How to Become a School Counselor in Arkansas for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

School counselors in Arkansas play a key role in supporting students’ academic growth, career readiness, and social-emotional well-being. They collaborate with teachers, families, and administrators to create safe, inclusive, and achievement-focused learning environments. In Arkansas, school counselors also help students navigate postsecondary options, address personal challenges, and access community resources.

The profession requires strong communication, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to student success across diverse backgrounds. With the right education, licensure, and practical training, aspiring counselors can make a lasting impact on the state’s youth. In this guide, we outline the steps to become a school counselor in Arkansas.

Key Things to Know About Becoming a School Counselor in Arkansas

Get a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field—Arkansas requires this for licensure.
Complete supervised internship hours, typically around 600 hours, to gain hands-on experience in schools.
Pass the Praxis School Counselor exam and apply for your Arkansas Professional School Counselor license to start working.

What degree do I need to become a school counselor in Arkansas?
Are there school counseling specializations in Arkansas?
How long does it take to complete a school counseling degree in Arkansas?
What certification is required to work as a school counselor in Arkansas?
Can I transfer my Arkansas school counseling license between states?
How often do Arkansas school counselors need to renew their credentials?
What are the alternative pathways to become a school counselor in Arkansas?
What is the average salary of school counselors in Arkansas?
What is the job outlook for school counselors in Arkansas?
What are the career advancement opportunities for school counselors in Arkansas?
What challenges do school counselors in Arkansas typically encounter?
Other Things You Should Know About Being a School Counselor in Arkansas

What degree do I need to become a school counselor in Arkansas?

To get started as a school counselor in Arkansas, you need to meet certain education requirements that focus on graduate-level preparation. Here’s a quick rundown of the degrees you’ll need to pursue.

Bachelor’s Degree: This is your first step—earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Your major doesn’t have to be counseling or psychology, but having that background can definitely give you a leg up when applying for a master’s program.
Master’s Degree in School Counseling (or Related Field): The key degree is a master’s degree in school counseling, approved by the Arkansas Department of Education. This program includes coursework and hands-on practicum or internship experiences focused on K–12 school counseling, which is crucial for meeting the school counselor education requirements Arkansas has in place.
Completion of Practicum and Internship: You’ll also need to complete at least 100 hours of supervised practicum over a 10-week term, along with additional internships. These experiences are designed to help you build real-world skills in counseling and school-based interventions.

For those interested in exploring the best counseling psychology programs to help with the master’s degree in school counseling Arkansas requires, check out this helpful resource on best counseling psychology programs.

Are there school counseling specializations in Arkansas?

If you’re exploring school counseling specializations in Arkansas, you’ll find several focused paths designed to prepare you for diverse roles in K-12 settings. These school counselor degree emphasis areas Arkansas programs equip you with skills to support students academically, socially, and emotionally.

K-12 School Counseling: Prepares counselors to guide students through academic achievement, career planning, and social/emotional growth at all grade levels, with an emphasis on culturally competent support.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (with School Focus): Focuses on addressing mental health challenges within school environments, including crisis intervention and trauma, helping students with complex needs.
Rehabilitation Counseling (School-Based): Supports students with disabilities by helping with educational planning, transition services, and advocacy tailored to individual needs.
Leadership in School Counseling: Trains counselors for administrative and advocacy roles, developing skills to manage and assess comprehensive guidance programs in schools.
Accelerated or Dual Degree Pathways: Allows undergraduates to start graduate coursework early, speeding up completion and expanding qualifications for school counseling careers.

Graduates from these CACREP-accredited programs are well-positioned to meet Arkansas’s licensure requirements and evolving school needs. If you’re curious about the potential benefits, especially around earning potential, check out this mental health counselor salary info to get a clearer picture of the field’s prospects.

How long does it take to complete a school counseling degree in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, earning a master’s degree in school counseling typically takes about two to three years for full-time students. Most programs require between 48 and 60 credit hours, depending on the university you choose. Part-time students usually take longer—around three to five years—because they balance fewer courses each semester. The pace you set and whether you study online or in person can also influence how quickly you finish.

Arkansas programs include important hands-on experience through practicum and internships, which are essential for licensure. These usually add up to at least 100 hours and are spread over several semesters. Besides the coursework and field experience, you’ll need to pass state-required exams, like the Praxis tests, which can extend your timeline if you need extra prep or scheduling time. These licensing steps are a key part of becoming a certified school counselor in Arkansas.

For those who already have a master’s in a related counseling field, there’s the option of post-master’s certificates that take about a year to complete. For example, Southern Arkansas University offers a 12-credit graduate certificate that you can finish by taking two classes per semester, including summer sessions. This path is a quicker way to earn school counseling credentials without going through a full degree again.

What certification is required to work as a school counselor in Arkansas?

To work as a school counselor in Arkansas public schools, you need to get certified by the state after finishing your counseling degree. The Arkansas Department of Education handles this, and the process makes sure you’re ready to support students in many ways. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to do:

Apply for Initial Licensure: Submit your application through the Arkansas Educator Licensure System with proof that you completed an approved graduate counseling program.
Background Check and Fingerprinting: Complete state and federal criminal background checks, including fingerprinting, to ensure student safety.
Pass Required Exams: Take and pass the Praxis II School Counselor exam (code 5422) with a score of at least 156 to show your counseling knowledge.
Child Maltreatment Training: Finish state-approved training on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect, a must for all school staff.
Gain Experience: Work under an initial license valid for five years, complete one year of mentoring, and demonstrate your skills through performance reviews.
Upgrade to Standard Licensure: After meeting initial requirements, apply to renew your license every five years with ongoing professional development.

most school counselors likely to work at education companies

Can I transfer my Arkansas school counseling license between states?

No, Arkansas doesn’t have automatic reciprocity agreements with other states for school counseling licenses. This means you can’t just take your Arkansas license and start working in another state without jumping through some hoops. Instead, most states use something called “licensure by endorsement” or “licensure by credential.” Basically, you apply to have your Arkansas license and qualifications reviewed, and if the new state thinks you meet their standards, they might grant you a license.

Here’s what you usually need to do when moving your school counseling license from Arkansas to another state:

Submit an application with proof of your Arkansas license, transcripts, and graduate degree details.
Provide verification of your counseling experience—some states want to see how long you’ve worked.
Complete a criminal background check or fingerprinting as required.
Pass any state-specific exams, which could include law, ethics, or a version of the Praxis test.
Take additional coursework if your original program doesn’t cover the new state’s specific requirements.
Some states offer temporary or provisional licenses so you can work while finishing up extra requirements.

Transferring a school counseling license from Arkansas can take months, often requiring extra coursework or testing, and acceptance isn’t guaranteed since each state’s licensing board has the final say. One counselor who graduated from a local Arkansas university and moved to a neighboring state shared her frustration at discovering her license didn’t transfer automatically, forcing her to gather transcripts, secure official verifications, and pass a state-specific ethics exam.

Although the process was slow, she valued the provisional license that allowed her to work while completing additional requirements and credited Arkansas’s strong program for helping her feel prepared. The wait and extra steps, she said, taught her patience and underscored how much states value their own standards—showing that understanding the process early and staying organized can make the transition smoother. This perspective adds valuable context as we explore data on the average age of school counselors, offering insight into the profession’s workforce composition.

How often do Arkansas school counselors need to renew their credentials?

In Arkansas, school counselors need to renew their credentials every 5 years to keep practicing in K-12 public schools. The renewal process is straightforward but requires attention to a few important steps to stay compliant and up-to-date.

Renewal Frequency: Licenses must be renewed every five years to remain valid.
Professional Development: Complete state-mandated workshops, conferences, or trainings and upload proof as a single PDF or record it in the Arkansas Ideas system.
Scientific Reading Instruction: Provide documentation showing awareness of scientific reading instruction, a new requirement since December 2023.
Background Check: Submit a cleared Arkansas State Police and FBI background check, including fingerprinting and a Child Maltreatment Central Registry Form.
Application Submission: Renewals are submitted online through the Arkansas Educator Licensure System (AELS); paper forms aren’t accepted anymore.
Renewal Fee: Pay a $75 nonrefundable fee during your online application; sometimes your school district may cover this cost.
Verification of Professional Development: If you’ve been working continuously in an Arkansas public school, your PD hours may auto-populate, otherwise upload a signed verification form.
Proof of Employment: If you weren’t employed for the full five years but completed PD, upload supporting documents to verify your activities.
License Printing: Print your renewed license anytime from the Educator View screen in AELS since paper licenses are no longer issued.

What are the alternative pathways to become a school counselor in Arkansas?

If you’re switching careers or don’t have a traditional education background, Arkansas offers some solid alternative certification for school counselor Arkansas options. These routes help you get licensed while gaining the right training and experience.

Provisional or Conditional Licensure: Allows you to work in schools while finishing required graduate coursework and supervised fieldwork.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs: Open to non-education majors, these programs provide counseling coursework and internships without needing prior teaching experience.
Supervised School Counseling Internship: A 600-hour hands-on internship substitutes the usual teaching requirement for licensure.
Alternative Preparation Programs: Designed for those with a bachelor’s degree, combining coursework, fieldwork, and exams.
Exams and Background Check: Passing the Praxis II School Guidance and Counseling Test and completing a background check are musts.

These non-traditional school counselor pathways in Arkansas give you a clear way to enter the field, fulfilling all requirements, including supervised experience and exams. For more info on program standards, check out the CACREP accreditation criteria.

What is the average salary of school counselors in Arkansas?

The average salary for school counselors in Arkansas sits around $47,968 a year. If you’re thinking about this career, it’s good to know what impacts how much you might earn.

Experience and Education Level: The more years you’ve been in the field and the higher your degree, the better your paycheck usually is.
Geographic Location: Urban areas tend to pay more than rural spots because of cost differences and budgets.
School District Funding: Districts with bigger budgets can offer higher salaries, while smaller districts might not stretch as far.
Role and Job Title: Specialized or lead roles often come with better pay than entry-level or elementary school positions.
Demand and Supply: If there aren’t many counselors around, schools might offer more to attract talent.

I chatted with a school counselor from Arkansas who graduated from a local university. He said, “Starting out, the salary felt modest, but knowing the value I bring and the difference I make kept me motivated. Over time, with more experience and taking on extra responsibilities, my pay improved steadily.” He also mentioned that while the salary might not be the highest, the benefits and the chance to impact students’ lives made the financial trade-off worthwhile. “It’s not just about the numbers,” he reflected, “it’s about growing in a role that truly matters.”

The chart below shows a breakdown of school counselors demographics:

What is the job outlook for school counselors in Arkansas?

The school counselor employment growth in Arkansas is looking pretty strong, with a projected increase of 9.1% from 2018 to 2028. That’s more than double the national average growth rate of about 4% expected from 2023 to 2033 for school and career counselors. As of 2025, there were around 1,930 school counselors working in the state, earning between $47,968 and $55,860 annually, depending on where they’re located.

Student Enrollment Trends: Arkansas schools are seeing steady or rising student numbers, which means more counselors are needed to help with academic and social support.
Mental Health Needs: There’s growing awareness of mental health in schools, so counselors play a bigger role in providing emotional support and resources.
State Education Initiatives: Programs focused on student well-being, career readiness, and anti-bullying rely heavily on school counselors to be successful.
Regional Salary Differences: Salaries vary quite a bit, with Hot Springs and Fayetteville offering some of the highest pay, reflecting local demand and budgets.
Career Advancement: Experienced counselors with extra credentials can boost their earnings significantly, sometimes making over $83,000 a year in specialized roles.
National Comparisons: While Arkansas salaries tend to be lower than the national median of $67,424, the lower cost of living and strong job market make it an attractive place to work.

Keeping up with the key differences between LPC and LCSW degrees can also help counselors expand their qualifications and take advantage of career growth opportunities. Overall, the Arkansas school counselor job market trends show a stable and growing demand driven by student needs and state support.

What are the career advancement opportunities for school counselors in Arkansas?

If you're thinking about career advancement for school counselors in Arkansas, there are plenty of paths to explore beyond the usual counseling roles. With the right experience and education, you can step into leadership roles for school counselors in Arkansas that truly make a difference.

Lead School Counselor/Senior Counselor: Oversee counseling programs and mentor new staff, usually needing several years of experience and proven effectiveness.
School Counseling Program Coordinator: Manage counseling services across schools, requiring a master’s degree and skills in program administration.
College and Career Coach: Help students plan their futures, especially in grades 7–12, with specialized training in career development.
District Director of Counseling Services: Lead district-wide counseling efforts, often needing advanced degrees and leadership credentials.
School Administration: Move into assistant principal or principal roles by gaining educational leadership certification.
Postsecondary Counselor/Advisor: Transition to higher education advising with relevant experience and training.
Private Practice or Clinical Counseling: Enter clinical settings after obtaining licensure like LPC, requiring extra coursework and supervised hours.

Advancing in these roles often means committing to ongoing learning—check out resources like the Arkansas School Counselor Association and consider programs such as the cheapest online school counseling programs to boost your qualifications and open new doors.

What challenges do school counselors in Arkansas typically encounter?

School counselors in Arkansas face multiple challenges, including managing high caseloads and limited resources while striving to provide individualized guidance for diverse student needs. They often balance administrative responsibilities with the demands of direct student interaction, which can strain time management and contribute to professional burnout. Additionally, navigating evolving educational policies and integrating emerging technologies into counseling practices require continuous adaptation and learning. Addressing these challenges may involve targeted professional development and strategic networking to enhance support systems, such as exploring the fastest way to become a counselor in Arkansas.

What do school counselors in Arkansas say about their career?

Completing my school counseling program at Fayetteville High School truly prepared me for the unique challenges of working in Arkansas’s diverse educational landscape. Starting my career in a local school, I have witnessed firsthand how stable and supportive the community is toward students' mental health. The blend of rural and urban environments allows me to tailor my approach to meet the individual needs of every student. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact on young people’s lives and know I’m contributing to their growth and success. The professional development opportunities here keep me motivated to grow continuously. Ned
After finishing my degree at Little Rock Central High School, I began my journey as a school counselor in a local Arkansas school. The experience has been deeply fulfilling, especially because of the close-knit communities and the emphasis on cultural heritage within the state. Arkansas offers unique opportunities to address challenges related to rural education and to advocate for resources that support all students. This career has deepened my passion for helping youth navigate their academic and personal lives while fostering resilience and hope. It’s a privilege to serve and grow alongside the students I work with. Lennie
My time studying at North Little Rock High School laid a strong foundation for my career in school counseling here in Arkansas. What stands out most is the professional growth I’ve experienced through ongoing training and collaboration with other educators in the region. Arkansas’s educational environment encourages innovation and leadership, which has allowed me to advance my skills and take on new roles with confidence. The sense of making a tangible difference in a student’s life, especially in underserved communities, fuels my commitment every day. It’s a career path that combines purpose and opportunity uniquely. Karl

Other Things You Should Know About Being a School Counselor in Arkansas

Can Arkansas school counselors work in private practice?

School counselors in Arkansas primarily work within public and private educational institutions, providing support to students in academic, career, and personal development. While their training equips them with valuable counseling skills, working in private practice involves additional considerations.

To operate a private counseling practice in Arkansas, school counselors must meet the state’s licensure requirements for professional counselors, which are distinct from their school counseling certification. This typically includes obtaining a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential, which requires a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, supervised clinical experience, and passing a national counseling exam.

Without this licensure, school counselors cannot independently offer private mental health counseling services. Therefore, while Arkansas school counselors can work in private practice, they must pursue LPC licensure to do so legally. This ensures they have met the necessary clinical standards and comply with state regulations governing private counseling services outside the school setting.

Which majors are best for aspiring school counselors in Arkansas?

For aspiring school counselors in Arkansas, selecting the right undergraduate major is crucial to meeting state licensure requirements and building a strong foundation in counseling skills. The most recommended majors typically include Psychology, Education, and Human Services. Psychology provides a deep understanding of human behavior, emotional development, and mental health, which are essential for addressing student needs effectively.

Education majors often focus on child development and learning theories, equipping future counselors with knowledge about the school environment and academic challenges students face. Human Services emphasizes social work and community resources, helping counselors connect students to support systems beyond the classroom.

Arkansas requires school counselors to hold a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field, but a relevant undergraduate major can ease the transition. According to the Arkansas Department of Education, programs aligned with counseling and education principles facilitate meeting prerequisites for graduate studies and licensure. With Arkansas public schools serving over 470,000 students as of recent data, counselors with a strong educational background are essential in promoting student well-being and academic success.

How much does a school counseling degree in Arkansas cost?

The cost of a school counseling degree in Arkansas varies depending on the institution and program type. Public universities typically offer lower tuition rates for in-state students, averaging between $6,000 and $12,000 per year for graduate programs. Private institutions tend to charge higher tuition, often ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 annually.

Additional expenses may include fees for books, materials, and student services. Some programs also require practicum or internship placements, which could involve travel or other incidental costs.

Financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships are often available to help offset expenses. Prospective students should research specific schools to understand their cost structure and available funding options. Overall, the total investment for a school counseling degree in Arkansas typically falls within $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the program length and institution type.

What do supervisors look for in a school counseling practicum student in Arkansas?

Supervisors look for professionalism, communication skills, and a strong commitment to student development in school counseling practicum students in Arkansas. They expect students to demonstrate ethical behavior and maintain confidentiality. Being proactive and showing initiative in engaging with students and staff is highly valued.

Effective listening and empathy are essential traits supervisors seek. They want students who can build trust and rapport with diverse student populations. Time management and organizational skills are also important, as practicum students must balance multiple responsibilities.

Supervisors appreciate students who are open to feedback and willing to reflect on their practice. Demonstrating knowledge of counseling theories and Arkansas-specific educational policies strengthens a student’s candidacy. Participating actively in team meetings and collaborating with school personnel shows professionalism and dedication.

Overall, supervisors expect practicum students to show growth, adaptability, and a genuine passion for supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being.