Driven by an increasing awareness of the importance of mental health and a demand for qualified professionals to provide support and guidance, the field of counseling is growing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment growth rate for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow eighteen percent by 2032. This will result in an average of about 42,000 openings each year. Furthermore, with a median annual wage of $49,710 and the highest 10% earning more than $82,710, it’s not surprising that counseling is an in-demand and growing field.
If you’ve ever considered a career dedicated to helping others navigate life’s challenges, pursuing a master’s in Counseling could be the perfect step toward achieving your goals. Yet, how do candidates know if this is the right career for them?
This article will cover four signs that indicate students should pursue a master’s in Counseling degree.
What is a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling?
Counselors use psychological research and therapeutic methods, like psychotherapy, to assess, treat, and support their patients’ mental health.
To gain the knowledge and skills needed, candidates enroll in accredited Master’s in Counseling programs such as University of Bridgeport’s master’s in Counseling program, which is accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Master of Science (MS) in Counseling programs prepare students to work as mental health counselors by providing foundational coursework in psychopathology, addiction treatment, clinical skills, and psychotherapeutics. University of Bridgeport’s 60-credit curriculum includes Counseling courses in:
- Theories of Counseling
- Research Methods
- Human Growth and Development
- Social and Cultural Foundations
- Topics in Behavioral Medicine
- Appraisal Processes
- Trauma and Crisis Intervention
- Career and Lifestyle Development
Students also complete supervised training through internships which are typically completed over two semesters (or, the course of a full academic year). In addition to two, 300-hour semester internships, students are required to complete a 100-hour practicum.
Lastly, master’s in Counseling programs are generally completed in four academic semesters or two years of full-time enrollment, though part-time students often complete this degree in three or more years.
Interested in helping others achieve mental wellness and personal growth? Learn about our master’s in Counseling program and make an impact!
4 reasons to pursue a master’s in Counseling degree
Pursuing a master’s in Counseling degree is well worth it as it can lead to a number of career opportunities, including mental health, crisis, and substance abuse counselors.
If you are passionate about helping others navigate mental health challenges, a master’s in Counseling degree is a great choice.
1. Interest in human behavior
Are you drawn to understanding the inner workings of the human mind? Are you interested in the emotions, motivations, and interactions of others? If yes, then you are not alone — a curiosity for human experiences and motivations is a common characteristic among successful counselors.
Skillful counselors use open communication and wellness-based practices, skills sharpened in their master’s program, to provide patients with comprehensive support and personalized guidance to improve a patient’s well-being.
2. Desire to help others
A genuine desire to help others is also a great asset to have as a counselor as they are purpose-driven professionals who receive satisfaction in helping and making a difference in the lives of clients in need.
This compassion is seen through a counselor’s ability to actively listen, effectively communicate, and encourage individuals to overcome their struggles with personalized strategies and coping skills. Counseling programs develop and strengthen these skills and provide the knowledge base to guide clients toward achieving their goals.
3. Patience and resilience
Graduate school and a career as a counselor require healthy amounts of patience and resilience. Master’s programs demand dedication to coursework, while counseling itself will likely involve dealing with setbacks and celebrating gradual progress alongside clients.
Candidates with the ability to persevere through challenges and who remain patient with themselves and others will be well-equipped to handle the demands of graduate school and their future counseling careers.
4. Interest in personal growth
A counseling career means you should have a continuous desire and interest in learning, self-reflection, and personal growth.
As such, a master’s in Counseling degree program develops students’ soft skills such as empathy, active listening, and clear communication to strengthen their personal and professional interactions.
Additionally, students explore their own cultural biases and develop ethical practices, ensuring you provide culturally competent and inclusive counseling services.
Start your counseling journey at University of Bridgeport
At University of Bridgeport, we believe a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a worthwhile investment in your future and a wonderful way to help address and serve the mental health needs of your community.
Take the next step with UB’s Counseling program where we’ll prepare you with the knowledge and skills to provide meaningful and effective counseling services to diverse patient populations. We use evidence-based practices to train the counseling professionals of tomorrow — combining comprehensive, collaborative coursework with relevant, hands-on learning so you can turn your dedication to helping others into meaningful work.
We also offer dedicated support services throughout your program, including academic advisors, career counselors, and mental health professionals.
Don’t wait to turn your passion into purpose. Contact us today and start your journey towards becoming a counselor at University of Bridgeport!