Counseling Degree Programs

Looking for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others? If so, working as a counselor could be the career path for you. Not only is the work meaningful, but the field could also see strong demand for qualified professionals in the coming years.

The nonprofit organization Mental Health America estimates one in five Americans have a mental health condition. What's more, the group notes there is a serious shortage of counselors and other mental health workers to treat these people. Of course, not all counselors work in the field of mental illness. Some provide school counseling, genetic counseling, career counseling or family counseling instead.

However, you'll need the right education before you can fill any of these positions. Counseling degree programs are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Keep reading to learn more about the top schools for counseling as well as the jobs you can get after graduation.

Best Colleges for Counseling Degree Programs

To determine the best colleges for counseling degree programs, Schools.com used a methodology that considered the accessibility, affordability and prominence of a school's counseling program. Here are the institutions that came out on top.

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Methodology
1University of Central Arkansas+
Admission Rate
91%
Graduation Rate
41.13%
Number of Degrees Offered
8
Number of Degrees Conferred
183
At least 1 program offered
Yes

The University of Central Arkansas is the number one school for counseling degree programs. With a campus in Conway, the school offers more advanced counseling degree options than most other institutions on this list.

Within the Department of Psychology and Counseling, students can earn either a master's degree or doctoral degree in the field. Options include a Master of Science in school psychology, a Master of Science in mental health counseling and doctoral training in either school psychology or counseling psychology. The school's programs are accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists and the American Psychological Association.

UCA is a public institution and was founded in 1906. It is located 30 miles north of Little Rock.

Additional Info
2University of Holy Cross+
Admission Rate
35%
Graduation Rate
49.21%
Number of Degrees Offered
7
Number of Degrees Conferred
42
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Taking the number two spot on this list of top schools for counseling is University of Holy Cross. With a campus in New Orleans, the university prides itself on providing personalized education and small class sizes.

At the University of Holy Cross, students can earn either an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in counseling. They may choose from one of the following programs: addictions counseling, applied behavioral science, juvenile counseling or social counseling. There is also a master's degree in counseling that will allow students to earn their undergraduate and graduate degrees concurrently.

The University of Holy Cross is a private school. It was founded in 1916 as a ministry of the Marianite Sisters of the Holy Cross.

Additional Info
3South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary+
Admission Rate
Open
Graduation Rate
N/A
Number of Degrees Offered
6
Number of Degrees Conferred
2
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Students interested in a degree in Christian counseling may find the program they want at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary. The school was founded in 1985 as a nondenominational institution. It ranks third for the prominence of its counseling program and first for its graduation rate among surveyed schools.

Although South Florida Bible College doesn't have any fully online counseling degrees, students may be able to take up to half their classes via distance education. The remaining courses must be completed at the school's Deerfield Beach campus.

Its bachelor's degree in Christian counseling seeks to integrate Christian and secular approaches to psychology. Graduates should be prepared to enter the workforce with the knowledge of counseling strategies and psychological techniques.

Additional Info
4Mid-Atlantic Christian University+
Admission Rate
44%
Graduation Rate
27.78%
Number of Degrees Offered
1
Number of Degrees Conferred
2
At least 1 program offered
Yes

The Mid-Atlantic Christian University was founded in 1948 as Roanoke Bible College. Originally conceived as a school to train ministers, the university continues to have a special focus on Christian studies.

The counseling and psychology program at Mid-Atlantic Christian University results in a bachelor's degree. The curriculum includes a double major in Biblical studies and counseling and psychology. Upon graduation, students should have a good understanding of counseling techniques and how they can be used within a Christian worldview.

The university ranks high for its admission policy and the support services it offers. In addition to academic advising, career placement services may be available to graduates.

Additional Info
5College of St Joseph+
Admission Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
54.17%
Number of Degrees Offered
7
Number of Degrees Conferred
7
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rutland, Vermont, the College of St. Joseph got its start in 1956. Today, it offers more than 30 majors through its undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The College of St. Joseph offers several degrees that may be of interest to those pursuing a career in counseling. These include bachelor's degrees in community service and counseling, alcohol and substance abuse services, and child and family services. At the graduate level, there are master's degrees in alcohol and substance abuse services, school counseling, clinical mental health counseling and community counseling.

With a 9-1 student-faculty ratio, the university is well-equipped to provide a personalized experience. The college also ranks ninth for the prominence of its counseling program.

Additional Info
6Arizona Christian University+
Admission Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
45.12%
Number of Degrees Offered
1
Number of Degrees Conferred
19
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Arizona Christian University provides a number of support services to help its students succeed. There is career counseling, academic advising and even placement services for graduates. To help busy adults take the classes they need, courses are offered on nights, weekends and online.

Although ACU doesn't have any online degrees for counseling specifically, its online bachelor's degree in family studies may be appropriate for those interested in the field. Meanwhile students at its Phoenix campus can earn a bachelor's degree in either behavioral health or family studies.

Founded in 1960, Arizona Christian University is a private, non-denominational institution. It ranks seventh for the prominence of its counseling-related programs.

Additional Info
7Prescott College+
Admission Rate
95%
Graduation Rate
39.06%
Number of Degrees Offered
6
Number of Degrees Conferred
48
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Sharing a name with the city of Prescott, Arizona, this college was founded with the vision of being the "Harvard of the West." The educational institution prides itself on diversity, inclusiveness and developing new models of learning. Its students have access to collaborative learning, experiential education and student-designed programs.

For counseling students, Prescott College offers a number of options. The school's undergraduate psychology, human development and counselor education program is available in five different concentrations. Students interested in online degrees for counseling may be interested in Prescott College's online degree in human development. Meanwhile, there are also online counseling degrees at the graduate level, where the school offers nine master's degrees in the field.

In addition to its range of degree options, Prescott College ranks high for its 9-1 student-faculty ratio.

Additional Info
8Alaska Pacific University+
Admission Rate
84%
Graduation Rate
55.56%
Number of Degrees Offered
4
Number of Degrees Conferred
25
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Outside the contiguous states, Alaska Pacific University ranks highest. While students may have to travel far to study at this school, they get access to an institution with one of the highest graduation rates and the smallest student-faculty ratios of the colleges and universities on this list.

Counseling psychology degrees are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The bachelor's and master's degree programs at Alaska Pacific University include a hands-on component to provide students with real-world experience prior to graduation. Meanwhile, the doctoral program blends online learning with face-to-face weekend intensives.

Alaska Pacific University is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Methodist Church. It was founded in 1960 and has its campus in Anchorage.

Additional Info
9Criswell College+
Admission Rate
100%
Graduation Rate
15.38%
Number of Degrees Offered
1
Number of Degrees Conferred
8
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Located in Dallas, Criswell College gets high marks for providing a personalized education experience. At 9-1, its student-faculty ratio is among the lowest of the schools on this list. Established in 1970 and named for its founder W.A. Criswell, the college is affiliated with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.

Criswell College offers a master's degree in counseling that is available in two tracks. One option allows graduates to sit for the National Counselor Exam and the Texas Jurisprudence Exam. The other is a non-licensure track that provides knowledge and proficiency in the field but does not meet the exam requirements.

While Criswell College doesn't offer any fully online counseling degrees, students may be able to take up to a quarter of their classes via distance education.

Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Counseling Degree Programs and Common Career Paths

Four-year degrees in counseling – bachelor’s degrees -- cover the major theories of human behavior. Students should graduate with the knowledge needed to evaluate client needs and develop effective treatment plans. This knowledge can also make them valuable to public and community health organizations. Master's degree programs typically take two years to complete and provide a more intensive look into the topic of human behavior and behavior modification techniques.

Counseling degree programs
Some states mandate certain counselors be licensed, and students should confirm whether any degree program they consider will meet state requirements. Students may specialize in a particular area of counseling, depending on their career goals.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
These counselors specialize in treating those with addictions or similar problems. They meet with clients directly to develop treatment strategies, provide support to family members and may coordinate care with other health care professionals.
Community Health Workers
Some community health workers may be part of a team working to address public health issues on a broad scale while others may provide one-on-one services to the clients of nonprofits and government agencies.
Mental Health Counselors
Mental health counselors, along with marriage and family counselors, typically provide support services either one-on-one or in a group setting. They guide people through the process of coping with and working through mental and emotional problems.
Genetic Counselors
Rather than a general counseling degree, professionals in this occupation must earn a specific master's degree in genetic counseling. That education gives the skills needed to evaluate medical histories, identify potential genetic problems and discuss testing options.
School counselor degree programs
For school counselors in particular, degree programs help prepare students to work with diverse populations, to follow ethical guidelines and to pass state certification exams. Depending on the college, online courses may be able to meet school counselor degree requirements and make it easier for working adults to complete the program. What's more, some schools offer degrees that have a concentration or emphasis in a specialized area, like those noted below.
School Counseling and Guidance Services
The curriculum for these programs often aligns closely with state certification requirements. As a result, it may be best to pursue this degree in the state in which you plan to have your career.
College Student Counseling and Personnel Services
A degree concentration in college student personnel is intended for those who plan to work within the field of higher education. Students learn how to foster student success and enhance the learning environment at colleges and universities.
Student Counseling and Personnel Services
These degrees may have an emphasis on psychology and understanding human behavior. In addition to preparing students to become a guidance counselor, they can also be used for other positions such as those within community-based mental health organizations.

For additional insight into selecting a counseling career, read about how to become a career guidance counselor.

Career Outlook for Counseling Majors

There are many occupations within the field of counseling and not all are expected to grow at the same rate. Here's a look at the career outlook for some of the positions commonly pursued by graduates from counseling degree programs.

JOB TITLE
AVERAGE SALARY($)
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECTED JOB GROWTH(%)
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$49,950283,54022.5%
Marriage and Family Therapists$54,59059,05022.3%
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists$87,450113,27014.7%
Counselors, Social Workers, and Other Community and Social Service Specialists$50,4102,159,87012.4%
Psychologists, All Other$98,23014,22011.6%
Rehabilitation Counselors$40,160109,0409.8%
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$61,000296,4608.4%
Source: 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Counseling Degree Programs

Students enrolled in both on-campus and online counseling degree programs may be eligible for government and private financial assistance. In addition to applying for federal loans and grants, students should explore private scholarships. Many programs are available, particular for those studying at the graduate level. These include awards from the National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation, the Future Counselors of America Scholarship and others.

Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Applicants must be full-time students who have completed no more than 12 months of graduate study and be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or permanent residents. The fields of study are interdisciplinary, computer and information science and engineering, mathematical sciences, geosciences, psychology, social sciences, life sciences, chemistry, physics and astronomy and engineering.  More

AWARD AMOUNT

$44,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

4-Nov

Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship for Minorities
Applicant must have completed a Ph.D. or Sc.D. within seven years, be a U.S. citizen or national, and be an Alaskan Native, Native American, black/African-American, Mexican-American, Pacific Islander, or Puerto Rican. More

AWARD AMOUNT

$35,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Early January

Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship for Minorities
Applicant must be U.S. citizen or national who is an Alaskan Native, Native American, black/African-American, Mexican American, Pacific Islander, or Puerto Rican. Applicant must have completed no more than 30 semester/45 quarter hours of graduate work in fields eligible for support. More

AWARD AMOUNT

$24,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

14-Nov

RENEWAL CRITERIA

Fellowship is awarded for three years; continued support is based upon recipient's progress.

Predoctoral Research Training Fellowship
Applicants must be full-time graduate students pursuing a Ph.D. degree in neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology, psychology, biochemistry, genetics, nursing, pharmacy or other related areas; have a dissertation research project; have a qualified mentor who can supervise the project and have access to resources to conduct the project. The project must be in the U.S. and its territories. The award is based on the quality of the dissertation project, relevance to epilepsy, the applicant's qualifications, the mentor's qualifications and the quality of the proposed environment. More

AWARD AMOUNT

$20,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Open

Source: Scholarship directory data is copyrighted material which is reproduced on this website by permission of CollegeXpress, a division of Carnegie Dartlet. Copyright © 2024 by CollegeXpress.
Scholarship Database

Q&A with an expert

Q:

Is it necessary to study psychology as an undergraduate to get the most out of a master's in counseling?

A:

It's ideal to study psychology in undergrad if you plan on going on for a master's degree in counseling; however, it's not required. Most master's programs in counseling require at least 18 credit hours of psychology at the undergrad level. Other undergraduate programs that can be helpful include philosophy and communications.

Q:

What are some reasons that a counselor might choose to go on and earn a Ph.D.?

A:

The main reasons are more opportunities. Only with a doctorate can one teach at the university level, conduct research, and provide psychological testing.

Q:

What's some advice you would give to a student who's thinking about enrolling in a counseling degree program?

A:

Definitely apply to one that's CACREP approved which will make later licensing and first jobs easier to obtain.

Professional Organizations

Founded in 1952 and serving more than 55,000 members, the ACA says it's the largest association exclusively representing counselors.
The AMHCA provides advocacy and education for licensed clinical mental health counselors.
Known as the ASCA, this association offers academic, personal and professional development services to 33,000 school counselors globally.
The AACC says it has nearly 50,000 members who include licensed professionals as well as pastors and lay church members who may not have formal training.
Methodology

To be included in these rankings, all schools must meet the following initial criteria for the specific subject being ranked.

  1. Offer an undergraduate degree (either associate or bachelor’s) in that subject.
  2. Have awarded at least one degree or certificate in that subject in the most recent year of IPEDS data available.

Based on those criteria, we ranked all 2-year and 4-year schools in IPEDS that reported data for all of the following points. Ratings are calculated on a 10-point scale, using the weights specified.

  1. In-state undergraduate tuition & fees, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
  2. Graduation rate, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
  3. Accessibility, based on admissions rate, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
  4. Institutional spending, based on two equally weighted factors, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
    • Instructional and academic support expenses per full-time enrolled student
    • Instructional and academic support spending as a percentage of all expenses
  5. Student-to-faculty ratio, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
  6. Flexibility, based on the following factors, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
    • Percent of students enrolled fully or partly in distance education
    • Whether the school offers programs that can be completed entirely in the evenings and on weekends
    • Whether the school offers academic and career counseling
    • Whether the school offers job placement services for students who complete their programs
    • Whether the school offers any alternative tuition plans, such as a payment plan or guaranteed rate
  7. Size of program, based on how many of the degrees and certificates awarded in 2014-15 were in this particular subject, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
  8. Related subjects, based on the number of similar topics for programs in relevant CIP codes that are offered at any level, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
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