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Related Areas of Study

What is a Guidance Counselor?

A guidance counselor and related guidance services is an area of study that relates to the prudent understanding of children in a school atmosphere.  Counselors are tasked to help provide all children with a safe atmosphere in which to confide and receive assistance from the counselor. Individuals in this field will be familiar with techniques to build confidence and relationships with students, as well as provide them with helpful information and direction in regards to their studies, personal life, and future as needed. This field deals primarily with children, and as such counselors should be patient, understanding, respectful and capable.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$47,220

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

21.50%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

1,941,090

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Guidance Counselor Degree

With more than 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students on its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States that was founded in 1636. Offering world-class education across 12 degree-granting schools, it is one of the most prestigious research universities in the globe devoted to providing excellence in teaching, learning, and research.

Offered by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, the Prevention Science and Practice degree is a graduate degree program that provides students the knowledge and skills needed to explore the risk and protective influences related to child and adolescent development. Students are able to learn planning and deciding on strengths-based interventions that can help students’ well-being across academic, health, and social-emotional domains. The rigorous and interdisciplinary curriculum puts emphasis on the healthy and proper development of children and adolescents through core courses that cover development and advocacy, school counseling, social, emotional, and cognitive development, and program management. For more information about the program, go to gse.harvard.edu.

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is a private Ivy League institution located in  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was built on the concept of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. It is considered the first university in the country that was founded in 1740 with more than 25,000 students who experience an inclusive learning environment within the university.

As the only school offering a blended school and mental health counseling program, the Graduate School of Education at Penn aims to prepare students for careers as school and mental health counselors. The School and Mental Health Counseling program is a graduate program that is designed for working professionals interested in expanding their expertise in the field. The program has two tracks namely Mental Health Counseling Licensure (LPC), and School Counseling Certification and Mental Health Counseling Licensure (LPC). Students may earn their degree by attending weekend classes and intense summer classes for two years while working full-time. Upon completion, students are eligible to earn the titles PA Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). Access the entire program curriculum at gse.upenn.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Vanderbilt University is a globally renowned private research university based in Nashville, Tennessee that was established in 1873 to provide transformative education and research across all sectors. With more than 13,000 students, the university houses internationally recognized schools of law, education, medicine, nursing, business, and divinity.

The Master of Education in Human Development Counseling at Vanderbilt’s Department of Human and Organization Development is a program that helps students develop fundamental counseling skills like basic assessment, relationship building, goal setting, selection of interventions, and evaluation of outcomes. The program offers two curriculum tracks namely Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track is ideal for students who want to enter the workforce as Licensed Professional Counselors in health agencies, private practice settings, and charter schools. The guidance counseling track, on the other hand, is for those who are interested in working as school counselors in public or private K-12 school settings. However, students may also choose the Dual Track Option where they can take the requirements and earn distinctions for both tracks. To know more about the program options, visit peabody.vanderbilt.edu.

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Located in Baltimore Maryland, Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is considered America’s first private research university founded in 1876. The university leads multiple world-class academic divisions that collaborate to fulfill the university’s mission of bringing knowledge to the world. Today, JHU continues to prepare students to become global leaders and citizens.

With options to take the program full-time or part-time, the Master of Science in Counseling at JHU School of Education is a 3- to 5-year program that aims to produce competent, culturally responsive, ethical, and passionate counselors. The program offers two concentrations namely Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling which both have a rigorous curriculum that aligns with the national and state standards. The courses are available both on-campus and online in order to give students the flexibility to take classes anytime. The School Counseling concentration is ideal for students who want to work as school counselors in K-12 school settings. Graduates are eligible to earn the Maryland State Department of Education certification as school counselors. Read more about the program details at education.jhu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Home to more than 46,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university situated in Los Angeles, California. It is recognized as one of the top-ranked universities in the country. Founded in 1880, the university is known as a global center for arts, technology, and international business.

The Master of Education in Educational Counseling is a program offered by USC Rossier School of Education that aims to prepare students who seek career or advancement in academic counseling and advising in college and universities. The program curriculum is a blend of counseling-based theoretical frameworks and practical applications which help students to practice and facilitate educational attainment. Students are also required to finish the fieldwork component which can help connect theory to practice, reflect on field experiences, and enhance their professional philosophy. The school also offers an online Master of Education in School Counseling which is for those who want to become school counselors in K–12 school settings. Inquire about the programs at rossier.usc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

As one of the best public institutions of higher learning in the country, the University of Virginia (UVA) is an iconic public university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was established in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson with the goal to advance human knowledge, educate leaders, and pursue the greater good. Today, UVA houses top-ranked schools and programs, experienced faculty members, a diverse student population, and a major academic medical center.

The School of Education and Human Development at UVA offers a Master of Education in Counselor Education which aims to help students learn the academic, career, and social-emotional development of children and youth. The program prepares future school counselors in both public and private K-12 settings as well as those who want to pursue doctoral study. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of promoting equity, access, and justice as school counselors while having the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues in conducting research works. Graduates of the program are then qualified to process their licensure application to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Virginia. Explore the program requirements and curriculum at education.virginia.edu.

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

With nearly 15,000 students on its campus in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, Boston College (BC) is the first institution of higher education to operate in Boston City. It was established in 1863 by the Society of Jesus with the goal to educate Boston’s predominantly Irish, Catholic immigrant community. Today, BC provides high-quality liberal arts education and embraces scientific inquiry to serve society.

The Master of Arts in School Guidance Counseling at BC Lynch School of Education and Human Development is a part-time or full-time program that aims to produce professional school counselors in public and private elementary and secondary schools who can bring about a positive development for children and adolescents. The program uses a “whole child” approach in their practice by considering both in-school and out-of-school factors that influence students’ well-being. Students are able to learn the interactions and connections among multiple systems that promote the development of children and adolescents. Full-time students can finish the program within 2 years. Some of the courses in the program are Child Psychopathology, Multicultural Issues, Issues in School Counseling, Psychological Testing, Group Counseling, and Ethical and Legal Issues in School Counseling. Learn more about the program requirements at bc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill is a public research university that is considered the flagship institution of the University of North Carolina System. It offers an academic experience equivalent to an Ivy League university as well as a virtual program called Carolina Away that allows first-year and transfer students to attend remote classes from anywhere in the globe.

The Master of Education in School Counseling at UNC School of Education is a 14-month program where students complete the foundational courses in counseling, participate in a cohort experience, and finish a yearlong internship that can enhance students’ ability to practice the profession. The program curriculum is divided into three namely content courses, clinical courses, and graduate-level elective courses. The courses in the program include Guidance and Group Counseling, Theories and Techniques of Counseling, Introduction to Strengths-Based School Counseling, Human Development, and Promoting Career Development. Graduates of the program are eligible to become Licensed K-12 school counselors in North Carolina. More information about the program is available at ed.unc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Boston University (BU) is a private, comprehensive, research university in Boston, Massachusetts that was established in 1839 by the United Methodist Church. The university, with two main campuses in Boston, supports more than 34,000 students from all over the world who are engaged in over 300 programs of study in the fields of communication, business, fine arts, engineering, health sciences, law, medicine, and arts and sciences.

The Wheelock College of Education & Human Development at BU offers a two-year Master of Education in Counseling which prepares students in pursuing professional roles as mental health counselors, school counselors, and mental performance consultants. Open to students who already have their bachelor’s degrees in accredited colleges and universities worldwide, the program focuses on the child, adolescent, and early adulthood which is equivalent to three concentration areas namely Child & Adolescent Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and Sport/Performance Psychology. The specific courses under the School Counseling degree concentration include Issues in School Counseling, Psychodynamics of Marriage and Family, Classroom and Behavior Management, and Introduction to Special Education. For more details about the program options, go to bu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Offering hundreds of on-campus and online programs on its campus in Villanova, Pennsylvania, Villanova University is the only Augustinian Catholic research university in the United States that was founded in 1842 by the Order of Saint Augustin. The university serves more than 10,000 students who want to specialize in the fields of arts and sciences, law, nursing, business, and engineering.

The School Counseling major at Villanova’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a graduate program that leads to a Master of Science degree. The program aims to prepare students to work as school counseling professionals through comprehensive instruction and training in group dynamics, counseling theory, English language learners, counseling skills, multicultural counseling, and special education. Graduates of the program are eligible for a Pre-K to 12 certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education as well as the national examination for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential. The courses in the program include Therapeutic Strategies, Adolescent Counseling, Human Growth and Development, Counseling Diverse Populations, and the Development of ELL Students. Check the entire list of courses at villanova.edu.

Acceptance Rate

28.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Founded in 1865 by Asa Packer, Lehigh University is a private research university based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It is among the most distinguished private research universities in the United States that supports more than 7,000 students. The university aims to produce well-rounded students by shaping an entrepreneurial mindset and providing collaborative opportunities to become the leaders of the future.

The Master of Education in School Guidance Counseling at Lehigh College of Education is a graduate program that leads to certification for School Counseling from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The program helps students gain the knowledge and skills needed to support and guide today’s children and youth. The courses in the program include Counseling and Therapeutic Approaches, Human Development Across the Lifespan, Culture-Centered Career Intervention, and Education and Inclusion of Individuals with Special Needs in K-12. Students typically finish the program in 2 years including a 100-hour fieldwork, internship, and creation of a comprehensive portfolio. See the complete program overview at ed.lehigh.edu.

Acceptance Rate

32.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Housing 6 schools and colleges on its campus in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational collegiate university that provides a solid integrated liberal arts curriculum in over 100 programs of study. Founded in 1834, the university ranks as the 30th best national university in the nation accommodating more than 8,000 students.

The top rated School Counseling Program at Wake Forest Department of Counseling is an online degree program that is ideal for students who want to pursue careers as school counselors. The program equips students with the knowledge, skills, competence, and attitude necessary to create, establish, and execute effective developmental guidance and counseling programs in schools. The curriculum revolves around clinical instruction, practicum, and internship experiences that cover eight areas namely human growth and development, social and cultural foundations, helping relationships, group work, career and lifestyle development, appraisal, research and program evaluation, and professional orientation. Fill up a form at counseling.online.wfu.edu to get more information about the program.

Acceptance Rate

29.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

With three colleges in the fields of engineering, management, and arts and sciences, Bucknell University is a private liberal arts college in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania that was established in 1846. With nearly 4,000 students, the university provides a blend of liberal arts and professional programs which help students to live, learn and grow in an intimate and free environment.  The depth and breadth of academic programs found at Bucknell can suit students from all walks of life to help level-up their skills and knowledge in specific areas of interest.  Learn more today by collecting information from the admissions team at BU. 

Acceptance Rate

34.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

New York University (NYU) is among America's leading institutions of higher education serving the citizens since 1831. Located in New York City, the university provides the support and resources needed by more than 50,000 students to help them enhance their critical thinking and build their expertise across 19 schools and colleges that specialize in dentistry, arts and sciences, medicine, fine arts, business, nursing, public health, social work, law, and many more.

The MA in Counseling and Guidance School and Bilingual School Counseling at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development is a program that provides the option to focus on bilingual student populations as students prepare for careers as K-12 school counselors. The program, which can be taken either part-time or full-time, equips students with the required education and clinical training to be able to work in public and private schools, colleges, and community agencies. Students are prepared for internships in schools at New York City through the core courses and electives in counseling that cover the fundamentals of school counseling, counseling theory and process, cross-cultural counseling, group dynamics, and program development and evaluation. Graduates are then eligible to receive the New York State certification as guidance counselors as well as to sit for the certification examination to become a National Certified Counselor. Explore the program at steinhardt.nyu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Accommodating over 12,000 students on its campus in Rochester, New York, the University of Rochester or Rochester is a private research university that has been granting undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional degrees since 1850. It embraces the Latin word “Meliora” which means “ever better” as its motto in providing a world-class education to the public.

The Warner School of Education at Rochester offers several graduate programs in the field of school counseling which prepares students for certification as school counselors in New York State as well as other states. With the option to take the programs part-time or full-time, students may also choose to take the 48-credit option which satisfies the NYS provisional certification requirements, or the 60-credit options which meet both the NYS provisional and permanent certifications. There are also several additional specializations available for students namely Advanced Certificate in Urban Teaching and Leadership, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Mental Health Counseling. Check the complete details about each program at warner.rochester.edu. 

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

As one of the few “Public Ivy” schools in the United States, William and Mary, or simply W&M, is the second oldest institution of higher learning in the country that is situated in Williamsburg, Virginia. The university, chartered in 1693, is a cutting-edge institution that provides world-class education at an exceptional value as it consistently ranks as one of the outstanding universities in the country.

Students who want to become licensed school counselors may take the School Counseling degree at W&M School of Education which is a comprehensive and balanced graduate program that focuses on the developmental needs of school-aged children and youth. The program curriculum covers the cognitive, physical, and affective growth and development of children which can help counselors design and implement a plan to maximize student learning and development. Throughout the program, students are trained by assigning them to public and private school settings where they can learn from school counseling professionals. See more information about the program at education.wm.edu.

Acceptance Rate

37.68

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Recognized as one of the top universities in the United States, the University of Florida (UF) is a public land-grant research university based in Gainesville, Florida that owns over 200 research, service and education centers, and bureaus and institutes. The university aims to provide students academic programs in the fields of arts, business, engineering, education, health sciences, and medicine as it fulfills its mission of making a better world through research.

The College of Education at UF offers a dual counseling degree in School Counseling that leads to a Master of Education and Education Specialist degrees. The program is ideal for students who want to earn the Florida Department of Education Certification in School Counseling as the program curriculum provides students with the specialized knowledge, skills, competence, and attitude required for internship placements as school counselors in public or private schools. The courses in the program include Counseling Theories and Applications, Trauma and Crisis Intervention, Counseling Children and Adolescents, Family-School Intervention, and Group Counseling: Theory and Practice. To see more about the program requirements, visit education.ufl.edu.

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Florida State University (FSU) is a public research university located in Tallahassee, Florida that is considered the oldest continuously operating institution of higher education in the state founded in 1851. Classified as "Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity" by the Carnegie Commission, FSU offers affordable, high-quality, and student-centered education to produce socially conscious individuals.

The School Counseling program at FSU College of Education is an online dual degree program that leads to a master’s and specialist degree. The program prepares the next generation of school counselors to support the needs of K-12 students in public and private schools. Students learn the creation, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive school counseling programs that aim to advance academic strategies, college readiness, and social-emotional development of students. The courses in the program include Urban and Rural Schools, Foundations of Career Development, Assessment in Counseling and Rehabilitation, School Counseling Program Development and Planning, and Foundations of School Counseling. Check the entire program overview at education.fsu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Founded as Maryland Agricultural College in 1856, the University of Maryland (UM) - College Park is a public research university situated in College Park, Maryland. It is considered the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland which aims to provide excellent teaching, extensive research, and genuine service to society by being the national center for research within and beyond the state.

As one of the top-ranked counseling departments in the country, UM College of Education offers a School Counseling degree which is a graduate program that prepares students to become professional school counselors in K-12 urban school settings. The program curriculum focuses on access, equity, and social justice in providing counseling services to students that can help in the enhancement of their academic, career, social, and emotional development. Some of the courses in the program are Counseling I: Counseling Theories, Counseling Skills: Introduction to Practicum, Multicultural Issues in Counseling, Group Counseling in Schools, and Career Development: Theory/Programs. Graduates of the program are eligible to become licensed school counselors in Maryland and other states. Visit education.umd.edu to check the entire list of program requirements.

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

St Lawrence University is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Canton, NY, which is a predominantly rural area. Approximately two thousand students enroll at St Lawrence University per year.

Here is a list of some of the popular programs St Lawrence University offers:

  • Psychology
  • English Language And Literature
  • Social Sciences
  • Visual And Performing Arts

To be considered for admissions, you may be asked to complete an application, write a personal statement, and submit high school records and test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions office. St Lawrence University accepts roughly 40 percent of students applying annually. Of those students accepted, about 35 percent enrolled. More information regarding admissions can be found here.

Undergraduate tuition is approximately $47,000 annually, though it may change based on different types of circumstances. Students should check the school's price of attendance calculator to get a more personalized estimate of costs. Housing is available for students and costs approximately $6,500 each year. Students enrolled at this school may be eligible for aid which is usually scholarships, grants, and loans.

Athletic programs are available at St Lawrence University through the NCAA, allowing students to compete in intercollegiate athletics. Sports available may include but not limited to:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division III)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division III)
  • Field Hockey (NCAA Division III)
  • Football (NCAA Division III)
  • Golf (NCAA Division III)

Acceptance Rate

42.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

As the flagship university in the state, the University of Georgia (UGA) is among the oldest public land-grant research universities in the United States that was chartered in 1785 by the state of Georgia. Located in Athens, Georgia, the university is a leader in world-class education that continues to provide hands-on learning opportunities and extensive research collaborations to over 38,000 students worldwide.

Ranked as the second-best counseling program with school specialty, the dual Master of Education/Education Specialist in Guidance Counseling with School Counseling concentration at UGA Mary Frances Early College of Education is a program that prepares individuals to become counselors to support students in public and private K-12 school settings. The curriculum covers topics such as foundations in school counseling, cross-cultural counseling, interpersonal relations, developmental counseling, theories of counseling and human development, individual appraisal, and service-learning. The program is full-time and graduates of the program may apply for the initial certification as a school counselor in Georgia and the licensure after completing the required extended supervised counseling practice and passing an examination. More details about the program can be found at coe.uga.edu.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Situated in Providence, Rhode Island, Providence College is a private, Catholic, Dominican, liberal arts university that was formally opened in 1917 with the goal of providing a Catholic education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. With nearly 5,000 students, the college offers academic programs that focus in the arts and sciences, and business as well as professional studies and continuing education.

The Master of Education in School Counseling under the Graduate Studies Program in School Counseling at Providence College is a program that prepares students for careers as members of school guidance departments. The program divides instruction and training in three namely theory or core, analysis or specialization, and application or field. The courses in the program include Principles of Guidance and Counseling?, Theories of Counseling, Ethical and Legal Issues, Group Counseling, and Designing & Implementing a Counseling Program. After completion of an exit portfolio and passing of the Praxis Professional School Counselor assessment, students may apply for the Rhode Island certification as a PK-12 School Counselor. More information about the program requirements can be found at professional-studies.providence.edu.

Acceptance Rate

47.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Offering a high-quality undergraduate and distinctive graduate education, the George Washington (GW) University is a private research university based in Washington, D.C that was founded in 1821. The university supports more than 26,000 students from all states and 130 countries who want to pursue careers in the areas of arts and sciences, arts and design, business, engineering, law, applied science, health sciences, and many more.

The Graduate School of Education and Human Development at GW offers a Master's in School Counseling which is a two-year program that helps students prepare for careers as school counselors in public and private K-12 schools. The program aims to equip students with the technical, ethical, and fundamental knowledge to support school-aged children in enhancing their academic, career, personal, and social development. The curriculum covers the ways counseling can help with the learning, development, adjustment, and change of students through courses like Theories and Techniques of Counseling, Group Counseling, Counseling Substance Abusers, Trauma and Crisis Intervention, and Diagnosis and Treatment Planning. Explore the program details and curriculum at gsehd.gwu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Founded in 1870, Syracuse University is a private research university in Syracuse, New York that offers more than 200 customizable majors, 100 minors, and several online degrees and certificates. With 13 schools and colleges, the university provides professional programs and innovative research in the fields of arts and sciences, business, management, education, visual and performing arts, and engineering to fuel discovery and positive impact.

The Master of Science in School Counseling offered by Syracuse Department of Counseling and Human Services is a program that prepares students to become effective, responsive, and empathetic counselors in K-12 educational settings. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competence needed to promote the academic, career, personal, and social development of all students. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible for a provisional certification as a School Counselor in New York State. To obtain the permanent certification, students may enroll in the Certificate of Advanced Study in School Counseling which focuses on research and immersive internships in schools within the state. For further information about the programs, go to soe.syr.edu.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

As the first normal school in the state named New Jersey State Normal School, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a public college based in Ewing, New Jersey. Since its founding in 1855, it has been recognized as one of the top comprehensive colleges in the United States that offers personalized and collaborative education, mentored internships, extensive research, and community-engaged learning to more than 6,500 students.

Offered by the Department of Counselor Education at TCNJ, the Master of Arts in Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling is a program that is ideal for students who want to become state-certified school counselors at the elementary and secondary levels. The courses in the program include Statistics and Research in Counseling, Fundamentals of Human Development, Career Counseling and Placement, Multicultural Counseling, Counseling Children and Adolescents, and Group Counseling. Students are required to finish a 120-hour practicum as well as a 600-hour internship. Know more about the program at counselored.tcnj.edu.

Acceptance Rate

49.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Top Guidance Counseling Degrees

If you are considering earning a degree to become a guidance counselor, the best approach is to get the facts from schools before applying.  Schools have differing curriculum and differing pedagogy so gathering information about guidance counseling degrees from regionally and nationally accredited colleges & universities is a key to your future success.  We have culled a list of programs below to help you better understand the options available and what to expect within each program.  It is important to know the U.S. Department of Labor publishes data annually about a wide variety of vocations and fully 93% of guidance counselors responding in their survey have a master’s degree with the balance being split between a bachelor’s degree and a doctoral degree.

Bachelor’s Degree in Guidance Counseling

A bachelor’s degree in guidance counseling is a 4-year degree program conferred as a Bachelor’s of Arts (BA) at select colleges and universities around the country.  A bachelor’s degree blends liberal arts classes like philosophy, English composition, and sociology with core psychology courses.  The core classes include programs such as educational psychology, human development, introduction to school counseling, educational assessment, and school counseling theory.  Depending on your state of residence and requirements of your school district, you may be required to take additional courses in educational counseling or obtain a counseling certificate coupled with qualifying work experience to begin work in the field.

Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling

The master’s degree in guidance counseling or educational counseling is the most common entry-point into the field of school counseling.  The master’s degree in guidance counseling can be conferred as a Master’s of Arts (MA) or a Master’s of Science (MS) depending on the school’s curricular design of the program.  A master’s degree will take 2-3 years to complete as a function of course load, pace, and time invested in the thesis project.  Courses in the master’s degree program include upper level classes in school counseling theories, group counseling, school safety, crisis prevention, counseling diverse populations, consultation skills, counseling children, research & statistics, counseling adolescents, addiction therapies, career development, human growth & development, family systems, psychopathology, and multicultural counseling.  In addition to graduate courses, students will generally spend time in a school-approved internship and 1-2 of a residency program.

Doctorate Degree in Guidance Counseling

The doctorate degree in guidance counseling is a degree conferred as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in most schools.  The PhD program is a 4-6 year program dependent upon course load, pace, residency, and time invested in the board-approved dissertation project.  Classes in the PhD program will typically include the following: advanced child & adolescent therapy, family dynamics, qualitative research, quantitative research, advanced psychopathology, preventative counseling, human sexuality, marital & couples therapy, advanced coaching, and disaster trauma.  Students graduating from an accredited college or university with a PhD in guidance counseling will be equipped to step into a variety of careers such as: licensed professional counselor, writer, researcher, school administrator, mental health director, clinical practitioner, college professor, non-profit agency manager, or counseling manager.

Educational Requirements for Guidance Counselors

A degree in counseling and guidance services prepares an individual with the skills and knowledge necessary to operate in a school environment and assist students by providing a safe environment to discuss problems and plan for the future. A typical education will require at least a master's level degree and involve the study of multiple science disciplines, including psychology and behavioral science. Individuals studying in this field should also be compassionate, with the ability to empathize and listen.

A curriculum in counseling and guidance services may include:

  • Addiction Counseling
  • Stress Management
  • Adolescent Psychology
  • Adolescent Behavior
  • Crisis Intervention
Online Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities for a Guidance Counselor

A career as a guidance counselor requires the individual counselor to take into confidence students of various ages and backgrounds, and assist them in dealing with issues that may occur. These may include stress, frustration, assistance with planning the future, or may run deeper, including abuse, addiction, or other serious problems. A guidance counselor must be able to listen without judgment and offer assistance as needed, following regulations regarding specific scenarios as demanded by the state.

Most employers will be public schools, which require some form of credential as required by the specific state. Most states will require at least a master's degree to obtain a credential, and most employers prefer individuals with master's degrees due to the sensitivity of the work, and the added education benefiting students. Counselors working in a private practice will be required to obtain licensure, which requires a master's degree and up to 3000 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Job Growth & Careers for a Guidance Counselor

Job opportunities are expected to grow at a rate of 8% over the next decade as student enrollment at all levels of education increases. The increase in enrollment will require additional professional services from counselors, resulting in a moderate number of new openings. This growth in employment will result in an additional 79,700 jobs in the coming decade providing ample opportunities for qualified counselors. The average salary of a guidance counselor is approximately $54,560 per year, with varying median wages for different sectors.

Individuals interested in counseling and guidance services may also be interested in social work, substance abuse and addiction counseling, family therapy, mental health counseling, addiction counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or counseling psychology. Additional resources for a student studying to become a guidance counselor include a variety of associations. Top ranked associations for guidance counselors include the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA).

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