If you live in Provo or the Utah region and you’ve ever thought, “I’d really love to help students, but I don’t have time to attend school,” you are not alone. Here’s the good news: You do not need to put life on hold to become a school counselor. With cheap and flexible online courses, more and more people are finding a way of pursuing their passion for education and mental health, never having stepped foot in a traditional classroom.

Getting a school counselor degree online is not a last resort option. To others, it’s an easy way out of acquiring genuine qualifications alongside juggling family, work and all the aspects that make up a crazy lifestyle. Regardless of whether you’re a freshly-minted graduate or an individual looking for a career change pace, online degrees in counseling have thrown the door wide open.

What is a school counselor degree, anyway?

Break it down: A master’s degree in school counseling or an equivalent area like clinical mental health counseling is typically what a school counselor degree is. It qualifies you to counsel students of all ages, elementary to high school, and assist them with their academic, social and emotional development. Courses typically include:

• Human development.
• Theories of counseling.
• Law and ethics in school settings.
• Crisis intervention.
• Multicultural counseling.

You’ll also need to complete internships or practicums in which you get hands-on experience in the field by actually being on the job in a school environment. And yes, even with online degrees, there’s on-site work at the end, but coursework itself can be done from your couch, your favorite coffee shop or wherever you feel most at ease.

Why go the online route

Let’s be real: Life in Utah is hectic. Perhaps you’re working full-time, raising a family or both. That’s where online degrees truly excel.

Access to top programs without moving

Maybe the school down the street doesn’t carry your course of interest, or maybe you simply don’t want to relocate. Distance learning gives you the ability to choose from a vast number of accredited schools, regardless of where you’re located.

One of those schools that is making waves with its online offerings is Walsh University. Its website provides degrees in counseling, nursing (MSN and DNP), and even business (MBA). Whether you wish to work towards a school counselor degree in Utah or just want a flexible path to helping others, Walsh has options that fit today’s students.

Flexibility on your terms

One of the best aspects of an online school counselor degree is that there is flexibility. Most use asynchronous learning, so you can watch lectures and complete assignments at your own pace. If you’re a night owl or someone who gets studying out of the way during nap time, this is a game changer.

No commute equals more time

If you’re in Provo, you know how much time will be swallowed up driving down I-15 or battling winter storms. Online education means you can skip that commute and put that time toward learning, or catching a bit of a nap.

What can you do with a school counselor degree?

If you are curious about whether or not this degree is worth the pursuit, the short answer is yes, especially if you’re interested in education and mental health. With a school counselor degree, you can:

• Work in public or private K-12 schools.
• Assist students through challenges such as bullying, family issues or academic stress.
• Develop support plans for students with learning or emotional difficulties.
• Assist with college and career planning.
• Serve as a bridge between families, teachers and administration.

And it’s not just schools that hire counselors. You can also find employment in community centers, educational non-profits or even start your own practice with the right licensure.

In Utah, where mental health services are increasingly in demand and school districts are finding the value of offering emotional support for kids, this degree isn’t just relevant, it’s essential.

What to look for in an online program

Not every online counseling degree is created equal. Here’s what to look for:

Accreditation: Make sure the program is accredited through CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) or a similar organization.

Licensure prep: Make sure the curriculum is Utah state-compliant for licensure as a licensed school counselor.

Support services: It doesn’t matter that you’re learning online; you still need and deserve support. Look for programs that offer access to advisers, technical support and mentoring.

Internship assistance: Since practicum hours are an integral component of the program, a good program will help you with placements in your home community, even if you’re learning from there.

Your journey begins where you are

Getting a school counselor degree online isn’t just possible, it’s practical. If you’re in Provo or anywhere in Utah and thinking about switching careers or leveling up your education, an online degree could be your key to a more meaningful future.

You do not need to move across the country or quit your job. You just need an internet connection, a healthy dose of enthusiasm and the passion to transform lives for students. Whether you are drawn to chances like those offered through Walsh University or pursuing other accredited online options, the opportunity is nearer than ever.