Online Accredited Guidance Counseling Schools: How to Choose

Online programs for guidance counselors are differentiated by their focus, their support for students preparing for licensing requirements and their counseling philosophies. Most degree programs are not available fully online and have some residency requirement, though online-only programs are available.

How to Pick an Accredited Online Guidance Counseling School

Program Focus

There are two major types of programs available online for prospective guidance counselors. One is a vocational program specifically for school guidance counselors. The other is more general, usually termed a community counseling education program, and is meant for many different types of counselors. Students should determine before applying what type of program best fits their career objectives.

Mental Health Professional Licensing Requirements

In most states, mental health professionals such as counselors must fulfill education, testing and practical experience requirements in order to be licensed. Some schools prepare students for licensing by providing some internship or clinical experience, either requiring students to attend campus for the duration of the clinical residency or making provisions for students to get local residency experience. Students should understand a school's residency requirements and ensure that upon graduation they will meet state licensing requirements before enrolling.

School Philosophy and Method

Education programs for guidance counselors apply a variety of different methods and philosophies to their teaching. Some online guidance counseling education programs teach students counseling from a Christian perspective. Others use a secular approach. Students should both be comfortable with the philosophy of the institution that they will attend and be aware of the various career paths that often result from such differences of approach.

Online Options for Guidance Counseling Programs

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

A master's degree program in clinical mental health counseling is a general program designed to give prospective counselors the skills to begin a career in whatever type of counseling they choose. Degree options may include a fully-online program that does not address residency requirements or a hybrid program. In hybrid programs, most work is completed online, while residency requirements are completed on campus.

Master of Education in School Counseling

A master's program in school counseling is specifically designed to teach students to work as counselors in public or private schools. Most education is completed online, with communication via e-mail and message boards, which may be unified into a single education software that allows for real-time online testing and assignment grading and may have provision for voice or video conferencing. This degree option, too, may have both fully-online and hybrid programs available.