If you feel your purpose in life is to help others, a degree in Counseling and Therapy may be the perfect fit for you.

Types of Degrees

There is a wide array of different Counseling and Therapy degrees, from associate degrees (2 years) all the way up to doctoral degrees (8+ years). Usually, the degree chosen is reflected by the desired career you wish to pursue in this field, from counseling to clinical research and therapy to opening your own private practice.

Admission Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is required, with a strong academic background in science coursework helping applicants obtain acceptance into their desired school. Scores from college entrance exams like the ACT and SAT are often required. Each school has its own specific requirements, making it important for you to explore several options before settling on a specific school.

Career Opportunities After Earning A Counseling And Therapy Degree

The range of career opportunities in the Counseling and Therapy industry include:

• Guidance Counselor
• Social Worker
• Psychologist
• Clinical Researcher
• Information based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

Post Graduate Salary Information

Salaries in this industry are largely dependent on the level of education acquired. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor was $53,710 in 2023 ¹, while School and Career Counselors earned $61,710 in 2023 ², and Psychologists earned $92,740 in 2023. ³

Note that the average salary varies widely not only depending on career chosen, but on geographical location and employer. Conditions in your area may vary.

References

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics

• Careers associated with these educational opportunities often require additional degrees and certifications not offered as part of the educational opportunities presented by this website.
• Information based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.