Guidance Counselors

High School

Enroll in a college preparatory curriculum to prepare for the college degrees required of guidance counselors. You should take courses in humanities, social studies, and psychology. Courses in mathematics are important, because mathematical and statistical theory underlie much of the standardized testing program. Computer science and Internet research courses will help you manage student records and easily access information on the Internet. You should take English and speech courses because both written and spoken communication with students, parents, and administrators are key components to this occupation. Taking a foreign language, such as Spanish, will help you to work with students who do not speak English as a first language.

Postsecondary Training

The basic requirement for a school counselor in many states is a bachelor's degree and certain stipulated courses at the graduate level. Most guidance counselors earn a master's degree in counseling in order to be eligible for professional certification and to meet the licensing requirements of many states. As an undergraduate, you'll probably major in education so that you'll have the course work necessary for teacher certification. The American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American School Counselor Association provide information to students when selecting graduate programs in counselor education.

To get accepted into a graduate program, you'll have to have a bachelor's degree and possibly a teaching certificate and a few years teaching experience. These programs usually require at least two years of additional study, as well as an internship. Course subjects include career development, group counseling, substance abuse counseling, art therapy, and grief and loss counseling.

Other Education or Training

Participating in continuing education (CE) classes is an excellent way to keep your skills up to date and become a more attractive job candidate. National and state-level counseling associations often provide these educational opportunities. For example, the American Counseling Association offers online CE classes that cover topics such as best practices, ethics and legal issues, technology, and management issues. The American School Counselor Association provides workshops, webinars, conferences, and other opportunities. Recent webinars included Explore Teen Brain Development and The Power to Motivate. The National Association for College Admission Counseling offers webinars and other educational opportunities. Contact these organizations to learn more.