SITE SEARCH
Breaking News
Online Degree Rankings
Best Buy Online Degrees
Best Buy Online Degrees
An online degree can cost as little as $3,000 – or over $100,000. More than 12,000 online degrees and certificates – and no two charge the same tuition. Our affordability rankings reveal who offers the best – and worst – buys in online degrees.
 
Best Student Satisfaction
Best Student Satisfaction
Enrolled in an online degree program? Alumni of an online college? Visit your college or degree program in our directory and "grade" – rate and rank – its performance. Your opinion will help others "get educated" about the real-life ratings of thousands of online college programs.
 
Best Public Perception
Best Public Perception
Not all online colleges rate the same in the eyes of the public or potential employers. How does the public rate your online degree? Do they rank it high – or rate it low? Help rate and rank all the choices. Your opinion will help others "get educated" about the real-life reputation of thousands of online colleges.
 
Newsletter
Most Popular Articles
Career Center
CAREER CENTER HOME
 
Psychology & Human Services
School Psychologist and Counselor
Outlook & Growth
Employment of school, educational and vocational counselors will grow at 13 percent—about as fast as average—through 2016. Employment of school psychologists will grow at 16 percent, which is slightly faster than average. Demand for school counselors will grow as more post-secondary institutions employ them.
Salary & Wages
In 2006, psychologists earned an average salary greater than $59,000. The middle 50 percent earned $45,000 to $78,000. School counselors earned an average of $48,000, with the middle 50 percent earning $36,000 to $61,000. Top-earning school psychologists made more than $103,000, while top-earning school counselors took in more than $76,000.
What is a School Psychologist or Counselor?
School psychologists and school counselors work with students in early childhood, elementary and secondary schools, and in post-secondary settings. They help students understand and deal with social, behavioral and personal problems, often in collaboration with teachers and parents. Their roles can vary based on their different educational backgrounds (psychologists usually have specialist degrees; counselors have master's degrees) and the settings they work in.
Both school psychologists and school counselors address students’ learning and behavioral problems. They suggest improvements in classroom management strategies and parenting techniques. They test and evaluate students with disabilities and gifted students to decide how best to educate them.
They may also help students develop realistic academic and career goals. Both psychologists and counselors also teach life skills. They sometimes offer special services, like alcohol and drug counseling and conflict resolution classes.
Education & Degree Path
In most states, school psychologists must have a specialist degree (Ed.S or Doctorate of Education) in psychology. A few states still award credentials to school psychologists with master’s degrees.
Education requirements for counselors vary by state. A master’s degree is usually required to be licensed as a counselor. Some states accept a bachelor’s degree with appropriate counseling courses.
Licensing: Licensure requirements for school counselors differ greatly by state and work setting. Many states require school counselors to hold a state school counseling certification and to have completed at least some graduate course work. Most require the completion of a master’s degree that includes special courses and training.
Psychologists must also meet state-specific certification or licensing requirements.
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) awards the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) designation, which recognizes professional competency in school psychology at a national, rather than state, level.
Entering the Field: Because educational requirements vary widely, you must consult your state’s licensing boards in psychology and in school counseling. Only your state board can interpret the specific type of educational credential you will need to pursue the kind of job you want to have. You may need a specific type of bachelor’s degree in education to qualify for entry into this career field. In addition, any degree you have may have to include specific courses.
Career Changers: Career changers pursue the same educational paths as initial entrants to the field. It may sometimes be possible to add courses to an existing bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in psychology, human services or education to enter this career field. To find out more, consult your state education board for specific requirements for public school counselors and psychologists.

Find online degrees for Psychology and Human Services now. >>

Career Links



Source for salary and growth data is the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information on careers in school psychology or counseling, salaries, and job prospects visit: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Counselors, at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htm or Psychologists, at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm.
 
Ask GetEducated!
Q I’m looking for an online MBA. I’ve found several that fit my budget but none are accredited by the AACSB. What is the AACSB? Do I really need a distance MBA degree that is accredited by them? —Roberta, Gary, IN
A The AACSB is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. It is considered the gold standard of business school accreditation. But not every student needs an AACSB-accredited MBA...
Read More
Q I was laid off from my job as a real estate agent and want to be a high school math teacher, but my bachelor’s degree is in psychology. Do I need a new degree in education? Will an online bachelor’s in education qualify me to become a licensed teacher? —Willis, Houston, Texas
A If you didn’t earn a bachelor’s degree in education years ago and you now want to teach in the public schools, don’t fret. Every state maintains what are termed “alternative teacher certification” programs...
Read More
 
Featured Programs
Champlain College
Champlain College’s 42-credit, unique MSL program educates non-lawyer working professionals about the law. This regionally accredited program delivered by our experienced faculty of attorneys was designed to help you build a greater understanding of the law. This distinct degree will help you become an objective thinker and equip you with the tools you need to appraise and evaluate real-life legal situations. Navigate the law with confidence! Contact us at 1.866.441.0427 Ext. 3517.
Learn more
Pennsylvania State University - World Campus
Penn State World Campus is "Penn State | Online," delivering some of Penn State's most highly regarded graduate degrees, continuing professional education degrees, graduate certificates, and advanced courses to learners around the world. Whether you want to complete your degree, make yourself more professionally marketable, or sharpen a few skills, we can help you. Master’s degree programs in business, health, education and technology are offered in addition to related graduate and post baccalaureate certificates.
Learn more
Military Resource Center
For active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and military families.
More than half of military students use online education. What do you need to know to find schools that best fit your needs? How can you find the best financial aid and scholarship package at your online school? Answers are here.

Jobs and Careers in Online and Distance Education
Online and distance schools need teachers.
The field of online education is growing and so is the need for teachers who can teach online. Check out our regularly updated list of online job opportunities, post your job availability, and visit our Online Resource Center, with tips, advice and free downloads for online educators.

Sponsors
 
GETV

Secure your career with an online MBA.

Facts from GetEducated's National Survey of Online MBAs. Who offers the cheapest online MBA? Do you need an AACSB-accredited distance MBA? Online MBA rankings and ratings. Everything you need to know to compare 390 accredited online MBAs from 168 online business schools.

Visit our Online MBA Career Center today

Learn more about in-demand and high-paying healthcare jobs - and online degrees that help you land them.

Visit our Healthcare & Nursing Career Center

From CSI to paralegal to forensic accountant, justice jobs are waiting for you.

Visit our Justice, Law & Legal Studies Career Center

What are the hottest careers in business and management, plus online degrees to help you succeed?

Visit our Business & Management Career Center

Move into a high-paying, fast-growing computer career by studying online.

Visit our Computers & IT Career Center today

Which are the best engineering or electronics jobs for you and how can online education help you prepare?

Visit our Engineering & Electronics Career Center

Teachers and librarians are needed for the future - prepare online for these careers.

Visit our Education & Library Science Career Center

You can learn online to be a social worker, counselor, or other human services professional.

Visit our Psychology & Human Services Career Center

Home | Articles | Media Coverage | About Us | News Releases | Privacy | Team Bios | History and Mission | Newsletter | Contact Us | Advertising Opportunities