Overview
Professional counselors work to support individuals, families, and communities who are facing significant life issues. Given the weight of the challenges counselors help their clients face, it makes sense that many seek additional training to improve their abilities. Enter master’s in counseling programs. These degree programs offer specialized training in multiple fields including school counseling, family therapy, substance abuse counseling, and mental health.
More importantly, focused coursework ensures that professionals are prepared to offer the best care and support possible. Resolving personal and interpersonal conflicts is no easy task, and detailed courses in ethics, advanced psychopathology, and counseling techniques ensure students are prepared for whatever support setting they find themselves in. As mentioned earlier, specializations also allow students to address particular issues which can lead to the improved mental health of the communities they serve.
Most online master’s in counseling programs consist of 48-60 credits of coursework and charge tuition rates of $400-$800 per credit.
Graduates with a counseling master’s degree can pursue careers as marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, substance abuse counselors, and school counselors.
After being accepted into the program, students must meet all curriculum requirements and maintain a minimum GPA.
No. While requirements vary by state, you must have a master’s degree, passing scores on one or more relevant examinations, and complete a supervision period to become licensed.
It’s difficult to deny the importance of counselors when looking at the estimated rate of growth for the industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for counselors will grow by 23% which is much faster compared to other jobs. While job security is beneficial, the rate is a sign that counselors are needed more than ever, and degree holders will be positioned to provide an immeasurably important service for years to come.
For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.
