What Education Do I Need To Become a Counselor?

Counselors work with patients who need help with some area of their lives, whether it's with substance abuse, issues at school, or general mental health conditions. These patients are often vulnerable, so several years of education are required to gain the skills needed to become a counselor; these skills allow them to work with patients and provide proper guidance.

Education requirements for counseling careers can vary; however, counselors usually need a bachelor's degree, if not a master's degree. Keep reading to learn more about the education you need to become a counselor.

Educational Requirements for Counselors

Because various types of counseling careers, especially substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors, have such a significant role in helping people, most are required to hold at least a bachelor's degree. These roles may require a bachelor's degree in counseling, which can apply to many areas, as well as psychology or another related field.

However, many, especially those in clinical settings, hold a graduate degree. Below, we've outlined the basic educational requirements to become a counselor.

Bachelor's Degrees in Psychology or Counseling

Bachelor's degrees are undergraduate degrees that usually take about four years of full-time study. Most colleges and universities don't offer counseling programs at the undergraduate level, so counselors typically major in a field like psychology, social work, or social sciences.

Below, we've featured a few online bachelor's degrees in psychology.

Capella University ?Online BS in Psychology

Capella University is a private for-profit, online university based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It offers only online programs, including a Bachelor of Science in psychology.

This program helps students build a foundation for understanding the complexities of human behavior and thought. It offers two concentrations, allowing you to customize your learning to your career path: general psychology and applied behavior analysis.

Arizona State University ?Online BS in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science

Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, Arizona. It offers a wide selection of online programs, including a Bachelor of Science in counseling and applied psychological sciences.

Students in this program will gain an understanding of topics such as cultural diversity, addiction dynamics, counseling strategies, professional ethics, and more. Three concentrations are available: counseling military members and veterans, sports and performance counseling, and substance abuse and addictions.

University of Central Florida ?Online BS in Psychology

The University of Central Florida is a public research university in Orlando, Florida. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in psychology.

This degree covers terminology, research and statistical methods, physiology, psychology history, and more. There are six tracks to choose from:

• clinical psychology
• experimental psychology
• general psychology
• human factors psychology
• industrial/organizational psychology
• neuroscience

Master's Degrees in Counseling

Many counselors, especially those who want to be licensed mental health counselors, earn a graduate degree. This is required for some types of licensure or pursuing private practice.

Arizona State University ?Online Master of Counseling

In addition to an online undergraduate degree in counseling, Arizona State University also offers an online Master of Counseling degree. This program covers a range of topics from multicultural counseling and psychotherapy to human development across the lifespan and psychological tests.

The master's degree requires 20 classes for 60 credit hours. It's designed to lead to licensure or certification in Arizona but may not be sufficient for licensing in all states.

Walden University ?Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Walden University is a private, for-profit, online university headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It offers a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling.

This program offers seven specializations for different types of counseling:

• addiction counseling
• forensic counseling
• general counseling
• marriage, couple, and family therapy
• military families and culture
• telehealth counseling, private practice, and supervision
• trauma and crisis counseling

Walden also offers an online Master of Science in school counseling for those who want to become school counselors.

Nova Southeastern University ?Online M.S. in Counseling

Nova Southeastern University is a private research university in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It offers an online Master of Science in counseling.

This degree program has five concentrations:

• applied behavior analysis
• clinical mental health counseling
• school counseling
• substance abuse counseling
• substance abuse counseling and education

Obtain Proper State Licensure

All states require clinical mental health counselors and mental health practitioners to hold a state license. While specific requirements vary by state, general licensing requirements include a master's degree from a Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited program.

A certain number of clinical experience hours or time spent in a supervised internship may also be required. You can learn more about your state's requirements through the National Board for Certified Counselors.

All states also require that substance abuse and behavior disorder counselors who work in private practice be licensed. State requirements vary for these counselors who work in settings other than private practice.

Marriage and family therapists also need to hold a state license. Licensure requirements usually include a master's degree and a specified amount of clinical experience.

School counselors need a state-issued credential to work in a public school This credential usually requires a master's-level degree in school counseling and supervised internship or work experience.

Doctorate Degree in Counseling

Some counselors choose to further their career development by enrolling in a counseling doctoral degree program. Doctorate degrees are the highest type of graduate program you can complete, and doctorate degrees in counseling are usually Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees focused on research.

Below, we've featured a few PhDs in counseling.

Walden University ?PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

In addition to the online master's degree in counseling, Walden University offers an online, CACREP-accredited PhD in counselor education and supervision.

This program helps counselors develop the skills to guide future counselors. Seven concentrations are available so you can focus on the counseling career you want:

• addiction counseling
• clinical mental health counseling
• general counseling
• marriage, couple, and family counseling
• school counseling
• telehealth counseling, private practice, and supervision
• trauma and crisis

Capella University ?PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

Like Walden University, Capella University also offers a PhD in counselor education and supervision online. This CACREP-accredited program helps students develop their inner mentors and advance as leaders in counseling.

This program includes 12 core courses, a practicum, and internships. Students also have the option to begin preparing for their dissertation early in the program.

National University ?PhD in Psychology

National University is a private university headquartered in San Diego, California. It offers primarily online programs, including a PhD in psychology.

This program is primarily focused on research, as opposed to a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree, which is focused on clinical practice. Additionally, the university offers an online PhD and online professional doctorate in marriage and family therapy.

FAQs About the Educational Requirements for Counselors

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about educational requirements for counselors.

What Is the Easiest Counseling Degree To Get?

The easiest counseling degree to get is typically a bachelor's degree. These degrees take four years to complete, as opposed to master's and doctorate degrees that require a bachelor's degree plus several years in graduate school.

What Do Counselors Do?

There are several types of counselors, and their specific job duties depend on what type of counselor they are. Common types of counselors include:

• Behavior disorder counselors: help patients, often children, who have behavioral disorders like bipolar disorder
• Mental health counselors: help patients with mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety
• Substance abuse counselors: help patients who have addictions or substance abuse disorders pinpoint the root of their disorders and work to overcome them
• Marriage and family counselors: focus on couples and families going through rough patches
• Career counselors: help people trying to navigate career changes by providing things like job leads and interview and resume feedback
• School counselor: work in school settings helping students with learning, behavioral, and mental health disorders

Do You Need a Degree To Be a Counselor?

In most cases, you'll need a degree to work as a counselor. A bachelor's degree is usually the minimum, but some licenses and positions require a master's degree.