Facts About the Online Master's Degree in School Counseling

School counselors may work with students at any age or educational level. At the elementary school level, the emphasis is on working with teachers and parents to evaluate children's strengths or special needs in the classroom. High school counselors give advice about college majors, technical schools, financial aid, entrance exams, and careers. College counselors assist students with academic requirements, career planning, and internship and job hunting. School counselors at all levels help students solve problems and guide them toward personal and academic well-being.

An in-person or online master's degree in school counseling is the minimum requirement for school counselor jobs in many states, although some states will accept a bachelor's degree with appropriate coursework and experience. Sometimes an exam such as the Praxis I or II is also required. Be sure to check the certification and licensure requirements in the state where you plan to work; the American School Counselor Association is a good place to start.

If you choose to pursue an online master's, the requirements will be very similar to those for an in-person degree program, except that you will be able to complete some of your coursework via your home computer. The flexibility and convenience of being able to take core courses online is a boon to busy adult students juggling family and work commitments.

Most accredited school counseling programs may include brief residential components, and all will require in-person clinical experience in the form of internships and practicums. Even for an online masters degree in school counseling, it is critical for students to spend time on field training, working in a school under the guidance of a qualified supervisor. States, too, often require a minimum number of hours of practical experience before granting certification.

Whether it is a Master of Arts or a Master of Science, a reputable online program usually offers curriculum based on the American School Counselor Association's National Model. Furthermore, if the program is accredited by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs), then you can be sure that it will adhere to a set of nationally accepted guidelines and appropriately prepare you for a rewarding career as a school counselor.