A master’s degree in counseling explores people’s relationships with each other and themselves. Candidates for this degree program want to help others work through their physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual issues.
Counseling was first recognized as a profession in the 1800s. This was due to the Industrial Revolution and an increase in social reform movements.
Since then, counselors have integrated into sectors such as the military, veterans affairs, and independent practices. Counseling became a mental health profession in the 1990s. In 2002, the first counseling registry formed in California.
With increased awareness of mental health and self-care, counseling services are in high demand. Counseling was once confined to primary and secondary schools. Now, the profession expands to corporate counseling, addiction counseling, and spirituality or religious counseling.
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Why Get an Online Master’s in Counseling?
- Employment: Heightened mental health awareness comes with increased demand for counselors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs in school and career counseling are projected to grow 11% from 2020-2030.
- Variety of Career Paths: A master’s degree in counseling opens up many career paths. Graduates can work in school and career counseling, mental health counseling, addiction and substance misuse counseling, rehabilitation, marriage and family, and even corporate counseling.
- A Sense of Accomplishment and/or Fulfillment: Possibly the best part about pursuing a degree in counseling is the fulfillment that comes with helping others. Counselors help children and adults deal with and overcome traumatic incidents. They also assist with relationship and marital issues.
What to Expect From an Online Master’s in Counseling
Most states require licensure in order to offer counseling services. A master’s degree is often a prerequisite for licensure. A master’s degree also helps in building core skills such as active listening, problem-solving, and decision-making.
A master’s degree in counseling often entails 45-60 credits. This means that a master’s degree is completed in about two years of full-time study or five years of part-time study.
You can pursue an MA or an MS in counseling. An MS degree allows graduates to move into clinical training, which is required for licensure. Many MA graduates do not pursue licensure. Instead, they tend to go into teaching and research.
Degree and Concentration Options
Master’s students should consider specializing their studies. This streamlines the transition into the workforce. Many master’s programs offer concentrations that develop both core skills and profession-specific skills.
Some concentrations include:
- Clinical and Mental Health Counseling: This concentration explores crisis intervention, advocacy, and contemporary issues. Students learn the skills needed to help future clients cope with emotional and mental issues.
- School Counseling: This concentration focuses on how young students interact socially. The specialization explores development, bullying, low self-esteem, and learning differences.
- Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling: This specialization teaches students to help patients who are recovering from addiction and substance use. Students learn skills to help promote positive lifelong change for their future clients.
- Rehabilitation Counseling: Students learn the skills needed to help patients and caregivers during recovery from a traumatic event (e.g., physical, mental, or emotional). The goal is to help people with disabilities live independently and improve their quality of life.
- Marriage and Family Therapy: Students learn the specific skills required for clients dealing with family, marriage, and other relationship issues. This specialization also explores issues of domestic violence, separation and divorce, and blended families.
An MS in counseling gives learners the clinical experience required for licensure. An MA targets candidates seeking employment in education or research.
What is the difference between an MS and an MA in counseling?
Admissions Process
Master’s in counseling program applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree. Some schools prefer degrees in behavioral sciences, psychology, education, or social work. Many require a minimum 2.7-3.0 GPA.
Some programs require the graduate record examination (GRE). A score of 1200 or higher is considered competitive. Make sure to research your prospective schools’ requirements.
Applicants may also have to submit 2-3 letters of recommendation, official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended, a personal statement, and a resume. Many programs require a criminal background check as well.
Some programs may ask for some professional experience, either paid or volunteer, under supervision of a licensed counselor. Either way, professional experience may elevate your chances of admission.
Review our tips for applying to graduate school
Popular Counseling Graduate Courses
Graduate-level counseling courses often cover professional counseling ethics; social and cultural diversity issues; family counseling; and crisis, grief, and loss. As with bachelor’s degrees, graduate programs entail core courses. These cover the primary skills needed for a counseling career.
Graduate counseling programs also include concentration-specific courses and electives that allow you to specialize even further.
- Foundations of Counseling: This course covers the basics of counseling, foundational knowledge, and exploring the profession’s history. Students develop basic skills in counseling, professional identity, and related ethics.
- Social and Cultural Foundation of Counseling: This course explores how culture and ethnicity may impact relationships. It covers gender roles, race, ethnic background, and many identities and intersections. This course works on building self-awareness, eliminating biases and oppression, and identity development.
- Trauma, Crisis, and Emergency Relief: This course looks into the impact of trauma and crisis on individuals and groups. It builds skills in crisis intervention, enhancing resilience, and emergency management.
- Blended Family Counseling: This course focuses on building highly nurturing blended families. It applies systems theory and family theory. The course builds on self-growth and incorporates skills for self awareness and eliminating bias.
Why You Should Get Your Counselor Degree Online
Earning a counselor degree online has a variety of benefits. For many nontraditional students, caregivers, parents, and students with disabilities, an online degree is the best option.
Online programs often offer asynchronous courses, which allow students to attend lectures and complete assignments on their own time. Tuition costs may be lower for online degrees as well.
Some students work better at their own pace without set meeting times. Others prefer a more traditional classroom environment. Consider your preferred learning style before choosing an online master’s in counseling.
Read about the best online master's degree programs in counseling
How Much Do Counseling Master’s Programs Cost?
The average master’s degree cost $19,792 as of the 2019-20 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Factors affecting cost include degree type and school reputation. For example, an MBA often costs more than other master’s degrees. In-state vs. out-of-state tuition also affects the cost.
Master’s degrees take two years to complete, bringing the total cost closer to $40,000 for tuition and fees. Additional expenses may include books, accommodation, and travel.
Consider the following options for funding your degree:
Take a look at our financial aid guide
Learn more about counseling scholarships and grants
Making Cheap Online Therapist Degrees Even Cheaper
Given the hot topic of student loan debt, prospective students often search for cheaper ways to earn an advanced degree. A master’s degree has its perks, including higher earning potential, but the upfront cost can be hard to swallow.
A master’s degree can cost $30,000-$40,000, not including living and transportation expenses. Consider the following ways to lower the cost of your master’s degree.
- Choose a cheaper program. Seek out more economical programs. Whether it is an in-state program, an online program, or a one-year program, treat it like bargain shopping.
- Look at funding options. Pick a program that offers graduate research or graduate teaching assistantships. Assistantships can come with a tuition waiver and stipend, which you can use to offset expenses. Part-time enrollment can also allow for part-time employment. The degree may take longer, however. For online programs, you may have the flexibility of maintaining a job while you study.
- Seek out scholarships, fellowships, and grants. Searching for scholarships, fellowships, and grants may seem tedious, but finding aid that you don’t have to pay back is well worth the effort.
- Work first; learn later. Taking time to save up for your graduate degree before entering a program may pay off in the long run. Depending on your employer, you may have tuition reimbursement opportunities.
Counseling Jobs and Salaries
Graduates with a master’s in counseling can go into school counseling, addiction and substance use counseling, marriage and family therapy, or geriatric counseling.
The BLS projects employment for school and career counselors and advisors to grow by 11% from 2020-2030. Other areas of employment have similar or better outlooks. A master’s degree can better position a candidate to be hired and earn a larger salary.
Description: School counselors help students develop the skills they need to succeed in school. Career counselors help people to develop the skills required to attain a certain occupation.
Required Education: Master’s degree
Job Outlook (2020-30): +11%
Median Annual Salary: $58,120
Marriage and Family Therapist
Description: Marriage and family therapists help clients discuss their emotions and experiences, and cultivate healthy relationships. These professionals work with individuals and families as they deal with separation and divorce as well.
Required Education: Master’s degree
Job Outlook (2020-30): +16%
Median Annual Salary: $51,340
Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling
Description: Addiction and substance use counselors advise people who struggle with alcoholism, narcotic use, eating disorders, and other behavioral or mental health conditions. These professionals provide treatment and support to help their clients reach a level of recovery.
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook (2020-30): +23%
Median Annual Salary: $47,660
What are the fastest-growing fields in the counseling profession?
Selecting the Right Graduate Program
To select the right graduate program, you must think about your preferred educational experience. Consider your desired career path as well.
Typical considerations include:
- Accreditation: This is especially important when it comes to those seeking licensure or any other certifications. Without attending an accredited program, gaining licensure might be difficult.
- Required Admission Materials/Test Scores: If you do not meet a program’s expectations for admission, that might not be the right program for you.
- Student-to-Teacher Ratio: Small class sizes often mean more individualized attention from your professors.
- Location: Online programs are different from in person programs. Likewise, in-state schools are often more affordable than out-of-state programs.
- Program Length: Longer programs can cost more money and time in the long run. However, faster programs can be more rigorous and require more energy.
- Available Concentrations: Depending on your potential career path, the right concentration can prepare you for future employment.
Top Affordable Master’s in Counseling Online Programs
Common Questions About Counselor Degrees Online
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What can you do with a counselor degree online?
Online counselor degree candidates pursue counseling careers. Potential jobs include school and career counseling, substance misuse and addiction counseling, and marriage and family therapy.
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How much does a master's in counseling online cost?
An online master’s in counseling can cost between $18,000 and $44,000, depending on the program.
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Is an online master's in counseling a good degree?
Yes, an online master’s in counseling is a good degree with many opportunities for employment and high earning potential.
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What degree do you need to be an online therapist?
Many online therapists have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field.
