Counseling is significantly one of the most critical roles in modern healthcare, especially regarding mental health. Counselors help us to cope, succeed, and be happy in this world full of stress, problems, and traumas. If you loved to become a counselor, you would need to advance your education.
And the first step is to determine which specialty suits you. So, learn how to get a degree in counseling easily through online education. So, in this post, we show you a list of the best counseling schools that offer programs to help you become a counselor.
After reading this post, you will know the particular school of your choice that best suits your counseling career objective. So, just read along with me, and you will enjoy this.
Counselors play a major role in the lives of the patients they counsel. Because of the importance of their impact on clients’ lives and to provide the highest quality of care, they must get the right training and education. The first step is determining what specialty you want to pursue as a counselor.
Counselors generally work with specialized patient populations and provide specific types of treatment and therapy. However, the training you choose must be tailored to your career objectives.
You might be wondering whether the online option is remarkable, so you’ll also learn why online counseling schools could suit you.
Table of contents
- What is Counseling?
- Who is a Counselor?
- How long will it take to study Counseling?
- How much does a Counselor earn? | Salary
- What is the Job Growth for Counseling?
- What education or certification will I need to become a counselor?
- How Much Does it Cost to Study Counseling?
- Why Study Counseling?
- List of 13 Best Counseling Schools in 2024
- #1. University of Illinois
- #2. Oakland Univerity
- #3. University of Pittsburgh
- #4. New York University
- #5. University of Oxford
- #6. University of Southampton
- #7. Texas A&M International University
- #8. Vanderbilt University
- #9. University of Minnesota
- #10. Ohio University
- #11. University of Cambridge
- #12. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
- #13. University of Iowa
- What are the Best Schools for Christian Counseling?
- What are the best online schools for Counseling?
- FAQs On Best Counseling Schools in the World
- Recommendations
What is Counseling?
Counseling is generally referred to as the process that occurs when a client and counselor set aside time to explore difficulties which may include the stressful or emotional feelings of the client.
So, the counseling process is a planned, structured dialogue between a counselor and a client.
It is a cooperative process in which a certified professional helps a patient to identify sources of difficulties or concerns that he or she might be experiencing.
Also, confidentiality is paramount to successful counseling. Professional counselors will usually explain their policy on confidentiality. However, they may be required by law to disclose the information if they believe there is a risk to life.
Who is a Counselor?
A counselor is a trained, open-minded professional with whom you can build a healing and trusting relationship. They are trained to offer different types of assistance, most frequently talking-based therapy styles.
So, getting a degree in student counseling and personnel services trains graduates to work in schools, mental health centers, and other corporations.
Also, a trained counselor is someone trained to offer guidance to individuals, couples, and families who are dealing with difficult issues. There are many different types of talk-based therapy. A counselor may sometimes collaborate with a medical doctor or other health professionals to give comprehensive and integrated care.
The typical duties of a counselor include the following:
- Work with individuals, groups, and communities to improve mental health
- Encourage clients to discuss emotions and experiences
- Examine issues including substance abuse, aging, bullying, anger management, careers, depression, relationships, LGBTQ issues, self-image, stress and suicide
- Work with families
- Help clients define goals, plan action and gain insight
- Develop therapeutic processes
- Refer clients to psychologists and other services
- Take a holistic (mind and body) approach to mental health care
How long will it take to study Counseling?
So, it really depends on how dedicated you are to complete this degree to become a counselor.
A complete education takes Four-years in a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education or any other field. Then, 1-2 years in a master’s degree program. Some programs may require a one-year internship.
Kindly check this: Online Schools For Counseling Programs
How much does a Counselor earn? | Salary
Actually, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual pay for health counselors was $44,630 in May 2018. Also, clinical, counseling and School Psychologists earn an annual average salary of $85,340.
Some therapists charge as much as $200 or more per session, but most will charge $75-$150 per session.
In 2018, the median annual salaries for health counselors in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Government | $51,690 |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 48,310 |
| Individual and family services | 44,120 |
| Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers | 43,120 |
| Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities | 38,190 |
Finally, how much you earn really depends on your work environment as well as your advancement in the field. To this effect, while Counseling Psychologists working in Outpatient Care Centers have an estimated annual wage of $93,620, their counterparts in the Offices of Other Health Practitioners have an estimated earning of $96,930 annually.
What is the Job Growth for Counseling?
Now, not only do counselors make good dollars for their services but they find jobs easily. In 2018, 110,490 jobs were available to Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists throughout the states.
Jobs for psychologists will rise by 14% from 2018 to 2028, which goes to say that the country will always need psychologists.
What education or certification will I need to become a counselor?
Earning an undergraduate degree in counseling, psychology, sociology or social work is the first step in becoming a counselor. However, if you have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can pursue your master’s in counselling.
Most states require that counsellors complete two years of post-graduate supervised work, totalling between 2,000 and 4,000 hours of clinical experience. In addition, counsellors must pass a state-recognized exam and complete annual continuing education courses.
Licensing and certification guidelines for counselors vary from state-to-state; be sure to check the guidelines for the region in which you plan to study.
How Much Does it Cost to Study Counseling?
The average annual cost for a four-year private non-profit school is $34,740, and $16,000 for a private for-profit school.
Master’s degree program tuition at in-state public institutions on average costs $8,670 per year, and doctorate program tuition costs $10,830 per year at in-state public institutions.
Why Study Counseling?
If you have read to this extent, then really a career in Counseling will certainly suit you for your patience and passion.
You might be looking for signs that will encourage you that you are in the right career direction. You might have been told that you are a good listener and comfortable to talk to. So you can use those skills in a field that feels enriching.
Counselling is a diverse field that allows you to work in areas that you are interested in. Some counsellors might work with children or teens and some others at the university level.
Counsellors also work with people in the community through agencies or private practice while others prefer working with individuals or couples.
Anyways, most people who choose to pursue a degree in counselling have a strong desire to help others through the challenges and difficulties of life.
List of 13 Best Counseling Schools in 2024
#1. University of Illinois
According to wiki, the University of Illinois is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867.
UI offers a graduate degree in counseling called ‘On Campus Doctor of Philosophy’.
Furthermore, it has an acceptance rate of 60.1% and a graduation rate of 84.2%. Also, the student-faculty ratio is 20:1. This high acceptance rate and student-faculty ratio help UI to rank as one of the best counselling colleges in the world. Their tuition fee is $16,210 – $21,214.
Accreditation: American Psychological Association
#2. Oakland Univerity
Founded in 1957. Oakland University is a public research university in Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Oakland University offers 2 graduate programs in Counseling, namely: Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Master of Arts in Counseling. The curriculum has been established according to the guidelines set forth by the Council on the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Thus, this top Counselling college has an acceptance rate of 83.6% and the graduation rate of 45.6%. Also, it has a student-faculty ratio of 20:1. The tuition fee is $14,498.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#3. University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh is a public research institution in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 1787 as the Pittsburgh Academy. Also, it is part of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education of Pennsylvania.
It has a total of 26,825 students and 4,696 academic faculty staff.
Furthermore, it has an acceptance rate of 55% and a graduation rate of 82%. Also, the student-faculty ratio is 14:1, while the tuition fee is $19,080 (in-state) and $32,052 (out-of-state students).
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
READ ALSO: 21 Best schools in London for International Students in 2024
#4. New York University
NYU is a private research university located in New York City. It was founded in 1831.
NYU being one of the best schools for Philosophy in the world is also good in Accounting and Finance, Law and legal studies, Psychology, and Mathematics.
NYU also offers two online master’s degrees in counselling for aspiring school and mental health counsellors.
The acceptance rate in this best school for Philosophy major in the world is 32% and the graduation rate is 85%. Also, the student-faculty ratio is 9:1 while the tuition fee is $53,229.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in England. Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
However, this school has over 22,000 students, half undergraduates. Forty percent of this population are international students.
At oxford, they also offer part-time postgraduate courses in counseling and psychology.
Oxford University is one of the best Counseling graduate schools. It has an acceptance rate of 17.5%. The student-faculty ratio is 17:1, while the tuition fee is 9,250 GBP.
Accreditation: Privy Council
#6. University of Southampton
At the School of Psychology at the University of Southampton, you’ll have the opportunity to study a broad range of topics, including close relationships, perception, memory, addiction, emotions, pain management, autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), early deprivation, antisocial behavior, sexual health and the treatment of diabetes.
Here, they offer 2 undergraduate and 1 graduate program in psychology and counselling.
Thus, the University of Southampton has an acceptance rate of 80% and a graduation rate of N/A. Similarly, the student-faculty ratio is 13.5. Though this institution has a tuition fee of £9,561 for UK and EU students
Accreditation: Privy Council
#7. Texas A&M International University
Founded in 1969, Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) is a public university in Laredo, Texas. The university has a modern campus on a 300-acre (1.2 km2) site in Laredo, Texas.
The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program at Texas A&M International University will prepare you to serve the mental health needs of communities and individuals from various backgrounds.
However, this counseling college in London has an acceptance rate of 53% and the Freshman retention rate is 41%. Also, the student-faculty ratio is 22:1.
Finally, the tuition fee is $4,248
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8. Vanderbilt University
Founded in 1873, Vanderbilt University offers 3 graduate programs: Master’s in Human Development Counseling, Online Master’s in Human Development Counseling, and Online Master of Education in Human Development Counseling.
Thus, this best counseling college has an acceptance rate of 9.6% and the graduation rate 92.9%. Also, it has a student-faculty ratio of 7:1. The tuition fee is $50,800.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
#9. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota has produced faculty, alumni, and researchers who have won 26 Nobel Prizes and three Pulitzer Prizes.
Some notable University of Minnesota alumni include two vice presidents of the United States, Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale, and Bob Dylan, who also received the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature.
So, graduate study in the Counseling Psychology program prepares students for academic, research, and practice careers at the Ph.D. level.
Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)
Acceptance Rate: 44% Graduation Rate: 78.4%
#10. Ohio University
Ohio State University (OSU) is a public research university in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1870 as a land-grant university, OSU offers 2 undergraduate and graduate programs in psychology and counselling.
Thus, Ohio State University has an acceptance rate of 54.1% and a graduation rate of 84%. Similarly, the student-faculty ratio is 19:1.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#11. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is the second oldest in the English-speaking world and was founded in 1209. They offer Ph.D. programs in Psychology counseling and MPhil in Psychology.
Actually the acceptance rate of Cambridge University is 21% and the graduation rate is 83%. Similarly, the student-faculty ratio is 4:9. Though, this institution has a tuition fee of 9,250 GBP (in-state) and 21,732 GBP (out-of-state).
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
#12. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s School of Education offers an online master’s in counseling (M.Ed, school counseling) that learners generally complete in 14 months.
The program may be pursued without completion of the GRE (to be exempt, applicants must hold either a 3.5 GPA or already have a master’s degree). UNC-Chapel Hill maintains regional accreditation from SACS.
Thus, UNC-Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 26.9% and a graduation rate of 90.87%. Similarly, the student-faculty ratio is 13:1. However, this best counseling school has a tuition fee of $7,019.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#13. University of Iowa
According to Wikipedia, the University of Iowa is a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa. Founded in 1847, it is the oldest and the second-largest university in the state. The University of Iowa is organized into 12 colleges offering more than 200 areas of study and seven professional degrees.
This institution, the University of Iowa(UI) offers students a master’s in school counseling at its Iowa City campus. UI designed its counseling program to meet all state requirements for the degree and provide learners with the foundation necessary to move forward in the field in the state of Iowa.
However, learners accepted into the program by UI without teaching licensure must complete additional coursework before graduation.
Thus, the University of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84.1% and a graduation rate of 70%. Similarly, the student-faculty ratio is 15:1. Though, this best counselling school has a tuition fee of $7,770.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
What are the Best Schools for Christian Counseling?
Going to a Christian College can be particularly relevant for students interested in working in the counseling profession. So, here are some of the best schools for Christian counseling programs:
- Maranatha University
- Alvernia University
- Newman University
- Maryville College
- Grace College and Theology Seminary
- Grace University
What are the best online schools for Counseling?
Online master’s in counseling programs teach students valuable skills in assessing, treating, and monitoring the condition of patients.
The list of best online schools to study counseling in the world include Vanderbilt University, New York University, Lamar University, Liberty University, University of North Dakota, among so many other schools in the U.S and beyond.
FAQs On Best Counseling Schools in the World
The average annual cost for a four-year private non-profit school is $34,740, and $16,000 for a private for-profit school.
The most common educational path to this career includes obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology / Counseling
You can do a master’s in counseling after getting your bachelor’s degree.
According to a survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual pay for health counselors was $44,630 in May 2018. Also, clinical, counseling, and School Psychologists earn an annual average salary of $85,340.
Yes, you can.
Conclusion
Actually, Counselors help their clients address challenges such as physical and psychosocial disability, addiction, mental health issues, interpersonal challenges, delayed development, and arguments in relationships.
So, if you have already studied in psychology or a related field at the undergraduate level, your studies will be a benefit when pursuing your master’s degree in Counseling from the best schools.
References
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