Most states require you to obtain a master’s degree and state licensure to be a counselor.
This article will review some of the master’s degrees that are available for counseling.
Types of Degrees
Counseling is certainly not a “one-size-fits-all” option.
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You may also be interested in marriage and family therapy or social work.
Master of Arts vs. Master of Science
The Master of Arts (M.A.)
You may have a bachelor’s degree in literature, history, philosophy, ethics, etc.
The focus of coursework in the M.A.
A Master of Science (M.S.)
in Counseling programs offer similar foundational classes as the M.A.
programs in the theory and software of counseling, ethics, and the various areas of specialization.
There are usually clusters of classes that are required for state licensing in each specialized field of counseling.
Master of Education (MEd)
The Master of Education (M.Ed.)
in Counseling is offered through an institution’s school of education.
This can involve academic challenges, career counseling, and some behavioral and mental health counseling.
These programs take two years of graduate study to complete.
They work in hospitals, mental health clinics, government agencies, schools, and more.
Master in Counseling Psychology
Another option is a master’s degree in counseling psychology.
This degree is similar to the M.A.
If you are interested in opening your own private practice, you will need to gain state licensure.
You may be required to work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
MastersInCounseling.org.MA vs MS in counseling (Master of Arts vs Master of Science).
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