If you're considering a graduate degree, it's a great time to invest in a counseling career. The field is expected to grow by an astronomical 25% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.) That's much faster than the national average for all occupations.
One way to further your education in this field is by earning a master's in counseling degree, which will prepare you for a career as a licensed counselor, therapist, or school counselor. The average annual salary for careers in counseling will range from $47,000 to $90,000, though what you earn will depend on your education level, experience, and employer.
A master's degree in counseling will help advance your career, gain new expertise, and increase your salary potential. You can choose to complete that degree online, which may give you flexibility to balance familial obligations and pursue work experience.
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Top 10 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in Counseling for 2021
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Online Master's in Counseling Overview
College education is broken down into several levels of certification. An associate's degree is a two year undergraduate degree that often covers general education and entry level courses. A bachelor's degree is a four year undergraduate degree that combines general education with a specialized major. You can pursue many career paths with a bachelor's degree alone.
A graduate degree is an advanced and specialized education that will help to prepare you for more competitive employment and careers in academia. A master's degree is typically two to three years of specialized education. A doctorate degree can take anywhere from two to four years and is the highest possible degree — it signifies mastery in your chosen field.
When you're studying for a master's degree in counseling, you'll prepare to work directly with clients and the general public on issues with mental health and relationships. You'll learn to understand clients better and gain the tools to address a wide range of concerns, whether they are emotional, social, mental, or other life issues.
Why Should I Get a Master's Degree in Counseling?
There are a number of different reasons that a master's degree in counseling can be a good investment, including:
You have a passion for the work.
Counselors help individuals, couples, and families cope with challenges and plan for the future. They may counsel people in schools, prisons, private practices, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers. Counselors specialize in areas such as substance abuse, marriage and family therapy, and clinical counseling.
You want to be in a high-demand field.
Mental health professionals such as counselors remain in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists to grow by 22% from 2018 to 2028.
The BLS projects jobs for school and career counselors to grow 8% between 2018 and 2028. The BLS also notes that job prospects are especially strong for mental health providers with a bachelor's or master's degree and those working in rural or underserved communities.
You need it to get licensed in counseling.
Many counseling positions require a master's degree and state licensure. Even in positions that do not require a master's degree, a graduate degree can lead to greater responsibilities and higher pay. Online master's programs in counseling offer the specialized training needed to help others as a skilled, licensed counselor.
Common Master's in Counseling Courses
What courses can I expect in a school counseling grad program?
Professional Counseling
This course introduces future counselors to the historical and psychological foundations of the profession and the ethical and professional standards in the field. Students explore current counseling theories, practices, models, research, and trends. Topics may include licensure, credentials, and professional organizations.Counseling and Human Development
This advanced course trains counselors to approach their clients from a developmental perspective. The course explores developmental milestones and relevant psychological theories of learning and personality development. Students learn to assess the impact of trauma, mental illness, poverty, substance abuse, culture, and family on human development.Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health
Many counselors specialize in supporting children and teens and their families or other caregivers. This course prepares counselors to assess, diagnose, and treat the mental health needs of their young clients. Course topics include the impact of abuse, trauma, family dynamics, substance abuse, physical health, and poverty on the mental health of children. Participants learn appropriate counseling strategies and interventions to help young people experiencing behavioral health conditions such as depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, eating disorders, and substance abuse.Counseling Strategies
This course may include a focus on group counseling strategies or marriage and family counseling techniques. This course prepares counselors to facilitate individual and group therapy sessions and manage interpersonal conflict. Requirements may include supervised practice sessions with clients or other field experiences.Diagnosis and Treatment
This course prepares counselors to assess psychiatric disorders and create appropriate treatment plans. Participants learn to recognize symptoms of mental illness and use DSM-5 criteria to diagnose behavioral health disorders. Topics include factors that contribute to mental illness, forms of psychological and behavioral dysfunction, and prevailing approaches to treatment.
Master's in Counseling Concentrations
Concentrations prepare counselors for specialized jobs in specific settings, including schools, rehabilitation centers, and behavioral health practices. The best programs prepare graduates to earn state licensure and employment in their desired field. Counselors typically train to work with a specific demographic group, client type, or disorder.
Concentrations in counseling include:
Addiction and Recovery Counseling
Trauma Counseling
School and Career Counseling
Marriage and Family Counseling
Mental Health Counseling
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Online Master's of Counseling?
Your tuition costs will vary depending on the program and school you choose to enroll in. Some schools offer discounted tuition for online programs. There are also master's programs available that will base your tuition on whether you are a resident of the school's state.
Our favorite online master's in counseling degrees have tuition costs that range from $7,000 to $35,000 on average. That said, tuition will generally be calculated by credit hour, so you may pay more or less than average depending on your class load each semester. You can also reduce your cost by transferring in credits in some cases.
Master's in Counseling Program Accreditation and Why It Is Important
Program accreditation is extremely important for students who need or want to obtain licensing in their field. That is not only true for health professionals, but also counselors as well.
There are two main types of accreditation for counseling programs: CACREP and MPCAC. Here's what they are and why they matter:
CACREP
CACREP, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs, an independent accrediting body that sets and maintains curricular guidelines and counselor training standards for master's and doctoral programs in clinical and mental health counseling.
CACREP sets the minimum standards that a counseling or specialized counseling program must meet for it to be considered "CACREP certified." It is possible to acquire a degree in counseling without CACREP certification, but it can make your career path more difficult. Most employers look for graduates with this type of accreditation.
CACREP accreditation is not vital or a requirement of licensure, but it is an important step in ensuring compliance with widely recognized standards.
MPCAC
MPCAC is the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council, a newer organization that, like CACREP, provides standards and curricular guidelines for master's degree programs in psychology and counseling.
The difference is that MPCAC only provides accreditation for master's programs while CACREP sets them for both master's and doctorate programs in counseling.
Master's Degree in Counseling Requirements
To enroll in a master's in counseling program, you must first earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Some schools require an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as psychology, biology, or education. Others may not require a specific major but may still require applicants to meet certain coursework prerequisites in areas such as statistics or psychology.
Counseling applicants must typically submit all previous transcripts. Some programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Many graduate programs in counseling require applicants to submit competitive GRE or MAT scores and essays demonstrating a commitment to counseling as a career. Some programs also require letters of recommendation from previous instructors. The application process may also include an interview or background check.
Some graduate schools require a resume and prefer applicants with work experience related to counseling. Employment or volunteer history can demonstrate dedication, empathy, and the ability to offer support to others.
Most programs require supervised fieldwork hours before graduation. These hours help future counselors meet state licensure requirements in their specialization.
Scholarships for Master's in Counseling
Finding counseling scholarships is becoming easier for graduate students who have received the calling to help others in need.
Melanie Foundation Scholarship
The Melanie Foundation offers a $2,500 scholarship for graduate study in a mental health field. Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae and evidence of past relevant career, research, or volunteer activities. Applicants must also submit unofficial transcripts, two letters of reference, and an essay no longer than two pages on how they plan to use their education. Applications are due March 5 each year.
NAJA Scholarship
The National Association of Junior Auxiliaries offers scholarships for graduate study in disciplines that serve the needs of children. Graduate students who plan to work directly with children may apply.
Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship and reside in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, or Tennessee. Applicants must submit undergraduate transcripts, three recommendations, and a resume. NAJA determines scholarship amounts based on applicant qualifications and available funds.
NBCC Minority Fellowship for Mental Health Counselors
The National Board for Certified Counselors administers a minority fellowship program for mental health counselors. NBCC awards up to 30 master's-level counseling fellowships of $10,000 plus travel expenses.
Applicants must enroll in an accredited master's program and commit to becoming a licensed counselor. Applicants must also demonstrate experience with underserved populations and commit to securing an internship in an underserved community.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Graduate students of Hispanic heritage may apply for an HSF scholarship. Awards range from $500-$5,000 based on financial need. Applicants must have a 2.5 undergraduate GPA and plan to enroll full time in graduate school in the United States. Applicants must complete the FAFSA or a state-based financial aid application. Students in any field may apply, although the fund prefers learners pursuing a degree in a STEM field.
