Post job

Counselor, instructor education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a counselor, instructor. Counselors, instructor usually study psychology, business, or school counseling. 63% of counselors, instructor hold a bachelor's degree, and 19% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 1,555 real counselor, instructor resumes to see exactly what counselor, instructor education sections show.

The most common colleges for counselors, instructor are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.

There are also many online counselor, instructor courses to help get the education required to be a counselor, instructor.

There are certain counselor, instructor certifications that you should consider. These counselor, instructor certifications include Pastoral Counseling Certification and First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor.

What education do you need to become a counselor, instructor?

What degree do you need to be a counselor, instructor?

The most common degree for counselors, instructor is bachelor's degree, with 63% of counselors, instructor earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 19% and master's degree degree at 10%.
  • Bachelor's, 63%
  • Master's, 19%
  • Associate, 10%
  • High School Diploma, 4%
  • Other Degrees, 4%

What should I major in to become a counselor, instructor?

You should major in psychology to become a counselor, instructor. 19% of counselors, instructor major in psychology. Other common majors for a counselor, instructor include business and school counseling.

Most common colleges for counselors, instructor

Counselors, instructor often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, Temple University, and Howard University. Here are the most common colleges for counselors, instructor in the US based on their resumes.
Counselor, instructor common collegePercentages
University of Phoenix7.55%
Temple University6.60%
Howard University6.60%
California State University - San Bernardino5.66%
The University of Alabama5.66%

Best majors for counselors, instructor

RankMajorPercentages
1Psychology19.4%
2Business10.4%
3School Counseling7.3%
4Communication5.9%
5Elementary Education5.8%

Best colleges for counselors, instructor

The best colleges for counselors, instructor are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and Johns Hopkins University.

A counselor, instructor with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for counselors, instructor. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become counselors, instructor.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

3. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

4. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

In-state tuition

$53,740

Enrollment

5,567

5. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

6. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,420

Enrollment

7,582

7. SUNY at Albany

Albany, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$10,011

Enrollment

13,434

8. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

9. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Enrollment

31,503

10. San Diego State University

San Diego, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,488

Enrollment

30,018

20 best online courses for counselors, instructor

Advertising disclosure

1. Psychological First Aid

coursera

Learn to provide psychological first aid to people in an emergency by employing the RAPID model: Reflective listening, Assessment of needs, Prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition. Utilizing the RAPID model (Reflective listening, Assessment of needs, Prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition), this specialized course provides perspectives on injuries and trauma that are beyond those physical in nature. The RAPID model is readily applicable to public health settings, the workplace, the...

2. Crisis Intervention Seminar

udemy
4.4
(634)

The emphasis is on the development of fundamental clinical skills in the area of crisis intervention...

3. Addiction & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) Integrative 12hrs

udemy
4.7
(1,529)

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...

4. [Accredited] Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Counselor

udemy
4.3
(419)

Learn DBT in depth, start conducting sessions with ready to use templates, and set up counseling practice within weeks!...

5. Mental Health First Aid Skills -

udemy
4.4
(1,774)

This course is designed to provide the tools and knowledge for learners to help and support those experiencing MH issues...

6. Addiction & Mental Health - Chemically Speaking Two (2hrs)

udemy
4.7
(311)

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions - Understand Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health. How to help people...

7. Public Relations: Media Crisis Communications

udemy
4.6
(2,248)

Public Relations: You Can Shape and Control Your Media Messages at The Worst Possible Times...

8. Cognitive Psychology for Positive Mental Health and Wellness

udemy
4.8
(570)

Optimise your mental health and reduce stress by mastering the key concepts of Cognitive Behavioural Psychology (CBP)...

9. Anger Management & Conflict Resolution Program - (4 hours)

udemy
4.3
(676)

How to manage anger and ensure it does not explode into rage. Enhance your life by building quality relationships...

10. Communications for New Managers

udemy
4.5
(2,809)

Learn from an Emmy-Award Winner and a #1 Linked In Instructor on developing effective leadership communications skills...

11. Implementing Positive Behaviour Management in the Classroom

udemy
4.5
(416)

Practical Strategies to Address Behaviour Issues in any Classroom...

12. Financial Planning Coaching Certification Holistic Coaching

udemy
4.4
(1,262)

Financial Planning Coaching Practitioner Course Graduates Prepared Professionals in Holistic Financial Planning Coaching...

13. Communication Skills every Manager should Master

udemy
4.4
(3,456)

Powerful Communication Techniques to better Delegate, Communicate Decisions, Change Resistance, Say No & Admit Mistakes...

14. Mental Health Ambassador Certificate

udemy
4.6
(1,115)

Be a leader in improving society's mental health and learn to provide mental health first aid...

15. Managing mental health issues in the workplace

udemy
4.1
(891)

Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and that of your staff...

16. Advanced Product Management: Leadership & Communication

udemy
4.5
(2,424)

Accelerate your Product Management career. Master communication, people management, & leadership...

17. Financial Planning & Analysis: Building a Company's Budget

udemy
4.6
(8,605)

Learn the Fundamentals of Financial Planning and Position Your Career for Success!...

18. Mindfulness for Mental Health, Personal Growth & Inner Peace

udemy
4.4
(1,293)

The essential guide to cultivating positive mental health, practicing mindfulness, and advancing your personal growth...

19. Learn Risk Management: Risk Planning in Agile and Scrum

udemy
4.4
(712)

Complete Risk Management and Risk Planning Training: Identify Project Risks, Create Risk Plan and Monitor Risks in Scrum...

20. Workplace Mental Health: A Manager's Ultimate Guide

udemy
4.6
(1,641)

How to manage mental health in the workplace to boost productivity and be the best boss!...

Top 10 most affordable universities for counselors, instructor

The most affordable schools for counselors, instructor are Baruch College of the City University of New York, california state university - long beach, and california state university - bakersfield.

If the best universities for counselors, instructor are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for counselors, instructor.

1. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

2. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

3. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

4. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,182

Cost of attendance

13,998

5. University of Houston - Victoria

Victoria, TX • Private

In-state tuition

$6,491

Cost of attendance

19,075

6. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

7. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

8. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

9. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

10. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for counselors, instructor

The hardest universities for counselors, instructor to get into are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and Johns Hopkins University.

Some great schools for counselors, instructor are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for counselors, instructor based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

3. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

4. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

5. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions rate

5%

SAT average

1,520

6. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

7. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

8. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

9. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

10. Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA • Private

Admissions rate

28%

SAT average

1,429

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for counselors, instructor

The easiest schools for counselors, instructor to get into are University of North Texas at Dallas, gwynedd mercy university, and barry university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a counselor, instructor without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for counselors, instructor.

1. University of North Texas at Dallas

Dallas, TX • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

992

2. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private

Admissions rate

92%

SAT average

1,031

3. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

4. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Admissions rate

70%

SAT average

849

5. Ottawa University

Ottawa, KS • Private

Admissions rate

78%

SAT average

1,024

6. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

7. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions rate

82%

SAT average

983

8. Holy Family University

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

72%

SAT average

1,017

9. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

10. Our Lady of the Lake University

San Antonio, TX • Private

Admissions rate

93%

SAT average

1,002

Average counselor, instructor salary by education level

Counselors, instructor with a Doctorate degree earn more than those without, at $43,076 annually. With a Master's degree, counselors, instructor earn a median annual income of $41,774 compared to $32,574 for counselors, instructor with an Bachelor's degree.
Counselor, instructor education levelCounselor, instructor salary
Master's Degree$41,774
Bachelor's Degree$32,574
Doctorate Degree$43,076

Counselor, instructor education FAQs

Search for counselor, instructor jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse community and social services jobs