Looking for a Master's Degree in Counseling in Florida? You should consider these top-tier graduate programs and jobs in the Counseling field.
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Master's Degrees in Counseling in Florida
Earning a Master's Degree in Counseling in Florida
The best degrees in Florida for counseling can help you find a rewarding job with a lucrative salary. Master's degrees are great for pursuing a variety of career opportunities. Master's degree-holders possess the skills needed to move forward in their career field.
With a master's degree, individuals earn about $1,574 per week. This translates to about $6,296 a month and approximately $81,848 a year. With an unemployment rate of 2.6%, master's degree-holders are more likely to be employed than those with high school diplomas.
Counseling Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in Florida in the Counseling Profession
A counseling degree can provide individuals with the tools necessary to help others through difficult times in their lives. Common courses in a counseling program focus on topics such as human development, psychopathology, and treatment methods. Upon completing a counseling degree, graduates may find employment in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, or private practices.
There is a median annual wage of $37,920, or $18.23 per hour, for all occupations in Florida. This applies to the 8,605,610 workers in the state. The BLS reports that the lowest 10% of earners make about $22,720 per year, while about $96,380 is earned for those with high incomes. See below for the average earnings for counselors in Florida.
Key
Counselors in Florida
Counselors Nationally
All Occupations in Florida
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Counselors in Florida and Nationwide
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Based on the cost of living index, Florida ranks number 31 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.) on the list of states with the lowest cost of living. The cost of living index measures the average cost of living for people in the U.S. against specific states. As a whole, the U.S. average is set at 100, and every location in the U.S. has either a cost above (higher) or below (lower) than the U.S. average. Florida's cost of living is 103, which is 3% higher than the national average. Learners interested in relocating to Florida can use the cost of living comparison to determine the right fit for them.
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In the coming decade, the number of counselors is projected to change by 8.9%. The BLS projects that the occupation's total employment will change from 54,300 counselors in 2020 to 59,200 in 2030. It is common for these professionals to earn a master's degree in their field.
Counselors
AIDS Counselor
Anger Control Counselor
Grief Counselor
HIV Counselor
Sexual Assault Counselor
Master's Degrees in Counseling in Florida
#1 Master’s Degrees in Counseling in Florida
Barry University
Miami, FL
4 years
Campus
The online master of science in school counseling at Barry University, located in Miami, prioritizes flexibility. Learners prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous program. Earning a master's degree can help candidates advance in their current career or pursue a new career path entirely.
The curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the field. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. The master's program builds on prior experience during a bachelor's program.
Online enrollees complement the classroom experience with local internships. Campus students can access the library and gymnasium, as well as other equipment and facilities available at most institutions. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
Barry University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 51%
Total Online Master's Programs: 12
Program Name: Master of science in school counseling
Graduate Tuition In State: $17,820
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,820
Average Tuition
In-state
$30,600
Out-of-state
$30,600
Retention Rate
68%
Admission Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
7,515
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
23%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Master’s Degrees in Counseling in Florida
Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
The online master of science in clinical mental health counseling at Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale offers high academic quality. The program draws on a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. After completing a master's degree, candidates can advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.
The curriculum blends theory and practice to provide an advanced understanding of clinical mental health counseling. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. Applicants with prior experience in counseling or a related field often meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees gain real-world experience through local internships. Many institutions provide libraries and fitness centers for use by students living on campus. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.
Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: Data not available
Total Online Master's Programs: 15
Program Name: Master of science in clinical mental health counseling
Graduate Tuition In State: $27,162
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,162
Average Tuition
In-state
$19,808
Out-of-state
$19,808
Retention Rate
60%
Admission Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
20,330
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Master’s Degrees in Counseling in Florida
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Graduate students seeking an online degree can enroll in the master's in counseling program at Nova Southeastern University, located in Fort Lauderdale. Enrollees train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.
The curriculum examines theoretical and practical perspectives on counseling. Learners specialize the program by choosing from a variety of electives. Applicants who majored in counseling or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees meet any in-person requirements, such as internships, at approved sites in their local area. Many institutions provide libraries and fitness centers for use by students living on campus. The program encourages degree-seekers to participate in hands-on experiences and networking events to grow their professional connections.
Nova Southeastern University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 80%
Total Online Master's Programs: 46
Program Name: Master's in counseling
Graduate Tuition In State: $19,665
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $19,665
Average Tuition
In-state
$32,370
Out-of-state
$32,370
Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
20,888
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Master’s Degrees in Counseling in Florida
Palm Beach Atlantic University
West Palm Beach, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Palm Beach Atlantic University, located in West Palm Beach, offers a flexible online master of science in clinical mental health counseling. The program emphasizes specialized skills, preparing graduates for increased responsibilities and a higher earning potential. A master's degree also helps candidates pursue new careers.
The curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in clinical mental health counseling. Learners specialize the program by choosing from a variety of electives. Applicants without a degree in counseling or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements.
Online enrollees gain real-world experience through local internships. On-campus students benefit from the library and gym facilities provided by many institutions. Degree candidates expand their professional network through internships and online events.
Palm Beach Atlantic University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 95%
Total Online Master's Programs: 1
Program Name: Master of science in clinical mental health counseling
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,260
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $10,260
Average Tuition
In-state
$32,880
Out-of-state
$32,880
Retention Rate
73%
Admission Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
3,704
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
40%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Master’s Degrees in Counseling in Florida
Rollins College
Winter Park, FL
4 years
Campus
The online master's in clinical mental health counseling at Rollins College, located in Winter Park, offers high academic quality. The program helps graduates increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. With a master's degree, graduates can also pursue new career opportunities.
The curriculum blends theory and practice to provide an advanced understanding of clinical mental health counseling. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants without a counseling background may need to complete prerequisite courses.
Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. Common facilities and services offered at most universities, like the library or gymnasium, are accessible to students living on campus. Degree candidates can expand their professional network through internships and online events.
Rollins College at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 58%
Total Online Master's Programs: Data not available
Program Name: Master's in clinical mental health counseling
Graduate Tuition In State: $20,163
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $20,163
Average Tuition
In-state
$53,716
Out-of-state
$53,716
Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
61%
Students Enrolled
3,104
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financing a Master's Degree in Counseling
You can use financial aid to pay for your college. Scholarships, fellowships, and work-study programs help students lower the cost of a degree. Some students may also qualify for federal and private student loans. The colleges you are interested in may also offer their own scholarships. Do your research ahead of time and find out what kind of financial aid might be available.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid
The FAFSA is a great way to apply for federal student aid.
For scholarship, grant, work-study, and loan opportunities, students should contact the school's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in Florida
There is a wide variation in the cost of attending college in Florida. Public and private institutions do, however, share some commonalities as well. Find out whether attending a public institution is the right choice by reviewing the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Florida vs. National Average
Key
Florida
National Average
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How about attending a private university instead of a public one? Typically, private colleges charge more. The following graph provides information regarding attendance at private colleges in Florida.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Florida vs. National Average
Key
Florida
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Have you considered taking out student loans to fund your degree? When considering a loan, there are some things you should keep in mind.
You must ensure that you can make all the payments on time and repay the loan by the due date.
You should think about whether a degree from a particular school is going to help you in your career goals.
You should understand the repayment schedule for your loans so that it does not cause undue hardship on your finances.
Take a look at the following data to learn what students typically borrow.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
The main distinguishing factors between online and on-campus programs include cost and class size. Online programs offer numerous advantages, including flexibility, affordability, and convenience. On-campus programs are typically more expensive. This is because student fees are optional for distance students. The benefits of attending classes, however, are numerous.
There are many differences that exist between public and private institutions. To begin with, the cost of a public school differs from that of a private school. Students at public universities often use grants and scholarships to pay for their education and fees. The cost of attending a private college is typically lower for those with superior academic performance.
There is also an advantage to attending a private college in that the classes tend to be smaller, which provides students with more one-on-one time with their professors. Smaller class sizes also allow them to explore what their chosen field has to offer. There are some benefits and drawbacks to attending a private institution as opposed to a public one.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
As a counselor, how much do you make in Florida?
Counselors report a mean annual salary of $38,370 in Florida.
Are counseling graduates in high demand?
The total number of counselors is projected to change by 8.9% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you get a counseling degree online?
A master's degree in counseling can be obtained online. At least some online courses are included in most schools' programs in today's environment.
How long does it take to complete a master's degree?
Typically, full-time students complete their master's degree within two years of enrolling. Some students complete the program faster than others.
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