With the prevalence of online degrees today, many people are interested in pursuing more education in their fields. This is especially true of people who have taken jobs and no longer have the time to attend classes, but still wish to gain a higher degree for self-improvement or a higher paycheck. Luckily with distance learning technologies, it is entirely possible to attend graduate courses online while working during the day, and a Master’s degree in counseling is no exception.
Finding the Right Program
Organizations like Masters in Counseling exist to help prospective students find the right university for them. The organization has a database of potential schools for students to look through to decide what is right for them. It is important to remember, however, that different areas of counseling have different education requirements. Ultimately, the a master’s degree in this field aims to make students better listeners and more able to coax information from their clients in order to help them make a change in their lives. A counselor exists to help others, and it is this compassionate nature that these programs empower.
Work Around Your Location
Not only can someone obtain their master’s degree in counseling, but they can do it through an accredited university. In today’s world, the majority of schools allow students from all over the world to attend classes online, provided they pay the fees. For instance, many soldiers take classes in their down time, even stationed in places like Afghanistan or the Middle East. Other programs like University of Phoenix allow students to fit classes into their schedule at whatever time is convenient for them.
The Ideal Student for an Online Program
The ideal student for an online master’s degree program would be someone who is self-disciplined, motivated, and independent, with basic computer skills. Although the classes may be online, they are comparable to traditional in-classroom courses, and should not be thought of as less rigorous or easier. To be considered in most online courses, the prospective student must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and demonstrate their ability in the field. Often these courses involve a practicum or internship where the student will train under a licensed professional who must then give feedback to the instructor.
Different Concentrations for Online Counseling
The different concentrations a student can expect to find online for counseling include, but aren’t limited to, mental health counseling, substance abuse and addictions counseling, education and school counseling, marriage and family counseling, career counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. The state a student wants to practice in plays a large part in what education requirements have to be met, so students should do their research into that aspect.
The need for counseling is on the rise, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% growth rate for school and career counselors by 2020. There’s no better time than now to enroll in an online program in order to obtain your master’s in counseling. With modern technology, location plays little part in obtaining the degree.
