A master's in educational counseling teaches professionals about counseling students, understanding children's psychological and educational development at various stages and instructional strategies to help students succeed, as well as the research methods and testing that counselors usually perform in their jobs. The degree equips an individual with all of the theoretical knowledge required to practice as a school counselor or school psychologist.
All educational counseling programs require completing an internship to graduate. The internship allows the individual to apply all of the knowledge they have gathered by working in a school system under the supervision of an experienced school counselor. It is an essential part of the program because students are able to apply their knowledge to the field while being guided and mentored by a certified school counselor.
A master's in educational counseling usually takes around two to three years to complete. Most degrees can be completed in 48 credit hours. Most working professionals earn their master's degrees on a part-time basis. If you attend the program full-time, you can finish in a year and a half.
A master's in educational counseling will lead to certification as a school counselor or school psychologist. After completing your program, you must take the Praxis II in school counseling to obtain your official certificate to practice in that state.
An educational counseling degree can also qualify you to practice as a licensed counselor. In order to practice as a general counselor, not just as a school counselor, students must obtain a counseling license, which is offered by many schools. Obtaining a license is useful if an individual is interested in being more than a school counselor, or for expanding their career options.
Educational counselors do not just work in schools. A master's in educational counseling can prepare students for a career working with employment and other community agencies, such as agencies that work with underprivileged youth, low-income women and children and rehabilitation centers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2010 the career outlook for educational counselors is good. Employment for school counselors is expected to grow by 14 percent by 2014. Schools are required to have at least one school counselor, so job growth is expected to be steady, as more schools continue to be built.