Online Master’s in Family Counseling

Family counselors help couples, individuals, and families by addressing their clients' relationships and mental health. These professionals address challenges with marriage, substance abuse, stress, and addiction.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest 10% of earners in the field earn a median salary of $92,930 annually. Counselors work in various settings, including outpatient care centers, individual services, and state government organizations.

The BLS projects the employment of family and marriage counselors to grow 22% between 2019-2029. This is higher than the 14% projected growth for general counselors and social workers.

This guide outlines important information for students considering a master's in family counseling. It covers degree costs, potential careers, salary information, and certifications for aspiring family counselors.

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Family Therapy Master's FAQ's

What can I do with a master's degree in family counseling?

Students who earn a master's in family counseling can pursue careers in counseling and social work. They may work in either the private or public sector.

What is the difference between a counselor and a therapist?

Counselors and therapists have similar jobs. Therapists focus more on how relationships and social contexts affect mental health. Counselors work through specific individual issues.

How long does it take to become a family counselor?

To become a family counselor or therapist, students must earn a master's degree and obtain licensure.

Why Get a Degree in Family Counseling?

Earning a family counseling master's degree can open students to various career paths. In addition to family and marriage counseling, students can also pursue credentials to perform general therapy or counseling. Many marriage and family counselors work in private practices and earn median salaries between $33,140-$92,930 per year.

The BLS also projects employment opportunities for these workers to grow by 22% from 2019-2029, which translates to 14,800 new jobs.

Students can earn a master's degree in family counseling at public or private institutions, offering flexibility in price. A master's degree at a public institution cost an average of $12,171 for the 2018-19 school year. Private nonprofit institutions cost $27,776, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

How Much Does a Family Counseling Degree Cost?

The price of a master's in family counseling degree varies. Typically, enrolling in a public institution saves students money on tuition. Learners can also pursue financial aid through the FAFSA, scholarships, or fellowships. Some schools offer stipends for students who teach or provide another service. Private institutions may also offer scholarships and fellowships, such as the National Board of Certified Counselors' Minority Fellowship Program.

Often, an online family counseling degree costs less than an on-campus program. For example, an online program at Liberty University costs $565 per credit hour as of May 2021, while a similar in-person program at Pepperdine University costs $1,700 per credit hour. However, some schools offer similar prices for their online and in-person classes.

Online classes can also cost less for students who live in a low cost of living area but choose to attend a school in a location with a high cost of living. Distance learners can also save money on commuting costs.

Additional Online Student Fees for Family Counseling

While online classes might feature a lower price tag, students should still consider other costs. Costs include up-to-date technology, Wi-Fi, and any required special equipment. Additionally, family counseling degrees often require students to complete a clinical experience like shadowing or interning, which students might need to complete in person. Some programs allow online students to complete their clinical experiences locally.

Degree-seekers should also consider licensing costs. Each state requires counselors to obtain licensure and complete clinical experiences. The Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards offers exams in every U.S. state. Costs vary by state but usually start at $100.

How Much Do Family Counseling Majors Make?

Family counseling majors can pursue various career paths with different salaries. For example, a family advocate makes an average of $15.35 per hour, according to May 2021 PayScale data. This often only requires a bachelor's degree. But with a master's degree, marriage and family therapists earn a median annual salary of $51,340.

After earning a master's degree, students can pursue a doctorate in family counseling, leading to a higher earning position as a clinical psychologist. BLS data shows that these professionals earn a median salary of $82,180 per year. About 31% of psychologists are self-employed, allowing for flexibility in salary and work-life balance.

Family and marriage counselors can also pursue additional certifications in areas like substance abuse to qualify for more job opportunities. Substance abuse counselors earn a median annual salary of $47,660.

Courses in Family Counseling

Students typically complete master's in family counseling degrees in 2-2.5 years. Learners develop soft skills like compassion, listening, speaking, and organization. Enrollees also learn analytical skills, such as diagnosing clients, implementing substance abuse prevention tools, and addressing trauma. Courses introduce various therapy practices, like human sexuality, female therapy, and divorce mediation. Students typically complete a master's thesis or project, which allows them to use the analytical skills they develop.

Below, we highlight a few courses students might take in a family counseling master's degree. However, not every program offers the following classes.

• Couple and Marital Counseling

  This course introduces students to the theories and techniques used in couple and marital counseling. Students learn how to identify and evaluate family issues and apply the proper therapeutic techniques. Learners develop the skills necessary to assist couples through crises and develop stronger relationships.

• Human Sexuality

  Students taking a course in human sexuality develop a sociological, historical, biological, and psychological understanding of sexuality and its expression. The course often covers different sexual orientations and identities. Coursework may also provide students with the techniques necessary to address sexual trauma and sexual dysfunction.

• Family Systems

  This course typically teaches students about the systems of marriage and families. Enrollees might study the impact of the developmental stage and sociological contexts. By course's end, students understand the theory and philosophy behind the family counseling they will provide as professionals.

How to Become a Family Counselor

Students interested in becoming a family or marriage counselor must earn a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, psychology, or another related mental health field. Any bachelor's degree is acceptable for admission to many of these programs.

Students must gain hands-on experience through post-degree supervised clinical work, where they learn to provide therapy and counseling to clients. These experiences are sometimes called internships or residencies.

Finally, students must earn licensure in their state of residence. The Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards offers licensure exams. Some states also require a more extensive application.

Certifications and Licensure for Family Counseling

Students interested in family and marriage counseling can pursue various certifications and licenses. The following certifications allow counselors and therapists to practice in settings with different kinds of clients. The list below highlights a few options students can pursue.

Online Master's in Family Counseling