TL;DR

• A Master’s Degree in School Counseling can lead to careers in K-12 schools, higher education, workforce development, and instructional and curriculum design.
• In a K-12 setting, school counselors support all students with academic achievement, social-emotional learning, and career exploration.
• School counselors manage programs and balance responsibilities associated with student success.

School counseling is one of the most dynamic and exciting jobs in education. As the academic, social-emotional, and career development needs of children grow, school counselors provide crucial support not only to students but also to their families, school administrators, and the community. This is reflected in a steady projected job growth over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In 1990, the American School Counselor Association championed the term “school counselor” to better represent the scope of duties and responsibilities of the role. Today, school counselors provide academic, career, and social-emotional support to enhance outcomes and ensure equitable opportunities for all students from Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Beyond the K-12 school setting, a Master’s Degree in School Counseling can also open opportunities in higher education, instructional design, and workforce development. If you are interested in earning your Master’s in School Counseling, read below to learn about opportunities you can pursue with this degree.

Career Opportunities with a Master’s Degree in School Counseling

In a School Counseling Master’s Degree program, students learn counseling theories, clinical techniques, ethics, and program management and analysis. These transferable skills can be applied to careers outside of the K-12 school environment. Read below to learn more about career opportunities available with a Master’s Degree in School Counseling.

• School Districts. Many school counselors transition from working inside a school building into a district role. Duties can include training and coaching school counselors, providing resources, monitoring legislation, strategic planning, and data reporting.
• Higher Education. Responsibilities and skills associated with higher education student affairs overlap with the K-12 setting. The following are among the employment options at a college or university setting.
  • Instructor. School counselors can serve as course or clinical instructors in a Master’s Degree program.
  • Academic and career advisors. Advisors support students with meeting the institutional requirements for graduation; in some cases they may also provide guidance regarding licensure or certification. Career advisors help students navigate the job search process as they near completion of their degrees.
  • Academic coaching. Academic coaches assist students with learning or study strategies, time management, and test-taking skills.
  • Student support program manager. Colleges and universities provide organized support for different populations, such as first-generation students, international students, or students on academic probation. 
• Instruction and Curriculum Design. School counselors interested in shifting away from  student-facing roles should consider opportunities with curriculum companies.
  • Designer. Using learning theories and knowledge of learning management platforms, designers create engaging experiences in this growing field.
  • Sales and customer support. Because of their robust experience, school counselors are adept at building relationships with potential and current customers, and recognizing and addressing needs.
• Workforce Development. Career development theory and career counseling are mainstays of a School Counseling Master’s Degree programs. This specialized knowledge translates to opportunities to support learners of all ages.
  • Pathway and pipeline programming. STEM fields such as engineering and medicine have developed specialized programs and opportunities for K-12 students to learn more about possible careers. Other industries, such as business, law, and the arts also use pathway programs to broaden their reach.
  • Workforce agencies. Many nonprofit, regional, and state agencies help adult learners obtain degrees, training, transferable, and technical skills for employment.

School Counseling and Related Careers

In the early 20th century, counselors were hired in schools to provide career and vocational guidance to students, hence the term “guidance counselor.” As the country’s education system, economy, and cultural landscape evolved, the need for a holistic model of support emerged.

School counselors are advocates for all students, working to provide access to services and opportunities. With a Master’s degree in School Counseling, graduates can find positions in elementary, middle, and high schools. Outside of the K-12 school setting, employment opportunities include district-level supervisory roles, as an educator, academic advisor or academic coach in higher education, as an instructional designer creating school counseling-related curricula, and working for organizations which support career development.

School Counselor Qualifications

The majority of individuals who earn a Master’s Degree in School Counseling work in elementary, middle, and high schools. To join this growing field, an aspiring school counselor must meet the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in School Counseling or related field. Each state establishes its own criteria for practice. However, the majority of states require a Master’s degree in School Counseling, or a Master’s Degree and completion of a School Counselor education program.
• Meet state standards. Individual state requirements for licensure or certification to practice vary. The most updated information is found on the states’ Department of Education websites. 
• Complete continuing education units. Along with qualifications for practice, each state also sets continuing education requirements for school counselors to maintain their credentials. 
• Uphold ethical and professional standards. Supporting students and families in a school setting often requires navigating challenging situations. Maintaining professionalism and an ethical framework helps ensure the safety and best interests of students are at the center of all school counseling work.

The Role of a School Counselor

School counselors are advocates, leaders, and agents of positive change for all students. However, many still view the role as one primarily concerned with vocational guidance. The American School Counselor Association, the profession’s largest national association, clarifies the responsibilities of school counselors below:

• Define. A major component of school counseling is to create programs based on standards that define the profession: the ASCA Student Standards, the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors, and the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies. These standards are the lens through which school counselors operate.
• Manage. School counselors are program managers, collaborating with stakeholders and utilizing various tools to drive improvement. Mission statements, data, defining goals, and creating plans are components of school counseling program management.
• Deliver. Delivery includes both direct and indirect services to students. Examples of direct services to students are classroom instruction, small-group counseling, and individual meetings with students. Indirect services involve activities or interactions on behalf of students, such as consultation or referrals with other professionals.
• Assess. To provide the best support to students and the school community, school counselors regularly evaluate their program and services.

School Counselors Help All Students

The core of school counseling is to provide support, services, and programming so that all students can experience growth and success. This is accomplished by focusing on the following domains:

• Academic outcomes. School counselors help students improve academic performance by assisting students with study strategies and interventions, and supporting the implementation of IEPs and 504 plans.
• Social-emotional learning. Research has shown that helping students navigate and regulate emotions leads to improved academic performance and behavior. School counselors provide safe spaces to explore and apply these lessons through individual meetings, group sessions, and classroom lessons.
• Career and post-secondary opportunities. As students progress through elementary, middle, and high school, school counselors support career exploration, college admissions, workforce training, and military opportunities.

School Counselor Duties Across All Grade Levels

School Counseling Master’s Degree program equips future K-12 practitioners to serve students of all grade levels by teaching child and adolescent development. Programs also require the completion of clinical hours in elementary, middle, and high schools. 

Internships and practicum experiences can help future practitioners gauge which grade level is the best fit for their interests and skills, as responsibilities and priorities vary based on the school setting. Below is a sampling of a school counselor’s responsibilities across all grade levels:

• Individual student planning. School counselors help students set and achieve their personal academic and career goals.
• Classroom lessons. Classroom guidance is an integral component of a school counseling program, as it allows for direct student services during protected instructional time.
• Short-term counseling. School counselors are often the first line of support for students’ mental and emotional health.
• Referrals for long-term support. Counseling theories and clinical techniques are taught in School Counseling Master’s Degree programs. However, school counselors are not mental healthcare service providers; rather, they can assist students and families in finding proper mental care.
• Collaboration. Holistic support for all students involves working together with families, school staff, and community agencies and providers.
• Advocacy. School counselors support and advocate for students’ needs in IEP, 504, and other student-centered meetings.
• Data analysis. Thoughtful and intentional use of data helps school counselors identify trends in student achievement and needs, and assists in long-term program development.
• Promote improvement and growth. School counselors work to provide and share equitable opportunities for all students to succeed.

FAQ

What careers can you pursue with a master’s in school counseling? The majority of individuals who earn a Master’s Degree in School Counseling work for a K-12 school. Due to the transferable skills developed in a School Counseling Master’s program, graduates also find work in higher education, adult education and workforce development agencies, and Instructional Design.

Do you need a license to work as a school counselor? Most states require licensure or certification to practice as a school counselor in public school districts; private schools may set their own requirements. The most current licensure or certification information for employment in public schools are on each state’s Department of Education website.

How long does it take to complete a school counseling master’s program? The length of time to earn a Master’s Degree in School Counseling varies based on the program’s required credits and the student’s course load per semester. Most programs can be completed in two years, if the student takes a full course load. Specific information is available on each program’s website.

What’s the job outlook and salary for school counselors? Projected job growth for school counselors is steady for the next 10 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national median salary in 2024 was $65,140.

Are there online or hybrid master’s programs in school counseling? Fully online and hybrid master’s degree programs have increased over the past decade, especially after COVID-19. For more information about online and hybrid master’s programs for school counseling, and to find the best program fit for you,  explore http://schoolcounselingmasters.org/.

School Counselors Are Equipped For Success

School Counseling Master’s Degree programs prepare students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Many of these skills, such as active listening, prioritizing, and program management, can transfer beyond the traditional school setting.

From supporting students, providing responsive services, and managing school-wide programming, there is never a dull moment in the typical day of a school counselor. Outside the K-12 setting, opportunities are available in higher education, curriculum development, workforce agencies, and even local or state school districts. With the right program to fit your needs and goals, a Master’s Degree in School Counseling can take you many places.