Different types of counseling degrees and specializations

Counselors provide a crucial access point to mental health services for millions of people. One in five adults in the US exhibits at least one mental health condition. Counselors are able to provide effective and empathetic treatment for many people.¹ In the post-COVID era, demand for access to counseling is growing rapidly, highlighting the need for more qualified providers.

As such, it’s important that counselors undergo the appropriate education and training, including a master’s degree in counseling, supervised experience hours, and state examinations and licensure. In this article, we'll explore various types of counseling degrees and the specialized areas within the field to help you decide which counseling degree options are right for you.

Academic pathways

A licensed counselor must possess at least a master’s degree. There are several types of counseling degrees and multiple pathways to achieve one of these degrees. Deciding which type of counseling degree is right for you will depend on your personal goals.

Bachelor-level: Psychology or human services

A bachelor’s degree in a related field offers a solid foundation for pursuing a master’s in counseling. It introduces essential concepts, techniques, and professional terminology that prepare you for more advanced coursework and clinical training.

Master’s degrees

There are three main types of counseling degrees at the master’s level: Master of Arts, Master of Science, or Master of Education. These general counseling degrees provide a broad overview of the field. They’re suitable for individuals interested in pursuing counseling careers in various settings, such as community agencies, outpatient settings, or private practices.

Alternatively, you can pursue a Master of Social Work with a counseling concentration. Graduates are equipped to work with individuals and families in settings including the school system, healthcare, and social service agencies.²

Doctoral programs for advanced research or practice

Finally, doctoral programs are designed for individuals interested in becoming licensed psychologists with a strong focus on counseling. PhD programs typically emphasize research and lead to careers in academia or research institutions, while PsyD programs focus more on clinical practice and are ideal for those seeking to work as licensed psychologists in a counseling capacity.

Popular specializations

Clinical mental health counseling

One of the more popular counseling specializations, clinical mental health counselors (CMHC) combine traditional psychotherapy techniques with a focus on practical actions and problem-solving, aiming to create fast, tangible change in clients’ lives.³ CMHCs may work one-on-one, in group therapy spaces, or in community health centers.

School counseling

School counselors play a vital role in the educational system by supporting students' academic, social, and emotional development. They help students set academic goals, address behavioral issues, and provide guidance on career planning and college admissions.

Marriage and family therapy

Marriage and family therapists (MFT) are trained to work with individuals, couples, and families to address relational issues and promote healthy communication and functioning within the family system.⁴ MFTs use various therapeutic approaches to help clients navigate challenges such as marital conflicts, parent-child relationships, and blended family dynamics.

Substance abuse and addiction counseling

Substance abuse is one of the most deeply challenging and hugely rewarding counseling specializations. Addiction counselors work with people struggling with addiction and substance abuse issues. They provide counseling and treatment plans to help clients overcome addiction and maintain sobriety.

Rehabilitation and career counseling

Rehabilitation counselors work with individuals who have disabilities to help them lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Career counselors help clients explore their interests, skills, and values and provide guidance on educational and vocational choices.⁵

Licensure and certification requirements

Licensure requirements for mental health counselors vary by state, so it's essential to meet the specific standards of the state where you intend to practice.

In all states, you’ll need to earn a master’s degree in counseling and complete a set number of supervised clinical hours, though the exact number of hours may differ by state. Some programs may also require you to pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) as part of your academic training.

To become licensed, you’ll also need to pass your state’s required licensing exam. Most states require either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), both administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

After successfully completing your education, supervised experience, and exam(s), you can submit your application to your state’s counseling board to receive your license.

In addition to state licensure, consider pursuing professional certification through reputable organizations aligned with your specialization. For example, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) or the NBCC offer credentials that validate your training, enhance your professional credibility, and provide access to continuing education opportunities.

Career paths and opportunities

You can narrow down your counseling degree options by considering your future career path. What are you passionate about?

Private practice, hospitals, and mental health clinics

Perhaps the most obvious setting, many counselors thrive in traditional mental health settings. Hospitals and mental health clinics offer firm structure and routine, while private practice gives a counselor complete freedom to build their schedule as they see fit.

Educational settings

School counselors are an invaluable resource for millions of students across the US. A counselor working in this environment needs to be prepared to wear many hats, from dealing with mental health concerns and family dynamics to college anxieties and academic goals.

Government agencies and nonprofit organizations

Many government agencies and nonprofits invest heavily in counseling and other mental health services. Working with these organizations can be very mission-aligned for individuals with strong ethical convictions.

Corporate wellness and employee assistance programs

The corporate world is a rapidly growing sector for mental health counseling, with employers developing Employee Assistance Programs to address a range of issues at no cost to employees.⁶

Factors to consider when choosing a program

When comparing counseling programs, start by identifying your top priorities. Look for a curriculum that aligns with your preferred specialization and offers meaningful opportunities for fieldwork and hands-on internships.

Take a close look at the faculty behind each counseling program you're considering. Faculty expertise can have a major impact on the quality of your education and your professional development. Are professors still active in the field? Have they worked in your area of interest—such as school counseling, clinical mental health, or marriage and family therapy? Do they stay current through ongoing education, research, or licensure renewal?

In addition to faculty qualifications, make sure the program is properly accredited. Accreditation—such as from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)—not only ensures academic quality but also plays a critical role in your eligibility for licensure, certification, and job opportunities after graduation.

Your counseling journey starts here

Pursue your dream with Marquette University's online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). Marquette's online counseling program blends flexible, self-paced learning with live sessions that support hands-on counseling practice.

Marquette University's counseling department is dedicated to developing socially conscious leaders who think critically and are prepared to advocate for equity, support diverse populations, and drive meaningful change in their communities.

To learn more about admissions or tuition and financial aid, schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor today.