Counseling vs. Psychology: Which Master’s Degree is Right for You?

Choosing between a career in counseling or psychology can be challenging. Both fields offer unique ways to support mental health and well-being but vary in their approaches, training, and career paths.

In this guide, we’ll break down how the education of a counselor and psychologist differs and explore the options for a master’s in counseling vs. psychology—covering key skills, licensure, and career outlook—to help you find the path that aligns with your goals. Read on to discover which career is the right fit for you.

Counseling vs. Psychology: Quick Overview

Counselors and psychologists apply different skills and approaches to support mental health and personal growth. While both roles are dedicated to helping people, their methods and areas of focus set them apart.

What is a Counselor?

Counselors assess client problems and provide counseling and psychotherapy to assist with a variety of issues that clients may face including

1. Mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse
2. Developmental challenges
3. Relationship problems

Essential skills for counselors include empathy, active listening, problem-solving, and effective communication.

What is a Psychologist?

Psychologists take a more diagnostic approach, assessing mental health conditions through testing and analysis to create treatment plans. They often work with complex, long-term mental health issues, applying analytical skills, diagnostic expertise, and a deep understanding of mental processes.

Education Requirements: Master’s in Counseling vs. Psychology

While both counseling and psychology degrees prepare students to work in mental health, they differ in training and approaches. Counselors are licensed at the master’s level. Psychology degrees, on the other hand, are more research-oriented and often require doctoral study, preparing students for in-depth diagnostics, research, and long-term treatment planning.

Here’s a look at some of the common degree programs at the master's and doctoral levels, including specific examples and requirements.

Counseling Degree Programs

Counseling programs, such as the Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Pace University, prepare students to work directly with clients in settings such as schools, hospitals, and private practices. Here’s what you can expect:

• Mental Health Counseling, MS
  • Admission requirements: A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related field is typically required, along with a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and potentially an interview.
  • Program length: This 60-credit program is generally completed in two to three years.
  • Core topics and curriculum: Courses cover cognitive-behavioral, existential-humanistic, and developmental counseling approaches, with examples including MHC 658 Group Dynamics, MHC 687 Foundations of Mental Health Counseling, and MHC 694 Practicum in Mental Health Counseling.
  • Internship or observation requirements: Students complete 700 hours of supervised practicum and internships at clinical sites.
  • Core competencies developed: Graduates develop hands-on counseling skills, ethical decision-making practices, multicultural competency, and therapeutic techniques.

Psychology Degree Programs

Psychology programs, such as the MA in Psychology, MSEd in School Psychology, PhD in School Psychology, and PsyD in School-Clinical Child Psychology at Pace University, often take an evidence-based approach incorporating research and practice. These programs prepare students for advanced diagnostic work, research, and treatment planning.

• Psychology, MA
  • Admission requirements: Applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree in psychology or another field. A personal statement, letters of recommendation, and curriculum vitae are required. GRE scores are not required.
  • Program length: This program typically takes two years to complete.
  • Core topics and curriculum: The curriculum includes a wide variety of required courses (e.g., research design and statistics, developmental psychology, neuropsychology, and cognitive psychology), and elective courses (e.g., ethics in psychology, human learning, mentored lab, and master’ thesis). Courses may include PSY 604 Developmental Psychology, PSY 612 Neuropsychology, PSY 615 Research and Design Statistics.
  • Internship or observation requirements: Students engage in research activities and gain practical research experience through labs and projects.
  • Core competencies developed: The program emphasizes research skills, analytical abilities, and a broad understanding of the foundational areas in psychology.
• School Psychology, MSEd
  • Admission requirements: Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education or a related field. Some programs may also require work experience in a child-focused setting.
  • Program length: This is a 69-credit program, generally completed in three years.
  • Core topics and curriculum: The program focuses on assessment, consultation, and intervention services for children and adolescents within school settings. Example courses include PSY703 Psychological Assessment, PSY 704 Advanced Developmental Psychology, PSY 727 Learning Disabilities-Diagnosis/Remediation, and PSY 737 Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy.
  • Internship or observation requirements: The program culminates in a school psychology internship within a New York metropolitan area school district.
  • Core competencies developed: Graduates gain skills in behavioral assessment, psychoeducational evaluation, and intervention planning.
• School Psychology, PhD
  • Admission requirements: Applicants need a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology, education or a related field, research experience, a personal statement, and recommendation letters.
  • Program length: This program is generally completed in five to seven years, including dissertation work.
  • Core topics and curriculum: Advanced courses cover assessment, intervention, consultation, and program evaluation, and research related to school-age children. Examples include PSY701 Doctoral Mentored Lab, PSY715 Statistics and Research Design, PSY 721 Tests and Measurement, PSY 727 Learning Disabilities-Diagnosis/Remediation, and PSY 734 Consultation.
  • Internship or observation requirements: The program includes supervised practical experiences prior to a full-time one year internship, practicum, and four years of research training culminating in the completion of a dissertation.
  • Core competencies developed: Students develop competencies in research methods; prevention, assessment, and intervention related to educational/community settings, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and program development.
• School-Clinical Child Psychology, PsyD
  • Admission requirements: Applicants need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology or a related field, an interview, and a strong academic background.
  • Program length: This program typically takes five to six years to complete.
  • Core topics and curriculum: The curriculum covers childhood psychopathology, psychological assessments, intervention techniques, psychodynamic therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Courses include PSY 710 Psychopathology in Childhood and Adolescence, PSY 711 Intervention Techniques I: Psychodynamic Perspectives, and PSY 722 Intervention Techniques II: Cognitive Behavioral Perspectives.
  • Internship or observation requirements: Students complete three years of supervised clinical practicum, two years of school field experience, one year of clinical externship and a culminating yearlong internship.
  • Core competencies developed: Graduates gain skills in clinical practice, diagnostic evaluation, psychotherapeutic interventions, and evidence-based psychological services.

Required Licenses

Licensure is essential for professionals in counseling and psychology, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards to practice independently and provide safe, ethical care. Here’s an overview of the licensure process for each field, including required exams, costs, and timelines.

Licensure for Counselors

To become a licensed counselor, graduates of counseling programs typically need to pass one of two national exams:

• National Counselor Examination (NCE): Offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), the NCE is widely accepted for licensure and assesses counseling knowledge and skills. The exam fee is $275. New York State does not accept the NCE for licensure.
• National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE): This exam is also offered by the NBCC and is often taken by those who specialize in clinical mental health counseling. It emphasizes diagnostic and treatment planning skills and also has a fee of $275. Applicants for licensure in New York must take the NCMHCE.

After passing an exam, aspiring counselors must complete post-graduate supervised experience hours, which can take two to four years depending on state requirements. Licensure timelines and additional requirements vary by state, but most require a specific number of supervised clinical hours and continuing education to maintain licensure.

Licensure for Psychologists

The credential for becoming a School Psychologist working in public school settings is referred to as School Psychology Certification. Students obtaining a MSEd in School Psychology are eligible to apply for Certification as a School Psychologist.

The path to becoming a licensed psychologist generally requires a doctoral degree and passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). This exam, administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), assesses the foundational knowledge and skills needed for professional psychology practice. The EPPP exam fee is $600, with additional state fees in some cases.

To meet licensure requirements, psychologists must also complete supervised postdoctoral experience hours, often requiring between 1,500–2,000 hours depending on state regulations. Due to these requirements, licensure can take four to seven years post-degree. Licensure requirements vary by state and may also depend on a psychologist’s specialization, with some states requiring additional exams or coursework in specific areas.

Career Outlook

The demand for both counselors and psychologists is on the rise, driven by increased awareness of mental health issues and the need for specialized support across a range of environments. Here’s an overview of job prospects, salary expectations, and potential work settings for each field.

Counselors

The career outlook for counselors, especially in areas like substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health counseling, is very strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for these counselors is projected to grow by 19 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to add around 84,500 new jobs by 2033.

In 2023, counselors in these areas earned a median annual salary of $53,710 while working in various environments, including mental health centers, community health centers, private practices, schools, and hospitals. Many counselors work full-time, though part-time and flexible hours are also common, especially in private practice settings.

Psychologists

Psychologists can expect solid job growth and a higher-than-average median salary, especially in clinical, counseling, and school psychology roles. Employment for psychologists is projected to grow by seven percent from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average across all professions, with an estimated increase of 14,000 jobs over this period.

In 2023, the median annual salary for psychologists was $92,740 while working in diverse settings, including private practices, schools, hospitals, and research institutions. Many psychologists work full-time, with some accommodating clients by offering evening or weekend appointments.

Scopes of Practice

Whether it’s guiding someone through career choices or helping families find balance, counselors and psychologists bring specialized skills to diverse challenges. Here’s a closer look at the scopes of practice and potential specializations within each field, along with insights into typical salary ranges for those practicing in New York City.

Counselors

Counselors assist individuals in overcoming personal, social, and psychological challenges. Specializations within counseling include:

• Addiction counseling: Focuses on treating substance abuse and addictive behaviors. The average salary for an Addiction Counselor is approximately $75,943 per year.
• Career counseling: Helps clients with career planning and development. The average salary for a Career Counselor is around $75,584 per year.
• Mental health counseling: Provides general support for mental health issues. The average salary for a master’s level Mental Health Counselor is about $86,129 per year.
• Family and marriage counseling: Works with couples and families to address relational issues. The average salary for a Marriage and Family Counselor is approximately $87,810 per year.
• Rehabilitation counseling: Assists clients with disabilities to achieve personal and professional goals. The average salary for a Rehabilitation Counselor is around $74,797 per year.

Psychologists

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behaviors. Specializations within psychology include:

• Clinical psychology: Involves diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. The average salary for a Clinical Psychologist is approximately $145,207 per year.
• School psychology: Involves conducting psychoeducational assessments, implementing interventions, and consultation with school-based settings. The average salary for a Certified School Psychologist in New York City is $117,912 per year.
• Educational psychology: Focuses on learning processes and educational environments. The average salary for an Educational Psychologist is about $101,361 per year.
• Forensic psychology: Applies psychological principles within the legal system. The average salary for a Forensic Psychologist is around $134,197 per year.
• Health psychology: Studies how psychological factors affect health and illness. The average salary for a Health Psychologist is approximately $144,979 per year.
• Industrial-organizational psychology: Examines workplace behavior to improve productivity and employee well-being. The average salary for an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist is about $113,188 per year.

These specializations not only reflect the diversity within counseling and psychology but also allow professionals to tailor their careers to their passions and strengths. By choosing a focused path, counselors and psychologists can deepen their expertise, stay adaptable in an evolving field, and ultimately make a lasting difference where it matters most.

All salary information was sourced from Glassdoor.com in February 2025 and based on salaries of positions located in New York, NY. Salaries are subject to change.

Counseling Degree vs. Psychology Degree: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between a counseling and a psychology degree means understanding how each field aligns with your problem-solving style, educational goals, and desired impact on others’ lives. While psychologists and counselors serve different needs, one is not "better" than the other; each brings essential skills to the mental health field, helping clients in distinct ways.

The following factors can help you determine which path best suits your aspirations.

1. Career Goals: If you’re passionate about providing direct support to clients facing personal, social, or behavioral challenges, a career in counseling might be the right fit. Counselors often work on immediate, practical issues, providing guidance and coping strategies to help clients overcome specific challenges.

On the other hand, if you’re interested in diagnosing complex mental health conditions, conducting research, or working in specialized settings like hospitals and universities, a career in psychology may align more closely with your preferences. Psychologists often engage in in-depth assessments, research, and long-term treatment planning.

2. Education and Time Commitment: The level of education required for each field is another important consideration. For those interested in counseling, a master’s degree in counseling or a related field is often sufficient for licensure. This path can typically be completed within two to three years.

Further, pursuing advanced training as a mental health counselor typically involves completing a doctoral degree, such as a PhD in mental health counseling or counselor education and supervision. This degree usually takes three to five years beyond master’s in mental health counseling and includes advanced coursework, heavy research focus and training as a counselor supervisor.

PhD in mental health counseling prepares professionals to become leaders in the field of counseling, equipping them for roles in academia as counselor educators, clinical supervision, program development, and advanced counseling practice.

Pursuing a career as a psychologist usually requires a doctoral degree, such as a PhD or PsyD, which can take five to seven years, including research and practicum experiences. This longer educational path equips psychologists for advanced diagnostic and research roles.

3. Work Preferences: Consider the types of work environments you prefer and the nature of client interactions you envision. Mental Health Counselors often work in schools, community health centers, or private practices, focusing on a range of client needs that include both short-term and ongoing counseling and psychotherapy.

Counselors with an advanced degree, such as PhD in mental health counseling, may also work in academic institutions, taking on roles such as teaching, conducting research, and training future counselors.

Psychology roles, particularly in clinical and counseling psychology, may involve long-term client relationships and are often found in hospitals, research facilities, and academic institutions. Additionally, psychologists may work with highly specialized populations or pursue research in a specific area of interest. Certified School Psychologists typically work in educational settings, while those with doctoral school psychology training can also work in academic institutions, educational agencies, research facilities, and community mental health agencies.

Achieve Your Professional Goals With Pace University

Choosing a path in counseling or psychology is a decision that shapes not only your career but also the lives you’ll impact along the way.

Whether your goal is to provide hands-on guidance as a counselor through a program like the MS in Mental Health Counseling or to dive into mental health research and diagnosis as a psychologist through the MA in Psychology, Pace University offers multiple paths to help you succeed. You can also apply directly to doctoral programs such as the PhD in School Psychology, PhD in Clinical Psychology, or PsyD in School-Clinical Psychology—no MA required.

Explore how Pace can support you on this rewarding journey and help you achieve your professional aspirations.

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