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Rhode Island Links

How to Become a Rhode Island School Counselor

Where are you on your quest to become a Rhode Island School Counselor?

Explore the information below and learn how you can become a school counselor in Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island Department of Education at (401) 222-4600.

Featured Programs:
  • 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…

As a high school graduate already researching a career as a Rhode Island school counselor, you are way ahead of the curve. This type of motivation and maturity will serve you well as you continue to learn whether a career in school counseling or education is right for you. But don’t stop here!

Below are recommended steps to help you begin advancing you level of education and exploring what it’s like to work with children and young adults.

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 don’t need to focus on earning a school counseling degree at this point; just begin working toward earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

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Step Two:

Volunteering is a great way to learn more about careers in the social services that are focused on working with children and adolescents. The following are links to organizations who can place you in volunteering positions across the state of Rhode Island:

Finally, don’t be afraid to get out there! Learn what it’s like to work with student-aged individuals. Find out if a career in education is right for you.

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I have already earned a college degree…

The following are the steps necessary for earning your school counseling certification in Rhode Island:

Step One:

Educational requirements for Rhode Island school counselor certification states you must initially have completed a bachelor’s degree. You must also fulfill additional educational requirements through the following avenue:

Step Two:

You must first earn a Rhode Island teaching certification. You can find all the requirements for earning a Rhode Island teaching certification here.

Step Three:

You must complete at least two years of teaching. You must also complete a three-semester-hour supervised school counseling internship, which you’ll likely complete as part of your school counseling preparation program.

Step Four:

Follow the procedures and instructions (listed here) for applying for your Rhode Island school counselor certification.

Download and complete the Expert Residency Preliminary Certification Application or apply online through the Rhode Island Department of Education online portal.

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I’m a certified counselor from another state…

Rhode Island offers school counselor certification through reciprocity agreements with participating states. However, you will still need to complete an application and have your current credentials verified. You can find instructions for the certification procedure here.

The following state have Inter-State Flexibility with Rhode Island:

  • North Carolina          
  • Connecticut   
  • Maryland       
  • Pennsylvania
  • Delaware       
  • Massachusetts          
  • South Carolina
  • District of Columbia 
  • New Hampshire        
  • Vermont
  • Florida           
  • New Jersey    
  • Virginia
  • Georgia          
  • New York       
  • Maine
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