Online School Counseling Programs: Career Options for Graduates with an Online School Counseling Degree
School counseling professionals provide emotional and educational support to elementary, middle and high school students. School counselors usually need a minimum of a master's degree. Several institutions offer online school counseling programs.
A Career in School Counseling
School counselors work with public and private school students, offering a variety of educational and psychological services. Such services might include administering aptitude tests, working with students suffering from learning disorders, providing emotional support and helping students prepare for college.
A minimum of a master's degree in school counseling, education or a related field is usually required for a career in school counseling. Several institutions offer online school counseling programs.
School counselors must hold a state-issued certificate or license to practice. Some states also require that school counselors have a teaching certificate. After earning a graduate degree with a specialty in counseling from an accredited program, school counselors can pursue certification from the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc., www.nbcc.org.
Elementary and Middle School Counselors
Elementary school counselors work with students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. They typically play many roles, acting as liaisons between teachers, parents and students. Elementary school counselors observe students in the classroom and order aptitude tests to help determine students' individual needs. They also work with teachers and school administrators to design curricula. Elementary school counselors are experts on the academic and developmental needs of young students.
Middle school counselors work with students in sixth through eighth grades, helping ease the transition to secondary school. Middle school counselors identify emotional or learning disorders in students and provide support services to those individuals. Many middle school counselors also act as academic advisers, helping students to choose and enroll in classes.
High School Counselors
In addition to performing the same duties as elementary and middle school counselors, high school counselors act as academic and vocational advisers. They help students to choose and apply to colleges and to select courses based on their needs and interests. High school counselors also work with non-college-bound students, assisting them in job searches, resume writing and interview practice.
Featured School Choices:
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Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
- Masters in Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
- Masters in Clinical Psychology (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
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Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
- M.Ed. in School Counseling (ITL)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision Qualitative
- Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision Quantitative
- Bridge (Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision - Qualitative Research)
- Bridge (Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision - Quantitative Research)
More information about Grand Canyon University
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Purdue Global
Purdue Global responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate
- M.S. in Higher Education - Student Affairs
- Master of Science in Health Education
- MS in Educational Psychology
- M.S. in Higher Education - College Admin & Leadership
More information about Purdue Global
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Liberty University
Liberty University responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
- PHD: Counselor Education and Supervision
- Education Specialist in Community Care and Counseling: Marriage and Family Counseling
- Education Specialist in Community Care and Counseling: Pastoral Care and Counseling
- Education Specialist in Community Care and Counseling: Traumatology
- Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Educational Psychology
More information about Liberty University
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Pacific Oaks College
Pacific Oaks College responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
- Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential
- Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
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Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
- Education Specialist in Educational Leadership