Public, private and virtual schools contribute to more than just students’ academic development. They also provide services that promote health and well-being, strengthen and support families and guide students as they make future career plans. These responsibilities do not fall solely on teachers; today, schools have teams of professionals who attend to students’ needs, and school counselors play a vital role.
School counselors directly contribute to student success, both in and out of the classroom. Given the positive impact that school counselors have on student outcomes, the demand for qualified professionals to fill these roles continues to grow.
Individuals seeking to enter the field of school counseling must complete a series of steps, including education and certifications. This guide explores the path to becoming a school counselor and examines the role of school counselors. Learn how the Arkansas State University (A-State) Master of Science in Education (MSE) – General Concentration online program is a key step in your school counseling career.
What Is a School Counselor?
A school counselor is a trained professional who supports the academic success, career development and social-emotional and mental health of students. They provide guidance, one-on-one counseling, resources and referrals to services outside of school.
School counselors work in both private and public schools, and many virtual learning academies have remote and hybrid positions for school counseling professionals. The focus of school counselors typically varies based on the ages of the students they serve.
Elementary school counseling prioritizes the cultivation of social-emotional skills and the promotion of positive behavior. Counselors generally help middle schoolers navigate the transition to secondary school and early adolescence. High school counseling often looks ahead to life after graduation, assisting students through decisions about their postsecondary futures and careers.
What Does a School Counselor Do?
School counselors perform a variety of tasks to support students. Much of their time is spent in individual and group counseling sessions tailored to students’ needs. They may be called upon to intervene in crises, and they analyze test results and other data to assess student progress and program effectiveness.
In addition to working with students individually and in small groups, school counselors communicate with parents about various issues. They also collaborate with teachers and administrators to develop action plans that address concerns for specific students and promote overall student success.
School Counselor Requirements and Education Pathway
School counseling is a regulated profession, with licensure and credentialing requirements set at the state level. In Arkansas, the Division of Elementary & Secondary Education oversees school counselor requirements. While agencies and processes vary by state, most follow similar standards for education, supervised experience and licensure.
Preparation for a career in school counseling typically begins with earning a bachelor’s degree. Many aspiring counselors pursue related undergraduate degree programs, such as psychology, education or human services, to build a strong foundation in child development and learning theory.
After completing an undergraduate education, candidates advance to a master’s degree in school counseling. These programs combine academic coursework with supervised field experiences to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. A-State’s MSE in School Counseling – General online program provides the academic instruction and clinical preparation required for school counseling roles, delivered in a flexible, affordable online format designed for working professionals.
School Counselor Certification and Licensure
Becoming a school counselor in the United States generally requires earning a state-issued license. After completing a master’s degree in school counseling, candidates must pass a written examination that assesses their knowledge of core counseling competencies and professional practice standards.
In Arkansas and many other states, the required assessment is the Praxis Professional School Counselor 5421 Exam. It consists of 120 multiple-choice questions covering counseling foundations, service delivery, program management and accountability.
After passing the required examination, candidates may need to complete additional steps such as a criminal background check or further supervised clinical training hours. Once all requirements are met, licensure applications are submitted through the state’s credentialing system. In Arkansas, the process is managed through the Arkansas Educator Licensure System.
From the start of undergraduate study through licensure, most school counselors spend approximately six to eight years completing the necessary education and training. After licensure, counselors must periodically renew their credentials and complete continuing education to maintain eligibility.
Some school counselors also pursue voluntary national certification in addition to state licensure. Credentials offered by organizations, such as the American School Counselor Association’s Certified School Counselor designation, demonstrate expertise, strengthen professional credibility and distinguish candidates in a competitive job market.
School Counselor Salary and Career Outlook
The demand for school counselors is expected to increase by 4% through 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Between newly created positions and vacancies resulting from changes in the labor force, there will likely be 31,000 positions for school counselors each year over the next decade.
Salaries for school counselors depend on numerous factors, including location, experience, education level, certification status and employer type. Overall, the median salary for school counselors was $65,140 per year as of May 2024. At that time, the lowest-paid 10% of school counselors made $43,580 or less, while the highest-paid 10% earned $105,870 or more.
Counselors with demonstrated experience and skills may advance into leadership roles, such as director of counseling services in school districts. Others may pursue specializations, like crisis response or bullying prevention, or find work outside of school systems in private practice or consulting.
Build a Meaningful Career Supporting Student Success
School counseling is a fulfilling career path for professionals who want to make a lasting impact on students’ lives. School counselors play a vital role in supporting students’ academic achievement, personal development and long-term planning, helping them navigate challenges and prepare for future opportunities. As student needs grow, demand for well-prepared school counselors remains strong, especially for those with advanced training and demonstrated professional competence.
A-State’s online Master of Science in Education in School Counseling – General program is designed to help aspiring counselors enter the profession with confidence. The flexible online format allows students to balance coursework with professional and personal responsibilities while working toward a master’s degree.
Approved by the Arkansas Department of Education, the program includes required internships and practicum experiences to support eligibility for licensure, along with capped didactic and clinical course sizes that promote individualized instruction and mentorship from experienced faculty.
Learn more about A-State’s online MSE in School Counseling program.