What can you do with a master's in counseling?

Did you know that a master's in counseling is required to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC)? While many master's in counseling graduates become LPCs, earning this degree can prepare you for multiple counseling careers. Learn more about your career options in this guide.

What jobs can you get with an online master's in counseling?

An online master's in counseling can equip you with the advanced generalist knowledge you need to succeed in several types of counseling roles, including:

Mental health and substance use counselors

Mental health and substance use counselors work with individuals and groups to address various mental health and substance use conditions like depression and addiction. They typically must earn at least a master's in counseling or a similar degree. They generally work directly with people in office settings such as private practices or community health centers.

• Required skills: Client evaluation, treatment goal development, behavior modification, and communication
• Required license: LPC or equivalent license
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2023): $53,710
• BLS Projected annual job growth (2023–33): 19%, much faster than the average for all occupations

Marriage and family therapists

Marriage and family therapists work with couples, families, and individuals to diagnose mental health conditions in the context of relationships and social dynamics. They typically must earn at least a master's in counseling or a similar degree. Like mental health and substance use counselors, marriage and family therapists work directly with clients in office settings.

• Required skills: Client evaluation, treatment goal development, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution
• Required license: Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) or equivalent license
• BLS median annual salary (2023): $58,510
• BLS projected annual job growth (2023–33): 16%, much faster than the average for all occupations

School and career counselors

School and career counselors work with children and adolescents on their social skills, academic performance, and career ambitions. They typically must earn a master's in counseling or a master's in school counseling. They may work in primary schools, vocational rehabilitation centers, or on college campuses.

• Required skills: Social and behavioral evaluation, skill coaching, active listening, and crisis intervention
• Required license: Varies by state — but candidates must pass a Professional School Counselor exam
• BLS median annual salary (2023): $61,710
• BLS projected annual job growth (2023–33): 4%, the same as the average for all occupations

Social and community service managers

Social and community service managers help coordinate relief efforts for people experiencing challenges such as homelessness, hunger, mental health conditions, and substance use. They often work in office settings for organizations that serve a particular demographic, such as children, veterans, or people with disabilities.

• Required skills: Activity management, program coordination, data analysis, and proposal writing
• Required license: Licensure is not typically required
• BLS median annual salary (2023): $77,030
• BLS projected annual job growth (2023–33): 8%, faster than the average for all occupations

Qualify for doctoral programs in counseling and related fields

A master's in counseling can also prepare you for a doctoral program. Pursuing a PhD in counseling or psychology can open doors to additional career opportunities, further increase your earning potential, and qualify you for leadership roles in your field. PhD program graduates often go on to work in research, clinical, and higher education roles.

Increased earning potential compared to bachelor's degree holders

Your earning potential as a master's in counseling graduate depends on several factors, including your role, employer, and location. However, according to the BLS, master's graduates made $244 more in median weekly earnings than bachelor's graduates.

For example, the BLS reports that the median annual wage for marriage and family therapists— who typically have at least a master's degree — was $17,100 more in 2023 than social and human service assistants — who typically have a bachelor's degree at most.