How to Become a School Counselor in South Carolina for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

South Carolina faces a critical shortage of qualified school counselors, with student-to-counselor ratios exceeding the national recommendation of 250:1 in many districts. This gap hinders students’ academic success and emotional well-being. Pursuing a career as a school counselor in South Carolina offers a meaningful path to impact future generations while benefiting from competitive salaries and growing job opportunities.

In this article, I will unpack the necessary credentials, licensure processes, and best strategies to navigate this field, providing clarity to those ready to address this educational challenge head-on.

Key Things to Know About Becoming a School Counselor in South Carolina

The employment growth rate for school counselors in South Carolina is projected at 8.8% from 2018 to 2028.

Candidates complete 600 hours of supervised practicum and internship experience to develop hands-on skills for addressing diverse student needs.

The average salary for a school counselor in South Carolina is approximately $56,000 per year, which is below the national median of about $62,000.

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

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

Degrees that meet South Carolina’s requirements for school counseling certification reflect a focused academic preparation essential for effective K-12 support. The path demands credentials from state-approved programs that ensure readiness beyond general education.

Master’s Degree in School Counseling: This degree, from a program approved by the South Carolina Board of Education, is the clearest route to certification and directly aligns with state standards.
Master’s Degree in a Related Field (with School Counseling Track): Degrees like Counseling Psychology or Educational Psychology qualify only if they include a school counseling concentration and receive state approval, emphasizing specialized coursework.
Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees plus Approved School Counseling Program: Candidates with degrees in other subjects must complete an advanced school counseling program recognized by the South Carolina State Board of Education to meet certification criteria.
Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Counselor Education (School Counseling Concentration): This advanced degree satisfies certification requirements by integrating counselor education with a school counseling focus.

Choosing the right master’s degree in school counseling in South Carolina programs, or related fields, impacts not only eligibility but also the depth of training. For those exploring these options, investigating the best counseling psychology programs can provide valuable insight into specialized paths recognized by the state.

Are there school counseling specializations in South Carolina?

Specializing in school counseling in South Carolina demands more than generalist knowledge; it requires targeted expertise to meet the distinct developmental stages of K-12 students. Consider how these focused programs challenge the traditional one-size-fits-all approach by addressing unique academic and emotional needs at each level.

Elementary School Counseling: Emphasizes early intervention and age-appropriate strategies to foster the academic, social, and emotional growth of younger children.
Secondary School Counseling: Prepares counselors to navigate adolescent development, academic planning, and crisis intervention in middle and high school settings, essential for effective secondary school counseling programs in South Carolina.
K-12 Comprehensive School Counseling: Equips counselors with broad skills across all grade levels, blending developmental theory with practical counseling and collaboration techniques.
Addiction & Trauma Counseling (Graduate Certificate): Focuses on addressing substance use and trauma among students, delivered in a flexible online format suitable for working professionals.
Counselor Education (Ed.S. and PhD concentrations): Targets those pursuing leadership, supervision, and research roles to advance the field academically and systemically.

Achieving certification through these CACREP-accredited pathways involves rigorous coursework and extensive internships, reflecting the complexity of school environments today. For those exploring careers, understanding the nuances of becoming a therapist with specialized school counseling skills is an essential step toward impactful practice.

CACREP (2025) data shows that Texas dominates in the number of CACREP-accredited institutions, with 32, surpassing the second-ranked state, Pennsylvania, by seven schools. The top five states—Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, and Ohio—collectively account for 125 accredited institutions, representing a significant concentration of counselor education programs.

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

Completing a school counseling degree in South Carolina typically involves six to seven years of education, beginning with a four-year bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree that usually takes two to three years full-time. The master's program requires 60 to 66 credit hours, combining classroom learning with hands-on practicum and internship experiences.

Part-time students should anticipate a longer timeline, as balancing coursework with other responsibilities can extend completion beyond three years. These timeframes are not fixed but fluctuate based on individual circumstances and program structures.

Several state-specific factors shape the duration of the master’s program:

Practicum and Internship Requirements: South Carolina mandates at least 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours in school settings, often spread over multiple semesters, which can prolong the program for those with outside commitments.
Credit Hour Expectations: Graduate programs demand 60 to 66 credit hours, with part-time enrollment naturally extending the timeline as students complete fewer courses each semester.
Certification Process: Passing a subject-specific exam after graduation is required for licensure and may add weeks or months for preparation and application processing.

Additional influences on completion time include breaks between undergraduate and graduate studies and ongoing continuing education for maintaining certification. South Carolina’s school counseling programs align with state and national accreditation standards, ensuring graduates meet rigorous preparation requirements.

Reflecting on these variables challenges the assumption that educational timelines are universally predictable, urging prospective counselors to consider personal and practical factors in planning their path.

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

Certification as a school counselor in South Carolina transcends mere credentialing—it demands demonstrating practical expertise, ethical integrity, and ongoing professional growth. The state’s approach ensures counselors are prepared not just academically but through a rigorous validation of their readiness to support K-12 students effectively.

Key steps in the certification journey include:

Passing the Praxis II: Professional School Counselor exam confirms mastery of counseling theories, consultation, and ethical practices essential for the role.
Background Check: A thorough criminal history screening, including fingerprinting via SLED and the FBI, safeguards student welfare and public trust.
Initial Certification Application: Candidates must submit official transcripts, proof of exam passage, and program completion documentation through the South Carolina Educator Certification Portal.
Induction Program Completion: New counselors undergo a state-mandated induction involving mentorship and professional development, ensuring practical application of skills in real-world school settings.
Professional Certification Upgrade: After one year of full-time work and successful induction, counselors must upgrade to a Professional Certificate to maintain employment eligibility.
Ongoing Renewal: Every five years, counselors must demonstrate continued professional growth through approved development activities to keep their certification active.

The image below illustrates how many public schools refer students to mental health providers outside the school, reflecting the broader support network in which school counselors operate.

percentage of public high schools refering students to external mental health providers

Can I transfer my South Carolina school counseling license between states?

South Carolina does not participate in universal or immediate reciprocity agreements that allow school counselors to transfer their licenses seamlessly to other states. Instead, transferring your South Carolina school counseling license typically requires navigating each state’s unique endorsement or reciprocity process, which can be complex and demanding.

Most states require you to prove your credentials and experience meet their specific standards, which often means additional hurdles beyond simply holding a South Carolina license.

Typical steps to practice in another state usually include:

Submitting your active South Carolina license and verification of good standing
Completing a state-specific application and paying fees
Providing proof of relevant education, usually a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field
Documenting qualifying experience as a school counselor
Passing a state-specific jurisprudence or ethics exam, if required
Undergoing a criminal background check
Submitting letters of reference or character statements as required
Possibly completing additional coursework if your qualifications don’t fully align
Obtaining a provisional or temporary license while fulfilling remaining requirements

I spoke with a school counselor who graduated from a South Carolina university and later moved to North Carolina. She described the process as “eye-opening,” noting how the absence of straightforward reciprocity meant “jumping through hoops” that tested her resilience. Yet she appreciated the rigor, saying it ensured counselors meet local standards and “protect the students we serve.”

Reflecting on her journey, she found the detailed requirements frustrating at times but ultimately valued how they helped her grow professionally and adapt to a new educational environment. “It wasn’t just a license transfer; it was a reminder that becoming a great counselor means continuous learning,” she shared thoughtfully.

How often do South Carolina school counselors need to renew their credentials?

In South Carolina, school counselors must renew their professional certificates every five years to maintain active licensure and continue practicing. This renewal cycle ensures counselors stay current with best practices and uphold the state’s educational standards.

Renewal Cycle: Certificates expire every five years on June 30, requiring timely renewal to avoid lapses.
Continuing Education: Counselors must complete 120 renewal credits through approved professional development, coursework, or workshops within each cycle.
Credit Verification: Maintaining and submitting proof of earned credits is mandatory, often coordinated through the employing district or the state.
Comprehensive Evaluation: Employed counselors must undergo evaluations like the ADEPT summative evaluation at least once per cycle to demonstrate effectiveness.
Renewal Application: Applications are submitted online via the Department of Education’s portal, including detailed documentation of credits and employment.
Renewal Fee: A fee accompanies the application, with amounts subject to change based on state guidelines.
Background Check: New fingerprint-based background checks may be required after breaks in service or for lapsed certificates.
Expired Certificates: Counselors with expired credentials must meet all renewal requirements and complete the required credits within five years prior to renewal.

According to the Brookings Institution (2023), most U.S. schools have counseling staff—92% overall, with 81% employing a full-time equivalent counselor. Yet, only one-third (34%) meet ASCA’s student-to-counselor ratio standards. This indicates that expanding staffing or redistributing resources may be necessary to ensure equitable and effective counseling support nationwide.

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

South Carolina offers multiple alternative pathways for those pursuing a career change to school counselor South Carolina, especially if they lack a traditional education background. These options recognize diverse experiences while maintaining rigorous standards through exams, graduate coursework, and supervised fieldwork.

Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE): Allows individuals with a bachelor’s degree to work in schools while completing certification requirements over three years, including mentoring and graduate courses.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs: Designed for those with degrees in other fields, these programs combine graduate-level counseling courses with supervised clinical experience and Praxis II exam preparation.
Provisional or Conditional Licensure: Enables candidates to work under supervision while finishing certification steps, with school districts confirming employment to the state.
Relevant Work Experience: Career and Technology Education certification recognizes professional experience as a pathway, supplemented by required courses and assessments.
Alternative Preparation Programs: Flexible, competency-based options like NetAPT and CarolinaCAP offer personalized mentoring and hybrid coursework to support licensure.

These pathways ensure accessibility for career-changers while addressing counselor shortages, making South Carolina a progressive model for alternative school counselor certification South Carolina. For those interested, exploring the best rated online graduate counseling certificate program can be a strategic step.

What is the average salary of school counselors in South Carolina?

The average salary for a school counselor in South Carolina is approximately $56,000 per year, notably below the national median of about $62,000. This gap challenges assumptions about uniform pay across states and invites deeper consideration of what influences earnings locally.

Experience and Education Level: Advanced degrees and certifications can open doors to higher salaries and leadership roles.
Geographic Location: Urban areas like Columbia tend to offer slightly better pay due to cost of living and district budgets.
Type of School and Employer: Compensation varies between public, private, and charter schools, often reflecting district size and funding.
Job Responsibilities and Specialization: Additional duties or specialized counseling roles may come with extra pay or stipends.
Demand and Availability: Lower demand in South Carolina can slow salary growth despite the need for qualified counselors.

When I spoke with a South Carolina school counselor who graduated from a local school, he reflected on his salary journey with candid insight. “Starting out, the pay was modest, which made budgeting tight, but the support for continuing education helped me advance,” he shared.

He explained that while his salary didn't match national averages, the incremental raises tied to experience and extra responsibilities gradually improved his financial situation. “It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the impact I have daily,” he added thoughtfully, emphasizing the blend of financial realities and personal fulfillment that defines his career path in South Carolina.

which industry pays school counselors the most

What is the job outlook for school counselors in South Carolina?

The employment growth rate for school counselors in South Carolina is projected at 8.8% from 2018 to 2028, more than double the national average of 4% for school and career counselors between 2023 and 2033. With over 5,220 counselors currently employed statewide and an average annual salary of $53,410, the state offers both strong demand and competitive compensation in this field.

Student Enrollment Growth: South Carolina’s steady or rising student population drives the need for more qualified counselors to address diverse academic and emotional needs.
Increasing Mental Health Needs: Schools are prioritizing mental health support, expanding roles for counselors skilled in navigating complex student well-being challenges.
State Education Initiatives: Targeted policies aimed at improving student outcomes and career readiness enhance the scope and importance of school counseling roles.
Competitive Salaries: Higher wages compared to many southern states make South Carolina a compelling choice for counselors seeking both meaningful work and financial stability.
Replacement Needs: A significant share of job openings stems from retirements and turnover nationwide, with around 29,100 annual openings projected for school and career counselors, reflecting ongoing opportunities.

For those considering how to become a school counselor in South Carolina, exploring CACREP accredited masters programs can be a strategic step toward entering this growing profession with credentials that meet evolving state and national standards.

What are the career advancement opportunities for school counselors in South Carolina?

Career advancement for school counselors in South Carolina challenges the notion that counseling roles are static. Instead, these professionals can evolve into diverse leadership and specialist positions demanding strategic growth and expanded expertise.

Lead School Counselor or Department Chair: Requires years of experience and leadership skills to supervise counseling teams and coordinate school programs.
Career Center Director: Involves managing career readiness programs, often needing a master’s degree and administrative certification.
District-Level Counseling Coordinator: Demands advanced degrees and organizational skills to oversee counseling services district-wide.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): Opens clinical practice opportunities after completing post-degree clinical hours and supervision.
Postsecondary Counselor or Academic Advisor: Requires additional higher education experience and advanced degrees to guide college students.
Counselor Educator or University Faculty: Involves doctoral study and research to train future counselors in academia.
Specialist Roles (e.g., Mental Health Counselor): Needs targeted graduate coursework and licensure to enter specialized counseling fields.

Advancement depends heavily on continuing education, professional certification, and demonstrated leadership, which are essential in leadership opportunities for school counselors in South Carolina. For those interested in expanding into marriage and family therapy, exploring the shortest online MFT programs can be a strategic next step.

What are the legal and ethical requirements for school counselors in South Carolina?

School counselors in South Carolina must comply with rigorous legal standards and ethical codes designed to safeguard student welfare and professional integrity. These requirements include maintaining strict confidentiality, adhering to mandatory reporting laws, and upholding clear boundaries in their interactions with students and families. Counselors are responsible for navigating parental rights, student privacy, and conflict-of-interest policies while continuously updating their knowledge through professional development and ethical training. For practical insights on entering this field under stringent regulatory conditions, refer to the fastest way to become a counselor in South Carolina.

What do school counselors in South Carolina say about their career?

Completing my school counseling program at Charleston Southern University truly prepared me for the rewarding challenges of this career. Starting work in a local school here in South Carolina allowed me to connect deeply with students and families, understanding their unique cultural backgrounds. The stability of the job, combined with the chance to contribute to the community’s well-being, has been incredibly fulfilling. I feel proud knowing my work helps students navigate both academic and personal growth in meaningful ways. Andre
Choosing to become a school counselor in South Carolina was a decision rooted in my passion for supporting young people through their toughest moments. The program at Clemson University offered excellent professional development, and beginning my career in a local school gave me firsthand experience addressing challenges unique to this region, like rural access to resources. Reflecting on my journey, I appreciate how this work has shaped my empathy and resilience, while allowing me to make a real impact in my community. Jackie
Starting my career as a school counselor after finishing my studies at the University of South Carolina has been an enriching experience filled with growth and opportunity. South Carolina’s diverse environments, from urban to coastal, present unique challenges that have refined my skills and approach. I value the professional advancement paths available here and the chance to collaborate with dedicated educators focused on student success. This role has strengthened my commitment to fostering student well-being and academic achievement in a supportive, culturally aware setting. Matteo

Other Things You Need to Know About Becoming a School Counselor in South Carolina

Can South Carolina school counselors work in private practice?

School counselors in South Carolina can work in private practice, but there are important considerations and requirements to keep in mind. While their primary role is typically within public or private school settings, licensed school counselors who wish to transition into private practice must obtain the appropriate credentials beyond their school counseling certification.

Specifically, they need to secure a professional counseling license from the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Psycho-Educational Specialists.

Which majors are best for aspiring school counselors in South Carolina?

The most common and beneficial majors include Psychology, Education, and Human Services. These fields provide essential knowledge in child development, counseling theories, and educational systems, which are critical for addressing the diverse needs of K-12 students.

Majors like Psychology and Human Services also enhance understanding of mental health issues and crisis intervention—skills increasingly important given South Carolina's rising focus on student mental wellness. Additionally, education majors gain familiarity with school policies and curriculum that facilitate collaboration with teaching staff, which is essential for effective counseling.

How much does a school counseling degree in South Carolina cost?

The cost of a school counseling degree in South Carolina varies depending on the institution and program type. On average, public universities charge between $8,000 and $15,000 per year for in-state graduate tuition. Private institutions typically have higher tuition rates, ranging from $20,000 to $35,000 annually.

Additional expenses include fees, books, and materials, which can add several hundred to a few thousand dollars per year. Some programs may also require practicum or internship placements, but these generally do not have extra tuition costs.

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

Supervisors in South Carolina value practicum students who are professional, ethical, and committed to student well-being. They look for strong communication, active listening, adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork. Good time management, organization, and openness to feedback are also important, along with a proactive and empathetic approach to counseling.

References:

Counselor Education. (n.d.). South Carolina State University. https://scsu.edu/academics/programs/med-in-counselor-education.php

Counselor Education, Ed.S. (School Counseling) - College of Education. (n.d.). University of South Carolina. https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/education/study/areas/counseling/school_counseling_eds/

Counselor Education, M.Ed. - Counselor Education. (n.d.). The Citadel. https://www.citadel.edu/counselor-education/graduate-programs/med-counselor-education/

Counselor Education Master’s Degree or Education Specialist from the Clemson University College of Education. (n.d.). Clemson University. https://www.clemson.edu/education/academics/masters/counselor-education.html

How to Become a School Counselor in South Carolina [2025] - Becoming a Certified School Counselor in SC. (2025). Career Herd. https://www.careerherd.com/becoming-a-school-counselor-in-south-carolina/