Psychology & Counseling

Degrees in psychology and counseling will prepare you for a career working with people who need psychological and personal support dealing with things like mental health issues, substance abuse problems, or the breakdown of a long-term relationship. 

Depending on your chosen concentration and career aspirations, you’ll learn all about the research methods, client assessment techniques, and other information that you need to succeed in a variety of roles. You could find yourself working in a hospital, nursing home, outreach center, school, or a number of other settings. You could even set up your own practice after gaining sufficient experience and the necessary licensure. 

The salaries and job growth prospects for psychology and counseling careers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), are excellent; in most cases, they’re far beyond the U.S. national average for all other occupations combined. So, with a degree in these fields, you’ll be poised for success throughout your working life. Read on to find out more about the types of degrees available, plus the kinds of careers you might pursue after graduation. 

What Degrees Are There in Psychology and Counseling?

Most students keen to pursue a career in psychology and counseling will enroll in a bachelor’s degree program within a relevant field. However, there are alternatives available, including certificate and associate’s degree programs, plus further study options beyond the bachelor’s level. Below, we’ve listed the kinds of degrees available, in addition to some examples of popular subject areas within psychology and counseling. 

Certificates in Psychology and Counseling

Certificates are available at an undergraduate level, and they’re also a good option for those who already have a degree. In some cases, there may be an opportunity to gain a certificate alongside your studies in a related university degree program. However, most certificates in the fields of psychology and counseling won’t help you secure a job unless you pair them with another course of study. 

Instead, many students or graduates choose to earn a certificate so that they can advance their knowledge in a specific area, or advance their career. Certificates can also provide a means to switch from one focus to another within a particular field; for example, moving from marriage and family therapy into school counseling. 

Associate’s Degrees in Psychology and Counseling

An associate’s degree in psychology and counseling provides a broad introduction to the field. Normally comprising 60 credits, these degree programs often include courses in behavioral psychology and personal relationships. If you’re studying full time, an associate’s degree in psychology and counseling typically lasts for two years, though in some cases accelerated programs are available, which could save you time and money getting your degree. 

However, most careers in psychology and counseling are only accessible to those with at least a bachelor’s degree. That’s why many students transfer credits from an associate’s program to a four-year bachelor’s degree program. There are some entry-level positions open to those with an associate’s degree, including roles such as Psychiatric Technicians and Aides. But it’s worth keeping in mind that these roles pay lower salaries than many of the other professions within these fields. 

Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Counseling

A bachelor’s degree is the recommended program of study for many roles within psychology and counseling. Usually requiring 120 credits, these are four-year programs when you’re studying full time, with no credit transfer. You’ll gain a strong foundation in the various areas of cognitive psychology and how it relates to social development and behavior. Your courses might include subjects such as research methodology and social psychology, for example. 

Additionally, you’ll often have the chance to specialize in an area of psychology or counseling that interests you most, or that is relevant to your career aspirations. Such concentrations can include substance abuse and addiction, child development, mental health disorders, or forensic psychology. For admission into a program, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, with a strong GPA—typically between 2.5 and 3.5, depending on the chosen institution. It’s also common to be asked for your SAT and ACT scores, though this is not always the case. 

Master’s Degrees in Psychology and Counseling

Master’s degrees allow greater specialization within a specific subject area, which can be extremely beneficial for graduates of a psychology and counseling degree. They usually feed directly into the various specializations available within these career areas. You’ll normally take between 30 and 60 credits, which will typically take you around one to two years to complete. 

The specializations available at this level of study often include subjects such as addictions counseling and psychopharmacology. Master’s degrees in psychology are particularly heavy on research methods and coursework, while counseling programs may include a practicum. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, in addition to a competitive GPA. 

Doctoral Degrees in Psychology and Counseling

If your goal is to become a psychologist or counselor, then a doctoral degree is not strictly necessary; the most common careers that we’ve listed further down in this article require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. However, with a doctoral degree in psychology and counseling, you’ll be able to find work as a researcher or university professor of psychology. 

These programs are highly intensive and last for about four to six years. During this time, you’ll take around 90 to 120 credits, covering topics such as psychopathology and psychotherapy, and gaining a greater understanding of research methodology. You’ll conduct your own research projects and will be required to produce a dissertation. 

Types of Degrees in Psychology and Counseling

We’ve detailed some of the most popular degrees in psychology and counseling. Remember, there are many concentrations within most fields; you can be a psychology major without any kind of specialization, but you could also pursue a degree program such as Child Psychology or Forensic Psychology. This section should give you an idea of the kind of degree programs that are out there, in addition to the kinds of courses you can expect to take. 

Addiction and Recovery

With a degree in addiction and recovery under your belt, you’ll be prepared to take on a role as a rehabilitation counselor or substance abuse counselor, among others. It’s a personally rewarding field; more than 67,000 Americans died due to drug overdoses in 2018, so you’ll be making a positive impact on society by engaging with those who struggle with substance use.  

When looking for a degree program, you may note that colleges and universities often offer these programs as a psychology degree with a concentration in addiction, recovery, or substance abuse. But before choosing a degree, you should understand the entrance requirements for the role in your state, or the state in which you’d like to work after graduation. In some states, a bachelor’s degree and a license will suffice, whereas others require you to have a master’s degree. Program titles include: 

• Bachelor’s in Psychology – Addiction Studies (Southern New Hampshire University) 
• Bachelor of Arts in Substance Abuse Counseling (Ohio Christian University) 
• Bachelor of Science in Mental Health & Human Services (University of Maine) 
• Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies (Northwestern State University of Louisiana) 

Child Development

A degree in the field of child development will teach you about how children develop from both a psychological and biological point of view, in addition to the influences that society can have on those processes. Depending on your aspirations, such as teaching or working with younger children, you’ll typically choose between a program within child development or a program in early childhood education. 

With a degree in childhood development, you’ll be poised to find work in a variety of roles, such as social worker, child life specialist, preschool teacher, or an early childhood education consultant. As an undergraduate student enrolled in a child development degree program, you’ll gain a broad understanding of all aspects of child development. You’ll study common developmental and behavioral disorders that can affect this process, in addition to how society or culture can impact development. Some examples of program titles are as follows: 

• Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Sciences (New Mexico State University) 
• Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences – Human Development (Washington State University) 
• BS in Human Environmental Sciences – Human (University of Alabama) 
• BS: Psychology: Developmental Psychology (Liberty University) 

Human Services

When you enroll in a human services degree program, you’ll commonly have a broad range of minors to choose from; this lets you align your curriculum with your career aspirations, in addition to the requirements set for state licensure. These minors typically include substance abuse and mental health counseling, among others. 

Human services degree curriculums share numerous similarities, though the exact courses and concentrations available will vary. But as an example your courses could include child growth and cognitive development, an introduction to human services, communication skills, case management, ethics in human services, conflict management, and public policy. Here are some examples of degree titles within the human services discipline: 

• BA in Community and Human Services – Substance Abuse Services (SUNY Empire College) 
• BS in Mental Health and Human Services – Addiction Counseling (University of Maine) 

Psychology

Degrees in psychology are varied and account for a broad area of study. Students enrolling in such a degree typically choose a concentration that’s aligned with their desired career path. That said, psychology degrees aren’t simply for those who want to work as a psychologist; these rigorous programs can lead to careers in teaching, marketing, research, and management. 

The types of courses that make up your curriculum will also vary widely, as psychology degrees have some of the most diverse paths and specializations that you’ll find in postsecondary education. In addition to general education, you may study subjects like abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, ethical issues in psychology, and the history of psychology. Here are some of the most popular psychology degrees chosen by undergraduate students:  

• Clinical Psychology 
• Cognitive Psychology 
• Counseling Psychology 
• Developmental Psychology 
• Educational Psychology 
• Health Psychology 
• Social Psychology 

Social Work

A degree in social work opens up a great many career paths to graduates. You could be working within a hospital, school, outpatient clinic, or nursing home for example. There are also different types of social workers, including child and family social workers, medical social workers, mental health and substance abuse social workers, and public health social workers. 

Courses covered by social work degree program curriculums include numerous areas of human development, in addition to essential skills for social workers, such as interviewing techniques and counseling skills. Your other courses may focus on topics such as mental health, family studies, child development, sexuality, and aging. Degree program titles include: 

• Bachelor of Science in Public Health (Capella University) 
• Bachelor of Arts in Social Science – Social Welfare (Virginia Wesleyan University) 

What Are the Admission Requirements for a Degree in Psychology and Counseling?

In most cases, four-year colleges and universities don’t offer degree programs in counseling. The typical route for an undergraduate is to enroll in a psychology degree and choose courses related to the field of counseling. This type of degree will also prepare you with skills that are essential for a professional counselor, including research methodology, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking. 

While the requirements for entrance into such a program can vary, you’ll typically need a high school diploma to be considered for a position in any degree program in psychology (or GED equivalent). You’ll also usually need a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, though this could vary to as low as 2.5 at less competitive universities, or as high as 3.5 at the top institutions. You should also be ready to show evidence of your official transcripts, source up to three letters of recommendation, and even write a personal statement or essay, if required. 

What Can I Do with a Degree in Psychology and Counseling?

A degree in the fields of psychology and counseling doesn’t limit you to a singular type of career. There are a great many specializations within these fields, which align specific majors with specific types of careers. For example, psychology can lead to careers as a clinical psychologist, sports psychologist, forensic psychologist, and many more. Counseling can lead to working in numerous areas, including substance abuse, mental health, and relationships. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common career paths for those who graduate from a degree in one of these areas. 

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers

Managers in these business areas are involved in planning campaigns to promote goods or services. They might work directly with marketing and advertising teams, art and user experience designers, and financial teams. Working to a budget, you’ll determine the best way to advertise your product or service, planning campaigns that might include giveaways, billboards, television advertising, online media, and so on. Despite the high salary ceiling reported by the BLS in 2019, managers in these areas typically only require a bachelor’s degree. However, you will be expected to have work experience in the relevant field. 

Exercise Psychologist

Exercise physiologists work with patients who suffer from chronic illnesses, prescribing exercise treatment programs that are designed to improve overall health. You’ll analyze your patients’ health and medical records, assessing the risks involved with different kinds of exercise and working out the best treatment plan to suit their needs. You’ll monitor their progress throughout, taking vital signs and using medical equipment to assess their condition. Most exercise physiologists complete a bachelor’s degree, and around half of all professionals working in this role are self-employed. 

Human Resources Managers

As a human resources manager, you’ll head up the HR department within an organization. Your duties will likely include the hiring and leadership of an entire workforce, in addition to managing existing staff issues, such as disciplinary procedures, training, and management of employee benefits and remuneration. A bachelor’s degree is most common, though many organizations will want to see evidence of work experience within the human resources field. 

Genetic Counselor

A genetic counselor is knowledgeable in the areas of inherited health conditions, which could include terminal illnesses or even birth defects. You’ll assess patients to understand any health complications they have, plus their family’s medical histories. You’ll provide ongoing support in the form of counseling and testing procedures that can diagnose conditions early, offering patients the best chance of living a long and healthy life. To secure such a role, you’ll typically need to have a master’s degree, with a specialization in genetics or genetic counseling. 

Marriage and Family Therapists

Marriage and family therapists work with those experiencing difficulties in their personal relationships. As a therapist in these fields, you’ll meet with clients and help them to adjust to tough life changes, such as divorce or job loss. This could include helping clients to modify their behavior and teaching them skills to cope with challenging situations. To become a marriage and family therapist, you’ll require a master’s degree and licensure in the state in which you practice. 

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

These professionals support offenders by assisting in their rehabilitation. You’ll work primarily with parolees and probationers, and may link up with others such as the client’s family and friends. You’ll evaluate your clients to understand their circumstances and their support networks, make plans for their rehabilitation, perform regular drug tests, write official progress reports, and testify in court, where required. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree, and it’s likely you’ll need to pass psychological screening, in addition to completing oral and written examinations prior to beginning a role. 

Psychologist

The term “psychologist” is a broad title, encompassing roles such as Clinical Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Sport Psychologist, and many more. You may be interviewing and diagnosing psychological disorders in individual clients, or providing research and reports within your area of specialization. Clinical psychologists primarily work with members of the public, assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of disorders. Counseling psychologists are more concerned with issues that stem from the workplace, home, or wider community. Forensic psychologists support the criminal justice process, providing specialist support in the psychological motives behind a case. 

Rehabilitation Counselor

As a rehabilitation counselor, you’ll work with individuals who struggle with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities, helping them to live an independent life. This may include group or one-to-one counseling, evaluation of new clients to understand their needs, developing treatment plans, and sourcing specialist equipment to support your clients. You’ll typically require a master’s degree, and may need state licensure or certification, depending on the state in which you work. 

School and Career Counselors

School counselors work within schools, just as the name suggests. As a school counselor, you’ll work directly with students, evaluating their abilities and helping to set academic and career targets. You might also be involved in supporting those with poor attendance, students who are suffering social or behavioral issues, or passing on knowledge regarding bullying, career planning, and substance abuse. In most cases, you’ll need to be educated to master’s degree level to secure a role as a school counselor; you may also need a state-issued credential or licensure. 

Social Worker

Social workers are often based in the communities they serve. You’ll identify people in need of support, perhaps due to unemployment or the breakdown of a relationship, and then implement care plans and make referrals to other support services. You might also provide psychotherapy or respond to crisis emergencies, including child abuse. You’ll typically require a bachelor’s degree in social work; however, clinical social workers require a master’s degree, in addition to having two years of postgraduate experience in a clinical role. 

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

Depending on the speciality of your role, you could be working with individuals who have a range of mental health issues or eating disorders, drug or alcohol dependencies, or other behavioral issues. You’ll be a specialist in evaluating your clients’ specific needs, understanding their problems and assessing the kind of treatments they’ll need. You’ll help them to set personal plans and goals, and make referrals to other services where appropriate. Most positions require a bachelor’s degree, though some might require you to have a master’s degree, too. 

How Much Can I Earn with a Degree in Psychology and Counseling?

Careers in the fields of psychology and counseling vary broadly in terms of salary. Psychiatric Technicians and Aides do not require college degrees, and the role pays a reasonable salary for an entry-level position. Job growth is also projected to be faster than average in this role over the next decade, according to the BLS. But with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, the salary ceilings are far higher; psychologists earned around $80,000 on average in 2019, while HR and Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers made over $135,000. 

Can I Get an Online Degree in Psychology and Counseling?

Online distance learning is one way to reduce the cost of your education. Typically, online degree programs charge lower rates of tuition, particularly for students who live out of state. What’s more, you won’t have to pay many of the fees that on-campus students pay, such as room and board. When studying remotely, it’s common for classes to take place during evenings and weekends, which means you can also fit your studies around a busy work or family schedule. 

That said, degrees within the fields of psychology and counseling, much like those in health care, will often include practicums that give you real-world experience in the role. Depending on the location of your institution, this could make remote study difficult. In some cases, colleges and universities are accommodating for students in this position; you may be offered assistance in finding a clinical site close to your home. Nonetheless, you should research whether your preferred course has a practical element before making a decision on how to study. 

The Best Colleges for Degrees in Psychology and Counseling

When you choose a college or university for your studies, you’ll want to know that you’re getting value for money; after all, tuition isn’t cheap. So, we’ve linked to a range of related articles that explore many of the above subject areas in more detail, in addition to ranking the best institutions for specific types of degree programs. 

Addiction and Recovery

• Best Online Addictions & Recovery Degrees
• Best Online Master’s in Addiction & Recovery

Child Development

• Best Online Child Development Degrees
• Best Online Master’s in Child Development

Forensics

• Best Online Forensic Psychology Degrees

Human Services

• Best Online Human Services Degrees
• Best Online Master’s in Human Services

Psychology

• Best Online Forensic Psychology Degrees
• Best Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology
• Best Online Master’s in Psychology
• Best Online Psychology Degrees
• Most Affordable Online Psychology Degrees

Social Work

• Best Online Master’s In Social Work