If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I wish I could help students navigate school and life,” you’re not alone. Every year, more adults (some in their 30s, 40s, or older) make the switch to school counseling after years in a different field. Whether you’ve worked in education, healthcare, retail, or something completely unrelated, becoming a school counselor is still within reach.
The path isn’t always clear-cut, but we’ve broken it down based on real-world advice from practicing counselors—including those who started later in life. Let’s walk through it together.
How to become a school counselor as a career changer.
🎓 Step 1: Start with Any Bachelor’s Degree (Yes, Any)
Good news: there’s no specific undergraduate major required to become a school counselor. While some fields make the transition easier, people have successfully made the switch from all kinds of backgrounds.
Most common undergrad majors for school counselors:
- Psychology
- Education
- Sociology
- Human Development or Child Development
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- English or Communications
But we’ve also seen people with degrees in: Business, Fine Arts, Music Education, Hospitality, and Marketing.
🧠 Key takeaway: You don’t need to go back and get a second bachelor’s. If you already hold a degree, you’re off to a good start.
Step 2: Get Experience Working with Children or Teens
If your background hasn’t involved much time with young people, that’s your next move. Admissions teams and hiring managers want to know: Can you build rapport with students? Do you understand the realities of working in a school environment?
Here are entry-level jobs that count as relevant experience:
In Schools:
- Substitute Teacher
- Paraprofessional or Teaching Aide
- Instructional Assistant
- Attendance Clerk or Front Office Admin
- Behavioral Interventionist
- Library or Media Aide
Outside of Schools:
- After-school Program Leader (Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, etc.)
- Summer Camp Counselor
- Tutor or Homework Helper
- Youth Mentor (Big Brothers Big Sisters, churches, etc.)
- Residential Counselor at a group home
- Youth Services Worker at a nonprofit
- AmeriCorps or City Year Corps Member
Even if you can only commit part-time or volunteer hours, every bit counts. These roles help you learn how schools work, build emotional intelligence, and confirm whether counseling is the right path for you.
🎓 Step 3: Earn a Master’s in School Counseling
To become a licensed school counselor in the U.S., a master’s degree in school counseling (or a closely related program) is required in all 50 states. These programs usually take 2-3 years and often include:
- Courses in counseling theory, child psychology, ethics, and multiculturalism
- A practicum and internship in a K–12 school setting
- Preparation for licensure exams (like the Praxis II or NCE, depending on your state)
What to look for in a Master’s program:
- CACREP accreditation (widely recognized)
- Flexible scheduling (evenings or online options for working adults)
- Strong internship placement support
- Tuition assistance or graduate assistantship opportunities
Popular programs for career changers:
- Western Governors University (WGU). WGU offers 100% online and competency-based programs, making it an ideal option for self-motivated learners who want to move at their own pace.
- University of Southern California (USC). The USC Rossier School of Education offers an online Master of Education in School Counseling that is CACREP-accredited and designed for working professionals.
- Capella University. Offers a CACREP-accredited online Master’s in School Counseling through its GuidedPath learning format, which includes structured deadlines and faculty guidance
- Arizona State University. ASU Online is one of the top-ranked online universities in the U.S., ASU offers graduate programs in education and behavioral health that can serve as a stepping stone to counseling careers.
- Local state universities are another great option. They are often affordable and recognized by local school districts, allowing you to take one step ahead.
💡 Pro tip: Some districts offer “grow your own” scholarship programs to encourage more counselors from the local community. The Utah State Board of Education provides grants to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to fund scholarships for paraprofessionals and school counselor assistants aiming to become licensed counselors. Similarly, Tennessee’s “Grow Your Own” initiative supports partnerships between Educator Preparation Providers and LEAs to create innovative, no-cost pathways into the teaching profession. Check with your local education office!
Step 4: Get Licensed or Certified
Every state has its own licensure requirements, but most include:
- A master’s degree from an accredited program
- A passing score on a national or state-specific exam
- A completed internship or supervised clinical hours
- A background check
Some states (like Texas) used to require teaching experience first—but that’s no longer the case in many places. Always check your state’s current requirements on the ASCA website or your state’s education department.
What Real School Counselors Say
From a popular Reddit thread where practicing counselors shared their stories:
“I’m a strong believer that people can successfully come into counseling from any field (…)” – EquusFirth
“I majored in Creative Writing, of all things, in my undergraduate degree! I was very passionate about it and was even published. Good memories. I ended up in AmeriCorps, and that experience led to me getting my teaching credential. I taught middle school English for two years before realizing that school counseling was more of my calling. I went back to school to earn my masters, and the rest, as they say, is history!” – tequilamockingbird
The Bottom Line: You Can Start Now
Switching careers is never easy, but school counseling is one of those rare fields where life experience is a huge asset. Think about it this way, if you’re an older student, you’ve already gained soft skills, emotional maturity, and patience. Now, all you need is the formal education and some youth experience. Users online state that anything in the education field does not age discriminate. Don’t be discouraged if you feel your time to chase your dreams is gone… it’s not!
“Listen, do not let your age stop you. I just graduated with my MSW last year and the school where I did my internship offered me a permanent position in July. I just finished my first year as a school social worker at 50 years old. Go for it!!” – anamiapayne
And remember, you’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience.
Want Help Finding the Right Program?
Supportive Colleges helps working adults and career changers like you find accredited, flexible schools that offer:
- Online or evening programs
- Student support for adult learners
- Paths to careers in counseling, education, healthcare, and more