A career in counseling is more than sitting someone down on a couch and asking people how they feel.
Counseling is about digging deeper and having an extreme sense of empathy towards others. It's not only helping others to deal with traumatic events but also focuses on prevention practices as well. Counselors work with a wide range of people– people of all ages from all different backgrounds. Of course, you can choose an area of specialization if you'd prefer to work with children, adolescents, or adults. If you want a career with the potential to positively impact the lives of others, a counseling degree may be just the ticket.
What kind of Counseling degree should you get?There is a wide range of different counseling degrees you can get. Most bachelor's degrees will equip you for careers in substance abuse counseling, juvenile counseling, and more. If you wish to become licensed and open your own practice, you may have to earn an advanced degree. Additionally, there are tons of specialized degrees if you're looking to work within a specific counseling niche. From pastoral counseling to adolescent counseling and family counseling, you can earn a degree that suits your individual career goals.
Of course, you'll also need to decide if you want to attend courses on-campus or virtually. If you've already earned some college credit, or you have a full-time job, you'll want a flexible and affordable option. Luckily, more and more colleges and universities offer unique online degrees for students like you. And we've ranked the overall Best Online Colleges for your convenience.
How much money do people make with a Counseling degree?Your paycheck will ultimately depend on where you work – counseling degrees don't lead to one specific career so this can vary greatly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, School and Career Counselors can earn upwards of $56,000 per year. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors can earn over $44,000 annually. Of course, your salary will also depend on your level of education, the city in which you work, and a variety of other factors. A bachelor's in counseling is also a possible step toward your specialized master's in school counseling.
What can you do with a degree in Counseling?Do you want to help children? Adults? Do you want to work in a school or have your own private practice? Do you want to work in a rehabilitation center? You can do any of these things and even more with a degree in counseling! Many doors open for those who go on to earn an advanced degree in counseling. From marriage and family counseling to educational counseling and substance abuse counseling, no matter what path you choose you'll have an impact on many lives.
What are the requirements for a bachelor's degree in Counseling?Many of the below programs require no prior experience in counseling and are intended for first-time undergraduates. However, some are specifically degree-completion programs and require students to have completed a certain amount of college credits prior to applying. Most of the programs require completion of 120 credits and requirements can be fulfilled entirely online.
What are the best Counseling degrees?Figuring out the best bachelor's program within any industry can be an overwhelming task. Luckily, the College Choice team has compiled a list of the 25 Best Online Bachelor's degrees in Counseling just for you! These degrees provide the essential skills you'll need to succeed in any career within this industry. Not only are the courses within these programs interesting, but they are extremely affordable as well. Having small class sizes paired with top professors? These online programs are the best money can buy. Check out our picks below!
