Masters in Counseling Psychology (MS)

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 Psychology (MS)

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 psychology, or a Master of Counseling 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 Worth

A degree in counseling will open many opportunities for you to help people on their personal emotional journey or provide advice in specific areas of life. A counselor is typically responsible for the following job duties:

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.

Online Masters in Counseling Psychology Degree Programs

Capella University: MS in Counseling Psychology
University of the Rockies: MA in Psychology – Career Counseling
Walden University: MS in Clinical Psychology- Counseling
Walden University: MS in Psychology – Crisis Management and Response

Closely Related Programs

The following degrees are closely related to a Masters in Counseling Psychology degree, often allowing you to pursue a career in this field or others:

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.