Information on Master’s Degree Programs in High School Counseling
Majors Overview August 12, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in high school counseling and their coursework and job and wage outlook.
Master’s Programs in High School Counseling
Students seeking an overview of curriculum development, the learning process, and educational theory could benefit from enrolling into a master’s program in counseling. Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in an educational or social science field. Coursework covers legal issues in school counseling, educational mandates, working with students, and ethics. Students conduct research as part of the required thesis.
An internship at a school is a requirement in most programs, and students commonly take 2-3 years to graduate out of the program. Graduates can provide assistance to students in earning their high school diplomas, developing career goals and pursuing higher education. In most states, public school counselors are required to hold a master’s degree in order to pursue licensure. Passage of a state exam for counselors is mandatory. Several states require counselors to hold teaching licensure or teaching experience.
Coursework
Coursework can split into psychology and educational components. Apart from internship experience wherein program graduates have to assist high school students, core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Crisis intervention
•Psychology
•Educational Leadership
•High school teaching
•Multicultural issues in counseling
•Curricular development
•Child development
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth rate of twelve percent has been predicted for school and career counselors (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, school, vocational, educational and guidance counselors brought in an average annual wage of $53,610.
