Help people in social service and mental health settings

You will develop a scientific approach to the study of human behavior and experience in Carlow University’s psychology degree program. The Psychology major with a concentration in counseling will give you the pre-professional knowledge and skills needed to help people in a variety of social service and mental health settings, such as therapeutic activities, rehabilitation, casework, child care and service coordination.

Counselors help people with personal, family, educational, mental health, substance abuse and career issues so that they can lead healthier and more productive lives.

Communication students paying attention in class. They are all smiling.
Happy students attending seminar or lecture
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Psychology counseling degree curriculum

This track will acquaint you with pre-professional-level counselor training. You will satisfy the regular requirements for the psychology major plus complete at least 12 credits in counseling. You can complete an internship at a local facility or conduct field research. 

Graduate-level training is required before becoming a professional counselor.

Quick facts

  • Gain real-world career experience with an internship
  • Collaborate with faculty on research
  • Prepare for an in-demand career
A male psychology major stands outside a building on the Carlow campus.
Spirit Ambassador Nathan Lukac (Class of ’23, nursing), outside the University Commons, Friday, Oct. 25, 2019. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow Carlow University)

Alternate Degree Completion Options

3-Year Degree

Finish your bachelor’s degree in three years by following a 3-year academic plan. Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms with summer courses completely online. When applying, indicate your interest in the 3-Year Degree option.

Accelerated

Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Career opportunities for a counseling degree

Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job prospects should be best for those with a doctoral degree in an applied specialty.

Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

Madeline Canel, a Psychology, Counseling major.
Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.

Small classes promote valuable connections

Counseling Psychology graduate student Madeline Canel ’22 loves the small classes at Carlow that facilitate a connection with peers and instructors. “The psych program here has incredible faculty, but the best being the core group of women that are the main faces of the program. I always felt incredibly supported by this group. They all knew my name and knew if I didn’t show up to class.”

Psychology faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

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