Counseling majors are available at various degree levels, ranging from undergraduate foundations to specialized graduate programs required for professional licensure.  Core Counseling Majors & Specializations These majors often represent the primary tracks recognized by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).  Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Focuses on psychotherapeutic methods to treat mental and emotional disorders like anxiety, depression, and trauma. Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT): Specializes in relational dynamics, family systems theory, and supporting couples and families through challenges like divorce or infidelity. School Counseling: Prepares students for K-12 educational environments, focusing on age-appropriate academic, social, and emotional guidance. Substance Abuse & Addiction Counseling: Emphasizes treating chemical dependency, the cycles of addiction, and recovery challenges. Rehabilitation Counseling: Focuses on supporting individuals with cognitive, physical, or psychiatric disabilities to help them achieve independence and vocational goals. Career Counseling: Guides individuals through career transitions, vocational goal-setting, and workplace dynamics.  Related & Niche Majors Many students pursue broader majors that serve as a foundation for counseling careers or specialized master’s programs.  Counseling Psychology: Integrates psychological principles into therapeutic practice, often with demographic-specific concentrations like child or geriatric psychology. Behavioral Health Science: A broad major often including emphases in family dynamics, trauma, or childhood disorders. Art Therapy Counseling: Combines creative expression with therapeutic processes to help clients who may struggle with verbal communication. Clinical Pastoral Counseling: Focuses on providing spiritual and religious-based counseling services. Genetic Counseling: A specialized field helping patients understand and adapt to the medical and psychological implications of genetic conditions.  Degree Level Paths for 2026 Bachelor’s Level: Common foundational majors include Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, and Human Services. Master’s Level: This is the entry-level degree required for full state licensure as a professional counselor (e.g., LPC, LMFT). Doctoral Level: Advanced degrees like a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology or Counselor Education and Supervision are typically for those pursuing research, academia, or high-level clinical roles.