Psychology and Counseling

From nationally available online degrees to clinical counseling aligned with California state standards, we have options if you’d like to make a career out of helping others. 

Turn your passion into a profession

If you're inspired to support others, a helping profession like school counseling, marriage and family therapy or behavioral health might be just the path for you. UMass Global offers accredited bachelor's and master's programs to help you make an impact in your community by combining your passion and skills with top quality education. 

Many are available nationally and fully online with multiple emphasis options, while select degrees such as professional clinical counseling and credentials are aligned with California state industry standards. Professional development courses are also available for those currently working in the field and looking to add new specialties. Explore these helpful resources to determine which helping profession best aligns with your interests and goals, then start your journey to achieving them at UMass Global.

WSCUC

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing.

Career Resources for Therapists and Counselors

Dig deeper into psychology and counseling. Explore career paths, industry insights and more.

Mental Health Careers

VIEW INFOGRAPHIC

Who do you want to serve?

As you begin to map out your professional path, consider what population you'd like to support:

  • Children and adolescents
  • Couples and families 
  • Incarcerated individuals
  • Current or recovering addicts  
  • People with mental illnesses

Once you determine your niche, you can focus on career paths and find the degree program that can get you there.  

Should I major in psychology?

It's important to reflect on your own interests and skills when determining if a bachelor's in psychology is right for you. Consider if you possess any of these common traits shared by many successful psychologists:

  • Empathy
  • Problem solving
  • Lifelong learning
  • Patience
  • Open-mindedness

Explore More

psychology major

Turn Your Calling into Your Career.

Have questions about enrollment, degree programs or financial aid? A UMass Global enrollment coach can help.

Marriage and Family Therapist
 

How to become a marriage and family therapist: 4 steps to a rewarding career

While everyone’s path looks different, there are some concrete steps you'll have to follow. Here’s an overview of the typical marriage and family therapist requirements:

Start with a bachelor's degree

Earn a graduate degree

Take the state licensing exam

Decide where you want to work

 

Break down these steps

 


What's the difference between a school counselor and a school psychologist?

While both school psychologists and school counselors focus their work on the mental health, emotional well-being and academic achievement of students, there are some distinctions between the two. We put together this infographic to help you sort out the variances as you decide the best way for you to make an impact. 

 

Compare Careers

School psychologist vs school counselor

 

 

 

 
The counseling program prepared me for my surprise career in behavioral health by providing me with a strong background and practical experience in counseling techniques and a strong skill set in research and critical thinking—key in building a leadership career.
Robert P.
MA, Professional Clinical Counseling
The professors realized I have a life and wanted to pursue my dreams. They didn’t make me feel like I had to choose between family and school. They made me feel like I could be successful in both.
Dominique H.
BA, Psychology
All of my instructors inspired me. They were working in the field as well as teaching, so the stories they shared made it relatable and attainable. The staff and faculty are all very positive and provide motivation for the students.
Quinton J.
BA, Psychology

Explore Psychology and Counseling Degree Programs

Hybrid

(on-campus/online)

Online

Online

(self-paced)

In-Person

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BA in Liberal Studies, Multiple Subject Teaching

Arts and Sciences

Whether you're laying the groundwork to earn a teaching credential for elementary education in California, or you simply seek a bachelor's degree with a broad liberal studies foundation, the UMass Global Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is the perfect choice.

Online

AA in General Business (MyPath)

Business and Professional Studies

This online, self-paced program helps students build the foundation necessary to advance in business. 

Online

(self-paced)

AA in General Education

Arts and Sciences

In this general education degree, you'll be introduced to a broad range of subjects, including written and oral communication, liberal studies, mathematics, history, art, philosophy, social sciences and natural sciences. 

Online

Added Authorization, Autism Spectrum Disorders

Education

This state-approved, autism specialist certificate is a 4-course, 12-unit program providing either a CTC-designated authorization to serve learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders or a Certificate of Completion.

Online

Added Authorization, Early Childhood Special Education

Education

Accredited by the CTC, this Added Authorization, Early Childhood Special Education allows teachers with special education credentials to teach children up to age 5 with disabilities. ECSE programs can be administered in different settings, from school districts to regional centers, private childcare settings to family homes.

Online

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re considering going back to school for a degree that makes an impact, you have more options than ever to choose from. Browse through these FAQs to explore the right path for your career and find a UMass Global program that helps you achieve your goals.


Child Psychology

  • Child psychology helps serve the population who need help the most – our young people. ADHD, anxiety and behavior disorders are among the most common disorders that can be diagnosed during childhood, but not all children, or parents, have the resources to address them. See the stats and more.
  • Child psychologists focus on 3 key areas: physical, cognitive and emotional development. These professionals teach children important coping skills for managing their emotions while helping them progress through each new stage. Essential skills and procedures for this job includes assessment, intervention, prevention program development and research design. Find out more.
  • A master’s degree is expected of child psychologists. However, most employers look for those with a doctoral degree, which can also include an internship and supervised field experience. All psychologists in clinical practice must earn licensure, pass an industry examination and pursue continuing education units. See more requirements.

Marriage and Family Therapy

  • Marriage and family therapy is a holistic approach to health care that emphasizes the long-term well-being of people and those within their support systems. Professionals can diagnose a wide range of mental disorders and provide treatment in one-on-one or group settings while focusing on the relationships that influence behavior. Read more. 
  • The most common path into the field is earning a MA in Psychology then completing two years of post-degree supervised clinical experience. All states require MFTs to be licensed, which generally involves passing the Marriage and Family Therapy National Exam and completing continuing education courses throughout their career. Learn more. 

Mental Health Therapy

  • A mental health therapist is a human services professional who helps people cope with mental and emotional challenges. This career path allows you to work with clients facing issues like depression, anxiety, phobias, stress, self-esteem issues, grief, or relationship problems. Read on to learn more. 
  • The primary duty of mental health therapists is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. They do this by collecting information through interviews, observations, or tests. This can include diagnosing disorders; crafting service plans, and coordinating treatment with other health care professionals; and performing crisis interventions as needed. More info.
  • Some professionals in this sector work with specific populations — such as the elderly, children or college students — while others serve a more encompassing role. Example workplaces include mental health clinics, schools, government organizations, social service agencies, employee assistance programs, and correctional or juvenile detention facilities. Full List
  • The two most common fields of study are psychology and social work. You'll need a master's degree in a mental health-related field such as an MFT. Licensure can require 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, along with continuing education courses and specified exams. More info
  • Substance abuse counselors can be instrumental in helping those experiencing addiction. Their work is greatly needed and rewarding. They guide clients in changing their attitudes and behaviors by adapting to new life practices and utilizing important coping skills through therapeutic care, education and support. Explore more reasons. 
  • These professionals work with clients individually and in group settings to provide counseling services and strategies to help them rebuild their lives and careers. A typical day might include collaborating with other professionals to address co-occurring disorders, conferring with family members, or documenting caseloads, including charting progress. See other typical duties.
  • The minimum requirement for a substance abuse counselor is a bachelor’s degree, but often a master’s in social work, psychology or a similar field is expected. Licensure is a prerequisite for opening a private practice, and some states may require you to pass a state-issued exam. Explore more job requirements.

School Psychology and Counseling

  • A school psychologist typically works with individual students and their families while a counselor tends to work with the larger school population. School psychologists for example might help qualify an individual for special services, while a counselor tackles matters such as crisis intervention and preparing students for their overall future success. Read more. 
  • School psychology focuses on helping students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally. Professionals in this field also support students with disabilities by identifying and addressing their unique needs and collaborating with others who assist in providing services. Learn more.
  • Although they work directly with students daily, they also advocate at the individual and system level to ensure all children have equal access to education. In addition, they counsel and advise teachers and fellow staff on how to support students with mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. Read more career insights like salary and job projections. 
  • Most school psychologists work full-time in K–12 public schools; others may be employed in private schools, community health organizations and universities. See the breakdown. 
  • Some foundational skills schools and districts are looking for in candidates include patient education and support, disorder diagnosis, treatment and care, and strong written and oral communication skills. Those with specializations in telehealth, report writing and crisis intervention are positioned well for these critical roles. Additional skills.
  • A successful school psychologist will excel in most or all the following areas:
    • Teamwork and collaboration
    • Interpersonal and group communication
    • Research
    • Writing
    • Planning
    • Problem solving
    • Organization
    If you can relate to many of the qualities above, you may be a natural fit for a career in school psychology.
  • Just like other mental health professions, you will need an advanced degree to practice as a school psychologist. Some states, like California, also require a specific credential program dedicated to the area of study. Once these prerequisites are complete, you’ll then apply for licensure. Break down these steps. 

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