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If you are wondering “what can I do with a School Counseling Degree?,” you should know that it will prepare you to be a counselor for grades K-12. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is a well-paid position with a median income of $62,990.
Why Should I Earn A School Counseling Degree?
This is a general set of guidelines on how to become a school counselor. You must have a bachelor’s degree before starting your graduate studies. A School Counseling Degree is a Master’s Degree or Ph.D. All school counselors must be certified in the state in which they practice. Certification typically requires a graduate degree, supervised experience and passing a Counseling Certification Exam. There are certain graduate level courses that most school departments will require. These are:
- Counseling for Individuals
- Counseling for Groups
- Foundations of social behavior and culture
- Appraisal Process/Administering Exams
- Research
- Career building
- Supervised practicum and internship
- Human development
- The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has a list of all Colleges and Universities which have member programs.
Schools such as Lehman College in NY, Alabama State University and The University of Iowa are examples counseling programs that are likely to lead to excellent school counseling careers. The best school counseling degrees can be obtained by attending school in your home state, because that way you won’t have to pay out of state tuition. The best online school counseling degree programs are those offered by state schools. These programs are likely to be accredited.
Future Job Prospects
The job outlook for school counselors is good according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They expect a 19% increase in jobs in the 2010 to 2020 time frame. When you study to be a school counselor, you will gain the necessary experience you require to do your job well. Careers in school counseling can lead to work with students in K-12 or at college level. With a degree in school counseling you can work as an elementary, middle school or high school counselor. You can also work in a vocational school, college or university. Another option is to get a PhD rather than a master’s. You should pursue this course in order to become a professor.
In answer to the question “what can I do with a School Counseling Degree?”, “you will likely have a rewarding and well paid career”.
