Is a School Counseling Degree Right for Me?

School counselors, also known as guidance counselors, provide students with the educational and social guidance they need to excel in grades K-12. High school counselors help learners plan for life after graduation.

Becoming a school counselor requires completing a master's program in school counseling. But is this degree right for you? A school counseling degree is the right choice for individuals who want to provide behavioral, academic, and social assistance to elementary, middle, or high school students.

If you're considering a career in school counseling, explore reasons to earn a degree and learn what you'll study. Also, look into job opportunities available to school counseling degree holders.

What Is a School Counseling Degree?

A school counseling degree prepares individuals to guide students through their time in K-12 schools. Programs ensure graduate students know what is required of professional counselors. They also develop enrollees' counseling skills via classroom instruction and practical experiences.

School counseling degrees are typically offered as master's programs (Master of Science or Master of Arts) since counselors in public schools need master's degrees to secure a state-issued credential or licensure. Gaining admission to a master's program in school counseling requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree. A background in counseling, psychology, or a related field could be helpful when entering a master's degree program but is not required.

What Does a School Counseling Major Study?

Master's programs in school counseling often align their coursework with area school districts to prepare enrollees for roles after graduating. The curriculum might vary from school to school but could explore:

• human development and growth
• counseling theory and techniques
• career and life planning
• educational research
• family and school consulting
• principles of school counseling
• group counseling
• learning issues and counseling children and adolescents
• cultural and social foundations of counseling

School counseling coursework prepares enrollees to do the following in school settings:

• develop and manage school counseling programs that promote academic success for students
• help students attain educational, emotional, social, and career growth
• ensure all students have access to educational opportunities

Programs commonly require enrollees to complete seminars, practicums, or internships. To secure school counselor certification, a credential, or licensure, enrollees usually participate in one of these practical experiences under the supervision of a licensed professional school counselor. Completion of an exam might also be required to attain school counseling licensure.

Why You Should Consider a Degree in School Counseling

Working in school counseling comes with the challenge of busy days and heavy workloads; however, the pros of this profession outweigh the cons. Here are some reasons to consider earning a graduate degree and starting a school counseling career.

Make a Difference in Students' Lives

School counselors help students navigate school and life by guiding their academic journeys and assisting with behavioral and social challenges. Students may not always have this type of support outside of school. As a counselor, you can make a difference in student's lives by helping them:

• improve their grades
• work through personal issues
• graduate from school
• choose an educational program or career path

Build Skills in Different Areas of Counseling

While school counseling programs focus primarily on providing graduate students with the skills they'll need to excel as counselors in K-12 schools, some programs offer specializations in other areas of counseling. Some counseling field specializations might include:

• addiction counseling
• mental health counseling
• trauma and crisis counseling
• marriage and family counseling
• telehealth counseling

Create Strong Counseling Programs

According to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), school counselors are responsible for designing and implementing counseling programs that positively impact student achievement. You'll create dynamic programs including curricula appropriate for specific developmental stages. Your programs can also improve attendance, discipline, and achievement. This prepares students for success after graduating.

Get Your Degree Online

If you're leading a busy professional and personal life, earning a school counseling master's degree might seem overwhelming. Fortunately, some colleges and universities offer online master's programs in school counseling. These programs typically offer online coursework and may have virtual simulations. However, you might be required to participate in field experiences in person.

Enjoy Summers Off

A major perk of a career in school counseling is the ability to enjoy summer vacations. Most school counselors work full-time while school is in session. However, they usually take time off when school is out, normally during the summer.

Job Opportunities for School Counseling Degree Majors

Most school counseling master's degree programs are designed for students who want to become school counselors. However, degrees in school counseling can also benefit students with other career goals. Career options for students with school counseling degrees include:

• academic advisor
• academic counselor
• mental health counselor
• career coach

You can also use your school counseling degree to enroll in a doctoral program for advanced career opportunities. Degree options might include a PhD, EdD, or PsyD in:

• counseling psychology
• counselor education
• social and cognitive psychology
• counselor education and supervision

School Counseling Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

Are you uncertain that enrolling in a school counseling degree program is the right choice? Consider asking yourself the following questions.

Do I Have the Personal Qualities to Succeed in a School Counseling Degree Program?

Succeeding in a school counseling degree program requires hard work. You must be prepared to complete your coursework and field experiences. But you also want to make sure you have the personal qualities needed to succeed as a school counselor, which include:

• interpersonal skills to work with students, parents, and other professionals of all backgrounds
• listening skills to hear and comprehend student challenges
• compassion to empathize with students dealing with difficult situations
• analytical skills to interpret student records and other school-based data
• speaking skills to engage in effective communication with students and their parents

Is a Master's in School Counseling Worth It?

Yes, a master's in school counseling is worth it. To start a career as a school counselor, you'll need a graduate degree in school counseling or a related field to secure state-issued licensure or a credential. However, these programs also help you build the necessary skills to create quality school counseling programs and positively impact the lives of students you interact with.

What Is the Career Outlook for School Counselors?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment of school and career counselors to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032. This growth is faster than average for all occupations. More than 26,600 annual openings are projected for these careers over this period.