Masters in Guidance & Counseling (M.Ed.)

Guidance counselors provide counseling services to students. They also collaborate with parents, teachers, administrators, psychologists, medical professionals, and social workers to develop strategies to help students succeed. Elementary school guidance counselors do less vocational and academic counseling than high school counselors do. Guidance counselors at all levels help students cope with social, behavioral, and personal problems.

Steps Toward A Masters in Guidance & Counseling (M.Ed.)

To become a guidance counselor, requirements vary significantly by state. Successful students typically complete the following steps:

Earn proper undergraduate degree (requirements vary by state). Common undergraduate degrees include Bachelor of Science programs in education, psychology or human services.
Earn proper graduate degrees (requirements vary by state). Typically includes completing a Master of Counseling degree with a concentration in guidance counseling.
Obtain proper licensure. Licensure requirements differ greatly by state, occupational specialty, and work setting.
Consider certification and continuing education options. Some counselors elect to be certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors, which grants a general practice credential of National Certified Counselor. While voluntary and distinct from state licensing, in some states, those who pass the national exam are exempt from taking a state certification exam. The board also offers specialty certifications in school counseling. In some cases, guidance counselors aim to become counseling directors, counselor educators, counseling psychologists, or school administrators by advancing their education even further.

My Earning Power

The expected salary, career growth, and work environment for a school counselor might include:

Median Expected Salary: $47,000, according to GlassDoor.com’s most recent report.
Job Prospects: Favorable due to job openings exceeding the number of graduates from counseling programs, particularly in rural areas.
Job Setting: Elementary schools, high schools, colleges.

My Degree and What It’s Worth

This degree will open the door to providing counseling to large groups of people, such as students at a school, patients in a clinic or recovery program, or anyone who needs an outside perspective on their life. A guidance counselor is typically responsible for the following job duties:

Evaluate the strengths, problems, or special needs of children and young adults in a school setting.
Provide personal, educational and vocational counseling.
Offer case management support and guidance, especially when cases of domestic abuse and other family problems that can affect a student’s development are identified.
Arrange for medical care, vocational training, job placement and other outside services.

Online Masters in Guidance and Counseling Degree Programs

University of West Alabama: MS in Guidance and Counseling

Masters in Counseling Online Programs

The following accredited schools offer online masters in counseling programs in various specialties. You can request information from one or more schools by clicking on the school's link.