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By University HQ Staff Writers
Edited by Evelyn Keener
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What is School Counseling?

In Rhode Island, many colleges and universities offer programs in school counseling and related fields. This major is ideal for individuals enthusiastic about contributing to the success, accessibility, and equality of young individuals. Beyond positions within the state school system, graduates frequently hold the qualifications needed for various other rewarding and fulfilling careers in the field.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 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.

Educational services, healthcare, and social assistance is the second largest industry in Rhode Island, accounting for $8 billion in revenue each year. As of May 2022 the state employed 1,050 educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors with an annual mean wage of $66,760. Notably, this is just above the annual mean wage of $64,530 for all occupations in Rhode Island.

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, Rhode Island employed 9,180 individuals in these positions. Overall salary potential for these occupations is lower, however, with an annual mean wage of $57,780 reported for these jobs.

Academic institutions across the nation provide degree programs in school counseling, but those aiming to work in Rhode Island should give preference to local colleges and universities. Although online learning programs offer great flexibility, institutions within the state generally design their curriculums to suit their geographic contexts. This is particularly crucial for school counseling students, as they commonly pursue positions within the state's education system and must adhere to state-established standards. In contrast, other academic entities may not sufficiently prepare students with the competencies needed for licensure in Rhode Island.

Those contemplating this field should be aware that there are few undergraduate programs exclusively focused on school counseling. While common in graduate studies, undergraduates usually begin their education by studying general counseling or other social science disciplines.

School counselors play a vital role in fostering the academic and personal development of students in educational settings. Working within elementary, middle, and high schools - they provide crucial support to help students navigate the challenges of their academic journey and individual growth. Their multifaceted role contributes significantly to the overall success and well-being of students in the educational system.

One of the primary responsibilities of school counselors is to assist students in developing the necessary skills for academic success. This involves helping them set and achieve educational goals, choose appropriate coursework, and explore potential career paths. They often collaborate with teachers and parents to create a supportive and conducive learning environment.

Beyond academics, school counselors address the social and emotional well-being of students. They offer guidance on personal issues, social relationships, and mental health concerns. By providing a listening ear and valuable insights, counselors contribute to the overall mental and emotional health of students.

Additionally, school counselors play a key role in crisis intervention and prevention. They are trained to identify and address issues such as bullying, substance abuse, and emotional distress. Effective communication is a fundamental skill for school counselors, especially because they interact not only with students but also with teachers, parents, and school administrators. These professionals also serve as advocates for student needs and collaborate with various stakeholders to create a positive and inclusive school environment.

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Online School Counseling Education in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, several educational institutions offer programs in school counseling and related fields. Relevant enrollment options are typically available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Notably, however, there are relatively few opportunities to study school counseling at the undergraduate levels. As a result, it may be necessary to major in other relevant subjects prior to enrolling in graduate school.

It's also crucial to recognize that all professionals employed in the Rhode Island’s public schools must have the appropriate credentials. Only individuals who possess master's degrees or higher are eligible to apply for licensure as school counselors in the state.

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For those aspiring to work outside the Rhode Island school system, various opportunities exist. Graduates with associate and bachelor's degrees in counseling-related disciplines often meet the qualifications for roles in community and social services. In fact, certain positions of this nature may only require candidates to possess high school diplomas or GEDs.

Online Associates (AS)

School counseling is not widely offered as a major at the associate level in academic institutions. As a result, those interested in this field often choose other related areas of study. Some typical alternatives include counseling, education, human services, behavioral science, social science, or psychology.

Associate degrees generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two years to complete. In undergraduate programs, there is usually a combination of general liberal arts and program-specific courses. Curriculum specifics may vary, but students can typically anticipate exposure to standard subjects like English communication, mathematics, and social sciences, coupled with classes related to their major.

Typically, this degree prepares individuals for entry-level roles in community and social services. Notably, however, associate degree holders will not qualify for employment as school counselors in Rhode Island. This profession requires state licensure, which cannot be attained without a master’s degree.

Fortunately, those with associate degrees are often closer to obtaining traditional four-year degrees than they realize. Credits from undergraduate courses may be transferred and utilized in new degree programs. Many higher education institutions accept up to 60 or 90 hours of previous coursework. This is often equivalent to approximately two years of undergraduate study. As a result, associate degree graduates may need as little as two additional years of education to obtain bachelor's degrees.

Online Bachelors (BS)

Like the associate degree, bachelor's level programs rarely offer school counseling as a major in most colleges and universities. However, there are various other related majors available for students aiming to become school counselors. Common alternatives include counseling, education, human services, behavioral science, social science, or psychology.

Bachelor’s degrees generally consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately four years to complete. These undergraduate programs usually contain a combination of general liberal arts and program-specific courses. Curriculum specifics may vary, but students can typically anticipate exposure to standard subjects like English communication, mathematics, and social sciences, coupled with classes related to their major. Those enrolled in counseling-related programs are likely to be instructed on topics in behavioral health and counseling theories.

Typically, these degrees prepare individuals for entry-level roles in community and social services. Notably, however, bachelor degree holders will not qualify for employment as school counselors in Rhode Island. This profession requires state licensure, which cannot be attained without a master’s degree. Those aiming to gain employment in this capacity should explore enrollment in master’s degree programs. Prospective graduate students should be prepared to meet the minimum grade point average (GPA) and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score requirements set by their selected institutions.

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Online Masters (MS)

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. Another option to consider is exploring accelerated programs, where course requirements are condensed into shorter timeframes. These alternatives programs can be finished in as little as 12 months.

With graduate-level coursework, there is usually an absence of undergraduate or general liberal arts classes. However, students often must showcase their expertise in advanced subject matter within the field. For this purpose, many educational institutions require the submission of past transcripts to confirm the fulfillment of particular prerequisite courses.

Graduate degree programs are usually designed to help students prepare for more advanced career prospects in the field. Although the exact course requirements vary, students often learn about multicultural counseling, lifespan development, academic and career counseling, as well as professional issues and ethics. It’s also common for academic institutions to require supervised residencies, similar to internships. These opportunities provide real-world context for concepts taught in classrooms and allow students to acquire practical knowledge in the field. In most cases, enrolled individuals must complete a specified number of clinical hours in school environments before graduation.

Typically, this degree prepares individuals for roles as school counselors. This profession requires state licensure, which can be attained with a master’s degree.  Graduate can also choose to pursue other career opportunities, including counselor, community service manager, social worker, substance abuse counselor, mental health counselor, and juvenile justice counselor. Students at this level can choose from a variety of specializations in counseling programs such as clinical mental health counseling, training as alcohol and drug counselors, clinical rehabilitation counseling, family therapy, and related educational programs and counseling degree programs.

Read the UniversityHQ National Online Rankings for an masters in school counseling

Online Doctorate (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 programs represent the pinnacle of education attainable in the field and generally entail rigorous academic study that delves into advanced counseling concepts. Colleges and universities may offer specialized classes tailored to specific sub-fields, such as grief therapy or curriculum coaching. Opting for concentrations of this nature can assist students in preparing for distinct occupational opportunities.

During the initial years of enrollment, students can expect traditional classroom instruction and coursework. However, as they progress through their programs, there is typically a gradual transition toward independent study, research, and writing. The culmination of these efforts often involves presenting and defending dissertations.

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Doctoral degrees exceed the minimum education requirement for licensure as school counselors in Rhode Island. While some graduates choose to pursue the occupation, others may opt for careers in research or higher education.

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Become a School Counselor in Rhode Island

As a component of the Rhode Island Basic Education Program, every local education agency (LEA) is expected to establish and maintain a Comprehensive School Counseling (CSC) Guidance Program available to all students in grades K-12. These programs must support students in meeting the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards in the academic, career, personal, and social domains. They must also include services to be provided to students at each developmental stage and specify how the services will be provided.

Individuals seeking to become a school counselor in Rhode Island should work with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Office of Educator Excellence and Certification Services.

The process can be completed online via the RIDE portal, with opportunities to obtain any of the following support professional certificates:

  • School Counselor
  • School Psychologist
  • School Social Worker
  • Speech and Language Pathologist
  • Reading Specialist / Consultant
  • Mathematics Specialist / Consultant
  • English to Speakers of Other Languages Specialist / Consultant
  • Instructional Leader
  • Registered School Nurse

Educator quality is considered essential to improving student achievement in Rhode Island. The state believes this begins with clear standards for educator practice. As a result, those intending to become certified as school counselors in the state are expected to meet certain requirements. The established standards ensure students receive the best possible attention and care from professionals who have proven they possess the appropriate knowledge and skills.

The RIDE criterion for becoming a school counselor includes the following:

  • Advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Completion of 300-hour internship
  • Demonstration of meeting the content competencies as prescribed by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP)
  • Met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements

All applicants must pass the PRAXIS School Counselor (5422) test, which is overseen and administered by the Education Testing Service (ETS). This exam measures whether entry-level school counselors have the standards-relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities believed necessary for competent professional practice. It consists of 120 selected-response questions that must be completed within two hours. Content topics include the role of the school counselor, human growth and development, and ethical and legal issues. A score of 159 must be achieved to be considered passing.

Complete applications are processed more quickly than incomplete applications. Typical processing times range from 14 to 16 weeks. Those who achieve certification will be qualified to work as school counselors in grades pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in all Rhode Island public schools.

Careers for School Counseling Graduates

  • Academic Advisor
    Academic advisors assist students in navigating their educational journey by providing guidance on course selection, academic planning, and career development at the secondary and post-secondary levels. They help individuals understand program requirements, university policies, and available resources, as well as offering support in addressing challenges and connecting students with relevant support services. By building relationships with students, these professionals are able to aid in fostering a positive and successful academic experience. It’s also important for them to stay informed about educational trends and university updates to provide the most accurate and timely information. According to PayScale, academic advisors make an average base salary of $45,863 per year.
  • College/University Admissions Counselor
    College and university admissions counselors play a crucial role in guiding prospective students through the application process. They provide prospective enrollees with information on admission requirements, program offerings, and financial aid options, as well as contributing to institutional enrollment goals by evaluating applications, conducting interviews, and making recommendations for admission decisions. These professionals may also attend recruitment events to promote the educational institution and foster positive relationships with potential students. Additional tasks relate to engaging with students and their families, often by addressing inquiries and facilitating campus tours. According to PayScale, admissions counselors make an average base salary of $43,960 per year.
  • Guidance Counselor
    Guidance counselors play a crucial role in supporting the academic and personal development of students to build positive and inclusive learning environments. They provide guidance on educational and career decisions, address social or behavioral issues, and facilitate communication between students, teachers, and parents. These professionals also contribute to the overall well-being and success of students by helping them to navigate challenges, develop coping mechanisms, and explore post-secondary education and career options. According to PayScale, guidance counselors make an average base salary of $56,509 per year.
  • High School Special Education Teacher
    High school special education teachers specialize in instructing students with various learning, intellectual, and/or developmental disabilities. Collaborating with parents, school staff, and support professionals, these professionals create inclusive and supportive learning environments. They spend most of their time adapting teaching methods, designing individualized education plans (IEPs), and providing additional support to meet the unique needs of each student. Their primary goal is to foster academic and personal growth, helping students with special needs develop essential skills for future success. According to PayScale, high school special education teachers make an average base salary of $56,034 per year.
  • Mental Health Counselor
    Mental health counselors offer crucial support to individuals experiencing emotional and/or psychological challenges. Working in various settings, such as mental health clinics and private practices, they conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide to clients. Although every case is unique, these professionals typically focus on helping clients manage stress, improve relationships, and navigate mental health issues. Their interventions often contribute to enhancing overall well-being and coping mechanisms for those seeking mental health support. According to PayScale, mental health counselors make an average base salary of $49,516 per year.
  • School Psychologist
    School psychologists play a crucial role in supporting the mental health and academic success of students. They assess student emotional and behavioral issues, providing interventions and counseling when needed, as well as collaborating with educators, parents, and administrators to create positive and targeted learning environments. Additional responsibilities commonly include contributing to the development and implementation of programs that address bullying, crisis response, and other challenges that may impact the well-being of students. Through their expertise, these professionals promote a healthy and supportive educational experience for students. According to PayScale, school psychologists make an average base salary of $68,149 per year.
  • Social Services Manager
    Social services managers oversee programs and services that address community needs, coordinating activities to support individuals and families. By collaborating with stakeholders, these professionals aim to enhance the well-being of communities, advocating for social change and providing essential assistance to those in need. They play a crucial role in developing initiatives for various populations, such as the elderly or those facing economic challenges. Responsibilities commonly include managing staffs, allocating resources, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Their work contributes to building stronger, more resilient societies. According to PayScale, social services managers make an average base salary of $60,428 per year.
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