Masters in Professional Counseling (MA)

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 Professional Counseling (MA)

To become a professional 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 professional counseling.
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 professional 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 professional 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 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

Closely Related Programs

The following degrees are closely related to a Masters in Professional Counseling 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.