Counseling Program Guide

What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s Counseling Program?

Counseling is a fulfilling and challenging field that continues to grow much faster than other careers. While professionals with an undergraduate degree in counseling can find some entry-level positions with their current credentials, most counseling jobs require individuals to have earned a master’s degree. An online master’s in counseling enables students to continue working in their current career field by offering the time and geographic flexibility to complete their studies. Most master’s in counseling degrees require hands-on in-person internships before a student can graduate and then sit for professional credentialing exams. Those experiences typically run parallel to course studies through the master’s program. Online degree-conferring schools often help students find local internship placement opportunities, adding even more flexibility to this degree. Students already working in the counseling field may even be able to complete their internship requirements within their current workplace.

Concentrations Offered for an Online Master’s in Counseling

Curriculum for an Online Master’s in Counseling

Schools that confer master’s degrees in counseling do so in two different ways. Some schools offer a master’s in counseling that includes a concentration or additional certification. Others have degrees in a specific specialty area, such as a master’s in school counseling or a master’s in mental health counseling. Both approaches offer similar base studies that teach broad counseling topics plus classes specific to a particular specialty. At the end of class-based studies, most programs require students to fulfill practicums and internships, often matching the number of hours required to state licensing requirements. Students interested in pursuing PhD studies in the future may also complete thesis requirements at the master’s level.

Some of the classes you’ll encounter during your master’s in counseling studies may include:

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in Counseling?

Colleges that offer an online master’s in counseling vary widely in the number of courses or credits required to earn that degree. In programs where the student aspires to achieve state licensure, the credit hours required typically begin at 48 and may range to 60 or higher depending on specialty. Part-time students in programs that prepare for licensure typically achieve their degree in four years or less. Students who do not wish to become licensed can enroll in shorter programs that average 36 credits. In addition to classroom credits, schools may require practicums and internships adding up to 1000 hours or greater, the same as the hours of experience necessary for state licensing applicants.

Pursuing more than one specialization or choosing thesis-track programs may add additional semesters necessary before graduation. Finally, for students without a background or degree in counseling or psychology, some schools offer a bridge program so students can take foundational courses first before beginning their master’s level courses. This can also add one or more semesters. After graduation, students pursuing licensure may need to complete more hours in residencies or internships, as required by their home states.

Certifications and Licenses an Online Master’s in Counseling Prepares For

Accreditation for Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees

Before choosing a school to attend and earn a master’s in counseling, potential students should research the accreditations that institution has earned. In addition to the regional types of accreditation a school holds, most counseling programs also tout accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Many schools also hold accreditation from the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). Regional accreditation schools may have earned in addition to those specific for counseling include the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Some state counseling licensure boards require degrees from schools with specific accreditations. Prospective students can research their own home state’s requirements to ensure they select a school that conforms to those requirements.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Counseling Graduates

Job Placement: Master’s v. Bachelor’s

A minority of jobs within the counseling field require only a bachelor’s degree to attain entry-level positions. Most counseling jobs, including mental health counselors, marriage and family counselors, school counselors and substance abuse counselors, require at least a master’s degree in counseling to obtain. Higher level counseling positions, including those who oversee the counseling performed by others, may require a PhD in counseling. Additionally, most states require counselors to obtain licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Growth in mental health counseling positions averages 23 percent throughout the country, far higher than the average 9 percent growth among all professions.

Expected Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most counseling positions require at least a master’s degree. Salaries can vary significantly depending on the industry type in which a degreed and licensed counselor practices, with local government agencies on the high end of the pay range and residential facilities falling far lower.

Earning a master’s in counseling plus appropriate state licensure enables students to fill many different roles, including independent practice, outpatient centers, residential facilities, schools and government agencies. Specializations and concentrations pursued during master’s level coursework enable graduates to fill key positions necessary to address counseling and therapy needs in the community.

Salaries can vary based upon geographic location. The map below, displays mean wages for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, illustrates the variation in salary.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a master’s in counseling can fulfill positions in many different settings. Private practices and outpatient centers provide the highest numbers of positions in the mental health field, while the other leading health settings include residential programs, local government agencies and offices associated with other healthcare practitioners.