7 Careers Available with a Master’s Degree in Counseling
Most of the time, people who get a graduate degree in counseling want to work directly with clients to help them through their problems. They have a passion for helping people live independently and achieve good mental health. However, the specific career type will vary from one person to the next. Whether you want to work with young people in a school or with adults in a clinical setting, here are some of the career paths that either require master's level training or can benefit from a graduate degree.
School counselors are vital in the world of education. They help students through emotional and social problems, guiding them to make wise decisions as they move forward with friendships and learning to navigate the confusing social world that is the school years.
School counselors also help students think through their career and educational goals. They may assist with choosing a major or choosing a college. Sometimes school counselors will help students decide what path within high school would help them better reach their goals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that a master's degree is the minimum degree required for this field and that school counselors earn an average of $57,040 a year.
Geriatric counselors work in organizations, like assisted living and nursing home communities, that work directly with the elderly. These counselors understand the needs of older adults, include their mental and emotional needs. They strive to help older adults stay mentally sound, avoid scams and fraud and choose the right care options.
Geriatric counselors may also perform physical and cognitive assessments for their clients to ensure that they are able to live safely at home. They can work with families to choose the right care options depending on the older adult's needs.
According to the BLS, this highly specialized type of counseling is well-paid and in demand. The average pay in 2019 for geriatric counselors was $81,880 a year. The job is expected to see a 21% growth over the next 10 years as more and more adults enter their senior years and need these services.
Many group settings require the help of a counselor or therapist to create a safe, supportive space for people to work on mental health or work through differences. Group homes, addiction facilities, and similar settings are places where therapists can encourage people to share their needs in a group so others can learn from their experiences. The therapist or counselor serves as the mediator during these meetings.
Social workers can be found in many places throughout the community. They can work in mental health clinics, schools, government agencies, hospitals, and even private practice. Social workers help people work through their problems and find sustainable solutions. Many social workers focus their efforts on helping needy children, especially those who are not in stable families, but social workers can also help adults and even the elderly.
A master's degree in counseling can open the door to work as a clinical social worker. These are leaders in the social work home, and they are able to diagnose and treat mental or emotional disorders. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the annual wage for most social workers is $61,239 a year.
A marriage and family counselor helps married couples and families work through times of disagreement or crisis. They can often support families through the loss of a loved one or when dealing with mental health concerns. With the help of a counselor, many families and couples can find ways to work through their emotions and reactions to changes in their lives in a positive way. The BLS finds the average wage for marriage and family counselors to be $49,610, but this field is expected to see a 22% growth by 2029. The minimum degree for work in family counseling is a master's degree.
Mental health concerns are on the rise in the United States. From 2017 to 2018, 19% of adults reported experiencing mental health needs according to Mental Health America. This number skyrocketed between January and September of 2020 with the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health counselors use their counseling training to help people overcome mental health issues and move forward with healthier thinking.
The BLS expects to see a huge increase in demand for mental health counselors in the next 10 years, projecting a 25% increase in growth. The average pay in 2019 was $46,240, but those with a master's degree are more likely to be in the top 10%, which earned over $76,080 a year.
People who live with disabilities often need someone to come alongside and provide emotional and mental health support as they learn to live independently in spite of their challenges. Rehabilitation counselors work in senior centers, youth guidance organizations, and rehab centers to help people learn the skills they need for independent living even with unique challenges.
Though this is not a particularly high paid field on average, with the 2019 average pay sitting at just $35,950 per the BLS, it can be highly rewarding. Working with a community's most vulnerable populations and helping them find success brings an intrinsic reward to many counselors.
Is a Master's in Counseling Worth It? For Many, the Answer Is Yes
So, what can you do with a master's in counseling? With any degree program, you must weigh the pros and cons before making a decision and look at the potential career paths at the same time.
If any one of these seven career paths appeals to you, you can start a rewarding career helping people once you attain your master's. The Master's in Counseling degree at Geneva College could be the starting point for any one of these careers. For more information about how Geneva College can help you start your counseling career path with our Master's in Counseling degree, contact us at 855-979-5563 or at web@geneva.edu.
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
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