Define Guidance Counselor – Are School Counselors and Guidance Counselors the Same?

If you have been planning a career as a guidance counselor, providing direct support to students in school settings, you’re sure to find a rewarding career ahead of you – but under a different name.

Since the 90s, the job title “guidance counselor” has been going out of style, replaced by the broader title of “school counselor.”

This allows a more expansive definition of the job, responding to the variety of responsibilities counselors take on within academic environments. Indeed, the role of school counselors has been of growing significance as educators, parents, and mental health professionals acknowledge the critical means of support counselors can provide to students who are struggling. For those thinking of entering the field, this means you’re likely to enter a professional landscape with more options for you.

So what is school counseling, and how does someone pursue a career path as a school counselor? This article will provide you with all the information you need and more to build a lasting and impactful career.

Changing Terminology, Changing Career Paths

When you think of a “school counselor” or a “guidance counselor,” chances are you imagine fairly similar job descriptions. However, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) specifically promotes use of “school counselor,” arguing that this terminology reflects the evolving nature of the role.

Traditionally, guidance counselors were chiefly focused on helping students choose their vocational paths, particularly for students who were considering pathways other than college. Nowadays, however, school counselors are equipped to support students through a host of issues and needs, from mental health concerns to academic struggles. They can even serve as monitors of student welfare, designing intervention plans when students exhibit signs of distress.

The Job Description of a School Counselor

If you’re wondering why “guidance counselor” is no longer an apt designation for people in these roles, you may be wondering, what does a school counselor do in contemporary school settings?

The duties of a school counselor will vary depending on where they work, but they can include the following:

• Providing academic support for students who are struggling, including designing individual educational plans (IEPs) for students with learning differences
• Offering individual and group counseling for students struggling with emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues
• Giving career and college guidance to students who are soon to graduate from high school
• Working in crisis intervention for students facing emergencies, acting as a liaison between parents, teachers, and outside resources
• Creating school wide initiatives to promote a culture of inclusivity, respect, and kindness
• Overseeing record-keeping programs to stay aware of students’ statuses as well as creating data-driven studies (see below for more info)

As you can see, this goes far beyond simply helping students choose their next steps after graduation, making it understandable that school counselors wish to hold job titles that reflect their varied and holistic skills.

Why the Distinction Matters

Though it may seem like a negligible difference, the guidance counselor vs. school counselor distinction is an important one. Studies have shown that these different job titles can actually impact how practitioners’ performances are evaluated and the expectations that are set for them.

Indeed, a report by the ASCA conducted a survey of school counselors, providing a document that outlined key competencies and responsibilities expected of professionals in that role. For half of the respondents, these documents listed the job title of “school counselor,” while for the other half, they listed “guidance counselor.” Broadly speaking, these surveys asked the question “What does a school counselor do?” (Or, alternatively, “What does a guidance counselor do?”)

Interestingly, to a significant extent, those who received the forms that asked them to define “guidance counselor” responsibilities reported lower expectations that such professionals could fulfill the 25 tasks listed on the survey, while those whose forms said “school counselor” reported higher confidence.

This illustrates the real impact of using the title “school counselors,” as it can improve practitioners’ faith in their own abilities, setting a high bar for their work that they are nevertheless certain to meet if they bring their training, talent, and passion to their work.

New Titles, Same Requirements

Despite the transition from the designation “guidance counselor” to “school counselor,” the general qualifications needed to enter the field have not significantly changed. Below is a general overview of school and guidance counselor requirements to become a licensed professional:

1. Obtain a relevant master’s degree.

There are several different paths that can provide a degree in guidance counselor training, including School Counseling, Human Service Counseling, Education Counseling, Counseling Psychology – School Counseling track, and more. These can be found across the country, in programs including on-campus, online, and hybrid options. They typically take 2-3 years to complete on a full time schedule.

To qualify for a master’s program, you must first hold a bachelor’s degree, so if you haven’t yet completed that step, that will need to precede the rest of this process.

2. Obtain state certification or licensure.

Becoming a counseling professional in any educational environment typically requires some form of school or guidance counselor certification, no matter what state you’re in. However, licensing requirements will vary by state, meaning it’s critical to do your research to be sure you are preparing adequately for the location where you intend to build your career.

3. When necessary, gain additional practical experience.

In some cases, you may be expected to complete additional practical experience in order to qualify for licensure in your state. This is especially common for those who are pursuing an advanced form of certification or sub-specialization in a unique area of the field.

4. Maintain certification through continuing education.

Most states require school counselors to complete continuing education courses periodically to be sure that they are up to date in their core competencies and the methodologies they use in their practices. Thanks to the arrival of remote learning technology, it is often possible to attend CE courses online, making this a far more convenient and accessible process than it used to be.

You can learn more about the specific licensing requirements in each state, as well as information about in-person and online guidance counselor programs, in the guides included on this website.

FAQs

Is it possible to get a legitimate degree through online guidance counselor programs?

Yes! There are online school counseling master’s programs throughout the country that can provide an education as rigorous as what you would find at an on-campus program. These are designed to qualify graduates for the school and guidance counselor certification needed to launch thriving careers in educational settings.

What is the difference between a school counselor vs. guidance counselor degree?

Most programs today will offer concentrations in School Counseling, as this is now considered to be the proper designation for those in this line of work. However, you may still hear the term “guidance counselor” used informally, which tends to refer to the same role in educational settings. It’s worth confirming that any programs you apply to are properly accredited and intended for future licensed school counseling professionals.

Do I need to have a credential (i.e., a license) to qualify for guidance counselor jobs?

Yes. Because school counselors take on such delicate responsibilities in their work with young people, it is a strict expectation in every state in the country that they hold proper licensure. This ensures that they have received thorough training and preparation to support students in need.

What is the average guidance counselor salary in the U.S.?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tracks national and state salary data across professions, the median annual salary for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors employed at elementary and secondary schools is $74,910. Those earning in the 90th percentile nationally can earn $100,050 or more.

2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures reflect state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed February 2025.