Masters degree in Counseling Psychology

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

The client population for those in the counseling psychology field has been growing exponentially. As opposed to clinical psychologists who deal primarily with individuals suffering with very serious mental disorders such as schizophrenia, professionals in counseling psychology work with those who are dealing with depression and anxiety.

schools

Counselors and counseling psychologists base their work with clients on a humanistic approach to counseling which focuses on such ideas as self-actualization and life-long growth through developing comprehension of one's self.

Masters progams in Counseling Psychology offer students a foundation of theory and real world application for the particular specialty. As more people become aware of the inefficiencies caused by their own depression (see Depression) and anxiety (see Anxiety), those trained in counseling psychology will be in increasing demand.

What you will learn...

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

Masters in Counseling Psychology Concepts

  • Counseling theory
  • Individual & group counseling
  • Intervention strategies
  • Testing & assessment techniques
  • Research methodology
  • Diagnostics
  • Lifespan development
  • Multicultural issues in counseling
  • Principles of psychopathology
  • Child & adolescent psychology
  • Relationship between biology and behavior
  • Theories behind psychotherapy
  • Couples therapy
  • Human development

Masters in Counseling Psychology Programs ...

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Representatives at each of these universities will provide you with more information about their Masters degree programs in Counseling Psychology and about possible future career prospects associated with this degree.

Salary Benefits...

As stated in a Bureau of Labor and Statistics Current Population Survey from May of 20081:

  • Across the country, the mean salary for Clinical, School, and Counseling Psychologists was $70,190. The top 10% of earners brought home $106,840.
  • Counselors averaged $42,240 while the top 10% earned an average of $64,160.
  • The average salaries of those who hold a Masters degree in 2008 was $1,228/week, while those only holding a Bachelor's degree was $978/week.

Advancement...

Most people who earn their Masters degree in counseling psychology will typically continue their educational career by additionally earning their doctorate in counseling psychology as well. Most go down this path because psychologist licensure requires candidates to possess a doctoral degree to be eligible for licensure.

However, counselors typically only need a masters degree to be eligible for certification. Secondly, a masters degree will also qualify you to take an instructor position in a community college as well. So, while a doctoral degree will open many more career doors for you and allow you to demand higher compensation for your services, it is not necessary to put your counseling psychology education to work.

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

  • Counseling Psychologist
  • Counselor
  • Researcher in social services, health care, business or in an educational setting
  • Community college instructor
  • Consulting positions

Resources:
1 BLS Statistics from 2008