Masters in Counseling Information Guide
If you are a good listener and communicator, and enjoy being a support system for others, counseling might be a good career option. Counseling programs offers a variety of specializations such as art therapy, clinical counseling, genetic counseling, ministry, treatment and recovery, school counseling, wilderness therapy, and many others. With several career options to choose from, a future in this field is both promising and rewarding.
Counselors' duties vary, depending on their specialty, which is determined by the setting in which they work and the population they help (Read More). Counselors provide therapy for children, adolescents, adults, or families with mental health disorders and addiction, disability and employment needs, school problems, and trauma. They also develop and implement treatment plans and evaluate clients' physical and / or mental condition. Each specialty has its own unique responsibilities and challenges.
In order to advance in the field, a graduate degree in counseling is often needed. Education requirements vary by the area of specialty you wish to study as do State licensure and certification requirements. Graduate-level programs provide the advanced training and the necessary credentials to assume increased responsibility and roles of leadership. You'll learn applicable regulations, child and adolescent therapy, counseling theory, ethical standards, group therapy, marital and family therapy, patient/counselor relationships, testing and assessment methods, and procedures and therapeutic intervention strategies. You also have the opportunity to gain valuable experience through supervised counseling practices. For those with the right training and disposition, a career in counseling provides an opportunity to help others and change lives.
Additional Information:
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Counselors – BLS.gov: The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information on the different types of counselors, education and training required, and statistics on employment and wages.
- American Counseling Association – Counseling.org: The official not-for-profit professional and educational organization for counselors in the United States.
- Counseling Psychology – Wikipedia.org: Wikipedia entry on counseling psychology includes information on employment and salary, the counseling process, training, and vocational development.
Masters in Counseling Online Programs
The following accredited schools offer online masters in counseling programs in various specialties. You can request information from one or more schools by clicking on the school's link.
Click here to learn about more counseling degrees
Frequently Asked Questions About Masters Degrees in Counseling
What is a masters in counseling degree?
A masters of counseling degree is an advanced program designed to prepare counselors for work in a variety of settings. Some of these settings include schools, mental health facilities, private practices, businesses, and more. Someone with this type of degree will be able to assist persons dealing with social, behavioral, and personal problems through general discussion, and other learned techniques. Obtaining a masters degree in this field leads to both expanded career opportunities and earning potential.
What type of salary can someone who is a counselor with a masters degree expect?
One of the biggest advantages to obtaining an advanced college degree is the increases in salary that often go hand and hand with it. Someone who has a masters in counseling degree can expect a salary between $40,000 and $60,000 a year. Within these numbers, there is a significant amount of variety in individual salaries. This is because salaries depend on the institution of employment, experience of the counselor, demand for services, and more. Click the following to learn more about the average salary with a masters in counseling.
What are the various degrees one can pursue in this field?
Counseling is an excellent field because it allows professionals and interested students the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of specializations. Counselors are needed in many different areas. Every type of institution from businesses and schools to mental health facilities and prisons can utilize the services of a person with a master in counseling degree. Additionally, there are many psychology degrees that can be applied to a counseling career:
Counseling Masters Degrees
- Masters in Addiction / Rehab Counseling (MS)
- Masters in Career Counseling (MS)
- Masters in Clinical Counseling (MS)
- Masters in Counseling (MS, MA, M.Ed.)
- Masters in Counseling Studies (MS)
- Masters in Forensic Counseling (MS)
- Masters in Marriage / Family Therapy (MS)
- Masters in Mental Health Counseling (MS)
- Masters in Pastoral Counseling (MA)
- Masters in Professional Counseling (MA)
- Masters in Trauma & Crisis Counseling (MS)
Psychology Masters Degrees
- Masters in Applied Psychology (MS)
- Masters in Clinical Psychology (MS)
- Masters in Child Psychology (MS)
- Masters in Community Psychology (MS)
- Masters in Counseling Psychology (MS)
- Masters in General Psychology (MS)
- Masters in Health & Wellness Psychology (MA)
- Masters in Leadership Coaching Psychology (MS)
- Masters in Mental Health Psychology (MS)
- Masters in Psychology – Career Counseling (MA)
- Masters in Sports Psychology (MS)
Counseling / Psych. Masters Degrees in the Education Field
- Masters in Educational Psychology (MS)
- Masters in Guidance & Counseling (M.Ed.)
- Masters in School Counseling (M.Ed. / MS)
- Masters in School Psychology (MS)
Is there financial aid available for masters in counseling schools?
Many students often decide not to pursue an education because of the costs associated with it. However, students should know that financial aid is generally always available if one knows the right places to search. Students can obtain masters in counseling scholarships and grants as long as they meet requirements. Additionally, filling out a FAFSA is always a good idea. Here are some scholarships students can work towards obtaining: The AAMFT Graduate Student Research Award, the AAMFT Thesis/Dissertation Award, the AAMFT Minority Scholarship, the Ned Gaylin Endowed Scholarship, the Andrew Billingsley Endowed Scholarship, and the Jennifer Becker Carswell Award.
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