School Counseling Graduate Programs in America

A Master's of School Counseling is a graduate program that prepares you to provide various counseling services to students in grades K through 12. Each state has its own requirements, but most require that you have a master's degree to get certified as a school counselor, in addition to completing other licensing requirements. You can also obtain national certification by meeting the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) requirements for a National Certified School Counselor (NCSC).

Master of School Counseling Programs

Most master's degree programs in school can be finished in two to three years if you're a full-time student or three to four years if you're a part-time student. Your coursework will cover topics such as:

• Counseling children and adolescents
• Group counseling
• Interpersonal relationships
• Cross-cultural counseling
• Developmental counseling
• Individual educational assessment
• Theories of counseling
• Theories of human development
• Clinical mental health
• Addiction and substance abuse
• Career development

Your master's program will also have a clinical component. You'll complete practicum requirements and an internship under the guidance of an experienced counselor. The clinical requirement will allow you to apply what you've learned in real-life situations.

Roles and Responsibilities of School Counselors

School counselors are an integral part of the education system. They help students develop healthy mindsets and behaviors to become empowered, self-directed learners. Your daily duties may vary depending on what type of school you work in and the age of the students you work with. In general, at all levels, you'll be providing direct and indirect services to students.

Direct services may include:

• Teaching the school counseling curriculum to students
• Individual assessment of students' interests and abilities to provide personalized academic and mental health guidance
• Individual or group counseling during short-term stressful situations
• Assisting students and families with finding resources

You'll also provide indirect services such as:

• Providing parents, teachers, and other community leaders with strategies to promote student achievement
• Referring students and families to school and community resources
• Collaborating with other educators, parents, and community leaders to support student achievement

Elementary school counselors

The elementary school years set the foundation for developing a healthy self-image and positive character values as well as decision-making, communication, and life skills. Elementary school counselors design programs for education, prevention, and intervention activities to teach the knowledge, skills, and attitudes young students need for future success.

Middle school counselors

The middle school years are a time of rapid change and growth. At this age, students are becoming more independent and forming an identity based on their own beliefs that may not align with what they've been taught. Middle school students have a unique set of needs that differentiates them from younger elementary and older high school adolescents.

As a middle school counselor, you'll work with students to help them achieve personal growth, learn positive social skills, and prepare for high school and beyond.

High school counselors

High school students are in the last transition before adulthood. They're much more independent and beginning to separate from their parents. During high school, students are deciding what they want to do after they graduate, and much of your work will be helping them prepare for college, vocational school, or work.

High school students are also facing increased peer pressure to engage in risky behaviors involving sex, alcohol, and drugs. They need guidance in navigating these challenges to make wise decisions about the issues that will affect the rest of their lives.

If you're interested in pursuing a career as a school counselor, look into the top-ranking schools and get advice for applying on Niche.