What Will I Learn in a School Counseling Degree Program?

This degree program will prepare you to work as a guidance or career counselor in K-12 schools and beyond. Your studies will include student affairs, family therapy, and substance abuse and career counseling. Typical courses found in a school counseling degree program include diversity, group work, counseling techniques, human growth and development, relationships, career development, assessment, ethics and evaluation. As part of your degree program, you will take part in course studies as well as get clinical experience in counseling. States will generally require school counselors to be licensed, and some will also require school counselors to have a current teaching certificate as well as teaching experience.

MS in School Counseling	MS in Clinical Counseling	MS in Mental Counseling

What Can I Do With a School Counseling Degree?

This degree is specifically designed to guide you into a career in school counseling. School counselors work as an advocate for students, helping them to plan their education, career and social development. You may find work in all different levels of education, from elementary to postsecondary. In elementary schools, you will generally provide guidance services, evaluation and curriculum adjustments for students and teachers. High school counselors will often act as advisers on college majors, financial aid, internships and careers. To work at this level, a master's degree is usually required.

What Is the Career Outlook for School Counseling Degree Students?

School counseling is a career that is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, and job opportunities should be favorable. Employment growth will vary by specialty, but opportunities are plentiful, as job openings will exceed the number of graduates available to fill them, particularly in rural areas. School counselors are increasingly in demand as educational administrators sharpen their focus on crisis and preventive counseling. Those who have training in drug and alcohol abuse, death, suicide and violence will find ample job opportunities. As a school counselor, your annual wage will be about $51,000.