Best Master’s in Psychology & Counseling Degrees & School Guide | University HQ | (800) 793-5011
For graduate students majoring in psychology & counseling, this is the point at which they begin to learn about the actual counseling process. Their career opportunities begin opening into various counseling-related fields; marriage and family counseling, addiction counseling, licensed mental health counseling, etc. At this level, graduate students also have the opportunity to consider whether they want to progress into doctoral training.
A good master’s program in psychology & counseling should include a counseling practicum located within the area. This brings up whether students should opt for full-time classes or part-time. If they continue working, a part-time schedule will be more amenable to work; if they decide to attend classes full-time, then they will need to take extended leave or a sabbatical. Full-time attendance can be completed in two years.
Excellent psychology & counseling master’s programs are available throughout the country. Some are on-campus programs and others are online.
What Psychology & Counseling Master’s Degrees are Available?
• Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology:
This degree allows you to reach your professional goal of empowering other people to achieve progress in their lives. As a 48-credit program, you’ll obtain advanced counseling and psychology skills. Once you have graduated and are working, you’ll be able to help clients identify the sources of psychological distress and maladaptive behavior patterns.
• Mater of Arts in Psychology, Counseling:
This program introduces you to psychological assessments (psychometrics), research, treatment options, group counseling, and clinical issues in human diversity. In your practicum or internship, you’ll work with agency clients under the supervision of a licensed counselor. In your classes, you’ll learn how to apply career development theories and techniques to work on career problems and issues.
• Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology:
In this program, you’ll be able to choose from six options in specific concentrations: health psychology, Latino mental health, marital & family therapy, trauma & crisis intervention, treatment of addiction disorders, or child & adolescent treatment. If you choose a dual enrollment program, you’ll be able to pursue various credentials (licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor or as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst).
Admission Requirements
In this degree program, you’ll have to select the graduate admission requirements that best fit your status as an incoming student. If you are entering clinical mental health counseling (CMHC), a bachelor’s degree is mandatory. Your undergraduate GPA must be 3.0, though a higher average is preferred. Highlight all work, life, and volunteer experiences. Detail your motivation in pursuing this field, along with your goals.
If you are an international student, you should take the TOEFL or IELTS test and submit your scores. You’ll also need to submit official transcripts that prove you have earned a bachelor’s degree.
How long does it take to earn a Psychology & Counseling Master’s?
A master’s program in psychology and counseling may take up to two years to complete, including your internship or master’s thesis if you choose this option. Once you graduate, you’ll have to take state-mandated testing in your state to earn your license, which allows you to practice officially. This applies no matter what specialization in counseling you may choose; social work, counseling, psychology, marriage and family therapy. Your practicum or internship will take place while you are involved in your master’s degree program.
Master’s Degree
Every year 23,000 student’s graduate with a master’s degree in psychology opposed to the 5,500 students who earn a doctorate in psychology. Some graduates move on to get their doctorate in psychology and others decide to immediately enter the workforce. The following are some of the employment opportunities available to those holding.
MASTER’S DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY:
• Psychologist
• Human Resources Analyst
• Behavioral Counselor
• Social Service Manager
• Child Protection Worker
• Psychology Program Manager
Psychology/Counseling Fields of Study
Behavioral Psychology:
Behavioral psychology is learning based on the theory that conditioning acquires behaviors. At the beginning of the twentieth century, this type of psychology was very popular, but in the 1950’s it gradually faded out. Today, however, behavioral techniques continue to exist in education, therapy, and numerous related areas.
Counseling Psychology:
One of the biggest individual subfields of psychology is Counseling psychology. It is focused on the treatment of psychological symptoms and mental distress. According to the Society of Counseling, Psychology addresses concerns about family, work, marriage, health, and more.
Clinical Psychology:
Clinical psychology is the psychology branch that is concerned with the assessment and treatment of abnormal behavior, mental illness, and other psychiatric disorders. Clinicians typically work in mental health clinics, colleges, universities, hospitals, or community centers as well as private practices. They may collaborate with a team of psychiatrists, physicians, and other health professionals.
MASTER’S SAMPLE COURSES:
• Counseling Theory and Techniques
• Diagnosis and Psychopathology
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Psychology
Components of A Successful Career in Psychology/Counseling
Vital components of a career in Psychology consists of the following:
Earning an Associate’s degree, a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and possibly even a Doctorate
Getting certified and licensed
Earning a Master’s in Business (MBA) (1 to 2 years) - If you are considering starting your own practice
Joining a professional association in your field
Owning your craft by continuing your education and staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technology; taking extra courses, attending conferences and webinars, and reading newly published papers.
Networking and creating your online social presence (According to the U.S. Department of Labor, over 80% of job openings are filled through networking)
Most importantly, never forget your original goal to help people
Earning Potential and Career Salaries for Psychology and Counseling Major Graduates
As of May 2011, the nation had 100,850 psychologists earning a median annual income of $67,880, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also projects fast growth in the field, with jobs expected to expand by 22% from 2010 to 2020.
The degrees you can earn in the field of psychology are an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and finally, doctoral. As you climb the ladder of degrees your earnings potential will also rise. However, there are some occupations that you can qualify for with an associate’s that may offer higher wages than some positions that require a master’s.
Another way to increase your salary is through experience. Basically, every recent graduate starts out with an entry-level salary, which is the rate for inexperienced individuals. After gaining some experience you will eventually get paid at the mid-career rate and then your pay will also increase in your late career, which will be the most you will make in your lifetime.
Pupils get the skills to work with individuals, family members, couples, and also groups to advertise mental health and wellness and health. The 61-credit counseling psychology level requires training courses like personal and also ethical concerns in counseling psychology, clinical restorative group processes, and also a seminar in professional psychology. Trainees additionally need to finish a six-credit thesis or three-credit capstone experience.
The therapy psychology master's program prepares pupils for employment as well as ministry in community psychological university hospital, school assistance programs, spiritual therapy facilities, and private practice. All counseling MS degrees can bring about certification or licensure. Core requirements consist of courses like advanced developing psychology, positioning to professional counseling, and also advanced theories and also strategies of therapy.
The complying with placed list of colleges need to serve as a helpful starting factor in your search for the best psychology master's programs supplied online in the United States. If you are taking into consideration an on-line master's in psychology, make certain to call admissions professionals at each institution present for more information concerning their details demands and also offerings.
This can make the process of discovering the program that finest fits your scholastic requirements and career goals somewhat overwhelming. To help you start your search, we have actually assembled a list of the top online master's in psychology programs in the nation. This ranking functions info on school as well as program certification, admission requirements, curricula and focus, as well as scholarships for psychology majors.
Depending upon their expert desires, pupils in the program can pick in between a thesis or capstone track. The thesis choice aids furnish the study and creating skills required to prosper, while the capstone choice needs students to apply their discovering to a real-world obstacle in psychology.
After developing this structure, students can pick from 3 focus. Track readies students to get nationwide accreditation, while the therapy grads to request state-level licensure.
An optional focus in sports psychology can place you for work in training, fitness, and also wellness and also health. Pupils have until completion of their first term to pick this core curriculum. Candidates to the program must hold a bachelor's level, though Medaille does not established minimum academic needs for approval.
All psychology master's at the college should complete a capstone. This project, which combines initial information collection and also analysis with applied analytic, aids prepare pupils for both continued scholastic research study and also career development. To use to this certified program, you need a bachelor's level, 2 letters of suggestion, and also an individual declaration.
Psychology and Counseling Scholarships
• Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Fellowship
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: November 15
The Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Fellowship award, is provided by the American Psychological Foundation (APF). It offers an annual award of $25,000 to graduate students in counseling and psychology who aim their careers at working with child-clinical schools, youth in pediatrics, educational, or developmental specialties.
Candidates must be enrolled in a doctoral program that is devoted to youth mental health and exhibits research competence, and accredited and based in the U.S.
Must provide with an application:
Two recommendations
Proof of IRB approval
Current CV
Budgeting plan
A research project proposal
AAMFT Minority Fellowship Program
Amount: Up to $20,000
Deadline: Varies
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) hosts an annual minority fellowship program to grant the award of up to $20,000 to graduate students who are outstanding, and currently enrolled in an accredited doctoral or master’s program, full-time, for counseling, or family and marriage therapy.
To qualify you must have permanent residency or be a U.S. citizen, be enrolled in courses that are approved by your academic advisor, be a member of AAMFT, exhibit financial need, and demonstrate your commitment to helping serve populations of underserved minority’s.
• National Institute of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Amount: Up to $20,000 (can be renewed)
Deadline: Varies (March)
This scholarship award is provided by the National Institute of Health (NIH) to students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are committed to behavioral, social science, and biomedical health-related research.
Not only does this program offer a scholarship award, but it also provides training for paid research in the summer at NIH, and after graduating, paid employment and training is also provided. This is a one-year reward of up to $20,000 that can be renewed for up to four years. The grant can be used for tuition, living and educational expenses.
To be eligible, you must be a permanent resident of the U.S. or U.S. citizen with financial needs that are verified by your school’s financial aid department, with a GPA on a 4.0-point scale, of 3.3 or above, or be in the top 5% of your class, accepted or enrolled full-time in an accredited college or institution in the U.S. as a 4-year undergraduate.
Choosing an Accredited College
Accreditation means that a program or institution meets quality standards set by an accrediting association. For example, the American Psychological Association fully accredits a large number of degree programs in mental health counseling. Whether the school you're enrolled in is online or on campus, as long as it is accredited, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for financial aid.
Educational accreditation can be either specialized or institutional. Institutional accreditation is provided by national and regional associations. However, if your school has regional accreditation you will have the best chance for financial aid, transferable credits, and easy access to master’s programs. National accreditation does not hold the same weight as regional.
Online vs On-Campus vs Hybrid
There are many different ways to earn a degree in psychology and many different psychology degree subfields to choose from. Not only does each state have their own program requirements, but colleges, universities, and vocational schools do too. Therefore, it is hard to determine which is best fitted for you, which is why researching numerous schools is so important.
However, the programs offered are similar and have basically the same fundamentals. Typically, there are three ways to earn your degree in psychology; you can enroll in traditional courses, where you will attend college on campus, learn at your own pace by studying online, or both; on campus and online (hybrid). Keep in mind that if you plan on taking online courses part-time, it will take much longer to complete than a full-time roster of classes would.
Both online and on-campus training programs offer basically the same study courses that may include cognitive development, cognitive psychology, child psychology, and self-identity with concentrations in social psychology, and developmental psychology. However, in order to complete counseling practicals, hands-on training, or internships and seminar material, you will likely have to either attend those courses on campus or work out a special dispensation with your school.
Additional Questions
Does the College Have Post-Graduate Job Placement Help & Assistance?
Every college should have Post-Graduate Job Placement assistance services to help students plan their careers from the beginning to the end of college so that they will graduate and be able to move right into the occupation they choose. Some of the services these programs should provide are:
• Interview, resume, and job application training
• Connect students with potential employers
• Networking and social media training
• Help you choose a career and the path to take to pursue it
• Internship programs to gain some hands-on experience while working with a professional in your chosen field, and more.
Why You Need to Consider How Rating/Accreditation Can Affect Your Salary
Employers today want only the best of the best working for them. Some businesses are even willing to pay for the education of potential candidates. So, when it comes to degrees, most employers look at the accreditor of the school you earned your degree from, since this says a lot about the kind of education you acquired. If an employer is willing to go so far as to pay for a student’s education, imagine what kind of salary they will offer to those holding a degree from a highly reputable association.
Potential Careers in Psychology & Counseling with a Master’s
• Child and Family Therapist
Most employers prefer that job candidates have at least a master’s degree in psychology and counseling. Your responsibilities will include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), diagnosis, and treatment planning, in which you administer psychological evaluations to your clients and their parents. If you arrive at any diagnoses, your counseling sessions and treatment planning will revolve around addressing these issues. You should also have skills in counseling and group therapy. Expect to interact regularly with other professionals who are involved with the child’s family, especially if the children are placed in foster care.
Average annual salary: $43,200
• Child Psychologist
You’ll work with children 17 years old or younger. These children may be diagnosed or require identification of emotional, social, behavioral, or mental health problems. You will use a multidisciplinary approach that allows you to think of the child’s school, home, and social environment when developing your treatment plan. You may work in a large clinic, school, or in private practice. You will help children with struggles that are a result of their traumas. They may struggle with depression, sexuality issues, and/or learning difficulties. In this specialty, you are required to have a doctorate degree.
Average annual salary: $68,900
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Your job duties depend on the setting in which you work. Your main job responsibility is to provide therapy to individuals who need emotional or mental health support. You may also coordinate hard or soft services to help clients meet their everyday needs. You may work in a mental health clinic, hospital, home healthcare company, substance abuse treatment center, or a residential nursing facility. You may diagnose new clients after assessing their psychological history.
Average annual salary: $56,500
• Counseling Psychologist
As a mental health professional working directly with clients, you help them to improve their emotional, mental, and behavioral health. You’ll use psychological techniques, addressing issues such as interpersonal conflicts, anxiety, or depression. You’ll also provide assessments and diagnoses before you provide treatment. You will perform risk assessments, evaluate the outcome of therapy sessions, and keep accurate patient records. You may begin with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, but your state may require counseling psychologists to hold master’s or doctoral degrees.
Average annual salary: $54,500
Options to Advance
If you want to focus on clinical psychology and counseling, then choose a PsyD major. At this level, you’ll also provide psychological services to clients who need your help. At this educational level, the material you encounter and study in your classes and research is much more detailed. You may have touched some on this material at the master’s level, but because there is so much more of it to learn, you won’t go into much depth.
If you want to do more research, then a PhD helps to prepare you, as a clinical psychologist, to do more research. A PhD allows you to develop those highly advanced problem-solving skills. You’ll learn a new way of thinking. You may be surprised to find that, as you are working on your doctoral degree program, your communication skills are becoming sharper. Even if they were excellent before, now they are top-notch.
Best Master of Science in Psychology & Counseling Programs
1. Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
Northwest University has split its undergraduate and graduate schools into two separate campuses, located in different cities. The undergraduate school is based in Chicago, Illinois, while the graduate program is based in Evanston, Illinois.
Degrees Offered:
Master of Arts in Counseling
2. Adams State University
Alamosa, Colorado
At Adams State, students can be sure they are learning from the very best. The university takes steps to ensure it is hiring experts in their disciplines. The administration focuses on teaching excellence, with commitment to giving individualized attention to each student.
Degrees Offered:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Arts in School Counseling
3. Regis University
Denver, Colorado
Regis University is ideally located, with a view of the Rocky Mountains. It is also a Jesuit Catholic university, which means you’re going to receive a challenging, rigorous education. Students are encouraged to develop a global perspective and speak for those with no voice.
Degrees Offered:
Master of Arts in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
4. Lesley University
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Lesley University works to prepare its graduates with the skills, understanding, knowledge, and strong ethical judgment they need in the working world. It uses a transformative educational model, exposing students to research, active learning, and diverse forms of artistic expression.
Degrees Offered:
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
5. Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Arizona State has committed itself to helping every student create their own success, both academically and in their lives. ASU provides access to an education that encourages every student to become a lifelong, universal learner. Students learn in laboratories, classrooms, on campus, and after their graduations.
Degrees Offered:
Master of Counseling
Traditional Schools Offering an MS in Psychology & Counseling
1. Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
From a small private, non-profit, accredited university to an online university serving more than 90,000 students, Southern New Hampshire University has shown that it is able to adapt to today’s educational demands. On-campus, 3,000 students attend SNHU. This university is one of the fastest growing in the country.
Degrees Offered:
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
The Family Institute, in partnership with The Center for Applied Psychological and Family Studies and Northwestern University, offers an online master’s degree in counseling. Northwestern University itself is a highly ranked private research and teaching university.
Degrees Offered:
Master of Arts in Counseling
3. California Southern University
Costa Mesa, California
With regional accreditation, California Southern University offers degrees in several disciplines, from an associate all the way up to doctoral degrees. Created in 1978, CalSouthern works to deliver a high quality, online education that is affordable and convenient for every non-traditional student.
Degrees Offered:
Master of Arts in Psychology
Master of Science in Psychology
4. Thomas University
Thomasville, Georgia
This independent, not-for-profit university was founded in 1950. Today, it offers 43 programs of study, culminating in degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Students can choose from traditional (in-person), online, and hybrid classes.
Degrees Offered:
Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (online)
5. Brandman University
Irvine, California
Brandman University knows its strength is the people who learn, live, and work there. Online classes and services are focused on adult learners; providing the learning environment necessary for students to learn effectively. Everyone, from leadership to staff, works as a team.
Degrees Offered:
Master of Arts in Psychology and Counseling