Benefits of a Degree in Psychology and Counseling
With a degree in psychology with an emphasis in counseling you can begin a rewarding career as a counselor or therapist. Most counselors get their bachelors and masters degrees in psychology or a subset of psychology such as mental health. In most cases, you must hold a masters degree in psychology in order to practice as a counselor. Many states also require certification as a counselor which is usually part of your masters coursework. With just a bachelors degree in counseling you may be able to find work as a counselor in some private organizations, but the most job opportunities will be open to you with a masters degree in psychology.
Career Paths with a Degree in Psychology and Counseling
There are a number of different career paths within the field of counseling. Once you've completed a masters degree in psychology, you can work as a marriage counselor, a psychotherapist, or a school counselor at the grade school, high school, or university level. You can also become a substance abuse counselor if you have focused your studies on substance abuse issues. Social work is also a popular career choice for people with masters degrees in psychology.
In any one of these professions, you can make an excellent salary. Your annual salary will depend on a variety of factors, most importantly your experience and the environment that you work in. For example, people who work for private rehabilitation centers often make more than people who work for nonprofit organizations. As a counselor you can make anywhere from $30,000 to over $100,000 per year.
How to Earn a Degree in Psychology and Counseling
You can earn your bachelors or masters degree in psychology with an emphasis in counseling from a university, a graduate school, a school of psychology, or through an online program. Accredited online programs allow you to complete your coursework in your own time and are often supplemented with in person classes and sessions to help you gain practical counseling experience. An online program in psychology is a great way to finish your degree according to your own schedule.
A degree in psychology can lead to an excellent career as a counselor. Depending upon the level of degree you earn within the field of psychology, you can take a variety of positions as a counselor, such as a rehabilitation counselor, a school counselor, or a therapist. Working as a counselor typically requires at least a masters degree in psychology.
