I have an elementary teaching degree and I minored in psychology...?

Question

Can I be an elementary school counselor?

Answer 1

No. In order to do anything relating to a psychology-type job, you have to have at LEAST a Bachelor's Degree in it. Usually only Master's are accepted, though.

Answer 2

You need to check with the requirements for your state, but you usually need more than a psych minor to get certified...it shouldn't be too big of a commitment to get the credentials, perhaps at night, while you continue to teach.

Some colleges have special programs to fast-track the process--I am familiar with one university in Virginia that has a career-switch program that takes degreed people who are interesting in becoming teachers, and fast-tracks the process into about a year.  (www.su.edu)

There are likely similar programs in your state...good luck!

Answer 3

The education required differs in each state. Most schools require counselors to have a masters degree. You can go to http://www.schoolcounselor.org or contact a school counselor where you would want to work for more information. Counseling requires different skills than what you learn in psychology so it would be best if you take some more classes to become a counselor.

Answer 4

Counseling programs are typically offered at the graduate school level and run two years, full-time.  Your educational background should make you a good candidate.  (Some programs strongly prefer that you teach for a couple of years so you may be on your way.)

Answer 5

to be a school counselor you'll need to get a masters in school psychology, that allows a certain entry to be a school counselor