Staff college counselor

Question: I read your article on how one can transition from working as a college counselor aide to an independent contractor college counselor. I am more interested in working as a full-time staff college counselor in a community college or university. How likely is it that I could secure full-time employment after completing a master's degree program in counseling? Could you provide details on the schools that offer a master's degree program in counseling?
— Amy

Response: Most graduates of master's degree programs with a specialty in college counseling start as part-time college counselors before securing full-time employment, particularly in the community college system. Often graduates work part-time at more than one community college. They are known as "freeway fliers."

Job Description
As mentioned in the March 2006 article, independent contractor college counselors primarily work with high school students. Staff college counselors work at a community college or university providing a variety of services to college students and alumni.

For example, college counselors may counsel students who have decided to switch majors. Community college counselors often review students' applications to four-year universities and provide information on financial aid. University college counselors advise students and alumni on career-related issues such as job search techniques and resume writing.

College counselors are also available to students and alumni who need assistance in how to best utilize the resources available at the center. The counselors often coordinate career workshops, seminars and other events such as on-campus recruiting by employers.

Training Options and Costs
Most universities and community college districts such as the Los Angeles Community College District and the Santa Monica Community College District require that college counselors have at least a master's degree in counseling.

The following are specifics on the college counseling master's degree programs offered by California State University, Long Beach and California State University, Northridge. Graduate tuition at both schools is approximately $900 per semester for part-time students and $1,600 per semester for full-time students.

California State University, Long Beach

Educational Psychology, Administration and Counseling Dept.

1250 Bellflower Blvd.

Long Beach, CA 90840

(562) 985-4517

www.ced.csulb.edu/edpac

The college offers a 57-unit master's degree program in counseling with a specialty in student development in higher education. Courses include Student Development in Higher Education, Cross Cultural Counseling and Program Evaluation in Education.

Students typically complete two to three classes per semester. Classes are held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. or from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. There are also some Saturday classes. Most students work part-time in an assistant-level staff position at a community college or university student services/career center.

The program can be completed in four years on a part-time basis or three years on a full-time basis. Enrollment in the program takes place in the fall and the application deadline is March 1st. The department receives approximately 100 applications and accepts 25 degree candidates.

Admission requirements include a minimum GPA of 2.85 in the last 60 semester units of upper division coursework. In addition, you must pass a writing proficiency examination and have three letters of recommendation.

California State University, Northridge

Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling

18111 Nordhoff Street

Northridge, CA 91330

www.csun.edu/edpsy/ccss.html

The college offers a two-year, 60-unit master's degree program in counseling with a specialty in college counseling and student services. The program includes 21 units of core courses in general counseling and 39 units of specialized courses on college counseling. Core courses include Individual and Group Assessment and Research Principles. Specialized courses include American Higher Education and Group Counseling Laboratory. Students attend class year-round.

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, two letters of recommendation, and completion of 9 units of prerequisite coursework in statistics, human development and the fundamentals of counseling.

Professional Associations
You could join the same professional associations as noted in the March 2006 article. Benefits include networking opportunities at conferences, field updates and professional development workshops.

Western Association for College Admission Counselors

PMB 321-145 Plaza Drive, Suite 207

Vallejo, CA 94591

(866) 302-2674

www.wacac.org

This is a regional affiliate of the National Association of College Counselors which services members in California and Nevada. Annual student membership dues are $30.

National Association of College Counselors

1631 Prince Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 836-2222

www.nacacnet.org/MemberPortal/

This is a professional association of post-secondary counselors that provides a list of publications available for purchase.

California Community College Counselor Association (CCCCA)

A division of California Association for Counseling and Development (CACD)

543 Vista Mar Avenue

Pacifica, CA 94044

Phone: (650) 359-6916

Fax: (650) 359-3089

Email: cacd@cacd.org

www.cacd.org

This professional organization promotes counseling excellence in the California community colleges. The stated goals of the association include the creation of a viable network to address the needs, concerns and professional development of community college counselors.

In addition, the organization offers its members support and assistance with respective counseling services. It works to improve communication and cooperation with other agencies and elected representatives. Another goal of the organization is to exert influence in the development of the California Community College system into the nation's undisputed leader in higher education. The organization also facilitates and advocates proactive planning for the future of counseling.

Regular membership dues are $120 and student membership dues are $35.

Pay
Santa Monica College transfer/college counselors earn approximately $54 per hour and Los Angeles Community College District college counselors earn approximately $60 per hour.

The beginning pay of a full-time college counselor varies from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. For example, the beginning annual salary of a California State University staff college counselor is approximately $31,000.

Employment Outlook
Slower than average growth is projected through 2010 for college counselors due to the continuing uncertainty of state funding for education.
 
Susan W. Miller, M.A., is a National Certified Career Counselor, a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist and holds diplomate status on the American Board of Vocational Experts. She heads California Career Services, a private practice career counseling firm in Los Angeles.

E-mail career questions you'd like answered in this column to info@californiacareerservices.com or visit California Career Services at www.californiacareerservices.com.