School psychologists and school counselors are critical members of academic communities and are devoted to making a positive impact within students’ educational and personal development. As greater numbers of young people are reporting mental health issues and high levels of anxiety, there is a growing demand for both school psychologists and school counselors, and both roles offer opportunities for a successful and rewarding career. There are, however, key differences between the two professions. Understanding the differences will help you select the career path that is right for you.

What is a School Psychologist?

School psychologists are graduate-level professionals who work with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to screen, evaluate and monitor the social-emotional and academic well-being of students, especially those who may need special education services. They can also implement school-wide academic, mental health and behavioral services to support overall building-level academic and socio-emotional development. School psychologists are trained to conduct psychoeducational evaluations and consult with teachers to develop and implement individualized learning supports and behavioral interventions.

What is a School Counselor?

School counselors are professionals who also support the social and academic needs of students. Many school counselors work individually with students who are experiencing stressors or adverse events, either at school or in the home, and to develop strategies that help manage those stressors. Either individually or in small groups, they focus on helping students work on the practical skills they need for a successful educational experience. School counselors also discuss course choices for the following year and investigate options for attending post-secondary school.

What's the Difference Between a School Psychologist and School Counselor?

School psychologists and school counselors often collaborate with one another to support students’ mental health, social, and academic needs, but there are key distinctions that require different levels of education and experience. School counselors typically offer general counseling services to the entire student population and must be aware of mental health and learning challenges, in addition to course options for the following year. School psychologists often work with targeted student populations and are trained to screen, evaluate, and identify students with various disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disability, and Intellectual Disability. They advocate for evidence-based prevention and intervention efforts to address the academic and behavioral needs of students.

Education and Training Requirements

School Counselor 

Those interested in becoming a school counselor must earn a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. Some states may require a degree in psychology, social work, education, applied behavior analysis, or other relevant social science. The coursework for a master’s degree program must align with the standards set by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and include state-specific requirements for internship and fieldwork experience in an educational setting. Some school counselors begin their careers as teachers before earning an advanced degree in school counseling and becoming licensed as a school counselor. Unlike school psychologists, school counselors do not need extensive training in the practice of psychology.

School Psychologist

To become a school psychologist, an individual must hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field and a specialist degree in school psychology along with a year-long internship that provides at supervised work experience. Master’s degree programs such as Drexel’s Educational Specialist (EdS) in School Psychology provides the required coursework and training for assuming the role of a school psychologist.

Job Responsibilities

School Counselor 

School counselors help students develop a range of skills that promote success within the school setting. They work with students to improve interpersonal skills, set goals for academic performance, and provide general counseling services for issues like peer pressure and substance use. School counselors also help students develop study and time-management skills, and they offer guidance for life after graduation by advising on career options and the college selection and application process.

School Psychologist 

School psychologists focus on students’ academic, social, and behavioral needs and are trained to conduct psycho- educational and behavioral evaluations and to create and implement research-based interventions for addressing those challenges. They identify special academic needs and consult with teachers on implementing learning strategies into action. At a systems level, school psychologists consult on school-wide issues, such as bullying or anxiety, and help to develop preventive measures. School psychologists work directly with students but also coordinate with teachers, families, and administrators to implement and monitor psychological, behavioral, and academic interventions.

Licensure

School Counselor 

Requirements for becoming a certified school counselor vary from state to state and can change over time, so individuals should consult directly with their state’s education department for the most up-to-date information. Generally, state certification guidelines outline the educational, internship, and examination requirements needed to apply for certification. In Pennsylvania, aspiring school counselors must complete an approved master’s degree in school counseling, coursework that includes supervised practicum experience, 300+ additional hours of internship or supervised fieldwork experience that includes direct service with individuals and groups and earn a qualifying score on the Professional School Counseling Praxis examination. Many states require license renewal every five years and continuing education hours during that period; in Pennsylvania school counselors must renew their license after their first three years of satisfactory service.

School Psychologist 

Requirements for becoming a certified school psychologist also vary from state to state. In general, licensing guidelines outline educational, internship, and examination requirements, and individuals should consult directly with their state’s education department for specific and most up-to-date information. To obtain certification in Pennsylvania, aspiring school psychologists must earn a master’s degree, complete an additional 30-credit program in school psychology, complete a 1-year supervised internship, and achieve a score of 147 or higher on the School Psychologist Praxis examination. A Level I certification is valid for six years, and after three years of satisfactory service, individuals may apply for a Level II certification, which is valid for 99 years. Certified school psychologists in Pennsylvania are required to complete 180 hours of continuing education credits every five years.

Skills

School Counselor 

School counselors must develop a range of skills that foster trusting relationships with students and that are action-oriented in helping students through life’s challenges and decisions. Communication skills, empathy, patience, emotional intelligence, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality are key qualities for working successfully with students. It’s important for school counselors to understand diversity and how a student’s race, gender identity, or socioeconomic circumstances may affect their experience of daily life. Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills are also critical skills for a school counselor, along with the ability to identify when students may be in harmful situations and to take appropriate action.

School Psychologist 

School psychologists must possess the same skills as school counselors. They must also develop additional skills related to the practice of psychology, including knowledge of theories of human behavior and the analytical and critical thinking skills to apply theories to student evaluation, diagnoses, and the design of interventions. School psychologists must have research skills to assess a range of methodologies and apply research-backed and evidence-based tools to the work they do. Other key skills include the ability to advocate for students’ interests, when communicating with students’ parents, teachers, and school administrators and proposing intervention strategies.

Salary and Job Outlook

School Counselor 

The median salary for a school counselor is $60,510 annually. Salaries may vary based on location, education level, and years of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the field of school counseling are expected to grow 10% between 2021 and 2031, faster than expected growth for other professions.

School Psychologist 

The median salary for a school psychologist is $78,780 annually. Similar to school counselors, school psychologist salaries may vary based on location, education level, experience, and type of license. There is a growing demand for school psychologists as the field of education continues to recognize the connection between mental health and academic performance, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of jobs in school psychology to grow 6% between 2021 and 2031.

Pursue a Career in School Psychology or School Counseling with Drexel University

School psychologists and school counselors both provide critical support services along students’ educational journeys, and the need for well-trained professionals in these fields is expected to grow in the coming years. As you consider the career path that’s right for you, it’s important to select the academic program or programs that will best prepare you for the specific responsibilities you will perform in either role, school psychologist or school counselor.

Start the admissions process today or contact us for more information.