Counseling Degrees & Online Subject Guide
Resources for Current Students
Online Counseling Degree FAQs
Editor's Recommended Schools:
Walden University |
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| Walden University has a reputation as a quality institution of higher learning. The school offers a number of online degree options giving students considerable room to select a program best suited to their individual needs interests and career goals. Some... More» | |
Abilene Christian University |
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| The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Abilene Christian University. The school continually ranks as an innovator in providing cutting edge learning technologies. Graduation from an ACU online program delivers the same degree and... More» | |
Capella University |
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| Stephen Shank the former CEO of Tonka founded Capella University in 1991. Shank felt that professionals and adults were at an academic disadvantage from traditional universities. Since then Capella has continued its efforts to expand its educational offerings. The Capella... More» | |
Drexel University Online |
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| Drexel University Online is a subsidiary of Drexel University a private university based in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Founded in 1891 by Anthony J. Drexel the school is now Philadelphia's technical university offering 11 colleges with 161 degree programs.... More» | |
Jones International University |
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| Founded by Glenn R. Jones the initial start of Jones International University was through cable television network Mind Extension University that allowed 30 000 students to take classes through TV. The same concept applied to Jones International University in 1993... More» | |
Counseling is a relatively new invention that has risen in prominence as a result of the modern and sometimes hectic world we live in. Students wishing to earn a degree in counseling will be expected to incorporate stress, conflict and emotional management into their coursework.
Online Journals
A helpful resource for academic research and counseling studies are journals, which can be found and studied online.
Your school library will most likely have a lot of useful information regarding counseling journals.
Recommended Counseling Journals
- Journal of Mental Health Counseling
- Journal of Counseling Psychology
- American Psychologist
- Journal of Technology in Counseling
Research Tools and Databases
In some cases, information on a specific counseling subject will be required. Your school's library should have access to information databases. In addition to your school's general library database, you can find some of our recommended resources for counseling research here.
- Counseling Psychology Resources
- Counseling Research Guide at Trinity University
- California State University Research Guide
- Cubberley Library Research Guide
Books
In order to advance in counseling, students must study a variety of texts. Here are a few recommended books:
- Psychology: An Introduction (Russell A. Dewey)
- Counseling & Mentors Handbook
You can probably find these books and more by searching your school's library catalog, often accessible from the school's home webpage. If you do need to purchase a book, you should check if Gov Bookstore has it in stock. Gov Bookstore sell used books, great for those interested in saving a few pennies.
Multimedia
Lecture: Facilitating Counseling
Resources & Organizations
- Befrienders Worldwide
- AllPsych Online
- US National Library of Medicine
- National Association of Social Workers
- Counsil on Social Work Education
- National Board of Certified Counselors
- American Psychological Association
- American Counseling Association
- Psych Web
- School Counselor Resources
- MEFA Counselor Resources and Links
Online Counseling Degree FAQs
What Can I Do With a Counseling Degree?
Individuals who earn a counseling degree online have a variety of career paths available to them. Many graduates go on to work as elementary school or high school counselors.
Others may prefer a career in the corporate sector, serving as career counselor or in a human resources department. Counselors also work as private practice personal, family or marriage counselors. Social work is another major career path, with graduates finding positions in drug rehab programs, mental hospitals and nursing homes.
What Skills Are Needed to Excel in a Counseling Degree Program?
Counseling is a career centered on helping others. As such, those considering enrolling in an online counseling degree program should be passionate about listening to and mentoring people.
Counselors deal with emotional topics, such as stress, mental health and depression. As such, a strong interest in human interaction and the science behind behaviors is also beneficial.
What Is the Job Outlook for Counselors?
The main employers of students who earn a counseling degree online are schools, government facilities and hospitals. Many counselors also go on to become self-employed. The expected salary of counselors varies depending on the area of specialization. Educational counselors working in elementary and secondary schools tend to earn the most, with an estimated median salary of $53,750 annually. Counselors offering personal, family and career services earn approximately $32,000 per year.
Online Counseling Degree Programs
Online counseling degrees are offered at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral level. While certification requirements vary by state, a master's degree in counseling is typically required to become a licensed counselor. As such, students seeking a career that requires licensure should enroll in an accredited program that properly prepares graduates to obtain a license.
Graduate level programs offer students the option to specialize in a particular area of study. Online counseling degrees can be earned with a focus on school counseling, college student affairs, family therapy, substance abuse, community counseling, gerontology counseling and more.
Currently, distance learning counseling degrees at the graduate level are limited. Students may consider studying a related topic to broaden academic opportunities. Counselors often earn upper level degrees in psychology, social work and education.





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| Created by: Mike Madin 1998 | Last updated: 11/20/2009