Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do school counselors do?
A: In school settings—elementary through postsecondary—school counselors work with students, including those with academic and social development problems and those with special needs. They advocate for students and work with other individuals and organizations to promote the academic, career, personal, and social development of children and youths. School counselors help students evaluate their abilities, interests, talents, and personality characteristics in order to develop realistic academic and career goals. Counselors use interviews, counseling sessions, interest and aptitude assessment tests, and other methods to evaluate and advise students. They also operate career information centers and career education programs. School counselors at all levels help students to understand and deal with social, behavioral, and personal problems. These counselors emphasize preventive and developmental counseling to provide students with the life skills needed to deal with problems before they occur and to enhance students' personal, social, and academic growth. Counselors provide special services, including alcohol and drug prevention programs and conflict resolution classes. They also try to identify cases of domestic abuse and other family problems that can affect a student's development. Counselors interact with students individually, in small groups, or with entire classes. They consult and collaborate with parents, teachers, school administrators, school psychologists, medical professionals, and social workers in order to develop and implement strategies to help students be successful in the education system. Taken from the 2006-2007 Occupational Outlook Handbook http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Q: How does the work of a secondary school counselor differ from an elementary school counselor?
A: Secondary school counselors advise students regarding college majors, admission requirements, entrance exams, financial aid, trade or technical schools, and apprenticeship programs. They help students develop job search skills, such as resume writing and interviewing techniques. College career planning and placement counselors assist alumni or students with career development and job-hunting techniques. Elementary school counselors observe younger children during classroom and play activities and confer with their teachers and parents to evaluate the children's strengths, problems, or special needs. In conjunction with teachers and administrators, they make sure that the curriculum addresses both the academic and the emotional development needs of students. Elementary school counselors do less vocational and academic counseling than do secondary school counselors. Taken from the 2006-2007 Occupational Outlook Handbook http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Q: I already hold a Master's Degree in Counseling. Can I pursue a PPS credential only?
A: If you are pursuing a PPS credential in School Counseling, you should follow all of the application procedures for an MS but choose "credential candidate" in the university application and indicate "PPS credential only" in the EDCS program application. After admission, an individualized program of study will be signed with the Program Coordinator, who will waive courses already met by your Masters Degree. If you hold a Masters Degree in an area other than counseling, you will need to complete the entire 72 unit program in order to obtain the PPS credential.
Q: I want to be a School Psychologist. Can I do this at CSUB.
A: No. Although the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing grants four different PPS credentials (School Counseling, School Psychology, School Social Work, and Pupil Welfare and Attendance), the CSUB School of Education only is authorized to prepare for the School Counseling credential.
Q: Does California require a teaching credential prior to becoming a school counselor?
A: No, but many districts prefer that you have some teaching experience. If you are not already a teacher, consider gaining some experience as a substitute teacher or choosing the Student Affairs concentration.
Q: What is the job and salary outlook for school counseling in the Bakersfield area?
A: There are 47 school districts in Kern County and many more within the CSUB service area. For a list of current openings, visit www.edjoin.org and under "Advanced Search," search for "Certificated - Counselor" listings in Kern County. Beginning counselors earn approximately $43,000.00.
Q: What additional skills are preferred?
A: Bilingual skills in Spanish and English are highly desired. Approximately 60% of the 100 school counseling students enrolled at CSUB were bilingual. In addition, some schools seek counselors who have additional knowledge in such areas as coaching, special education, or technology.
Q: What do Student Affairs professional do?
A: Student Affairs professionals work at universities and community colleges in a wide range of settings; These my include Career Centers, Counseling Centers, Admissions, Outreach, Financial Aid, Housing and Residence Life, Student Unions, Fraternities, Sororities, and Dean of Students divisions. Contracts may be available for 9, 10, or 12 month positions.
Q: What is the job and salary out look for Student Affairs professional?
A: There are typically over 400 jobs listed monthly across the U. S. at http://chronicle.com/jobs (to find student affairs positions, select "Browse jobs by…Position type," then under "Administrative," select "Student Affairs"). In addition, many entry level openings are only listed throughout the campus personnel or human resources offices. Salaries vary but $35,000.00 to $45,000.00 is a typical starting salary with a master degree. Some positions also include tuition benefits allowing a person to pursue their masters or doctoral degree while working full time with reduced tuition costs.