School Counseling Degree in Ohio, Best Programs for 2025

What is School Counseling?

Numerous colleges and universities in Ohio provide programs in school counseling and related fields. This major is well-suited for those passionate about aiding the achievement, access, and equality of young individuals. Apart from roles within the state school system, program graduates often possess the necessary qualifications to pursue a diverse range of meaningful and satisfying careers.

In collaboration with teachers and parents, school counselors identify and address academic and behavioral issues among students, intervening when necessary to prevent more significant problems from developing. They create and implement programs that promote a positive school environment and support the overall well-being of all the young people they work with.

School counselors also guide students through the college and career planning process, offering information on post-secondary education options and helping with applications and scholarship searches. In some cases, these professionals may even facilitate workshops and presentations to promote college readiness.

Additionally, school counselors must stay updated on relevant laws and regulations, such as those related to student privacy and confidentiality. This ensures they are capable of providing ethical and confidential support to students. Overall, school counselors work to enhance the educational experiences of students to help them achieve their full potential.

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Online School Counseling Education in Ohio

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of school and career counselors and advisors is expected to increase by 5% from 2022 to 2032. This is faster than the average for all occupations and will result in an additional 26,600 new job openings throughout the nation.

The educational services, healthcare, and social assistance industry is the fourth largest in the state. It accounts for $65.2 billion in revenue each year. As of May 2022 the state employed 11,510 educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors with an annual mean wage of $68,720. Notably, this is above the annual mean wage of $56,530 for all occupations here.

Not all graduates choose to pursue jobs in school counseling, however. Many qualify for and pursue employment in other related community and social service occupations. Opportunities include school social worker, family therapist, and rehabilitation counselor. As of May 2022, the state employed 79,680 individuals in these positions. Overall salary potential for these occupations is lower, however, with an annual mean wage of $52,480 reported for these jobs.

Individuals considering this field should understand that there are limited undergraduate programs dedicated solely to school counseling. Although prevalent in graduate studies, undergraduates typically commence their education by majoring in general counseling or other social science disciplines.

Although you can find a school counseling program all over the country, individuals aspiring to work here may want to prioritize local colleges and universities. Online learning programs provide flexibility, but institutions within the state typically offer curricula aligned with its geographical context. This is particularly crucial for school counseling students as they often seek positions within the state's education system. Other academic entities, on the other hand, may not adequately equip students with the competencies required for state licensure.

Professional school counselors are vital in educational institutions, working to support the academic and personal development of students. They play a crucial role in helping students succeed academically and navigate the various challenges they may encounter during their school years. These professionals can provide individual and group counseling to students, addressing issues related to academic achievement, social and emotional development, and career planning. They also help students set academic goals, choose appropriate courses, and develop study skills. Additional tasks commonly include resolving conflicts, managing stress, and building healthy relationships.

Numerous academic institutions in this state provide programs in school counseling and related fields. Prospective students have choices at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. However, it's essential to understand that only those holding master's degrees and above can become licensed school counselors. Notably, all professionals working in the state's public schools must be properly credentialed before being employed.

Many opportunities exist for individuals aiming to work outside the school system, as well. Graduates with associate and bachelor's degrees in counseling-related disciplines often qualify for positions in community and social services. In fact, some roles of this kind only require candidates to possess high school diplomas or GEDs.

Online Associate (AS)

Not many academic institutions provide school counseling as a major at the associate level. Consequently, individuals interested in this field usually opt for other related majors. Some common alternatives are counseling, education, human services, behavioral science, social science, or psychology. Education at this level can lead to several entry-level roles in community and social service, but more advanced degrees are necessary to pursue a career in school counseling.

Associate degrees generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two years to complete. Undergraduate programs typically include both general liberal arts and specialized programmatic courses. Curricula structures differ, but students can expect to engage with a range of standard subjects such as communication, mathematics, and social science alongside various major-related classes.

It's important to note that associate degree recipients do not meet the minimum qualifications needed to become school counselors. These professionals must be licensed by the OH Department of Education (DoE) prior to practicing, which mandates candidates possess at least master’s degrees. Graduates at this level can, however, seek entry-level employment in other related occupations.

Alternatively, graduates have the option to pursue additional education. Those who have successfully completed associate programs are frequently closer to attaining traditional four-year degrees than they might think. Undergraduate credit hours are transferable, with the majority of colleges and universities accepting up to 60 or 90 credits from other duly accredited academic institutions. Upon prior transcript evaluation, credits earned from all relevant courses previously taken can be counted toward further academic prerequisites.

Online Bachelors (BS)

Similarly to the associate degree, school counseling is seldom offered as a major at the bachelor’s level in most colleges and universities. Nevertheless, there is an array of other related majors accessible to students aspiring to become school counselors. Among the prevalent alternatives are counseling, education, human services, behavioral science, social science, and psychology.

Bachelor’s degrees generally consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately four years to complete. Undergraduate programs typically include both general liberal arts and specialized programmatic courses. Curricula structures differ, but students can expect to engage with a range of standard subjects such as communication, mathematics, and social science alongside various major-related classes. Those studying this field are likely to receive instruction on behavioral health and various counseling theories.

It's important to note that bachelor’s degree recipients also do not meet the minimum qualifications needed to become school counselors. These professionals must be licensed by the state DoE prior to practicing, which mandates candidates must possess at least master’s degrees. Graduates at this level can, however, seek entry-level employment in other related occupations.

Graduates also have the option to pursue additional education. Those aiming for school counseling licensure in Ohio must hold master’s degrees. As a result, these candidates must be ready to fulfill the diverse criteria for admission to graduate school, which often includes meeting minimum grade point average (GPA) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.

Online Masters (MS or MC)

Master’s degrees in school counseling generally range from 30 to 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two to three years to complete. Finding accelerated programs is another possibility, where course requirements are compressed into shorter durations. Such options might be completed in as little as 12 months.

At the graduate level, curriculums rarely incorporate undergraduate or general liberal arts classes. Students may, however, need to prove they have the knowledge and skills necessary to study advanced topics in this field. Many colleges and universities require prior transcripts to verify that certain lower-level courses have already been completed.

Institutional requirements differ, but students typically learn a wide variety of school counseling techniques at this level. Common study areas include multicultural counseling, lifespan development, academic and career counseling, and professional issues and ethics. Many academic institutions also mandate supervised residencies which, like internships, offer real-world context for concepts covered in classrooms. These experiences often enable students to gain practical knowledge in the field and practice various skills learned. In most instances, those enrolled must fulfill a designated number of clinical hours in school environments before graduating.

In Ohio, all school counselors must hold master's degrees to meet the state's licensing standards. Nevertheless, graduates can pursue various other career opportunities if they choose. After completing their studies, graduates often seek positions such as counselor, community service manager, social worker, substance abuse counselor, mental health counselor, and juvenile justice counselor, among others. Those completing graduate programs can specialize in clinical mental health counseling, counselor education, professional school counseling, social justice, gender identity, or other related educational programs that will prepare you for the counseling profession. These programs can also offer courses that can support professional development, evidenced based practice, and dual specialization. Additional coursework from CACREP accredited institutions can prepare graduates to earn certifications with focused training.

Online Doctorates (PhD)

A PhD or doctorate in school counseling can consist of between 60 and 120 credit hours that may take full-time students two to four years to complete. These are terminal degrees, representing the highest level of education available in the field.

These programs typically involve intensive academic study, covering advanced counseling concepts. Colleges and universities may also provide specialized classes tailored to specific sub-fields, like grief therapy or curriculum coaching. Selecting concentrations like this can help prepare students for specific occupational opportunities.

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During the initial years of enrollment, students can anticipate traditional classroom instruction and coursework. However, as those enrolled progress through their programs, there is often a gradual shift toward independent study, research, and writing. The culmination of effort in these areas typically involves presenting and defending dissertations.

Doctoral degrees go beyond the minimum education requirement for licensure as school counselors in Ohio. While some graduates pursue the occupation anyway, others opt for careers in research or higher education.

Become a School Counselor in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Education oversees the rules and evaluation of candidates seeking to work in the state’s school system. This includes the job of school counselor. The established standards ensure students receive the best possible attention and care from professionals who have proven they possess the appropriate knowledge and skills.

To become licensed as a school counselor, you will need to meet certain requirements. This includes the successful completion of a master’s degree in school counseling that has been approved by the state's DoE. Afterward, you must be referred for licensure by the school’s Dean of Education or head of the Education Department. You will also need to meet experience standards by completing an internship consisting of at least 600 contact hours of counseling-related work in a K-12 school setting.

Candidates must also fulfill one of the following:

One-year induction under the supervision of a licensed school counselor
Two years of successful teaching experience with a valid Ohio teaching certification
Three years of school counseling experience in another state

Additionally, school counseling licensure candidates in Ohio are expected to meet established examination requirements. The state no longer utilizes the PRAXIS II test. Instead, you will need to pass the appropriate Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE), which are aligned with the state's Learning Standards and will assess pedagogical knowledge. For school counselors, this is the 040 School Counselor OAE. It is a computer-based that can be proctored online. Comprised of 150 multiple-choice questions, the exam must be completed within three hours and 15 minutes. The minimum passing score is 220.

While many school counseling graduates choose to pursue licensure and work for one of the state's many schools, this is not the only course of action available. Instead, individuals with backgrounds in counseling can opt to pursue a wide variety of other professional opportunities in the state. If you would prefer to work outside of the school system, it may be a good idea to explore the many occupational alternatives available. Whatever career path you choose, ensure you carefully review the associated standards and expectations before applying. You can also enter professional counseling organizations as a licensed professional counselor.

Potential Careers for Graduates

Academic Advisor
Academic advisors provide guidance and support to students in secondary and post-secondary educational institutions. They assist students in developing academic plans, selecting courses, and setting goals to meet various academic objectives. These professionals also help students navigate various administrative processes and connect them with useful resources for success. Their role is to ensure students make informed decisions about their coursework and stay on track toward graduation, enhancing the overall educational experience. According to PayScale, academic advisors make an average base salary of $43,976 per year.
College/University Admissions Counselor
College and university admissions counselors assist prospective students in the application and enrollment process for higher education. These professionals are typically responsible for providing information about academic programs, admissions requirements, and financial aid options. They are also likely to review applications, conduct interviews, and evaluate applicant qualifications. Their work often plays a key role in helping students make informed decisions about their education, as well as ensuring a smooth transition to college. According to PayScale, admissions counselors make an average base salary of $41,868 per year.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counselor
EAP counselors provide confidential counseling services to employees facing personal or work-related issues to create healthier and more productive workplaces. They offer support and guidance for various challenges including stress, substance abuse, family conflicts, and mental health concerns. These professionals also assess employee needs, develop personalized action plans, and refer patients to relevant resources when necessary. Their role aims to improve the overall well-being of employees, as well as enhance work performance and job satisfaction. According to PayScale, employee assistance program counselors make an average base salary of $60,311 per year.
High School Special Education Teacher
High school special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of disabilities and/or special needs. These professionals work to adapt the general curriculum to meet the individual needs of each student, often by creating specialized learning plans and using targeted teaching strategies. They are also responsible for assessing student progress, collaborating with other educators and specialists, and providing support as students develop important academic and life skills. Additionally, these teachers play a vital role in fostering an inclusive and supportive classroom environment for all students. According to PayScale, high school special education teachers make an average base salary of $53,463 per year.
Mental Health Technician
Mental health technicians assist mental health professionals in providing care to patients, often in psychiatric hospitals or similar facilities. They typically monitor patient well-being, administer medications, and help with various daily activities. These professionals also document patient progress and behavior, offering vital support for individuals coping with mental health challenges. This role demands empathy, patience, and the ability to work as part of a collaborative healthcare team to ensure patients receive appropriate care and support. According to PayScale, mental health technicians make an average base salary of $34,643 per year.
Social Services Manager
Social services managers oversee and coordinate programs that provide support and assistance to individuals and communities in need. They manage staff, create and implement policies and procedures, and ensure that services meet regulatory requirements. These professionals work in various settings including healthcare, social assistance agencies, and government organizations. Their role often involves addressing various social issues, advocating for clients, and collaborating with other professionals to improve the well-being of vulnerable populations. According to PayScale, social services managers make an average base salary of $58,081 per year.

How to Become a School Counselor in Ohio