Graduate programs in psychology or counseling are a great idea if considering a counseling position, since most require a masters degree. There are online degrees available from counseling graduate schools in mental health counseling, counseling studies, and school counseling.

One online school program has developed a masters in education - school guidance that is designed for adults who wish to become a school counselor by furthering their counseling education. This course of study is a two year program, in which all of the clinical work is isolated into a two month period each year during the summer when the student must be on campus. The rest of the program is distance learning, although it is taught at specific hours.

This is an example of how distance learning psychology courses have become increasingly popular and how online schools are dealing with the on-site requirements. Clinical psychologists are generally required to have a PhD license and also required to have a  number of hours in the field. One online school has a PhD in Psychology with eight areas of specialization, all of which have residency, or clinical training, requirements.

The “community counseling” role found in many public health clinics has become a common one through online education.  You can obtain a masters of arts in community counseling which trains you for working in substance abuse facilities and family therapy clinics. The courses that consist of this online counseling degree include topics such as counseling the adolescent; career counseling; clinical evaluation; child therapy; and family counseling. This career field is an interesting professional role situated between the clinical psychologist and the marriage/family counselor;  it’s one that you can pursue through distance learning.

The fields of psychology and counseling can take you in a number of directions. For most of them, eventually you will need a masters psychology degree or counseling masters degrees. Many adults who choose to go in this direction take their time while they manage a job and family. For people who wish to take that route, online schools are an excellent and efficient method of getting a psychology or counseling degree. The Univeristy of Pheonix has taken the field and practice of psychology and developed a number of specializations that display the opportunities available if you are interested in a career in psychology. There you can obtain a masters of science in psychology through distance learning, with these specializations:

• General Program
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Industrial / Organizational Psychology
• School Psychology
• Sport Psychology

That is one online school’s offering in this particular field. The careers range from school counselor to industrial strategist. As you can see, an online degree in psychology can offer you multiple opportunities and the option to choose the type of career you would like to obtain.