The school counseling profession began in high schools. Guidance counselors, as they were known at the time, were tasked with helping students select classes and consider their goals after high school. This usually meant that they completed paperwork regarding college applications and tracked students’ progress towards earning their diplomas. Nowadays, high school counselors are additionally charged with supporting students’ emotional well-being as well. This includes responding to students’ threats to others and threats to self (e.g., suicidal ideation). High school counselors may also help students solve conflicts through mediation.
Keep reading to learn more about being a high school counselor.
At-A-Glance Facts
- The average student-to-school counselor ratio across all grade levels in the United States is 376:1.
- The American School Counselor Association estimates that the average student-to-school counselor ratio in secondary schools is between 178:1 and 376:1.
- The demand for school counselors is projected to grow 11% between 2020 and 2030.
General Requirements
All professional school counselors must hold their school counseling license/certification (terminology varies by state) through their state department of education. For professional licensure/certification, applicants must have completed an approved master’s program in school counseling. A master of the arts (MA), master of education (MEd), or master of science (MS) is commonly awarded. In another article, we wrote about the benefits of choosing a master of education over other programs.
School counselors must also pass a background check and fingerprint clearance. Certain states may require a passing score on a specific exam, such as the Praxis II. Others require school counselors to have worked as teachers for a specific period of time. Some states also differentiate school counselor license/certification at the primary and secondary levels. Be sure to check your state’s department of education website for their exact requirements.
School counseling is a fulfilling but demanding vocation. It requires shouldering the emotional burdens of students with complex personal histories. It can require a fair amount of clerical work, e.g., record-keeping and scheduling (especially at the high school level). School counselors should enjoy working with people while also creating professional boundaries for their own self-care.
Professional Role of the High School Counselor
The most basic role of the school counselor is to create a safe and welcoming school culture. They also must treat all students with unconditional positive regard. Other typical responsibilities of high school counselors include:
- Individual counseling
- Small group counseling
- Peer mediation
- Academic planning (e.g., course selection)
- College application assistance
- Post-graduate planning other than college (trade school, military, etc.)
- Drop-out prevention
- Course scheduling
- Crisis response
- Behavior interventions
- Attendance/truancy
- Reporting suspected child abuse to the proper authorities
- Teaching classroom guidance lessons
- Assisting with 504 plans
- Assisting with Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
- Parent outreach
- Referrals to outside agencies
- Threat assessments (e.g., CSTAG model)
- Suicide risk assessments
- Coordination of services (e.g., McKinney-Vento students)
- Student advocacy
- PBIS support
…and much more!
Differences between a high school counselor and an elementary or middle school counselor
High school counselors typically work in an office on campus. Students will come to see them during lunch or a study hall period, unless they are sent by their teacher. This is the same as in a middle school but different from an elementary school, in which students do not move freely throughout different areas of the school. Elementary school counselors may also see their students through classroom guidance classes instead of in individual sessions. High school counselors may host assemblies for students (especially for topics like college planning), but almost never teach classes.
Like middle school counselors, high school counselors are responsible for making sure that students on their caseload are on track for promotion to the next grade level. School counselors usually divide students by grade level or alphabetically. Most states require students to have a certain number of credits in Math, English, History, etc. In high schools, this also means that school counselors must do their best to prevent students from dropping out. High school counselors must complete academic counseling alongside post-secondary planning. This includes helping students and their families navigate the college process. In other cases, they may also recommend that students find an alternate career path after graduation, such as joining the fire department or military.
How to Become A High School Counselor
Here’s a quick guide to becoming a high school counselor in four steps.
1. Gain Experience Working In A High School.
While this technically isn’t required, those who want to be school counselors should first volunteer or work in a school setting before committing to a master’s program for school counseling. The reality of working in a school is often completely different from how people imagine it to be. Before committing to this career, make sure it’s right for you.
This does not mean you have to be a certified teacher (unless the state requires school counselors to work as teachers before receiving their professional certification). Working as a substitute teacher, paraprofessional, non-instructional staff member, or even volunteering are great ways to start. This can be done before, concurrent to, or after earning a bachelor’s degree.
2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree.
To become a professional school counselor, you will first need a bachelor’s degree. This is because school counselors hold master’s degrees in school counseling. The good news is that you do not need a bachelor’s degree in a specific field. While some school counseling master’s programs prefer applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., psychology, education), the majority do not. In fact, many school counseling master’s programs welcome and encourage students from all professional backgrounds.
3. Earn a Master’s Degree In School Counseling.
Verify which school counseling master’s programs are approved by your state’s department of education. Each state’s requirements vary. For example, some states require school counselors to have graduated from a CACREP-accredited program.
Complete all required coursework. This includes a practicum and an internship. A practicum is a shorter, less-intensive version of an internship in which students learn under a certified school counselor. A practicum is similar to shadowing. An internship involves a school counseling master’s student working directly with students and handling some of the responsibilities of a professional school counselor while under their supervision.
Students will often have to pass an exam in order to graduate and/or receive their certification. Common exams are the CPCE and Praxis II. This also varies by state and by program.
4. Apply for certification.
Once you have completed your school counseling master’s program, you must apply for professional certification or licensure. This usually requires submitting official transcripts, passing a background check, and being fingerprinted. Some states may require passing a specific exam.
High School Counselor FAQ
What is a high school counselor?
A high school counselor is an educational professional who supports the social-emotional well-being, academic success, and safety of high school students.
What is the difference between a school counselor and a guidance counselor?
School counselors used to be known as guidance counselors. As the duties of these professionals have shifted over the years, the term “school counselor” has become preferred.
Do I need a master’s degree to become a high school counselor?
Yes. While some states may allow temporary certification for those without a master’s degree, all school counselors will eventually need to earn a master’s degree in school counseling.
How long does it take to become a high school counselor?
A master’s degree in school counseling typically takes 2 to 3 years to complete. There are a handful of accelerated school counseling programs that take under 2 years. Keep in mind that some states require teaching experience in order to work as a school counselor.