Every state has its own education and certification or licensure requirements for school counselors. Similar to most states, Arkansas requires that school counselors have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. Aspiring school counselors with an unrelated master’s degree may also complete a program approved by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE).
Arkansas State University offers three fully online, ADE-approved Master of Science in Education (MSE) in School Counseling programs. These convenient, affordable degree options provide educators with a flexible and comprehensive path toward school counselor licensure and endorsement in Arkansas.
Arkansas School Counselor Requirements
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school counselors in nearly all states need a master’s degree, typically in school counseling or a related area. School counselors must also have state-issued credentials.
In Arkansas, professionals must attain a certain level of education, understand and comply with the Arkansas Teaching Standards, demonstrate extensive counseling-specific competencies, and meet experiential requirements to earn endorsement and licensure in school counseling. It is necessary to complete the following steps:
Earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree
A bachelor’s in psychology, counseling, education or a similar field would prove helpful when working toward a master’s degree in school counseling. Arkansas teachers who wish to add school counselor licensure or endorsement must complete a master’s degree in an appropriate field as approved by the ADE Office of Educator Quality.
Certification, Exam and Practicum
Most school counseling master’s degree programs will prepare educators for the various examinations required for certification in guidance and school counseling K-12. In Arkansas, a professional must pass an approved Praxis test, such as the Praxis® Professional School Counselor Exam, designed to assess prospective counselors on four categories: Foundation, delivery of services, management and accountability. In addition, professionals applying for counselor licensure must complete 100 hours of supervised practicum experiences over a minimum 10-week academic term.
Supervised Internship
Arkansas also has internship requirements for those seeking licensure as school counselors. The 600 hour, supervised internship takes place after successful completion of the practicum, with at least 240 hours of direct service. Those interested in pursuing licensure or additional endorsement can research detailed requirements for Arkansas through the state’s Division of Elementary & Secondary Education school counseling website.
Arkansas does offer reciprocity for educators and school counselors holding licensure from other states, provided all Arkansas requirements for reciprocity are met before applying for review of transcripts and certification. A background check is also required.
Obtaining a Master’s Degree to Become a School Counselor
A-State offers a three fully online MSE in School Counseling programs, including a general track as well as concentrations focused on working with special populations or students who have experienced trauma. The flexibility and affordability of this program as well as the individualized, advanced practical experience make it accessible for recent graduates and working professionals alike.
Courses include the basics of school counseling as well as advanced topics such as social and cultural foundations of counseling, theories and techniques, group counseling, data-informed professional counseling, counseling children and adolescents, ethical and legal issues and more. Students seeking Arkansas licensure complete additional coursework in order to ensure they meet all state requirements.
A-State’s counseling programs also include the state-required counseling practicum, working with adolescents in a comprehensive developmental counseling program. Once completed, students participate in two phases of state-required supervised internships which provide experience in individual counseling, group work, developmental classroom guidance, consultation and program coordination activities. With the required education and experience completed, professionals can pursue a rewarding career as a school counselor in Arkansas.
Learn more about A-State’s online MSE in School Counseling programs.