The academic requirements to become a career counselor are a prospective career counselor may begin his or her education with a bachelor's degree in any field; however, some master's programs require a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related discipline. The next step is earning at least a master's degree in counseling with an emphasis in career counseling. If a student already has a master's degree, he or she may be able to enroll in a graduate certificate program in career counseling. Typical courses in a career counseling program include career and job searches, group counseling, counseling theory, and career development.