5 Benefits of Completing a Ph.D. in Family Counseling

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Staff
Updated August 4, 2020

Benefits of a Ph.D. in Family Counseling

  • High Career Advancements
  • Higher Income
  • Personal Fulfillment
  • Knowledge
  • Career Versatility

Although aspiring family counselors can find many wonderful opportunities with a master's degree, there are several advantages to completing a Ph.D. in Family Counseling. Family counselors have the important task of helping family keep the family unit intact. Their work may involve putting families through many hours of therapy and group work. The more training a family counselor has the better prepared they are for this career. Here are five benefits of completing a Ph.D. in Family Counseling.

Related Resource: 10 Most Affordable PhD in Family Counseling Online Programs 2018

1. High Career Advancements

Family counselors typically go into this field with the intent of becoming family counselors and helping families having difficulties. An individual with a master's degree can obtain a position as a family counselor, but earning a doctoral degree opens up more possibilities in this field. The individual may want to switch to university teaching, which requires the doctorate. Depending on the state and its requirements, the individual with a Ph.D. may be qualified to work in other areas in this field, such as psychology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that family therapists should see a job growth of 23 percent between 2016 and 2026. Those with the highest degree level can expect the best career options.

2. Higher Income

If family counselors were asked what factors made them decide to become family counselors, most would probably say to help families in trouble. Earning a good wage would probably be second on the list. Everyone enjoys the highest wage possible, particularly with the high cost of living. One of the many benefits of earning the Ph.D. is a higher wage potential. In many areas, the difference in wages between the master's degree and the doctoral degree is substantial. Family counselors with doctoral degrees are in positions with better wages.

3. Personal Fulfillment

Individuals who've entered the field of psychology because they have a genuine passion to work in this field and help others may get the most satisfaction from knowing they're able to go as high as possible in this career. Earning the Ph.D. allows them to fulfill every dream possible while working in this rewarding field. As far as career opportunities go, the one with the doctoral degree has the most possibilities offered, which goes a long way towards personal fulfillment. Family counselors who may have had a secret goal of working as a college professor may be able to attain this easily with the doctoral degree.

4. Knowledge

Although family counselors with master's degrees can be excellent at their jobs, students who earn the Ph.D. gain more knowledge about psychology and family counseling in general. While master's degree programs focus both on theory and knowledge, doctoral degree programs focus more on putting theory to work. The student gets more practical experience, which offers advantages to both the counselor and the families he or she is trying to help. Many truly want to be the best possible family counselor and know as much as they can.

5. Career Versatility

With so many different psychology degrees available today, some advanced psychology degrees may allow you to only work in a few jobs. Some psychology degrees are very specific as far as what the individual can and cannot do. At some point in time, the family counselor may decide that he or she would like to branch out a little. A candidate with a doctorate in Family Counseling will have more chances of career advancements. If the individual decides that family counseling is no longer what he or she wants to do, the doctoral degree will help the individual go a different path and even switch careers.

Working as a family counselor can be as financially lucrative as it is rewarding. One of the greatest satisfactions for a family counselor is a successful and happy ending. Earning a Ph.D. in Family Counseling provides the counselor with the most tools with which to apply to best help the family.

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