Qualifications to Become a College Counselor
When making decisions about their future, college students rely on sage advice from university counselors. A counselor plays a pivotal role at an educational institution. These professionals advise students on what courses to enroll in and how to declare a major, and they continually provide insight on other issues that are part of college life. Individuals interested in pursuing a career as a counselor must possess a sincere interest in helping young people as they lay the groundwork for the future.
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Undergraduate Requirements
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The career path for a college counselor begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology or a related field. If you are thinking about a counseling career at a two-year community college, your undergrad degree might be sufficient to meet employment qualifications. Counselors at this level provide students with assistance regarding career choices. Helping students with specific information on how to transfer credits to four-year colleges both in and out of state is another responsibility of community college counselors.
Graduate Degrees
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS), a graduate degree is a typical requirement for counselors. The BLS reports that some state requirements for school counselors include certifications, a license and, at a minimum, completion of some graduate coursework. A licensed professional counselor (LPC) designation is required by some universities. You can obtain an LPC by possessing a master’s degree and passing an examination given by the National Board for Certified Counselors.
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Additional Qualifications
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Counselors must not only inspire and guide young people; these professionals must earn a student’s trust. Confidentiality is sometimes an important factor when working with college students. Respecting a student’s privacy is imperative. Much of the work in this profession is in one-on-one settings; however, counselors do participate in group sessions and also play a role as part of the faculty team. These professionals must be flexible and comfortable addressing a wide variety of issues that concern students. Well-honed communication skills are another important attribute.
Compensation
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The annual salary for a university counselor varies according to geographic location, state or private educational institution and experience. Annual salaries for counselors holding an undergraduate degree range from $31,000 to $47,500, according to Payscale, as of December 2010. Professionals with a master’s degree earned in the range of $33,400 to $51,000. The BLS reports the median annual salary for school counselors at $51,050 as of May 2008. Also reported in BLS statistics is the employment outlook. The demand for school counselors sets the growth prediction at 14 percent from 2008 to 2018, which exceeds the average growth for other occupations.
Career Advancement
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A counselor with a sufficient experience level can advance her career by moving into a department chair position. In this role, she would be responsible for the counseling function and manage counselors and supporting staff. Obtaining employment at large, prestigious universities is another avenue to career growth. Positions at these educational institutions also offer increased responsibilities and compensation.
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