A Life-Changing Career in Counseling
Do you have the gift of listening and a passion for helping others? As a counselor or therapist, you have the power to help people find comfort, empowerment and life change by objectively listening to their concerns and determining their needs. Let TROY help take your education and career to the next level by pursuing your master’s degree in counseling.
“I chose Troy because of the flexibility of course offerings and because I would be getting a good quality education at my convenience. I also like that there are several campuses to choose from. I attended the Phenix City Campus, and I got to experience the big college campus experience in a smaller setting. I recommend Troy University because they meet you where you are, and build you into a better professional. ”
Carla S. Wiley | Masters in School Counseling (M.S.) ’18
Interested in Applying to TROY?
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Program Options
This degree provides a post-masters training and experience program to help mental health counselors to prepare for supervision and leadership roles. The Counseling program provides broader experiences in counseling. The knowledge base expands the student’s exposure to theories of counseling, group leadership and specialized areas of study.
VIEW DEGREE MAP ACADEMIC CATALOG
Program Locations
- Troy Campus^^
- TROY Online
- Dothan Campus^^
- Montgomery Campus^^
- Phenix City Campus^^
^^ Offered as blended program. A blended program combines both online and face-to-face course in the required program of study.
The mission of TROY’s Department of Counseling and Psychology is to educate and train counseling and psychology professionals by utilizing the highest external standards set by state and national licensing/certifying boards. Highly qualified and knowledgeable faculty members design and deliver counseling and psychology programs through a wide range of instructional techniques.
VIEW DEGREE MAP ACADEMIC CATALOG
Program Locations
- Troy Campus^^
- TROY Online
- Dothan Campus^^
- Montgomery Campus^^
- Phenix City Campus^^
^^ Offered as blended program. A blended program combines both online and face-to-face course in the required program of study.
What Can You Do with a Graduate Degree in Counseling?
You can find a fulfilling career with a variety of state, federal and community agencies. These agencies include state vocational agencies and rehabilitation centers. Ask about working in clinical environments.
General counseling is a useful entry-level degree for use in any mental health agency, non-profit, and social work environment.
Student Affairs professional are an integral part of student success in post-secondary education.
Earning your master’s degree in general counseling can open new career options for you within agencies, colleges and schools. Also, in the state of Florida, you may become certified as a school counselor if you complete your practicum hours in a school setting and take the proper required courses, which you can choose as your electives. TROY’s general counseling master’s program is designed to provide students with knowledge of theory and application of counseling skills particularly as it relates to providing general counseling.
TROY’s tuition costs are competitive, and students pay state rates even if they are obtaining their degree in one of our global campus sites in Florida or Georgia. Classes are offered in the evenings or on the weekend, allowing a flexible schedule for those working full-time jobs.
Interested in Applying to TROY?
Apply Now Request More Info
Frequently Asked Questions
- M.S.- Master of Science is the degree designation for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
- M.Ed.- Master of Education is the degree designation for the School Counselor Program (while this program is CACREP accredited, it’s also regulated by the Alabama Department of Education).
- Ed.S.- Education Specialist is a post-graduate degree in either School Counseling or Counseling
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics, the average annual salary for someone with a master’s in counseling is $70,000. This can, however, vary greatly depending on where you are located and your employment sector.
That is entirely depending on the career path you choose. While any undergraduate degree can lead to counseling-related jobs, professional counselors will need to complete an undergraduate and a master’s degree in counseling. TROY offers a variety of M.S., Ed. S., M.S. Ed., and certificate programs.
The pathway to becoming a Professional School Counselor (no longer referred to as guidance counselor) begins with a bachelor’s degree in social science or education. A master’s degree from a School Counseling program is then required. Completing the School Counseling Masters typically includes the following: completion of course work, graduate-level practicum and internship, passing required exams, and applying for certifications and/or licensure.
- Complete a graduate degree in counseling
- Identify and complete the individual state requirements for licensure.
- Apply for and complete a graduate degree in a counseling specialty (clinical mental health, rehabilitation, etc.)
- Identify state requirements for certification as a substance abuse counselor (each state is different)
- There are 3 National Organizations that certify Addiction Counselors: NAADAC, IC&RC, and NBCC.
Time to degree completion is dependent upon the student. However full-time students typically complete all degree requirements in 2 1/2 – 3 years.
Licensure is governed by each individual state- professional licensed counselors are typically referred to as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC)
No, the certificate is a specialization in a specific area. However, having certifications makes one more marketable.
What Can I Do With My Counseling Degree?
What does a veteran who’s come back from the front lines of a war zone have in common with a young adult struggling with anorexia and a high school student suffering from anxiety over college decisions?
Learn More
Interested in Applying to TROY?
Apply Now Request More Info
COUNSELOR EDUCATION MISSION AND OBJECTIVES
The Counselor Education degree program’s mission is to provide high-quality training that reflects current research and prepare professional counselors for positions in public and private settings within a multicultural and pluralistic world. The curriculum for M.S./Ed.S. counseling majors will lead to eligibility for certification and licensure as professional counselors. Professional counselors promote the social, psychological, physical, and spiritual health of individuals, families, communities, and organizations. The Counselor Education program provides students with the opportunity to obtain a wealth of common core generalist counselor knowledge while specializing in Career Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The mission is achieved through the following objectives, which are based on input from faculty, students, alumni, supervisors, and employers:
A. To provide quality education to persons pursuing a Master of Science (M.S.)/Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degrees in Counselor Education, while specializing in Career Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
B. To provide M.S./Ed.S.-level graduate students with quality clinical training and understanding of professional issues in the areas of career counseling, clinical mental health counseling, general counseling, and case management.
C. To prepare M.S./Ed.S.-level graduate students with knowledge and skills in providing effective individual and group counseling in a multitude of settings.
D. To provide students with skills and knowledge in conducting needs assessment and research in the field of counseling.
E. To prepare M.S./Ed.S.-level graduate students with knowledge and skill in effectively addressing issues and concerns related to diverse populations.
F. To provide skill and knowledge in the application of ethical and legal principles in the practice of counseling.
The counselor education program evaluates our achievement of these efforts through the use of our Comprehensive Assessment Plan (CAP), and feedback from students, graduates, alumni (2 years post-graduation), supervisors, and employers. These reports and the CAP are available below.
INFORMATION FOR SITE SUPERVISORS
ACCREDITATION INFORMATION
The Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation, & Interpreter Training offers master’s degree programs for students who have completed bachelor’s degrees and are preparing themselves for employment as clinical mental health, school, or rehabilitation counselors. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) and Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S) programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) under the 2009 standards. The School Counseling (M.S.Ed.) program is accredited by (CACREP) under the 2009 standards and the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP). The School Counseling Program is also certified by the State Department of Education (SDE) for the State of Alabama.
Mission Statement
Counseling Mission Statement
The mission of the Division of Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Interpreter Training is to educate, develop, and train counseling and psychology professionals by utilizing the highest external standards set by state and national licensing/certifying boards. Counselor education faculty design and deliver counseling programs through a variety of instructional modalities. The counseling degree programs provide graduate education at regional and state locations. The program seeks students from diverse populations.
A Life-Changing Career in Counseling
Do you have the gift of listening and a passion for helping others? As a counselor or therapist, you have the power to help people find comfort, empowerment and life change by objectively listening to their concerns and determining their needs. Let TROY help take your education and career to the next level by pursuing your master’s degree in counseling.
“I chose Troy because of the flexibility of course offerings and because I would be getting a good quality education at my convenience. I also like that there are several campuses to choose from. I attended the Phenix City Campus, and I got to experience the big college campus experience in a smaller setting. I recommend Troy University because they meet you where you are, and build you into a better professional. ”
Carla S. Wiley | Masters in School Counseling (M.S.) ’18
Interested in Applying to TROY?
Apply Now Request More Info
While TROY’s main master’s programs are in clinical mental health, rehabilitation counseling, and school counseling, there are also programs and certificates offered in specialty areas such as addictions counseling, counseling military populations, and infant and early childhood mental health counseling. The emphasis of every program is on training professionals of the highest quality.
Graduate Programs in Counseling
This master’s program in clinical mental health counseling is tailored to meet educational standards for state licensure and national counseling credentials. It has been designed to provide students with opportunities to develop their expertise in treatment planning, their knowledge of theory and of normal and pathological development and behavior as well as their understanding of how to apply counseling skills to various agency populations.
VIEW DEGREE MAP ACADEMIC CATALOG
Program Locations
- Troy Campus
- Dothan Campus
- Montgomery Campus
- Phenix City Campus
- Augusta, GA
- Ft. Walton Beach, FL
- Panama City/Tyndall AFB, FL
- Pensacola, FL
- Tampa, FL
TROY’s dedicated and celebrated counseling and psychology staff will familiarize you with the laws and regulations that govern the disability field. In this class, you’ll be equipped to understand the causes and treatments of disabilities as well as various counseling theories and techniques. Your degree will also prepare you to recommend workplace accommodations for individuals with various disabilities, perform labor market and job analyses and facilitate the employment of individuals with disabilities through advocacy and assistance with job searches.
A master’s degree is necessary to become a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Troy’s unique Rehabilitation Counseling program allows the student to select one of five concentration areas — Clinical Rehabilitation, Public and Community Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation and Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Counseling Military Populations, and Addictions Counseling. Troy University’s Counseling Department has $3,000,000 in grant funding for the next five years designated to train students to become Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors. Students admitted to the Rehabilitation Counseling Program can apply to receive a portion of the grant funds to assist students with tuition and other financial obligations.
Rehabilitation Counseling Scholarships
“The best thing about this program is the people. The staff and students work together to reach the common goal of serving their community with knowledge, tools, and heart.”
Morgan Posey | B.S. Human Services; M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling ’21
Rehabilitation Counseling Program Concentrations
Clinical Rehabilitation
The Concentration in Clinical Rehabilitation provides the students with knowledge and skills in behavior pathology, diagnosis and treatment planning, and family therapy needed as a rehabilitation counselor specializing in services to individuals with mental illness.
Public & Community Rehabilitation
The Public and Community Rehabilitation Concentration is designed to prepare students with the advanced job development techniques and work accommodation skills needed in the rehabilitation of individuals in federal/state rehabilitation agencies and community rehabilitation programs.
Rehabilitation & Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Services
The Concentration in Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Studies prepares students for a career as a rehabilitation counselor for this specialty population. The curriculum includes exposure to Deaf culture, advocacy, and leadership, and the opportunity to become proficient in American Sign Language (ASL).
Counseling Military Populations
Students who complete a Concentration in Counseling Military Populations are uniquely qualified for a rehabilitation career in which they will assist members of the military, veterans, and their families with adjustment and employment issues.
Addictions Counseling
The Addictions Counseling Concentration assists rehabilitation counseling students to work more effectively with individuals with co-occurring disabilities including drug, alcohol, and other substance abuse disorders. The curriculum emphasizes treatment modalities, prevention, and intervention.
Courses
VIEW DEGREE MAP ACADEMIC CATALOG
Program Locations
- Troy Campus
- Dothan Campus
- Montgomery Campus
- Phenix City Campus
- Augusta, GA
- Ft. Walton Beach, FL
- Panama City/Tyndall AFB, FL
- Pensacola, FL
- Tampa, FL
The mission of the Troy University Student Affairs Counseling program is to prepare Student Affairs Counselors to provide competent professional service in all areas of student services counseling at the post-secondary level. It takes an insightful awareness to see all of the many issues and pressures that impact a students success and provide guidance and support to help them reach their highest potential as students and professionals in their chosen areas.
VIEW DEGREE MAP ACADEMIC CATALOG
Program Locations
- Troy Campus
The substance abuse counseling degree prepares counselors to work in substance abuse programs and mental health agencies that deal with addictions and their corresponding difficulties. You will learn how to advise people dealing with issues such as alcoholism and drug abuse and other types of addiction.
A substance abuse counselor will work with their clients to help them become self-sufficient and take control of their dependancies. The nature of substance abuse counseling means that it can be an extremely difficult job at times. It can also be extremely rewarding as this is a job that truly helps people to better themselves and can even save lives.
VIEW DEGREE MAP ACADEMIC CATALOG
Program Locations
- Montgomery Campus
Through these classes, you will develop the necessary counseling and interpersonal skills needed to manage a school counseling program. You will also learn proactive problem-solving skills and graduate with a comprehensive knowledge of academic, social, psychological and behavioral aspects of a student’s life.
“I had considered other universities but was sold on the credibility and versatility of this program. I can’t think of a single aspect of my life that hasn’t benefited in some way from the courses I’ve taken. The strengths that made me a good classroom teacher were strengths that were given a name and were more developed through this program. I’ve gained a huge support system, and I’ve learned more about who I am than I ever expected to. ”
Samantha Krietemeyer | MSEd School Counseling (2022)
VIEW DEGREE MAP ACADEMIC CATALOG
Program Locations
- Troy Campus
- Dothan Campus
- Montgomery Campus^^
- Phenix City Campus
^^ Offered as blended program. A blended program combines both online and face-to-face courses in the required program of study.
What Can You Do with a Graduate Degree in Counseling?
Troy University’s graduate counseling programs train professional counselors who can significantly impact many people’s lives. Whether students interested in the field want to work in a school setting, a vocational rehabilitation center, a mental health clinic, or another setting, TROY’s counseling degree programs offer the necessary training and certification courses to prepare counselors to change lives.
The essential requirement to practice as a counselor is a master’s degree. A national exam and licensure process are also part of preparing to practice as a professional. Licensure requirements vary by state. In Alabama, the post-master’s supervision experience required for licensing is 3,000 supervised clinical hours. The state of Georgia’s licensing requirements for post-master’s supervision experience varies by degree (e.g., master’s, specialist, doctoral), requiring a range of 1,000 – 3,000 supervised clinical hours. In Florida, the post-master’s supervision required for licensing is 1,500 supervised clinical hours. If students have taken the National Counselors Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health National Examination (NCMHCE) before graduating from TROY, they will only need to accumulate the supervised clinical hours after graduating.
For those interested in a career in counseling, the job outlook is robust. Counselors work in so many settings from schools, private practice, mental health clinics, vocational rehabilitation centers, corporate businesses with Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), child protective service agencies, community organizations and religious organizations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) confirms the growing need for these professionals. The BLS projects the number of counseling jobs to grow by 25% through 2029, rehabilitation counseling jobs by 10%, and school counselor positions by 8%.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Counselor
- M.S.: Master of Science is the degree designation for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
- M.Ed.: Master of Education is the degree designation for the School Counselor Program (this program is CACREP accredited and regulated by the Alabama Department of Education).
- Ed.S.: Education Specialist is a postgraduate degree in either School Counseling or Counseling
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics, the average annual salary for someone with a master’s in counseling is $70,000. This can, however, vary greatly depending on where you are located and your employment sector.
That is entirely depending on the career path you choose. While any undergraduate degree can lead to counseling-related jobs, professional counselors will need to complete an undergraduate and a master’s degree in counseling. TROY offers a variety of M.S., Ed. S., M.S. Ed., and certificate programs.
The pathway to becoming a Professional School Counselor (no longer referred to as guidance counselor) begins with a bachelor’s degree in social science or education. A master’s degree from a School Counseling program is then required. Completing the School Counseling Masters typically includes the following: completion of course work, graduate-level practicum and internship, passing required exams, and applying for certifications and/or licensure.
- Complete a graduate degree in counseling.
- Identify and complete the individual state requirements for licensure.
- Apply for and complete a graduate degree in a counseling specialty (clinical mental health, rehabilitation, etc.)
- Identify state requirements for certification as a substance abuse counselor (every state is different).
- There are 3 National Organizations that certify Addiction Counselors: NAADAC, IC&RC, and NBCC.
Time to degree completion is dependent upon the student. However, full-time students typically complete all degree requirements in 2 1/2 – 3 years.
Licensure is governed by each individual state. Professional licensed counselors are typically referred to as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC)
No, the certificate is a specialization in a specific area. However, having certifications makes one more marketable.
What Can I Do With My Counseling Degree?
What does a veteran who’s come back from the front lines of a war zone have in common with a young adult struggling with anorexia and a high school student suffering from anxiety over college decisions?
Learn More
Interested in Applying to TROY?
Apply Now Request More Info
