School Counseling Degree Programs

teens in highschool

School counseling careers revolve around the position of school guidance counselor. Working in this capacity, a professional guides youth in their academic, career and social developments. The guidance counselor understands how these work together for the good of the student and is often an integral part of the education experience.

Whether organizing career fairs, finding students summer jobs or internships, or acting as a middle man for teacher-student conflict, the guidance counselor works to develop an environment that suits the mental and physical well-being of the student.

School counseling careers are primarily at the grade school and secondary school levels, though many also work in continuing education at colleges and universities or trade schools. Another part of this professional’s responsibility is in guiding students toward grants, scholarships and other forms of financial aid to help manage expenses beyond the secondary level.

Breakout School

OLLU logoOur Lady of the Lake University’s online Master of Arts in Counseling program features a curriculum aligned with the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) Standards. Their MA in School Counseling teaches you to help students of all ages get the most out of their education by assessing and finding solutions to common behavioral and learning problems, promoting psychological health and implementing effective career development planning. Read our full review.

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What Does a School Counselor Do?

The school counselor works with a child’s education in mind, but understands the emotional component to the learning process. If there are problems at home, it is the counselor’s job to be mindful of those issues and act as an intermediary between the student and educator. It is also important that a counselor raises awareness regarding alcohol and drug abuse, so that their subjects can make better life choices during the formative years.

School counseling career professionals are also responsible for developing academic schedules and working with special needs students to formulate realistic and responsible goals for the rest of their enrollment and beyond.

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Careers in School Counseling

Salaries for school counselors may vary greatly depending on the state and even the school district within that state. The job outlook is steady with 14% growth projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2008-2018. The BLS also reports a median annual income of $51,050. The low-to-high registered at $38,740 and $65,360 per year. The work environment is primarily in elementary, middle and secondary schools, which will vary depending on location, student data and funding.

Obtaining a School Counseling Degree

To get involved with a school counseling career, you must first and foremost care for children and be willing to work as an advocate for them at all costs. With the proper mindset, you may then pursue a bachelor’s degree. Most specialize in areas of education or sociology in order to become familiar with the education system and the classroom dynamic.

Many states even require a teaching certificate and classroom experience before they will consider offering a position. Most states require completion of a master’s degree program. Candidates usually opt for the Master of Education in Counseling. Check with your state’s department of education for specific requirements.

Useful School Counseling Resources

Browse All School Counseling Programs

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois
School Type: Public; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Doctorate in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Student Population
19,437
Student:Teacher Ratio
13 to 1
Tuition
$9,466
Acceptance Rate
48%

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, Kentucky
School Type: Public; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Student Population
17,151
Student:Teacher Ratio
19 to 1
Tuition
$19,872
Acceptance Rate
90%

Northern Michigan University

Marquette, Michigan
School Type: Public; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Student Population
9,092
Student:Teacher Ratio
20 to 1
Tuition
$16,380
Acceptance Rate
66%

Northern State University

Aberdeen, South Dakota
School Type: Public; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Student Population
4,770
Student:Teacher Ratio
21 to 1
Tuition
$10,611
Acceptance Rate
84%

Northwest Christian University

Eugene, Oregon
School Type: Private not-for-profit; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Student Population
1,196
Student:Teacher Ratio
15 to 1
Tuition
$31,200
Acceptance Rate
66%

Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, Missouri
School Type: Public; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Student Population
8,027
Student:Teacher Ratio
22 to 1
Tuition
$10,738
Acceptance Rate
73%

Northwest Nazarene University

Nampa, Idaho
School Type: Private not-for-profit; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services - Online
Student Population
7,442
Student:Teacher Ratio
16 to 1
Tuition
$30,550
Acceptance Rate
86%

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Alva, Oklahoma
School Type: Public; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Student Population
2,363
Student:Teacher Ratio
15 to 1
Tuition
$13,710
Acceptance Rate
63%

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, Louisiana
School Type: Public; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Master's in College Student Counseling and Personnel Services - Online
Student Population
13,314
Student:Teacher Ratio
19 to 1
Tuition
$15,968
Acceptance Rate
82%

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
School Type: Private not-for-profit; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Student Population
23,729
Student:Teacher Ratio
17 to 1
Tuition
$31,150
Acceptance Rate
80%

Oakland University

Rochester Hills, Michigan
School Type: Public; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Doctorate in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Student Population
22,351
Student:Teacher Ratio
20 to 1
Tuition
$24,735
Acceptance Rate
83%

Ohio University-Main Campus

Athens, Ohio
School Type: Public; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Doctorate in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Master's in College Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Student Population
33,920
Student:Teacher Ratio
17 to 1
Tuition
$22,406
Acceptance Rate
82%

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Stillwater, Oklahoma
School Type: Public; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Student Population
27,200
Student:Teacher Ratio
19 to 1
Tuition
$20,877
Acceptance Rate
70%

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia
School Type: Public; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Certificate in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Student Population
28,046
Student:Teacher Ratio
17 to 1
Tuition
$26,664
Acceptance Rate
89%

Oregon State University

Corvallis, Oregon
School Type: Public; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Certificate in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Doctorate in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services - Online
Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services - Online
Student Population
38,110
Student:Teacher Ratio
17 to 1
Tuition
$29,445
Acceptance Rate
82%

Ottawa University-Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona
School Type: Private not-for-profit; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services - Online
Student Population
1,391
Student:Teacher Ratio
8 to 1
Tuition
$11,976
Acceptance Rate
Open enrollment
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Our Lady of the Lake University

San Antonio, Texas
School Type: Private not-for-profit; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services - Online
Student Population
3,777
Student:Teacher Ratio
11 to 1
Tuition
$28,330
Acceptance Rate
68%

Palm Beach Atlantic University

West Palm Beach, Florida
School Type: Private not-for-profit; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Student Population
4,304
Student:Teacher Ratio
12 to 1
Tuition
$31,920
Acceptance Rate
95%

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, Pennsylvania
School Type: Public; 4 or more years

Degrees Offered

Certificate in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Doctorate in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Master's in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Master's in College Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Student Population
49,935
Student:Teacher Ratio
14 to 1
Tuition
$34,480
Acceptance Rate
76%