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 counseling 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.
Carlow psychology graduate Christen Rose became an advocate for mental health on campus when she saw the negative effects of online learning on her classmates. She spoke up in committee meetings and panels about the pandemic -- backing her claims with data by conducting a study on the impacts of virtual learning. Christen is currently the assistant director of admissions at Carnegie Mellon University and working toward her PhD in psychology.
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
Spirit Ambassador Nathan Lukac (Class of ’23, nursing), outside the University Commons, Friday, Oct. 25, 2019. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow Carlow University)
Alternate Degree Placeholder Title
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.
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
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.”