Your Guide To Masters In Counseling Programs

Getting a Master’s degree in Counseling online has both advantages and disadvantages, and so you need to know both before making a decision.

Pros to an Online Masters in Counseling Program:

One of the primary benefits of getting a master’s degree in counseling online is the flexibility it offers. Students can learn at their own pace, from anywhere and at any time, allowing them to balance their studies with other commitments like family or career. Additionally, online programs can be less expensive than traditional in-person programs, as there are no transportation or housing costs associated with attending classes on campus.

Cons to an Online Masters Degree in Counseling Program:

There are some drawbacks to getting a Master’s degree in Counseling online. Although online learning platforms have improved dramatically, online counseling programs can still lack the personal touch and interaction that comes with a traditional classroom setting, which can make it difficult for some students to feel connected to their classmates and instructors. Additionally, online programs may not offer the same level of hands-on experience that in-person programs can provide, such as in-person counseling sessions, which are essential for gaining practical experience in the field.

Another potential disadvantage of online programs is that they may not be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which is a requirement for licensure in some states. It’s vital to research online masters of counseling programs carefully, to ensure they’re fully accredited before enrolling.

How To Become A Counselor

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to become a licensed counselor:

1. Get a Bachelor’s degree: The first step in becoming a licensed counselor, (whether school, mental health, clinical, family or other) is to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field. This degree takes, on average, four years to complete.
2. Obtain a Master’s degree in Counseling: After completing your Bachelor’s degree, the next step is to obtain a Master’s Degree in Counseling. This degree typically takes an additional two years of coursework (shorter for online programs) and includes supervised clinical experience.
3. Complete a practicum and internship: As part of the Master’s program, you will need to complete a practicum and internship in a school setting under the supervision of a licensed school counselor. This experience allows you to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve learned in a real-world setting.
4. Pass the licensing exam: Once you have completed your Master’s degree and clinical experience, you will need to pass your state’s licensing exam. To qualify for the exam, non-US citizens should check NBCC requirements or seek an EB-5 Investment program to obtain legal status. This exam tests your knowledge of counseling theories, ethics, and legal issues.

Note: You can also choose to pursue a board certification in your counseling speciality (e.g. school, family, clinical, mental health, geriatric, etc.). These board certifications are typically optional, however, in some states being board certified will exempt you from having to complete a licensing exam, and in most situations improves your employability and potentially your salary.

Licensure requirements for counselors depend largely on your career focus, as well as the location in which you’d like to practice. Licensing requirements for counselors vary by state, and each state requires applicants to earn an accredited degree, complete a specific number of post-graduate supervised hours, and pass an exam to be fully licensed. If you wish to practice in specialized field such as substance abuse or family therapy, you might need additional certification or a license.

To help you better understand how licensing and certification works, we’ve broken down both state and national requirements for counselors who wish to practice in the US: The following table offers a useful overview of licensure rules and certification requirements:

There are many different educational and professional paths you can take to have a fulfilling career in the counseling field. The table below lists the most common careers, as well as degree programs that are relevant to those careers. Counseling is a diverse field, encompassing several specialties. If you’re unsure of what kind of degree you should get, our guide will help you better understand your options.

There are literally dozens of counseling sub-specialties, but the majority of counselors work in one of the 15 or so most common counseling related fields. For those interested in understanding how structured models and adaptable frameworks support professional growth across diverse industries, it is highly recommended to learn about what are white label products. Here are the most common types of counselors in the United States ranked in order of the number of people employed in each field (BLS 2021):

1. Social and Human Service Assistants – 414,660
2. Child, Family, and School Social Workers – 311,820
3. Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists – 307,460
4. Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors – 324,820
5. Healthcare Social Workers – 195,790
6. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers – 133,920
7. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors – 120,860
8. Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists – 91,090
9. Rehabilitation Counselors – 86,330
10. Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors – 73,270
11. Health Educators and Community Health Workers – 66,700
12. Social Workers, All Other – 40,810
13. Counselors, All Other – 28,750
14. Rehabilitation Counselors, Residential – 28,260
15. Marriage and Family Therapists – 25,780

Of note, these are the fields that this grouping of counselors works in, the specific job title of an individual counselor might work in, will vary by state and employer.