Why Get a Master's in Counseling? - Geneva College
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Why Get a Master's in Counseling?

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Higher Education

Why get a master's in counseling? So you can work with people like this^^^

Choosing to pursue a graduate degree of any kind is a big decision. The choice to continue your journey in higher education is a major time and financial commitment. Are you considering pursuing a master’s in counseling? Here are some reasons why getting a master’s in counseling might be right for you. 

Endless Career Options 

You might be thinking that the only reason to get a master’s in counseling is so that you can be a therapist. That is not the case! A master’s in counseling opens a whole field of possibilities. Someone with a master’s in counseling could be a researcher of counseling or even work as a counselor in a school, hospital, private practice, or residential treatment. The wide variety of ages, locations, and specialties offers an endless number of places this degree could take you, meaning you will gain great flexibility in your career. Many choose to work as a therapist for a few years, then transition to a support or training role rather than working with clients. Some go on to pursue a doctoral program and become teachers. There are a lot of opportunities for career development with a master’s in counseling. There is not just one set path. 

All Backgrounds Welcome 

At this point you might be wondering, can I get my master’s in counseling if my undergraduate degree is not in psychology or social work? Yes, you can! While undergraduate degrees in psychology, social work, or communication can blend well with a graduate counseling program, there is no required undergraduate major. Everyone in the graduate program must take foundational counseling courses, so any undergraduate major can work well. Often students can use their varied knowledge to be uniquely prepared for a variety of circumstances. So even if your undergraduate degree is in engineering, political science, humanities, or anything else, you can follow your calling in counseling. 

Job Security 

Dr. Jonathan Impellizzeri, Associate Professor of Counseling at Geneva, shared why someone might consider getting a master’s in counseling, “You will never be out of work. Demand always exceeds the supply.” There will always be a need for counselors, and in today’s job market the demand for this field is continually increasing. 

Meaningful Work 

Professionals who work in this field also participate in significant work. Dr. Impellizzeri also shared, “The work is so deeply meaningful… It is an unbelievably fulfilling career.” This career has the potential to make a tremendous impact on others. The nature of counseling is so deeply personal because counselors walk people through healing and growth, creating a deeply rewarding experience.  

The Geneva Difference 

Geneva College’s Master of Arts in Counseling educates and equips each student to work in counseling from a Christian perspective. From this perspective, students are also taught to counsel clients from a variety of faith and non-faith backgrounds so they can maintain the highest level of professionality and help anyone they meet. Integration of faith and learning is a core tenant of Geneva College, and it is certainly an asset in this program. 

Another advantage of Geneva’s program is that all professors in the program are licensed counselors. They have worked in counseling, and they love to talk to people. Dr. Impellizzeri says, “We make ourselves available, so don’t be intimidated.” Our professors are rooted in the Christian faith and are dedicated to helping others pursue God’s calling on their life by studying counseling.                   

If you are interested in pursuing a master’s in counseling, do not be afraid to reach out and have a conversation with one of the professors. We are here for you! 

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.

Dec 21, 2022

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