It’s easy to confuse a master’s in counseling with counseling psychology—especially when both fields involve helping others, mental health training, and graduate study. But despite the overlap in language, these degree paths differ significantly in terms of focus, licensure, and long-term career options.
This guide breaks down the differences between a master’s in counseling vs. counseling psychology, helping prospective students understand which path aligns best with their professional goals. Whether you’re aiming for clinical practice, licensure, or eventual doctoral study, we’ll walk through key differences in careers, salaries, program requirements, and degree outcomes—so you can make an informed decision before applying.
What Is a Master’s in Counseling?
A master’s in counseling typically refers to an MA or MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, or a closely related field. These programs are most often CACREP-accredited (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) and are specifically designed to prepare students for state licensure as a professional counselor—commonly known as LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) or LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), depending on the state.
These programs are practice-focused, emphasizing the development of clinical skills, ethical decision-making, and mental health treatment planning. Students complete coursework in areas such as:
- Counseling theories and techniques
- Human development
- Group therapy
- Multicultural counseling
- Diagnosis and treatment (often DSM-5-based)
They also include supervised clinical hours through practicums and internships, which are required for licensure eligibility.
Common Career Settings
Graduates with a master’s in counseling work in a wide variety of environments, including:
- Community mental health centers
- K–12 schools (for those with a school counseling focus)
- Private practice (once licensed)
- College counseling centers
- Inpatient or outpatient treatment facilities
This degree is well-suited for students who want to enter the workforce after a master’s program and begin practicing as counselors with a clear, state-recognized credential.
What Is Counseling Psychology?
Counseling psychology is a specialty within the field of psychology that focuses on helping individuals improve their well-being, resolve crises, and navigate life transitions. While it shares similarities with counseling—such as an emphasis on talk therapy and client-centered approaches—counseling psychology is typically pursued at the doctoral level, through a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program.
Doctoral programs in counseling psychology are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and are designed to prepare students to become licensed psychologists, a title that generally requires a doctorate and additional supervised training. These programs blend clinical practice with advanced coursework in:
- Psychological assessment
- Research and statistics
- Human development and psychopathology
- Theories of psychotherapy
- Ethics and professional standards
Students also complete a dissertation and a full-time internship, both of which are required for licensure as a psychologist in most U.S. states.
What About Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs?
While there are a few master’s-level programs labeled “counseling psychology,” they are far less common and do not typically lead to psychologist licensure. These programs may serve as stepping stones to doctoral study or offer limited counseling roles depending on the state, but they generally do not meet the full licensure requirements to practice independently as a psychologist.
In short, if your goal is to become a licensed psychologist, you’ll almost always need to complete a doctoral program in counseling psychology—not just a master’s.
Key Differences at a Glance
To help clarify the distinctions between a master’s in counseling and counseling psychology, here’s a quick comparison of the most important features:
Master’s in Counseling vs. Counseling Psychology
| Feature | Master’s in Counseling | Counseling Psychology |
| Typical Degree | MA or MS | Rarely at master’s level; most programs are PhD or PsyD |
| Accreditation | CACREP | APA (applies to doctoral programs only) |
| Licensure Goal | LPC or LMHC (Licensed Counselor) | Licensed Psychologist (requires doctoral degree) |
| Program Focus | Practice-oriented; therapy skills, ethics | Theory- and research-oriented; includes assessment, diagnosis |
| Career Path | Counselor, therapist, school counselor | Psychologist (with doctorate); research, assessment, supervision |
Career Paths: What Can You Do with Each Degree?
When deciding between a master’s in counseling vs. counseling psychology, it’s essential to consider the types of careers each path can realistically lead to. While both fields aim to support mental health and well-being, the scope of practice and credentials required can vary significantly.
Careers with a Master’s in Counseling
Graduates with a CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling are typically eligible for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), depending on the state. Once licensed, they can work in a range of settings and roles, including:
- Clinical mental health counselor
- School counselor (with appropriate specialization)
- College or career counselor
- Substance abuse counselor
- Private practice therapist (after meeting supervision requirements)
These roles emphasize direct client interaction, therapeutic techniques, and support across a wide range of mental health and life challenges.
Careers with a Degree in Counseling Psychology
If your goal is to become a licensed psychologist, you’ll need to complete a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in counseling psychology. These doctoral programs prepare graduates for roles such as:
- Counseling psychologist in private practice or hospitals
- University counseling center psychologist
- Clinical supervisor or training director
- Researcher or academic faculty member
- Psychological assessor or diagnostician
Counseling psychologists may work with similar client populations as licensed counselors but often have additional responsibilities in testing, research, and supervision—and they typically qualify for a broader scope of practice.
A master’s in counseling psychology (where offered) may serve as:
- A stepping stone to doctoral study
- A path to limited or supervised counseling roles, depending on the state
- A degree that does not lead directly to psychologist licensure
Salary Comparison: Master’s in Counseling vs. Counseling Psychology
Salaries for mental health professionals vary depending on education level, licensure, job title, and work setting. One of the most significant differences between a master’s in counseling vs. counseling psychology is long-term earning potential—particularly because psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree.
Salaries with a Master’s in Counseling
Graduates who become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) or Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) typically earn moderate salaries, especially early in their careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for mental health counselors was $53,710 as of May 2023.
Counselors in private practice or healthcare settings may earn more—particularly with experience or specialization—but most salaries fall within the $50,000 to $75,000 range depending on location and employer.
Salaries with a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology
Those who earn a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in counseling psychology and become licensed psychologists have access to higher-paying roles. The BLS reports that the median annual wage for clinical and counseling psychologists was $96,110 in May 2023. Top earners—especially in private practice, hospitals, or leadership roles—may exceed $120,000.
These figures reflect the expanded scope of practice and credentials required at the doctoral level.
Admissions and Program Requirements: What to Expect from Each Path
Before pursuing a graduate degree in counseling or counseling psychology, it’s important to understand the different admissions expectations, training models, and long-term requirements. Although both paths begin with a relevant undergraduate background—often an online bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field—the next steps diverge significantly depending on the degree type and licensure goal.
Master’s in Counseling Requirements
To enter a master’s in counseling program, applicants typically need:
- A bachelor’s degree (often in psychology or a human services field)
- Letters of recommendation and a personal statement
- Some programs require the GRE, though many are test-optional
- Demonstrated interest or experience in helping roles
Once admitted, students complete coursework in counseling theories, ethics, group dynamics, and multicultural counseling, along with supervised clinical hours through a practicum and internship. Programs that are CACREP-accredited are designed to meet the educational requirements for LPC or LMHC licensure in most states.
Counseling Psychology Program Requirements
Counseling psychology, on the other hand, is most commonly pursued at the doctoral level. Admission to these programs is competitive and usually requires:
- A strong academic background, often including research experience
- A bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in psychology or a closely related field
- Letters of recommendation from academic or clinical supervisors
- A high GPA and, often, GRE scores
Programs accredited by the APA typically include advanced training in psychological assessment, research methods, therapy, and ethics. Students also complete a dissertation and a full-time internship. If you’re aiming to become a counseling psychologist, this doctoral-level training is essential for licensure in nearly all U.S. states.
A few programs offer an online master’s in counseling psychology, but it’s important to note that most do not lead directly to psychologist licensure. These degrees may instead serve as academic preparation for doctoral programs or qualify graduates for supervised clinical roles depending on the state.
As you’re exploring different graduate paths, it helps to understand how counseling psychology fits into the broader landscape of types of psychologists, including those who specialize in clinical work, testing, or research.
Choosing the Right Path for Your Goals
If you’re weighing a master’s in counseling vs. counseling psychology, the best choice depends on what you want to do professionally, how soon you want to start working, and what level of academic commitment you’re prepared for.
Choose a Master’s in Counseling If You Want To:
- Begin providing therapy after completing a master’s degree
- Qualify for LPC or LMHC licensure and work in clinical or school settings
- Focus on practical, client-centered training with a clear path to licensure
- Enter the workforce sooner and gain experience without a doctorate
This path is ideal for students who want to become licensed counselors and work directly with clients in community health, education, or private practice.
Choose Counseling Psychology If You Want To:
- Become a licensed psychologist, conduct assessments, or engage in academic research
- Complete a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) with APA accreditation
- Explore a broader scope of practice, including psychological testing and supervision
- Work in university counseling centers, hospitals, or research institutions
Because counseling psychology is a doctoral-level path, it requires more time, research involvement, and academic preparation. If you’re open to long-term study and are drawn to psychological theory or research, this route can lead to advanced roles and higher salaries—but with a greater upfront investment.
Considering a Stepping-Stone Master’s?
Some students pursue a master’s in counseling psychology (where available) as a stepping stone to a doctorate. These programs may offer foundational training in therapy and research but typically do not qualify for independent practice as a psychologist.
As you evaluate your options, keep in mind the importance of accreditation, state licensure laws, and the kind of work that motivates you most—whether that’s counseling clients, conducting research, or specializing in psychological assessment.
FAQ: Counseling vs. Counseling Psychology
Can I become a counselor with a master’s in counseling psychology?
Possibly, but it depends on the program and your state’s licensure laws. Some master’s in counseling psychology programs meet the educational requirements for LPC or LMHC licensure, while others are more academically focused and intended to prepare students for doctoral study. Always verify the program’s accreditation and licensure alignment before applying.
Is a master’s in psychology enough to become a psychologist?
No. In nearly all U.S. states, becoming a licensed psychologist requires a doctoral degree—usually a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology. A master’s alone is not sufficient for independent psychologist licensure, though it may qualify you for certain supervised or assistant roles.
Can I switch tracks after starting one?
Yes, but transitions can take time and may require additional coursework. For example:
- A student who earns a master’s in counseling might later pursue a doctoral program in counseling psychology, though it may not reduce the time required.
- Someone who starts in a non-licensure master’s program may need to re-enroll in a CACREP-accredited counseling program if they later decide to pursue licensure as a counselor.
Planning ahead based on your long-term goals can help minimize delays or detours.
What’s the right degree if I want to do therapy?
If your goal is to provide talk therapy or clinical mental health services, the more direct path is a master’s in counseling—especially one that is CACREP-accredited and aligned with state licensure. Counseling psychology also leads to therapeutic practice, but only after completing a doctoral program and meeting psychologist licensure requirements.
Exploring Your Next Steps
Choosing between a master’s in counseling and counseling psychology starts with clarifying your long-term goals. Do you want to begin practicing as a counselor in the next few years? Or are you aiming for psychologist licensure and open to pursuing a doctorate?
Next steps to consider:
- Research CACREP- and APA-accredited programs
- Review your state’s licensure requirements
- Talk to practicing professionals in both fields
- Reflect on whether you’re more drawn to practice, research, or both
With the right information, you can move forward confidently toward a career path that fits your strengths—and the kind of impact you want to make.
