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Counseling Psychology (BA)

Why Study Counseling Psychology?

A degree in counseling psychology will provide you with the skills and knowledge to advance your career or prepare for graduate work in counseling, social work, or a related practitioner role. This major provides a foundation of psychological principles to apply to personal, social, and organizational problems and emphasizes client interaction in professional settings such as social services agencies or corporate workplaces. In addition, hands-on practicum experience allows students to apply learned methods to diverse populations.

Preparing for the Next Step in Your Career

We understand the importance of supporting and encouraging our students throughout their educational journey. Our experienced faculty and staff are committed to guiding you every step of the way, providing the resources and assistance you need to succeed.

Credit for Life Experience

In the School of Professional Studies, you may earn academic credit for life experience through the Credit for Prior Learning process. Credit is earned if you are able to demonstrate learning, whether from informal life experience, professional psychology training, social work licensure, counseling certification, or any other source.

Location Options

A degree in counseling psychology can be earned through classes offered at the Chicago and Grayslake campuses or a combination of online and in-person classes.

Program Flexibility

Flexibility is built right into the School of Professional Studies. New classes start every two months, with seven-week accelerated courses that meet just once a week at one of our two campus locations–evenings or Saturdays–or online.

By taking at least six courses a year, most students finish their degree in 2.5 years or less, depending on transfer credit (students can transfer as many as 90 hours).

Faculty Spotlight:
Elizabeth Pierre

Her research interests are in the area of care for sexual violence survivors and how contextual factors such as race, culture, and gender impact the experience of trauma and recovery. She travels abroad to teach, to research, and to learn how to provide care in communities affected by violence.

More About Elizabeth Pierre

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Preparing for the Future

Cameron Sweeney C’12 returned to school, in part, to improve in her career. “I enjoy the population of students I serve … and I wanted to be more knowledgeable about how to work with them,” she says. Since earning her counseling psychology degree, Cameron has received a pay increase and is pursuing graduate school.

More About Cameron