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Counseling Degrees

Compare the various types of counseling degrees

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Types of Counseling Degrees

Most entry-level counseling jobs require at least a master's degree.

Below are the types of counseling education available. Link through for more information on each degree:

If you know what type of work you want to do after graduation, you're a step ahead of most counseling students. Choosing a specialty before choosing a counseling program, however, is not a necessity.

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You may already have an idea of the people with whom you'd like to work:

  • Children, teens, adults or the elderly
  • Couples and families
  • Disabled persons
  • Groups or individuals
  • High school or college students
  • People suffering from depression, emotional problems
  • Substance abusers

If you know the people you want to help, you can find a counseling degree program focused on that specialty. Most people choose a general mental health counseling program and then intern in a particular area of interest. The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is another customizable counseling degree that is recognized in 50 states.

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Questions for Counseling Schools

  • How long will it take to complete my counseling degree?
  • Does your program lean toward any specific area of study (i.e., school counseling, mental health, marriage and family counseling)?
  • Does your counseling school offer assistance with internship placement?
  • How versatile is the degree - is it recognized in multiple states?
  • Can I customize the program if I want to focus on a particular area of mental health?

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Bachelor's Degree in Counseling

There are bachelor's programs in counseling, social services and mental health; however, in most states, professional counselors are required to have a higher degree of leaning before working unsupervised with the public. A bachelor's degree in counseling or psychology can be a good starting point for an undergrad student who wants a career in counseling.

If you do not currently have a bachelor's and believe that counseling is your ultimate career goal, getting your bachelor's degree in counseling, social services or mental health may give you a leg up when you're ready to pursue your master's program.

In other words, people with bachelor's in non-related fields may have to take some prerequisites before engaging in a master's counseling program. The right bachelor's degree can satisfy those prerequisites so that you can move into your master's degree more easily.

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Spotlight Schools

Argosy University - The American School of Professional Psychology Graduate Programs

Argosy's College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences is where you will receive the training to become one of tomorrow's clinical practitioners through practical training, internships and small class size.


Capella University - The Harold Abel School of Psychology

At Capella University, you will earn your degree from an accredited university that delivers the challenge of a traditional classroom with the flexibility to fit education into your life.