One of the best counseling degrees will help you heal others and fulfill your career goals.
Addicts, children, veterans, adults, and celebrities: What do all of us have in common? Well, we’re human. And we’re all in need of help sometimes. Sometimes, we turn to our friends and loved ones when we’re in need. But other times, there’s nobody better to consult than a counselor. If you want to be the professional people turn to, consider one of the 35 Best Bachelor’s in Counseling.
Counseling has always existed in some form, but it became more organized after World War II. At the time, the Veterans Administration noticed the counseling needs of veterans. To solve the issue, the Veterans Administration organized the division of the American Psychological Association that continues to focus on counseling psychology today.
As the years have gone by, counseling best practices have changed quite a bit. Now, there are governing rules for patient-client relationships, therapeutic procedures, multicultural interactions, and counseling ethics.
What Are the Best Counseling Degrees?
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University of South Dakota
The opiate crisis has taken the United States by storm. But opiates aren’t the only drug causing addiction in our country. Millions of people from homemakers to veterans to the elderly suffer from addiction to many substances, from alcohol to antidepressants and cocaine. The University of South Dakota’s Bachelor of Science in addiction studies aims to create professionals to slow and reverse the crisis.
Students in this program choose between a concentration on treatment or prevention. Otherwise, they take the same core classes, including Evidence-Based Decision Making, Study of Alcohol Use and Addiction, and Fundamental Skills of Group Counseling for Addiction. Students also enroll in two practicums: one in group counseling and one in individual counseling.
This program may or may not provide the requirements for licensure if you live outside of South Dakota. It’s specifically designed for South Dakota residents or people who want to practice counseling in the state. You may check your state’s requirements, though, because the credentials may be similar between the two states.
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud State University also offers an excellent Bachelor of Science program in addiction counseling. Graduates from this program have become school counselors, addictions counselors, marriage counselors, and more. The university boasts that an impressive 99% of this program’s graduates are currently employed.
Some classes that students in this program take are Introduction to Psychology, Helping Skills, Group Process and Practice, Foundations of Addictions, and Multicultural Considerations in Addiction Counseling. To meet the requirements for counseling licensure requirements, the university also requires students to spend 800 hours interning in a clinical setting.
Again, St. Cloud State University’s program meets the unique licensing requirements of Minnesota. Thus, it primarily caters to people who want to study and practice counseling in Minnesota. While these requirements may be the same or similar to those of your state, you should check first with your state licensing organization. This program is also a fantastic stepping stone for advanced degrees in the field.
Minot State University
Minot State University’s Bachelor of Science in addiction studies program is one of the best in the country. The program is accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission, which is the highest accrediting body in the field. The program combines coursework with research and internships to create one of the most well-rounded programs on this list.
Some classes that students take are Advanced Counseling, Group Dynamics, Social Work Methods, and Contemporary Issues with Native American Families. Then, students enroll in fieldwork, taking a 12-credit Field Experience, 2-credit Addiction Studies Practicum, and two 15-credit Addiction Studies Practica. The program meets the licensing requirements of North Dakota, but it will prepare you for any job across the country as long as you meet the state’s requirements.
The school is not very selective. Students can gain admission as long as they have a 2.0 or higher GPA and a 17 or higher ACT score. If students don’t meet these requirements, they can still apply to this program. Students must also submit immunization records, application essays, and official transcripts.
Western New Mexico University
Western New Mexico University offers the only bachelor’s in chemical dependency program in New Mexico. It also offers one of the most dynamic programs in the country. Students can choose between a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts. The former requires math and computer science courses, while the latter requires Spanish classes.
Students can also choose between an online and an on-campus program. The online program is the same as the on-campus one, including the fieldwork requirement. Some core classes that students take are Substance Abuse and Crime, Codependency, Pharmacology, Group Dynamics, and Addictive Process. Students also enroll in an internship that requires them to observe and participate in counseling sessions in a relevant context.
To apply, students must submit high school transcripts or GED scores, ACT or SAT scores, a FAFSA application, and complete the online application. Students can also apply for one of the many available scholarships to Western New Mexico University students.
Metropolitan State University
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 14 million people around the United States are alcoholics. Millions more are addicted to drugs. Metropolitan State University’s Bachelor of Science in alcohol and drug counseling seeks to create an ethical and productive way to reverse the addiction that plagues the country.
Some classes that students take are Pharmacology of Addictive Drugs, Introduction to Substance Abuse Disorders, Prevention of Substance Abuse Problems, Group Counseling, and Senior Seminar: Alcohol and Drug Counseling. Students also participate in three practica: alcohol and drug counseling pre-practicum seminar, and two alcohol and drug counseling group practica.
If you live in Minnesota, the program costs $7,566 per year, making this program one of the most affordable options on this list. The program is excellent, too. Most graduates secured a job within one year of graduation, and many graduates have found success as managers and organizers in the field. If you want to practice the profession in Minnesota, you can’t go wrong with Metropolitan State University.
Southern University at New Orleans
The Big Easy is a wonderful place to be. Jazz, excellent nightlife, and one of the best food scenes in the country. Unfortunately, these qualities come with many people with substance abuse issues. To that end, Southern University at New Orleans offers an excellent Bachelor of Science in addictive behaviors counseling and prevention program.
To graduate from this program, students must complete 39 credits in their major alongside general education requirements. Some classes that students take are Dual Diagnosis, Gambling Addiction, Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Abuse, and Addiction Counseling. The program recommends that students minor in criminal justice, psychology, or sociology to supplement their studies.
Students must maintain a 2.0 or higher GPA to graduate from this program. One unique aspect of the Southern University at New Orleans is the option to enroll in an associate program instead of a bachelor’s. In the associate program, students can complete their studies in two years.
University of Holy Cross
The University of Holy Cross offers several excellent counseling programs of equal strength. Some of these programs are in social counseling, juvenile counseling, and addictions counseling. While the university offers some associate programs, we suggest the bachelor’s program to gain the credentials to prosper in the field.
Depending on your pathway, students can take classes like Juvenile Delinquency, Introduction to Addictive Behaviors, Sexual Trauma, Crisis Intervention, and Advanced Abnormal Psychology. Each program also requires enrolled students to participate in an internship and research.
One perk of the University of Holy Cross is the option to begin a master’s program in the final year of your undergraduate program. This option saves you time and money and rewards you with the credentials to excel in the field. To have access to this program, though, you must have a 3.0 in your major, two recommendations from counseling faculty, and an interview with program faculty.
Washington Adventist University
Most of the programs on this list thus far focus on addiction counseling. But there are many types of counseling and as many kinds of programs. Washington Adventist University offers an excellent Bachelor of Science program in counseling psychology. Graduates can use this program as a ticket into the profession or a credential to get into a graduate program in psychology or counseling.
The 120-credit program comprises four credits in math classes, 38 credits of electives, 41 credits of general education courses, and 37 credits in the counseling psychology major. Some counseling psychology classes that students take are Theories in Personality, Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Dynamics of Group Counseling.
Washington Adventist University requires students to take four religious courses. As a Christian university, the school emphasizes Christian education and Christian thinking. The major, however, is not a Christian counseling-related field. It is strictly a general counseling psychology bachelor’s program.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Southwestern Assemblies of God University’s Bachelor of Science in counseling is a pre-professional program. Thus, students should consider this program only if they plan to enroll in one of the best counseling masters programs or doctoral program sometime after graduation. This program prepares students to work in many types of counseling, including Christian counseling.
Some classes in this program are Developmental Psychology, Counseling Adult Populations, Cultural Issues in the Helping Professions, Psychology of Religion, and Theories of Personality. Students also take several Christian courses, including Authentic Christianity, Bible Study, and Introduction to Biblical Literature. Students can supplement their studies with a minor, but a minor isn’t required.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University makes available dozens of scholarship and grant opportunities for its counseling students. With these funds, students can receive drastic discounts on the program cost. On average, Southwestern Assemblies of God University students graduate with 20% less debt than graduates from other private universities.
Hobe Sound Bible College
While the previous two entries on this list are Christian colleges, the counseling programs they offer are secular. Contrarily, Hobe Sound Bible College’s Bachelor of Arts in counseling program seeks to educate Christian-based counselors. Students in this program can choose a minor in education, music, intercultural studies, TESOL, aviation, child evangelism, and pastoral ministries. We want to point out here that HSBC is the only university we know of that combines Christian-based counseling with aviation.
Most of the courses in this program revolve around Christian-informed counseling practices. Thus, students in this program unite scripture with the latest practices in counseling to become the best biblical counselors in the nation.
After graduating from this program, students have the qualifications to become biblical counselors, pastoral counselors, or master’s program students. While this program follows Florida’s licensure requirements, the program may fulfill the licensure guidelines of other states, too.
South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary
South Florida Bible College offers one of the most dynamic and affordable programs on this list. Students can enroll in the Bachelor of Arts in Christian counseling program online or on-campus. And notably, the school doesn’t charge out-of-state tuition: every student pays the same low price. South Florida Bible College students study from experienced faculty with a background in Christian counseling and education.
Students in this program can specialize in clinical counseling or marriage & family counseling. Some classes that students in this program take are Christian Counseling Ethics, Personality Theories, Substance Abuse Counseling, and Developmental Psychology. Besides these courses, students also take dozens of general education courses.
Students in this program have become non-licensed Christian counselors, case managers, ministry health providers, and Christian ministry counselors. Set in a beautiful location in Deerfield Beach, Florida, students love the on-campus experience. But if the commute or a cross-country move sounds overwhelming, take the program online.
Trinity Baptist College
Are you at least as focused on Christian thinking as counseling? If so, consider Trinity Baptist College. The university offers a bachelor’s in biblical studies with a focus on Christian counseling. Technically, the degree is in a general Christian subject, not counseling. Still, you’ll be able to use this program as a qualification for Christian counseling positions.
Some of the classes in the Christian counseling concentration are Theology of Christian Counseling, Critical Issues in Counseling, and Counseling Techniques. Every student also enrolls in the counseling practicum. This experience immerses students in the world of Christian counseling. The faculty pairs each student with a Christian counselor to observe and learn from the counselor.
Students can become counselors after graduating from this program, but they face an obstacle: Florida requires licensed counselors to have a master’s degree or greater. Thus, bachelor’s graduates can become unlicensed counselors or continue to a master’s program.
Alaska Pacific University
Alaska Pacific University offers an excellent Bachelor of Arts in counseling psychology program. This program can lead students to many impressive careers, including a behavioral health counselor, substance abuse counselor, and marriage and family counselor. One unique feature of this program is its willingness to accept up to 32 credits of professional work experience from students.
Some classes that students take are Group Counseling, Health Psychology, Positive Psychology, and Behavioral Health Interventions. All Alaska Pacific students must participate in field experiences and a senior project. The field experience requires students to choose an area of specialty and observe practices in their chosen field. The senior project requires students to engage in research and meticulous study and present their findings in front of program faculty.
One perk of Alaska Pacific University is the availability of scholarships. Students can compete for several scholarships that each provide sizable tuition discounts. Also, this program caters to Alaska residents. If you live elsewhere, consider enrolling in a different program.
New Hope Christian College-Eugene
Billions of people around the world seek advice from religious scripture. And millions of people across the United States seek personalized advice from biblical counselors. New Hope Christian College offers an excellent Bachelor in Ministry Leadership with a concentration in Christian counseling. After graduating, students can become unlicensed counselors or enroll in a master’s program.
Some classes that students in this program take are Family Counseling, Counseling Theories, Pastoral Counseling, Counseling Reading and Conference, and Motivation. Students must also enroll in a two-credit Christian Counseling Field Experience. In this experience, students must spend 100 hours observing counseling practices in a social service agency, ministry counseling office, or another relevant area.
The program aims to impart the following skills: Evangelism, Spiritual Nature, Leadership, Holy Spirit Baptism, Public Speaking, Organizational Leadership, and Pastoral Guidance. With these skills, students become accomplished professionals, mindful citizens, and thoughtful leaders. Note that this program is only available on-campus.
Martin University
Martin University offers an excellent Bachelor of Science program in addictions counseling. The program combines traditional coursework with an internship, practicum, and capstone. To apply to this program, students must submit high school or GED transcripts, two forms of identification, an undergraduate application, the New Student Questionnaire, and the Accuplacer Test.
After gaining acceptance, students begin the program by taking introductory classes like Introduction to Psychology, Lifespan Development, and Introduction to Addiction. By the end of the program, students take more advanced courses, such as Counseling the Dysfunctional Family, Professional Ethics, and Abnormal Psychology. Students complement these classes with English, history, arts, math, and global awareness courses.
To graduate from this program, students must have a 2.0 or higher GPA in the 120-credit program. Additionally, they must complete every upper-level counseling course with a C grade or higher. Finally, students must submit the degree completion application in the last semester of their program.
Lesley University
Lesley University’s Bachelor of Science in counseling program is perhaps Massachusett’s best undergraduate counseling option. Students in this program have the option to pair a bachelor’s and master’s degree for a streamlined and affordable path toward becoming a licensed counselor. If you don’t want to rush toward a master’s degree, though, begin with the four-year undergraduate program.
In the first year, students take introductory courses like Lifespan Development, Introduction to Counseling, and introductory general education requirements. By the fourth year, students take advanced classes like Contemporary Issues in Counseling, Applied Group Dynamics, and advanced electives. Students may supplement their major with a specialization in art therapy and holistic psychology.
Seniors must also work under the supervision of a counseling professional for 180 hours throughout their senior year. Lesley University combines the internship with an in-class seminar. If students choose to wait until the summer for their internship, the university conducts the seminar online.
University of Detroit Mercy
If you live in Michigan, the University of Detroit Mercy is your best option on this list. The school’s Bachelor of Science in addiction studies program focuses on creating licensed counselors to help patients recover from substance addictions. After graduating from this program, students can gain a counseling license through the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals.
Some classes that students take are Introduction to Addiction Studies, Group Methods, Techniques of Individual Counseling, and Multicultural Competence in Treating Substance-Related-Disorders. Students also must take courses in adjacent subjects, including abnormal psychology, statistics, algebra, and introduction to psychology. To graduate, students must maintain a 2.0 or higher GPA with a C or higher grade in all courses in the major.
It’s common for people who have had substance abuse issues to join programs in addiction studies. And the University of Detroit Mercy understands the difficulty of recovering from addictions. Thus, it has made a rule: If a student has a lapse or relapse, they can work with the program faculty to design a continuation plan after recovery.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Johnson & Wales University offers a fantastic Bachelor of Science program in counseling psychology. This program focuses on general counseling instead of any subfield. With the skills that this program teaches, graduates can counsel patients with a wide variety of emotional struggles. Johnson & Wales University has an explicit focus on the scientific backing of counseling. It also requires students to participate in more clinical work than almost any other program on this list.
Students in this program enroll in the following classes: Principles of Group Counseling, Introduction to Helping Professions, Counseling Theories and Techniques, and Introduction to Crisis Intervention. They also engage in an internship that requires them to supervise and work with counselors.
After graduating from this program, graduates can work for nonprofits, governmental agencies, or apply to master’s programs in the field. Recent graduates from this program have become mental health specialists, case managers, forensic psychologists, child pediatric counselors, and rehabilitation counselors.
Ecclesia College
Ecclesia College has high demands of its students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in psychology and counseling. As a Christian university, students combine challenging theological courses with leading classes in counseling and psychology. Students in this program learn the laws surrounding psychology, the Christian backing to counseling, and gain therapeutic skills for their careers.
Some Christian-focused courses that students take are Hebrew Wisdom Literature, Old Testament Survey, and Mentoring Foundations: Grids for Life & Learning. Students take 18 credits in Christian classes, which are more credits than any other category besides core psychology and counseling courses. Some major classes are Counseling Theories, Marriage and Family, Interviewing Counseling Skills, and Principles of Counseling.
Students must reach 120 credits to graduate from Ecclesia College. After graduating, students can become Christan counselors, nonprofit workers, master’s candidates, and more. If you’re a Christian-focused person in or near Arkansas, this program is your best option on this list.
University of Rochester
If you’re interested in psychology in all of its forms, consider the University of Rochester’s Bachelor of Arts program in psychology. One of the best perks of the University of Rochester’s program is the ability to study abroad. Psychology students can spend a semester in over a dozen partner schools, including IES Vienna in Austria, IES Barcelona in Spain, and Uppsala University in Sweden.
To complete the major requirements, students must finish a statistics course and core classes like Introduction to Mathematical Statistics, Foundations of Cognitive Science, Social Psychology and Individual Differences, and Theories of Personality & Psychotherapy. Students who have begun studying psychology in other universities can transfer as many as four courses worth of credits to the University of Rochester.
Students can supplement their studies with research opportunities. Some available options are independent study, online research, honors research, and research assistantship. No matter which option you choose, these opportunities will help you gain an edge toward your dreams.
Bob Jones University
If you want to become a Christian counselor, consider Bob Jones University’s Bachelor of Science program in biblical counseling. Students in this school have the opportunity to join a summer mission team across the United States and around the world. They can also join Missions Advance, a student-led group that seeks to raise biblical thought on the college campus.
Students begin their first year with courses like Pathways, Composition and Literature, Fundamentals of Speech, and Ministry Outreach. By the time students are upperclassmen, they take more counseling-focused courses like Abnormal Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Foundations of Economics.
We should also mention some biblical courses, given the religious affiliation of Bob Jones University. Across the four years of study, students take courses like Bible Doctrines, Ministry Chapel, New Testament Literature and Interpretation, and The Making of the Modern World. If you seek a religion-backed counseling program, you can hardly do better than at Bob Jones University.
Morningside College
Wherever your interest within counseling lies, Morningside College’s Bachelor of Arts degree in counseling psychology will take you there. Morningside College offers several resources to its students, including internships, extensive networks, student clubs, study abroad, and many research options. While these opportunities aren’t required, they will help you achieve a well-rounded college resume.
Core classes in this program include Abnormal Psychology, Group Counseling, Psychology Capstone, Psychological Testing, and History and Systems of Psychology. With only ten core courses, students have plenty of room to take general education courses, electives, and participate in extracurricular activities.
With a 13:1 ratio between students and faculty, students in this program receive nearly undivided attention. And impressively, 100% of Morningside College undergraduates receive financial assistance. Some of this assistance comes in the form of financial aid, but a significant portion comes through grants and scholarships. If you want to join an excellent program with a financial boost, join Morningside.
Trinity College of Florida
Trinity College is a Christian-aligned college with an excellent Bachelor of Science program in psychology with a concentration in counseling. If you’re a Christian first and foremost, this program is for you. Unlike many schools on this list, including other Christian schools, students in this program take more Christian classes than courses in the psychology major and concentration.
Some of the psychology and counseling classes that students take are Psychopathology, Developmental Psychology, Seminar in Group Dynamics, Stress Management, and Counseling Nontraditional Families. Students must also complete a four-credit internship, which requires them to observe and participate in counseling activities in a professional setting.
If you want to apply to this program, you need a 2.2 or higher GPA. Additionally, you must have at least an 18 on the ACT or a 980 on the SAT. Like most schools, students must submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an application. Unlike most schools, though, you must be a churchgoer and an active Christian to join this program.
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
Indiana Wesleyan University’s Bachelor of Science in addictions counseling is a unique program. First, it is one of the few of the substance abuse-focused programs with a Christian leaning, which gives the program a nuanced perspective. Next, students can complete this program in as few as 22 months, which is quicker than the other programs on this list by over two years. Finally, this program is 100% online.
To begin the central program, students must first take General Psychology. Then, students take courses like Intergroup Relations, Principles of Addictions Counseling, Theories of Personality, and Psychology of Abnormal Behavior. There are also several practicum requirements in this program. Students must spend 350 hours in four practicums working with alcohol and drug abuse counselors.
The 48-credit program costs an affordable $392 per credit hour. If students are in a financial pinch, Indiana Wesleyan University provides access to grants, scholarships, loans, and veterans benefits.
Mid-Atlantic Christian University
Students at Mid-Atlantic Christian University choose between the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in counseling and psychology programs. The Bachelor of Arts in counseling and psychology includes an 18-credit biblical studies minor, 40 general studies credits, 12 credits in a foreign language, 42 credits in counseling and psychology, and eight semester hours in electives. The Bachelor of Arts program is similar, except that the foreign language requirement is replaced by extra electives.
Some of the courses in this program are Human Sexuality, Research Methods in Psychology, Counseling Theories, and Abnormal Psychology. Similar to most of the programs on this list, students must also complete an internship supervising counseling psychology professionals.
Students have access to many opportunities after completing the 120-credit hour program. Graduates from Mid-Atlantic Christian University have become college liaisons, counselors, social workers, substance abuse counselors, rehabilitation techs, and health service assistants. Other graduates have continued to graduate school to become licensed counselors and psychologists.
Oak Hills Christian College
Oak Hills Christian College offers one of the few Christian-backed Bachelor of Science in addictions counseling programs in the midwest. The program focuses on substance abuse addictions, but it also looks at gambling, food, and sex addictions. The program combines the latest scientific research with foundational Christian thinking to create one of the best degree programs on this list.
Students complete 47 credits in addictions counseling, 30 credits in biblical studies, 30 credits in general education, ten credits in Christian ministry, and three credits in an elective. Some classes in this program are Spiritual Formation, Foundations of Addiction, Intercultural Outreach, Old Testament Survey, and Intercultural Communications.
After graduating from this program, students will have the qualifications to become a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor in Minnesota. Before gaining licensure, students must pass an exam, but Oak Hill Christian College graduates historically pass the exam at high rates.
Delaware Valley University
Delaware Valley University’s Bachelor of Arts in counseling psychology program has one significant feature that no other program offers. The school’s Experience360 platform requires students to bridge theoretical information and real-life experience in one of the best experiential learning programs in the country.
Some classes that students in this program take are Introduction to Counseling Theories, Personality Theories, Multicultural Issues in Psychology, Educational Psychology, and Childhood Psychopathology. Besides the 57 credits that students take in their major, each student takes 52 credits in general education courses and 18 credits in electives.
A few of the many fields that Delaware Valley University graduates work in are pharmaceutical research, human resources, and community mental health. Many students have also joined master’s and doctoral programs in counseling psychology. And if students are pleased with their undergraduate education, they can remain at Delaware Valley for its master’s program.
Kansas Wesleyan University
The Psychological Services program at Kansas Wesleyan University prepares students to become experts in the field of psychology. Students in this program specialize in one of the six following fields: Addictions Counseling, Domestic Issues, Offender Management, Health and Wellness, Human Resources, or Educational Counseling.
Some general courses that every psychology student takes at Kansas Wesleyan University are Professional Ethics in Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Methods of Research, and Introduction to Human Services. Then, depending on your specialization, students may take Victimology, Sports Psychology, Human Resource Management, and Sports Psychology. Students also complete a 150-hour internship, which only leaves 250 hours of internship experience until graduates can gain licensure.
Graduates from this program have obtained master’s in social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, and addictions counseling. After graduating with a master’s, graduates have worked for human resource departments, government agencies, social work agencies, and addiction counseling offices. If you desire success in the field of psychology, this program will take you there.
Coker University
Students can complete Coker University’s bachelor’s in psychology degree online or on-campus. Besides the flexibility of the program, Coker University is notable for nationally acclaimed faculty and excellent classes. Graduates from this program have gone onto successful careers as guidance counselors, clinical psychologists, hospital administrators, and clinical research coordinators.
Students in this program can choose between a Bachelor of Science in psychology or a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a concentration in counseling. In both programs, students take core courses like General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Scope and Methods. In the counseling concentration, students take Appraisal of the Individual, Theories of Counseling, and Techniques of Counseling.
Students enrolled in Coker University’s program aren’t required to intern. If you want to become a counselor, however, you must supplement your studies with an internship that meets the requirements of your state licensing board. While the program doesn’t require an internship, its faculty can help you find an internship that meets your needs.
Kentucky Christian University
Students at Kentucky Christian University combine the latest psychological theory with biblical knowledge. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in counseling psychology, with an optional minor in child and family studies or a double major in biblical studies. To gain admittance to this program, students must have a 2.5 or higher GPA, an ACT score of 18 or higher, and an SAT score of at least 450 in Verbal and Math.
Some Christian-focused courses that students take are Introduction to the Old Testament, Christian Heritage, and Gospel Literature. In the psychology major, students take courses like Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Statistics, Social Psychology, and Counseling Theory. The program also requires students to participate in a counseling practicum.
This program is part of Kentucky Christian University’s School Of Social Work and Behavioral Health. Thus, one of the program’s focuses is to prepare students to work with clients with substance abuse, marital, and economic issues.
Oklahoma Baptist University
Oklahoma Baptist University offers a few excellent psychology programs, but its Bachelor of Arts in psychology: pre-counseling program is the most relevant for this review. Oklahoma Baptist University boasts that many of its course offerings are not featured in any other school. Some unique classes are The Wellness Lifestyle, Arts and Western Culture, and Introduction to Family Science.
In the pre-counseling program, students take excellent courses like Basic Counseling Skills, Psychological Testing, Family Communication, and Parent-Child Relationship. Students also take biblical courses like Biblical Ethics, Old Testament History and Literature, and New Testament History and Literature.
Students must not finish any course in their major with a D grade or lower. After graduating, students can choose to attend a master’s program or begin their profession immediately. Graduates from Oklahoma Baptist University have become consumer researchers, adoption agency workers, family life educators, and counselors.
Cornerstone University
If you live in Michigan, you can’t do much better than Cornerstone University’s Bachelor of Arts in counseling program. Cornerstone University boasts some impressive statistics. One notable statistic is that 100% of the program’s graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate schools within six months of graduating from the program.
Cornerstone University students combine leading counseling classes with courses in biblical studies. Some of the classes students take are Marriage and Family Counseling, Physiological Psychology, Christian Beliefs and History, and Science in Culture. Students in this program must also complete the global studies requirement. They can either take courses like World Affairs and Cross-Cultural Psychology or complete the Psychology in Europe Study Trip.
Students in the counseling program are paired with excellent institutions in Grand Rapids and around the world to complete internships. Some of these renowned programs are DeVos Children’s Hospital, Bethany Christian Services, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and Wedgwood Christian Services.
Arizona Christian University
Arizona Christian University offers an excellent Bachelor of Science in psychology program. Arizona Christian University has a notably rigorous curriculum. To remain in the major, students must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA in the psychology program. Alongside psychology courses, students take Christian-focused classes throughout the four-year program.
Some classes that students in this program take are Forensic Psychology, Advanced Research Methods, Social Psychology, Introduction to Research Science, Kinesiology, Theories of Personality, and Sport Psychology. Students complete the program with the psychology capstone, where they prove their expertise in the field and preparedness to practice in it.
Graduates from this program have become leading researchers and practitioners in the field. Some job titles of former Arizona Christian University students are case manager, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and behavioral health technician. Note that these are just the job titles for students who haven’t gone to graduate school yet.
Clarks Summit University
Clarks Summit University is a gorgeous campus in Johnson City, New York. The university is notable for its place in nature, but it’s also highly regarded across the nation for its excellent Bachelor of Science in counseling program. This program has a Christian focus, but its counseling courses are entirely science-based. Thus, it’s a general counseling degree, not a Christian counseling degree.
Clarks Summit University students take excellent psychology courses like Social Psychology, Personality Theory, Introduction to Counseling, Marriage and Family Dynamics, and Human Growth & Development. The program doesn’t include an internship, but students are highly encouraged to pursue one on their own. Otherwise, students may not be prepared to gain licensure.
Clarks Summit University has produced thousands of accomplished alumni. Some graduates from this program work in social service agencies, churches, religious organizations, government, rehabilitation clinics, and schools. If you seek a successful future in New York, consider Clarks Summit University.
Point University
Last but not least, Point University offers an excellent Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science program in counseling and human services. Point University is a faith-based school, and each of the counseling programs is conjoined with a minor in biblical studies. But like the last offering on this list, Point University offers a secular counseling program. If you’re looking for a biblical counseling program, Point University is not for you.
Some counseling and human service classes that students take are Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Counseling Diverse Populations, Personality Theory, and Family Counseling. Students must also complete an internship that relates to the counseling and human services program. In the biblical studies minor, students take Jesus: The Focus of Scripture, The Drama of Scripture, Scripture: How We Use it, and Psychology of Religion.
With an 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Point University students find a lot of personalized attention in this program. If you’re looking for small class sizes and an impressive faith-based university, Point University is for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to be a licensed counselor, you’ll need to launch your career with a degree in counseling. It is a good degree to get because of the demand for therapists and counselors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an 18% growth in jobs for behavioral disorder and mental health counselors, which is 15% higher than the average growth for all other occupations. This means you will have career options after you graduate.
A bachelor’s in counseling should take full-time students four years to complete, on average. Most programs require 120 credits, which means you must complete between 12 and 15 credits each semester to graduate in four years. Some online and accelerated programs can shorten the time to three years.
It is possible to get a job with bachelor’s in counseling, but it may not be as a counselor! Most counseling jobs require a master’s degree in counseling and licensure. But if you major in counseling and want to put your degree to work, you can. You might find work as a:
• Camp counselor
• Church counselor
• Corrections officer
• Crisis counselor
• Probation officer
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports average pay for counselors as $49,710/year. Counselors working in hospitals earn $54,740/year and those working with health practitioners make an average of $50,260/year. But the highest-paid 10% make more than $83,000/year. Geographic location and experience can impact these numbers.
It can be a challenge to major in counseling because it requires practical application, rigorous coursework, and personal development. Courses consist of studies in human behavior, counseling techniques, and psychology. But if you’re willing to put in the work and embrace self-discovery, you might uncover a rewarding career.
Most counselors have master’s degrees in counseling, psychology, or social work. You need a master’s degree to obtain licensure. But you need a bachelor’s degree to get your master’s in counseling, as most graduate programs require an earned bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field.
Having a bachelor’s degree in counseling is a good foundation for applying to graduate school for counseling. But admission criteria are based on merit. Programs consider your GPA, relevant coursework, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and possibly work or volunteer experience in the field. Some programs also require standardized test scores like the GRE.
Related:
- Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs
- Top Mental Health Counseling Graduate Programs
- Best Mental Health Counseling Programs (Graduate)
- Top Online Bachelor’s in Counseling