More Information About School Counseling & Psychology

What should I know when considering a degree in School Counseling & Psychology ?

The field of school counseling provides licensed professionals that help students to progress towards their educational goals and to develop healthy social relationships. School counseling incorporates preventative and crisis intervention programs to identify and help students deal with situations involving drugs, alcohol, and abuse. Counselors use individual or group counseling, collaboration with teachers and parents, testing, recommendation of outside resources, and workshops to make sure that the needs of students are being met.

School counseling is utilized in both public and private schools and colleges. Although most work is performed in offices, many counselors also spend a portion of their time observing students in the classroom. Tasks will vary daily but the majority of time is spent interacting directly with students. The conventional work schedule for many school counselors is 9 to 10 months out of the year. However, some might choose to work during summer school as well.

Education Required

Master's Degree

School counseling requires practitioners to obtain a master's degree to qualify for entry-level positions. Students should seek programs in school counseling that are accredited by the Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Curricula will include a combination of courses that cover three basic aspects of school counseling: academic, career, and personal/social. Specific courses may include: human growth and development, individual counseling, educational statistics, group counseling, measurement and assessment in school settings, research principles, and career counseling.

State Licensing

School counselors must possess a state license before they are permitted to practice. Specific license requirements differ by state but include: a master's degree, two years of supervised post-graduate work experience, and passing the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE).

Voluntary Certification

School counseling also provides professionals with voluntary certification options. One option is become a National Certified Counselor. There are several benefits to pursuing NCC certification including: a client referral service, potential salary increases, and professional recognition. A second option is The National Certified School Counselor Credential (NCSC). This certification is a specialty credential regulated by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

Earning Potential

School counselors can expect to earn a median annual wage of $49,450 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest earnings were reported at $28,430 and the highest at $79,150. School counselors employed by elementary and high schools earned the highest wages, and those working in colleges and technical schools earned the lowest.

Since many school counselors are expected to retire in the coming years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a continually steady growth of jobs in school counseling.

Where an Advanced Degree Will Take You

School counselors often pursue careers in supervisory positions as school counseling directors and coordinators. These professionals work in schools, at the state level, and at the district level. As leaders they are responsible for developing school counseling programs that follow the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) guidelines. Using various types of data, they evaluate whether or not programs are successfully meeting the needs of students. They advocate on behalf of students to ensure equal opportunities and to maintain the ASCA recommended 1:250 ratio of counselor to student. Directors and coordinators are also charged with hiring an institution's school counselors and promoting professional development.

School counseling directors and coordinators must possess a master's degree or higher and a state required school counselor certification or license. In some states, directors and coordinators are required to have a license in administration or supervision as well as a school counseling license. An online school counseling degree is a flexible option for working on a school counseling education.

Careers in This Area

There are several different age categories within school counseling. School counselors are specially trained to deal with the unique needs and concern that affect their particular group.

Elementary School Counseling

Students in elementary school have entered the beginning stages of their educational development. It is in this crucial period that they begin to form their attitudes about academics. Elementary school counselors have the important task of encouraging them to form positive attitudes about education and develop confidence in their abilities. At this stage, heavy emphasis is placed on the early detection of any learning, social, or emotional difficulties that may potentially interfere with a student's success.

Middle School Counseling

Students in middle school are making the difficult transition from childhood to the teenage years. Counselors of Middle School students are there to help guide their transition in a direction where they will learn to value education, develop good self-esteem, and maintain positive relationships with their peers.

High School Counseling

High school students are undergoing the even more difficult transition from adolescence to the adult world. They are further refining their identities, values, and beliefs, as they become more independent of their parents. Since this can also be a very confusing time for students, high school counselors are specially trained to help them handle peer pressure and to learn how to make good choices. High school counseling also focuses more on career preparation. They assist students with the college selection and application process, career interests, and job searching.

College Counseling

By the time students are in college, their scholastic values, personal identities, and social skills for the most part have been established. Consequently, the emphasis at this stage is placed mainly on career development. For students who have still not settled on a career, counselors will assist them in looking at different career options. For those who have already declared a major, counselors are there to help them prepare for their chosen field. New incoming freshmen are counseled on adjusting to college life and in scholastic success.

Type of Person Who Will Succeed in This Career

School counseling professionals should be familiar with and sympathetic to the particular concerns of the age group they work with. They should possess both patience and a passion for education. Since the majority of the day will be spent speaking directly to students, effective communication skills are essential. Good analytical and observation skills are important in determining when students need intervention and the most effective methods to use.

References
Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
http://www.cacrep.org

American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
http://www.schoolcounselor.org

National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
http://www.nbcc.org

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
http://www.bls.gov

What are the leading schools offering programs in School Counseling & Psychology ?

• Walden University Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. ( More Info )
• Capella University (Graduate) Capella University offers online graduate degree learning in Education, Human Services, Psychology, Business, and Technology. Students earn master and doctorate degrees while preparing for professional entry-level and advanced career opportunities - all without entering a classroom. ( More Info )
• Argosy University (Graduate) Argosy University, with 18 metropolitan campus locations throughout U.S., offers Masters, MBA, Doctorate, and Specialized programs in Business, Counseling, Education, and Psychology. ** Not an online school. ( More Info )