Schools today face growing challenges when it comes to supporting students’ academic success, mental health, and future planning. From helping a student navigate anxiety to guiding families through college decisions, school counselors play a vital role in helping young people succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
For individuals who feel called to support students in meaningful ways, school counseling offers a career that combines advocacy, mentorship, and leadership within the educational system.
“At its core, school counseling is about helping students discover what’s possible for their lives,” said Dennis Frank, Ph.D., director of The University of Olivet’s Online Master of Arts in School Counseling program. “School counselors help students overcome barriers, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.”
What Do School Counselors Do?
School counselors work with students across elementary, middle, and high school settings to support their academic progress, social-emotional well-being, and long-term goals. While many people associate school counselors primarily with college planning, their responsibilities are much broader.
School counselors may:
- Provide individual or group counseling for students
- Teach classroom lessons on topics like emotional regulation or decision-making
- Help students develop academic plans
- Support college and career readiness
- Respond to crises affecting students or school communities
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families
“School counselors are often the bridge between students, families, and the broader school system,” Dr. Frank explained. “They help create environments where every student feels supported and has access to opportunities for growth.”
Increasingly, school counselors also use data-informed approaches to identify challenges within a school community. By analyzing information such as attendance, discipline trends, or academic performance, counselors can design programs and interventions that address barriers to student success.
Preparing for a Career in School Counseling
Becoming a school counselor typically requires completing a master’s degree in school counseling along with supervised field experience in school settings.
Graduate programs help future counselors build the knowledge and skills needed to work with diverse student populations while navigating the complex dynamics of modern schools.
Coursework often covers topics such as:
- Counseling theories and techniques
- Human development and behavior
- Social justice and cultural responsiveness
- Testing and assessment procedures
- Crisis intervention
- College and career planning
Students also gain practical experience through supervised practicum and internship placements in K–12 schools.
“Learning the theory is important, but the real growth happens when students begin working directly with young people,” Dr. Frank said. “Those hands-on experiences help future counselors understand the realities of school environments and develop the confidence they need to lead and advocate for students.”
Supporting the Whole Student
One of the defining principles of school counseling is the idea that students’ academic success is deeply connected to their emotional well-being and sense of belonging.
School counselors take a holistic approach, helping students navigate personal challenges while building the skills needed to succeed academically and socially.
For example, counselors may help a student who is struggling with anxiety learn coping strategies, assist another student in creating a graduation plan, or work with families to address barriers that affect attendance or engagement.
“School counselors play an essential role in helping students feel seen and supported,” Dr. Frank said. “When students know there is someone in their corner, it can change their entire experience at school.”
Leadership and Advocacy in Schools
Beyond working directly with students, school counselors also serve as leaders within their schools. They collaborate with educators and administrators to develop programs that promote positive school climates and equitable access to opportunities.
Modern school counseling programs emphasize advocacy and systems-level thinking. Counselors learn to identify inequities that may affect certain student populations and design strategies to address those challenges.
For example, a counselor might:
- Launch a mentoring program for first-generation college-bound students
- Develop interventions to improve attendance
- Implement school-wide lessons on resilience or stress management
“Effective school counselors think both individually and systemically,” Dr. Frank explained. “They help individual students while also working to improve the systems that affect student success.”
A Career with Lasting Impact
For many school counselors, the most rewarding part of the profession is witnessing the long-term impact of their work.
A conversation with a student about career goals, encouragement during a difficult moment, or support during the college application process can shape a young person’s future in lasting ways.
“Years later, former students often come back and share how a counselor influenced their path,” Dr. Frank said. “Those moments remind us that even small interactions can have a profound impact.”
As schools continue to recognize the importance of student mental health and academic planning, the need for well-trained school counselors remains strong.
For individuals who want to work closely with young people while helping build stronger school communities, school counseling offers a meaningful and impactful career path.
Taking the First Step
If you’re passionate about helping young people grow, overcome challenges, and plan for their futures, school counseling can be a powerful way to make a difference—one student at a time.
The Online Master of Arts in School Counseling at The University of Olivet in Michigan prepares future counselors with the knowledge, practical experience, and mentorship needed to support students in today’s schools. Learn more about the program or connect with our admissions team to explore the next steps.