Online Master’s Degree in School Counseling: Balancing Full-Time Work and Flexibility

Professionals considering a career transition into school counseling — or current educators ready for leadership roles — may find the idea of earning a degree while maintaining a full-time job daunting. Campbellsville University’s (CU) online Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education in School Counseling program is an excellent option for working professionals looking for scheduling flexibility and an accelerated path to becoming a certified school counselor in K-12 schools.

The program’s well-rounded curriculum explores topics such as substance abuse, group counseling, college readiness and ways to help students and their families navigate systems and find the resources they need. Through courses like Foundations of Leadership and Ethics in School Counseling, Human Development, and Counseling Theory and Practice, students learn advanced strategies for connecting with students. As a faith-based university, Campbellsville helps students infuse Christian principles into their practice.

Time Management Strategies for Balancing Work and Graduate School

The defining feature of online schooling is scheduling flexibility. Traditional on-campus programs often hold daytime or evening classes that interfere with work, meetings and family time. Online programs replace a rigid schedule with asynchronous learning, enabling students to access lectures, readings and discussions when time permits. Online learning is ideal for career-changers since it maximizes convenience without compromising the quality of the education they receive.

Successfully completing a graduate degree while working full-time requires organization and careful planning. One strategy is time blocking. Students should set aside specific, recurring periods for schoolwork, such as three hours on a Saturday morning and two hours every Tuesday and Thursday evening. These appointments should be treated with the same respect as a professional meeting.

It’s also helpful for students to connect their existing professional experience to their studies. Whether in education, business or another field, knowledge from years in the workforce can reinforce learning. Real-world experiences can inform assignments, discussions and case studies. This approach makes the material more relevant and helps reduce the mental load of learning new concepts and information.

Meeting Licensure Requirements Through Accredited Online Education

A frequent concern from students is about whether an online degree program has the same validity as an on-campus program. The answer is yes, provided the program has the necessary accreditation standards. Campbellsville University’s online M.A. in Education in School Counseling program meets the same standards as its on-campus program.

Preparation for state licensure requires specific coursework and supervised fieldwork. Most states require candidates to complete a master’s degree and a period of supervised clinical experience, which includes hundreds of hours in practicum and internship placements. Online students complete these hours by working with local schools and an approved supervisor in their area. This ensures students get hands-on experience and can apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings, while meeting the requirements to become eligible for state certification.

How Strong is the Job Market for School Counselors?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for school and career counselors and advisors in May 2024 was $65,140, and employment is projected to grow by 4% through 2034. As student enrollment continues to increase, demand for qualified professionals will also grow.

CU’s master’s program prepares graduates for leadership positions in a variety of educational settings, including K-12 schools, colleges and universities. Some may work as counselors or in administrative student support roles while others may become department heads.

Why Earn Your Online Master’s in School Counseling from CU?

Students in Campbellsville’s online programs benefit from small class sizes where they can network with other students and connect one-on-one with experienced professors in a faith-based environment. From day one, they are matched with a personal online academic advisor who provides assistance along their journey to graduation. Students also gain access to a range of support services in areas such as mental health, career and finance, life management and technical resources.

By choosing Campbellsville University’s online M.A. in Education in School Counseling program, working professionals gain the flexibility to advance their careers while receiving the accredited education and hands-on training needed to meet state licensure requirements. This program enables graduates to make an impact while preparing them for rewarding leadership opportunities in K-12 education and beyond.

Learn more about Campbellsville University’s online M.A. in Education in School Counseling program.