I want to become an Academic Advisor or student counselor. Will an MPA help me pursue that career? If so, how?

By MPA, I mean Masters of Public Administration. How will this degree help me find work? I need help writing the essay for this program. My work history is not much but it includes working at a jail (juvenile/adult) as well as a medical school as a student finance clerk. I would love to be a counselor helping students at the high school or college level and have some volunteering experience with children. My undergrad is in Sociology and Psych minor..my intent is to eventually become either a guidance counselor, school therapist or academic advisor. Only serious answers please. Thank you. Okay no one is really answering my question but okay--let me rephrase what jobs can I get with an MPA?

Public Comments

1. Most of the academic counselors at the college level have a masters degree in Counseling or Psychology. Most high school counselors are education majors with lots of teaching experience and a masters degrees in counseling or something similar. I doubt a MPA degree would allow you do to any of these, or even test to be an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). They are pretty strict on the courses you have to take before you can sit for this exam.
2. I would say that if you got a degree in Educational Counseling that would better prepare you for becoming an academic counselor or school counselor. You can take the Praxis test to become a certified guidance counselor prior to starting a Masters program. However an MPA can help you get jobs working for educational programs through the government in the public sector. Of course it would be more of an administrative role such as a public school administrator or work along the lines of social service. You have various options. Best wishes.