Education Programs For Becoming A Counselor

Like social workers or therapists, counselors are in the business of helping people. If you have a strong yearning to make a difference in people’s lives, becoming a counselor might be the right career for you. However, there are many different types of counselors that work in various community settings. Are you passionate about helping children excel in school, or are you more interested in helping those with disabilities?

Another factor that will help you determine what type of counselor you want to be is the educational program being offered. While most counselors are required to obtain a master’s degree to practice within their state, there are different variations for the type of degree programs available. Below are three different types of counselors, with an example of the three different types of master’s degrees within the counseling field.

School Counselors: Master Of Education In School Counseling

A school counselor provides guidance for students in elementary, middle and high school settings. The main focus of their job is to assist students in obtaining the highest level of academic achievement possible. They also oversee personal and social development, while preparing students for future careers. A counselor may intervene or engage in the various issues students experience within scholastic, family and social settings.

A master of education (M.Ed.) in school counseling is a program designed for those interested in becoming a school counselor. They provide instruction in the aspects of theoretical and practical counseling practices within an educational setting. These education programs provide the necessary tools to allow school counselors to serve the needs and special interests of students. These programs provide courses that typically focus on the following areas of study:

• Leadership
• School counseling theories
• Career guidance and college selection
• Families within an educational setting
• Individual and group counseling
• Consultation with parents, teachers and other professionals in a school setting
• K-12 school counseling
• Special education

Rehabilitation Counselors: Master Of Arts In Rehabilitation Counseling

A rehabilitation counselor specializes in enhancing the quality of life for disabled and disadvantaged persons. They provide assistance to those with disabilities in achieving personal and career goals, while helping them face any psychological, vocational, social and educational challenges. Rehabilitation counselors work in a wide array of settings, including rehabilitation facilities, schools and universities, and government agencies and programs.

Like school counselors, most rehabilitation counselors are required to have training and education at the graduate level. The primary degree for a rehabilitation counselor is a master of arts (MA) in rehabilitation counseling. Education programs for a master’s in rehabilitation counseling primarily focus on:

• Counseling theory and techniques
• Individual and group counseling
• Psychiatric rehabilitation
• Medical and psychosocial aspects of disability
• Case management
• Community program development
• Research and assessment in rehabilitation
• Human behavior
• Vocational development

Marriage And Family Counselors: Master Of Science In Marriage And Family Counseling

A marriage and family counselor, also referred to as a marriage and family therapists, assist with mental and emotional issues within the family setting. They may provide counseling to families, couples or directly to an individual. The course curriculum for this master’s program typically includes:

• Parenting education
• Culture and diversity in couple and family counseling
• Individual and group counseling
• Human sexuality
• Couple and family dynamics
• Gender and ethnicity in families

The Difference Between Each Degree Program

If you’ve been searching for the right college or university to begin your counseling education program, you may have come across the following dilemma: What is the difference between all the different types of master’s degrees in counseling? Just looking at the different types of counselors listed above, you’ll notice there are three distinct degrees: MA, MS and M.Ed.

Here are the key differences between the three:

• Master of Arts in Counseling (MA): An MA in counseling is better suited for those with a bachelor of arts degree, and no particular background in counseling theory or other related fields. These programs typically require students to complete a thesis or research project to become eligible for graduation. In some instances, a specific concentration is not required, and students may opt to take a general master’s in counseling program with no specialization.
• Master of Science in Counseling (MS): An MS in counseling is geared towards students who hold a bachelor of science in a field that relates to counseling, like psychology. MS programs allow students to select a particular area of study if they already know which career path they wish to follow, whether it is rehabilitation counseling, or marriage and family counseling.
• Master of Education (M.Ed.): An M.Ed. is primarily for those who wish to work as school counselors. The primary focus or concentration for these programs is school counseling, or counseling for a specific school level like elementary, high school or K-12.

When selecting the desired school and degree, be sure to review the program’s course curriculum. This may help you determine the counselor education program that is right for you. Whether you select an MA, MS or M.Ed. program, most accredited master’s programs in counseling should make you eligible to receive certification to practice counseling within your state.