Career Opportunities

Successful completion of the program leads to Washington State Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Residency Certification for employment in K-12 schools and eligibility for licensure as a clinical mental health counselor.

Alumni of the M.A. School Counseling program also hold various positions in mental health and student support services such as:

  • Clinical Mental Health Counselor
  • School-Based Therapist
  • College/Career Counselor
  • Counselor Educator
  • Academic Advisor
  • Marriage and Family Counselor
  • Art Therapist

Being a school counselor offers a meaningful balance of professional fulfillment and personal well-being.The career outlook for school counselors is incredibly strong, especially in Washington. The median annual salary is $94,438, with areas like Spokane averaging at $86,444 and the Tri-Cities topping $100,224. In Washington, school counselors salaries are paid on the teacher salary schedule, and the state is known for offering some of the most competitive teacher pay in the country. Plus, the school counseling profession is growing: according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school counseling jobs are projected to grow by 4% (BLS, 2023), reflecting a steady demand for compassionate, well-trained professionals like you.

Certification
Licensure
Hannah Johnson

Hannah, Class of '22

What is your current position and place of employment?
I’m a licensed mental health therapist and the founder of Piloting Wonder Therapy, PLLC, a private practice based in Spokane Valley, Washington. I specialize in person-centered therapy with an emphasis on expressive arts approaches, and my clinical focus includes eating disorders and anxiety disorders.

How does your degree from Gonzaga help you be effective in your current career?
My time at Gonzaga gave me a foundation that goes beyond technical skills; it has truly shaped my approach to the work I do today. I learned how to build a career rooted in my passions while staying grounded in cultural humility, ethical decision-making, and continual growth. This program encouraged me to develop self-awareness, confidence, and a commitment to being a lifelong learner — all while prioritizing balance and sustainability in both life and work.

What was the best part about your experience in the master's program at Gonzaga?
The hands-on counseling experiences were incredibly transformative. Being able to be in schools and in the community not only strengthened my clinical skills, but also helped me build a lasting network of colleagues and friends — a support system I still lean on today for consultation and connection. Also because of the 60 hr CACREP accreditation, I not only now have the option for school counseling but also I was able to pursue my LMHC license and open my own private practice while my children are at the age I need to be able to work part time.
Pahoran

Pahoran, Class of '20

What is your current position and place of employment?
Now, as a School Counselor and Department Chair at Provo High, I strive to help students navigate their own paths with confidence and resilience. I remind them that growth begins at the edge of their comfort zone, and what once feels impossible can become their greatest achievement—just like it did for me.

How does your degree from Gonzaga help you be effective in your current career?
Being a first-generation Latino graduate student, the idea of earning a master’s degree once felt impossible. The thought of applying to graduate school was overwhelming, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. During my time in the school counseling program, I was pushed beyond my limits. I had to reflect, grow, and truly understand myself—an important process for anyone guiding others.

What was the best part about your experience in the master's program at Gonzaga?
My professors not only believed in me but also challenged me in ways that shaped both my career and personal life. They taught me more than just counseling techniques; they gave me life skills that I now pass on to my students.
Ericka Rodriguez

Ericka, Class of '25

What is your current position and place of employment?
I am the new college and career counselor at Cheney High School!

How does your degree from Gonzaga help you be effective in your current career?
My master's degree from Gonzaga has taught me the importance to take the time to create strong and trusting relationships with my students, which is my number one priority as a school counselor! I plan to use the counseling skills we learned in our practicum classes, as well as the trust building activities we practiced in our child and adolescent course to ensure that my students know that I am one of their resources, and that I am in their corner rooting for them and their future!

What was the best part about your experience in the master's program at Gonzaga?
The best part of my experience at Gonzaga was to finally have the college experience that I always dreamt about. As someone who had a non-traditional journey through college, I didn't get the chance to make many friends, during my AA or undergrad experience. Gonzaga brought me to places where I made so many strong connections, made unforgettable memories, and most importantly, the counseling education program helped me gain the confidence to become the best version of myself.
Tony

Tony, Class of '22

What is your current position and place of employment?
Regal Elementary Counselor

How does your degree from Gonzaga help you be effective in your current career?
Gonzaga prepared me to design and implement a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model at a high level. From the first day of my role as a school counselor, I was equipped to establish a strong foundation for a data-driven, intentional program. This preparation enabled me to use my time effectively and develop a counseling framework that not only informed best practices but also led to improved outcomes for students and their families.

What was the best part about your experience in the master's program at Gonzaga?
The professors at Gonzaga truly set the program apart. From the beginning, I felt valued not just as a student, but as a person. The relationships I built with faculty—many of whom I didn’t even have in class—were deeply meaningful and unlike any I had previously experienced in my educational journey. These connections created a supportive environment where I felt confident to pursue every opportunity and ask the questions that helped me grow.

Gonzaga’s strong commitment to the Spokane community also deeply enriched my experience as a school counselor. Whether it was delivering guidance lessons at St. John Vianney or participating in community initiatives like the Exceptional Bulldogs, I gained valuable experience engaging with community partners and building sustainable relationships—many of which I continue to support to this day.

And of course, Gonzaga basketball! Go Zags!