Careers in School Counseling

School counseling is 100-plus years old. Starting as vocation guidance in the early 1900s, school counseling has shifted from a job position to a service and finally to an organized K-12 school-wide program that improves outcomes for all students. Today, school counselors are highly educated, professionally certified individuals who help students succeed in school and plan their career.

Looking to enter the school counseling field? There are hundreds of colleges and universities across the country with certificates, master's degrees, Ph.D., Ed.D. or PsyD programs in school counseling, counselor education or counseling psychology. Check out the programs. If you are aware of a program not listed here, contact Angie Hickman.

School counselor qualifications:

• Hold, at minimum, a master's degree in school counseling
• Meet state certification/licensure standards
• Fulfill continuing education requirements
• Uphold ASCA ethical and professional standards

Hiring, Interviewing and Evaluating School Counselors

These resources can help identify the most highly qualified candidates as well as enhance your school counseling program based on best practices in school counseling.

• Sample interview questions
• Annual administrative conference template (DOCX)
• School counselor competencies (PDF)
• Performance appraisal template (DOCX) 

Have a position to post? Members can post job ads on the ASCA Member Community.