Are you passionate about helping young people cultivate the social and emotional skills needed to be successful? Do you want to truly make a difference in students' lives? If so, a school counseling degree will set you on the path towards a rewarding career in the field.The school counseling industry is expected to grow 8% from 2014 to 2024. As enrollment rates rise for elementary, middle, and high schools, demand for school counselors will grow — making an online school counseling degree an especially wise investment in upcoming years.If you've been told that you are a good listener and you like building meaningful relationships, an online school counseling degree program could be a good fit for you. As a professional in this field, you should also be able to empathize with young people from diverse backgrounds and show flexibility, humility, a good sense of humor, and evaluation skills.School counselors often have demanding yet incredibly fulfilling jobs. If you think you have what it takes to excel as a school counselor, read on. Our guide contains information about different counseling jobs and the types of online school counseling degrees you'll need to succeed in the field.
Meet Our Expert: Lisa Lawmaster Hess
Adjunct professor of psychology at York College of Pennsylvania
Online School Counseling Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| Bachelor's | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| Master's | $16,771 | 9.68% | 2 years | $40,724 | $66,266 | 3.1% |
Most jobs in the school counseling field require a school counseling degree at the master's level. On top of earning a school counseling degree online, practicing school counselors usually need a credential issued at the state level. It usually takes about two years and costs $16,771 to earn a masters in school counseling online, with early career salaries in the field averaging $40,724. There are some school systems and positions in the field that may only require a school counseling degree at the bachelor's level.
Online School Counseling Degrees
Online School Counseling Find Accredited Degrees
Online School Counseling Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| School and Career Counselors | $53,660 | 8% | 273400 |
| Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | $39,980 | 22% | 94900 |
| Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists | $43,190 | 19% | 168200 |
Online School Counseling Degree in Action
Meet Our Expert: Lisa Lawmaster Hess
Adjunct professor of psychology at York College of PennsylvaniaLisa Lawmaster is a retired school counselor who spent 27 years as an elementary school counselor before retiring four years ago. She is currently working as an adjunct professor of psychology.
Online School Counseling Professional Requirements
National Certified Counselor
Counselors can be certified by the National Certified Counselor (NCC) program when they meet national standards for education, training, and experience set by the profession. To apply, you must provide proof that you have completed a school counseling degree at the master's level, have 100 hours of counseling supervision, and at least 3,000 hours of counseling experience. It will take six to eight weeks once documentation is received. The National Counselor Exam takes four hours. You must also pass the the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification.
Certified School Counselor
School counselors are certified at the state level and each state has different certification requirements. Most public school systems in the United States require school counselors to have completed a school counseling degree at the master's level. Some school systems will accept a bachelor's degree. Many systems also require completion of a counseling practicum or internship and teacher licensure.