Sometimes referred to as “guidance counselors,” school counselors play an important and multifaceted role in K-12 education systems, offering students essential support with social, emotional, academic, and career-related matters.
In this guide, we’ll examine some typical tasks and responsibilities of a K-12 school counselor, including a look at how the role differs from that of a school psychologist or social worker. We’ll also provide a detailed, step-by-step process for becoming a school counselor in California, including:
- What types of degrees you need to earn
- What professional credentials the state requires you to hold
- How and where to acquire the necessary work experience
- Helpful resources for professional development
- Optional advanced certifications to consider pursuing
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Understanding the Role of a School Counselor
As a credentialed school counselor, some of your typical duties and responsibilities are likely to include:
- Helping students overcome social or emotional difficulties and challenges
- Providing guidance and information about careers, internships, colleges, and other employment and academic opportunities
- Intervening following appropriate protocols in cases of suspected child abuse or neglect
- Conducting aptitude tests and assessments to help identify students’ skills and strengths
- Communicating and collaborating with teachers, parents, and school administrators to help support students’ well-being and success
School counselors work in various K-12 environments, including public and private elementary, middle/intermediate, and high schools, as well as vocational schools, family services, and other educational or child welfare services.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for educational, guidance, and career counselors is $61,710, with the top 10% earning over $100,000 annually. BLS data also shows that:
- Some of the top-paying employers for school counselors include local elementary schools ($73,520), private elementary schools ($60,700), and “other private educational services” ($56,670)
- California has the highest employment level for school counselors in the country (41,380 jobs), followed by Texas (31,680 jobs) and New York (22,700 jobs)
- With a mean salary of $85,820, California is also the highest-paying state for school counselors, followed by Washington ($81,280) and Massachusetts ($79,670)
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree provides students with the core knowledge and fundamental skills necessary for entry-level positions. Typically, it takes between four and five years to earn a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree also serves as the foundation for a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) degree, which — as we’ll see later in this guide — is another key step of the journey toward becoming a school counselor.
Educational Requirements
Many bachelor’s degrees can help prepare you for a career as a school counselor. Ideally, you should pursue a major in a relevant field, such as psychology, education, or social work. At National University, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – offered through the JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences – provides a strong foundation with essential courses in developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and personality theory.
Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE), available through the Sanford College of Education, equips students with specialized courses like early cognition and literacy, children with special needs, and partnering with families.
Gaining Relevant Experience
During your undergraduate studies, it’s important to start acquiring experience working with adolescents and children. For example, you can seek out internships, volunteer opportunities, or part-time jobs in educational settings, like becoming a tutor, mentor, or teacher’s aide.
Step 2: Complete a Master’s Degree in School Counseling
As we’ll cover in more detail when we reach Step 3, it’s mandatory to meet the state’s credentialing requirements to become a school counselor in California. In order to meet those requirements, candidates must complete at least 48 semester units, in a master’s or other post-baccalaureate program that meets all of the following specifications:
- The program must be approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), which is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring that California educators and school personnel meet certain standards. National University is proud to be one of just 51 private universities in California that currently meet CTC approval.
- The program must feature “a practicum with school-aged children.” The practicum requirement is discussed in greater depth below.
- The program must enable the student to specialize in school counseling, like National University’s MS in School Psychology with PPS Credential or MS in Educational Counseling.
Core Coursework
Most counseling degree programs cover essential topics such as child and adolescent development, testing and assessment, and preparing students for exams like the ACTs or SATs. They also explore the history and evolution of counseling theory. In addition, coursework typically addresses ethical and legal issues, recognized methods for individual and group counseling, and strategies for crisis intervention and prevention.
Here’s an at-a-glance comparison of some of the coursework students complete in various counseling programs offered at National University:
- Master of Science in Educational Counseling with PPS Credential — The MS in Educational Counseling with PPS Credential meets the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) National Standards and criteria established by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The program, which requires students to pass the Praxis exam and complete fieldwork and internship components, covers curriculum like culturally conscious counseling, trauma-informed counseling, college and career counseling, and research methods in educational counseling.
- Master of Science in Educational Counseling Community College Counseling Emphasis — This program is tailored for individuals aiming to provide counseling and student support services within community college environments. It prepares graduates to become reflective social justice leaders, advocating for equitable outcomes and delivering culturally responsive services to a diverse student body. The curriculum encompasses areas such as equity-driven leadership, trauma-informed counseling, and culturally conscious counseling. Additionally, students engage in fieldwork to gain practical experience in community college settings.
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology — The MA in Counseling Psychology at National University trains students with the knowledge and skills essential for becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) or combined MFT-LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor). Coursework includes foundations in counseling, child and adolescent therapy, group therapy, and various practicum options.
Field Experience and Practicum
One of the steps to earning your state credential is to complete 48 or more semester units of a CTC-approved master’s or post-baccalaureate program that features a practicum component. A practicum is a specialized course where students apply classroom skills to real-world settings, such as a teaching practicum where students educate learners, or a social work practicum where students work with real clients. Completing a practicum and internship will help you obtain hands-on experience in real school settings while under the supervision of a credentialed school counselor.
Choosing the Right Graduate Program
With so many master’s degree programs in counseling to choose from, here are two key factors to weigh to help you find the optimal fit:
- Program Accreditation — To meet state requirements, it’s important to select a school counseling program that has been approved by the CTC or accredited by recognized regional accrediting bodies, such as the Accrediting Commission for Schools’ Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
- Online Learning — Earning your master’s degree online gives you greater control over your schedule and pace of learning while simultaneously enabling you to save money on tuition. For many students, an online degree program is the most accessible, convenient, and flexible option.
Step 3: Obtain State Licensure or Certification
Before we dive into the topic of licensure, it’s important to emphasize that regulations vary by state. The information presented below is specific to California, and different criteria may apply to your location.
With that in mind, let’s review California’s requirements for school counselor licensure and certification as of October 2024.
Licensure Requirements
To become a counselor in California, you need to earn the appropriate professional credential. For instance, if your goal is to become a school counselor, you’ll need to obtain a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential through the Commission for Teacher Credentialing (CTC). PPS credential holders can specialize in school counseling, school psychology, school social work, or an area called Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA).
To earn your PPS credential with a specialization in school counseling in California, you must meet the following requirements:
- Earn your bachelor’s degree or higher from a college or university that has earned regional accreditation, like National University’s WASC-accredited psychology and counseling programs.
- Complete an additional minimum of 48 units in a CTC-approved post-baccalaureate or master’s degree program with a specialty in school counseling, including “a practicum with school-aged children.”
- Complete mandatory exams like the Praxis School Counselor test, which follows ASCA standards, and test exam-takers on the “knowledge, skills, and abilities believed necessary for competent professional practice.”
- Get a formal online recommendation from your CTC-approved college or university’s school counseling program.
- Complete fingerprinting requirements.
- Pay your application fee.
The PPS credential should not be confused with the Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) license, a professional qualification managed not by the CTC but rather by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). Earning your LEP license enables you to practice privately and as a school psychologist.
Another possibility is to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and work in school settings. However, it is important to note that the Master of Science in Educational Counseling with PPS School Counseling Credential does not lead to LPCC credentials or any other credential associated with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). Learn more about earning your LPCC license in California.
Continuing Education
Legislation around K-12 education is constantly changing. So is educational technology (edtech), with AI and mobile learning having massive impacts on the system. Similarly, scientists and research teams are consistently making new advancements that deepen our understanding of child and adolescent psychology, learning, and emotional development.
School counselors need to stay updated on the latest developments in areas like new laws, educational technology, and advances in child psychology. To maintain their skills and knowledge, it’s important for them to focus on continuing education after earning their degree. Additionally, meeting continuing education requirements is necessary to keep their license active.
Fortunately, there are numerous opportunities for professional development and continuing education through organizations like the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), which offers a variety of workshops, seminars, and other resources for advancing your career.
Step 4: Gain Work Experience
Whether your goal is to work in an elementary school, middle school, or high school, there are several best practices to help you find employment as a credentialed school counselor. In the sections below, we’ll review tips and strategies for breaking into entry-level positions as a new counselor, along with helpful resources for discovering professional development opportunities.
Entry-Level Positions
Here are some tips to help you maximize your exposure to job opportunities:
- Practice networking as often as possible.
- Attend job fairs and conferences for counselors, child psychologists, and other mental health professionals in education.
- Join relevant professional organizations, such as the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
Professional Development
As a new educational counselor, it’s important to seek out ongoing professional development opportunities to help you maintain, sharpen, and build on your skills and knowledge. Strive to forge professional relationships with your colleagues, consider joining school committees, and seek out mentorship or shadowing opportunities from more experienced counselors.
Step 5: Pursue Optional Certifications or Specializations
Advanced Certifications
Consider pursuing additional certifications to supplement your master’s degree and PPS credential. Some examples include the National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential, which is offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and the School Counseling Supervision Certificate (SCSC), offered online by the California Association of School Counselors (CASC). You can also distinguish yourself by specializing within particular sub-fields of school counseling, such as college and career counseling, mental health counseling, or counseling for students with disabilities.
Earn Your Degree in Counseling or Psychology Online at National University
Make a positive impact on the next generation of students, their families, and their communities by becoming an educational counselor. Your journey begins with a bachelor’s or master’s degree from National University, which offers accredited, online and on-campus programs for full-time and part-time students.
Explore the MA in Counseling Psychology, MS in School Psychology with PPS Credential, MS in Child and Adolescent Psychology, or other psychology and counseling programs at National University. Request additional information about your program of choice, or start your online application today.
This content has been reviewed and approved by the National University Editorial Advisory Board. Learn more about our editorial process.