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Katherine
Student
Federal Way, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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What should I major in to be a drama teacher and/or a school counselor ?
Im thinking about trying to be a high school counselor or highschool drama teacher what should I try to major in so both of these are a possibility in the future? Im not sure which option I like more so I was hoping to major in something that makes both possible.
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T.J. Worthy
Mentor
202
Answers
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Katherine!
There's two majors that can help you with each path.
Drama teacher: You'll need a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education related to the arts, and with a focus on theatre or performing arts. Some colleges require students to double major in Secondary Education and a Certification degree. Check to see your college requirements on their online catalogue page.
School counselor: You'll need a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree. The two most common bachelor's degrees for counseling are Psychology and Social Work. Regardless of what you choose, a social work graduate school will provide you with the 'true' start to your career, as you'll dive in depth into specific topics and figure out how you want to practice.
Counselors and Teachers are slightly 'narrowed' pathways. However, there are some teachers who switched from their career into school counseling.
They needed to complete a Master's program in Social Work, but they went back doing new things in education!
Since they already had work experience serving students, I think teacher-counselors kind of have an advantage with understanding students.
So... all this to say: You can go for one path and move into another if you feel called to do so.
When you get to college, reach out to students in the Secondary Education and Social Work programs. Ask them what they're courses are like and their experiences preparing for the field. Gaining insights from others with similar goals might help you.
Sending you support with choosing a pathway to help others :)
There's two majors that can help you with each path.
Drama teacher: You'll need a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education related to the arts, and with a focus on theatre or performing arts. Some colleges require students to double major in Secondary Education and a Certification degree. Check to see your college requirements on their online catalogue page.
School counselor: You'll need a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree. The two most common bachelor's degrees for counseling are Psychology and Social Work. Regardless of what you choose, a social work graduate school will provide you with the 'true' start to your career, as you'll dive in depth into specific topics and figure out how you want to practice.
Counselors and Teachers are slightly 'narrowed' pathways. However, there are some teachers who switched from their career into school counseling.
They needed to complete a Master's program in Social Work, but they went back doing new things in education!
Since they already had work experience serving students, I think teacher-counselors kind of have an advantage with understanding students.
So... all this to say: You can go for one path and move into another if you feel called to do so.
When you get to college, reach out to students in the Secondary Education and Social Work programs. Ask them what they're courses are like and their experiences preparing for the field. Gaining insights from others with similar goals might help you.
Sending you support with choosing a pathway to help others :)