School Counselor Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a School Counselor

Best Schools to become a School Counselor in U.S. 2024

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

In-State Tuition:$15,467
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,467
Admission Rate:99%
Graduation Rate:66%
Total Enrollment:96,709

Capella University

Minneapolis, MN

In-State Tuition:$14,328
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,328
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:N/A
Total Enrollment:39,727

National University

San Diego, CA

In-State Tuition:$13,320
Out-of-State Tuition:$13,320
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:22%
Total Enrollment:18,631

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO

In-State Tuition:$10,452
Out-of-State Tuition:$30,441
Admission Rate:79%
Graduation Rate:75%
Total Enrollment:31,304

Angelo State University

San Angelo, TX

In-State Tuition:$4,495
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,287
Admission Rate:79%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:10,599

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

In-State Tuition:$10,552
Out-of-State Tuition:$10,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:N/A
Total Enrollment:42,312
School Counselor Job Description:
  • Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children.
  • May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children.
  • In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy.
  • May also advise teachers.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a School Counselor

Job Duties for School Counselors

  • Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs.

  • Maintain case history records and prepare reports.

  • Serve as liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts to help children who face problems, such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty.

Technologies and Skills Used by School Counselors

Computer based training software

  • EasyCBM

Data base user interface and query software

  • Microsoft Access
  • Student information systems SIS software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Talking to others

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • Looking for ways to help people
  • Understanding people's reactions

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a School Counselor

Additional Resources To Help You Become a School Counselor

FAQs About Becoming a School Counselor