Help Students Find Their Future with a School Counseling Degree Program

School counselors play a pivotal role in the lives of young people. Whether it is by helping students apply themselves academically, choose a suitable college or career, or work through psychological challenges, a little bit of help at the right time can set a person on the right track for life. A school counseling degree program can help you make this kind of difference.
School counselors are needed at all phases of the educational process--from elementary and high school through college and vocational school. They can help identify and address special needs in children at an early age. They can assist older children with social or emotional issues, and when students are preparing to leave the academic system, they can offer career advice. The type of role you choose to play will depend on your preferences and your educational specialization.

Educational Requirements and Online Degrees

Extensive education is required of school counselors. In many states, this entails a master's degree and additional state licensure essentials. The fields of study involved include psychology, education, child development, and student affairs. Often, training also requires some hands-on fieldwork.
Because of these extensive and varied requisites, online education can play a vital role. For students who need to start working while they earn their bachelor's or master's degrees, an online degree can be pursued on a flexible schedule that doesn't interfere with a full-time job. This can also be an option for people who choose school counseling as a career direction later on, and wish to go back to school without giving up their existing jobs.

School Counseling Career Outlook

School counseling is the largest single category of counseling jobs, and is expected to experience average demand growth over the next several years. With median annual earnings of $49,450, school counselors earn more than the national median, with the highest-paying jobs in elementary and secondary schools. Elementary and secondary schools are also the largest employers of school counselors.
Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics

Richard Barrington is a freelance writer and novelist who previously spent over twenty years as an investment industry executive.