Get a School Counseling Degree

School counselors, once commonly known as guidance counselors, help guide our nation's youth through the primary and secondary education systems (K-12 grades) as well as continuing education programs in colleges, universities, technical and trade schools.

The goal of school counseling is to promote the academic, career and personal/social development of each student. School counselors perform the following duties:

• Refer students to grants, scholarships and loans for higher education programs
• Locate internships and summer jobs
• Assist students with the college application process
• Help students deal with academic, emotional or behavioral problems
• Teach nonviolent conflict resolution seminars
• Organize peer counseling programs
• Organize job and college information fairs
• Teach alcohol and drug prevention programs
• Mediate conflict between students and teachers
• Design individualized academic schedules and goals for students with academic difficulties

The median annual salary for school counselors working within school districts nationwide is $53,380, according to a 2010 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Those in this field may also—like teachers—enjoy a nine month work year that adheres to their school district's schedule.

The work environment of a school guidance counselor exists primarily in elementary through post-secondary schools. Some counselors follow the traditional school schedule, working nine to 10 months during the year; however, many are being hired on full-year contracts, especially those working in middle and high schools.

If you wish to explore a degree in school counseling, sign up as a counselor at a summer camp or volunteer to coach a recreational sports team. This will give you experience in interacting with young adults while in a leadership/mentorship role.

To become a school guidance counselor, you must have completed a 4-year undergraduate degree. A bachelor's degree in Education or Sociology will best prepare you for a 2- to 3-year master's degree—most commonly the Master of Education in Counseling—that the majority of states and employers require. Master's programs provide students with a combination of learning and fieldwork in local schools.

All states require their school guidance counselors to have earned their state school counseling certification, while some also require teachers to possess both their counseling and teaching certificates, as well as teaching experience. It is the counselor's responsibility to be conscious of the education, certification and training requirements within the state they plan to work, because guidelines tend to vary from state to state. Contact your local Department of Education to see what is required in your state.