Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

• Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
• College Student Counseling and Personnel Services
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Master's degree

School counselors typically must have a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field and have a state-issued credential. Some states require licensure for career counselors and advisors.

Insider Info

Additional Information

School counselors must get licensed or certified through their state's board of education. This requires continuing education credits -- usually a master's degree. Depending on the state, the degree can be in education, counseling, related behavioral sciences or a related human service field.

"A master's degree is required in all but nine states. Experience teaching is not required, but it's not unusual for this career path," says Eric Sparks. He is a school counselor and president of the American School Counselor Association.

"I think in order to be an effective counselor, you need to have some life experiences both inside and outside of education," advises school counselor Rod Kitt.

"A combination of work/life experience in addition to the appropriate educational training sets a person up to be a more effective counselor.

"In order to get a step up on the competition, try to obtain a wide range of experiences, and look to move into the counseling role when that has been accomplished."

School counselor Sylvia Slater advises those interested in the career to make sure they're interested in education, teaching and kids -- not just counseling.

"A school setting has many demands, and knowledge of classroom teaching and the stressors that go with that and teaching experiences are important to one's role as a counselor," says Slater.

Extra Requirements

Public school counselors must have a state-issued credential to practice. Depending on the state, this credential may be called a certification, a license, or an endorsement. Obtaining this credential typically requires a master's degree in school counseling, an internship or practicum completed under the supervision of a licensed professional school counselor, and successful completion of a test. Contact information for state regulating boards is available from the National Board for Certified Counselors.

For additional information, visit these websites:

• http://www.nbcc.org/Certification