Why Choose a Bachelor’s in Psychology Before a Master’s in Counseling?
If you're drawn to helping people navigate challenges, improve mental health, and build healthier relationships, a career in counseling may be the right fit. While many academic pathways can lead to a master's in counseling, one of the strongest (and most common) starting points is earning a bachelor's degree in psychology.
A psychology BA or BS gives students a deep understanding of human behavior, mental processes, research methods, and developmental theory. These are all critical components of successful graduate-level counseling training, whether your ultimate goal is to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC), marriage and family therapist (MFT), school counselor, or clinical mental health counselor.
This article will cover:
- Why psychology is one of the most popular majors for future counselors
- How a psychology degree prepares you for graduate-level counseling coursework
- The practical advantages psychology majors bring to clinical training
- Alternative undergraduate pathways and how they compare
- What graduate admissions committees look for from psychology majors
- Steps to take as a psychology student to strengthen your counseling school applications
The Natural Connection Between Psychology and Counseling
Psychology and counseling share a common goal: understanding human behavior to improve well-being. Because of this overlap, psychology majors enter master's-level counseling programs better prepared in:
- Theory (e.g., cognitive, behavioral, developmental, and personality theories)
- Research literacy
- Human development
- Abnormal psychology and diagnoses
- Cultural and social influences on behavior
These foundations mirror much of the early coursework in counseling graduate programs, giving psychology majors a smoother transition into advanced concepts such as therapeutic interventions, case conceptualization, and clinical ethics.
Benefits of Earning a Psychology Bachelor's Before a Counseling Master's
Below are the key reasons students choose to major in psychology on the path to becoming a counselor.
1. Strong Foundation in Human Behavior and Development
Counselors work with clients across the lifespan, including children, teens, adults, and older adults. Undergraduate psychology programs typically require courses in:
- Lifespan development
- Personality theory
- Social psychology
- Cognitive psychology
- Biological bases of behavior
Understanding how people think, feel, and develop over time makes it easier to apply counseling methods later.
Tip — Development Knowledge Matters
Many evidence-based counseling techniques rely on understanding how patterns of behavior form. Psychology majors start graduate school already familiar with these foundations.
2. Exposure to Mental Health–Related Courses
Most psychology programs offer electives directly relevant to counseling, such as:
- Abnormal psychology
- Psychopathology
- Health psychology
- Trauma and crisis response
- Behavioral science
- Child and adolescent psychology
These courses provide early exposure to the diagnostic frameworks and mental health concepts used heavily in counseling coursework and clinical practice.
3. Research and Analytical Skills That Support Counseling Success
Counselors must be able to:
- Interpret mental health research
- Evaluate treatment effectiveness
- Understand assessment data
- Incorporate evidence-based practices
A bachelor's in psychology provides strong training in research methods, statistics, and critical thinking, making graduate-level research and case evaluations far more approachable.
4. Opportunities to Explore Specializations
Psychology majors often get early exposure to the specialty areas they may later pursue in counseling master's programs, such as:
- Clinical mental health counseling
- Marriage and family therapy
- School counseling
- Substance use counseling
- Rehabilitation counseling
- Child and adolescent counseling
Many psychology programs also offer internships, research projects, or practicum experiences that help students clarify their career direction after graduation.
5. A Competitive Edge for Graduate Admissions
Counseling programs don't require psychology degrees, but admissions committees recognize their value. Psychology majors often stand out because they arrive with:
- Relevant academic preparation
- Exposure to mental health topics
- Research or volunteer experience
- Familiarity with ethics and professional conduct
Admissions committees may still accept students from other majors, but psychology majors are often viewed as more "training-ready."
6. Professional Versatility Before, During, and After Graduate School
Another benefit of choosing psychology is its flexibility. Psychology graduates can work in a variety of roles even before entering graduate school, such as:
- Case manager
- Behavioral health technician
- Psychiatric aide
- Residential counselor
- Research assistant
- Crisis hotline specialist
These experiences not only strengthen graduate applications but also build valuable clinical skills. Learn more about psychology careers.
How Psychology Majors Compare to Other Undergraduate Pathways
While psychology is the most common major for aspiring counselors, it's not the only viable path.
Comparison: Psychology vs. Other Undergraduate Degrees
| Undergraduate Major | Preparation Strengths | Possible Gaps for Counseling School |
| Psychology | Strong theory, research, mental health foundations | Few gaps; most aligned |
| Social Work (BSW) | Hands-on practice, community systems, case management | May need deeper research/methods training |
| Human Development/Family Studies | Strong family, lifespan, and relational frameworks | May need abnormal psych or research |
| Education | Child development and learning theory | Lacks clinical mental health coursework |
| Sociology/Anthropology | Cultural competence and social systems understanding | Limited direct mental health focus |
Tip — Any Degree Can Work with the Right Prerequisites
Students from non-psychology majors simply need to ensure they complete key prerequisites (e.g., statistics, abnormal psychology) before enrolling in a counseling master's program.
What Counseling Master's Programs Expect from Psychology Majors
Graduate counseling faculty typically expect psychology majors to bring:
- A strong understanding of ethical behavior
- Foundational knowledge of psychological theory
- Familiarity with the DSM and diagnostic frameworks
- Basic research skills
- An understanding of diversity and cultural factors
Psychology students can strengthen their graduate applications by:
- Completing internships in mental health settings
- Participating in faculty-led research
- Taking counseling-relevant electives
- Building relationships with professors for strong letters of recommendation
Steps Psychology Majors Can Take to Prepare for a Counseling Career
Recommended Steps
- Seek volunteer or paid experience in mental health settings
- Join psychology or counseling-related student organizations
- Shadow licensed counselors when possible
- Choose electives related to counseling or assessment
- Maintain a strong GPA
- Ask faculty for guidance on graduate school applications
Optional Enhancements
- Present research at undergraduate conferences
- Complete a senior thesis or capstone on a mental health topic
- Pursue certificates in areas like child development, addiction studies, or behavioral science
Explore counseling careers.
Is Psychology Always the Best Path? When Another Major Might Make Sense
A psychology degree is excellent preparation for counseling—but certain students may prefer an alternative path depending on their end goals.
Consider a different major if:
- You want early direct client experience → Consider social work
- You're drawn to family systems, childhood, or relationships → Consider family studies
- You want to work in K–12 environments → Consider education
- You want a macro-level, policy-impact role → Consider public health or human services
Regardless of major, most counseling programs accept students from a broad range of academic backgrounds as long as they meet prerequisite coursework.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a bachelor's in psychology to get into a counseling master's program?
A: No. Many students enter with degrees in social work, education, sociology, human development, or other behavioral or social sciences. However, psychology often provides the closest academic match to counseling coursework.
Q: Will a psychology degree shorten the time needed to finish my master's?
A: Not directly, but psychology majors may need fewer prerequisite courses, making the admissions process smoother and reducing the chance of remediation.
Q: Can I major in something else and still prepare well for counseling?
A: Yes. Many students choose majors aligned with children, families, social systems, or community services. You may just need to take additional psychology prerequisites before starting graduate coursework.
