Counseling is an element that permeates every facet of life. Rather than looking at it in a narrow sense of mental illness and psychiatrists, we need to understand that counseling can be used to solve many problems at various junctures of life and it is simply a process whereby people can learn how to handle different situations better. Schools and universities are one example of arenas where students face all …
Counseling is an element that permeates every facet of life. Rather than looking at it in a narrow sense of mental illness and psychiatrists, we need to understand that counseling can be used to solve many problems at various junctures of life and it is simply a process whereby people can learn how to handle different situations better.
Schools and universities are one example of arenas where students face all kinds of hardships and challenges, and having some to discuss with and confide in can make a huge difference. School counselors do just that. They play a pivotal role in all levels of the schooling system to help students deal with social, academic and family issues. With more and more stresses in the educational environment, there is a lot of focus on school counselors and psychologists so that problems can be identified and handled at the onset.
Degree Levels
Online Bachelor's Degree in School Counseling
(4 years)
Online Master's Degree in School Counseling
(2 years)
Online Master's of Education Degree
(2-3 years)
Online Doctoral Degree in School Counseling
(3-4 years)
A master’s degree is usually a prerequisite to enter and excel in this field. The more updated your skills are, and the higher your educational qualification, the better your chances of becoming an effective counselor and progressing in your career. Since most graduate degrees in counseling require practical field work the duration can increase to three years.
An undergraduate degree in a general field such as social science, sociology, education, psychology etc. can lay the foundation for a higher degree in counseling. A bachelor’s degree focuses more on studying existing theories rather than exploring critical thinking and development of one’s own explanations.
The Online Route
The trend is definitely changing. More and more people are accepting distance learning as a viable alternative to traditional campus-based study because of its many advantages. Lower associated costs, ability to work on your own time and pace as well as being able to earn a living are great plus points.
What Will You Study?
Child development
Learning and behavioral disorders
Academic planning and support
Sociology
Addiction
Theories and practices of counseling
Techniques for dealing with different socioeconomic groups.
A master’s degree will require you to complete an internship program to qualify for certification. A doctoral program will require students to complete an extensive research project on a topic that they identified at the onset, and the work is expected to be of a much higher quality. Most post grad students are already involved in a counseling job so they can build upon their learning.
Keep In Mind
You must ensure that the online college you enroll in is accredited. Without this you will not be able to sit for certification exams, transfer credits or get a good job. Look for schools that are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs.
Job Outlook
The median salary for the profession is $53,380 and the growth rate is expected to be around nineteen percent, which is almost as fast as the average for all occupations. With more and more parents and educationalists realizing the important of counseling and its direct link with learning outcomes, the demand for school counselors will increase. As more developing countries jump on this bandwagon and invest in education, opportunities for qualified counselors and psychologists will open up abroad as well.
Choose a degree that is best for you and make your way towards a rewarding career.
