TL;DR:
- ✅ Most states require a Master’s in School Counseling
- ⚖️ Some states allow alternative or provisional licenses
- 🏫 Private/alternative schools may not require a Master’s
- 🎓 Graduate programs prepare students for licensure + exams
School counselors play an important part in the school environment, providing critical support to administration, advocating for students’ needs, and managing multiple responsibilities–often in the span of a single hour.
Because this role requires specialized knowledge and skills, the majority of states require a Master’s degree to work as a school counselor. Possible exceptions to this mandate are private and alternative school settings, which may waive this qualification.
However, a Master’s degree in school counseling provides a valuable combination of coursework and clinical experience directly related to the school setting. Furthermore, these programs help students prepare for licensure and certification exams.
Individual states set their policies for alternative paths to licensure, such as having a Master’s degree in a related field. The majority of practicing school counselors have graduate degrees in school counseling.
Understanding the Role of a School Counselor
In the early 20th century, industrial growth in the United States brought a need for vocational guidance in schools. Guidance counselors were tasked primarily with helping students learn about careers.
As the education system evolved, the role of these counselors adapted to encompass changing societal, cultural, academic, and mental health needs. The term “guidance counselor” has been replaced with “school counselor” to more accurately describe the scope of this profession.
Today, school counselors occupy a wide range of roles in schools. Though many expectations and duties vary with grade level and school environment, below is a list of common responsibilities for school counselors:
- Provide academic, social-emotional, and career support to students through individual and small group counseling.
- Collaborate and support administrators with school-wide programming, including PBIS.
- Facilitate meetings with students, families, staff, and external agencies to ensure students receive appropriate and effective services.
- Manage school-wide counseling program and curriculum, including creating and delivering grade and developmentally appropriate lessons.
- Ensure an equitable environment in the school by making data-driven decisions, offering support, and expertise at IEP and 504 meetings.
- Review transcripts and confirm students meet high school graduation requirements.
- Guide students through career exploration and the college admissions process.
Education Requirements to Become a School Counselor
To practice as a school counselor in a public school, most states require a master’s in school counseling or a closely related field. These programs offer coursework, skill development, and clinical supervision in preparation for providing practical and caring support to students and schools.
Many school counseling Master’s degree programs are accredited through CACREP. The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs is the preeminent organization for ensuring programs meet high criteria for curriculum and instruction. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program signifies to prospective employers that your training and preparation have been found to meet the profession’s standards for practice.
Some prospective school counselors may wonder if specific bachelor’s degrees can help or expedite the process of joining the profession. Though school counselors’ undergraduate majors vary, degrees in psychology, education, or social sciences can provide a theoretical background for future school counselors.
Do All States Require a Master’s Degree?
The requirements to practice as a school counselor are governed by each state, and the most current information is on each state’s Department of Education website. Keep in mind that the majority require Masters degrees to practice as a school counselor in public schools. Possible exceptions to this requirement are private or alternative schools.
Though Master’s in School Counseling are the most common, many states have alternative routes to practice, including working while on a provisional license, working while in school, or having a degree in a closely related field such as Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Some examples include:
- Nebraska’s alternative certification program
- Montana, which allows counselors to work on provisional licenses
- Colorado, where Clinical Mental Health Counselors can practice as school counselors upon meeting certain requirements
- Suggest adding a table of state-by-state requirements table for SEO and reader utility.
Why a Master’s Degree Is Important for School Counselors
A Master’s degree program prepares future school counselors by providing specific training in the following areas:
- Counseling theories, skill development, and appropriate use of techniques based on students’ ages and developmental levels
- Supporting diverse populations, including special education and low-income students
- Ethical considerations in counseling and school settings
- Crisis and trauma-informed counseling
- Closing academic achievement gaps
- Development and delivery of school counseling programs
Most states’ Departments of Education require a master’s degree to become certified or licensed to practice school counseling in the public school setting. However, this may not apply to private or alternative schools, which may waive these requirements.
What Are The Steps to Becoming a School Counselor
Because most states require a Master’s degree to become a school counselor, earning a Bachelor’s degree is the initial step in joining this profession. Once you earn your undergraduate degree, begin researching School Counseling degree or associated Master’s degree programs.
School Counseling Master’s degree programs specifically offer coursework, skill development, and clinical supervision at multiple school sites for exposure to multiple grade levels and populations. Furthermore, School Counseling Master’s degree programs assist graduates in their state licensure or certification process. Many states require future school counselors to pass a Licensure or certification exam, such as the Praxis, before becoming practicing in a public school. The most up-to-date information about these requirements is on each state’s Department of Education website.
Career Outlook and Salary for School Counselors
As societal needs change, the mental and emotional health of students is becoming increasingly crucial as much as their academics. Because of the rapidly evolving education landscape, the career outlook for school counselors is considered steady.
With a median salary of $65,140, the projected growth of job openings is expected to increase as current school counselors retire or transition out of the profession. Individual states’ average salaries and projected growth vary.
FAQs About School Counselor Education Requirements
Do I need a master’s degree to become a school counselor?
Yes, a Master’s Degree is required in most states to practice in public schools. Complete requirements differ by state. The most updated information is available on each state’s Department of Education website.
Do I need to be a teacher before becoming a school counselor?
Though classroom experience can be helpful for aspiring school counselors, it is not a requirement for most states. Until fairly recently, several states, like Arkansas and Texas, mandated that school counselors have teaching experience. However, this has shifted in recent years, as bills have been passed eliminating this requirement. Be aware that some Master’s programs require teaching experience to apply for admission, and some programs have accelerated tracks for current educators.
What Are the Next Steps for Aspiring School Counselors?
- Obtain your Bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor’s degree is required to apply to Master’s programs.
- Shadow or talk to a school counselor; volunteer in education or youth-based settings. This can give you a better idea of the scope of a school counselor’s responsibilities, day-to-day duties, and help you figure out which grade levels you may want to work with in the future.
- Research School Counseling Master’s Programs. Some considerations include:
- Cost of attendance. What financial aid options are available to you?
- Lifestyle. Do you work, have a family? Are you considering attending a school in or out of state?
- Credit hours required. Many programs offer 48 or 60-hour programs.
- In person, hybrid, online. Which fits best with your current situation?
- CACREP accreditation. This can be attractive to future employers.
- Graduation, Licensure, and Job Placement rates. This information gives prospective applicants an idea of how graduates fare after earning their degrees.
- Take the GRE or other entrance exams if necessary. Although many graduate schools are phasing out the Graduate Record Examination, some programs still require the submission of the GRE or an alternative assessment. If this is the case, prepare to take the test!
- Gather requirements and apply! In addition to a complete application, schools require a transcript with proof of graduation. Many program applications may require an interview or a written essay.
Is a Master’s in School Counseling the Path for You?
School counseling is a field that has grown exponentially over the past few years. With proper research and knowledge about what you want in your career, you can begin the process of training for this dynamic and rewarding career.