Online Doctorate in School Counseling

What is School Counseling?

School counselors help students achieve academic success and overcome social and emotional challenges. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommends a 250-to-1 student-to-counselor ratio. In the 2014-2015 school year, the national average of 482-to-1 failed to reach that mark, demonstrating a clear need for more school counselors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 13% employment growth rate for school and career counselors between 2016 and 2026 — above the 7% national average for all occupations.

A master’s degree remains the minimum requirement for entry into this profession. However, those seeking to advance their careers as counselor-educators or hoping to assume leadership roles may choose one of the nation’s school counseling doctoral programs. Universities across the country offer fully online or hybrid doctoral degrees in school counseling to accommodate the needs of working professionals. Candidates for doctorates in counseling develop the knowledge and competencies necessary to help young people develop personal character and career readiness. They also add to the existing research on school counseling with their own discoveries.

What is the Difference Between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. in School Counseling?

Once individuals decide to pursue a doctorate in counseling, they must further decide what kind of doctorate: a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or a doctor of education (Ed.D.). Ph.D. candidates expand on and contribute to existing theoretical knowledge and research. Alternatively, the Ed.D. requires that students expand on and apply existing knowledge to practical challenges.

The Ph.D. suits those planning to work as scholars, researchers, or counselor-educators. Learners interested in a practice-based doctorate that qualifies them to work as advanced practitioners, program developers, or assume leadership roles in K-12 counseling programs choose the Ed.D. Regardless of which degree learners choose, each requires a considerable financial and time investment.

According to the BLS, the median average wage of school counselors is $55,410. Elementary and secondary school counselors enjoy a median average wage of $62,990.

Choosing an Online Doctorate in School Counseling Program

Individuals take three to five years to complete a school counseling doctoral program. The number of credits range from 60 to 150 credits, depending on the school and program. Students take coursework covering subjects such as advanced theory and practice, career counseling, group counseling, and counselor education. At the doctoral level, students participate in extensive research; consequently, doctoral programs often require courses in statistics and research design. Participants should expect to engage in extensive internship or student-teaching activities. Since many learners already work in school counseling, their schools often serve as suitable internship sites. In general, the Ph.D. requires students to complete a thesis in order to graduate; the Ed.D. will also require a culminating project. Faculty in school counseling doctoral programs may also require that students pass a comprehensive exam.

Some school counseling doctoral programs provide part-time options for working professionals unable to attend school full-time. Additionally, an increasing number of schools add further flexibility with fully online programs. Still others offer hybrid programs that provide both on-campus and online options.

Accreditation ensures that your investment in a doctorate degree in school counseling enjoys recognition from employers, national boards, and state licensure bodies. Students should ensure that a program boasts accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Entry Requirements

Generally, doctoral programs require a master’s degree in counseling — or a closely related field such as psychology — with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants often boast at least two years of school counseling or teaching experience in addition to professional licensure. Students also typically submit examples of scholarly writing and GRE scores. Some programs accept work experience and professional credentialing in lieu of the GRE.

Some programs fast-track students holding an education specialist degree (Ed.S.) in counseling, resulting in a significant portion of the curriculum shaved off for their education, professional certification, and work experience. Before students enter a doctoral program they should ascertain whether it meets their state’s certification requirements.

Directory of Accredited Doctorate in School Counseling Programs

School Counseling Licensure and Certifications

Counselors practicing in public schools in the U.S. need a certificate or license to practice. The procedure and particulars involved in getting a counseling or teaching license depends on location. Each state maintains its own licensure and certification requirements for school counselors. While some states such as Alabama, Alaska, and New York accept a bachelor’s degree, most require a master’s in counseling or a related field. In addition, most states require supervised practicum experience, which usually accounts for part of a doctoral program.

States such as Connecticut, Louisiana, and Kansas require that aspirant counselors hold a valid professional teaching certificate or demonstrate eligibility for initial educator certification. Some require that candidates hold teaching licensure and at least two years of teaching experience prior to certification. Many states require that candidates pass an examination such as the National Counselor Examination administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors. The National Certified School Counselor credential serves as an important and necessary certification for school counselors. The ASCA lays out general certification requirements for counselors in each state online. Individuals should contact their state regulating boards for more information. Individuals may also access state-by-state teacher certification requirements here.

Once educators secure certification, licensure, or endorsement to practice as counselors, many wonder if they can pursue employment in other states. Educators must ascertain whether their state participates in an established reciprocity agreement. An interstate agreement by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification serves as the most recognized.

What Can You Do With a School Counseling Degree?

Given the BLS’s growth rate forecast for school and career counselors, holders of a doctorate degree in school counseling should experience few problems securing employment. They work at the K-12 levels in elementary, middle, and high schools. Some even secure counseling or research positions in higher education. Whichever path they choose, counselors with a doctorate find themselves in a select group. The table below provides a list of some career options.

How Many Years Does it Take to Become a School Counselor?

A career in school counseling requires at least a bachelor’s degree in counseling or a related field, which takes four years. Many states require a master’s degree, which takes between 16 and 24 months to complete. Once graduates complete the master’s, they often begin their careers by securing their state’s initial teacher or counselor certification or licensure. As noted before, each state lists its own requirements and timeframes for certification or licensure.

Doctoral students spend three to five years earning the degree, which usually requires hundreds of hours of practicum or internship experience within a school environment. A Ph.D. in school counseling who already possess initial teacher or counselor licensure/certification typically advances their state credential to the next level. Those without it begin the process of initial state credentialing discussed earlier.

Paying for Your Online Doctorate in School Counseling

A Ph.D. in school counseling online remains a significant investment. Several options exist to help students pay for college, including federal aid, grants, private loans, and scholarships. Some schools offer payment plans that make paying out of pocket more feasible. Earning a doctorate in school counseling servs as a long-term investment into one’s future career possibilities and lifetime earning potential.

Resources for Online Doctorate in School Counseling Students

• American School Counselor Association The largest organization in the U.S. for school counselors, the ASCA provides a wealth of information on topics such as licensure and certification requirements. The ASCA houses several publications that keep counselors and students up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field.
• National Association of Graduate-Professional Students This organization helps improve the quality of life for graduate and professional students across the U. S. with resources such as information about graduate schools, financial aid information, and assistance with dissertations and theses.
• Grad Resources This site helps graduate students navigate the complexities of graduate school by providing mentors, seminars, and other resources that help students succeed.
• Fastweb Find scholarships for free in this repository. Easy to navigate, the website includes information about the college search, counseling careers, and financial aid.
• Wendy Belcher Academic Writing Sheets These free academic worksheets help doctoral students complete academic writing assignments — such as journal articles — in 12 weeks.