Educational, Vocational and School Counseling

Scope of Work for School and Career Counseling

School counselors and career counselors work in either public or private school systems, from elementary to post-secondary education levels. School counselors assist children, teens and adult students with:

• Academic achievement
• Personal and social development
• Career planning

School counselors also work with academic boards to improve learning conditions. These are some of the areas of concern for school counselors:

• Developing school counseling programs
• Improving parent / teacher relationships
• Improving school atmosphere
• Legislative advocacy

Educational and vocational counselors also help adults with work, skill and career issues:

• Learning new skills
• Changing careers
• Re-entering the workforce
• Achieving higher education
• Advancing their current careers

People who have been out of the workforce due to disability or other circumstances, or those whose lives or career situations change suddenly, may require the assistance of an educational or vocational counselor.

Educational and vocational counselors can work independently helping individuals, or can work for public organizations such as the Department of Veteran Affairs or local community service providers.

Educational / Vocational Counseling Degree

All states require certification for school counselors, and some states require passing a counseling test for licensure as well. A master's degree followed by two years of practical experience is typically necessary for state licensure. Some states also require a teaching certificate.

Check state counseling license requirements.

In addition to basic counseling coursework and the required internship, a candidate will have hands-on practicum in a classroom setting.

Career / School Counselor Salary

Educational, vocational and school counselors held approximately 248,000 jobs in 2004. The median salary range was $34,530 to $58,400 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.