Overview of an Online School Counseling Program
For many young students, navigating the education system can be daunting. They are faced with social issues, challenging coursework, and tough decisions regarding the direction of their lives after grade school. School counselors are hired by institutions to guide students through these issues by offering advice and mentorship. If you're interested in this career path, you'll need to earn a master's degree in school counseling.
Online school counseling programs at the master's level can take students one to three years to complete, and they require 30 to 75 credit hours.
Before applying to school at the master's level, you'll need a bachelor's degree in a similar subject, such as teaching, counseling psychology, social work, or simply counseling. Some students earn their bachelor's in school counseling before going on to study for a master's in secondary education in order to work at the university level.
Earning a master's degree online is a valuable option for your future career prospects as a counselor. It's also considered a well respected degree in line with traditional on-campus learning. By attending an online school counseling program, you'll learn important skills in interventionism and behavioral assessment techniques, and you'll study the detailed history of the U.S. education system. You'll use data to drive your counseling studies and look at modern counseling strategies for an increasingly diverse student body.
Common Courses for a School Counseling Major
Coursework in school counseling online programs cover the specific skills and knowledge you'll need to become a licensed counselor. You'll study social and cultural issues, human growth development, career development, and how to apply research and data to your profession.
Below is a list of five courses that are commonly found among the best masters in school counseling programs:
Ethics and Legal Issues in School Counseling
This course covers the ethical standards of modern-day school counseling while also looking at this field through an historical, philosophical, and cultural lens. You'll discuss the trends of school counseling as well as the profession's ethical standards put forth by prominent organizations in the education industry.
Lifespan Development
Lifespan development looks at the emotional, social, and cognitive processes of human growth. This course provides insight into basic developmental phases in order to provide a better understanding of what young students go through at a biological level.
Research in School Counseling
Here, students will take a data-driven approach to counseling by investigating and analyzing research in school counseling. They are introduced to the scientific practice of research and the relevant terminology, before being assigned their own research projects, where they'll write their findings in a report.
Child Therapy and Assessment
This class takes the proven methods of adolescent psychology and applies it to an education environment. You'll look at intervention techniques and assessment practices while keeping in mind a student's home environment, cognitive issues, and family structure to provide constructive therapeutic techniques.
School Counseling Techniques
This course covers the hard skills needed to be an effective and ethical school counselor, including interview best-practices, observation techniques, data collecting, and writing comprehensive reports.
School Counseling Concentrations
Some online master's in school counseling degrees offer concentrations that allow you to more closely study a niche within the field or create additional skills that will better your employment opportunities.
For example, some programs may offer a bilingual extension, which looks at education practices and theory in a commonly spoken language, such as Spanish.
Others offer mental health concentrations that focus on the practice of addressing cognitive and behavioral issues that many young students face during their education.
Career Outlook
School counseling degrees are designed to teach students the skills to operate as a professional counselor in an educational institution. School's are unique environments, especially when compared to psychologist offices, rehabilitation centers, or social work agencies.
Professionals in this field are hired by both public and private schools, where they monitor student behavior, provide academic and social guidance, and administer aptitude tests.
School counselors earn an annual median salary of $60,510 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). When you compare this to the $58,260 average salary for all occupations in May of 2021, you can see that school counselors earn only slightly more each year.
There were 322,000 school counselors working in the U.S. as of 2020. The BLS projects that there will be 37,000 more jobs added before 2030, giving school counselors an 11% job outlook. This is faster than the average occupation's growth rate which sits at around 8%.
Do You Need a Master’s To Be a Guidance Counselor?
Typically, you are required to obtain a master's degree in school counseling before applying to become a licensed guidance counselor. Additionally, the skills and knowledge you'll gain from a graduate program are necessary to be an ethical, fair, and effective counselor for young students.
Public school counselors, specifically, are required to have a state-issued credential in order to practice. Unfortunately, this credential's title varies from state to state. Some states call it a certification or a license, others call it an endorsement.
What Licensure and Certification Do You Need?
States generally require a master's degree — along with a license — to work as a school counselor in grades K-12. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is an excellent resource for each state's requirements when it comes to working as a certified counselor.
Every state has their own requirements in education, practical experience, and even background checks. Some states, such as Alaska, may also require you to take cultural coursework related to their region, including a specific set of credit hours dedicated to multicultural and Alaskan studies. Once you meet said requirements, you'll be eligible to apply for a state license in school counseling. From there, you can begin applying for full-time employment in both state-funded and private schools.
If you're looking for more professional accolades, a certification provides a designation for an individual's achievements in the field. You can choose to earn a National Certified School Counselor certificate or complete the National Counselor Examination from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). These will help boost your credibility and knowledge through additional coursework in trauma, abuse, addiction, and family counseling, as well as program evaluation and human development.
Choosing an Online Master's in School CounselingProgram
Accreditation verifies the legitimacy and efficacy of an institution. Verifying your school's accreditation status should be your first step in choosing the right program.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the main institution that accredits graduate programs in school counseling. Their rigorous standard looks at everything from a program's learning environment to how a program evaluates its students. Furthermore, all of OnlineU's recommendations for master's degrees in school counseling come from accredited institutions.
Aside from accreditation, there are other facts to consider as well. If you have credits from another university, you should ensure they will be properly transferred to the new program. Credits are a valuable asset for master's students, so it's important that you check your school's transfer policy before committing to said program.
Another thing to think about is how the application of online learning differs from on-campus learning and what requirements there might be for your online degree. Most school counseling master's degrees require in-person practicums or internships. So while the majority of your coursework will be online, you will also need to gain on-site work experience from an approved employer. For those studying out-of-state, you'll need to ensure there are local institutions where you can complete your internship.
If you are looking to graduate from your master's fast, see our article about accelerated learning options and how to graduate from college early.
Is a Master's in School Counseling Worth It?
There are several things to think about before choosing an online master's in school counseling. With so many hoops to jump through, and a hefty cost along the way, you might be asking yourself if it's worth it.
Let's take a look at the various pros and cons of earning a master's in school counseling:
Potential Benefits
School counseling can be a very fulfilling and satisfying career. This is primarily because your responsibilities revolve around assisting and guiding children and young students through their most formidable years.
Teachers and counselors receive more time off than other occupations. According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, teachers work approximately 185 days per year compared to the average occupation which works around 230 days per year.
Some school counselors are eligible for federal loan forgiveness plans. Once you're employed as a school counselor, you may qualify to have your master's degree loan forgiven by the federal government through Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Potential Drawbacks
Grade school counselors are often considered underpaid. Even though their role in public schools is vitally important, counselors receive only a modest salary of $60,510, which is even less than the $61,820 salary of high school teachers.
School counseling can be a stressful undertaking. According to recent research compiled by NBCC's academic journal, The Professional Counselor, school counselors report that stress and burnout contribute to "a negative influence on the services they provide to students."
A growing ratio of students-to-school-counselors could mean your job becomes less effective. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) reports that the national ratio of students-to-school-counselors in 2021 was 415-1, which is much higher than their recommendation of 250-1.
Resources
As a graduate student, you may look for assistance in a variety of ways — from student loans to scholarships. As mentioned above, there are several organizations that offer helpful resources to school counseling graduate students.
ASCA provides a list of state requirements for certification and membership opportunities for master's graduates, where you can receive professional liability insurance coverage, among other benefits.
NBCC offers two professional certificates which are relevant for aspiring school counselors.
CACREP offers resources for accredited educational programs in the field of school counseling.
At the American Counseling Association (ACA), you can apply for a membership that offers career and continuing education resources, discounts for relevant services, counseling-related content, and advocacy projects on behalf of professionals in the field.
Bottom Line
Earning a master's degree in school counseling is a costly endeavor that can take years to complete. The subject matter deals with sensitive topics related to adolescent behavior and the corresponding therapeutic techniques that are used in a school environment. There are plenty of support networks and organizations that are designed to help students with their studies and career steps thereafter. Upon graduation, you'll likely find yourself earning a modest salary, which can feel more balanced when considering all the days-off you receive and the help you're able to provide your students.
If you're unsure about pursuing a master's in guidance counseling online, you may also look into graduate programs in educational leadership, elementary education, special education, or health education.
FAQs
Is an online masters in counseling worth it? ›
Yes, a masters in mental health counseling is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 12% job growth in community and social service occupations over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Do online master's degree have value? ›Generally speaking, an online degree is just as credible as a traditional degree. The key is to make sure that you choose an accredited online program from an accredited institution. Of course, there are some advantages and disadvantages to getting an online master's degree.
Is NYU Steinhardt Cacrep accredited? ›NYU is accredited by MPCAC. Other Licensure Requirements: Kentucky requires CACREP programmatic accreditation for licensure. NYU is accredited by MPCAC.
What undergraduate degree is best for school counseling? ›High school counselors typically hold a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology or other related field, a master's degree in counseling and a state-issued license to practice.
What is the difference between a MA and a MS in counseling? ›An MS degree is best suited for students who have earned a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field, while a master of arts in counseling is ideal for students with a general bachelor's degree, such as English. These programs are designed to incorporate lab work, scientific research, analysis, and evaluation.
Who is Capella University accredited by? ›Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
What is the acceptance rate for NYU Steinhardt? ›What are my chances of admission? In general, our Master's and Advanced Certificate admissions are criterion-based (meaning we admit as many people as we think are qualified). Historically we have averaged around 50% acceptance.
Is NYU Steinhardt the same as NYU? ›The New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development (commonly referred to as Steinhardt) is the secondary liberal arts and education school of New York University.
Whats the difference between Cacrep and Mpcac? ›CACREP accredits counseling programs at the master's and doctoral levels, while MPCAC only offers accreditation to programs at the master's level.
What qualifications do I need to be a school Counsellor? ›What qualifications are required to become a counsellor? There are no set entry requirements to become a counsellor, however you need to be aware that while an introductory course in counselling may have no academic entry requirements and a degree course will.
What is the best degree for counseling? ›
...
Doctoral Programs
- PhD in Counseling Psychology.
- PsyD in Counseling Psychology.
- EdD (Doctor of Education) in Counseling Psychology.
- PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy: General Family Therapy.
Research available certification options
There are a variety of colleges, universities and professional institutions that offer certifications online for counselors without degrees. These certifications can range from a few days to a year in length.
A master's degree can be either a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) and provides in-depth learning beyond a bachelor's degree. The key difference between the two degrees is that the former focuses on arts and humanities while the latter is geared more toward scientific and technical fields.
Is it better to study Counselling or psychology? ›Generally, a psychologist is paid a higher salary than a counsellor due to their level of education. According to SEEK (as at July 2022), a counsellor salary sits at around $80,000 a year, whereas a psychologist's salary averages just over $93,000 a year.
What are the initials for masters in school counseling? ›Ed.) in School Counseling.
Is Capella being sued? ›Category: Consumer News. The for-profit online university Capella was hit with a class action lawsuit alleging the school focuses on growing enrollment, but neglects current students.
Is a masters from Capella respected? ›Accreditation. Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which is a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Regional accreditation is considered better than national accreditation, mostly because the education tends to be of higher quality.
Is Capella APA approved? ›Lack of APA accreditation
programs in the United States, and Capella's is not one of them.
An acceptance rate of just 12% means that NYU is highly selective—and getting even more so.
What kind of students does NYU look for? ›The students NYU seeks to enroll are self-driven, ambitious, and innovative. These are qualities your child can easily reflect in their academic history—both in the classes they choose and in the grades they earn.
How much does a master's degree cost at NYU? ›
| 2021-2022 Academic Year (Per Term) | Tuition | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 9 points / credits | $17,478 | $18,590 |
| 12 points / credits | $23,304 | $24,635 |
| 15 points / credits | $29,130 | $30,680 |
| 16 points / credits | $31,072 | $32,695 |
Although NYU is not an Ivy League school, it is often considered on par with the Ivies due to academics, research, and athletic prestige. In fact, the school was declared as a “New Ivy” by Newsweek due to its impressive admissions statistics and quality education.
Is NYU Steinhardt easy to get into? ›programs at Steinhardt have some of the highest acceptance rates in the country. Steinhardt's undergraduate acceptance rate hovers around 42%, while the Master's and Advanced Certificates acceptance rates at NYU Steinhardt historically average 50%.
What GPA do you need to get into NYU Steinhardt? ›While we do not have a minimum GPA requirement, our average is a 3.5 GPA.
How important is CACREP accreditation? ›CACREP Accreditation provides recognition that the content and quality of the program has been evaluated and meets standards set by the profession. The student, as a consumer, can be assured that appropriate knowledge and skill areas are included and that the program is stable, professionally and financially.
Is Coamfte better than CACREP? ›COAMFTE is ONLY for MFT programs. CACREP is the accreditation that is usually for counseling programs, but because of a lot of historical/bureaucratic/administrative reasons I won't get into, a lot of MFT programs in California got CACREP accreditation instead of COAMFTE accreditation.
What does CACREP stand for? ›ACES approached the American Personnel and Guidance Association (APGA, a pre-cursor to ACA) about cooperative accreditation efforts and the result was the establishment of the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) in 1981.
Can you be a counselor without a degree? ›Training as a counsellor involves a combination of theoretical study and practical experience, but you don't need a degree to become a counsellor.
Which counselling courses are accredited? ›BACP accredited courses
BACP is recognised as the leading accreditation body for training courses in counselling and psychotherapy.
There may be a number of ways for you to become a therapist without having a psychology degree. Various education pathways, from a master's in psychology to a master's in marriage and family therapy, social work, or counseling, may be options. A PhD or PsyD can also help you become a therapist.
What's the difference between a counselor and a therapist? ›
Counselors tend to offer short-term care, while therapists tend to offer long-term care. Therapists can be more past focused and counselors more future focused. Counselors often have a set number of sessions, and therapists often work on an ongoing basis. Therapists are more likely to treat mental health conditions.
How long does it take to become a counselor? ›Because of the master's degree and licensure requirements to become a licensed counselor, it can take three to five years to complete graduate school, internship and supervised hours.
How long is a Master's degree? ›Master's degrees typically take two years to complete, but the timeframe can vary from person to person. Depending on your degree program and whether you're going to school full-time or part-time, it could take you less time to get your master's degree – or more.
What type of counseling can you do without a degree? ›- Community Health Worker. ...
- Peer Support Specialist. ...
- Psychiatric Technician or Aide. ...
- Social and Human Services Assistant. ...
- Teacher Assistant.
After earning a bachelor's degree, one can start working as a behavioral disorder counselor. In order to become a licensed behavioral therapist, one must earn their master's degree in psychology or counseling, and work towards licensure.
Why do you want to be a school counselor? ›The job enables you to earn a living while helping students overcome developmental, personal and social problems. While other academic professionals guide students through their studies, a counselor's main focus is helping students reach their full potential.
Is an online masters in psychology respected? ›In summary, if your online Master of Psychology program is housed within a reputable, brick-and-mortar institution that is regionally accredited, the degree you earn should be just as readily accepted as any degree earned through an on-campus program.
Are online psychology degrees respected? ›Yes, accredited online psychology degree programs are usually just as good as their on-campus equivalents. As long as the school and the degree program you choose have regional accreditation, then your online psychology degree should be viewed the same as a degree earned at an on-campus institution.
Why should you get a masters in counseling? ›Getting a degree in counseling gives graduates the education and credentials necessary to embark on a successful and rewarding career. The opportunities for employment are great in the current market; as a result, new counselors are not tied to one career path.
What can I do with a masters in clinical mental health counseling? ›...
Family and Relationship Therapist
- Private practice.
- Non-profit organizations.
- Hospitals.
- Business organizations.
Why are online degrees not respected? ›
Experts say employers are largely more interested in the person than the degree. They generally won't recognize immediately if that person's degree was obtained online or in person. Some schools are fully online while others offer online programs in addition to their traditional in-person options.
Is an MA in psychology worth it? ›There are multiple reasons why getting a master's degree in psychology is worth it. Not only can you grow your knowledge on the subject matter and hone your skills in your practice area, there is also the opportunity for personal growth and learning more about yourself.
Is getting a masters degree in psychology worth it? ›While the average psychology professional with an undergraduate degree makes approximately $33,000 annually, those who acquire a master's degree earn an average of $64,000 annually. This means that pursuing a master's in psychology is a great idea for anyone looking to boost their earning potential.
Is psychology better to take online or in person? ›The results indicated that there was an overall higher satisfaction from students enrolled in a traditional classroom setting. What the Lovelands' found was that students evaluated their online course off of different factors than which they would have looked at if the course was face-to-face.
Can you become a psychologist by studying online? ›Psychology courses are widely available for 100% online study. Programs that you can complete fully online include Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Graduate Certificate in Psychology, and graduate diplomas. Some masters degrees are also available online.
What's the best online college for psychology? ›- University of Wyoming. Score: 100. ...
- Northern Arizona University. Score: 98.8. ...
- UMass Lowell. Score: 98.5. ...
- Rowan University. Score: 98.5. ...
- Fort Hays State University. Score: 97.8. ...
- University of North Dakota. Score: 97.8. ...
- Oregon Institute of Technology. ...
- University of Louisiana at Monroe.
To Work or Not to Work, That Is the Question…
A master's program in counseling is challenging, time consuming and most easily conquered with single-mindedness of purpose. However, if you must work while attending school, then by all means work.
- Pediatric counselor. National average salary: $63,934 per year. ...
- Licensed clinical social worker. National average salary: $64,671 per year. ...
- Direct support professional. ...
- Therapist. ...
- Physician assistant. ...
- Mental health counselor. ...
- Registered nurse. ...
- Physical therapist.
If you feel specifically called to help individuals improve their mental health, an MA in Clinical Counseling can set you on a path to becoming a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) or a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT).
What's the difference between a counselor and a therapist? ›Counselors tend to offer short-term care, while therapists tend to offer long-term care. Therapists can be more past focused and counselors more future focused. Counselors often have a set number of sessions, and therapists often work on an ongoing basis. Therapists are more likely to treat mental health conditions.
Is a PHD in counseling psychology worth it? ›
Earning an advanced degree allows counselors to have more career opportunities open to them. If your career goal extends beyond simply having a private practice, a doctoral degree might be a requirement for acquiring a high-level job in a university, hospital, school system or community center.
What degree do you need to be a mental health counselor? ›Like many other healthcare professions, mental health counseling requires a four-year undergraduate degree as a foundation. This bachelor's degree is usually in counseling, psychology or a related field. To work as a licensed professional mental health counselor, you will likely need a master's degree.