As a student in a master's degree program in school counseling, you will be take classes like the history of counseling, counseling techniques, research courses and how to properly and effectively conduct individual and group therapy. Master's programs vary from university to university, but typically take two years of full-time work to complete. To enroll in a master's program in school counseling, it is helpful to have a background in education or psychology. A school counselor differs from other counseling in that you will be responsible for the well-being of the students in a school, providing them with mental health programs, group therapy and sometimes individual therapy. Some school counselors are also required to be licensed teachers in addition to licensed counselors, depending on the state.
Most schools require that a student in a master's program participate in a practicum. During a practicum, you will spend time working with a school counselor and take on some counseling responsibility. Feedback will be provided to let you know what you need to work on and in what areas you are excelling. The school will usually coincide its graduation requirements with minimum license requirements for the state in which the university is located. Most states require 100 hours of supervised work before becoming licensed with some requiring more or less. For example, if your state requires 150 hours of a practicum your school will likely require this for graduation. Check with your state for requirements. Some schools may also require satisfactory completion of the state licensing exam to graduate.
Most schools require students to complete a research thesis under the guidance of a professor. Tailor your research to your interests and a professor's expertise. You will direct the research so ensure the project is a good fit for your abilities.
Expect a comprehensive exam after completing a certain number of hours in the program. Exams cover all coursework studied and are attempted the first time after 30 credit hours of study and may be administered by the school or by the state. You must pass this exam in order to obtain a school counseling license. Each state has different requirements for school counselors -- some require prospective employees be licensed in the state while others do not. You will need to check with your prospective employer to see what that state requires. If you go to a university that is not in the state where you would like to work, talk to your academic adviser about what is required for that state. Find out if you must sit for an exam and how to arrange it. See Resources for particular state requirements.