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Psychology and counseling are two distinct but related fields that focus on the study of human behavior and helping people cope with various mental and behavioral health challenges.

While undergraduate degrees in psychology and counseling are popular among students, it’s important to note that counselors must have a master’s degree, and psychologists must have a doctorate to qualify for the widest array of jobs.

Employment in both the psychology and counseling fields is expected to grow at a faster-than-average pace during the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Read on to learn more about available psychology and counseling degree programs and what you can do with a degree in these areas.

What You Can Do With A Psychology or Counseling Degree

Career opportunities in psychology and counseling depend on which specific type of degree a student pursues. For example, a bachelor’s degree in psychology prepares students for the advanced education they need to become a licensed clinical psychologist, as well as jobs in a variety of fields, such as human resources, marketing, social services, education, and more.

Similarly, a bachelor’s degree in counseling will qualify students for entry-level positions in non-clinical roles in community and social services, rehabilitation facilities, and outreach programs. Students must earn a master’s degree in counseling to become licensed counselors.

Career outlook

  • Psychologists: Study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments. They also use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors.
    • Median annual salary: $92.740
    • Projected employment growth (through 2033): 7%
    • New jobs projected: 13,000 per year
    • Degree required: Master’s degree in psychology
    • Median annual salary: $53,710
    • Projected employment growth (through 2033): 19%
    • New jobs projected: 48,900 per year
    • Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in counseling

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology & Counseling

What is the difference between psychology and counseling?

Although the work of counselors and psychologists focuses on improving and supporting mental health among individuals and groups, the key difference is in their approach.

Counselors employ a variety of therapeutic techniques to help clients cope with mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges, including issues like substance misuse, trauma, family and marital problems, grief, and more.

Psychologists take a more research-based approach to identifying and treating mental health issues. Although licensed psychologists may work directly with clients to treat issues, the field focuses more on conducting scientific studies of behavior and brain function through controlled laboratory experiments, psychoanalysis, observation, and other methods.

Another important distinction between the fields is the education level needed for licensure. Because of the sensitive nature of counselors’ and psychologists’ work, all states require these professionals to be licensed. Counselors must earn a master’s degree to obtain licensure, while most states require that psychologists have a doctorate degree.

What are some popular specializations within counseling and psychology?

Students can choose from a number of specializations in counseling and psychology. While specialization typically occurs at the graduate level, some bachelor’s degree programs may allow students to choose a concentration.

Some common specializations within psychology include:

  • Clinical psychology focuses on the assessment and treatment of abnormal behavior, psychiatric problems, and mental illnesses and uses scientific approaches to address complex human problems.
  • Forensic psychology applies scientific knowledge and methods to help answer legal questions arising in criminal, civil, contractual, or other judicial proceedings.
  • Industrial/organizational psychology studies how human behavior impacts organizations and industries. It is typically used in workplace settings to address issues or improve productivity.
  • Educational psychology studies factors that impact how individuals and groups learn, including learning disabilities like ADHD or dyslexia.

Specializations within counseling include:

  • Mental health counseling addresses a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, self-esteem, and more.
  • Substance abuse and addiction counseling focuses on prevention and rehabilitation for individuals dealing with addictions to drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, and more.
  • Marriage and family therapy focuses on the dynamics between couples and families to address individual and systemic issues affecting mental and emotional health.
  • Creative arts therapy uses artistic practices such as visual art, dance, or music to help clients address issues.

Should I get a psychology or counseling degree online or in person?

Quality programs in psychology and counseling exist both online and in traditional classroom settings. The decision to attend school online or on-campus is a personal one that depends on an individual student’s needs and learning preferences.

Students who are considering online programs should note that both types of degree programs typically include a clinical internship component, particularly at the graduate level. Clinical experiences are essential to psychology and counseling education, as they allow students to gain experience working with clients in a supervised setting. While some programs may offer remote clinical experiences, students may be expected to attend their internship on-site. Before selecting an online program, students should verify the clinical expectations and locations to ensure they can complete these requirements.

Types of Degrees You Can Earn in Psychology & Counseling

Bachelor’s

A bachelor’s degree is the most common entry-level degree for students interested in pursuing a career in psychology or counseling. These degrees typically require a minimum of 120 credits and take four years of full-time study to complete.

Bachelor’s-level coursework introduces students to the foundational theories and principles of psychology or counseling. A bachelor’s degree in psychology or counseling will prepare graduates for non-clinical roles in their chosen field. In most states, an advanced degree is required to become a licensed clinical psychologist or counselor.

Students enrolled in a bachelor’s program in counseling or psychology will take general education courses and electives in addition to their major courses. Many bachelor’s degree programs also include an internship component to give students hands-on experience in their chosen field.

The most common bachelor’s degrees students can earn in psychology or counseling are a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS).

Master’s

Earning a master’s degree in their chosen field is an important step for students interested in becoming licensed clinical counselors or psychologists.

To obtain a state-issued license to practice counseling, individuals must successfully complete a master’s degree, among other requirements. Meanwhile, individuals who want to become licensed psychologists will typically pursue a master’s as a stepping stone toward a doctorate degree, which is a requirement for this particular career path.

Advanced degrees in counseling and psychology ensure that individuals have the specialized knowledge and training necessary for working with vulnerable populations. They also help students prepare to conduct research that adds to the knowledge base of psychology and counseling.

The number of credits required for a master’s degree varies, with most requiring between 36 and 60 credits. Depending on the credit requirements, a master’s degree can take 1-3 years of full-time study to complete.

Students in master’s degree programs for psychology or counseling can expect to participate in supervised clinical internships that give them experience working with clients. These programs also typically have a thesis or capstone project requirement that allows students to synthesize their research and practical experiences.

Common master’s degrees that students can earn in counseling or psychology include:

  • Master of Arts (MA)
  • Master of Science (MS)
  • Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

Doctorate

Individuals who want to become licensed clinical psychologists must earn a doctorate degree in psychology. This advanced academic degree involves rigorous psychological research and clinical training to prepare students for licensure.

Psychology doctoral degrees typically require 90 to 120 credits, including core statistics, research methods, and research ethics courses. Students should note that this is not a medical degree and psychologists do not have the authority to prescribe medication. Psychologists instead focus on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental and emotional issues through therapy and counseling.

A core component of a doctoral program is the dissertation, which typically involves students developing and testing a theory and presenting their findings under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Students earning their doctorate in psychology can choose between a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), which focuses on clinical work with patients, or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which emphasizes research and scholarship in the psychology field.

Online Psychology & Counseling Degree Programs

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Master’s

Doctorate

Traditional Psychology & Counseling Degree Programs

Bachelor’s

Master’s

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