Anyone have their master's in guidance counseling?

I'm currently thinking about going back to school for my master's in counseling.

Not sure if I'd go full time, although I'd definitely prefer to get it out of the way in 1 year.

Anyone have this degree? How is the market for this in LI high schools? Is it difficult to find a job right now in this field?

Any info would be greatly appreciated

Re: Anyone have their master's in guidance counseling?

I do not have this degree but my father just completed his about two years ago as did my uncle's wife. My dad is not currently working in the field but he did have many offers once he graduated - Mainly because he is a man and had a certification in special ed. My uncle's wife had a bit of a hard time finding a job - It took her between 6 - 8 months.
Hope this little bit of info helps -

Re: Anyone have their master's in guidance counseling?

Teri ... I may get my EdM in Counseling too. My school offers a dual program and I can get my EdM for an additional 27 credits after I graduate (granted all my current electives are in Counseling). I think the counseling degree would help in our current field too, so as of now, I'm going for it - mostly to use in HR but with the option of changing professions, if I decide, when we have kids. Who knows if things will change!

I have no expert advice for you ... just my own personal opinion that I think couseling is a great field, plus coming for the business arena may help.

I'm hoping for an ease for people getting in a LI school when the baby boomers start to retire. Who knows if those predictions are true!

Good Luck though!

Re: Anyone have their master's in guidance counseling?

Thanks for the info Meg!

Cira - We have so much in common! I'm considering a change for a variety of reasons, but you really can't beat the school schedule if you're going to be a working parent. I originally went to school as an El Ed major, but didn't enjoy it as much as I'd like.

I wonder if there's any field work involved with getting the master's? Or writing a thesis? The thought of that scares me already! LOL

Re: Anyone have their master's in guidance counseling?

Field work ... yes, at my school. I go to Teacher's College, Columbia University. But since I plan to do it as a double degree, I'm hoping to do counseling work at my job and apply it to my practicum. However, that doesn't cut it for being a guidance counselor at school. My intention would be to make up the extra work I need then and get certified ... of course, if I go that route!

But I read for powerlunch at work and once I walk into the school -- it's a totally different life. Constant screaming and running around -- so different from my day at the office. Who knows what will happen, but check the program out.

Re: Anyone have their master's in guidance counseling?

Sorry - what do you mean that you read for powerlunch?! I'm clueless! LOL

Re: Anyone have their master's in guidance counseling?

I have a MEd in Counseling from Hofstra

email me if you have questions

Re: Anyone have their master's in guidance counseling?

Powerlunch is a program that gathers up volunteers to come into a school and read to a child during their lunch break, one day a week!

Re: Anyone have their master's in guidance counseling?

ahhh - that makes sense! Although all those screaming kids don't sound too appealing right now! LOL

I really just need to research further, and find out what all of my options are. There's an open house at Hofstra in a few wks for their graduate programs, so hopefully that will be informative.

Thanks again everyone!