Counseling and Applied Psychological Science ,BS
Applied Psychology, Behavioral Health, Counseling Psychology, Health Wellness, Mental Health, Psychology, Social Services, Social and Behavioral Sciences, counseling
Learn foundational theories, research methods and basic counseling skills to help people from diverse backgrounds cope with life's challenges. You'll be prepared for graduate study in behavioral health fields such as counseling psychology.
Counseling and applied psychological science is a specialty in promoting psychological well-being. Counselors and applied psychologists provide the tools and resources necessary for individuals, families and organizations to cope with everyday problems.
The BS program in counseling and applied psychological science provides foundational training in counseling theories, addictions, trauma, life span development, group counseling and professional ethics. A unique aspect of the program is its attention to cultural diversity, focusing on age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion and socioeconomic status. As part of the program, students also participate in a hands-on internship in which they shadow a licensed therapist and apply counseling theory.
- College/school:
College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
- Location: Polytechnic or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
-
First required math course:
MAT 119 - Finite Mathematics
or MAT 170 Precalculus -
Math intensity:
Moderate
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
To make a positive impact in the lives of others, students must understand the diverse set of experiences, backgrounds and cultures that shape the people with whom they wish to work. When studying abroad, students gain firsthand experience of a wide range of cultures and communities. Global Education programs provide students with a unique global perspective, enabling them to impact the world.
Graduates with a degree in counseling and applied psychological sciences are prepared for careers in various settings:
- community centers
- government (sales and marketing, human resources management)
- mental health professions (youth counselor, substance abuse counselor, behavioral health technician)
- schools and colleges (school psychologists, educators, professors)
- social services (high school psychology teacher, occupational analyst)
- substance abuse treatment clinics
Graduates may qualify for employment in behavioral health care delivery settings such as community agencies, hospitals and rehabilitation centers to support counselors and other mental health professionals, and they are prepared for a variety of positions, such as vocational rehabilitation assistant, human service worker and life-skills instructor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a projected job growth of 25% (2019 to 2029) for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors --- much faster than average.
Graduates of this program are not license-eligible as professional counselors but are well prepared with an excellent foundation for entering graduate degree programs in disciplines such as counselor education, counseling psychology, clinical psychology, social work and family studies, counseling and related fields.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
18.4%
|
$49,710
|
|
|
17.2%
|
$43,390
|
|
|
5.4%
|
$60,140
|
|
|
14.9%
|
$56,570
|
|
|
18.4%
|
$49,710
|
|
|
5.2%
|
$78,810
|
|
|
1.9%
|
$39,990
|
|
|
1.3%
|
$81,500
|
|
|
9.1%
|
$74,240
|
|
|
5.3%
|
$50,820
|
School of Counseling and Counseling Psychology
|
SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
