Master's in Counseling

Earning a master’s in counseling provides students with a deep background in counseling beyond that which is possible at the undergraduate level. Due to the depth of study which such a program entails, students pursuing a master’s in counseling will be expected to choose a specialty in a concentrated area such as marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, or substance abuse counseling.

These programs may be terminal degree programs, which typically focus on preparing students for state-level licensure, or research-oriented programs, which tend to focus on preparing students for doctoral study. On either track, most master’s in counseling programs take two years of full-time study to complete. Master’s programs in counseling can be found both in a traditional on-campus format and online.

Why Earn a Master’s in Counseling?
Choosing a Master’s in Counseling Degree Program: Licensure and Careers with a Master’s in Counseling
Types of Master’s Degrees in Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy; Mental Health Counseling; Rehabilitation Counseling; School Counseling; Substance Abuse Counseling
On-Campus Counseling Master’s Degree Programs
Online Counseling Master’s Degree Programs
Careers with a Master’s in Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Earn a Master’s in Counseling?

For most types of counseling, the master’s degree is often the minimum educational requirement for a professional license and/or independent practice as a counselor. In many states “counselor” is a protected title, which means that only individuals who have been recognized by the state via licensure or certification can use it. This means that if you seek to become a professional counselor, depending on your state and desired area of practice, you may be required to earn a master’s degree.

Another factor to consider when evaluating the decision to go to graduate school is future opportunities with a master’s degree. As the master’s degree in counseling prepares students for advanced practice, graduates often find a wider variety of careers, better opportunities for advancement, and higher earning potential compared to those with an undergraduate degree. This may particularly be the case in states where the master’s degree is the entry-level degree for a professional license.

Choosing a Master’s in Counseling Degree Program

There are a number of fields in counseling in which you can earn a master’s degree and subspecialties within each of these fields. However, generally speaking, there are five broad categories of practical counseling that are generally recognized from state to state: licensed professional counseling (also sometimes called mental health counseling), marriage and family therapy, school counseling, substance abuse counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. While each of these shares similarities, they also have important differences both in their approaches to counseling and focus areas for treatment. As a result, a master’s program in counseling will focus on only one area, and each state generally has separate licenses with different requirements for each field.

This effectively means that you must decide which area of counseling you want to pursue before you begin applying to master’s programs since you will need to focus on one area during your studies and in your pursuit of a license to practice. These will, in turn, impact the direction of your career as you select a specific practice area.

Licensure and Careers with a Master’s in Counseling

With a master’s in counseling, you will typically be eligible for licensure in the area of counseling where you concentrated your degree – be that marriage and family therapy, school counseling, mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or another area. The careers you can pursue will therefore vary according to the type of license you have as well as the state where you are located, since license titles vary. Examples include:

Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LDAC)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor (LRC)
Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor (LSAC)

For more information about licensing with a master’s in counseling, check with your state’s board of professional counselors or see our guide to counseling licensure by state.

Types of Master’s Degrees in Counseling

As noted above, counseling is a broad field with many opportunities for specialization when it comes to choosing a master’s in counseling degree program. However, there are five major categories that cover most subspecialties: marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, and substance abuse counseling. Most master’s degrees comprise between 30 and 40 credit hours, but as more states require 60 graduate hours for licensure, more master’s programs in counseling are 60 hours. Depending on the number of credit hours required and other factors, most master’s degrees in counseling take two or three years of full-time study to complete. You can read more about master’s in counseling programs in each of these fields below.

Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy

Master’s in marriage and family therapy programs are often shortened as MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy), MAMFT (Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy), or MSMFT (Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy). Specializations with a master’s in marriage and family counseling include couples therapy, family therapy, child and adolescent family therapy, and general family therapy. Marriage and family therapy can also include one-on-one counseling to help individuals improve their relationship skills. A master’s in marriage and family therapy plus supervised experience is the requirement to earn a license in this field in all 50 states. Read more about programs in marriage and family therapy on our degree guide.

Master’s in Mental Health Counseling

Mental health counseling, also known as professional counseling or clinical counseling, can touch on all aspects of counseling practice from individual therapy to family therapy to group therapy. There are numerous types of master’s degree programs in this field, including Master of Science in Counseling (MSC), Master’s in Professional Counseling (MPC), Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MACMHC), and Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSCMHC). Specializations in mental health counseling include behavioral counseling, eating disorders, anxiety, parenting, and focus areas that treat a full range of social and emotional disorders. To practice clinical counseling independently, a master’s degree is the minimum requirement for a license. Our Mental Health Counseling Degree Guide shares more in-depth information about degrees and opportunities in this field. If you’re interested in online study, be sure to visit our guide to and ranking of online LMHC programs.

Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling

Rehabilitation counseling is the area of counseling that focuses on helping clients adapt to disabilities in order to lead a fulfilling life. Common terms for this degree including Master of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (MCRC), Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling (MARC), and Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling (MSRC). As most states include rehabilitation counseling within the practice of professional counseling, a master’s degree is typically required for practice. A handful of states license rehabilitation counselors separately from other professional counselors and many others recognize the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination (CRCE) from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) as a qualifying exam for mental health counseling licensure. While there may be jobs in the rehabilitation counseling field that do not require a master’s degree, a master’s can still be a stepping stone to more advanced careers. Specialties for a master’s in rehabilitation counseling tend to focus on specific emotional, behavioral, or physical disabilities, and/or practice with specific age groups, such as children, adults, or the elderly. Take a look at our guide to rehabilitation counseling degrees to find out more.

Master’s in School Counseling

School counselors work with children and adolescents in K-12 schools, providing counseling that touches on emotional-social development, academic choices, career choices, and more. At the master’s level, this degree frequently takes the form of a Master of Education (M.Ed) with a concentration in school counseling, though Master of Science (MS) and Master of Arts (MA) programs are also offered. Earning a master’s in school counseling is required to become licensed as a school counselor in all 50 states. Our school counseling degree resource provides further information on opportunities with a school counseling degree.

Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling

Substance abuse counselors specialize in helping people overcome addictions. Frequently-used terms for a master’s in substance abuse counseling include Master’s in Addictions Counseling (MAC), Master of Health Sciences (MHS), and Master of Professional Studies (MPS). A master’s degree in substance abuse is not always a requirement to become licensed or work in this field. However, it is widely recognized as a professional degree that can lead to wider career opportunities compared to undergraduate-level study. It is also possible to earn a master’s degree in professional or clinical mental health counseling to work in substance abuse counseling. Read our Substance Abuse Counseling Degree Guide to learn more.

On-Campus Counseling Master’s Degree Programs

Lewis University

The Master of Arts (MA) in School Counseling at Lewis University serves both currently licensed teachers and non-licensed professionals and is designed to allow both groups to meet the requirements for school counselor licensure in Illinois. Students are exposed to various theories of school counseling service while taking courses that develop their skills in academic, career, and social-emotional counseling with children in K-12 settings. Classes are held in the evenings with an emphasis on small class sizes that allow for increased participation and networking in the learning environment. Selected courses may be available online or in a hybrid format. At graduation, students are eligible to take the school counseling exams for licensure in Illinois. Lewis University also offers the option for graduates to take additional courses that can qualify them for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure in Illinois to work with adults.

Southeastern University

Southeastern University (SEU) is home to a Master of Science (MS) in Professional Counseling that takes 60 credit hours to complete. Courses are held in the evenings for two nights per week in order to accommodate working students and those who have commitments outside of school. All courses take place at SEU’s Lakeland campus. During the course of study, students will learn both the history and theory of counseling through multiple schools of thought. The curriculum also includes hands-on, real-world practice through an applied internship in a clinical setting. Courses are led by highly qualified professors who have clinical experience as well as research expertise. Graduates are well-prepared for the two years of supervised clinical experience required to earn professional counseling licensure in Florida. SEU also offers a Master of Science (MS) in Marriage and Family Counseling.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University’s (TTU) Master of Science (MS) in Addiction Counseling emphasizes the modification of problematic behaviors in the treatment of addictions and co-occurring disorders. In addition to training future practitioners in traditional clinical counseling, TTU’s program emphasizes the skills needed to offer distance (remote) counseling services. The 60-credit hour program is academically rigorous and has a special focus on the needs of diverse and rural communities. Both a field practicum and an internship are embedded in the core curriculum, which also includes such courses as Psychopathology and Diagnosis, Research and Statistics, Micro Counseling, and Neurobiology of Addiction. The Master of Science in Addiction Counseling at TTU satisfies the education requirement for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in many states. Admission to the program is competitive and is based on several factors, including past academic performance, career goals/intent, previous work and volunteer experience in the counseling field, and writing skills.

University of Rochester Medical Center

The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Marriage and Family Therapy through its Department of Psychiatry. The program’s relationship to the Department of Psychiatry provides students with hands-on clinical experiences in a dynamic, real-world hospital setting. This allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the interdisciplinary relationships between relationship counseling and mental health. Courses include Foundations of Clinical Practice in Family Therapy, Family Therapy Research, and Narrative and Integrative Approaches to Family Therapy. Applications are accepted year-round for full-time students to be admitted to the next upcoming fall semester, though part-time students may be approved to enter beginning with the spring semester. Admission to the URMC program is competitive and is based in part on the student’s alignment with the program’s mission statement and commitment to integrative, multi-culturally informed education and clinical care. Prospective students will also need to complete three faculty interviews.

Online Counseling Master’s Degree Programs

Angelo State University

Angelo State University is home to an online Master of Science (MS) in Professional School Counseling program that prepares graduates for careers as professional school counselors in Texas. The 48-credit hour program includes such courses as Career and Occupational Counseling, Professional Practice, School Counseling Techniques, and Comprehensive School Counseling Programs. Other courses include a hands-on practicum as well as a capstone course to synthesize previous learning. Financial aid, including GPA-based scholarships, is available. To qualify for admission, prospective students must have a GPA of 2.75 or better in their undergraduate studies. Note that to qualify to take the required Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) for the Professional Certificate for School Counselors exam, students must also have two years of full-time classroom teaching experience. Angelo State University also offers an online, non-licensure Master of Education (MEd) in Guidance and Counseling designed for professional development and careers outside of the public school system.

Antioch University

Antioch University New England (AUNE) offers a hybrid Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling Concentration that is designed to prepare competent clinical practitioners with a specialty in the treatment of addictions. The degree plan requires 60 credit hours and is designed to be completed in five semesters. Select courses are offered online while others are offered on the AUNE campus. Students can expect to take courses like Integrative Approaches to Addiction, Counseling Theories, and Group Approaches to Counseling. Graduates will meet the requirements for licensure as clinical mental health counselors in many states, as well as the requirements for licensure as substance abuse counselors in most states. Prospective students are encouraged to attend an online webinar or on-campus visiting day to learn more about the opportunities offered in this program.

Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University (CCU) is home to a Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling that can be completed online or on campus at the school’s Lakewood or Colorado Springs campuses. Courses in this 60-credit hour program take place in seven-week blocks, allowing students to focus on a limited number of courses at one time and complete the program in as few as two-and-a-half years. The curriculum also includes a counseling residency as well as a counseling internship and professional orientation. Up to 12 credit hours can be transferred towards the program from other graduate institutions. The MA in Counseling at CCU is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Graduates are qualified to sit for CACREP’s National Counselor Exam, which is the licensure exam required in Colorado as well as in many other states.

Syracuse University

Through its David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Syracuse University offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in Marriage & Family Therapy. The 60-credit hour program is based around a 51-credit hour core with nine credit hours of electives. The majority of the curriculum can be completed online, with only a short on-campus residency required (note that although the practicum can be completed in the student’s local area, the practicum must be completed in-person as well). Like its on-campus counterpart, Syracuse University’s online MA in Marriage and Family Therapy is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). While this program is designed to qualify graduates for licensure, prospective students must be sure to verify their state’s requirements. The David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics emphasizes a theory-to-practice academic model that prepares students to practice ethical and effective counseling that promotes emotional and physical well-being.

Careers with a Master’s in Counseling

For further information on careers with a master’s in counseling, including education requirements, license guidelines, salaries, and outlooks, see the following careers pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an online master’s in counseling qualify me for a counseling license?

In many cases, an online master’s in counseling offers the same qualifications for licensure as its on-campus counterparts. The key is ensuring that the courses that you take are those that are required by your state for licensure in your desired practice area. Be sure to check with your state’s licensing board for detailed requirements. Learn more on our guide to earning a master’s in mental health counseling online. You can also visit our guide to counselor licensing for an overview.

What can you do with a master’s in counseling?

A master’s degree in counseling will qualify you to become a licensed counselor in all states, as it is considered the terminal degree for the field. After you complete your degree, you will have to accrue supervised experience and take the exams your state requires before applying to practice as a mental health counselor.

How long is a master’s in counseling?

Most master’s in counseling programs, especially those that are designed to lead to licensure, require two years to complete with full-time study. Since a master’s program must cover both theory and practice while preparing graduates to work in a position of trust with individuals who are often at-risk, such programs are typically around 60 credit hours in length. It is possible to find programs that are shorter, but you must be sure to check whether a shorter program will meet licensing requirements in your state.

How much does a master’s in counseling program cost?

As a two-year graduate program, a master’s in counseling can be significantly more expensive than an undergraduate degree as graduate tuition tends to be higher per credit hour. However, many schools offer financial aid based on need and/or academic talent. Schools may also offer graduate assistantships that provide discounted tuition or a stipend in return for research and tutoring work during the school year. As you evaluate programs, be sure to look into options such as these that can reduce the cost of attendance.

What are the requirements for a master’s in counseling?

While requirements for admission to a master’s in counseling will vary widely by program, most programs share some similar requirements. These include requiring candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree, typically with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above. Some programs may require graduate admissions exams such as the GMAT or GRE. Competitive programs may require letters of recommendation, personal statements, or even faculty interviews.

What are the different master’s in counseling concentrations?

As counseling is both a broad and a deep field, there are numerous specialties from which to choose. The main concentrations you will find at the master’s level include school counseling, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, substance abuse counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. Other areas you are likely to encounter include genetic counseling, pastoral counseling, recreational therapy, and behavioral health counseling.

What is the difference between counseling and counseling psychology?

While they share similarities, such as both being mental health practices, both having an array of specialties, and both helping clients confront obstacles in order to promote well-being, counseling and counseling psychology also have important differences. In counseling, the terminal degree – that is, the highest degree one is generally required to earn – is the master’s. In counseling psychology, as in most realms of psychology, the terminal degree is a doctorate. Another important difference is the scope of practice. Once licensed, counseling psychologists have the same scope of practice as other psychologists; in most states, this grants them the ability to treat and diagnose a wider variety of mental illnesses than their counselor counterparts. Some states may also allow psychologists prescription privileges, which is not seen in counseling without additional qualifications.

What is the typical master’s in counseling salary range?

The salary you can expect will vary based on the specialty of your master’s degree, your license status, your geographic area, and other factors. Check out our career pages for marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, rehabilitation counselors, school counselors, and substance abuse counselors to learn more about typical master’s in counseling salary ranges for each specialty.

What jobs are there with a master’s in counseling psychology?

A master’s in counseling psychology may qualify you for licensure as a mental health counselor in some states. However, counseling psychology is usually a PhD-level practice, as those in this field are more likely to pursue careers as counseling psychologists.

Master’s in Counseling

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