School Counseling and Guidance Degree for Military and Veterans
A School Counseling and Guidance Degree is a graduate degree that allows students to work in education as guidance counselors or pursue other avenues in counseling, psychology, social work, or related fields. Student coursework focuses on mental health and educational systems.According to Alliant University, some states allow students to hold Bachelor’s Degrees with additional graduate-level credits to work in school counseling, but most states require a Master’s Degree specifically for school counseling and guidance.
Counselors must be licensed to practice in their specific state and school. Because requirements can vary, check with the school of your choice for more information.
Using the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance for a School Counseling and Guidance Major
If you’re interested in pursuing a School Counseling and Guidance Degree and need financial help, the GI Bill, a military education benefit for service members in the Air Force, Space Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Coast Guard and their eligible dependents, covers tuition and fees, provides a monthly housing allowance, and offers additional money for books and supplies.The GI Bill assists veterans’ transition into civilian life by offering them opportunities to further their education, acquire new skills, and find better jobs.
Using Spouse Tuition Assistance (STAP) and MyCAA for a School Counseling and Guidance Degree
Spouse Tuition Assistance
When seeking a School Counseling and Guidance Degree, military spouse tuition assistance programs help military spouses (and sometimes dependent children) pay for their education, whether they are in the U.S. or stationed elsewhere in the world.
All military branches once offered programs following Spouse Tuition Assistance (STAP) guidelines or created something similar. Today, individuals and organizations use the term STAP interchangeably to describe various offerings by military relief organizations, but the programs can differ.
STAP now refers to the education benefits offered by military aid societies, many of which the U.S. military branches and the federal government do not run. Instead, they are private, nonprofit organizations, and what they provide varies.
These organizations include:
- Army Emergency Relief
- Air Force Aid Society
- Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society
- Coast Guard Foundation
MyCAA
The workforce development program MyCAA, formally known as the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship, provides financial assistance of up to $4,000 ($2,000 over two years) to eligible military spouses pursuing or maintaining a Science Teacher Degree, certification, or license.
As long as an individual meets the requirements, MyCAA will pay for spouses pursuing any occupation or career.
Careers With a School Counseling and Guidance Major
According to Merrimack College and resident education professor Christine Shaw, students with this degree can “find counseling job opportunities in medical or community settings as well as school-based environments… you can find jobs as a social worker/adjustment counselor or a school counselor, depending on your areas of expertise and the focus of the district.”The BLS states that educational counselors and advisors make about $61,710 annually. With 26,600 openings for school counselors and advisors annually, the job outlook will grow 5 percent by 2032.
What To Expect From a Military-Friendly School Counseling and Guidance Degree Program
A School Counseling and Guidance Master’s program may cover counseling theories and techniques, educational and developmental psychology, and crisis intervention. Students learn to work with various student populations on personal challenges, academic performance, and career planning. They collaborate with educators, parents, and the community to foster student growth and well-being.Select Yellow Ribbon Colleges with School Counseling and Guidance Degree Programs
- Troy University- Troy University offers a Master’s in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
- Upper Iowa University: Upper Iowa University offers a Master’s degree in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
- University of Dayton: The University of Dayton offers Master’s degrees in College Student Counseling and Personnel Services and Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
- Houston Christian University: Houston Christian University offers a Master’s degree in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
Select Military-Friendly Colleges with School Counseling and Guidance Degree Programs
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University offers a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
- East Tennessee State University- East Tennessee State University offers a Master’s Degree program in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
- Stetson University: Stetson University offers a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
- Concordia University Wisconsin: Concordia University Wisconsin offers a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
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Online Programs
Schools including Walden University and Pepperdine University offer online School Counseling and Guidance programs at the graduate level. These degree programs typically require students to participate in assistantships and internships on campus or at another school. During these programs, students usually complete the requirements to be recommended for their state credentials. Check with the school of your choice to see their online offerings.School Counseling and Guidance Degree Paths Using the GI Bill
Certificates in School Counseling and Guidance
Each state sets its own specific standard for licensure. Someone who wishes to become a counselor will typically complete at least a Master’s Degree program with internship/supervised fieldwork included and pass a state exam. Schools may include certification with the Master’s to work in a specific state, or it may be earned separately, particularly if the student has another major.Most states require a Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPS) or similar to be a school counselor. Some may also require national certification from an organization like the National Board for Professional School Counselors (NBΨSC).
Associate’s Degree in School Counseling and Guidance
At press time, we could not locate Associate’s Degree options for this program.Bachelor’s Degree in School Counseling and Guidance
At press time, we could not locate Bachelor’s Degree options for this program.Master’s Degree in School Counseling and Guidance
A Master’s Degree in School Counseling and Guidance in Counseling and Guidance degree program takes about 2 to 3 years to complete and “prepares individuals to apply evidence-based counseling principles and practices to support individuals' academic, educational, vocational/career, and personal and social development,” according to San Jose State University.Your Future with a Master’s Degree in School Counseling and Guidance
- School Counselor: Elementary and high school counselors work in public and private institutions with faculty and parents to guide students in their development. They assist students with coursework issues, college prospects, and finding careers and help them solve various problems they may have.
- Career Counselor: A person in this role typically works in higher education to help students find the career they want. They may also work in career centers with people from ages all walks of life helping them find jobs.
- Social Worker: While there are various types of social workers, someone holding this degree may work with children, families, and schools. They may help children at risk of neglect, families in need of assistance and students who need guidance with academic and social issues.
- School Psychologist: This person addresses a student’s learning and behavioral problems with help from parents and faculty. (This position may require a doctorate.)
Doctoral Degrees in School Counseling and Guidance
A Ph.D. in School Counseling and Guidance goes beyond the basics in counseling concepts and practices as students get prepared to practice or teach and become leaders in their fields.Your Future with a PhD in School Counseling and Guidance
- Mental health supervisor: A person in this role works in hospitals, private practices or community agencies overseeing an organization’s counseling body to ensure patients have high-quality care.
- Department Administrator: This individual works in university departments such as psychology and social work. They’ll shape the curriculum of their department and conduct staff research.
- Educator/Researcher: An educator at this level teaches graduate or undergraduate students who want to specialize in mental health fields. They may pursue research and publish their findings.
- Guidance Counselor Director: This individual oversees the counseling and guidance process in a school, district, or state.