Understanding counseling degree options

The demand for skilled counselors has skyrocketed as more Americans seek mental health support. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment for all mental health professionals to grow faster or much faster than the 3% average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032.¹

Many of these mental health occupations require college degrees and specialized training. For example, mental health counselors need at least a bachelor’s degree and typically a master’s degree to earn their license and practice.² Choosing the right counseling degree will help you pursue your ideal career path and achieve your goals.

This guide provides an in-depth overview of different degree options, including online counseling degrees and specializations.

College students can choose from two main types of counseling degrees:

All 50 states require individuals to hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field to be eligible for licensure.² These programs, typically clinical mental health counseling programs, allow students to specialize in many areas, including addiction counseling, school counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. Most counseling degree programs also include dedicated curriculum and credits for supervised clinical hours where students get hands-on experience working with clients with behavioral disorders. They may lead group counseling sessions, help supervisors put together treatment plans, or otherwise complete supervised clinical work to help clients manage their mental health issues.

A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in counseling allows a mental health counselor to refine their skills as a researcher to contribute to better understanding of therapy processes, treatment effectiveness, human development and diversity. A doctoral degree allows students to continue careers as licensed professional counselors, or they could use their counseling skills for applied research and careers in counselor education.

Many counseling professionals obtain a master’s degree to gain advanced knowledge of counseling theories and meet licensing requirements. Some counseling careers may take additional licenses or certifications in order to practice professionally, but here are a few typical counseling specialties you can pursue in a master’s program:

An addiction counseling specialization equips students to work with clients experiencing substance abuse disorders, gambling disorders, and other behavioral addictions. They learn how to treat these disorders and support patients throughout recovery. Addiction counselors often work for community health agencies, outpatient clinics, and private practice offices.³

People who want to help clients make career decisions and accomplish professional goals can specialize in career counseling. These professionals assist clients with career transitions, job searches, and professional development. Employment opportunities include career resource centers, universities, and other educational organizations.

Clinical health mental counseling focuses on caring for people with emotional and mental disorders. Students specializing in this area learn how to diagnose and treat these disorders. Graduates can work for hospitals, mental health facilities, and treatment centers.

Students specializing in marriage, couple, and family counseling assist patients experiencing relationship challenges. This concentration covers family dynamics, emotional disorders, and communication issues. Community mental health centers, inpatient facilities, and social services agencies employ these counselors.

School counselors support students from kindergarten through high school. This specialization focuses on career planning, personal and social development, and school guidance programs. School counseling programs are often separate from other counseling master's programs as they're frequently master's degrees in education rather than science.

Many colleges and universities offer convenient online counseling degrees. These programs provide many benefits for current and aspiring counseling professionals.

Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of an online counseling degree program. Students can take classes from any location instead of commuting to campus plus many counseling programs offer asynchronous courses for additional convenience. This flexibility makes it easier to balance schoolwork with other responsibilities and enable students to learn on their own schedules, which is especially beneficial for working professionals.

Additionally, online counseling degrees don’t have geographical limitations. Students can enroll in these programs from anywhere without the need to relocate. For instance, an individual could enroll in a child and adolescent counseling program in another state if local colleges don’t offer that specialization.

Finally, online graduate counseling degrees use technology to promote student engagement and interaction. Instructors often provide learning materials in multiple formats, such as interactive case studies, handouts, and videos. These diverse resources boost engagement by appealing to students with different learning styles.

Online classes also use discussion boards and videoconferencing to encourage students to collaborate and participate in group activities. These interactions enrich the learning experience by allowing students to build community and network with peers.

Applying to online counseling programs requires careful preparation. Follow these tips to navigate the application process efficiently.

Start exploring counseling degrees at least two months in advance to give yourself enough time to research different options. Consider these criteria when choosing a counseling degree:

• Available specializations: Look for programs with courses and specializations that fit your career goals 
• Cost: Research the cost of tuition, textbooks, and other fees
• Faculty: Prioritize programs with faculty who are experts in your areas of interest

Necessary application materials vary by institution but may include:

• Personal statements: Look for examples of effective personal statements online, and ask grammar-savvy friends or writing tutors for feedback on your draft
• Letters of recommendation: Ask teachers and supervisors for letters of recommendation at least three weeks before the deadline
• Transcripts: These documents can take several days to process, so request them at least a week ahead of time

Give yourself at least a month to assemble and polish your materials. A proactive approach will help you avoid mistakes and deliver the strongest materials.

Expand your knowledge and career opportunities with an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University. Our flexible online option allows you to work on your counseling degree program from anywhere and on your schedule.

The clinical mental health curriculum covers a broad range of subjects, including assessment in counseling, multicultural counseling, and trauma counseling. Students can also specialize in Child and Adolescent Counseling.

Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor to learn more about our courses and professional development opportunities related to counseling.