Most counseling programs offer students a variety of psychology and clinical classes to choose from. Some typical topics include theories and approaches to counseling, research methods, group facilitation skills, ethical issues, counseling families and couples, and trauma counseling.

A master’s program is a focused degree that requires about two years of classwork, research, and possibly a thesis paper to earn. This advanced program of study allows students to further specialize their schooling in an area that interests them.