Master’s in Counseling Degree Guide

Empathy, strong communication skills, and a passion for bettering the lives of others — you may want to consider a master’s in counseling program if you possess any or all of these traits.

A master’s in counseling can open the door to a variety of careers that will see you working with — and ideally helping — patients through mental and emotional challenges. It’s a heavy responsibility, but one that can lead to immense personal satisfaction when you see the fruits of your labor.

In many cases, the only way to break into this industry is with a master’s degree.

Whether you have an undergraduate background in the mental health field or not, a master’s in counseling prepares you to provide vital support for individuals grappling with various personal and psychological struggles. Standout counseling programs typically take 2-3 years to complete and cover topics including psychology, therapeutic methods, and counseling ethics.

Alongside core counseling coursework, students can choose from specializations in areas like clinical mental health, substance use, and marriage and family counseling. Upon graduation, students hold the skills needed to jumpstart meaningful careers in the mental health field and can earn professional licensure.

Your coursework will largely depend on what counseling program you choose and what you specialize in, but there are some similarities across programs. Here are some of the most common courses required in pursuing a master’s in counseling degree.

Concentrations describe the more niche subject areas you can explore within your master’s in counseling program. Concentrations offered will vary by counseling degree types and programs.

If a counseling degree feels like a solid fit, understanding how to secure the degree is critical. Keep reading to learn how long it takes and what you need to know when applying to a master’s in counseling program.

Earning your graduate degree in counseling often involves a 60-credit curriculum that takes 2-3 years. Still, some programs offer accelerated options, allowing you to complete academic requirements more quickly. Additionally, online master’s programs can enhance flexibility and affordability, making it an ideal option for students juggling personal, professional, and academic obligations.

As you work through your master’s in counseling program, you’ll complete both theoretical and practical courses. Before graduation, counseling students also complete vital hands-on experiences where they work in a real-world clinical environment.

While applications inevitably vary between master’s in counseling programs, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Additionally, many programs require that you have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. If you have any questions or concerns when preparing your application, be sure to reach out to admissions counselors.

We highlight some common application requirements below.

The cost of your master’s in counseling degree can vary pretty widely between schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, full-time graduate students at public institutions pay an average of $11,554 per year. Students at private schools pay considerably more, shelling out over $20,000 annually.

While these national numbers are useful, a closer look at specific counseling programs can provide a more complete picture of your academic investment. Online master’s in counseling programs often come with more affordable tuition rates, with schools like Concordia University Wisconsin both coming in under $12,000 per year.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best counseling degree program for you. Here, we’ll break down the high-level differentiators you should keep in mind.

Attending an accredited counseling program is vital to ensure that your master’s degree holds value in the eyes of future employers. Additionally, some states may require you to have attended an accredited counseling program in order to be recognized by state licensing boards.

Accrediting agencies continually audit programs to ensure that they meet minimum standards and are properly educating students for the workforce.

In choosing the right program, you’ll first want to narrow down what type of program you’re interested in.

For example, would you prefer a master’s in counseling online program or an in-person program? Are you looking to attend a public or private institution?

You may also want to consider amenities offered at different programs, as some may cater to students pursuing a degree later in life, while others may have programs built with veterans in mind.