Are you interested in pursuing a career in counseling? Do you aspire to do work that impacts people’s lives every day? If these questions are getting your attention, then you should know that there is a HUGE demand for mental health counselors in our current job market.
Careers in Counseling
The job market for those who are interested in working in the helping professions is wide open. From social work to family therapy, and everything in between, there are numerous areas that our graduates can choose to work in. Marriage and family, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorders, Mental Health, School and Career, and Psychology are just a few areas that a degree in counseling from Ottawa University positions you for.
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Marriage and Family Therapists
First, a degree in counseling may prepare you for a career as a marriage and family therapist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, marriage and family therapists help people manage and overcome problems with family and other relationships. Marriage and family therapists are required to have a master’s degree and a license to practice. Employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 22% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected due to an increasing use of teams for treatment, in which these therapists work with other counselors to address patients' needs.
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Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Another employment opportunity with a masters degree in counseling may include a position as a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, or mental health counselor. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors provide treatment and advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, or other mental or behavioral problems. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work in a wide variety of settings, such as mental health centers, community health centers, prisons, and private practice. Most work full time. A master’s degree and an internship are typically required to become a mental health counselor. Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth is expected as people continue to seek addiction and mental health counseling.
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School and Career Counselors
A master in counseling may also lead you toward a path as a school or career counselor. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, school counselors help students develop the academic and social skills needed to succeed. Career counselors help people choose a path to employment. Most school counselors need a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field and have a state-issued credential. Some states require licensure for career counselors. Employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Increasing school enrollment is expected to lead to employment growth of these workers.
Did you know that an accelerated masters of counseling degree could even help you on your journey toward becoming a psychologist? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments. Some psychologists work independently, conducting research, consulting with clients, or working with patients. Others work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with physicians and social workers, or in school settings, working with students, teachers, parents, and other educators. Those in private practice often work evenings and weekends to accommodate clients. Although psychologists typically need a doctoral degree in psychology, a master’s degree is sufficient for some positions. Most psychologists also need a license. The median annual wage for psychologists was $80,370 in May 2019.
Employment Rate for Counselors
The graduates of OU’s Master of Arts in Counseling program have no trouble starting their career in counseling after they graduate. Our faculty is continually amazed at the job acceptance rate of our graduates. In fact, we have several agencies who hire our interns as full time counselors immediately upon graduation. The Clinical Director of ON Purpose Psyche in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin enthusiastically speaks about our counseling graduates:
“The therapists at On Purpose Psyche love working with students and graduates from Ottawa because they bring a level of excitement and dedication that is both necessary and refreshing. The students from day one are ready to tackle not only their learning about being in a therapy room but also how to excel at being an owner of a private practice. They often take on more responsibilities and therefore further their career exponentially. We have hired several students following their field placements. I absolutely love working with Ottawa” Monica Rodriguez, LPC.
Courses in Counseling
OU created a unique, accelerated master of counseling degree that is specifically focused on helping you get your career started in the helping professions. As a student in our program, your courses may include:
- Graduate Counseling Seminar in Clinical Foundations
- Counseling Theories
- Social/Cultural Concerns in Counseling
- Counseling and the Helping Professions
- Human Growth and Development Examination
- Group Counseling and Dynamics Theories
- Methods and Models of Research
- Psychological Testing
- Life Planning and Career Development
- Theory/Techniques in Marriage and Family Counseling
- Advanced Psychodiagnostics and Treatment Planning
- Intro to Substance Abuse, Addictions and Related Disorders
- MA Comprehensive Exam
- Field Placement I and II
Career advancement awaits with the best, fastest, and most affordable Master of Arts in Counseling degree in in the institution’s adult markets in Milwaukee and Phoenix. To learn more about starting your career in counseling, contact an enrollment advisor today!
See Also:
Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling
Bachelor of Arts in Human and Social Services
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Master of Science in Addiction Counseling