Master’s in Counseling Program Guide

Q: What is the difference between an MA and an MS in counseling?

While both options offer similar coursework, a master of arts (MA) leans toward the humanities and liberal arts. In contrast, a master of science (MS) focuses more on research and statistics.

Learn about earning a master's degree in counseling. Read on to find out about programs, career opportunities, and earning potential.

Updated April 6, 2023

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Counselors provide guidance and support for people experiencing challenges, such as substance abuse, family and marital problems, and mental and emotional health issues. A master's degree in counseling prepares graduates for careers as marriage and family therapists, substance abuse counselors, school and career counselors, and social service managers.

Due to growing acceptance of the practice and the criminal justice system's recognition of counseling as a successful treatment method, counselors experience increasing demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 25% job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors between 2019 and 2029, far exceeding the national average.

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Should I Get a Master's in Counseling?

Students interested in helping individuals and groups face life's challenges and lead happier, more productive lives often find careers in counseling truly rewarding. Success in this profession requires patience, empathy, and exceptional communication skills. Fortunately, the old stigma against pursuing outside help for emotional or mental disorders continues to diminish, resulting in strong demand.

Most master's in counseling programs require about 60 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete.

According to the National Alliance on Mental illness, 20% of adults in America experience mental illness every year. As more individuals turn to counselors for support, the demand for these professionals continues to grow. The BLS projects 22% job growth for marriage and family therapists between 2019 and 2029.

An on-campus or online master's degree in counseling requires about 60 credits and takes two years of full-time study to complete. Some online accelerated programs can lead to a degree in 18 months. Most programs also require at least 600 hours of supervised practicums or clinical internships.

While some counselors may find work with a bachelor's degree, only those with a graduate degree can provide unsupervised, one-on-one counseling. To become a fully licensed professional counselor, graduates must complete 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience and pass a state-specific exam.

Find the best online Master's in Counseling programs.

Our master's in counseling program guide offers information on career opportunities, earning potential, licensure requirements, and how to choose a program in this exciting field.

Featured Online Degrees for Counseling

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Liberty University

Location
Lynchburg, VA

Graduation Rate
47%

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100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $565/Full time; $615/part time
Out of State | $565/Full time; $615/part time

Credits to Graduate
60

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs

LU offers an MA in clinical mental health counseling as one of the nation's top Christian colleges. This degree prepares students to pursue state licensure as professional counselors. The curriculum explores topics such as psychopathology, crisis counseling, and clinical diagnosis and treatment planning.

Each participant completes a required internship and practicum in their local area. Enrollees meet with faculty and peers during two on-campus intensives. On average, they complete the degree in 2.5 years. Admission to the master's in counseling requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.7 GPA.
University of Southern California

Location
Los Angeles, CA

Graduation Rate
92%

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100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $2,035
Out of State | $2,035

Credits to Graduate
49

Program Information
Regional Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges

The Los Angeles-based USC features a top-ranked counseling program with an online M.Ed. in school counseling. The degree prepares enrollees to pursue counseling roles in K-12 settings. Students attend live online classes weekly. They supplement lectures and self-paced coursework with clinicals, fieldwork, and internships.

This online master's in counseling prepares learners to earn the California pupil personnel services credential. Full- and part-time enrollment options offer added flexibility. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
New York University

Location
New York, NY

Graduation Rate
85%

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100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,942
Out of State | $1,942

Credits to Graduate
48-60

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council

As one of the nation's top colleges, NYU offers two online master's in counseling. Students can pursue a specialization in school counseling or mental health and wellness. Participants progress through each program as part of a cohort. Learners attend live online classes through full-time or part-time enrollment.

This school counseling degree offers an optional concentration in bilingual school counseling. Each enrollee receives field preparation through practicum experience and three 200-hour internships. All participants engage in experiential activities during an immersion on the NYU campus. Each candidate must possess a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Wake Forest University

Location
Winston-Salem, NC

Graduation Rate
88%

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100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,560
Out of State | $1,560

Credits to Graduate
60

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs

Wake Forest's MA in counseling offers specializations in school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. Both pathways require foundational and core courses. Topics include theories and models of counseling, family counseling, and group procedures in counseling.

Enrollees develop field experience during internship hours. The degree prepares students to become eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE). Wake Forest boasts a 95% pass rate on the NCE. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and GRE scores.
Clarks Summit University

Location
South Abington Township, PA

Graduation Rate
88%

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100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $585
Out of State | $585

Credits to Graduate
60

Program Information
Regional Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education

The Pennsylvania-based CSU offers an MS in counseling that emphasizes a biblical counseling model. The program prepares enrollees to sit for the National Certified Counselor exam. Coursework explores human development, abnormal behavior, and marriage and family counseling.

Each student completes a supervised counseling practicum and an internship. This master's in counseling culminates with a comprehensive exam. Students can transfer up to 20 credits into the MS. An applicant must possess a bachelor's degree for admission.
Adler University

Location
Chicago, IL

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100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,442
Out of State | $1,442

Credits to Graduate
62

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs

Adler specializes in training mental health practitioners. Its MA in clinical mental health counseling continues that tradition. Students learn to provide culturally sensitive services in various settings. Most courses are delivered asynchronously with some synchronous meetings. Each enrollee can hone their counseling skills in a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship.

All online students complete two five-day residencies on the Chicago campus. The program also requires face-to-face teaching and evaluation components for four courses. Graduates qualify to sit for the National Counselor Examination. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
University of Denver

Location
Denver, CO

Graduation Rate
77%

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100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $956
Out of State | $956

Credits to Graduate
72

Program Information
Regional Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission

DU's online MA in school counseling prepares enrollees to pursue work as counselors focused on social justice. Coursework explores lifespan development, counseling theory, and counseling techniques. Learners blend classwork with activities like journaling and mock counseling sessions.

Each participant completes a 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships at a local P-12 school. Students can also opt to take part in an on-campus immersion experience. Full-time enrollees can complete the MA online in 24 months. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Candidates do not need to submit GRE scores.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles

Location
Los Angeles, CA

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100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,253
Out of State | $1,253

Credits to Graduate
60

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs

The Chicago School cultivates licensed and certified professional counselors. Practitioner-faculty teach the online MA in clinical mental health counseling. The program meets the educational requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor credential. The curriculum covers assessment of individuals and diagnosis of mental health issues.

Each enrollee completes a practicum and two internships, totaling a minimum of 700 hours. The part-time degree requires two in-person residencies. Students can complete this master's in counseling online in three years. Admission requires a bachelor's degree. Applicants do not need to submit GRE scores.
University of the Cumberlands

Location
Williamsburg, KY

Graduation Rate
44%

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100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $400
Out of State | $400

Credits to Graduate
60

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

UC is a Christian college located in Kentucky. Its master's in clinical mental health counseling prepares enrollees to pursue work as mental health counselors and assess, diagnose, and treat mental disorders. The online curriculum explores private practice and clinical supervision, marriage and family counseling, and child and adolescent counseling.

Each enrollee develops practical expertise during a 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships. The school also offers an online master's in addiction counseling. Admission to either master's in counseling program requires a bachelor's degree and a 3.0 GPA. Candidates with GPAs in the 2.5-2.9 range can receive consideration if they complete an additional essay prompt.
Hope International University

Location
Fullerton, CA

Graduation Rate
54%

View School Profile

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $650
Out of State | $650

Credits to Graduate
61 units

Program Information
Regional Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission

This private Christian college offers an online MS in counseling with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. The program prepares students to pursue Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist credentials. Enrollees can complete this online program through asynchronous classwork in 2-3 years.

The curriculum covers psychotherapy, group therapy, and career counseling and development. Practicum and internship components provide 700 hours of field experience. Each applicant to the master's in counseling must possess a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

What Will I Learn in a Counseling Master's Program?

A counseling master's program provides instruction in advanced counseling practices and theories while developing students' critical thinking and decision-making skills. This program offers a combination of classroom learning, research, and practical applications.

Most programs require supervised practica and 600-700 hour clinical internships that help fulfill requirements for state licensure. While all programs vary, most offer core courses, such as group counseling theory and practice; diagnosis, assessment and treatment; and orientation and ethics.

Many programs offer concentrations that play an important part in each student's education and career trajectory.

Concentrations

Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Students learn the critical thinking skills needed to help clients overcome and cope with significant mental and emotional challenges. This concentration explores crisis intervention, advocacy, and contemporary issues impacting clients.
School Counseling: This concentration focuses on the social, developmental, and academic challenges that preK-12 students may experience. Degree-seekers learn how to effectively manage complex issues like bullying, low self-esteem, and learning difficulties.
Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling: This specialization focuses on the skills needed to modify behaviors and treat clients recovering from addictions and substance abuse. Students explore advanced theories regarding assessing and treating clients to promote positive, lasting change.
Rehabilitation Counseling: This concentration prepares students to help people with disabilities live independently and improve their quality of life. Specific areas of study may include students with autism, the elderly, and veterans.
Marriage and Family Therapy: This concentration focuses on the interpersonal dynamics of families and marriages. Students explore intervention strategies and specific issues related to blended families and domestic violence.

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Admissions Requirements for Counseling Master's Programs

Applicants to master's in counseling programs must hold a bachelor's degree. Some programs prefer an undergraduate degree in behavioral sciences, psychology, education, or social work. Most programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7-3.0.

In addition to submitting official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions they have attended, prospective students must include 2-3 letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. Many programs also require a criminal background check.

Read Our Guide to Graduate Admissions

What Can I Do With a Master's in Counseling?

A master's degree in counseling prepares graduates to work in numerous fields, including research, human development, family therapy, and social justice. Counselors also work with diverse segments of the population, such as children and adolescents, veterans, and the elderly.

These professionals find careers in numerous settings, including hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, government agencies, and community service organizations. Others enter private practice as family therapists or mental health counselors. The BLS reports that marriage and family therapists earn a median annual salary of $51,340, while therapists who work for state governments earn $78,450 per year.

Below are several common career options for graduates with a master's degree in counseling.

Popular Career Paths

Popular Continuing Education Paths

How Much Money Can I Make With a Master's in Counseling?

PayScale reports that individuals with an MA in counseling earn an average yearly salary of $51,930. However, salaries vary based on the type of counseling as well as the industry and experience level. For instance, according to the BLS, school and career counselors earn a median annual wage of $58,120, while those who work in elementary and secondary schools make $64,960 per year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Counseling Programs

Is a master's in counseling worth it?

Yes. For individuals with a strong desire to help people overcome challenges and live their best lives, a master's degree in counseling can lead to a successful and fulfilling career. Professional counselors also need state licensure, which requires a master's degree.

How much does it cost to get a master's in counseling?

The College Board reports that the annual tuition and fees for a master's degree at a four-year public institution costs an average of $8,950. A master's at a private nonprofit four-year college or university costs $29,670. Costs vary based on the type of college, state of residency, and online or on-campus instruction.

How long does it take to complete a master's in counseling?

Most master's degrees in counseling require 60 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete. Some online programs offer accelerated tracks that can lead to a master's degree in 18 months.

What is the difference between an MA and an MS in counseling?

While both degrees for counseling offer similar coursework, a master of arts (MA) leans toward the humanities and liberal arts. In contrast, a master of science (MS) focuses more on research and statistics.

Is it better to get a master's in counseling or psychology?

A psychology master's program focuses more on research and psychometric assessments. Licensed clinical psychologists may work with people with serious mental illnesses, and most states require a doctorate. A master's in counseling focuses on holistic, practical skill sets that help clients through their unique challenges.