Which graduate degree should I choose? I want to be a school counselor/school psychologist?

I have always wanted to be a school counselor/guidance counselor of some sort. I want to help children with their problems, be someone that they can talk to and help them plan their future. Now I need help in finding out the right graduate degree to help me do that.





I have a B.A in psychology. I don't have any teaching credentials (not interested). I live in MI, but I may eventually move to TX or TN (family).





I plan on attending Wayne State University but don't know which grad program to go into:





#1- Masters in social work- Could I be a school social worker with this degree?.....I do know that there are other jobs that I could get with an MSW if I can't find one in the schools right away b/c the MSW is very versatile.





#2 Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology which leads to a master’s degree in school and community psychology and to two credentials in the State of MI: School Psychology Certification and Limited License to Practice Psychology in the community.

Which graduate degree should I choose? I want to be a school counselor/school psychologist?
Psychology is soooo fun!!! I am studying to become a School Psychologist. I live in Texas and will be tranferring to Texas Women's University next year because they have a really good program for School Psychology. (I am going for my MA degree). The lifestyle of a SP, from my perspective, is very fun. You work the same days teachers work, that is if you work in a public school. (You can teach in public schools, private schools, private practice, work in prisons, hospitals, you name it). That means summers off, weekends off, holidays off, 8 hour work day which honestly I believe is the best type of work schedule one can have. Being off during the summer gives you extra time to start of family of your own while not having to worry about being at work (and even though you are not working, you are still getting paid, plus, you get great benefits). I know a woman that is a SP and she works with elementary age kids. She tests them and sees what they are capable of, learning wise. School violence, recognized mental health value in schools now and of course, special education which means ASSESSMENTS..lots of them. During the next 5-15 years, there is going to be a big demand for SPs because the baby boomers are going to be retiring and that means it will be easy for us to find jobs. Because there will be a shortage, when can negoiate to get a higher paying salary. If you google the word "school psychologist" and "shortage" and you'll find a lot. Also, schools will always be around, so we will never come to a point where SPs aren't going to be needed (especially with all the terrible things happening in schools these days). So, if you want security, marketability, versatility and autonomy, School Psychology is where it's at! No joke.
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Reply:Honestly I think the second option is better but I would suggest calling a school district to see what they require to be a school psychologist. If I am not mistaken I think that school counselor is different than the school psychologist. In regards to that I would say you need to decide what age group you would like to work with younger kids have both a counselor and a psychologist but few see either one. Hope this helps. Make sure that school districts outside of MI will accept the degree you decide on in case you do move. (Websites sometimes show requirements on them)
Reply:# 2 sounds much more applicable. And it is just as versitile.
Reply:I think either one will fit your desire to help the community. Just look at both degrees and see what classes seem more doable. You can also call each department and ask what options will you have later with the degree.
Reply:I personally would go with the Masters of Arts in School Psychology. If you are not interested in being a social worker, maybe getting that degree would be a waste. I mean I'm sure that the qualifications for the job simply ask for you to have a Masters (maybe not specific), but I do believe that it helps if your graduate degree is focused directly on your job. I hope I was helpful :-) (i'm in the same field)
Reply:You would be much better off with the MSW. You will have a much better chance of getting into a school and even work in programs that consult directly with the school. Also if you are moving to TX the MA in counseling from a school in MI may or may not be recognized. The MSW will be because of its national accreditation. DA