How to Become a School Counselor

Demand for school counselors is projected to increase as educational institutions seek more qualified professionals to guide students in their academic, social, and emotional development. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommends a 250-to-1 ratio of students to school counselors, but the national average reached a 385-to-1 ratio for the 2022-2023 school year.

School counselors play a critical role in the education system by helping students reach their full potential. They work with students in small groups or individually, assisting them in setting goals, developing important skills, and navigating the challenges of school.

Multiple steps are required to become a school counselor, including earning a master’s degree in an education program, along with gaining state licensure. While state regulations vary, an advanced degree and a state credential are the minimum requirements.

What Does a School Counselor Do?

School counselors provide support to students in a number of ways that can range from advising students on how to achieve their academic goals to helping them manage their emotional well-being. Their specific responsibilities depend on whether they work at the elementary, middle, or high school level.

School counselors’ duties may include:

Monitoring students’ school records, such as their attendance and grade-point average, to track their progress toward specific academic achievements
Providing students with information about their higher education and vocational options
Assisting teaching staff with assessments of students’ interests and abilities
Coaching students on time management skills and healthy study habits
Evaluating students’ interviewing, test-taking, and goal-setting skills
Advocating for students at meetings and attendance review boards
Referring students to long-term support resources
Helping students transition to collegiate life or professional employment
Safeguarding students’ records according to federal and state guidelines
Coordinating and chaperoning college tours and study trips with students

Steps to Become a School Counselor

Becoming a school counselor involves several key steps, including obtaining the necessary education, developing the relevant skills, gaining work experience, and earning a professional credential. Here is an overview of the requirements and milestones associated with pursuing a career in school counseling.

1. Earn A Degree

Most states require school counselors to hold a master’s degree in school counseling, psychology, or a related field, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The programs for these advanced degrees allow students to gain practical experience through internships and student teaching opportunities, along with learning about curriculum design, counseling techniques, and assessment practices.

2. Develop Required Skills

School counselors interact with children and young adults of different ages, depending on what level of school they work in, but there are important qualities that are essential to offering emotional, academic, and personal support to students of all ages. In addition, counselors should be able to show sensitivity to students from various cultural backgrounds.

Empathy. Counselors often work with children and young adults who come from troubled backgrounds or who are bullied. Empathy is needed to establish trust, understand where the student is coming from, and form open lines of communication.
Communication. Both verbal and nonverbal skills are necessary to effectively engage with students, parents, and school administrators.
Analytical. Counselors need to be able to apply analytical skills when reviewing data, records, assessments, and behaviors.
Organization. With so many students to manage, counselors should have excellent organizational skills so they can perform tasks like submitting college application materials and documenting academic records.
Leadership. Leadership skills are needed when mentoring students, helping them set goals, and working with them on creating growth plans. This skill can also be useful when assisting teachers or other counselors.

3. Gain Required Licensure or Certification

Credentialing requirements to become a school counselor vary from state to state. All public school counselors must have a state-issued credential, which may be called a license, endorsement, or certification, according to the BLS. In addition to meeting the minimum educational requirement, prospective counselors seeking this credential may also need to complete an internship and pass an exam. The ASCA provides more details on state requirements for school counselors.

4. Gain Work Experience

While pursuing their degree, counselors may gain work experience through internships, self-assessments, practicums, and supervised student advising opportunities. Some of these practical experiences are part of the curriculum. Other opportunities may come about through departmental connections or via an independent search of internship job postings.

5. Earn Optional Certifications

Some schools prefer to hire counselors who have earned optional professional certifications. Several organizations offer school counselor certifications, including the National Board for Certified Counselors and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Salary and Job Outlook for School Counselors

School and career counselors are projected to have a 5% increase in employment from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS. This growth is expected to be due in part to an increase in the demand for trained professionals in schools who can advise students on their long-term academic planning.

May 2023 data from the BLS shows educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors have a median annual salary of $61,710. The top employers of these professionals and the median salaries for each include state, local, and private elementary schools, $71,700; other educational services, $57,840; state, local, and private junior colleges, universities, and professional schools, $53,190; and healthcare and social assistance agencies, $44,180.

Launch Your School Counselor Career With an Education Degree

Depending on where you are in your career, the first step in becoming a school counselor may be earning a degree or certificate. Mid-America Christian University offers multiple education degree programs, including a Master of Education in School Counseling program.

The University also offers a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program, as well as Bachelor of Arts degree programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education.

Mid-America Christian University focuses on service-minded training and field experience to prepare students to enter the workforce. Learn how the University aligns with your career goals and how it can prepare you to become a school counselor.

Sources
American School Counselor Association, Careers in School Counseling
American School Counselor Association, School Counselor Roles and Ratios
Indeed, “How to Become a School Counselor (With Duties and Salary)”
Indeed, “Learn About Being a School Counselor”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, School and Career Counselors and Advisors
U.S. News & World Report, School Counselor Overview