Careers in Counseling and Psychology for Masters Level Graduates: A Guide to Choosing the Right Career Path

There are many different counseling and psychology careers available to masters level graduate students. Unfortunately, some students lack adequate knowledge of these careers. They begin graduate studies in one area, only to find that the job responsibilities are not what they expected or that the job doesn't fit their professional and personal goals; however, they do like working with the population. The first section of this book provides information on different careers in counseling and psychology. Although limited in scope, it is the hope of the author that students enrolled in or considering a masters degree in counseling and psychology will use this book when researching career fields, licensure and certification requirements, roles and responsibilities, and best practices. This book also emphasizes the importance of multicultural competencies when working with diverse populations and the importance staying abreast of appropriate legal and ethical practices. The final chapter encourages graduates to consider advanced degrees through an informed process provided by one contributing professor. It is the hope that this is first of several career guides for masters level graduate students in counseling and psychology.

Audrey A. Lucas, Ph.D. began her career in education in 1993. She has worked as a school counselor, school psychologist, academic advisor, program coordinator, and Assistant Dean. Dr. Lucas is interested in the overall development of students from kindergarten through graduate school and believes knowledge opens the door to direction and a purposeful life. As an assistant professor and Coordinator of the School Counseling Program at Bowie State University, she realized that many students lacked knowledge of career opportunities available to them and that they had difficulty identifying careers better suited to their academic pursuits and professional goals. This book was birthed out of that observation.