What is School Counseling?
Oklahoma is a sparsely populated state in the middle of the nation. It's mostly known for oil and gas extraction, as well as a Broadway musical that remains in the public consciousness. However, there is more than that to the state's economy, and it's shown great resilience over time, and will surely continue to grow and thrive. A review of the economic data reveals the broader picture in Oklahoma.
The mining industry, which includes oil and gas on top of other minerals, is the primary driver in the Oklahoman economy. It brings in over $29 billion each year and ranks 2nd in the nation for this sector. There have been signs of retraction in the sector but shifts in the global oil industry may prove beneficial to the state. Behind this area is Oklahoma's real estate industry, which comes in 33rd nationwide with nearly $19 billion in annual revenues. Given that Oklahoma has median household income that falls below the average, real estate may be a great value for those moving from out of state.
A school counselor is an education professional whose work focuses on helping students improve their performance, among other things. Students may be facing difficulties at home or with their peers that impede their ability to learn and grow. School counselors then meet with the students and employ the methods of talk therapy to help them find new ways to cope with their problems. They also assess students' intelligence and test them for learning disabilities.
School counselors work in public schools and so their day runs from bell to bell. They don't have any grading duties so they generally have their evenings clear, and they can take advantage of the breaks that other educators enjoy. They must all hold a master’s degree, however, and full state licensure, including a teaching credential. Though this is a lot of work, their salaries tend to be higher than teachers and they can start a private counseling practice if they ever retire.
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Online School Counseling Education in Oklahoma
The third strongest industry in Oklahoma is manufacturing, which ranks 34th nationwide with under $19 billion in annual revenues. The state's central location and low median income makes it a desirable location for manufacturers who seek to distribute their goods throughout the continental United States. Interestingly, Oklahoma's transportation and warehousing sector is ranked 6th in the state but claims the #16 spot nationwide with over $13 billion in annual revenue. Again, Oklahoma's central location seems to be an important part of this success.
The fifth largest sector of the Oklahoma economy is the one that includes social programs, including education and healthcare. Since schools need school counselors, this is an important career in the life of the Oklahoman economy. These education professionals with knowledge of professional counseling help the state's students overcome various difficulties that may impede learning, while also administering the tests that help identify the most talented students.
To help support this profession and, by implication, all of Oklahoma's developing students, the state provides funds to educate new generations of school counselors. The state's college and university faculties then use these funds to attract top talent to teach Oklahoma's students and help them earn school counseling degrees. This facilitates state licensure so they can work as school counseling professionals.
School counseling is a profession that requires a master’s degree. There are no exceptions, though Oklahoma does allow those with master’s in related fields to qualify for state licensure. That is, a mental health counselor, for instance, could use their academic and professional background when applying for a position. However, students can gain experience with counseling or mental health by earning lower degrees.
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Online Associates (AS)
Though there are no associate degrees that will qualify a student to teach school or to work as a school counselor, an associate degree is a great way to get started. Some choose an associate addiction counseling degree that helps them work in mental health, with persons afflicted with alcohol or drug abuse issues. On the other hand, an early childhood education degree will help them gain a good position working with preschoolers. They may also use an associate degree to work as a paraprofessional, also known as a teacher's aide.
This degree level will not qualify graduates for a school counseling license, but it can help the holder work in schools. This sort of experience will prove valuable later if they choose to pursue a career in school counseling. Aspiring school counselors should realize that after completing an associate school counseling degree, they will need approximately four more years of school before they can apply to work in their chosen field.
Online Bachelors (BS)
This degree is not yet enough to qualify for state licensure in school counseling in Oklahoma. However, a degree in psychology or a related field will help students when they apply to a graduate school counseling degree program. Students should note that a teacher preparation curriculum isn't necessarily required to apply for a school counseling master’s degree program. However, students may want to consider gaining any experience they can working with children, ideally those in their target age range.
Leadership roles with kids as a camp counselor or even with a church youth group can look very good on a resume. This is because principals will be more likely to hire an applicant who has a proven track record working with kids. Even experience as a teacher's aide or a substitute teacher will be terrific. In fact, those types of experiences may be even better since they will allow an aspiring counselor to meet principals and vice principals while on the job.
National Rankings - Online BS in CounselingOnline Masters (MS)
A master’s school counseling degree is the level at which school counseling careers start. The Oklahoma Board requires that all school counselors earn a master’s degree in school counseling, or a reasonable equivalent. The board will confer licenses on mental health counselors or other therapists with a master’s degree if they satisfy the board's other requirements. Students at this level can also choose to specialize in related educational programs such as mental health counseling, counseling psychology, human development, or other counseling programs. A graduate can work as a licensed professional counselor, a certified school counselor, a drug counselor, licensed alcohol or addiction counselor, or another professional counselor role after completing all coursework in these graduate programs. At this point, your knowledge and understanding of the field will be complete.
A master’s school counseling degree is a great option because school systems base pay on academic credentials and experience. Thus, new school counselors start with a higher base pay than their colleagues with bachelor's degrees. Those who earn an MEd may also have an easier time transitioning into school administration if they so desire. School counselors may also transition into a private counseling practice.
National Rankings - Online Programs in School CounselingOnline Doctorate (PhD)
School systems reward school counselors who hold a PhD with higher pay and elevated status. A doctorate may help the holder find a job because school systems will see them as highly qualified, even more so than those with master’s degrees. Doctorate degree holding counselors have other career options available to them, as well.
Some use their doctorate degrees to teach as part-time adjunct professors for a local community college, if not a four-year college or university. They can also use their credentials to land a full-time tenure-track position. This provides many with a second career once they retire from their tenure in primary or secondary schools. A PhD also helps those who choose a consulting career that can be very lucrative while also opening up interesting research possibilities.
Finally, a PhD is helpful when it comes to earning CEU credits and maintaining one's license as CEUs can be earned by teaching or publishing. A doctorate in counseling or school counseling elevates one's status and will draw attendees to lectures. It also attracts editors and publishers to one's books or articles on school counseling issues.
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Become a School Counselor in Oklahoma
During one's school years, it may become necessary to work with the school counselor. Issues at home or school may interfere with studies, or perhaps a traumatic event in the community makes counseling a welcome relief. These interactions with school counseling professionals can be very impactful and inspire a career as a school counselor. However, it's not always clear how one becomes a school counselor, and each state has its own rules.
Oklahoma has very clear requirements for its school counselors. While the steps are very much like other states', there are differences that are worth noting. Students should also be aware that regulations may change, but any accredited, comprehensive school counseling program in Oklahoma will make its students aware of new requirements.
Nevertheless, the first step to becoming a school counselor in Oklahoma is a bachelor's degree. Students should look for a degree such as psychology for their undergraduate years, though a bachelor's social work degree may also work. Ultimately, the goal is to fulfill requirements for access to a master’s school counseling degree program.
A master’s school counseling degree is an absolute must for any school counselor license in Oklahoma. In fact, most counselors will point to this when asked how to become a counselor. The second biggest hurdle may be a passing score on an examination. Oklahoma is somewhat unique in that they offer a choice. They have their own professional examination for school counselors, the Oklahoma Subject Area Test in School Counseling. However, students can opt for the Subject Area PRAXIS Exam for School Counseling. The PRAXIS option may be the better choice for any aspiring school counselor who thinks they may want to someday move out of state, as the PRAXIS is acknowledged by nearly every state.
Some who choose to change careers mid-stream may opt for an alternative route to certification or licensure. This option still requires a master’s degree, but that degree can be directly related to counseling or not. Non-counseling degreed people may leverage their counseling-related work experience to earn an Oklahoma credential. They must still take 30 hours of counseling related, master’s level work. Alternative certification still requires passing scores on either the Oklahoma Subject Area Test in School Counseling or the Subject Area PRAXIS Exam for School Counseling.
Careers for School Counseling Graduates
- School Counselor
This career starts with a master’s degree and state licensure. School counselors work with students to help them achieve their best in school. They often are needed to help the entire school body recover when tragedy impacts their community but, more often, they help parents and students identify issues such as learning disabilities or psychological disorders. - Career Counselor
Career counselors work with college students to help them transition from student life into a successful career. This field does not require state licensure, but a master’s degree is preferred by most colleges and universities. The job entails duties such as planning and organizing career fairs, administering career focused psychological tests with students, and more. - Marriage and Family Therapist
These mental health professionals work with couples and their families to help them overcome difficulties. This field has its own set of state credentials, so those interested in family therapy should earn a degree specializing in this modality. Marriage and family therapists need to maintain their licenses with continuing education. - Social Worker
This job title can be applied to a wide range of job duties. Those with undergraduate degrees can work as case workers to help their clients. However, a Master of Social Work degree will qualify the holder to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who can conduct individual therapy. - School psychologists
These mental health workers hold a PhD and work as counseling professionals in public (or private) schools. They help students who are having difficulties with their schoolwork. They may also help the entire student body when tragedies arise in their community. In addition to their academic degrees, school psychologists must pass a subject specific exam to work in schools. - Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counselor
These counseling professionals work for companies or agencies that assist troubled employees. The service is often provided as part of a company's benefits package. EAP counselors typically conduct therapy via telephone and may make recommendations for the employee see a counselor in their local area. - College Counselor
These education professionals focus on helping students gain entry to the best college degree program for them. College counseling professionals can help students target the best extracurricular activities for them and other things that will work well with their college applications. - Special Education Teacher
SPED teachers are in a field that covers a wide spectrum of students, from Harvard-bound students with dyslexia to those who have difficulties with basic skills. They may also specialize in braille education for the blind or American Sign Language for their hearing-impaired students.
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