MEd in Guidance & Counseling

Guidance counselors provide counseling services to students. They also collaborate with parents, teachers, administrators, psychologists, medical professionals, and social workers to develop strategies to help students succeed. Elementary school guidance counselors do less vocational and academic counseling than high school counselors do. Guidance counselors at all levels help students cope with social, behavioral, and personal problems. Job settings typically include elementary schools, high schools, and colleges.

Steps Toward an MEd in Guidance & Counseling

To become a guidance counselor, requirements vary significantly by state. Successful students typically complete the following steps:

1. Earn proper undergraduate degree (requirements vary by state). Common undergraduate degrees include Bachelor of Science programs in education, psychology or human services.
2. Earn proper graduate degrees (requirements vary by state) from an accredited institution like Purdue, Liberty, or Walden University. Typically includes completing a Master of Science degree with a concentration in guidance counseling.
3. Obtain proper licensure. Licensure requirements differ greatly by state, occupational specialty, and work setting.
4. Consider certification and continuing education options. Some counselors elect to be certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors, which grants a general practice credential of National Certified Counselor. While voluntary and distinct from state licensing, in some states, those who pass the national exam are exempt from taking a state certification exam. The board also offers specialty certifications in school counseling. In some cases, guidance counselors aim to become counseling directors, counselor educators, counseling psychologists, or school administrators by advancing their education even further.

After completing a degree, one may consider attaining membership with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). The ASCA aids in professional development, publishes a bimonthly magazine and other publications, offers liability insurance, and more. They also have a handy state-by-state guide that describes each state’s certification requirements.

My Degree and What It’s Worth

This degree will open the door to providing counseling to large groups of people, such as students at a school, patients in a clinic or recovery program, or anyone who needs an outside perspective on their life. A guidance counselor is typically responsible for the following job duties:

• Evaluate the strengths, problems, or special needs of children and young adults in a school setting.
• Provide personal, educational and vocational counseling.
• Offer case management support and guidance, especially when cases of domestic abuse and other family problems that can affect a student’s development are identified.
• Arrange for medical care, vocational training, job placement and other outside services.

The average annual salary for a guidance counselor will vary depending on what type of institution one works in, location, and experience. To learn more, please visit our salary outlook for counselors.

Online Guidance and Counseling Degree Programs

• New York University: MA in Counseling and Guidance

Closely Related Programs

The following degrees are closely related to a master’s degree program in guidance and counseling, often allowing you to pursue a career in this field or others:

• MS in Applied Psychology
• MS in Child Psychology
• MS in Educational Psychology
• MEd or MS in School Counseling
• MS in School Psychology