Career Counseling Graduate Programs

Career Counseling Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Career counselors specialize in helping individuals achieve their academic and career goals. They are trained to perform in a variety of settings including elementary and high schools, colleges and universities, private firms, human resources offices, and correctional and rehabilitation facilities. Career counseling graduate program curriculums vary among institutions, but typical course work might include:

• Counseling theories and techniques
• Foundations of career development
• Statistics
• Assessment in Counseling
• Abnormal Psychology
• Consultation and organizational development

Masters programs typically take 2-3 to complete; Ph.D.’s can take 5-7 years. Many programs will require students to complete a practicum, supervised field experience in combination with classroom discussion. Licensure for school counselors is provided by the American School Counselors Association, career counselors working in private practice settings may obtain licensure through the National Board of Certified Counselors. Continuing education post degree attainment is also often required for professionals in the field of career counseling.

Career Counseling Career Path

A master’s degree in career counseling with appropriate licensure may qualify an individual to pursue careers in a variety of settings. Graduate programs in career counseling may allow the student to specialize in a concentration, or the professional may pursue specialization through continuing education. Areas of specialization include:

• Elementary and High Schools
• Colleges and Universities
• Professional Schools
• Corrections Facilities
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• Consulting
• Private Companies

Career Counseling Future Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the 2010 median salary for school and career counselors was $53,380. The highest 10% of earners in this industry made more than $86,250, while the bottom 10% of earners made less than $31,630. Professionals working in elementary and secondary schools earned a median salary of $60,000, those working in junior colleges earned a median salary of $51,050, professionals working in colleges, universities, and professional schools earned a median salary of $44,610, and counselors in working in vocational rehabilitation services earned a median salary of $35,210. Job growth across the industry is expected to increase by an average of 19% between 2010 and 2020. This is slightly faster than the average of all other occupations.

The chart below provides salary information for different professions in the field. Salaries vary according to location, area of expertise, education, and experience.

Data according to

The Bureau of Labor Statistics