Many people interested in working in a school environment often wonder how to become a guidance counselor.

What is a Guidance Counselor?

The foundation of the guidance counselor dates back to 1907 when high school principal, Jesse B. Davis encouraged his English teachers to use their lesson plans to discover student career interests, to mold character and to curtail behavioral issues. A guidance counselor is an individual who works in a school environment and is essentially an overall helpmate to the students. While teachers are primarily focused upon the learning and academic progress of a student, guidance counselors are more focused on the bigger picture of a student’s development and progression through the school system.

Education Required to Become a Guidance Counselor

Degrees required for to become a Guidance Counselor can range, however, Guidance Counselor Degrees typically have a focus in Psychology or Counseling. The field is maturing and many colleges and universities are offering educational tracks on how to become a guidance counselor. For example, some educational institutions are offering a Bachelor’s in Psychology or Career Counseling with an emphasis or concentration in school counseling. Persons interested in how to become a guidance counselor can earn their Bachelor’s degree with the concentration in school counseling at the same time.

Career Prospects

Guidance Counselors work at all levels of education from elementary to the post-secondary level. Guidance counselors at the university or post-secondary level are academically and career focused and are generally referred to as academic advisors. The requirements on how to become a guidance counselor or academic advisor are the same at each educational level. Guidance counselors are involved in all facets of a student’s growth from testing for advanced placement or learning disorders to preparing students to choose a university or career path.

Individuals usually become interested in how to become a guidance counselor because they want a more developmental and emotional connection with students. Guidance counselors help students with more than just testing and academic goals. They also are available to talk to students who have experienced a trauma or are having rough times at school. The guidance counselor is an integral part of the school setting and a valuable resource that students can turn to whether their need is educational or emotional.

Liberty University offers a number of accredited Counseling degrees completely online, including School Counseling Degrees.