Individuals interested in helping children and adolescents navigate challenges and develop plans for the future are likely to be drawn to the field of guidance counseling. Guidance counselors play an important role in students’ development. In addition to helping them with career planning, professionals who choose this career path also help students who need assistance with social problems, such as those who are being bullied by classmates, and emotional troubles, such as those dealing with the loss of a parent or loved one. Show
The first step toward becoming a guidance counselor involves getting the right education. Consequently, earning a degree, such as an online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Maryville University, can put you on the path toward pursuing jobs in this field. Guidance counselor job descriptionAlthough a guidance counselor’s job description can vary based on the age of the students they work with, common job duties include the following:
Skills needed to become a guidance counselorIndividuals interested in learning more about how to become a guidance counselor should know that several core skills and characteristics are crucial for success in the field. Examples of fundamental competencies for guidance counselors include social, data collection, interpretation, and observational skills.
Education, certification, and guidance counselor salaryStudents interested in becoming a guidance counselor must start by earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as a bachelor’s in sociology. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that aspiring guidance counselors typically must hold a master’s degree in a related field to be considered for employment. Most employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a master’s program that focuses on career development. Nearly all U.S. states and the District of Columbia share this requirement. Certification requirementsSome employers require candidates to be certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors or the American School Counselor Association. Although licensure requirements vary from state to state, applicants must meet certain educational and training requirements, apply for certification, submit an application fee, and pass an examination to become licensed. Continuing education requirements, which are needed to maintain licensure, also vary by state. Guidance counselor salary and job growth projectionsPayScale.com reports that as of June 2021, the median annual guidance counselor salary was around $53,500 per year, although earners in the top 10th percentile had annual earnings of around $77,000. Salary ranges vary based on a variety of factors, including the geographical region in which the position is located, whether an individual works for a public or private institution, and experience level. Additionally, BLS data indicates that employment of school counselors, including guidance counselors, is projected to grow by 8% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the average growth projected for all occupations. Approximately 33,100 openings are projected to become available each year during that same reporting period. Job growth will largely be driven by rising student enrollments in elementary, middle, and high schools. Become a guidance counselor and help students thriveIndividuals interested in how to become a guidance counselor can start by learning more about the skills and proficiencies they’ll need to be successful. Maryville University’s online bachelor’s in sociology provides students with a variety of career-relevant coursework and includes courses such as social analysis and thought, social class in society, and race and ethnicity in America. Upon graduation, students often find they’re well prepared to take the next brave step in their journey toward becoming a guidance counselor. Are you ready to get started? Discover how Maryville’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology can prepare you for a rewarding career as a guidance counselor. Recommended Reading Juvenile Delinquency Statistics, Risk Factors, and Resources for Helping American Youth Conquering Back-to-School Anxiety: Emotional Side of Learning How to Be a Better Listener: Exploring 4 Types of Listening Sources American School Counselor Association, “ASCA-Certified School Counselor” The Balance Careers, “What Does a School Guidance Counselor Do?” BetterHelp, “What Is a Guidance Counselor?” Chron.com, “Qualities & Characteristics of Guidance Counselors” Confident Counselors, “What Do You Love About Being a School Counselor?” Indeed.com, “Guidance Counselor Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications” National Board for “Certified Counselors, State Licensure” PayScale.com, “Average Guidance Counselor Salary” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “School and Career Counselors and Advisors” What degree do you need to be a school counselor in Arizona?Educational Requirements: Master's degree or more advanced degree from an accredited institution and completion of a graduate program in guidance and counseling; OR master's degree from an accredited institution in a related field (counseling, social work, psychology); OR a valid license as an associate counselor, or ...
What major is best for a school counselor?Earning a four-year undergraduate degree is the first step in your education toward becoming a school counselor. A bachelor's in education, psychology or sociology will best prepare you for your graduate school work, but if you've earned or are working toward a bachelor's in another field, that's OK.
Do you need a Masters to be a school counselor in Arizona?In order to become a school counselor in Arizona, you will need to start earning a post-secondary education. Eventually, you will need to have earned your master's degree; however, there are many stops along the way that you should take advantage of.
How do I get a certificate of counseling in Arizona?Steps Towards Counseling Licensure in Arizona. Earn a qualifying graduate degree in Counseling that includes a qualifying supervised counseling practicum.. Pass a qualifying national counseling examination.. Become an LAC and start accruing hours of supervised counseling work experience.. Apply to become licensed as an LPC.. |