MS in Counseling Studies

A Master of Science in Counseling Studies degree qualifies professionals to work in a non-clinical capacity in the field of health and human services. This degree enables professionals to help social workers, healthcare workers, and other professionals to provide services to people. Professionals with this degree typically work under the direction of workers from a variety of fields, such as nursing, psychiatry, psychology, or social work. Job settings typically include private practices, schools, offices, hospitals, community centers, and businesses.

Steps Toward an MS in Counseling Studies

To become a counseling services professional, requirements vary significantly by state. Successful students typically complete the following steps:

1. Earn proper undergraduate degree (requirements vary by state). Common undergraduate degrees include Bachelor of Science programs in education, psychology or human services. Entry level into this field, is just a high school diploma, however.
2. Earn proper graduate degree (requirements vary by state) from an accredited institution like Purdue, Liberty, or Walden University. Typically includes completing a Master of Science in Counseling Studies or Human Behavior.
3. There are no known licensure for this profession.
4. Continuing education. Advancement to case management, social work, or counseling jobs requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in human services, counseling, rehabilitation, social work, or a related field.

Professionals in the field should also consider membership with the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. Membership benefits include access to quarterly issues as well as back issues of the Counselor Education and Supervision journal, discounted registration at national and regional conferences, networking opportunities, and news updates relevant to the field.

My Degree and What It’s Good For

A degree in counseling studies prepares you to participate both in patient care and counseling related scholarship and policy-making. A counseling professional is typically responsible for the following job duties:

• Help clients master living skills and communicate more effectively.
• Support the client’s participation in a treatment plan
• Offer case management support and guidance.
• Arrange for medical care, vocational training, job placement and other outside services.

Annual salary varies within the profession based on specific type of job, location, and experience. For more on your earning potential, please visit our salary outlook for counselors page.