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Academic advisors are needed in every kind of educational environment. This profession offers students significant support through many types of advising and counseling, including navigating the challenges of school, choosing among possible careers, and selecting academic programs. Academic advisors may specialize in specific age groups or other demographics.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a pathway to become an academic advisor with our M.A. in Education program. This master’s degree program is available online and can be completed in two years.
How to Become an Academic Advisor
Most academic advisors and school counselors, at every level of educational institution, must have a master’s degree in a related field. In addition to academic credentials, these professionals may have completed a supervised counseling internship. Depending on their area of interest, academic advisors may have skills and experience in helping students choose a career, mental health counseling, or working with groups to help them develop life skills.
Academic advisors may come to the profession from backgrounds in teaching, psychology, or the corporate world. Having already earned a bachelor’s degree, they have experience with academic and educational systems. Public school counselors, like teachers, must meet certain regulations, which vary by state. These may take the form of licenses, certifications, or endorsements, usually obtained through registering credentials and passing examinations.
The M.A. in Education program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota requires that students have already earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. There is a further stipulation that they maintain a grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. If you have not yet earned an undergraduate degree, you may be interested in our online accelerated bachelor’s completion degree programs. For example, we offer a B.S. in Applied Psychology that can be completed in one year online.
Academic Advisor Duties and Responsibilities
Whether academic advisors work at the elementary, middle school, high school, technical, or college level, there are some basic duties and responsibilities required. These include:
- Helping students recognize social and behavioral challenges to encourage progress
- Advising both one-on-one and in small groups
- Assisting students when choosing classes and helping them meet graduation requirements
- Introducing students to college options and helping them complete college applications
- Teaching students about study habits, time management, and other life skills
- Analyzing student abilities and aptitudes based on school performance and standardized testing
- Presenting information to various groups on social problems, such as substance abuse disorder
- Exploring options for future academic programs and career paths with students
- Monitoring student academic progress
- Providing information at career fairs, college fairs, and about extracurricular events
Depending on the environment in which the academic advisor works, specific responsibilities, such as reporting cases of abuse or neglect or assisting students with job applications, may be required. As professional academic advisors gain experience in the field, they continue to learn skills and develop their base of knowledge.
Job Outlook and Potential Earnings for Academic Advisors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projects a 5% growth in employment for academic advisors, including educational, guidance, and career counselors, through 2032. The median annual wage for this segment of workers was $61,710 in May 2023, with the highest 10% earning more than $100,000.
Academic advisors who wish to advance in their career goals may find themselves in a variety of settings, including higher education, corporate, human resources, and event management. They may work in college admissions departments or corporate recruitment. Developing strengths and skills in communications, data management, public speaking, and problem-solving prepares academic advisors for jobs in other sectors. As they work with employers and assist students in networking for career success, academic advisors are positioned to move into new roles in a variety of economic sectors.
Benefit From a Foundation of Lasallian Catholic Education
An important element to becoming a successful, effective academic counselor is the ability to practice empathy. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, all students experience a caring, uplifting environment. Our Christian Brother heritage informs the Lasallian Catholic education that we offer today. Because our mission is based on upholding human dignity and the development of ethical leadership, earning a master’s degree in education with us provides an excellent foundation for your future as an effective, engaging academic advisor.
Embrace New Career Options With Our Master’s in Education Program
If you are considering becoming an academic advisor or school counselor, the M.A. in Education program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers the credentials you need in an online learning platform. It combines educational theory and research, and students can choose from three content specializations within the program — curriculum and instruction, mental health, and a custom specialization for Educate-WI students. We offer virtual information sessions for interested students. Apply for admission or request information today about our accelerated master’s program.
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