What are the different types of counseling degrees?

There are bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral counseling degrees available. You can have a successful career with any degree level, but it’s important to keep in mind that becoming a licensed counselor requires a master’s or doctoral degree.

From degrees in counseling studies, professional counseling, or counseling psychology, there are so many options to choose from.

If you’re unsure what specific focus you want to take, consider a generalist counseling program. This will ensure you get a strong foundation in many concepts like working with children, the elderly, individuals with mental health issues, or individuals with substance abuse and addictions.

Alternatively, if you’re set on a specific career path, make sure to look for a counseling degree program with the concentration you want. Concentrations can include things like healthy psychology, trauma and crisis intervention, addiction counseling, and child and adolescent treatment.

What to look for in a counseling degree program

In addition to deciding between a generalist degree track or a degree with a special concentration, you should also look for counseling degree programs with hands-on experience.

Because counseling is such an intrapersonal field, getting field experience during your education is an invaluable asset. Look for programs with required internships or fieldwork.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask for course lists, a sample syllabus, or to talk to current students and faculty. This will give you more insights into what the degree program is truly like.

Counseling psychology education programs include classes like:

• Wellness, Health, and Prevention
• Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy
• Evaluation and Treatment of Addictions
• Foundations of Family Therapy
• Assessment and Treatment of Trauma: Children and Adolescents
• Psychology of Aging

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