Student Resources Master's in Counseling Degree Options and Career Paths What You Can Do With Your Degree By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book." Learn about our editorial process Updated on July 16, 2021 Learn more." data-inline-tooltip="true"> Fact checked Verywell Mind content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by James Lacy Fact checked by James Lacy James Lacy, MLS, is a fact-checker and researcher. Learn about our editorial process Print PeopleImages.com / Getty Images After earning a bachelor's degree in psychology, some students choose to go on to earn a master's in counseling. This degree can be a good alternative to a master's in psychology, in particular for those interested in working in academic or mental health settings. Types of Degrees Counseling is certainly not a "one-size-fits-all" option. If you are interested in entering this field, it is important to think about the kind of counseling that you want to perform. There are several types of counseling degrees available. These degrees vary in terms of academic requirements and specialty areas, so it's important to consider the differences as well as your career goals before deciding which degree is right for you. Do you want to deal with mental health issues? Then a master's degree in counseling, social work, or counseling psychology might be the best choice. Are you interested in working in an academic setting? Then a Master of Education in counseling would probably be a good choice. What Is a Counselor vs. a Counseling Psychologist Master of Arts (MA) vs. Master of Science (MS) Master's degrees in counseling are often offered through a university's school of education. These programs focus on therapies and behavioral modification techniques. Individuals with an M.A. or M.S. in counseling often work as school counselors or career counselors, but they may also be employed in private practices, mental health clinics or hospitals. If you are interested in opening your own counseling practice, you may find that many states and insurance companies have limited reimbursement options even though mental health service coverage is required by law. A master's in counseling typically requires around 50 to 60 credits of graduate coursework. Master of Education (MEd) Like the M.A. or M.S. in Counseling, the Master of Education in Counseling is offered through an institution's school of education. These programs take two years of graduate study to complete. Individuals with an M.Ed. may go on to work in academic settings as counselors, or they may choose to gain licensure to work in mental health counseling. Master of Social Work (MSW) While not specifically a degree in counseling, the Master of Social Work allows graduates to provide counseling services. The MSW degree is perhaps the most popular option because it is recognized in all 50 states, and insurance companies are willing to reimburse those with an MSW degree and Clinical Social Worker (CSW) licensure for services. This makes it a popular choice for students who are interested in putting their degree to use immediately after graduation. Other good news is that MSW graduates are generally in high demand in many different locations, particularly as the need for mental health services continues to grow. The Basic Methods of Different Therapy Types Master in Counseling Psychology Another option is a master's degree in counseling psychology. In some states, this degree allows graduates to gain limited licensure to practice psychology. Like the master's in clinical psychology, however, most states require those with a master's in counseling psychology to practice under the direct supervision of a licensed doctorate-level psychologist. Job Options Licensed professional counselors can work in a variety of jobs including: Academic counselorsCareer counselorsMarriage and family counselorsMental health counselorsSchool counselorsSubstance abuse counselors Licensing requirements can vary by state, so be sure to check with your state's department of labor to learn more about the specific educational, licensing, and certification requirements to work in particular professions. 80+ Jobs in Psychology to Consider 5 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Proctor E. The pursuit of quality for social work practice: Three generations and counting. J Soc Social Work Res. 2017;8(3):335-353. doi:10.1086/693431 Fava GA, Park SK, Dubovsky SL. The mental health clinic: a new model. World Psychiatry. 2008;7(3):177-81. doi:10.1002/j.2051-5545.2008.tb00192.x Browne T, Keefe RH, Ruth BJ, et al. Advancing social work education for health impact. Am J Public Health. 2017;107(S3):S229-S235. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.304054 Khan RK. Why do we Need More Clinical Psychologists?. Malays J Med Sci. 2008;15(2):1-2. Poon VH. Practice tips. Model for counseling people in relationships. Can Fam Physician. 2007;53(2):237-8. By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book." See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit