Do you have an innate curiosity about human behavior as well as a strong desire to help others? If so, you may have the perfect combination for a successful career in psychology and/or counseling. Most positions in this field require some type of degree, though. Don't let this stand in the way of you and your dreams! Instead, consider the many degrees available in psychology and counseling so that you can make an informed choice about your future.
Associate in Psychology and Counseling Degrees
OverviewFor many, the first step towards a fulfilling career in psychology and counseling is an associate degree. These two-year programs require about 60 credit hours of coursework and provide students with a strong general education foundation as well as a solid introduction to the field of psychology/counseling. To earn this type of psychology and counseling degree, students may attend a community college or university on a full-time or part-time basis. Classes are often available during the evenings and weekends or even online to accommodate busy schedules. There are numerous different types of associate in counseling and psychology one can pursue. Some of these options are listed below:
Types of Degrees in Psychology and CounselingAssociate of Arts in Psychology
Associate of Science in Psychology
Associate of Applied Science in Psychology
Associate in Arts with an Emphasis in Psychology
Associate of Arts in Counseling
Associate of Arts in Applied Psychology
Associate of Christian Counseling
Associate of Applied Science in Substance Use Disorder
Associate of Applied Science in Human Services Counseling
The curriculum for associate degree programs in counseling and psychology will vary depending on the specific type of degree you choose to pursue. Even so, you can expect to take a combination of general education courses and classes in the psychology/counseling major. Some examples of these latter classes are listed below for your reference.
Associate of Psychology and Counseling Curriculum: Sample Course TitlesPsychology of Personality
Developmental Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Social Psychology
Human Growth and Development
Child Psychology
Marriage and Family
Clinical Psychology
Interpersonal Relationships
Transformational Psychology
Introduction to Research and Applied Statistics
Introduction to Psychology
Human Sexuality
Personal Growth for Counselors
Treatment and Response Prevention
An associate degree in counseling and psychology can prepare you for a variety of entry-level jobs in the field of psychology as well as in related fields. Many of these positions are surprisingly lucrative. According to Payscale.com, individuals with an associate of counseling and psychology degree earn approximately $47,000 a year on average. Some specific job titles associated with this credential alongside their average salaries are listed below:
Administrative Assistant: $38,044
Benefits Manager: $46,317
Customer Service Manager: $58,423
Interested in pursuing an accelerated online associate degree? Check out our ranking of the Fastest Online Associate Degree Programs!
Bachelor's in Counseling and Psychology Degree Programs
OverviewOne of the most popular degree choices for those looking to break into the field is a bachelor's in psychology and counseling. These four-year offerings provide the knowledge, skills, and qualifications students need to take on many entry-level positions in this occupational area and also provide a basis for further study in a graduate psychology/counseling program. There are several different types of baccalaureate programs in the field. Some of the more common options are listed below.
Types of Degrees in Counseling and PsychologyBachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology: Christian Counseling
Bachelor of Science in Psychology: Crisis Counseling
Bachelor of Science in Counseling
Bachelor of Science in Counseling: Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse
Though it will vary from program to program, generally speaking, the curriculum for a bachelor's degree in psychology and counseling is similar in format to that of an associate degree in the field. That is, it is comprised of two basic components: a general education component and a major-specific component. A bachelor's degree program in counseling and psychology will inevitably be more academically rigorous than an associate degree program and will probe course topics in more depth. Below, we list some of the types of major-specific classes you might encounter in a bachelor's program. Keep in mind that these are only examples, and the courses you take in your chosen baccalaureate program may differ significantly.
Bachelor of Counseling and Psychology Curriculum: Sample Course TitlesFoundations in Psychology
Psychology of Religion and Spirituality
Introduction to Counseling
Counseling and Advocacy with Diverse Populations
Developing a Psychology Perspective
Psychological Statistics
Lifespan Development
Interviewing and Counseling Skills
Psychological Foundations of Learning
Behavioral Modification
Issues of Christian Counseling
Acute Stress, Grief, and Trauma
Foundational Principles of Crisis Response
Case Management and Crisis Intervention Skills for Addiction and Substance Abuse Disorder
Trauma, Addiction, and Substance Abuse Disorders
Multicultural Counseling in A Diverse Society
Like an associate degree in the field, a bachelor's in psychology and counseling qualifies recipients for a variety of jobs in not only counseling/psychology, but in other fields as well. On average, professionals with a bachelor's credential in psychology and counseling can expect to earn around $53,000 a year on average. Listed below are several of the specific positions associated with this degree alongside their average annual wages:
Human Resources Manager: $66,782
Marketing Manager: $63,782
Operations Manager: $69,362
Human Resources Director: $93,871
Program Coordinator (Non-Profit Organization): $44,218
Executive Director: $68,873
Master's Degrees in Psychology and Counseling
OverviewFor individuals with a desire to take on high-level roles in the field of psychology and counseling—including those with an ambition to become a licensed therapist or counselor—a master's degree in counseling and psychology is required. These intensive academic endeavors require two years of post-baccalaureate study and often encourage students to specialize in a certain area of the field. Though traditional on-campus master's programs are still popular options, online master's in psychology and counseling degrees are becoming more readily available. These distance learning options allow students to earn their master's credentials while keeping their day jobs. As with other degree levels, there are different types of master's in counseling/psychology for students to choose from. Some of these degree selections are listed below.
Types of Psychology and Counseling Master's DegreesMaster's in Counseling Psychology
Master of Science in Psychology
Master of Arts in Psychology
Master's in Clinical Psychology
Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Master's in Developmental Psychology
Master's in Clinical Psychology
Master of Arts in Applied Psychology
As we mentioned, most master's programs in psychology and counseling enable students to become experts in a specific area of the field. Many programs do this by allowing students to choose a concentration. These concentrations will shape the students' plan of study. Some sample concentration options are listed below.
Master's in Counseling and Psychology: ConcentrationsHealth Psychology
Educational Psychology
Life Coaching
Organizational Psychology
Sports Psychology
School Psychology
Positive Psychology
Community Psychology
In addition to courses in your chosen concentration, you should expect to take some research courses as you pursue your master's in psychology and counseling as well. These classes will prepare you for analyzing current research in the field and for conducting your own research. We've listed some sample course titles below, but keep in mind that they are merely examples.
Psychology/Counseling Master's Curriculum: Sample Course TitlesCounseling Theory and Techniques
Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Psychology
Testing, Measurement, and Assessment
Applied Statistics for Psychology
Biological Bases of Behavior
Introduction to Clinical and Counseling Psychology
Theories of Personality Development
History and Systems of Psychology
Contemporary and Ethical Issues in Psychology
Learning, Cognition, and Motivation
Consciousness and Cognition: Theories of the Mind
Contemporary Views of Psychoanalytic Theory
Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health Disorders
Interpersonal Skills and Group Therapy
Cognitive Neuropsychology
Research Methods in Psychology
Master's degrees in counseling and psychology prepare graduates for more advanced roles in the field, and these positions often come with higher salaries. Payscale.com reports that professionals with a psychology and counseling master's degree make about $60,000 a year on average. This pay will vary, of course, from job to job. Here are some examples:
Research Analyst: $55,425
Board Certified Behavior Analyst: $64,069
Mental Health Counselor: $45,219
Executive Director: $82,391
Substance Abuse Counselor: $45,999
Mental Health Therapist: $42,360
Doctor of Psychology and Counseling Programs
OverviewStudents who desire to one day take on the most prestigious and rewarding careers in the mental health field are often driven to pursue the terminal degree in their area of expertise: a doctorate in psychology and counseling. Generally speaking, there are two types of doctoral degrees in the field: a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). Within these programs are multiple specialization and concentration options. Some of these are listed below:
Counseling and Psychology Doctoral Programs: ConcentrationsBrain, Body, and Behavior
Cognition and Instruction
Counseling Psychology
Organizational Psychology
Behavioral Neuroscience
Health Psychology
Sport Psychology
Industrial Psychology
Child and Adolescent Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Doctoral programs in psychology and counseling tend to be very heavily research-based. Thus, in addition to concentration-specific courses and classes in professional psychology practice, students should expect to take courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods, experiment design, and data analysis. Some sample course titles are listed below. These are examples taken from actual doctoral degree programs in counseling and psychology.
Doctoral Programs in Psychology and Counseling Curriculum: Sample Course TitlesCrisis Response and Intervention Techniques
Psychology of Multicultural and Ethnic Diversity
Psychology of Leadership
Adult Psychopathology and Treatment
Humanistic, Transpersonal, and Existential Psychology
Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Theory
Human Learning and Cognition
Advanced Psychology of Marriage and Family Systems
Psychological Tests and Measurements
Community Psychology and Community Mental Health
Integrated Behavioral Health Practice in Primary Care
Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
Social and Organizational Psychology
Advanced Cognitive-Behavioral Theories and Techniques
Treatment of Trauma and Abuse
Contemporary Practice of Professional Psychology
Counseling With Children and Families
Doctoral degree programs in psychology and counseling poise graduates for leading positions in the field and substantially increases their earning potential. According to Payscale.com, students with a terminal degree in the field make approximately $86,000 a year. Specific job titles and their average annual wages are listed below:
Psychologist: $88,560
Research Analyst: $67,689
Post-Secondary Psychology Professor: $82,665
Clinical Psychologist: $76,220
Research Scientist: $79,953
Director of Operations: $132,675
Research Director: $83,755
Market Research Manager: $87,102
The information above is provided as reference only. It's important to keep in mind that your exact salary with a doctorate in psychology and counseling degree will vary depending on a number of different factors, including the specific type and level of your degree, your employer and job title, as well as any years of experience you have working in the field.
Frequently-Asked Questions About Degrees in Psychology and Counseling
The decision to pursue a degree in counseling and psychology is a big one, so it's likely you'll have some questions. We'll address some of the most common concerns about these programs of study below. To satisfy your curiosities about specific psychology and counseling degree programs, it's best to speak to an admissions counselor, however.
Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing a degree in counseling and psychology?A: Yes. Many psychology and counseling degrees are designed for working professionals. Depending on your schedule, you may want to consider a part-time, evening, or online program so that you can balance your time between your studies and your day job. Hybrid programs may also be available. These offerings blend traditional classroom learning with distance learning technology to create convenient, yet engaging educational experiences.
Q: Is it possible to earn a psychology and counseling degree entirely online?A: Absolutely. Though some counseling and psychology degrees are labeled hybrid offerings or have some minimal residency requirements, others can be completed entirely via distance learning technology. When considering an online program, be sure to check for course delivery options. Synchronous online courses require specific login times and can be less flexible than asynchronous options, which allow you to complete your coursework any time you want.
Q: Are degrees in counseling and psychology affordable?A: They can be, but the cost of tuition for a psychology and counseling degree will vary from program to program. When considering the price tag on your degree, keep in mind that financial aid in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships may be available to help you foot the bill.
Q: What type of accreditation should I consider when choosing a counseling and psychology degree program?A: Accreditation is an important factor to consider when selecting a degree program in psychology and counseling. There are two different types of accreditation you should consider: school-wide accreditation and program-specific accreditation. Many of the best psychology/counseling programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).