Masters in Counseling (MS, MA, M.Ed.)

Counselors work in diverse settings and provide various counseling, rehabilitation, and support services to the communities they serve. Their duties vary greatly, depending on their specialty, which is determined by the setting they work in and the population they counsel. Counselors frequently work with children, adolescents, adults, or families that have issues, such as mental health disorders, addiction, school problems or vocational counseling needs, and trauma. Counselors are trained to recognize these issues and to provide appropriate counseling and support.

Steps Toward A Masters in Counseling Degree (MS, MA, M.Ed.)

To become a counselor, requirements vary significantly by state. Successful students typically complete the following steps:

Earn proper undergraduate degree (requirements vary by state). Common undergraduate degrees include Bachelor of Science programs in education, psychology or human services.
Earn proper graduate degrees (requirements vary by state). Typically includes completing a Master of Counseling degree with a concentration in clinical psychology.
Obtain proper licensure. Licensure requirements differ greatly by state, occupational specialty, and work setting.
Consider certification options. Some counselors elect to be certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors, which grants a general practice credential of National Certified Counselor. While voluntary and distinct from state licensing, in some states, those who pass the national exam are exempt from taking a state certification exam. The board also offers specialty certifications in school, clinical mental health, and addiction counseling.

My Earning Potential

The expected salary, career growth, and work environment for a counselor might include:

Median Expected Salary: $47,000, according to Indeed.com’s most recent report.
Job Prospects: Favorable due to job openings exceeding the number of graduates from counseling programs, particularly in rural areas.
Job Setting: Private practices, schools, offices, hospitals, community centers, businesses.

My Degree and What It’s Good For

A counseling degree can provide you many opportunities in the mental health industry. A counselor’s job usually requires them to:

Evaluate strengths and limitations of patients.
Provide personal and vocational counseling.
Offer case management support and guidance.
Arrange for medical care, vocational training, job placement and other outside services.

Specializations in Masters in Counseling

Masters in Addiction/Rehab Counseling Degree Programs

Capella University: MS in Addiction Counseling
Grand Canyon University: MS in Addiction Counseling
University of Massachusetts: MS in Rehab Counseling

Masters in Career Counseling Degree Programs

Capella University: MS in General Career Counseling
Post University:MS in Alcohol and Drug Counseling

Masters in Clinical Counseling Degree Programs

Bellevue University: MS in Clinical Counseling
Capella University: MS in Clinical Psychology

Masters in Counseling Studies Degree Programs
There are no Masters in Counseling Studies degree programs available at this time.

Masters in Forensic Counseling Degree Programs

Walden University: MS in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling – Forensic Counseling
Walden University: MS in Mental Health Counseling – Forensic Counseling

Masters in Guidance & Counseling Degree Programs
There are no Masters in Guidance Counseling degree programs available at this time.

Masters in Marriage / Family Therapy Degree Programs

Capella University: MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
Liberty University Online: MA in Human Services – Marriage and Family
Liberty University Online: MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
University of Massachusetts: MS in Family Therapy
Walden University: MS in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling – Forensic Counseling
Walden University: MS in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling – Trauma and Crisis Counseling

Masters in Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs

Capella University: MS in Mental Health Counseling
University of Massachusetts: MS in Mental Health Counseling
Walden University: MS in Mental Health Counseling
Walden University: MS in Mental Health Counseling – Forensic Counseling

Masters in Pastoral Counseling Degree Programs

Liberty University Online: MA in Religion – Pastoral Counseling
Liberty University Online: MA – Pastoral Counseling

Masters in Professional Counseling Degree Programs

Grand Canyon University: MS in Professional Counseling
Liberty University Online: MA in Professional Counseling, 60 Hour
Liberty University Online: MA in Professional Counseling, 48 Hour

Masters in School Counseling Degree Programs

Capella University: MS in School Counseling
Liberty University Online: M.Ed. in School Counseling
University of Massachusetts: MS in School Counseling

Masters in Trauma & Crisis Counseling Degree Programs

Walden University: MS in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling – Trauma and Crisis Counseling
Walden University: MS in Psychology – Crisis Management and Response

Masters in Counseling Online Programs

Online programs have grown in popularity as more accredited schools have started offering distance learning programs. Today, several schools offer master's in counseling degrees with dozens of specializations to select from. Find out more about each program by clicking on the links below and contacting the school with the forms we provide.