What is a counseling major?
A counseling major is all about learning how to help people navigate life’s challenges. Whether it’s emotional struggles, relationship issues, or career decisions, counselors are trained to listen, guide, and support. This major blends psychology, communication, and ethics to prepare students for roles in mental health, education, and social services.
Types of counseling degrees
You can start with an associate degree, but most counseling careers require at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Some roles, like licensed therapists or psychologists, need a doctoral degree. Programs often offer specializations like school counseling, substance abuse counseling, or marriage and family therapy.
Counseling specializations
Specializations help you focus your career. Popular ones include:
- School counseling
- Clinical mental health counseling
- Rehabilitation counseling
- Addiction counseling
- Grief counseling
- Trauma-informed care
Course requirements for counseling majors
Expect to take classes in:
- Intro to Psychology
- Human Development
- Counseling Techniques
- Ethics in Mental Health
- Group Therapy
- Cultural Competency
Hands-on experience through internships or practicums is also a big part of most programs.
Common double majors and minors to pair with counseling
Pairing counseling with majors or minors like social work, education, psychology, or sociology can open up more career options and deepen your understanding of human behavior.
What skills will I learn as a counseling major?
You’ll build skills in:
- Active listening and empathy
- Conflict resolution
- Crisis intervention
- Communication and rapport-building
- Cultural awareness
- Ethical decision-making
These skills are useful not just in counseling but in any career that involves working with people.
Popular career paths for counseling majors
Graduates can pursue roles such as:
- School counselor
- Mental health counselor
- Career advisor
- Substance abuse counselor
- Marriage and family therapist
- Behavioral health technician
Some roles require additional certifications or graduate degrees, depending on your state and specialization.
How much will I earn with a counseling degree?
Graduates with a counseling degree can expect to earn between $46,000 and $65,000 depending on their role and education level. School counselors and career advisors earn around $65,140, while substance abuse and mental health counselors make about $59,190. Marriage and family therapists earn roughly $63,780, and rehabilitation counselors average $46,110. If you pursue a doctoral degree and become a psychologist, your salary could reach around $94,310 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 2025
Notable schools for counseling majors
Some well-known schools with strong counseling programs include:
Use Scout College Search to explore more schools that fit your goals.
Scholarships for counseling majors
Paying for college can be stressful, but there are scholarships designed specifically for counseling students. You can explore options like the Scholarships by Major, Scholly Scholarships, and the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. There’s also a dedicated page for scholarships for counseling majors. These resources can help reduce your financial burden and make your path to becoming a counselor more affordable.
.svg){kind=small}
