Generally an MA reflected a wide based learning (sometimes more electives) whereas an MS detailed a more intense course of study.

Certification vs Licensure
Professionals are certified after meeting specific education and/or examination requirements. It may be a step toward licensure (i.e., National Board Certified Counselor is required by many states for licensure as a counselor) or specialization for someone who is licensed (i.e., Certified Sex Therapist). Generally, certification is made by a national board of peers. Certification does not in itself qualify someone to practice therapy in most states unless they are under supervision working toward licensure.

Generally, a professional must be licensed to legally provide counseling or therapy. Professional licenses are state regulated, meaning each state can establish their own laws for what is required for each license. National groups, however, lobby to keep laws somewhat uniform. Education, exams, supervision and experience are common components in applying for licensure.

I might also add there are degrees within the Seminary: BRE, MRE, MDiv (Bachelors, Masters in Religious Education, Masters in Divinity, Often the universities use the BA MA references and main courses stay the same, then they allow the elective courses to be in the field such as religion, humanity, counseling etc. Sometimes coursework will be additional to a regular degree. (Think like the Psychiatrist is an MD with specialty in psychiatry.)

Please note there is a difference between an LSW and an LCSW.

In many states there are protected terms that NO ONE who is not licensed can use. This prevents someone from setting up an office and calling themselves a title that they have had no review about.

Also, sometimes these acronyms we use here have other meanings IRL.. I'm thinking specifically of ED and SI.... don't assume someone KNOWS what you are talking about.

While I'm at it, I've notice I'm not the only one using WC for worker compensation (a USA program of health insurance + when a worker is injured on the job.) But it also means wheelchair.

IRL. (In Real Life, not on internet)

And SSDI is a government (US) Social Security Disability Insurance, benefits because of your inability to work, dependant upon how much you had worked and how much tax you paid into the progrm.