Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Generally, counselors have a master's degree in college student affairs, elementary or secondary school counseling, gerontological counseling, marriage and family counseling, substance abuse counseling, rehabilitation counseling, agency or community counseling, mental health counseling, counseling psychology, career counseling, or a related field. Recently, there were 39 states plus the District of Columbia with some form of counselor credentialing legislation—licensure, certification, or registry—for practice outside schools. Requirements vary from state to state. In some states, credentialing is mandatory; in others, voluntary.

Job Outlook:
Overall employment of counselors is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. In addition, replacement needs should increase significantly by the end of the decade as a large number of counselors reach retirement age. There will be approximately 204,000 counselors by 2005.

Sources of Additional Information:

For general information about counseling, as well as information on specialties such as school, college, mental health, rehabilitation, multicultural, career, marriage and family, and gerontological counseling, contact: