Looking for the best Master's Degree in Counseling in Georgia? You should consider these top-tier graduate programs and jobs in the counseling field.
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Master's Degrees in Counseling in Georgia
Earning a Master's Degree in Counseling in Georgia
In today’s competitive world, earning one of the best degrees in Georgia for counseling will help make all the difference. With a master's degree, graduates are able to pursue diverse career paths, and master's degree-seekers gain the skills needed to move forward and succeed in their career.
Additionally, those with a master's degree earn an average of $1,574 per week, or $6,296 per month and $81,848 annually. With an unemployment rate of 2.6%, master's degree-holders are also more likely to be employed than those with only a high school diploma.
Counseling Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in Georgia in the Counseling Profession
A counseling degree can open up a number of different job opportunities. Many common courses covered in a counseling degree program include human development, psychology, and sociology. With a degree in counseling, you could work as a guidance counselor in a school, a social worker, or a counselor in a private practice.
The average annual salary in Georgia is $38,340, or $18.43 per hour. All 4,378,430 employees in Georgia are included in this statistic. As a result, according to the BLS, the lowest 10% of earners take home approximately $21,390 per year, and the highest 10% of earners take home approximately $91,000 per year. A comparison of Georgia's counselor salaries is offered below.
Key
Counselors in Georgia
Counselors Nationally
All Occupations in Georgia
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Counselors in Georgia and Nationwide
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Based on the cost of living index, Georgia is ranked number 5 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.) for the cost of living. The cost of living index measures the average cost of living in specific states against the cost of living nationwide. Assuming that the US average is 100, all locations in the U.S. are either higher (more expensive) or lower (less expensive). Georgia's cost of living index is 87.8, which is 12.2% lower than the national average. Degree-seekers interested in relocating to Georgia may be interested in the following cost of living comparison.
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There is a projected 8.9% growth in the counseling profession over the next decade. Based on BLS projections, the total employment in the occupation will change from 54,300 to 59,200 by 2030. For these positions, a master's degree is typically required. There are a number of common job titles that include:
Counselors
AIDS Counselor
Anger Control Counselor
Grief Counselor
HIV Counselor
Sexual Assault Counselor
Master's Degrees in Counseling in Georgia
#1 Master’s Degrees in Counseling in Georgia
Mercer University
Macon, GA
4 years
Online + Campus
From its campus in Macon, Mercer University offers an online master's in clinical mental health counseling. The rigorous curriculum prepares students for advanced roles in the field. Earning a master's degree can help candidates advance in their current career or pursue a new career path entirely.
The curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners specialize the program by choosing from a variety of electives. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in counseling or a related field.
Online enrollees gain real-world experience through local internships. Many institutions provide libraries and fitness centers for use by students living on campus. The program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.
Mercer University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 74%
Total Online Master's Programs: 10
Program Name: Master's in clinical mental health counseling
Graduate Tuition In State: $15,422
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $15,422
Average Tuition
In-state
$28,695
Out-of-state
$28,695
Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
9,006
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
#2 Master’s Degrees in Counseling in Georgia
Truett McConnell University
Cleveland, GA
4 years
Online + Campus
From its campus in Cleveland, Truett McConnell University offers an online master of arts in professional counseling. The program helps graduates move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. After earning a master's degree, graduates can also pursue careers in new industries.
The curriculum emphasizes theory and practice in professional counseling. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. The master's program recommends a background in counseling before applying to the program.
Online enrollees work with the program to find local internships. The common facilities and services offered at most universities, such as the library or gym, are accessible to students who live on campus. Internships and other practicum activities build both hands-on experience and professional connections.
Truett McConnell University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 94%
Total Online Master's Programs: 2
Program Name: Master of arts in professional counseling
Graduate Tuition In State: $6,300
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $6,300
Average Tuition
In-state
$20,928
Out-of-state
$20,928
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
2,923
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
60%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financing a Master's Degree in Counseling
Financial aid helps many degree-seekers lower the cost of a degree. There are many forms of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs. Along with federal student loans, some students are also eligible for private student loans. It is a good idea to research the colleges you are interested in and find out what kinds of financial aid might be available.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) helps enrollees cover costs.
For scholarship and grant opportunities, students should contact the school's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in Georgia
Depending on the institution, college costs in Georgia can vary significantly. However, there are some similarities that exist among both public and private institutions. For more information on attending a public institution, please review the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Georgia vs. National Average
Key
Georgia
National Average
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Are you thinking of attending a private college? Private colleges often cost students more overall. In the graph below, you will find information about attending private colleges in Georgia.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Georgia vs. National Average
Key
Georgia
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Would you consider borrowing student loans to fund your education? Prior to committing to a loan, you should take a few things into consideration.
You must ensure that you will be able to make all future payments on time to repay the loan by the due date.
In order to meet your career goals, you should think about whether earning a degree from a particular school will help you.
If you are considering taking out a loan, make sure you understand the repayment schedule.
Please review the data below to determine 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
Cost and class size are the two main differences between an online and on-campus degree. The advantages of online degree programs include flexibility, affordability, and convenience. As a result of student fees, on-campus degrees are typically more expensive. However, attending classes in person has its benefits.
There are a number of differences between private and public colleges. A private institution is generally more expensive than a public one. Students at public schools often use grants and scholarships to lower the cost of their education. At private schools, there are often merit scholarships available for students who perform well academically.
Private colleges tend to have smaller classes, allowing students to connect with professors directly. Consider the pros and cons of attending a private institution versus 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
In Georgia, how much do counselors make?
Counselors can expect a mean annual salary of $57,720 in Georgia.
Are individuals with counseling degrees in high demand?
The total number of counselors is expected to change by 8.9% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you earn a master's in counseling online?
It is possible to earn an online master's degree in counseling. As a matter of fact, most modern schools provide at least some of their courses online.
How long does it take for you to complete a master's degree?
Students can typically complete their master's degree in two years. Part-time students will take longer to complete the program, and the completion time will vary from student to student.
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