Guide to Master’s in Counseling

Earning a master’s in counseling can prepare you to pursue several counseling roles. Learn how to make a difference as a licensed counselor, what to look for in master’s programs, and what to expect in your fieldwork with this in-depth guide.

A master’s in counseling is an advanced degree that covers the theories, strategies, and techniques professional counselors use in client interactions. Master’s programs can lead to licensure-track careers, such as licensed counselors or marriage and family therapists. But you can also pursue non-licensed roles in social services, community health, and counseling research.

Completion timelines depend on program pacing and whether you study full or part time. Full-time students in regularly paced programs can graduate in four semesters or two academic years.

Schools regularly offer online master’s in counseling programs, which allow you to complete your academic coursework remotely. However, all graduate counseling programs typically include field training, such as practicums and internships, which you must complete in person.

When researching programs, look closely at the curriculum’s licensure-track or non-licensure-track status. Some master’s in counseling programs are designed for learners who do not plan to become licensed counselors. These programs will not qualify you for a counseling license.

Guidelines vary by state, but a master’s in counseling generally satisfies the educational requirements for counseling licensure. Graduates often become licensed counselors, but you can also target other roles, such as a researcher or instructor.

It may help to identify a career path before enrolling in a program to ensure your educational experience will align with your goals. For example, licensure-track programs focus heavily on practitioner skills. They may not make the best match if you’re an aspiring counseling psychology researcher.

With that in mind, explore some common careers available to people with a master’s in counseling:

Doctoral programs offer a way to continue your education beyond the master’s level. A counseling doctorate can enhance your expertise and deepen your knowledge in a specialized area.

Like master’s programs, doctorates in counseling can follow licensure-track or non-licensure-track paths. The latter option may support entry to advanced research, academia, or policymaking careers.

The average annual graduate tuition is about $12,600 for public schools and $28,000 for private schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). While attending a public university typically costs less, many factors, such as financial aid, can influence your out-of-pocket education costs, including:

If you need help meeting program costs, always look to non-repayable sources before considering loans.

Master’s in counseling programs usually require the following of successful applicants:

Some schools also prefer or require that you have prior work experience (volunteer or paid) with social service or community agencies.

Most master’s in counseling programs take approximately two years for full-time students and 3-4 years for part-time students. A growing number of programs include online or hybrid classwork. Fieldwork, however, typically requires students to visit real-world work settings in person.

A master’s degree also prepares enrollees for the National Counselor’s Examination or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination.

The most important factor in program quality is accreditation, which occurs at the institutional and programmatic levels. Always ensure that your school and program hold accreditation from organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) reviews programs for quality as the primary programmatic accreditor in the field. CACREP accreditation is vital for licensing and quality, and this guide only lists accredited master’s in counseling programs.

Within master’s in counseling programs, you can focus on a particular type of client, such as school counseling or marriage and family counseling. Degrees also allow you to concentrate in patient conditions, such as substance use disorders, anxiety, or phobias. You can also focus your studies on a particular approach, such as cognitive behavioral counseling.

A master’s in counseling program generally includes a practicum in the first year and an internship in the second year. During the practicum, enrollees observe licensed professional counselors. The internship requires graduate students to perform counseling work under the supervision of a professional counselor.

The practicum and internship can provide valuable real-world experience and professional references for your job hunt after graduation. On-campus, online, and hybrid programs often arrange practicum placements and provide support for finding internships.

Master’s programs in counseling carry significant costs, while many in-field careers offer modest average salaries. It’s natural to wonder whether a master’s in counseling provides adequate value considering the investment the degree demands.

A master’s degree is required to become a licensed counselor, so earning this degree is valuable if it will advance you toward your career goals.

Consider whether the career(s) you want to pursue would be available to you without the degree. If they are, you’ll need to perform a careful cost-benefit analysis to see if you stand to recoup a positive return on your educational investment in the form of advancement or higher earning potential.

Finally, remember to think about more than just money. Many counseling students derive value and satisfaction from positively impacting their clients and communities.