How to Become a School Counselor in Kansas for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

School counselors in Kansas play a key role in supporting students’ academic achievement, career readiness, and personal development. Working in K–12 schools, they collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to address students’ academic needs, social-emotional challenges, and postsecondary goals. The state values counselors who can provide comprehensive guidance programs that foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Professionals in this field must navigate state-specific licensure requirements and stay current with best practices in education and mental health support. In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to become a licensed school counselor in Kansas, including education, certification, and career expectations.

Key Things to Know About Becoming a School Counselor in Kansas

Earn a master’s degree in school counseling from a Kansas State Department of Education approved program to meet licensure requirements.
Complete 600+ hours of supervised internship experience, gaining hands-on skills in student guidance and support.
Pass the Praxis School Guidance and Counseling exam and apply for the Kansas Professional School Counselor License to start your career.

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

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

Exploring the path to becoming a school counselor in Kansas reveals a set of focused degree options designed to prepare candidates thoroughly. Each degree aligns with Kansas school counselor degree requirements to ensure readiness for the role.

Master’s Degree in School Counseling: This essential degree from an accredited institution is the primary route, typically lasting 2.5 to 3 years and requiring a minimum graduate GPA of 3.25 for licensure eligibility.
Master’s Degree in Counseling (with School Counseling Emphasis): Candidates may pursue this degree if the program includes KSDE-approved coursework and practicum experiences specific to school counseling competencies.
Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree in School Counseling: An advanced degree offering deeper training beyond the master’s, meeting licensure criteria and potentially qualifying candidates for additional credentials in Kansas.
Direct Entry Master’s Program for Non-Teachers: Designed for those without a teaching license, this path incorporates extra field experiences like shadowing and practicum hours to prepare for the school environment.

For anyone curious about how a master’s degree in school counseling Kansas shapes career opportunities, understanding these degree pathways is essential. Those intrigued by the profession’s potential impact on student success and mental health can also explore counseling career salary insights at counseling career salary.

Are there school counseling specializations in Kansas?

Discovering the diverse school counseling specializations in Kansas reveals a path rich with opportunity and tailored expertise. These CACREP-accredited options prepare counselors to meet varied student needs across the state.

School Counseling Licensure Preparation: This specialization offers a focused curriculum aligned with Kansas state requirements, enabling candidates to sit for the Kansas School Counseling Licensure Exam (Praxis) and become certified school counselors.
Dual Licensure (School Counselor & Licensed Professional Counselor): For those seeking a broader scope, this dual-track program combines school counseling credentials with Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure through additional coursework and exams like the National Counselor Exam (NCE).
Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Counseling: Designed for advanced practitioners, this post-master’s program fosters leadership and supervisory skills, extending expertise beyond basic licensure to support P-12 student development.
Comprehensive P-12 Counseling: This specialization equips counselors to address academic, career, and social-emotional needs across all grade levels, emphasizing evidence-based strategies for diverse student populations.
Practicum and Internship Experience: Hands-on training in real K-12 settings is a cornerstone, ensuring practical skills are developed alongside theoretical knowledge in every program.

Exploring Kansas' school counselor degree options includes considering pathways that nurture both foundational and advanced competencies. For those curious about alternative routes in the counseling field, resources like therapist without a psychology degree how to become offer valuable insights beyond traditional academic tracks.

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

In Kansas, completing a school counseling degree typically involves earning a master’s degree requiring about 60 graduate credit hours. Most programs take between 2.5 and 3.5 years to finish, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.

Flexible options like evening and online courses are often available, making it easier for working professionals to manage their schedules. Course load choices and university scheduling play a big role in how quickly you progress.

Several key factors influence the timeline for completion:

Credit Hour Requirements: Most programs mandate 60 graduate credit hours to ensure comprehensive training.
Internship/Practicum Duration: A minimum of 600 supervised internship hours, usually split over two semesters, is required by state standards.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Study: Full-time students may finish as quickly as 2.5 years, while part-time attendance can extend this to about 3.5 years.
Licensing Process: Many candidates work under provisional licenses during their studies, with full licensure granted upon program and internship completion.

Kansas also offers a "parallel pathway" for those without teaching licenses, integrating this option into the standard coursework without adding extra credit hours. This pathway provides additional flexibility but does not necessarily shorten the overall time needed. Since programs require a significant internship commitment, planning your schedule around these experiences is crucial. Ultimately, the journey is adaptable, allowing candidates to balance work, study, and licensure steps within a reasonable timeframe.

These varied educational routes also influence long-term earning potential, as reflected in the following chart showing the wage gap by degree level among school counselors.

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

To step into the role of a school counselor in Kansas, you’ll navigate a clear but detailed certification path centered on the School Specialist License with a school counseling endorsement. This credential isn’t just a formality—it’s a gateway that proves your readiness to support students across K-12 public schools. Here’s how the journey unfolds after earning your counseling degree:

Apply for Initial School Specialist License: Kick off by submitting your application to the Kansas State Department of Education. This two-year license marks your official entry into the profession as a new graduate.
Pass the Praxis School Counselor Exam: Tackle the Praxis II exam (Test Code: 5422) to demonstrate your grasp of essential counseling knowledge. Kansas sets a specific passing score to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Complete Fingerprint and Background Check: Safety comes first—undergo a thorough state and national background screening, including fingerprinting, to protect school communities.
Submit Verification of Program Completion: Your graduate program must confirm you’ve finished all necessary coursework and supervised internships, usually documented directly to KSDE.
Upgrade to Professional School Specialist License: After two years of counseling experience and meeting professional development requirements, advance to a renewable five-year license that reflects your growing expertise.

Can I transfer my Kansas school counseling license between states?

Kansas does not participate in any formal, nationwide school counselor license reciprocity agreements that allow an automatic transfer of your license to other states. This means if you’re ready to explore new horizons and practice outside Kansas, you’ll need to pursue licensure by endorsement or meet the credentialing requirements of the state you want to work in. Each state has its own set of rules, so the journey can be quite different depending on your destination.

Generally, transferring your Kansas school counseling license involves a few common steps and potential challenges:

Proving that your graduate degree and counseling program meet the new state’s standards, which sometimes means submitting transcripts and detailed program descriptions.
Passing state-specific exams or the Praxis School Counselor Exam if required, even though Kansas uses the Praxis with a minimum passing score of 156.
Demonstrating recent professional experience or completing graduate coursework within a certain timeframe, often five to six years.
Undergoing fingerprinting and criminal background checks, similar to Kansas requirements.
Submitting a new application and paying any application fees, like Kansas’ $70 out-of-state application fee.
Meeting any additional state-specific demands such as supervised practice hours or providing professional recommendations.

While the Counseling Compact is making strides toward easing interstate practice, Kansas hasn’t fully adopted it for school counselors yet, so traditional endorsement routes remain the primary pathway.

One school counselor who graduated from a local Kansas university and later moved out of state described her experience as a mix of patience and persistence, noting, “I quickly realized there’s no easy button for transferring your license. The paperwork alone felt daunting at first, and I had to retake an exam I thought I had behind me. But knowing that each state values slightly different experiences helped me prepare better for what they wanted.”

She also appreciated Kansas’ thorough background checks, which many states also require, making that part of the process smoother. Reflecting on the journey, she added, “It made me more adaptable and even expanded my professional network. The process wasn’t simple, but it was worth it.” Stories like hers also provide insight into broader workforce trends, including the average age of school counselors, as shown in the following image.

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

Kansas school counselors must renew their professional licenses every five years to maintain active status. This consistent renewal cycle ensures counselors stay current with best practices and professional growth opportunities.

Renewal Cycle: Licenses are valid for five years, requiring renewal at the end of each cycle to remain active.
Professional Development Points: Counselors need to earn 120 professional development points within each five-year period to qualify for renewal.
Alternative Renewal Options: Instead of points, renewal can be achieved by adding a new endorsement, verifying three years of accredited experience, or obtaining National Board Certification.
Application Process: Renewal applications must be submitted online through the Kansas Licensure Application System (KLAS), where counselors register, log in, and complete required forms.
Required Documentation: Submit a completed renewal application and continuing education reporting form to fulfill renewal requirements.
Renewal Fees: A $60 renewal fee is required, with an additional $5 fee for background checks if applicable.
Proof of Employment: Documentation of accredited school counseling experience is necessary when upgrading licenses or using experience-based renewal.
Processing Time: Expect a processing period of 6–8 weeks after submitting the renewal packet.
Late Renewal: Late submissions may require additional fees and proof of completed continuing education before reinstatement.

What are the key challenges faced by school counselors in Kansas?

School counselors in Kansas encounter a variety of challenges that demand both professional expertise and personal resilience. High caseloads, limited resources, and pressure to address diverse student needs can complicate day-to-day responsibilities. Navigating complex educational policies while supporting students’ emotional and academic growth further intensifies these challenges. Moreover, establishing and maintaining strong communication among teachers, parents, and administrators is essential in overcoming bureaucratic obstacles. For those seeking to mitigate these hurdles, exploring the fastest way to become a counselor in Kansas may provide accelerated preparation and targeted strategies to address these issues effectively.

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

Kansas offers several alternative pathways for those eager to become school counselors, especially for career-changers or individuals without a traditional education background. These options balance flexibility with rigorous standards, opening doors through diverse routes.

Direct Entry (parallel pathways school counseling program Kansas): Non-teachers enroll in a master’s counseling program, maintain a 3.25 GPA, complete enhanced fieldwork, and pass the Praxis II exam.
Provisional School Specialist License: Allows candidates to work while completing their program, requiring a deficiency plan, employment as a counselor, and a background check.
Post-Baccalaureate or Graduate Programs: Open to any bachelor’s degree holders, involving graduate coursework, practicum, and internship hours.
Relevant Work Experience: Mental health or social services professionals may leverage experience but must meet KSDE licensure standards.
Alternative Certification Programs: Offered by select universities, these require a master’s degree, specific coursework, field experiences, and passing the Praxis II exam.

All pathways emphasize supervised fieldwork and passing the Praxis exam, with many programs holding CACREP accreditation meaning they meet nationally recognized standards for counselor preparation to ensure quality education. These shared academic and training standards also intersect with broader diversity trends in the profession, reflected in the following chart on school counselor racial demographics.

What is the average salary of school counselors in Kansas?

The median salary for school counselors in Kansas is about $56,170, which is roughly 10% below the national median for this profession. This difference reflects unique regional factors but still offers a competitive wage within the state’s educational landscape.

Factors Affecting School Counselor Salaries in Kansas:

Education Level: Advanced degrees, like a master’s in counseling, often lead to higher starting salaries and better long-term earning potential.
Experience and Seniority: Veteran counselors and those in leadership roles may earn significantly more, sometimes exceeding $75,000 annually.
Location: Salaries tend to be higher in urban districts such as Wichita and Kansas City due to cost of living and funding differences.
School District Funding: Variations in district budgets can create notable pay disparities across the state.
Additional Certifications and Responsibilities: Specialized credentials or extra duties, like program coordination, can boost earnings.

I recently spoke with a school counselor from Kansas who graduated from a local university and shared his experience navigating salary expectations. He recalled starting on the lower end of the scale but found that pursuing a master’s degree and earning a counseling certification opened doors to higher pay and specialized roles. “It wasn’t just about the numbers,” he reflected, “but knowing that my salary reflected my growing expertise and added responsibilities made the challenges of further education worthwhile.”

He also mentioned that working in a well-funded district helped stabilize his income, allowing him to focus on supporting students without financial stress. His journey highlights how thoughtful career development can positively impact both earnings and job satisfaction in Kansas.

What is the job outlook for school counselors in Kansas?

The job outlook for school counselors in Kansas shows promising growth, with employment expected to rise from 2,570 positions in 2022 to 2,760 by 2032. This 7.4% increase surpasses the national average growth rate of 4% from 2023 to 2033, highlighting strong opportunities for those interested in school counselor employment growth in Kansas.

Student Enrollment Trends: Steady public school enrollment in Kansas ensures ongoing demand for school counseling professionals to support diverse student needs.
Mental Health and Wellness Needs: A growing awareness of student mental health challenges has sparked increased investment in counseling services across the state.
State Education Initiatives: Kansas emphasizes counseling programs focused on academic success, career readiness, and social-emotional learning, strengthening the role of counselors.
Competitive Compensation: With a median salary of $56,170 in 2025, Kansas offers attractive pay compared to many other states, encouraging qualified candidates to enter the field.
Job Openings and Turnover: The state anticipates steady annual job openings, fueled by new positions and replacement needs due to retirements or career changes.
Comparison to National Outlook: Kansas’s higher-than-average growth rate suggests a particularly robust market for school counselors relative to nationwide trends.

For those exploring pathways into this field, considering options like affordable bachelors degrees in substance abuse counseling online can provide a valuable foundation aligned with the increasing mental health focus in schools.

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

Exploring career advancement opportunities for school counselors in Kansas reveals a variety of exciting paths that expand influence beyond direct student support. These roles not only enhance professional growth but also deepen a counselor’s impact on educational communities.

Lead School Counselor/Department Chair: Lead counseling teams and mentor colleagues, requiring several years of experience and leadership skills.
District-Level Counseling Coordinator: Manage counseling programs across schools with a master’s degree and administrative licensure.
School Administrator: Transition to roles like assistant principal or principal by completing educational leadership programs and licensure exams.
Specialized Support Roles: Focus on mental health or college readiness through certifications and targeted professional development.
State or Regional Consultant: Advise education agencies with extensive experience and advanced counseling or administration education.
Higher Education Faculty: Teach or coordinate counselor education programs, typically requiring a doctoral degree and research experience.

To navigate these opportunities, counselors often combine years of experience with advanced degrees or professional development, such as understanding the difference between master of arts and master of science in counseling. This blend of skills supports continuous growth within the evolving landscape of professional development opportunities for Kansas school counselors.

most school counselors likely to work at education companies

What do school counselors in Kansas say about their career?

Completing my school counseling program at Wichita State University was a transformative experience that prepared me thoroughly for the realities of working in a Kansas school. Starting my career in a local school here gave me the chance to connect deeply with students from diverse backgrounds, and I love how stable and supportive the education system is in our state. The balance of rural and urban communities offers unique challenges and opportunities, making every day different and fulfilling. I am passionate about guiding young people toward their goals and feel proud to contribute to their success. Morissette
Beginning my journey as a school counselor in Kansas opened my eyes to the profound impact one can have on a community. I graduated from the University of Kansas and immediately felt the professional growth opportunities here, from specialized training to leadership roles in schools. The state's commitment to mental health and student well-being resonates deeply with me, allowing me to advocate effectively for resources that matter. This career has expanded my perspective and strengthened my dedication to nurturing resilience and hope among students. Clark
My time completing the counseling program at Fort Hays State University was both challenging and rewarding, equipping me with the skills needed to support students through their academic and personal struggles. Working in a Kansas school has shown me how much the local culture values community and collaboration, which enriches my role every day. The opportunity to grow professionally while positively influencing young lives keeps me motivated. I find great satisfaction in helping students navigate their paths in a state that truly invests in its educators. Benny

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

Can Kansas school counselors work in private practice?

School counselors in Kansas primarily work within public or private educational institutions, focusing on supporting students' academic, emotional, and social development. However, if a school counselor wishes to transition into private practice, they must meet specific requirements beyond their school counseling credentials.

To legally provide counseling services privately, they typically need to obtain licensure as a professional counselor or a related mental health license, such as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). This involves completing additional supervised clinical hours and passing state-recognized exams.

Simply holding a school counselor certification does not authorize private practice counseling in Kansas. Therefore, while school counselors can work in private practice, they must pursue separate licensure tailored to clinical counseling. This ensures they meet the state's standards for ethical and professional counseling outside the school environment.

Which majors are best for aspiring school counselors in Kansas?

For aspiring school counselors in Kansas, choosing the right undergraduate major is a crucial first step toward meeting state licensure requirements and building a strong foundation. The most relevant undergraduate majors typically include psychology, education, human development, and social work. These fields provide essential knowledge in child and adolescent development, counseling theories, and educational systems, which are vital for effective school counseling.

According to the Kansas State Department of Education, school counselors must complete a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field, but a relevant undergraduate major can strengthen graduate program applications and practical readiness.

Psychology is particularly beneficial because it offers insights into mental health, behavior, and cognitive processes, which are common areas school counselors address. Education majors gain familiarity with school environments and instructional strategies, while social work prepares students for diverse student needs and community resources.

As of recent data, Kansas employs approximately 1,200 school counselors statewide, highlighting the demand for professionals well-versed in both educational and psychological principles (Kansas State Department of Education, 2023).

How much does a school counseling degree in Kansas cost?

The cost of obtaining a school counseling degree in Kansas varies depending on the institution and program format. On average, tuition for a master’s degree in school counseling ranges from $8,000 to $20,000 per year at public universities for in-state students. Private institutions may charge higher rates, sometimes exceeding $30,000 annually.

Additional expenses include fees, books, and supplies, which can add several hundred to a few thousand dollars per year. Some programs offer online or hybrid options that may affect overall costs. Financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships are often available to help offset expenses.

It is important to research specific schools and programs to understand their tuition rates and associated costs fully. Comparing these factors will help prospective students budget effectively for their education and training as a school counselor in Kansas.

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

Supervisors look for professionalism, strong communication skills, and a genuine commitment to student development in school counseling practicum students in Kansas. They expect students to demonstrate ethical behavior and maintain confidentiality at all times. Being proactive and showing initiative in learning are highly valued traits. Supervisors want to see the ability to build rapport with diverse student populations and collaborate effectively with school staff.

Additionally, supervisors look for students who can apply counseling theories and techniques appropriately in real-world settings. Reflective practice and openness to feedback are important for growth throughout the practicum. Time management and organizational skills also play a key role in meeting the demands of the placement.

Overall, supervisors seek well-rounded candidates who balance empathy with professionalism and show readiness to contribute positively to the school community.