Is Walden’s MS Dual Counseling Degree Program for Me?

Mental health counselors and school counselors are in demand.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects overall employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors to grow 22% between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.¹ Employment growth in the career and school counseling field is projected at 10% for the same period, which is faster than the average.²

If you’re interested in a career in counseling, then Walden University’s MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling program may be a good choice.

What Is a Dual Degree Program?

It’s a master’s program that allows you to earn two degrees at the same time.

Here’s how: Even though the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling are distinct degrees and specialty areas, they share foundational courses on topics like counseling theories, counseling techniques, life span development, assessment, and research. Walden designed a dual counseling degree curriculum that meets Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) requirements for granting both degrees.

To earn both counseling degrees, CACREP requires that you complete an internship for each specialty, and that your degrees are awarded simultaneously.³

What Are a Dual Degree Program’s Advantages?

Walden’s master’s counseling dual degree program offers features and advantages like these:

• Online learning: Walden is one of the few universities to offer a fully online MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling program.
• Designed for working professionals: Using Walden’s flexible online learning platform, you can earn a degree while staying active in your professional and personal lives.
• More career options: You gain the knowledge and skills to pursue job opportunities in clinical mental health counseling and school and guidance counseling.
• Specializations: Choose the General Program or focus your studies with one of these specializations: Addiction Counseling; Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling; Military Families and Culture; Forensic Counseling; and Trauma and Crisis Counseling.
• Practical focus: Walden’s dual degree program academically prepares students to pursue state licensure and certification.
• Virtual experiences: Practice and develop your counseling skills using Skillsetter, an innovative software program.
• Scholarship opportunities: You may be eligible for tuition savings through Walden’s Believe & Achieve Scholarship™. Students earn tuition savings based on the progress they make in their online degree program. You can learn more by contacting a tuition and financial aid advisor.

How Can I Use My Master’s Degrees?

Your degrees in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling can open doors to countless opportunities in these fast-growing career fields.

Licensed clinical mental health counselors help children and adults work through challenges and manage conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress. As a clinical mental health counselor, you may choose to work in private practice, for a nonprofit organization, or for a residential or outpatient mental health center, to name just a few options. Professionals who specialize in addiction counseling also work in treatment centers and hospitals.⁴

You’ll find school counselors working for student success in K–12 public and private schools. School, career, and guidance counselors also work in higher education; for nonprofit, private, and governmental organizations; and in private practice.⁵

Find Your Niche With an Online Counseling Degree

If a dual degree sounds like a good fit with your career goals, contact a Walden Enrollment Specialist to learn more about requirements for the online MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling program.

Maximize your potential to help people of all ages by earning this career-expanding dual counseling degree.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering an MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling online degree program. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

¹Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
²Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm
³Source: www.cacrep.org/for-programs/cacrep-policy-document/#policy5.c
⁴Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-3
⁵Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm#tab-2

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.