Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other.

Degree Overview

Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other (CIP 13.1199) is a specialized branch of education that focuses on the non-instructional side of student success. While classroom teachers focus on academic content, professionals in this field focus on the "whole student"—their emotional well-being, career aspirations, social development, and navigating the complexities of the educational system. This "Other" designation is used for innovative or niche programs that go beyond standard K–12 guidance counseling, often touching on areas like international student services, disability support, or specialized collegiate personnel roles.

This degree is ideal for empathetic, organized individuals who want to work in an educational environment but prefer a role centered on advocacy, mentorship, and administrative support rather than delivering subject-matter lectures.

What Is a Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Other) Degree?

A Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Other) degree prepares students to manage the various support systems that help students navigate their educational journeys. These programs bridge the gap between mental health, administration, and academic advising. Because it falls under the "Other" category, these programs often provide specialized training for unique populations, such as veteran students, athletes, or adult learners in technical colleges.

Schools offer this degree to:

• Prepare professionals to manage student affairs in higher education
• Train counselors for specialized roles in community and vocational settings
• Support the social and emotional development of students in non-traditional environments
• Develop administrative leaders who understand the psychology of student success

This field is deeply rooted in human development, ethics, and organizational management.

What Will You Learn?

Students in these programs learn to understand the diverse needs of student populations and how to create systems that foster growth and safety.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Most students learn to:

• Provide academic and career advising to diverse learners
• Mediate conflicts and manage student conduct issues
• Coordinate student life activities and residential programs
• Apply counseling theories to help students overcome personal barriers
• Navigate the legal and ethical landscape of student privacy (FERPA)
• Analyze data to improve student retention and graduation rates

These skills ensure that the student's experience outside the classroom is as productive as the experience inside it.

Topics You May Explore

Depending on the program's specific focus, coursework often includes:

• Theories of student development and learning
• Career development and vocational psychology
• Multicultural counseling and diversity in education
• Crisis intervention and trauma-informed care
• Higher education administration and leadership
• Legal issues in student personnel services
• Research and evaluation of student programs
• Support strategies for specific populations (e.g., first-generation students)

This curriculum combines the "soft skills" of counseling with the "hard skills" of educational management.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Other) degree opens doors to a variety of student-centered roles, particularly in post-secondary education.

Common job roles include:

• Academic Advisor or Success Coach
• Student Affairs Coordinator
• Admissions Counselor or Recruiter
• Residential Life Director
• Disability Services Coordinator
• Career Services Counselor
• International Student Services Specialist
• Financial Aid Advisor
• Student Activities Manager

While K–12 school counselors usually require a specific state-licensed School Counseling degree, graduates of "Other" programs often find their home in colleges, universities, and private educational organizations.

Where Can You Work?

Professionals in this field are found anywhere students need guidance and support:

• Community Colleges and Technical Schools
• Four-year Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges
• Private boarding schools and preparatory academies
• Educational non-profit organizations
• Government agencies focused on education and workforce development
• Corporate training departments (as transition specialists)
• Study abroad and international exchange programs

These environments allow for a career that balances office-based administrative work with direct student interaction.

How Much Can You Earn?

Salaries in student personnel services vary by the type of institution and the level of the role.

• Entry-level positions, such as Admissions Counselors or Academic Advisors, typically start between $40,000 and $55,000.
• Mid-level managers, like Directors of Student Life or Career Services, can earn between $60,000 and $85,000.
• Senior Administrators (Deans of Students or Vice Presidents of Student Affairs) often earn six-figure salaries, ranging from $100,000 to over $150,000 at large institutions.

While starting salaries may be lower than in some corporate fields, the benefits packages at educational institutions (including tuition remission and retirement plans) are often very competitive.

Is This Degree Hard?

The academic workload is generally manageable for those who enjoy social sciences, psychology, and writing. The "difficulty" of the degree often comes from the emotional labor required. Students must be prepared to handle sensitive topics, including student mental health crises, financial struggles, and systemic barriers to education.

Success in this program requires a high level of emotional intelligence, patience, and the ability to navigate complex bureaucracy.

Degree Levels and Learning Formats

Education levels in this field are highly stratified:

• Bachelor’s degrees are suitable for entry-level roles in admissions or student activities.
• Master’s degrees are the standard "entry-level" requirement for most professional student affairs and counseling positions.
• Doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) are typically required for high-level administration and dean positions.

Many universities offer these programs in online or part-time formats to accommodate professionals already working in entry-level campus roles who wish to advance their careers.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a good fit if you:

• Passionately believe in the power of education to change lives
• Enjoy helping others solve problems and set goals
• Are a "people person" who thrives in a collaborative environment
• Want to work on a college campus or in a school setting
• Are interested in the intersection of psychology and education
• Value diversity and want to advocate for underrepresented students

It is the perfect path for those who want to be the support system that ensures every student has the chance to graduate.

How to Prepare in High School

If you are interested in student counseling and personnel services, you can start building your resume now:

• Volunteer as a peer counselor or "link crew" leader
• Work in the school's front office or guidance office as an assistant
• Join leadership organizations like Student Government or Key Club
• Take classes in Psychology, Sociology, and Public Speaking
• Focus on developing strong writing skills for administrative reports and applications

You do not need a specific background to start. A genuine desire to advocate for others and a knack for organizing people and programs are the most important foundations.