An affordable online counseling master's degree can help you meet state licensing requirements to become a professional mental health counselor. This guide examines multiple counseling specializations, emphasizing their role in unlocking doors to counseling career paths. Use it as a springboard for your graduate program research as you work toward your counseling vocation.
Popular Online Counseling Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Most Affordable Online Master's In Counseling Degrees
Career Paths and Outlook for a Master's Degree in Counseling
Professionals with a master's degree in counseling can work in roles, such as behavioral disorder counselor, marriage and family therapist, and mental health counselor. Specialized programs also train counselors for careers in school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and substance use counseling.
In addition to counseling careers, graduates can pursue roles like postsecondary professor, social and community services manager, and academic advisor. This section introduces common career paths for graduates with an online master's in counseling degree, including the earning potential and projected job growth for counseling jobs.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor
These counselors treat clients experiencing substance use disorders, eating disorders, and other mental health issues. They help clients modify their behaviors and develop coping strategies. These counselors may provide individual and group therapy, counsel family members on support plans, and refer their clients to support services.
Marriage and Family Therapist
These therapists help couples and families improve their relationships. By using counseling methods, they help clients build strategies to manage challenges in their lives and relationships and adapt their behavior. Marriage and family therapists also work with clients to process life changes, improve relationships, and make decisions.
School and Career Counselor
These counselors help learners strengthen their academic and social skills while identifying opportunities for improvement. While school counselors focus on issues related to success in school, career counselors emphasize educational training and career development to prepare students for the workforce. Both types of counselors may conduct evaluations, offer counseling services, and recommend support services.
Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation counselors work with clients who have physical, developmental, emotional, or mental disabilities. They create treatment plans for clients based on an evaluation. They also assist clients living independently, managing psychological issues, and obtaining employment services.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors | $53,710 | 18% |
| Marriage and family therapists | $58,510 | 15% |
| School and career counselor | $61,710 | 5% |
| Rehabilitation counselors | $44,040 | 2% |
Source: BLS
Licensing in Counseling
In the U.S., counseling licensure operates at the state level. While specific requirements vary among states, they share multiple defining elements. These include:
A master's degree in psychology, counseling, or another mental health field
Around 3,000 hours of supervised training experience under a licensed counseling professional
Nationally recognized competency examinations
Academic, professional, and supervised experience qualification verifications
Many states also require counseling license applicants to complete a criminal background check. Examination and license application fees apply.
Unlike some mental health fields, you do not need a doctoral degree to obtain your initial counseling license. However, you may enjoy a performance advantage on your licensing exams if you obtain one. A doctorate may enhance your professional credibility and guide you to deeper, more valuable professional insights.
Accreditation for Counseling Degrees
Prospective counseling applicants should always choose an accredited university and program. Accreditation shapes a counselor's educational experience, career prospects, and financial aid opportunities. Accredited counseling programs follow the highest standards for educating future counselors, and only accredited degrees meet the requirements for a counseling license.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) grants accreditation to counseling master's programs. Many states require licensure applicants to graduate from a CACREP-accredited counseling master's program. For more information on why accreditation matters, visit our accreditation guide.
Courses in a Master's Program in Counseling
A master's degree in counseling builds the theoretical, clinical, and practical knowledge required for counseling careers. During an online master's in counseling program, graduate students take courses on topics like counseling theories, clinical methods, and counseling ethics. They may take courses in their specialty areas, such as marriage and family therapy, substance use counseling, or rehabilitation counseling. Degree-seekers also gain clinical skills through an internship or practicum.
Learn about common topics in online counseling master's programs. While the specific curriculum and course descriptions vary by program, many cover the following areas.
Counseling Foundations This course introduces learners to counseling ethics, professional identity, and legal restrictions. Students also examine evaluation and decision-making models for treating clients and building counseling practices. The introductory course prepares master's students for advanced classes.
Counseling Theories Theory-based courses on counseling examine the major theories on counseling methods, approaches to counseling, and the history of therapeutic intervention. Topics may include psychoanalysis, family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and rational emotive behavioral therapy. Learners also examine the relationship between theory and practice in counseling.
Clinical Methods in Counseling Learners explore counseling skills and the methods for effectively working with clients. The course emphasizes areas, such as communication, professional identity, and relationship-building. Students complete projects, assignments, and experiential requirements to strengthen their clinical skills and learn effective counseling techniques. The course may include a practicum or internship component.
Counseling Ethics This course covers ethics rules, legal requirements, and professional standards for conduct. Enrollees may also study specific ethical guidelines from organizations like the American Counseling Association (ACA). The course prepares graduates for licensure to practice as a counselor.
Group Counseling Enrollees examine group dynamics and approaches to counseling for groups of clients. Topics may include group psychotherapy, evaluation in group therapy, and group dynamics. The course prepares graduates to organize group sessions, build strong interpersonal skills, and provide therapy in group settings.
Master's in Counseling FAQs
Master of arts (MA) programs emphasize qualitative concepts and skills, while master of science (MS) degrees focus more on scientific research and quantitative analysis. However, there is much overlap between MA and MS programs. Either designation can help you meet the educational requirements for counseling licensure.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by CollegeChoice. Page last reviewed April 22, 2024.
