Alaska Links
How to Become an Alaska School Counselor
Where are you on your quest to become an Alaska School Counselor?
Explore the information below and learn how you can become a school counselor in Alaska. Some of the information below may be subject to change. Direct any questions to the Alaska Department of Education licensing department at (907) 465-2831.
- 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.
I’m a High School Graduate…
Ready to become a school counselor? You’ll need an education to get you where you want to be. Here are the steps you’ll want to take:
Step One:
Gather information from schools offering associate degree programs or bachelor degree programs in psychology, counseling, or any type of program you are currently interested in. You won’t need to earn a school counseling degree at this point, but you’ll definitely need an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree to get you started.
Step Two:
Volunteering is a great way to learn more about a career in a social services field like school counseling. The following organizations are a great place to begin working with children and young adults in Alaska:
- Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Alaska (they can connect you with mentoring opportunities across the state of Alaska)
- A list of Alaska school districts and their contact information
- Use this link to find schools near you as well as each school’s contact information. Contact these schools to find out if there are any volunteer programs you may participate in.
Lastly, take your time to explore various career options. In the field of education, there are many opportunities that require individuals with various talents. Whether you pursue a career as a counselor, teacher, administrator or school psychologist, you’ll be part of something special!
I have already earned a college degree…
The following are the steps necessary for earning your school counseling certification in Alaska:
Step One:
You’ll need to fulfill the requirements established by the Alaska Department of Education to become a school counselor. The minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree, although a master’s degree is recommended. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, you must earn one of the following:
- A teaching certification in any field (or an alternative teacher certification program with an endorsement in school counseling and is accepted by the Alaska Board of Education or Commissioner)
OR
- A master’s degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited university
- Find accredited programs on the Alaska Department of Education’s website
Step Two:
Complete additional coursework in Alaska studies and multicultural coursework:
- Complete three semester hours of study in Alaska Studies
- Complete three semester hours of study in Alaska Multicultural coursework
Complete four mandatory trainings on sexual abuse, alcohol/drug-related disabilities, dating violence awareness and prevention, and suicide awareness and prevention.
All credits must be earned within the last 5 years.
Step Three:
Complete a background check by submitting fingerprint cards and an application for a background check. The fingerprint processing fee is $66.
Step Four:
You must request official transcripts from all secondary education schools you have attended. An Institutional Recommendation form must also be completed. Learn how to submit your transcripts here.
Step Five:
You must apply for the Type C Special Service Certificate through the Alaska Department of Education’s Educator Application & Certification Hub (TEACH-AK).
Learn more about how to apply for certification here.
I’m a teacher in Alaska and wish to become a school counselor…
If you are already a teacher in Alaska, it’s fairly easy to make the transition to school counselor.
Because you’ve already completed your background check and the required coursework for all Alaskan certified educators and have already earned a bachelor’s degree and a teacher certification program, you can set your sights on completing a regionally accredited school counseling program and then submitting an application for the Type C Special Services Certificate.
I’m a certified counselor from another state…
The Alaska Department of Education accepts many school counseling programs across the country. You will need to contact your school counseling program provider and have them complete an institutional recommendation form and have it sent to the Alaska Department of Education.
You will also need to submit a Type C Special Service Certificate application.