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Liliana
Student
Perris, California
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What classes do I need to take in college to become a Guidance counselor?
I am still undecided on what I want to do, but learning information about becoming a middle or elementary school counselor would be very helpful.
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4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
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Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Many of the guidance counselors, that I have worked with, have majored in Psychology. Many have masters degrees with an emphasis in educational psychology or have a masters in education. So, classes within Psychology and Education concentrations are preferable.
Kyrsten Rodriguez
Lawyer
2
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Oakdale, California
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Kyrsten’s Answer
I think this site may be helpful: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/21-1012.00
This discusses skills needed for a career as a guidance counselor, expected work activities, required training and education, etc.
Hope this helps!
This discusses skills needed for a career as a guidance counselor, expected work activities, required training and education, etc.
Hope this helps!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Liliana!
To become a Guidance Counselor: Required College Classes
Becoming a guidance counselor, particularly for middle or elementary school students, involves a specific educational pathway that includes obtaining a relevant degree and completing certain coursework. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the steps and classes you may need to take in college to pursue this career.
1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step towards becoming a guidance counselor is to earn a bachelor’s degree. While there isn’t a strict requirement for your major, certain fields are more beneficial:
Psychology: Provides foundational knowledge about human behavior and mental processes.
Education: Offers insights into teaching methods and educational systems.
Social Work: Focuses on helping individuals and communities, which is crucial for counseling roles.
Child Development: Covers the psychological and emotional growth of children.
2. Complete Relevant Coursework
During your undergraduate program, consider taking courses that will prepare you for graduate studies in counseling. Important subjects include:
Developmental Psychology: Understanding how children grow emotionally and socially.
Counseling Techniques: Introduction to various counseling methods and practices.
Ethics in Counseling: Learning about the ethical considerations in counseling practice.
Crisis Intervention: Skills for handling emergencies or critical situations involving students.
3. Pursue a Master’s Degree in School Counseling
After earning your bachelor’s degree, you will need to enroll in a master’s program specifically focused on school counseling. This typically requires:
A master’s degree in school counseling or a related field (e.g., mental health counseling).
4. Core Courses in Graduate Programs
In your master’s program, you will take specialized courses that are essential for becoming an effective guidance counselor:
School Counseling Theory and Practice: Understanding the role of counselors within schools.
Group Counseling Techniques: Learning how to facilitate group sessions with students.
Assessment and Evaluation: Methods for assessing student needs and progress.
Career Development Theory: Guidance on helping students with career choices.
5. Complete Practicum/Internship Requirements
Most graduate programs require hands-on experience through practicum or internship placements within schools. This practical training allows you to apply what you’ve learned under supervision.
6. Obtain Licensure/Certification
After completing your master’s degree, you will need to obtain licensure or certification as required by your state. This often involves passing an exam (such as the National Counselor Examination) and fulfilling any additional state-specific requirements.
7. Continuing Education
Once employed as a guidance counselor, many states require ongoing education to maintain licensure. This ensures that counselors stay updated on best practices, new research, and changes in educational policies.
Conclusion
In summary, the path to becoming a guidance counselor involves obtaining both undergraduate and graduate degrees with specific coursework focused on psychology, education, counseling techniques, ethics, crisis intervention, assessment methods, and practical experience through internships. Following graduation, pursuing licensure is essential before beginning your career as an elementary or middle school counselor.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
Provides comprehensive guidelines on the education requirements for school counselors along with resources for professional development.
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Offers information about certification processes for counselors including necessary qualifications and examinations.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Contains detailed information regarding job outlooks, salary expectations, and educational requirements for various counseling positions including school counselors.
God Bless You!
JC.
To become a Guidance Counselor: Required College Classes
Becoming a guidance counselor, particularly for middle or elementary school students, involves a specific educational pathway that includes obtaining a relevant degree and completing certain coursework. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the steps and classes you may need to take in college to pursue this career.
1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step towards becoming a guidance counselor is to earn a bachelor’s degree. While there isn’t a strict requirement for your major, certain fields are more beneficial:
Psychology: Provides foundational knowledge about human behavior and mental processes.
Education: Offers insights into teaching methods and educational systems.
Social Work: Focuses on helping individuals and communities, which is crucial for counseling roles.
Child Development: Covers the psychological and emotional growth of children.
2. Complete Relevant Coursework
During your undergraduate program, consider taking courses that will prepare you for graduate studies in counseling. Important subjects include:
Developmental Psychology: Understanding how children grow emotionally and socially.
Counseling Techniques: Introduction to various counseling methods and practices.
Ethics in Counseling: Learning about the ethical considerations in counseling practice.
Crisis Intervention: Skills for handling emergencies or critical situations involving students.
3. Pursue a Master’s Degree in School Counseling
After earning your bachelor’s degree, you will need to enroll in a master’s program specifically focused on school counseling. This typically requires:
A master’s degree in school counseling or a related field (e.g., mental health counseling).
4. Core Courses in Graduate Programs
In your master’s program, you will take specialized courses that are essential for becoming an effective guidance counselor:
School Counseling Theory and Practice: Understanding the role of counselors within schools.
Group Counseling Techniques: Learning how to facilitate group sessions with students.
Assessment and Evaluation: Methods for assessing student needs and progress.
Career Development Theory: Guidance on helping students with career choices.
5. Complete Practicum/Internship Requirements
Most graduate programs require hands-on experience through practicum or internship placements within schools. This practical training allows you to apply what you’ve learned under supervision.
6. Obtain Licensure/Certification
After completing your master’s degree, you will need to obtain licensure or certification as required by your state. This often involves passing an exam (such as the National Counselor Examination) and fulfilling any additional state-specific requirements.
7. Continuing Education
Once employed as a guidance counselor, many states require ongoing education to maintain licensure. This ensures that counselors stay updated on best practices, new research, and changes in educational policies.
Conclusion
In summary, the path to becoming a guidance counselor involves obtaining both undergraduate and graduate degrees with specific coursework focused on psychology, education, counseling techniques, ethics, crisis intervention, assessment methods, and practical experience through internships. Following graduation, pursuing licensure is essential before beginning your career as an elementary or middle school counselor.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
Provides comprehensive guidelines on the education requirements for school counselors along with resources for professional development.
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Offers information about certification processes for counselors including necessary qualifications and examinations.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Contains detailed information regarding job outlooks, salary expectations, and educational requirements for various counseling positions including school counselors.
God Bless You!
JC.
Ryan Champeau, PhD
School Leadership
19
Answers
Waukesha, Wisconsin
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Liliana,
Good to see you are thinking ahead! Most often a career as a guidance counselor starts with earning a masters degree in Educational Psychology or, depending on the school, school counseling with an emphasis on the elecementary school. Also, experience as an elementary teacher is helpful, but often not required. You didn’t mention whether you are in high school or presently an undergrad. Regardless, the classes you take as an undergrad could include child development and broad psychology courses which will provide you a foundation in human behavior, and more specifically school psychology courses if your school offers those; these classes will prepare you for a master’s journey focusing on children and specific counseling with a focus on K-12 schools then more of a laser focus on elementary students as you advance in your degree. I suggest you connect with your higher education school of choice, study their degree requirements and how they match your state requirements for certification as an elementary school counselor; they need to go hand-in-hand.
Good luck on your journey and pursuit of you passion to support elementary students. As a former school counselor, I can attest to the satisfaction this work can provide, knowing you are supporting the most precious resource we have - our students. Good luck on your learning journey!
Good to see you are thinking ahead! Most often a career as a guidance counselor starts with earning a masters degree in Educational Psychology or, depending on the school, school counseling with an emphasis on the elecementary school. Also, experience as an elementary teacher is helpful, but often not required. You didn’t mention whether you are in high school or presently an undergrad. Regardless, the classes you take as an undergrad could include child development and broad psychology courses which will provide you a foundation in human behavior, and more specifically school psychology courses if your school offers those; these classes will prepare you for a master’s journey focusing on children and specific counseling with a focus on K-12 schools then more of a laser focus on elementary students as you advance in your degree. I suggest you connect with your higher education school of choice, study their degree requirements and how they match your state requirements for certification as an elementary school counselor; they need to go hand-in-hand.
Good luck on your journey and pursuit of you passion to support elementary students. As a former school counselor, I can attest to the satisfaction this work can provide, knowing you are supporting the most precious resource we have - our students. Good luck on your learning journey!