Individuals who want to pursue careers as
community counselors need to earn a master's degree in order to obtain
licensure. Online master's degrees in community counseling courses may
be taken online, but students are required to complete an internship.
Overview of an Online Master's Degree in Community Counseling
Online master's degrees in community counseling prepare students to work with individual clients and groups on issues ranging from substance abuse to psychological disorders. Students learn about assessment issues, treatment plans, research methods and ethics. Students need to complete an internship at an agreed upon location to fulfill graduation requirements.Information about the Program and Requirements
Generally, students may complete all coursework online. However, a program may require students to visit the campus for a weekend or a week in the summer to meet faculty. Students must complete an internship program at an agreed upon facility. A supervisor, who must be approved by the department, oversees the internship. Programs range from 54-60 credit hours in length with a 600 hours internship (exact hours are institution dependent).An institution may let students take a readiness survey to determine their suitability to take an online program. It measures a student's motivation, technical competency and typing speed, among other factors. Students need a reliable computer the meets the school's system requirement with an Internet connection. Students will need to learn the course delivery system (i.e. WebCT) and have basic computer skills, which will allow them to set up accounts, send e-mails and download files.
Popular Master's-Level Courses
Coursework covers graduate level topics in psychology, research, ethics and standards in the field. In addition to coursework, students need to complete an internship in order to graduate and obtain licensure.Coursework is typically delivered using an online content management system through the school's website. It permits students to interact with peers and instructors, in addition to viewing lectures or obtaining notes and assignments.
Theories of Counseling Course
A course in theories of counseling provides students with an overview of counseling techniques. Topics cover cognitive and behavioral theories, along with their uses. Case studies and counseling processes are also discussed.Group Counseling Course
This course introduces students to the various aspects of counseling, such as group dynamics, ethical issues and leadership. Topics explore the different types of groups, approaches to group counseling and adaptations of counseling theories to meet different needs.Ethics Course
Students in this course examine ethical and legal standards and practices used in counseling. They study the history of counseling, legal obligations and professional conduct.Mental Health Course
The role of mental health counseling within communities is the focus of this course. The financial, legal and organizational aspects of public human health service systems and private health care are also covered.Marriage and Family Counseling Course
Students gain the skills they need to provide counseling for couples and families in this course. Students learn about client assessment, intervention strategies, preventative approaches and conflict resolution.Continuing Education Information
Graduates of an online master's degree in community counseling must obtain licensure by the state in which they choose to work. Requirements vary by state, but may include completing continuing education credits on a yearly basis.Graduates may pursue an optional credential as a National Certified Counselor or certification in a specific counseling area. They may advance to supervisory positions with experience or choose to pursue additional education.
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