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Guidance Counseling Degree: Career Options for Graduates with a Guidance Counseling Degree

Published Sep 15, 2009

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Graduates with a guidance counseling degree have a responsibility to assist and guide children and adults in their choice of educational and vocational pathways. For elementary school children, this may take the form of selecting teaching methods that fit a student's learning style; by contrast, high school students get assistance with college and career choices. In this article, you can learn about more professional options for graduates with a guidance counseling degree.

Bachelor's Degree in Guidance Counseling Career Summary

Many guidance counselors with a bachelor's degree work for elementary and secondary school districts. In most states, a bachelor's degree is the minimum educational level to qualify for K-12 school employment. Other states require guidance counselors to complete a master's degree program. Guidance counseling graduates who are employed by smaller public or private schools often teach one or more classes in addition to performing counseling tasks. Appropriate teaching certification is required for classroom duties.

Master's Degree in Guidance Counseling Career Options Summary

A guidance counseling master's degree program incorporates classes in statistics and mathematics. Additionally, the ability to listen to and interact with others on an individual basis is paramount. A guidance counselor usually has a master's degree plus additional professional credentials, such as certification or licensure. Many guidance counseling positions are associated with schools or government organizations, such as those offering welfare assistance, veteran's benefits programs or career planning.

Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree in Guidance Counseling Career Summary

Students with a master's degree in guidance counseling can work toward an advanced degree known as an Education Specialist, or Ed.S. These programs provide the highest level of credential for those interested in becoming guidance counselors at all types of schools. Students of Ed.S. programs explore topics related to group dynamics, behavior change strategies and leadership skills. Emphasis is placed on the application of such knowledge and the interpretation of relevant data in real counseling situations.

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