6 answers
Liliana
Student
Perris, California
6
Questions
Asked
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Do I need to take Anatomy to become a Career counselor?
I talked to my college counselor, who told me that some degrees are eligible for certain careers. He told me he had a science degree and other 5 degrees and he became an elementary teacher. Then a few years later he became a college counselor.
Side note: I absolutely do not have a passion for anatomy but I have a passion for a career counselor.
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6 answers
Deeshani Batra
Software Engineer
48
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Deeshani’s Answer
Hi Liliana,
As Chinyere mentiuoned above, you don’t need to study Anatomy to become a career counselor. A degree in fields like psychology, education, or human resources would be more applicable. Career counselors often have backgrounds in these areas, as the role focuses on guiding people with career decisions, job search strategies, and professional development. Anatomy would only be necessary if you were pursuing a career counseling role in a specific healthcare setting.
All the best!
As Chinyere mentiuoned above, you don’t need to study Anatomy to become a career counselor. A degree in fields like psychology, education, or human resources would be more applicable. Career counselors often have backgrounds in these areas, as the role focuses on guiding people with career decisions, job search strategies, and professional development. Anatomy would only be necessary if you were pursuing a career counseling role in a specific healthcare setting.
All the best!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
549
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Liliana,
No, you don’t need to take Anatomy to become a career counselor! Career counseling typically focuses on psychology, counseling techniques, and education rather than science courses like Anatomy. Most career counselors have degrees in fields like psychology, education, or counseling, where you’ll study human behavior, guidance techniques, and sometimes even career development theories—none of which require knowing anatomy.
Your college counselor’s journey is a great example that shows how people’s paths can vary a lot. Many people end up in roles that aren’t always directly tied to their original degree. So, if you’re passionate about helping others find their career paths, focus on classes that will help you understand people and develop communication skills.
Best wishes!
No, you don’t need to take Anatomy to become a career counselor! Career counseling typically focuses on psychology, counseling techniques, and education rather than science courses like Anatomy. Most career counselors have degrees in fields like psychology, education, or counseling, where you’ll study human behavior, guidance techniques, and sometimes even career development theories—none of which require knowing anatomy.
Your college counselor’s journey is a great example that shows how people’s paths can vary a lot. Many people end up in roles that aren’t always directly tied to their original degree. So, if you’re passionate about helping others find their career paths, focus on classes that will help you understand people and develop communication skills.
Best wishes!
Racheal Noble, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, NCC
Mental health, education, research, care coordinator
101
Answers
Oakland Park, Florida
Updated
Racheal’s Answer
Hello and thank you for your question.
The answer to your question is no, you do not need Anatomy to become a career counselor. Who told you that you needed this course, as I did not see that in the commentary you mentioned? Anatomy is a science course like all the other science courses, you'll have to pick one to take in college to fill the science credit (standard for all college students).
When I was in undergrad, i took horticulture as my science requirement and provide career counseling services...it has nothing to do with it. Take a science course you'll like, but providing career counseling services requires a masters degree. You can have any undergrad degree, and then apply to a masters counseling program. Every one in a masters counseling program is required to take career counseling, it was the start of the field.
To summarize, take a science course in undergrad to fill the science class. Then apply to a masters program in counseling; it will be a bonus if you can find a program that specializes in career counseling, but if not, you'll get support on internship options during your masters so you'll have experience, be confident to provide the service. Let me know if you have any questions.
The answer to your question is no, you do not need Anatomy to become a career counselor. Who told you that you needed this course, as I did not see that in the commentary you mentioned? Anatomy is a science course like all the other science courses, you'll have to pick one to take in college to fill the science credit (standard for all college students).
When I was in undergrad, i took horticulture as my science requirement and provide career counseling services...it has nothing to do with it. Take a science course you'll like, but providing career counseling services requires a masters degree. You can have any undergrad degree, and then apply to a masters counseling program. Every one in a masters counseling program is required to take career counseling, it was the start of the field.
To summarize, take a science course in undergrad to fill the science class. Then apply to a masters program in counseling; it will be a bonus if you can find a program that specializes in career counseling, but if not, you'll get support on internship options during your masters so you'll have experience, be confident to provide the service. Let me know if you have any questions.
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
174
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
You definitely don’t need to take Anatomy to become a career counselor! While some degrees can open doors to different paths, the key is to focus on what you enjoy. Since you’re passionate about helping others navigate their careers, consider degrees in psychology, education, or counseling. Those will better prepare you for the role you want. Follow your passion, and you’ll find a fulfilling path without needing to dive into subjects you’re not interested in!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Liliana !
No, you won't need to take anatomy to be a career counselor. There will be some required General Education courses that your college will have you take and most times one or two are sciences. Most likely you will have a choice as to which sciences to take. You would have to go for a Masters Degree in Counseling with specialization in Career Counseling in order to be a career counselor in California.
If you attend a California State University, you will be required to take one course in a Physical or Biological Science which has a Lab requirement. You would receive 3 Units/Credits for the course and 1 Unit/Credit for the Lab. I was not a fan of Biology so I took Societal Biology which centered on plant life when I attended college in California. You will need three General Education courses (in different subjects) and 3 Diversity courses, the rest can be courses in your major. Go to the California State University or any college website to see what general ed courses are required and what you may have a choice of. When I was in college, they required more general education than this.
You may not even have to take a physical or biological science because the Cal State University System says that students may choose general ed courses from the following subjects: English, Critical Thinking and Communication, Physical and Biological Sciences with Lab work, American Institutions, Global Issues, Arts and Humanities, and Social Sciences . You choose three classes to take from these. They (The CSU System) also require that you take 3 Diversity classes in addition to the other three.
A community college will have different General Education requirements and so would the University of California System and private colleges, so it's worth doing a search online too make the discovery for the college you plan to attend.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
No, you won't need to take anatomy to be a career counselor. There will be some required General Education courses that your college will have you take and most times one or two are sciences. Most likely you will have a choice as to which sciences to take. You would have to go for a Masters Degree in Counseling with specialization in Career Counseling in order to be a career counselor in California.
If you attend a California State University, you will be required to take one course in a Physical or Biological Science which has a Lab requirement. You would receive 3 Units/Credits for the course and 1 Unit/Credit for the Lab. I was not a fan of Biology so I took Societal Biology which centered on plant life when I attended college in California. You will need three General Education courses (in different subjects) and 3 Diversity courses, the rest can be courses in your major. Go to the California State University or any college website to see what general ed courses are required and what you may have a choice of. When I was in college, they required more general education than this.
You may not even have to take a physical or biological science because the Cal State University System says that students may choose general ed courses from the following subjects: English, Critical Thinking and Communication, Physical and Biological Sciences with Lab work, American Institutions, Global Issues, Arts and Humanities, and Social Sciences . You choose three classes to take from these. They (The CSU System) also require that you take 3 Diversity classes in addition to the other three.
A community college will have different General Education requirements and so would the University of California System and private colleges, so it's worth doing a search online too make the discovery for the college you plan to attend.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
105
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Liliana, I hear ya! In no way does an anatomy class relate to career counseling. Now if you choose to enter occupational therapy, physical therapy, massage therapy, or another body-oriented path it will be required. If you attend an undergraduate program in liberal arts, you will likely need to take at least one science course- either biology or earth sciences. This is standard. Anatomy may be an option to fulfill such a credit but probably not your only choice. I am not an expert on how undergrad programs determine academic standards, but I think it is safe to say you can breathe a sigh of relief! If you attend graduate courses, studies will be focused on counseling techniques, understanding systems relevant to career counseling and working within a school setting advising students. Another option of graduate program could be school counseling. It will focus more on issues of mental health and less on academic achievement but there is a slight overlap. For either graduate degree it may be useful to study psychology, sociology, education or any combination of similar subjects. All the best!