Counseling degrees are offered in all forms; full/part-time, on-campus, or online. Typically, the curriculum of counseling degrees provides in-depth knowledge in the areas of psychological, developmental, and mental health. Students learn how to use their knowledge to affect cognitive, behavioral, or systemic change in troubled individuals.
What Degree Do You Need to Be a Counselor?
According to the data reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, you must graduate from at least a master’s degree in counseling to work as a counselor. A degree in counseling prepares students for advanced practice in the field. People with a degree in this subject typically provide counseling services to individuals, families, groups, or organizations, etc. Several universities in the US offer degrees in this subject.
What Is Counselling?
Counseling is the process of helping people find ways to deal with their psychological, behavioral, or daily life problems. Counselors are highly-trained professionals who are capable of using a wide range of techniques or tactics to provide counseling services to their clients. They cannot give you advice or tell you what to do.
What Can You Do with a Counselling Degree?
Most careers in counseling require a master’s degree in the relevant subject. With a degree in counseling, you can get employed in any of the following positions. The salary details of these careers were reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
School and Career Counselors – Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
A master’s degree in counseling can help you get employed in this role. Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors help students with the development of academic and social skills required to thrive. They also help people choose a path to employment.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $57,040 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 8% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $61,000 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 32,650 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | California | $78,250 |
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
This is an entry-level career that requires at least a bachelor’s degree in counseling. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise and treat people suffering from drug addiction, alcoholism, or other mental/behavioral issues.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $46,240 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 22% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $49,950 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 32,380 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Utah | $67,410 |
Rehabilitation Counselors
This position also requires a master’s degree in counseling. Rehabilitation counselors are professionals who help people with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities, live independently.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $35,950 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 10% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $40,160 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 15,210 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | New Jersey | $65,540 |
What to Expect from a Counselling Degree?
To find out what you can achieve with a degree in Counselling, go through the curriculum of degrees that interest you. This can help you decide whether that degree aligns with your professional goals or not. For instance, the curriculum of Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology offered by the Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers the following concentration areas;
- Generalist
- Child and Adolescent Treatment
- Health Psychology
- Marital and Family Therapy
- Trauma and Crisis Intervention
- Treatment of Addiction Disorders
For details on the curriculum of a degree, please visit the official website of the desired university.
How to Choose a Counselling Degree?
One of the most important features to consider while choosing a degree in counseling is accreditation. For instance, the Doctoral degree in Counselling Psychology offered by Washington State University has been accredited by the American Psychological Association. Other worthwhile features like the curriculum, reputation of the university, achievements of faculty, duration of the degree, admission and graduation requirements, etc. must also be considered.
Counselling Degree Admission Requirements
The admission requirements are different for every degree and institution. For example, if you are interested in applying for the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) offered by the Roosevelt University, you must submit an online application with;
- Official Transcripts from all previous colleges attended in the US
- A Foreign Credential Evaluation for coursework completed outside the U.S. (if applicable)
- Letter of Intent
- For international applicants, a TOEFL/IELTS exam score
For specific details, please see the official website of the selected university.