Psychology Jobs: School Counseling

So you want to be a school counselor?  Individuals interested in school counseling must be committed to helping students with academic, personal, social and career development, so a love for children is kind of a prerequisite.  School counselors also work with teachers to determine a study plan, usually four years, which adequately provides academic and social skills appropriate for a student’s learning level.

School counselors are more than just academic advisors; they are therapists, friends, advocates and mentors. They wear many hats in order to facilitate the growth and personal development of students, especially those with home or learning problems as they are involved at all levels of the educational process, from elementary school through graduate school. School counselors are a little less involved at the college level, as the students are no longer children.

The environment in which school counselors work is usually very routine; they work in offices and spend a lot of time in classrooms and in discussions with teachers, parents and students. Some follow the 10-month schedule of school like their students, while others work the entire year with no summer break.

School counselors are required to hold at least a master’s degree in psychology. Argosy University offers a wide selection of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in a variety of psychology concentrations at 19 locations across the nation. In addition to having the correct educational requirements, school counselors must have strong listening skills, empathy and the ability to gain trust from students and parents.

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA states that school counselors deliver services in these key areas:

Student Planning

School counselors collaborate with students to develop academic, career and college plans. They also assist in building student career skills like writing resumes or college applications.

Responsive Services

Responsive services address immediate problems and involve individual or group counseling. These services may also include referrals to other school or community support services. Counselors must maintain confidential relationships with students.

The job prospects for individuals in the school counseling professions are growing faster than the average for all occupations, as they are increasingly required to address topics like substance abuse, depression and violence in addition to traditional focuses like career planning.

This post is brought to you by Argosy University. Drawing upon our more than 30-year history of granting degrees in professional psychology, Argosy University has developed a curriculum that focuses on interpersonal skills and practical experience alongside academic learning. Because getting a degree is one thing. Succeeding, quite another.