When you were in school, you likely made at least one visit to the school counselor’s office. The school counselor supports the students with any social, behavior, or academic issues they might be having while in school. They can also provide advice on further education and career prospects. Pursuing a career as a school counselor means helping students during the most critical developmental years of their lives and is a incredibly fulfilling role.
Majoring in school counseling or taking online school counseling programs opens up more doors than just becoming a school counselor. It prepares graduates for various roles in the education industry, providing support and guidance in many different ways. Whether you're passionate about helping adolescents work through social issues and blockages or guiding teenagers to make good choices in further education; there is a perfect career path for you in the school counseling industry.
What is a school counselor?
A school counselor is a licensed educator who has pursued a degree in school counseling or taken online school counseling programs. They are highly qualified individuals trained to help students with their social, behavioral, emotional, and academic needs. They create comprehensive plans for each student, implement them, and then continuously evaluate progress. The goal of a school counselor is always the student's success in whichever path they choose.
School counselors strive to protect all students' human rights and uphold the standards set forth by the ASCA (American School Counseling Association).
Where are the main areas of employment for a school counselor?
As expected, school counselors are mainly employed in the education industry but can work in multiple different types of school settings.
- Elementary School
You may want to consider working in an elementary school if you enjoy working with small children. School counselors in elementary schools supply educational services as well as prevention and intervention where required. They conduct both individual and group assessments and create tailored counseling programs based on the results. School counselors in elementary schools also consult with parents, guardians, and other school staff to discuss concerns and action plans and reach out to community agencies for support when necessary.
- Middle School
School counselors who work in middle schools take on more of a leadership role in the school, rather than only working one-on-one with students. They proactively deliver various programs to the student body that explore bullying, drug use, abuse, eating disorders, etc. They also work directly with students to provide guidance and support for the transition into high schools, such as what courses to take.
- High School
High school counselors work with students who often struggle due to the pressures of adulthood. They are at a time in their lives where they have to decide what is next for them, which is a pressure they haven't had up until now. A school counselor working in a high school setting will help guide students in the next phase of their life after school, and whether to pursue post-secondary education or go into the workforce. It is often beneficial for those wanting to work in high schools to have some mental health training since many high school students will encounter mental health issues during this time in their life.
- College/University
College and university counselors focus primarily on career and placement services. Students who are in post-secondary education are preparing for their careers and need access to job-finding services. It could include helping with resume writing or admission essays for further education. College and university counselors are also there to support those who need financial aid and accessing those resources.
Regardless of which school setting you want to work in, you will need to pursue your school counseling degree through in-person or online school counseling programs.
What career options are available for those with a bachelor's degree in school counseling?
If you've got a bachelor's degree in school counseling through online school counseling programs, there are some excellent career prospects for you. In most states, you will need to have your master's degree if you want to work in the educational system, so you will need to get that if you're going to advance in your career. That said, there are some entry-level jobs within the field that you can get with a bachelor's degree that will allow you to gain some experience working with children.
- Daycare Worker
Taking online school counseling programs and getting your bachelor's degree will allow you to work as a daycare worker. Daycare workers will provide childcare to children who are not yet old enough to attend school. They typically offer childcare during the day while parents are at work. Some daycare workers work at childcare facilities, while others choose to operate individually and run their own service.
A bachelor's degree in school counseling will give you knowledge of children's behavioral issues and an understanding of children's psychology, which will benefit you in this line of work.
Average Salary: $27,000.
- Camp Counselor
Having your bachelor's in school counseling will also provide you with the training you need to become a camp counselor. Camp counselors work at camps for young people, from summer camps to weekend programs, which provide a positive environment for youth to connect. If you've taken online school counseling programs and have your bachelor's degree, then a job as a camp counselor will give you experience supporting children with various needs. While a bachelor's degree is not required to work in this position, many camps need staff with a deeper understanding of children's psychology, such as camps for children with behavioral issues.
Average Salary: $20,000.
- Family Case Manager
A family case manager serves as a support unit for families with children facing behavioral, mental, or social challenges. They can provide advice and resources for these families to help them cope with these challenges. They will connect families to additional services that they might need, whether that's medical or psychological. You will need to have a bachelor's degree and have taken online school counseling programs as a minimum to pursue this career path.
Average Salary: $40,000.
What career options are available for those with a master's degree in school counseling?
A master's degree in school counseling, through either in-person or online school counseling programs, is almost essential in this industry. Unless you have your master's, you will be unable to work in the educational system legally. Obtaining your master's in school counseling will open you up to various career prospects and allow you to grow and progress without limitation. You're likely considering this path because you want to help the youth, and having your master's will allow you to choose the path that most suits your passions and interests. Having your master's will also enable you to pursue other educational career pathways outside of school counseling.
- School counselor
The first career path and most apparent, that you can pursue with your master's in school counseling is as a school counselor. A school counselor wears many hats within their chosen educational institution and supports students with any of their concerns. They help students overcome social and behavioral challenges that may be impairing their academic potential, such as financial barriers, bullying, addiction, mental health issues, problems at home, and more. They can work within any educational institution, from kindergarten up to college and university level. School counselors will also liaison with parents and teachers to effectively address student needs and implement programs.
To work as a school counselor, you will need to have your master's in school counseling, which you can achieve through online school counseling programs.
Average salary: $50,776.
- Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors work specifically with students and young people who are struggling with some form of addiction. Working as a substance abuse counselor will allow you to support young people on their path to addiction recovery and keep them accountable for staying clean. Substance abuse counselors may work in mental health facilities or rehab centers, or come into schools to meet with students who need their support. They will also work alongside families and friends to arrange interventions if someone's addiction is becoming life-threatening. Substance abuse counselors will create recovery programs based on their needs and set them up for success in conquering their addiction.
Average Salary: $54,470.
- College/University Career Counselor
Taking online school counseling programs and obtaining your master's in school counseling will give you the training you need to become a career counselor. For students attending college or university, the pressure of choosing a career can be stressful. Although they have decided which programs to take, they may still be unsure of what career path will suit their interests and strengths. As a career counselor, you will help students explore all their options and connect them with any resources they require to be successful.
College/university career counselors will also run workshops in their schools that focus on career-readiness, building skills, job search, and more. They will also help students find internship and placement opportunities in their field of choice.
Average Salary: $48,027.
- School Psychologist
To become a school psychologist, you will need to have a master's degree in school counseling through either in-person or online school counseling programs. School psychologists work with, and support students who are struggling with behavioral disorders or experiencing academic challenges. They create individual development plans for students, which help to support them academically and socially so that they are successful in school. They will work with the teachers and parents to ensure these students have a learning environment that works for them and their specific needs.
Some schools will prefer that school psychologists have a doctorate, but most are open to those who possess a master's in school counseling.
Average Salary: $62,365.
- Admissions Counselor
Those with a master's degree in school counseling can pursue a career as an admissions counselor. Admissions counselors work in college or universities with potential students to help them meet the admission requirements. They let incoming students know what they will need to submit their application and support them through the process so that they are successful. They will also help undergraduate students choose which programs are most suitable for them, and help them reach their career goals. Once they've decided which graduate program they want to pursue, the admissions counselor will also support them through the admissions process.
Admissions counselors work with international transfer students, review transcripts, and advise on acceptance requirements into their chosen programs.
Average Salary: $39,590.
- Marriage and Family Therapist
Another option for those with a master's in school counseling, outside of the education system, is marriage and family therapy. You can pursue this career path if you've taken online school counseling programs. Marriage and family therapists work with families and couples, providing support for those navigating relationship challenges. They work with people experiencing trauma in their family or relationship, such as infidelity, behavioral problems, financial struggles, divorce, or job loss. If you're pursuing your school counseling degree, you are likely passionate about young people and may be interested in focusing on family therapy for families with young children. You can choose to focus on working with families with children who are facing challenges at home that could impair their academic learning potential. Becoming a marriage and family therapist offers the opportunity for versatility and growth within your career.
Average Salary: $56,938.
Conclusion
Taking online school counseling programs to achieve your master's in school counseling gives you the flexibility to get your degree at your own pace. You can even start working in the industry in one of the job options, which only require a bachelor's degree while you pursue further education. That will allow you to get some on-the-job experience while also preparing you for career progression. Anyone can begin a career in school counseling, regardless of if you're working full-time in another profession or taking care of your family. Online learning is the gateway to achieving your dream job in one of these fantastic school counseling career options.
