Master Degree: School Counseling Degree and Programs

School counselors make up over one-third of practicing counselors in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Whether they work with elementary, middle, or high school students, a school counselor's main responsibility is to help develop academic and social skills.

Getting Your Master's Degree in School Counseling

Many licensed counselor positions require a master's degree. Coursework may include education, elementary or secondary school counseling, as well as psychology. Most master's degree programs traditionally involve 48 to 60 hours of graduate study, as well as a period of supervised clinical training. Online education can provide a unique opportunity for working professionals to pursue advanced college degrees or career training on a part-time basis, without having to take a leave of absence from their current careers.

The BLS reports strong job outlook for counselors, with an expected growth rate of 13 percent through 2016. In 2007, school counselors earned a median annual wage of $49,450.