Field of Interest
As more people seek help in coping with life’s difficult situations and the demand for mental health services continues to rise, the need for skilled counselors and psychologists is increasing. If a rewarding career in helping others through counseling or psychology calls to you, enroll in our Counseling program. This program covers the first two years of the four-year curriculum for students who wish to specialize in counseling or psychology and plan to receive their Bachelors and / or graduate degree.
This program teaches the foundations of counseling — you will learn about theories, career, and lifespan development, as well as ethics and research. Upon graduating from this program, you will be able to transfer to a university to continue your education to earn your Bachelors degree.
Enroll in the Counseling program and make it happen today!
University Transfer Degree
Want to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a university? Save money by starting at MCC in manageable, small classes taught by renowned faculty. Our transfer pathways with Arizona universities help you achieve two goals: completing an associate’s degree while also staying on track to earn a bachelor’s degree at your transfer destination. MCC’s university partnerships throughout the nation assure your seamless transition toward a four-year degree.
A list of available transfer degree options for the Counseling program
At MCC, get an... |
Emphasis in... |
Transfer to... |
To get a... |
Courses |
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science
| Counseling and Applied Psychological Science |
A transfer partner |
Bachelor's Degree |
Pathway Map |
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of a degree or certificate within the Counseling program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages*. Some occupations may require additional education or training. You can click on any occupation to view more detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$40.36
Annual Median Wage
$83,967
Number of People Employed
640
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 42.3%
Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$24.09
Annual Median Wage
$50,124
Number of People Employed
6,322
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 9.3%
Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$25.37
Annual Median Wage
$52,776
Number of People Employed
578
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 46.2%
Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$23.94
Annual Median Wage
$49,800
Number of People Employed
4,626
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 37.6%
Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$45.28
Annual Median Wage
$94,190
Number of People Employed
2,602
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 8.9%
Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$30.54
Annual Median Wage
$63,538
Annual Job Openings
2,472
Number of People Employed
23,439
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 11.2%
Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$29.47
Annual Median Wage
$61,303
Number of People Employed
1,306
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 2.7%
Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.
Typical Education Level
a high school diploma or less
Hourly Median Wage
$17.65
Annual Median Wage
$36,716
Number of People Employed
4,005
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 13.5%
Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$18.47
Annual Median Wage
$38,424
Number of People Employed
1,185
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 11.7%
Diagnose and implement individual or schoolwide interventions or strategies to address educational, behavioral, or developmental issues that adversely impact educational functioning in a school. May address student learning and behavioral problems and counsel students or families. May design and implement performance plans, and evaluate performance. May consult with other school-based personnel.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$38.23
Annual Median Wage
$79,538
Number of People Employed
773
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 5.8%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$28.69
Annual Median Wage
$59,686
Number of People Employed
2,173
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 22.5%
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$18.14
Annual Median Wage
$37,735
Number of People Employed
3,820
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 26.4%
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$23.56
Annual Median Wage
$49,019
Number of People Employed
609
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 11.8%
Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$23.94
Annual Median Wage
$49,800
Number of People Employed
4,626
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 37.6%
* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer
Financial Aid
You can get a high-quality, affordable education. MCC’s low tuition rates and various financial aid opportunities make it possible. Explore federal and state grants, Federal Work-Study, scholarships, student loans, and other options today.
Connect with an Advisor
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Before signing up for classes, you’ll want to connect with an academic advisor. Together, you’ll lay out an academic plan that suits you best. This step is essential to your academic success.