Looking for the best Master's Degree in Counseling in New York? You should consider these top-tier graduate programs and jobs in the counseling field.
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Master's Degrees in Counseling in New York
Earning a Master's Degree in Counseling in New York
The best degree in New York for counseling will allow you to utilize your skills and passions to the fullest extent. With a master's degree, graduates are prepared to pursue diverse careers, and students gain the skills necessary to succeed in their field.
The median annual income for individuals who hold a master's degree is approximately $6,296 per month or $81,848 annually. Master's degree-holders are also more likely to be employed than those with only a high school degree.
Counseling Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in New York in the Counseling Profession
By earning a counseling degree, students learn the necessary skills to work with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings. The degree program typically covers topics such as human development, psychopathology, counseling theories and practices, research methods, and assessment. Counseling degree-holders can work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practices.
The average annual wage in New York is $48,800, or $23.46 per hour. This holds true for the state's 8,669,050 employees. The BLS also reports that the lowest 10% of earners take home about $29,220, while the highest 10% earn about $129,290. A comparison for New York counselors is offered below.
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Counselors in New York
Counselors Nationally
All Occupations in New York
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Counselors in New York and Nationwide
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A report by MERIC ranked New York number 48 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.) on the cost of living index. The cost of living index measures the average cost of living in the U.S. against other states. The U.S. average is 100, and all locations are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive). New York's cost of living index is 136.8, which is 36.8% higher than the national average. Check out how the cost of living here compares to other states.
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During this decade, the number of counselors is expected to grow by 8.9%. There is a projected change from 54,300 in 2020 to 59,200 in 2030, according to the BLS. Generally, a master's degree is the minimum level of education required for entry-level positions in these fields. The most common job titles are:
Counselors
AIDS Counselor
Anger Control Counselor
Grief Counselor
HIV Counselor
Sexual Assault Counselor
Master's Degrees in Counseling in New York
#1 Master’s Degrees in Counseling in New York
Fordham University
Bronx, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
The online master's in mental health counseling at Fordham University, located in Bronx, offers high academic quality. The program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing students for leadership positions. After completing a master's degree, graduates can pursue career advancement in their current field or a new one.
The curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to mental health counseling. Learners individualize the course of study by selecting electives and concentrations. The program recommends a background in counseling or a related field when applying.
Online enrollees participate in internship programs 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. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
Fordham University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 46%
Total Online Master's Programs: 12
Program Name: Master's in mental health counseling
Graduate Tuition In State: $34,608
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $34,608
Average Tuition
In-state
$54,730
Out-of-state
$54,730
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
16,364
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Master’s Degrees in Counseling in New York
New York University
New York, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
New York University offers a flexible online master of arts in counseling for mental health and wellness. The program builds specialized skills for leadership roles in the counseling field and related industries. A master's degree helps graduates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.
The curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in counseling. Learners individualize the course of study by selecting electives and concentrations. Applicants with a background in counseling typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees can often complete professional internships at approved locations in their own community. Those who attend on campus can enjoy the common amenities and facilities available at most institutions, such as the library or gym. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
New York University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 16%
Total Online Master's Programs: 28
Program Name: Master of arts in counseling for mental health and wellness
Graduate Tuition In State: $33,408
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $33,408
Average Tuition
In-state
$52,204
Out-of-state
$52,204
Retention Rate
90%
Admission Rate
21%
Students Enrolled
52,775
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Master’s Degrees in Counseling in New York
SUNY at Albany
Albany, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
The master of science in mental health counseling program at SUNY at Albany offers a flexible online format. Students prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous program. With a master's degree, graduates can also pursue new careers.
The curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. Applicants who majored in counseling or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees complement the classroom experience with local internships. Common facilities and services offered at most universities, like the library or gymnasium, are accessible to students living on campus. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
SUNY at Albany at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 54%
Total Online Master's Programs: 6
Program Name: Master of science in mental health counseling
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,310
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $23,100
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$24,660
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
17,688
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Master’s Degrees in Counseling in New York
St. Lawrence University
Canton, NY
4 years
Campus
Based in Canton, St. Lawrence University hosts a top-rated online master's in psychology. The program helps graduates increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. A master's degree can also train candidates for roles in new industries.
The curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches to psychology. Learners individualize the program to prepare for focused careers. Applicants with prior experience in counseling or a related field often meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. Those who attend on campus can enjoy the common amenities and facilities available at most institutions, such as the library or gym. Internships and other practicum activities build both hands-on experience and professional connections.
St. Lawrence University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 42%
Total Online Master's Programs: Data not available
Program Name: Master's in psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $21,114
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $21,114
Average Tuition
In-state
$58,330
Out-of-state
$58,330
Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
47%
Students Enrolled
2,319
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Master’s Degrees in Counseling in New York
Teachers College at Columbia University
New York, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
From its campus in New York, Teachers College at Columbia University hosts a top-ranked master's in counseling psychology. Enrollees train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree. After completing a master's degree, graduates can advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.
The curriculum emphasizes the best practices in counseling psychology. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. The program recommends a background in counseling or a related field when applying.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. Many institutions provide libraries and fitness centers for use by students living on campus. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
Teachers College at Columbia University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: Data not available
Total Online Master's Programs: 4
Program Name: Master's in counseling psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $40,800
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $40,800
Average Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,547
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Financing a Master's Degree in Counseling
You can get financial aid to help pay for your college education. There are a few ways to get financial aid, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs. Some students also use federal and private student loans to cover costs. In addition, many colleges offer scholarships for applicants, which can help them reduce the financial burden of earning a degree.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA allows degree-seekers to use federal student aid to cover costs.
For scholarship and grant opportunities, students can reach out to the financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in New York
The cost of education in New York will vary based on the institution. Public and private institutions, however, share some commonalities. For more information on attending a public institution, please take a moment to review the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: New York vs. National Average
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New York
National Average
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How about attending a private college or university instead of a public one? In general, private schools charge higher tuition fees. Check out the following graph to learn more about private colleges in New York.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: New York vs. National Average
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New York
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Have you ever considered taking out student loans to fund your education? Before committing to a loan, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
When it becomes time to repay the loan, you must ensure that you will be able to pay all payments on time.
You should think about whether a degree from a particular school will help you meet your career goals.
Make sure that you understand what type of repayment schedule will apply to prevent any undue hardship on your finances.
The following data will assist you in determining what students tend to 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 cost and size of the class are two of the main differences between an online degree and a degree earned on campus. Online programs offer flexible, affordable, and convenient degrees. On-campus degrees are typically more expensive due to student fees, which may be optional for distance students. The advantages of attending in-person classes, however, are numerous.
Private colleges and public colleges differ in many ways. The cost of education at private colleges is generally higher than that of public colleges. At public institutions, costs are set by the government and can therefore be covered by state-funded grants and scholarships. However, students who demonstrate superior academic performance can earn merit-based scholarships at private schools.
The size of private colleges is generally smaller, allowing students to connect with professors one-on-one. Listed below are some benefits and drawbacks 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
What is the mean wage of counselors?
In-state counselors make a mean annual salary of $66,400.
Are graduates with a counseling degree in high demand or not?
The total number of counselors is expected to change by 8.9% from 2020 to 2030.
Are there any opportunities to earn a master's degree in counseling online?
A master's degree in counseling is a great way to prepare for the workforce. Most schools in today's environment offer a certain amount of online instruction.
How many years will you spend earning a master's degree?
It typically takes two years for full-time students to complete a master's degree. The completion time will vary for part-time students, and the process will take longer to complete.
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