Oklahoma Links
Oklahoma School Counselors
“Labor conquers all things”—Oklahoma’s state motto is one that its workforce of school counselors takes seriously. These professionals work tirelessly to promote student achievement in the areas of college/career readiness and social/emotional wellbeing.
This Sooner State is home to comprehensive programs and action plans that help school counselors reach every student. For example, in 2016, the New Skills for Youth Grant was awarded to Oklahoma to ensure that all students have the opportunity to successfully secure a postsecondary degree or industry certification that reflects their strengths, passions and skills.
- Top Picks
Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs
#1
Walden University
MS in School Counseling - General Program. Click here to contact Walden University and request information about their programs.
#2
Grand Canyon University
M. Ed in School Counseling (leads to initial Licensure) Click here to contact Grand Canyon University and request information about their programs.
#3
New York University (NYU)
NYU Steinhardt's accredited master of arts program in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling. Through this online program, you will gain the skills you need to become a professional Pre-K-12 school counselor, working with children and families in your community to foster academic achievement and success. Click here to contact New York University and request information about their programs.
#4
University of Denver
Earn a Master's degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.
It is the hope of school counselors that through the support of these opportunities, they will guide Oklahoma students towards a positive and productive future. According to the Oklahoma School Counseling Association, every professional school counselor should be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources to “promote access to a high-quality education and overall success for every student in school.”
Where Have All of Oklahoma’s School Counselors Gone? – Addressing the Shortage of Qualified Counselors
The school counselor shortage in Oklahoma is showing no signs of abating.
As of 2022, Oklahoma had a student-to-counselor ratio of 398 students per one counselor; the American School Counselor Association recommends a ratio of 250 students per one counselor. With no plans to replace the millions of dollars of COVID relief funding lost at the end of 2023 (largely supplied through the Counselor Corps program) and school counselors taking on more students and more tasks than ever before, it’s creating a perfect storm throughout the state.
Many school counselors in Oklahoma have stressed more funding, higher pay, and a greater appreciation for the role they play in the educational system. Many school counselors not only perform their job duties, but they also take on everything from administrative tasks to filling in as substitute teachers and overseeing state testing.
Oklahoma has no mandatory student-to-counselor ratios in place and does not require school counselors to focus their time on any specific area. They also require counselors in elementary schools, but not in middle or high schools.
Counselors in Oklahoma are busy guiding students on everything from academics to jobs to college to their social-emotional health. Nearly one-quarter of all counselors in Oklahoma are assigned to multiple schools, and about 10 percent also work as teachers.
With the loss of COVID funding looming, the state has seen a rise in emergency certifications for school counselors.
What do Oklahoma school counselors do?
Professionals school counselors in Oklahoma help students work through social/emotional challenges, plan their college/career paths, and connect with valuable resources along the way.
Here are a few more roles school counselors in Oklahoma fulfill:
Student growth and development
Through in-class sessions and personal guidance, school counselors offer support for student growth and development. From social challenges that stand in the way of student success to learning challenges that hinder achievement, Oklahoma school counselors are trained to identify issues and offer resources to help students overcome those challenges.
Individual and group counseling
Oklahoma school counselors know when to offer guidance individually or within a group setting. They work closely with teachers, school officials, and families to provide the best support for every student. School guidance counselors provide tools and programs to ensure all students are directed on appropriate paths to success.
Testing and evaluation
With each child’s strengths and weaknesses in mind, school counselors evaluate students and use data-driven results to encourage continued learning. Through up-to-date testing, counselors can inform students and parents of academic challenges and help them overcome any obstacles through comprehensive programs and support.
College and career direction
School counselors have the knowledge and skills to help college/career bound students figure out the best course of action after high school. They can help students pinpoint the top colleges and career paths so as not to waste time and money. They also help students find the best options for financial aid and scholarship resources.
Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in Oklahoma?
Job Market Trends
Oklahoma School Counselor Salary (median) 1
$51,140/year
Number of School Counselors Employed 1
5,320
Projected employment growth in Oklahoma 2
6.3% from 2022-2032
With the ever-growing need for student advocacy and support, school counselors are at the top of the list for providing personal and professional guidance. For those who are enthusiastic about helping the next generation experience success both in school and beyond, the school counseling profession might be a great fit.
Here are a few more reasons why someone should consider becoming a school counselor in Oklahoma:
- About 18% of Oklahoma’s nearly 4 million residents are school-aged and rely on the guidance of school counselors.
- Oklahoma school counselors typically earn $5,000 to $10,000 more each year than teachers.
- This profession is projected to grow steadily in years to come.
- School guidance counselors are leaders in both their schools and communities, advocating for change in America’s educational system.
The tireless work of Oklahoma school counselors cannot be dismissed. Truly, these professionals strive to meet the needs of every student – academically, socially, and emotionally.
Contact schools offering school counseling or mental health counseling programs and learn how you can begin a career as an Oklahoma school counselor.
Whether you are from Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Lawton, Broken Arrow, or anywhere else across the state, you will find school counseling to be a highly rewarding and respected career.
1.) May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics job market and salary figures for Educational, Guidance and Career Counselors and Advisors represents state data not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2025.
2.) School Counselor projections data retrieved from Projections Central, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Data accessed May 2025.