35 Best Online Bachelor’s in Mental Health Counseling

As far as online programs go, Florida International University’s Bachelor of Arts in psychology is unmatched. In-state students pay the affordable rate of $228 per credit, the program faculty has dozens of credits in notable journals, and the courses couldn’t be more suited to an aspiring mental health counselor. If you want an affordable and high-quality education, Florida International University is the school for you.

Some courses in this program are Human Growth and Development, Introduction to Statistics, Psychology of Sexual Behavior, Human Biology, Cognitive Processes, and Psychology Methods/Analysis II. Given the general psychology nature of this program, students receive fewer mental health-focused courses here compared with some other schools. But a general psychology education is arguably more important at the undergraduate level.

This 100% online program offers students available start dates in the fall, spring, or summer. So if you want a well-rounded education that offers the flexibility you need, look no further.

Millions of individuals in the United States suffer from disabilities. These disabilities impact people’s lives in many ways, including harming their mental health. If you want to learn about the intricacies and realities of people living with disabilities, consider the University of North Texas’ online Bachelor of Science in rehabilitation studies program. 

Note that this program caters to aspiring rehabilitation professionals at least as much as mental health counselors. But since mental health counselors must have master’s degrees, and considering that most graduate programs are open to applicants with any undergraduate degree, this program can be conducive to your counseling goals. Plus, it will give you a niche that few others have.

One notable feature of this program is the ability to receive a specialization or certificate in the field by completing just 12 more hours beyond the 120-credit requirement. This certificate can land you additional jobs throughout your counseling career or before committing to a graduate school.

People suffering from mental health disorders take many forms. One common effect of suffering from mental health disorders across the board, though, is substance abuse issues. The opiate crisis is shattering communities as we speak, and many of the people suffering from addiction are plagued by mental health issues. If you want to play a role in battling the opiate epidemic, consider the University of Cincinnati’s Bachelor of Science in substance abuse counseling program.

Some notable courses in this program are Theoretical Foundations of Substance Abuse Counseling, Fundamental Substance Abuse Counseling Skills, Group Skills in Substance Abuse Counseling, and Crisis Management Skills. Students can complete the 120-credit program full-time or part-time.

At $505 per semester, the University of Cincinnati isn’t as affordable as many other options at this list. Otherwise, we may have considered it the best program in the country, especially if you want to get into substance abuse counseling.

The University of South Dakota offers an excellent online Bachelor of Science in addiction counseling and prevention program. Students here learn about the intricacies of addition, the chemical dependence that makes recovery challenging, the foundations of addictions counseling, and the methods that substance abuse counselors cherish.

Some core courses students in this program take are Study of Alcohol Use and Addiction, Addictive Family Systems and Family Counseling, Fundamental Skills of Group Counseling for Addiction, and Evidence-Based Decision Making. Students must choose a specialization in treatment or prevention, which each require two additional courses. Besides that, students take general education classes and twelve elective credits.

There is little not to like about this program. It’s affordable, well managed, and suitable for any aspiring substance abuse counselor. If you want to become a substance abuse counselor, be sure to consider the University of South Dakota as one of your better options. 

Arizona State University is one of the most robust learning institutions on the planet. It has hundreds of programs that are each reputable and affordable. And the school’s online Bachelor of Arts in psychology program is no exception. Students in this 120-credit program take 40 courses total, spending 7.5 weeks per class for four years.

Students in this program take excellent courses like Careers in Psychology, Research Methods, Introduction to Statistics, Social-Behavioral Sciences, Psychology of Gender, and Health Psychology. While this program doesn’t have a focus in mental health counseling, it will provide you with the prerequisite courses and knowledge to excel in a graduate program in the field.

Graduates from this program have become addictions counselors, mental health counselors, behavioral health specialists, probation officers, social workers, school psychologists, and more. Whatever your dream path may be, Arizona State University’s excellent program will take you there and beyond.

Southern New Hampshire University has emerged in the last decade as one of the best learning institutions focused on distance learning. It has more experience than most schools at creating online platforms, catering to distant students, and echoing the university environment online. Thankfully, Southern New Hampshire University has an excellent online Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a concentration in mental health.

Several notable classes in this 120-credit program are Introduction to Psychology, Research I: Statistics for Psychology, Community Psychology, Experiential Learning, and Psychology of Personality. Students devote much of their learning to general education requirements, too, including humanities, arts, composition, and health courses.

At $320 per credit, it’s hard to beat the affordability of Southern New Hampshire University, especially when the affordability is compounded by excellent instructors and state-of-the-art online platforms. Applying students have the benefit of not having to pay an online application fee. Additionally, the school doesn’t require students to submit SAT or ACT scores.

You may not expect a technology-focused learning institution to have one of the best online counseling degrees in the country. But, well, it does. The Oregon Institute of Technology has an excellent Bachelor of Science program in applied psychology with available electives in counseling, health, business, science, and more.

Students in this program take general education, psychology, and elective courses. Some general education courses that may interest you are Argumentative Writing, Public Speaking, College Algebra, and Introduction to Statistics. Some psychology-focused classes are Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Psychological Research Methods. These courses will prepare you for research, graduate school, and beyond.

You’ll love to know that the Oregon Institute of Technology charges online students $270 per credit, making this program one of the most affordable in the country. And there are no trade-offs here. The classes are excellent, the instructors are even better, and the university’s reputation will take you far in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. 

Old Dominion University offers a fantastic online Bachelor of Science in psychology program. Any student would be happy here, but one notable feature of this program is its willingness to accommodate transfer students. Whether you’ve completed community college or you’re transferring from another school, Old Dominion University will accept up to 90 transfer credits toward your 120-credit degree. Pretty nice, right?

Some notable Old Dominion University courses are Research Methods in Psychology, Scientific Reasoning in Psychology, Applied Psychology, Developmental Changes, and Introduction to Psychology. While the program doesn’t offer a specialization in mental health counseling, it does provide a well-balanced education that imparts the same knowledge as mental health-focused programs.

Tuition costs $360 per credit for Virginia residents and $407 per credit hour for out-of-state residents. While the tuition isn’t the cheapest on this list, out-of-state applicants should note that the difference between the two costs isn’t great. Thus, out-of-state students receive the same excellent education for almost the same price. 

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is an emerging school in the distance learning field. Its programs hold up well against the nation’s best schools, and many acclaimed lists are realizing that NSULA is becoming one of the nation’s best online schools. Hence, you’ll understand why Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s online Bachelor of Science in psychology program is ranked so high on this list.

Students in this program take excellent courses, including Physiological Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Ethics in Psychology, Theories of Personality, and Abnormal Psychology. These classes supplement the general education courses and electives that make up Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s 120-credit program.

Students in this program can concentrate in substance abuse counseling, which requires several additional classes. Students who choose this concentration won’t have a heavier course load; they just substitute concentration courses for electives. This option is ideal for aspiring substance abuse and mental health counselors. 

Are you a Christian-minded individual who seeks to have a future in counseling or psychology? If so, look no further than Liberty University’s online Bachelor of Science in psychology program with a concentration in addictions and recovery. Students in this program take excellent psychology courses informed on the latest research, but they also focus on theology and Christianity specifically.

Some notable courses in this program are Psychology and Christianity, Social Psychology,  Overview of Theory and Treatment of Substance Abuse, Psychology of Personality, and Psychological Measurement. More Christian-focused classes are Survey of Old and New Testament, Introduction to Theology Survey, and Christian Life and Biblical Worldview.

As you can see, Liberty University is the perfect option for Christians who want to become psychologists. It’s an equally strong option for people who want to complete school as quickly as possible: Students complete Liberty University’s psychology program in an average of 3.5 years.

Central Michigan University is a large state school with selective admissions and dozens of outstanding programs. Some Central Michigan University alumni you may recognize are Tim Allen, J.J. Watt, and Andrew Dost. But the university has many alumni who are equally notable outside of the spotlight. 

Central Michigan University’s online Bachelor of Science in psychology program offers students an excellent opportunity to engage in research, take fantastic classes, and make connections with faculty and students that will last a lifetime. Central Michigan University is receptive to transfer students; consult an admissions department professional if you’re interested in transferring credits from another university.

Central Michigan University students in the psychology program take excellent courses like Introduction to Psychology, Applications of Research Methods, and Introduction to Psychological Statistics. Each student must take six elective courses and a handful of general education requirements. General education courses focus on English, math, quantitative reasoning, and writing. 

Would you like to become a counselor who focuses on addictions and helping addicts find recovery paths? And would you rather begin your undergraduate schooling steeped in the nuances of addictions counseling than take a general program? If both statements are true, you’ll love Purdue University’s Bachelor of Science in psychology in addictions program. 

Some sample courses in this program are Health Psychology, Case Management in Clinical Settings, Psychopharmacology of Alcohol and Drugs, Abnormal Psychology, and Clinical Psychology. Students in this program also take courses that focus on building the speaking, listening, and writing skills required of counselors and other social workers.

Purdue University charges $371 per credit, but note that the program is 180 credits, not 120. Thus, Purdue University is a bit more expensive than many other programs on this list. But we’ve ranked it highly regardless, given the reputation and excellence of this program, as well as the career outlook for students who have graduated from the Psychology in Addictions program. 

The University of Maine at Machias offers an excellent and unique program: a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and community studies. This program focuses on the macro level in psychology, which is often ignored or sidelined for the more personal approach. But it’s only through micro and macro-level analysis and understanding that a psychologist or counselor can truly excel.

Students in this program can choose between two concentrations: applied psychology or disabilities in youth. Applied psychology focuses on service learning and community engagement, while disabilities in youth concentrates on the required skills to work with disabled youth patients as a counselor, case manager, or educator. 

As one of the few interdisciplinary programs on this list, students who typically prefer liberal arts programs should take special note of the University of Maine at Machias’s program. With classes in the humanities, arts, economics, psychology, anthropology, and sociology, students here prepare to excel as successful psychologists and worldly citizens. 

The George Washington University is a name that stands out on resumes. Numerous politicians, actors, scientists, and authors have attended this school, and its nearly 200-year history has been written about many times. If you want to attend an elite school, consider George Washington University’s Bachelor of Science in health sciences in clinical operations and healthcare management.

This degree completion program doesn’t exactly cater to aspiring counselors and psychologists. Instead, it focuses on creating managers and administrators who will empower and organize the next generation of healthcare professionals, including counselors. Some courses in this program are Seminar in Health Science Leadership, Case Studies in Health Care, Introduction to Statistics for Health Science, and Current Issues in Bioethics. 

Tuition for the two-year program is $38,100. This number isn’t low, but it’s affordable considering the prestige and career outlook for GWU students. Applying students must have a 2.5 or higher GPA, a completed application, resume, personal statement, one letter of recommendation, official transcripts, completed coursework, and a personal statement to gain admission to this program.

Have you already started another program, and you’re realizing it’s not for you? Or perhaps you want to close the gap of your education with an excellent psychology degree? If that’s the case, consider Franklin University’s Bachelor of Science in psychology program. The university emphasizes the transfer-friendly nature of the psychology degree, with the ability to transfer up to 94 credits.

Franklin University students divide their time between general education and core requirements. Some core classes are Lifespan Development, Social Psychology, Theories of Counseling, and Abnormal Psychology. Students take additional courses in their concentration, which can be Forensic and Criminal Psychology, Industrial Organizational Psychology, or Sports Psychology.

Graduates from this program have become psychologists, counselors in all capacities, career development specialists, interpersonal effectiveness trainers, and more. At $398 per credit, Franklin University is neither the most affordable nor the most expensive option on this list. But military service members receive significant discounts, only having to pay $250 per credit.

The City University of Seattle is the hippest and perhaps one of the highest performing learning institutions on this list. Students here complete their degrees at twice the national rate, which speaks to the quality of the faculty and curricula at this school. The City University of Seattle also happens to have one of the best Bachelor of Arts in applied psychology programs in the country.

Some notable classes in this program are Organizational Behavior, Introduction to Social Psychology, Psychology of Difference, Sociology of the Family, and Fundamentals of Social Psychology. Alongside these courses, students take classes in composition, math, humanities, social science, and natural science. 

This program focuses on imparting necessary skills, such as learning the theories of personality, the relationship between the mind and body, concepts of social psychology, the mechanics of human learning, and more. If you want a detailed look at psychology in all of its aspects, choose the City University of Seattle. 

Students at Regent University receive the finest education in Christian foundations and their major. Christianity forms a backdrop to the school’s Bachelor of Science in psychology program. Students take a science-first approach to the program, but Regent University emphasizes Christianity as the foundation of action, thinking, and ambition. 

Some courses in Regent University’s fantastic psychology program are Research Methods, Theories of Personality, Data Analysis, Multicultural Psychology, and Social Psychology. Students complete the four-year program with the senior capstone, which focuses on connecting the many lessons that students learned throughout their four years, from Christianity to psychology.

Regent University charges full-time students $395 per credit hour and part-time students $450 per credit hour. The tuition rates aren’t exceptionally affordable, but know that the cost of tuition is one of the very few drawbacks of Regent University. Otherwise, it is excellent in every respect, and graduating students cherish their time at the school. 

The University of Cumberlands offers an excellent bachelor’s in psychology. Students in this program become familiar with psychology’s foundational concepts, learn research methods and apply it to psychology, develop critical thinking capacities, and apply psychology to personal and social issues.

Students in this program choose a clinical, ministries, graduate, or business psychology track. Several notable courses in this program are Careers in Psychology, History and Systems in Psychology, Psychological Testing, Psychology of Personality, and Adult Development. Beyond these courses, students take classes in English, Christianity, humanities, social sciences, cultural values, and science.

Graduates from this program have become psychologists, professors, applied behavior specialists, and hospital directors. At $199 per credit hour, the University of the Cumberlands is one of the most affordable options on this list. If money is a limitation for you, take advantage of this opportunity. Plus, you can rest assured that you’ll receive a high-quality education, regardless of the surprisingly affordable cost. 

How do humans interact? And why do they behave the way they do? These are some of the questions that behavioral health professionals ask. If you’re interested in the behavioral health realm, consider Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in behavioral health program. This program emphasizes behavioral health concepts, skills, cultural competency, information technology, and expanding your professional network.

Some notable courses in this program are Introduction to Family Dynamics, Understanding Trauma, Abnormal Psychology, Human Development, and Ethics of Behavioral Health Science. While this degree doesn’t specifically cater to aspiring counselors, it’s clear that these classes can prepare aspiring counselors for graduate school as well as counseling programs.

At $440 per credit, Grand Canyon University is one of the more expensive options on this list. But the learning institution makes available many scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities. For more financial aid opportunities, consult the Scholarships and Grants page on the Grand Canyon University website.

Hodges University has been teaching online since 1995, making it one of the more dedicated and experienced distance learning platforms in existence. And we can assure you that it’s one of the best, too. Luckily enough, Hodges University offers an excellent Bachelor of Science in applied psychology program. The program focuses on the scientific and theoretical foundations of psychology.

Core courses of Hodges University’s applied psychology program include Educational Psychology, Principles of Analytic Techniques, Psychology of Conflict Management, Organizational Psychology, and Experimental Psychology. Students supplement these classes with courses in English, humanities, statistics, and science. The 120-credit program takes most students four years, but Hodges University allows students to enroll part-time.

Graduates from Hodges University have gone onto work in community agencies, hospices, hospitals, case management, and substance abuse counseling. Some have become psychologists; others have become leading social workers. No matter your desired path, Hodges University and its excellent online platform will take you there.

Saint Leo University’s Bachelor of Arts program in psychology with an emphasis in clinical counseling was an obvious choice for this list. It’s affordable, reputable, and worth every second of time you invest in the program. Students here benefit from a hands-on approach, even though the program is online. Whether you want to be a mental health counselor or social worker, this program will take you there.

Some notable features of this program are its Abnormal Psychology, Personality Theory, and Interviewing and Counseling Skills classes. Each of these courses looks in detail at the earliest foundations and latest theories of counseling. These classes are demanding: Students must study and invest time in their education. They’re paying for it, after all.

Graduates from this program have become case workers, addictions counselors, business managers, advertising assistants, child welfare workers, psychologists, and more. Others have gone onto successful careers as researchers, educators, and graduate students at schools like William & Mary Law School, New York University, and Hofstra University.

Do you lead a busy life, but you still want to carve out time for an excellent Christian education? If that’s the case, Faulkner University will suit you perfectly. The school offers a fantastic online Bachelor of Science in counseling psychology program that students can complete at their own pace. That means no fixed class times, no hourly due dates: It’s your education.

Some notable courses in this program are Behavioral Statistics, Seminar: Foundations In Psychology, Research Methods, Social Psychology, and Psychology of Religion and Spirituality. As the latter class suggests, this program melds Christian learning with the scientific backing of psychology. It doesn’t hold the two subjects separate. If that sounds good to you, and you’d like to cater to a Christian clientele, you’ll love this program.

Are you interested in attending Faulkner University? If so, you’ll have to complete the online application and meet the university requirements. The requirements include being a high school graduate or GED holder, SAT or ACT scores, and submitting a personal statement. Students who transfer with 24 or more credits from another university needn’t submit SAT or ACT scores.

Are you so dedicated to your Christian roots that you’d prefer to implement Christian thinking and dogma into your counseling practice? If so, consider Hobe Sound Bible College’s excellent Bachelor of Arts in counseling. Students in this program have seven optional minors: pastoral ministries, education, music, intercultural studies, child evangelism, TESOL, and aviation.

As you can see, HSBC is one of the most dynamic programs on this list. Where else can you combine a Christian counseling degree with aviation? We’ll answer that: nowhere. With excellent academics, experienced faculty members, and more opportunities than we can name, students find resounding success and experience at this program.

At $200 per credit for undergraduate tuition rates, it doesn’t get much more affordable than Hobe Sound Bible College. And for the education you receive at this excellent Christian school, it’s one of the best values for an education in the country. So what are you waiting for? Learn about music theory, aviation, foreign cultures, and more, and join the ranks of Hobe Sound Bible College. 

Clarks Summit University is another Christian-minded college. Unlike some schools that keep Christian thought and counseling separate, the intention of Clark Summit University’s Bachelor of Science in Counseling program is to create biblically minded counselors. If that’s up your alley, then Clarks Summit University will suit you perfectly.

CSU students take fascinating courses like Personality Theory, Social Psychology, Introduction to Counseling, Adolescent and Adult Psychology, and Marriage and Family Dynamics. These courses aren’t overtly Christian, but they do emphasize biblical thinking. Plus, students also take a handful of Christian core classes. And while it’s not required, CSU suggests that all students complete an internship.

This 123-credit program is challenging, but it’s rewarding, too. One significant benefit of CSU is the opportunity to enroll in the school’s Master of Science in counseling program during your final year of university. That way, you can hurry your path to becoming a counselor and helping patients use Christian thinking to conquer their troubles. 

Capella University has an excellent Bachelor of Science program in psychology pre-counseling. Capella is also notable for its transfer policy: Students can transfer up to 135 of the required 180 credits to graduate. And with three master’s level courses, every graduating student will have an automatic reduction of credits required if they go on to pursue a master’s in counseling. 

Some notable courses in this program are Introduction to Psychology of Personality, Survey of Research in Human Development for Professional Counselors, Counseling and Advocacy with Diverse Populations, and Abnormal Psychology. These classes examine in detail the foundations and theories of psychology and counseling.

Graduates from this program have become case managers, human resource managers, counselors of all forms, mental health technicians, academic advisors, and human resource generalists. The career outlook for Capella University graduates is promising, as is the likelihood that you’ll secure a job immediately upon graduating. 

Bay Path University offers an outstanding Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program with an emphasis on the Foundations of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling. This program focuses on imparting the skills required to help others overcome addictions and cope with addicted family members. If you want to play a role in helping people conquer crippling addictions and re-enter the workplace as a functioning adult, this program is for you.

Some courses in this program are Behavioral Research Methods, Adolescent and Adult Development, Counseling Diverse Populations, Principles of Sociology, and Ethics and Professional Conduct in Counseling. Bay Path University requires its psychology students to complete a two-part 300-hour internship, which you can do in-person at a location near you.

Bay Path University students also complete two graduate level courses to prepare for national certification. By completing these courses, you can also expedite Bay Path University’s Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling or a similar program. 

Are you sure that counseling is for you, and you want to finish undergraduate and graduate school as quickly as possible? If so, consider Southwestern Assemblies of God University’s bachelor’s degree in counseling (pre-professional). This program seeks to prepare students for graduate school and the counseling profession. Here, you can learn the foundations of counseling, the techniques of counseling diverse populations, and the Christian foundation to help see clients through to better lives.

One barrier to many students’ willingness to attend university is the cost. If you’re hesitant about sinking into debt, you’ll be pleased to know that Southwestern Assemblies of God University’s students graduate with 20% less debt on average compared with the typical university graduate. And while you’re saving money at SAGU, you’re not compromising your education: This program is as good as it gets.

So what are you waiting for? Read more about SAGU on the university webpage, and apply to the school today. 

Graduates from Colorado Christian University’s Bachelor of Arts in psychology program have gone onto such diverse professions as career counselors, mental health counselors, case managers, writers, child care workers, social workers, marketing researchers, and more. How, exactly? Well, with a program as excellent and dynamic as Colorado Christian University’s, your possibilities are endless.

Students here combine general education courses with biblical studies and psychology courses. Students here also have the opportunity to pursue a dual major in psychology and biblical studies, criminal justice, or clinical counseling. Some notable courses in this program are Theories of Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Clinical Counseling Methods, Transformational Psychology, and Old Testament.

To graduate from this program, students must complete 120 credits with a letter grade of D or better and a 2.0 or higher GPA in all CCU coursework. Additionally, students must complete 180 hours of ministry service and 180 chapel credits to meet the Christian requirements of the program.

Students at Maryville University’s Bachelor of Arts in psychology benefit from no application fees, an excellent transfer policy, available part-time and full-time formats, and no required ACT or SAT requirements. Graduates from this program have become psychologists, counselors, human resource specialists, market research analysts, and survey researchers. The former two professions require graduate school, but the latter three allow graduates to immediately enter the workplace and make decent salaries.

Several courses Maryville University students take are Critical Thinking in Social Sciences, Abnormal Psychology, Human Development through the Lifespan, Multicultural Psychology, and Biological Psychology. These courses teach students critical skills in the psychology and counseling professions. 

Maryville University’s program is notable for its emphasis on the social sciences. By integrating social science and psychology, students prepare themselves for diverse careers and experiences. Students also benefit from being able to learn from experienced faculty members that have extensive experience instructing and working in the field. 

Whether you want to work in the church or in a secular setting, Toccoa Falls College will take you there. The school’s Bachelor of Science in counseling psychology degree focuses on psychology with a Christian approach. The program’s goals are to impart counseling and psychological knowledge, teach fundamental principles and theories, help students develop the soft skills to excel in the field, and understand biblical values.

Students in this program take 30 hours in the Bible and theology department and 42 hours in the psychology core. Some courses that students take are Counseling Skills, Family Therapy, Christ-Centered Counseling, Abnormal Psychology, Personality Theories, and Group Counseling. All Toccoa Falls College students must choose between a counseling internship or psychology research project.

Students must take fifteen credits in a minor or open electives. By choosing a minor, you can become an expert in another field. With open electives, you can diversify your knowledge base and excel to a lesser extent in many different fields. 

We need counselors and psychologists on the front line. But we also need administrators who understand and support these professionals and their basis. That’s why we’ve included Columbia Southern University’s excellent online Bachelor of Science program in health care administration. This program seeks to develop the next generation of healthcare administrators that are ethical, efficient, and experts in the field.

Some courses in the major core are Comparative Health Systems, Health Care Marketing, Research Methods for Health Professionals, Budgeting in Health Care, and Financial Management in Health Care Organizations. Students also take general education courses in history, English, humanities, math, science, and social science.

At $235 per credit hour, Columbia Southern University is one of the more affordable options on this list. This opportunity is worth taking advantage of, especially because healthcare administrators earn excellent salaries. The university also provides free textbooks, military discounts, a flexible transfer policy, and several scholarships to make the program even more affordable.

Do you want to be on the front lines of our fight against addiction? It’s clear that damaging drugs are torturing millions of people, communities, and families around the globe. If you want to play a role in the prevention and treatment of addictions, consider Crown College’s Bachelor of Science in alcohol and drug counseling program. One unique aspect of this program is its Christian focus, making this option ideal for Christian-focused students.

Some courses that students in this program take are Methods of Counseling, Group Dynamics, Diversity Issues in Counseling, History of the New Testament, Interpreting the Gospels, and Systematic Theology. The counseling courses are separate from the Christian courses, but counseling instructors emphasize Christian thinking.

Most students complete the 125-credit program in four years, but Crown College does allow students to enroll part-time. At $395 per credit, Crown College isn’t one of the more affordable options on this list. But we’ve included it anyway because, considering the academics, faculty, and career outcomes, this program can’t be overlooked.

The mental health crisis takes more than counselors and psychologists—it requires systemic change. For that reason, Palo Alto University now offers a fantastic Bachelor of Science in psychology and social action program. The psychology aspect of the program focuses on individual and group therapy; the social action segment seeks to develop professionals who can effect systemic change.

Some courses in this program are Fundamentals of Social Action, Cross Cultural Psychology, Cultural Anthropology, International Political Economy, Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences, and Biological Psychology. Students must complete a nine-month internship during their senior year at a nonprofit or community agency near them.

Graduates from this program have become executive directors at nonprofits, psychologists, social workers, advocates in the criminal justice system, and more. Students will be pleased that Palo Alto University is an accredited school that has flexible transfer policies, no tuition increases, and expedited programs that allow students to graduate in as few as two years.

Grace College and Theological Seminary offers an excellent bachelor’s in counseling. The program offers a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts. To earn a Bachelor of Science, students must complete two additional math and science courses; to earn a Bachelor of Arts, students must take two additional humanity and language classes. Otherwise, the requirements of the program are the same, regardless of your degree choice.

Some notable courses in this program are Essential Doctrinal Themes, Exploring the Bible, Theories of Personality, Victimology, Research Methods in Social Science, Process and Theories of Counseling, and Addictive Treatment. To graduate from this program, students must complete 120 credit hours with a 2.0 overall GPA or higher and a 2.2 minimum GPA in core classes.

Graduates from this program have gone onto graduate school and successful careers as case managers, human resource managers, social workers, psychologists, counselors, and more.