Masters In Counseling

With a master’s degree in counseling, you have more than just one job option. Make schools allow you to specialize, which determines the type of job you’ll take when you graduation. A master’s degree in this field also allows you to pursue other career paths based on your interests. Let’s take a look at all of your options in the counseling field.

Counseling Specializations

Counselors help a wide range of patients with their problems through various treatment techniques. By specializing, you’re better equipped to handle the challenge they may throw your way. Some of the most popular specializations include the following:

• Addiction
• Career
• Clinical
• Forensic
• Marriage/Family
• Mental Health
• Pastoral
• Rehabilitation
• School/Education
• Trauma and Crisis

You can also earn a more general master’s degree in counseling if you want to work with a variety of different types of patients or aren’t sure which specialization is right for you. You can always participate in continuing education courses to specialize in the future.

Other Career Paths with a Master’s in Counseling

While most students earning their master’s degree in counseling go on to work as counselors, this isn’t your only option. You can also get your doctorate degree, which allows you to teach or work in upper-level leadership roles. Some counseling students also opt to work more in psychology, which prepares you for research in this field. If you already work as a counselor, this is an especially good option to help you qualify for research roles in the field. You can research things such as behavior, mental disease, education psychology, and more, allowing you to better understand how to treat patients and develop new techniques and medications.

Duel Degree Options

Some master’s in counseling students option to get a second degree at the same time, which qualifies you to take on advanced positions both in counseling and in related fields. For example, you could get a master’s degree in healthcare administration as well, which qualifies you to work in management at a counseling facility or you could get a master’s degree in nonprofit administration, which is perfect if you want to work for a mental health awareness organization. You have lots of career options in this field based on the paths you take.

Guide to Online Masters in Counseling Programs

Masters in counseling programs often explore a specialized field like marriage counseling, school counseling, or even credit counseling. Counseling has its roots in psychology as workers strive to understand, identify, and finally provide resolution to problems one can have. Earning your masters degree doesn't have to be hard nor a major inconvenience. The first step is already taken for you with some highly-regarded schools with online programs listed below.

MA in Professional Counseling MA in School Counseling MA in Marriage/Family Therapy MA in Pastoral Counseling	Liberty University – One of the nations leading Christian evangelical colleges, Liberty offers a number of online masters in counseling degrees, such as programs for those that want to become a professional counselors, become school counselors, become certified to be marriage and family counselors, or even become pastoral counselors. These courses are designed to be completed with in two years and most require a bachelor degree.
MS in Counseling Psychology MS in Addiction Counseling MS in Career Counseling MS in Mental Health Counseling MS in Marriage/Family Therapy MS in School Counseling	Capella University – Capella University combines convenience with flexibility and freedom of choice in which direction students want to take their careers. Students are placed at the forefront of an industry with many high demand positions for skilled individuals. CU offers a huge selection of masters degrees, including Addiction Counseling, Career Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, School Counseling, and Counseling Psychology.
MS in Crisis Counseling MS in Forensic Counseling MS in Mental Health Counseling PhD in Counseling PhD in Counseling Psychology	Walden University – Walden has long been a leader in online masters in counseling programs. They offer a degree for those that want to pursue crisis counseling as well as a forensic counseling degree and finally a degree designed for those who want to become mental health counselors. Finally, for those that already have a master of counseling degree, Walden offers two PHD level counseling degrees; one generally in counseling and another in counseling psychology
MS in Clinical Counseling	Bellevue University – Bellevue now offers a fully accredited online master of counseling degree which focuses on clinical counseling. Students in this fully online program can complete the 60-credit degree in less time than it would require at a traditional campus school. Graduates will obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue lucrative careers in psychology.
MS in Clinical Counseling MS in Alcohol/Drug Counseling	Post University – Students looking for fast-paced curriculum and industry-driven education should consider Post University's two accredited, online programs for Masters in Counseling degrees. Student will be able to apply their skill and knowledge to real-world situations upon graduation. Students can pick from a Masters in Counseling in Clinical Counseling or Alcohol and Drug Counseling.
MS in Family Therapy MS in School Counseling MS in Mental Health Counseling MS in Rehabilitation Counseling	University of Massachusetts – One of the nations leading universities, UMass offers a number of online masters in counseling degrees. Their accredited online masters in counseling programs are designed to meet a variety of career goals. They include programs for those that want to become family therapists, or school counselors, mental health counseling and finally a degree for those that want to become a rehabilitation counselor.
MS in Psychology MS in General Psychology MS in Addictions Psychology MS in Behavioral Psychology	Kaplan University – Kaplan University is a nation-wide leader in accredited online education. Students gain knowledge and skills they need to fill high in demand positions. This places them in the center of lucrative careers and a field that is always seeking skilled individuals. Students can choose from a masters in Psychology, General Psychology, Addictions Psychology, and Behavioral Psychology.
DEd in Counseling Psych MA in I/O Psychology MA in Sport-Exercise Psych MA in Forensic Psych	Argosy University – Argosy University, a respected and highly-rated leader in online education, offers many directions for students seeking a Masters in Counseling to pick from. Each degree allows students to specialize in a field that interests them, and fill positions that are always in high demand. Students will be able to become Sports Psychologists, Educational Psychologists, Forensic Psychologists, or even Industrial/Organizational Psychologists.
MA in Career Counseling	University of the Rockies – In response to growing interest in online education, University of the Rockies has made an accredited online program available for its Masters in Career Counseling degree. This degree takes a look at the behavioral patterns and psychological aspects behind decision making and job seeking, using curriculum designed to be relevant in today's work environment.
MS in Professional Counseling MS in Addiction Counseling	Grand Canyon University – Grand Canyon University is an accredited college that is backed by years of experience in helping students pursue high level positions and in-demand careers. Programs can be completed on your own timeline, and better yet, they can be worked on at school, home, or even on the go. GCU offers two degrees, a Masters in Professional Counseling as well as a MS in Addiction Counseling.
MS in Psychology	University of Phoenix – One of the largest educators in the nation, University of Phoenix offers a huge range of online degree programs, including a Masters in Psychology. These programs are great for student with busy or inconsistent schedules and are in need of flexible hours. Online courses also have the additional benefit of cutting many of the costs associated with staying on campus.
MS in Rehabilitation Counseling	Thomas University – A rigorous masters in counseling degree that is now offered through accredited online courses. Thomas' program, which focuses on rehabilitation counseling, involves rigorous coursework and an internship in your local area which provides you with the hands on skills you need to succeed in a counseling career. This gives students a greater understanding and experience in dealing with real-world situations and human interaction.

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