How to Become a College Counselor

Contrary to some beliefs, college counseling does not directly entail the work with admissions or even academic advising. A college counselor is typically an individual with at least a master’s level education in counseling, psychology, social work or education. Each college counselor may be involved with different responsibilities that are pertinent to the college counseling centers mission. Whether college counselors are providing individualized attention to a student, running a small group session, or assessing risk for the student population, the college counseling center assists students through addressing their presenting concerns and promoting greater wellness. It’s a powerful opportunity for professional counselors as they have the ability to impact the lives of people on the cusp of adulthood, often facing a wide array of choices and opportunities. 

Northwestern University

Earn Northwestern’s CACREP-Approved Degree

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Earn a CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling online from top-9 ranked¹ Northwestern University.
 

¹U.S. News & World Report: 2022 Best National University Rankings 

• CACREP Accredited
• Earn your MA in Counseling from Northwestern in as few as 18 months
• Accelerated full-time, traditional, or part-time tracks available

Request more info from Northwestern University.

New York University

MPCAC-Accredited Online MA at NYU. GRE Not Req.

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Aspiring mental health counselors are prepared to pursue licensure with NYU Steinhardt’s MPCAC-accredited online counseling master’s. Students can earn their degree in as few as 21 mos. GRE not req. 

• Prepare to become a mental health counselor
• Accredited by the MPCAC
• As few as 21 months to complete
• GRE not required 

Request more info from NYU Steinhardt.

University of Southern California (USC)

USC Master's in School Counseling online — No GRE

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The University of Southern California Rossier School of Education offers a Master of Education in School Counseling online for aspiring K-12 school counselors. The program can be completed in less than two years and there is no GRE requirement.

• No GRE required 
• Prepares you for school counseling credential 
• Bachelor’s degree required

Request more info from the University of Southern California.

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A college student may encounter a number of different counselors in the course of their study. The first such professional they are likely to encounter is an admissions advisor who offers guidance applying to the school and enrolling in classes. Next the student may work with a financial aid advisor for help with applying for loans and scholarships. Throughout their schooling, most students will have access to an academic advisor who will offer help selecting courses and a major, staying on track for graduation, and getting support if struggling in a class. While these encounters are critical to a student’s college success, these are not the roles of a college counselor.

Some universities have counseling centers which employ licensed counselors, social workers, and/or psychologists to help students experiencing emotional difficulties, depression, mental illness, substance abuse or other personal problems. Every college will entail different responsibilities for their college counseling centers. Brian Van Brunt, EdD, the past-president of the American College Counseling Association (ACCA) describes three main roles that college counselors engage in – counseling, consulting and prevention programming, and assessing risk. College counselors attend to these roles within individual and group counseling sessions, conduct outreach and prevention activities (attending to mental health awareness, substance abuse awareness, and suicide prevention), and assessing risk of harm to self and/or others.

Pepperdine University

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

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Master of Arts in Psychology

Pepperdine University’s online Master of Arts in Psychology program prepares students to pursue doctoral study or a career in human services.

• Open to all undergrad majors
• No GRE required 
• Can be completed in about 18 months

Request more info from Pepperdine University.

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Professional licensure and/or certification is required for college counselors providing services in a counseling center. Counseling licensure requirements typically include the completion of a counseling master’s degree program from an accredited university, two years of supervised clinical experience and a passing score on a state-administered licensing exam. Practicing college counselors may also be required to take continuing education to maintain licensure. Specific licensure requirements vary by state. See state counseling license requirements.

Certification is offered through the National Board for Certified Counselors and the National Association of School Psychologists. Certification demonstrates your experience, education and level of counseling skills. Association membership, American College Counseling Association (ACCA), includes access to advocacy resources, conference invitations and materials, discounted services, and continuing education programs for college counselors. Requirements and fees vary based on the organization and membership level you select.

Career Outlook for College Counselors

College counselors are composed of a few different professions: mental health counselors (licensed professional counselors), psychologists, and social workers. As such, the job outlook for each will vary within the post-secondary setting. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports for the following: For mental health counselors, employment is expected to rise (23%) between 2020 to 2030 and earn a median salary of about $48,520  per year. Employment of psychologists is projected to increase (8%)  from 2020 to 2030 with an median salary earning of $81,040 per year. The field of social work is expected to grow 12%  between 2020 and 2030.

Licensed social workers earn a median salary of over $50,390 per year. These salary averages will vary depending on school funding and allocation of services at each college/university.

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Last updated: May 2022