Is a masters degree in counseling useless?

Question

I have a bachelors degree in psychology and eventually want to be a counselor of some sort but don't want to get a Ph.D in psych. I was thinking about getting my masters degree in either psychology or social work but I work full time and the closest school that offers those programs is 2 hours away--we can't move because of my husbands job.

I work at the University from which I received my bachelors degree and they have a masters in counseling program. Since I'm employed by the school I can get 50% off of my tuition, however I still don't know if it is worth it to go through 2 years and thousands of dollars to get a masters degree in counseling.

Is a masters in counseling useless?

Answer 1

i've been trying to work this out myself...

employers seems to be looking to masters-level professionals (read, people who have licensure with a regulatory body - very often, social workers) over doctoral-level ones because they're cheaper.

this has meant that LOTS of different professions (and professional bodies) are fighting for the same ground. the value of the degree depends on the context, and the people you want to work with.

it's true that the MSW is very widely applicable and has a lot of currency; it lets you work as a private therapist, if you want to do that kind of work, but is recognized by employers as valuable.

at the moment employers seem to be liking occupational therapists for hospital-based jobs - clients involve rehab (older patients, neuro injuries) and kids with developmental disorders. speech and language therapists work with the same group, but obviously, with a narrower focus.

masters-level nurses with specialisms in mental health are sought-after.

educational psychology is different than school psychology, in some places. school psychology in many places is a masters-level programme that trains you for work within institutions, but i think you could also hang a shingle if you wanted.

my impression has been that MA/MScs in psychology and counselling have less currency, because of restrictions around licensing. but check the relevant professional bodies in your area, and have a good look at the classifieds and other job-search tools people in those professions use, to get a sense of how popular various jobs are, and salaries.

the thing is... trends change. in going for 'hot' qualifications just for employability's sake, you might be sacrificing a good fit. (occupational therapy is very much about practical/behavioural solutions - so regular practice is important. would you be a fit with that kind of job? at the moment it's thought to be very effective, but that can change too... )

i think that as long as you have some kind of license to practise, and are motivated by your work and the people you'd work with, you can sell yourself. you'll achieve more doing something you like than not, as you well know.

the other thing is that there's always the possibility of going into business on your own (once licensed)... don't know if that's a situation you are up for, but it's one way of doing things (which can be combined with others)...

your bachelors would equip you for all the masters i mentioned, apart from the nursing, i'm not familiar with that (but did notice that a disproportionate number of 'mental health' job ads were geared towards nurses).

Answer 2

The real question to ask (contrary to the answers you have received so far) is: Does your state have license for counselors and does this degree program qualify you to sit for this license. If the answer is YES to both of these questions then the LPC is not useless. It is not quite a versatile as the LMSW - but far from useless. With an LPC you are eligible to work in many jobs and/or open your own private practice. With the tuition reimbursement you get this sounds like a no brainer (Also a degree in counseling is usually as worthwhile as a MA in psych - only the MSW opens more doors).

DA

Answer 3

Social work by far. A counseling degree is not nearly as practical due to what you learn in your master's program. (more theory vs. hands on info) There are many therapist/counselor jobs that are held by social workers, not counselors. You will not have to do home visits necessarily as a social worker. You can get plenty of work working as a therapist and not have to leave your office. It would be your choice to take that kind of work that would require home visits. There are other avenues to work with kids as well such as prevention specialist, school social worker, group therapist. With none of these jobs did I ever have to do (or was expected to do) a home visit. Home visits are the most common in protective service, foster care, and public health jobs.

Answer 4

It depends upon where that program is offered. If it is within the school of education, you would be preparing specifically to be a school counselor. If it is part of the department of psychology, then it may have broader potential applications, such as alcohol and drug counseling, etc. You might think about what it is that you want to accomplish with counseling before starting a program which may not prepare you for that specific goal.

Answer 5

If you feel like the degree you're working on is useless, you're not giong to work very hard at it, your grades will slip, and it will be useless. It's a death spiral.

Answer 6

I was wondering the same thing myself yesterday

Answer 7

u can work as social worker. theyr salay not good