Master's Degree in Behavioral Health

<p>Many schools offer master's-level programs in behavioral health that can prepare you for a career in counseling, research or academia. Most of these programs take two years to complete and include traditional classes and research opportunities for you to gain field experience. You can also choose a specialization, such as substance abuse counseling, community mental health or family counseling. In addition to your coursework, most programs require you to complete clinical work and relevant research to your particular field of study. In order to enroll in any master's degree program, you will need a bachelor's degree, though any major is typically sufficient. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Specializations</b></td><td> Substance Abuse Counseling, Community Mental Health, Family Counseling</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Course Topics</b></td><td> Counseling theory, psychopathology, cultural counseling, behavior disorders, group and individual counseling</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Online programs are available, but they require in-person residencies and fieldwork</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors growth: 25%; school and career counselor growth: 8%; postsecondary teacher growth: 9%</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$47,660 (<i>for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors</i>)*; $58,120 (<i>for school and career counselor</i>)*; $80,790 (<i>for postsecondary teacher</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfCoursesCouldITake">What Kind of Courses Could I Take?</h3> <p>Most programs start you off with required core classes. Typically, these include counseling theory, neuroscience for mental health professionals, professional ethics and psychopathology. You can then move into more specialized courses that can include electives in human sexuality, community health, addiction assessment, treatment methods and psychopharmacology. Some common course topics include: </p> <ul><li>Counseling cultural populations </li><li>State and community health policies </li><li>Common behavioral disorders </li><li>Gender- or age-based counseling </li><li>Counseling individuals and groups </li></ul><h3 id="section---CanICompleteThisDegreeOnline">Can I Complete This Degree Online?</h3> <p>Some schools offer online master's degree programs in behavioral health. However, you should be aware that these programs also incorporate residencies and fieldwork that require some on-campus attendance. Online programs also allow you to choose a specialization in such areas as mental health counseling or forensic counseling. </p> <p>Online courses generally require a broadband Internet connection, a reliable, up-to-date computer and software for viewing different types of media, such as Acrobat Reader files or downloadable videos. Most online programs allow you to work at your own pace, though you'll be expected to turn in your assignments by a particular due date and complete the program within 2-3 years. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithThisDegree">What Can I Do With This Degree?</h3> <p>If you want to become a behavioral health counselor, many states require you to obtain licensure. Most master's degree programs equip you with the knowledge you will need to take a state licensing exam. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for mental health counselors were projected to increase 25% between 2019 and 2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). You could also work as a school counselor, providing academic, personal and career guidance to pre-college and college students. The BLS estimated an 8% increase in demand for school and career counselors during the same time period. </p> <p>If you are interested in teaching behavioral health, a master's degree could qualify you to work at public high schools, community colleges or private institutions. To become a high school teacher, you will need to complete an academic program in education and earn a state-issued teaching certification or license. Licensure isn't required to work at the college level. The BLS stated that employment of postsecondary teachers was anticipated to increase by 9% from 2019-2029.</p>