Working While in a Counseling Master’s Program: 2025 Guide
Yes, you can work while completing a counseling master's program, especially with online or evening options. Many graduate students work 20–30 hours per week, though outcomes vary depending on personal resilience and program demands. Mental health counselors earn a median salary of $59,190 annually (BLS, 2024), making the investment worthwhile despite the challenges.
Deciding whether to work while pursuing a master's degree in counseling is one of the most essential choices you'll make as a graduate student. The answer isn't the same for everyone. It depends on your financial situation, family responsibilities, program format, and personal needs. Thousands of students successfully balance work and graduate school each year, but it requires careful planning and realistic expectations.
This guide explores the practical realities of working during your counseling master's program, from choosing between online and campus-based options to managing time, building support networks, and understanding what to expect financially. We've gathered insights from counseling professionals who've been through it themselves.
Contents
- Should You Work During Your Master's?
- Online vs. On-Campus Programs
- How Many Hours Can You Work?
- Jobs That Work Well With Grad School
- Financial Considerations
- Balancing Family and Parenting
- Building Your Support System
- Setting Healthy Boundaries
- Creative Study Strategies
- Internship and Practicum Planning
- Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Work During Your Master's?
The first question to ask yourself is whether working is essential. Are you working to cover basic living expenses like housing and food, or to maintain independence and afford extras? If it's the latter, consider embracing a period of frugality and focusing entirely on your studies. A counseling master's program is challenging and time-consuming, and approaching it with a single-minded focus can make the experience more manageable and enjoyable.
That said, if you must work to meet essential expenses, don't worry. You're not alone. Research shows that approximately 40% of graduate students work at least 20 hours per week while enrolled. The key is being strategic about your work arrangement and program choice.
Success while working depends on several factors:
- Financial necessity - Essential bills vs. lifestyle preferences
- Program flexibility - Evening classes, online options, part-time enrollment
- Support system - Family, friends, or mentors who can help
- Work flexibility - Employer's willingness to accommodate your schedule
- Personal resilience - Your ability to manage stress and maintain boundaries
Online vs. On-Campus Programs: Which Allows You to Work?
Your choice between a traditional campus-based program and an online counseling degree dramatically affects your ability to work. Each format has distinct advantages and challenges.
| Factor | Campus-Based Programs | Online Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule Flexibility | Fixed class times, usually daytime or evening | Complete coursework on your schedule, often asynchronous |
| Commute Time | Travel time required, parking challenges, and traffic | No commute, study from home or anywhere |
| Work Compatibility | Evening programs work well, but daytime classes conflict with traditional jobs. | Highly compatible with full-time or part-time work |
| Networking | Strong in-person connections with classmates and faculty | Virtual networking may require extra effort |
| Accreditation | CACREP-accredited options are widely available | CACREP-accredited online programs are available; verify before enrolling |
| Best For | Students who prefer structure, live near campus, and value face-to-face interaction. | Working professionals, parents, and students need maximum flexibility |
Jen Cummings, MA, decided to attend USC while working full-time. She enrolled in night classes to avoid disrupting her work schedule, but the experience came with unexpected challenges.
"If I were to do my degree over again, I certainly would not attend night school at this particular campus. I battled the early-evening traffic in Los Angeles, which was nerve-racking, to say the least. Sometimes I was so late it was embarrassing walking into class, but there was nothing I could do to get there earlier. I had a job. The safety issue was probably the most unsettling. Although USC is one of the most prestigious colleges in the state, it's located in a high-crime area. I was pretty much shaking in my boots by the time I got where I was going on campus." - Jen Cummings, MA.
When considering online programs, verify accreditation carefully. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the gold standard for counseling education. Most state licensing boards require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program, whether online or campus-based. Employers recognize accredited online degrees as equally valuable as traditional programs.
How Many Hours Can You Work?
The honest answer: it depends on your situation, but most experts recommend keeping work to a maximum of 20-30 hours per week while enrolled full-time. Here's what to expect for time commitments:
| Program Status | Course Load | Study Hours/Week | Recommended Work Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | 9-12 credits (3-4 courses) | 18-36 hours | 0-20 hours |
| Part-Time | 6 credits (2 courses) | 12-18 hours | 20-40 hours |
| During Practicum/Internship | Varies (plus 10-20 practicum hours/week) | 20-30+ hours | 0-10 hours |
Remember the general rule for graduate coursework: plan for 2-3 hours of study time per credit hour each week. A typical 3-credit course requires 6-9 hours of work outside of class, including reading, assignments, and exam preparation.
Jobs That Work Well With Grad School
Not all jobs are created equal when you're juggling graduate school. Some positions offer flexibility, relevant experience, or schedules that complement your studies. Consider these options:
Mental Health and Related Fields (Build Your Resume)
- Mental health technician - Provides relevant clinical experience and often offers evening or weekend shifts.
- Crisis hotline operator - Flexible scheduling, meaningful work aligned with your career goals
- Residential counselor - Variable shifts that can work around class schedules
- Behavioral health aide - Part-time positions available in many settings
- Case manager assistant - Develops skills directly applicable to counseling work
Campus and Academic Positions
- Graduate research assistant - On-campus convenience, flexible hours, may include tuition benefits.s
- Teaching assistant: builds communication skills; often includes tuition remission. on
- Resident advisor - Provides housing plus stipend, flexible schedule
- Academic tutor - Set your own hours, work between classes
Flexible Remote Work
- Customer service representative (remote) - Work from home, various shift options
- Virtual assistant - Set your own schedule and workload
- Online tutoring - Choose your hours, no commute
- Freelance writing or editing - Completely flexible timing
Weekend-Focused Positions
- Hospital or healthcare staff - Weekend shifts often pay differential rates
- Hospitality positions - Friday-Sunday availability can meet weekly income needs
- Event staff - Sporadic scheduling works around busy academic weeks
Recommended Counseling Master's Programs
Financial Considerations and Salary Outlook
Understanding the financial investment and future earning potential helps you make informed decisions about working during your program. Let's look at what counselors actually earn after graduation.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data), substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn:
- Median annual salary: $59,190
- Entry-level (10th percentile): $39,090
- Experienced (90th percentile): $98,210
- Mean annual wage: $65,100
- Total employment: 440,380 counselors nationwide
Most counselors begin earning entry-level salaries immediately after graduation while completing their supervised clinical hours for licensure. Once you become a licensed professional counselor, your earning potential increases significantly. Private practice counselors and those in specialized settings often earn above the median.
Return on Investment Timeline: If you invest 2-3 years and $30,000-$60,000 in your master's degree, you can expect to recoup your investment within 3-5 years of graduation, assuming you work full-time in the field. This makes counseling a solid career investment, even if you need to take on some student loans.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Options:
- Graduate assistantships (tuition waiver plus stipend)
- Federal student loans with income-driven repayment options
- Field-specific scholarships from counseling organizations
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness for those working in nonprofit settings
Balancing Family and Parenting Responsibilities
Working while in a master's program becomes exponentially more challenging when you add parental or family caregiving responsibilities. Single parents, married students with children, and those caring for aging relatives face unique pressures that require careful planning and unwavering commitment.
Kim Dawson, MA, was a single mother who worked part-time while in graduate school. Her experience highlights both the challenges and the determination required.
"I was the only one in my master's program who was divorced, the primary caregiver for young children, and holding down a job. Everyone felt for me. It was a long and difficult road. I have never regretted doing it, but I don't think I would do it again. I missed out on important events in the lives of my kids." - Kim Dawson, MA.
If you're a parent or caregiver considering graduate school while working, here's what you need:
- Reliable childcare - Whether it's a trusted daycare, family member, or co-parent arrangement, you need consistent coverage
- Family buy-in - Everyone in your household needs to understand and support your temporary lifestyle changes
- Backup plans—kids get sick, caregivers cancel, emergencies happen. Have plan B and plan C ready
- Realistic timeline - Consider part-time enrollment to extend your program and reduce weekly pressure
- Self-compassion - You won't be perfect at everything. That's okay. You're doing something remarkable.
Before enrolling, speak honestly with your program's admissions counselors about your situation. Many universities offer resources specifically for parent-students, including family housing, childcare referrals, and flexible attendance policies.
Building Your Support System
No one succeeds in graduate school while working without support. Even if it's just emotional encouragement over the phone, having people who uplift and believe in you makes a measurable difference in your success and well-being.
John Parsons, M.S., worked full-time while earning his master's degree in psychology. He found support in an unexpected place.
"As funny as this might sound, my support came from my golf buddies. We made sure to play twice a month and keep in touch between games. Sometimes I would call one or another of them just to vent and get a fresh perspective. I know it's odd, but I know that those guys helped me to keep things together." - John Parsons, M.S.
Where to Find Your Support Network:
- Family and close friends - Your inner circle who'll celebrate wins and support you through challenges
- Fellow students - Form study groups, share resources, and commiserate together
- Workplace colleagues - Those who understand your schedule constraints
- Online communities - Graduate student forums, counseling student groups on social media
- Professional mentors - Licensed counselors who can offer career guidance
- Faith communities - Churches, temples, or spiritual groups that provide a connection
- Therapists or counselors - Professional support for managing stress (and great modeling for your future career)
Don't wait until you're overwhelmed to reach out. Build these connections early and maintain them consistently. Even just checking in with one supportive person weekly can help you stay grounded.
Setting Healthy Boundaries and Self-Care
Here's an uncomfortable truth: working while in graduate school is a marathon, not a sprint. If you don't prioritize your basic health needs, you'll eventually burn out, get sick, or struggle academically. Setting boundaries isn't selfish; it's essential.
Know Your Non-Negotiables:
- Sleep - How many hours do you actually need to function well? Don't sacrifice sleep consistently
- Exercise - Even 20 minutes of movement daily reduces stress and improves focus
- Nutrition - Fast, healthy meals are possible with meal prep. Don't live on coffee and takeout
- Downtime - Schedule genuine rest, not just "productive relaxation"
- Relationships - Maintain key connections; they're part of your support system
Boundary-Setting Strategies:
- Learn to say "no" to non-essential commitments (social events, volunteer work, extra projects)
- Set specific work and study hours, then stop when time's up
- Create a dedicated study space that signals "school mode" to your brain and others
- Put your needs in your calendar like appointments (exercise, meal prep, sleep schedule)
- Communicate your boundaries clearly to family, friends, and employers
- Be willing to temporarily step back from activities that drain more than they energize
Remember: this intense period is temporary. A typical master's program lasts 2-3 years. That's a manageable timeframe if you protect your health and maintain clear boundaries. Your degree will last a lifetime, but you need to be healthy enough to enjoy the career it enables.
Creative Study Strategies for Working Students
When you're working and going to school, every minute counts. The most successful students find creative ways to maximize learning during small pockets of time throughout their day.
Time-Maximizing Techniques:
- Record lectures - Listen during your commute, lunch break, or while exercising (with professor permission)
- Use wait time - Keep readings on your phone for doctor's office waits, coffee shop lines, or public transit
- Batch similar tasks - Do all your reading for the week in one focused session rather than scattered attempts
- Visual reminders - Post key concepts or flashcards on bathroom mirrors, your coffee pot, or car dashboard
- Study groups via video call - Connect with classmates without travel time
- Leverage technology - Use apps for flashcards, citation management, note-taking, and time tracking
- Wake up 30 minutes earlier—morning study time, when your brain is fresh, can be more productive than tired evening hours.
Weekend Warrior Approach: If you work full-time Monday through Friday, consider protecting your weekends for intensive study sessions. Many working students find they can accomplish 20+ hours of coursework over Saturday and Sunday, reducing weeknight pressure to lighter review and assignment completion.
The "Always Have It With You" Rule: Keep study materials with you at all times. You never know when you'll have an unexpected 15-minute window, and those small sessions add up quickly over a semester.
Internship and Practicum Planning
One aspect working students often overlook when planning their graduate timeline is the practicum and internship requirements. Most counseling master's programs require 600-1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, typically completed during your final year.
What to Expect:
- Time commitment: 10-20 hours per week at your placement site
- Supervision requirements: Weekly meetings with on-site supervisors plus class time
- Schedule inflexibility: Client appointments can't easily be rescheduled around your convenience
- Unpaid placement: Many practicum sites don't pay students, though some offer stipends
- Professional standards: You'll be held to the same ethical and punctuality standards as licensed counselors
Impact on Work: Many students must significantly reduce their work hours or take a semester off from employment. Plan financially for this reality. Some strategies that help:
- Save money during your first year to cover reduced income during practicum
- Seek practicum placements with evening or weekend hours if you must continue working
- Explore paid practicum opportunities (some agencies offer stipends for graduate student counselors)
- Discuss flexible work arrangements with your employer months in advance
- Consider extending your program by one semester to reduce the intensity of the practicum period
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work full-time during a counseling master's program?
It's possible, especially with online or evening programs, but challenging. Most experts recommend working no more than 20-30 hours per week while enrolled full-time. Full-time work plus full-time school often leads to burnout, lower grades, or health issues. Part-time enrollment combined with full-time work is more sustainable.
What jobs can I do while in grad school for counseling?
The best jobs offer flexibility and relevant experience. Consider mental health technician positions, crisis hotline work, research assistantships, residential counseling, tutoring, or remote customer service. Many students find part-time work in mental health settings that builds their resume while providing income.
How much do counselors make after graduation?
According to BLS 2024 data, mental health counselors earn a median annual salary of $59,190. Entry-level counselors (10th percentile) start around $39,090, while experienced counselors (90th percentile) can earn $98,210 or more. Salaries increase significantly after obtaining full licensure and with specialized certifications.
Are online counseling degrees legitimate?
Yes, when properly accredited. Online counseling master's programs accredited by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) are recognized by employers and state licensing boards as equivalent to campus-based programs. Always verify a program's accreditation status before enrolling.
How many hours per week should I expect to study?
Plan for 2-3 hours of study per credit hour each week. A typical 3-credit graduate course requires 6-9 hours of work outside class time for reading, assignments, and exam preparation. Full-time enrollment (9-12 credits) means 18-36 hours of weekly study time, in addition to class attendance.
Do I need to quit my job for internships or a practicum?
Not always, but you may need to reduce your hours. Practicum and internship typically require 10-20 hours per week at your placement site, often during traditional business hours. Many students work part-time during this phase. Some programs offer evening or weekend practicum options specifically for working students.
What's the difference between MA and MS in counseling?
The practical difference is minimal for licensure purposes. An MA (Master of Arts) often emphasizes humanities and theory, while an MS (Master of Science) may focus more on research and scientific approaches. Both qualify you for professional licensure if the program is CACREP-accredited. Choose based on program quality and fit rather than degree designation.
How long does a counseling master's take while working?
Full-time students typically complete counseling master's programs in 2 years (60 credits). Part-time students working substantial hours usually take 3-4 years. Accelerated programs may finish in 18 months, but are less compatible with work commitments. The timeline depends on your credit load, program format, and whether you take summer courses.
Will working hurt my grades?
Not necessarily. Research shows that students who work 15-20 hours per week often develop better time management skills than those who do not work. However, working more than 30 hours per week is associated with lower GPAs and higher stress. The key is finding the right balance for your situation and consistently protecting study time.
Can I switch from full-time to part-time if working becomes too much?
Most programs allow enrollment status changes, though it may affect financial aid, assistantships, or international student visas. Talk to your program advisor early if you're struggling. Part-time enrollment extends your timeline, reduces immediate pressure, and can improve both your grades and your mental health.
Key Takeaways
- Working is manageable: Thousands of students successfully work 20-30 hours per week while completing counseling master's programs, especially in online or evening formats.
- Choose the correct program format: Online programs offer maximum flexibility for working students, while campus-based evening programs can work well if you live nearby.
- Plan for practicum reality: Clinical internship requirements (10-20 hours weekly) often force reduced work hours during your final year, so save money early in the program.
- Build your support system early: Success requires help from family, friends, classmates, and mentors. Don't try to do everything alone.
- The investment pays off: With median counselor salaries of $59,190 and growing demand for mental health services, your degree investment will provide strong returns throughout your career.
- Protect your health and boundaries: Graduate school while working is temporary, but burnout can derail your progress. Sleep, exercise, nutrition, and downtime aren't optional.
Ready to Start Your Counseling Career?
Explore CACREP-accredited counseling master's programs that match your work schedule, career goals, and location preferences.
Explore Counseling Causes
20US US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
