Guidance Counselor Requirements: Education and Job Training Requirements for Becoming a Guidance Counselor
Guidance Counselors provide career, educational and personal counseling to students of all ages. Counseling can take the form of private sessions or larger group settings in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities. If helping people with their emotional distresses and assisting them with their educational or vocational needs sounds rewarding, then read on to learn how to become a Guidance Counselor!
Guidance Counselor Career Summary
According to Career InfoNet, www.acinet.org, Guidance Counselors can work in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, universities and other academic settings. A counselor may select a specialty. Guidance Counselors provide educational, career and personal advice to students in order to help them. Counselors use tests and interviews to evaluate a student's abilities, interests and personality and determine multiple career and major choices. On a personal and emotional level, Guidance Counselors use preventive and development techniques to give students the skills needed to grow emotionally.
Education Required to Become a Guidance Counselor
A bachelor's degree is the minimum level of education a Guidance Counselor must have. O*Net, www.online.onetcenter.org, notes that most employers are looking for either a master's degree or a Ph.D. in either education or psychology. Apprenticeship programs with local schools provide live training for students during their studies. Coursework consists of classes on human growth, social diversity, career development and other education and psychology courses.
Job Training and Certifications Required to Become a Guidance Counselor
Most employers will provide some basic training for new counselors in the field, introducing a new hire to the school's own counseling methods. The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), www.nbcc.org, offers a National Certified Counselor general practice credential. Certification is not a requirement to become a Guidance Counselor, but a certification helps distinguish the excellence of a Guidance Counselor among his or her peers. Obtaining a state license is necessary for all Guidance Counselors; however, the licensure requirements vary from state to state.
Featured School Choices:
-
Colorado Christian University
Colorado Christian University responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
- Curriculum and Instruction, M.A. - Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - On Site Curriculum
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum
- School Counseling, M.A.
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Marriage & Family Therpy
-
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
-
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
-
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 Marriage and Family Therapist)
-
Liberty University
Liberty University responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
- MED: School Counseling
- MA: Human Services Counseling: General
- MA: Human Services Counseling: Life Coaching
- MA: Marriage & Family Therapy
- MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP)
More information about Liberty University
-
National University
National University responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
- DMFT - Child and Adolescent Therapy
- EdD - Social Emotional Learning
- PhD - Child and Adolescent Therapy
- PhD - Couple Therapy
- PhD - General Family Therapy