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!
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
Transfer Degree
Want to pursue a bachelor’s degree? 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 and evaluate individuals' problems through the use of case history, interview, and observation and provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$30.69
Annual Median Wage
$63,852
Number of People Employed
1,940
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 16.9%
Counsel individuals and provide group educational and vocational guidance services.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$25.40
Annual Median Wage
$52,847
Number of People Employed
6,258
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 8.9%
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
$24.56
Annual Median Wage
$51,086
Number of People Employed
605
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 31.9%
Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$21.54
Annual Median Wage
$44,811
Number of People Employed
4,077
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 25.9%
Plan, direct, or coordinate research, instructional, student administration and services, and other 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
$44.01
Annual Median Wage
$91,547
Number of People Employed
1,839
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 2.3%
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
$34.07
Annual Median Wage
$70,884
Annual Job Openings
1,457
Number of People Employed
15,432
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 5.6%
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
$28.19
Annual Median Wage
$58,652
Number of People Employed
1,400
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 1.4%
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
$16.45
Annual Median Wage
$34,222
Number of People Employed
2,636
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.8%
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, 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
$15.13
Annual Median Wage
$31,490
Number of People Employed
1,192
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 13.3%
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
$30.85
Annual Median Wage
$64,185
Number of People Employed
2,095
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 19.1%
Assist 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
$15.60
Annual Median Wage
$32,460
Number of People Employed
5,427
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 17.9%
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
$21.24
Annual Median Wage
$44,194
Number of People Employed
624
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 8.2%
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
$21.54
Annual Median Wage
$44,811
Number of People Employed
4,077
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 25.9%
* Career and wage information provided by Emsi using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Emsi’s proprietary analytical processes. Emsi’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.