting and background checks as part of the licensure process.

Outside of the educational and experience requirements, candidates must pass an examination in most states. These exams may be state-specific or they could be the Praxis II for School Guidance and Counseling. Reciprocity exists for some states meaning licensure is transferable between states in the agreement.

Aside from coursework required for graduation, students also must gain hands-on counseling experience in local schools. Most school counseling master's programs include both a practicum and an internship. They are mandatory components and must be supervised and approved by a licensed school counselor.

Practicum portions of the clinical experience requirement are generally shorter. This is because practicums function as an introduction to hands-on experience and may involve more observation to understand the role and responsibilities of a school counselor. Internships tend to require more hours as this part of the experience involves direct service provision to students. Internships and practicum sites typically need to be approved by the student's program advisor.

Beyond a master's degree in school counseling, students may wish to pursue study at the doctoral level. Degrees at this level are awarded as a Doctor of Education (EdD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Both degrees provide training in both counseling theory and research methods and prepare students for practice, teaching, or research.

Master's degree graduates may also wish to engage in guidance counselor continuing education which does not lead to a degree but can enrich an individual's professional knowledge base.

Graduates may wonder what they can do with master's in school counseling. Typically, individuals who earn this degree work as school counselors in the K-12 setting. This includes private as well as public schools. However, some graduates may choose to pursue alternative employment. Depending on the state, those with a master's in school counseling may be eligible to apply for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. This will allow them to enter private practice as well as pursue jobs in the public sector. Graduates could also start their own business related to counseling, such as teaching mindfulness, and contract with schools to provide services externally. A degree or certification in school counseling can open doors to fulfilling careers.

Job Outlook for a Master's in School Counseling

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of school and career counselors is expected to grow by 8% between 2019 and 2029. This is classified as much faster than all other jobs which will only grow by 4%. This 8% growth projection will add an estimated 26,800 jobs to the market during the same time period. School counselors are needed across all institutions from primary to secondary levels. School counselors may also find jobs internationally in private American or British schools as well as on military bases. This expands opportunities outside of the U.S. The BLS states that rising enrollment in U.S. schools will provide job security for practicing school counselors.

How to Become a High School Counselor

High school counselors work with teenagers in public and private schools. They are responsible for helping students plan class schedules, apply to college, or identify work opportunities beyond graduation. High school counselors also address mental and emotional problems and may link students to outside counseling. Counselors at this level may make classroom presentations on important topics such as bullying, substance abuse, or college readiness. They provide counseling sessions on an individual and group basis to students.

To become a high school counselor, prospective students must earn a master's degree in school counseling from an accredited university. This includes coursework as well as in-person practicum and internship hours. Graduates must then become licensed in their state. This generally involves passing an exam and completing a background check.

The BLS estimates that as of May 2019, school and career counselors earned a yearly median salary of $57,040 with the highest earners making more than $96,090.

How to Become an Elementary School Counselor

Elementary school counselors work with children in primary schools. They may be responsible for helping to identify learning or developmental disabilities in students. In addition to helping to resolve interpersonal conflicts among students, elementary school counselors work with students individually to develop self-control and coping strategies. Students at this age benefit from the development of emotional regulation as well as how to understand the feelings of others. These counselors may also collect behavior or academic data on students to create intervention plans.

Elementary school counselors have at least a master's in school counseling from an accredited institution. They will complete hands-on practical experience through practicum and internship hours. Counselors must pass a state licensing exam and undergo a background check before beginning to work with students.

The BLS estimates that school counselors generally make between $34,380 to $96,090 a year, with the median salary being $64,060 for counselors in the K-12 setting. Salary is likely to vary by location and years of experience.

U.S. federal financial aid is a popular option for students who need help paying for their degree. Students must be attending an accredited university to benefit from student loans. Loans are available for both undergraduate and graduate study in degree-granting programs such as a master's in school counseling. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an online application that students must complete to qualify for consideration. The application asks for personal and financial information.

Scholarships and grants are monetary awards that do not need to be repaid at any time. Grants are generally need-based while scholarships are open to students who qualify. The National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA) offers the Betty W. Robbins Endowed Scholarship. Started in 1955, this scholarship is awarded every April to students planning to enter careers working directly with children in a variety of contexts including school counseling. To apply, students must be U.S. citizens living as residents in one of the following states: Mississippi, Arkansas, Florida, Missouri, Alabama, Louisiana, or Tennessee. Students need to submit their application and supporting documents between September 1st and February 1st through the NAJA website.