Masters in School Counseling (M.Ed. / MS)

School counselors provide guidance 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 counselors do less vocational and academic counseling than high school counselors do. School counselors at all levels help students cope with social, behavioral, and personal problems.

Steps Toward A Masters in School Counseling (M.Ed. / MS)

To become a school 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 elementary or high school 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, school 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: $55,890, 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

A school 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 School Counseling Degree Programs

Capella University: MS in School Counseling
Liberty University Online: M.Ed. in School Counseling
University of Massachusetts: MS in School Counseling

Closely Related Programs

The following degrees are closely related to a Masters in School Counseling degree, often allowing you to pursue a career in this field or others:

Masters in Counseling Online Programs

Online programs have grown in popularity as more accredited schools have started offering distance learning programs. Today, several schools offer master's in counseling degrees with dozens of specializations to select from. Find out more about each program by clicking on the links below and contacting the school with the forms we provide.