Nevada Links
How to Become a Nevada School Counselor
Where are you on your quest to become a Nevada School Counselor?
Explore the information below and learn how you can become a school counselor in Nevada. Some of the information below may be subject to change. In order to make sure you have the most current information, contact your school counseling education program advisor or the Nevada Department of Education Educator Licensure office at [email protected] or 775-687-9115 (Carson City)/702-486-6458 (Las Vegas).
- 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…
Kudos for showing motivation and maturity! Researching a career in school counseling now shows you’re motivated and ambitious. These attributes will serve you well in many areas of your life.
But don’t stop there! The following are recommended steps that will help you learn how to begin pursuing your education as you learn more about a career in school counseling.
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. It is not imperative you enroll in a counseling program at this point, just that you begin pursing an undergraduate degree.
Step Two:
Volunteering is a great way to learn more about a career in the social services working with children and young adults. The organizations can help match you with a volunteering position in Nevada:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada
- Nevada Map of Schools and School Districts
- Use this link to find schools near you. Contact these schools to find out if there are any volunteer programs you may participate in.
Finally, now that you have some direction, get out there and begin looking for volunteering opportunities or even paid opportunities working in schools.
I have already earned a college degree…
The following are the steps necessary for earning your school counseling certification in Nevada:
Step One:
Fulfill educational requirements through one of the following avenues:
- Earn a master’s degree in counseling from a regionally accredited school and complete at least 36 semester hours of graduate credit in school counseling; OR
- Earn a master’s degree in any field, complete 36 semester hours of graduate coursework in school counseling, and have at least two years of experience as a teacher.
Step Two:
Complete a practicum, internship or field experience in school counseling at any grade level in K-12 of 600 hours. If you complete a master’s degree in school counseling, a supervised internship will be part of your program.
Step Three:
Complete a criminal history background check.
Step Four:
Take and pass the Praxis School Counselor (5422) exam.
Step Five:
Complete the application process through OPAL, the Nevada Department of Education’s online portal.
Learn more about the application process here.
I’m a certified counselor from another state…
Nevada does not have reciprocity agreements with any other states for non-teaching licensure. However, you can have your current credentials and transcripts evaluated and will then be awarded a Nevada school counseling certification if your qualifications meet Nevada’s requirements. You must complete the application process through OPAL, the Nevada Department of Education’s online portal.