Masters degree in Community Counseling

Learn more about the MS in Community Counseling and what it can do for your career...

masters community counseling

Community Counseling programs are designed to prepare students to succeed professionally in all fields of counseling. From mental health counseling to college counseling services, community counselors are individuals who can provide the practical application of counseling therapy in a large variety of settings.

The versatility of a Master's degree in Community Counseling has made this program increasingly popular. Since the economic landscape is changing at a quickening pace every year, many students are hedging their career bets by seeking to keep as many professional doors open as possible.

Graduates of community counseling master's programs often take positions where they collaborate with various agencies and institutions to meet the needs of clients whether working in a mental health facility or with regard to occupational therapy in an educational environment. Graduate programs in community counseling provide students with the skills necessary to succeed in many fields.

What you will learn...

Specifically, a Masters degree program in Community Counseling will provide you with knowledge in most if not all of the following areas:

  • Strategies to collaborate with agencies & institutions as determined by client needs
  • Human development
  • Personality assessments
  • Various counseling methodologies
  • Cognitive-behavioral theory
  • Systems theory
  • Clinical assessments and diagnostics
  • Psychopathology
  • Individual counseling
  • Social & cultural foundations of community counseling
  • Group counseling techniques
  • Career and vocational counseling
  • Statistics & psychometrics
  • Strategies to facilitate human development
  • Develop sound legal & ethical decision-making skills

Masters in Community Counseling Programs ...

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Online Schools:

Please select a state from the drop-down list above to view campus based schools available to you.

Salary Benefits...

Below is a table created by May of 2008 Occupational Employment Statistics from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS)1:

Career

Median Salary

Average of top 10%

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

$39,670 $59,460

Educational, Vocational and School Counselors

$53,540 $82,330

Marriage & Family Therapists

$46,930 $70,830

Mental Health Counselors

$40,270 $63,100

Rehabilitation Counselors

$34,600 $56,550

Advancement...

For most states, a Masters degree in a counseling field is enough to qualify for licensure and enter a counseling profession. However, advancement into a university professor position or more of a theoretical research position will require a Doctoral degree.

After completing a masters degree in community counseling, you will be two years closer to completing your doctoral degree as well if down the road you wish to go in this direction. You should seek consultation from your university's career services department to learn more about advancement options.

Career possibilities for those with a Master's degree in Community Counseling...

  • Substance abuse counselor
  • Mental health counselor
  • Vocational and career counselor
  • Researcher in social services, health care, business or in an educational setting
  • Community college instructor
  • Consulting positions

Resources:
1 BLS Statistics from 2008