Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 APU Catalog 
    
2021-2022 APU Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Counseling Psychology, B.A.


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The Counseling Psychology degree is focused on the theory and practical application of psychology in behavioral health, addictions treatment, and other related helping fields.  Students are engaged in understanding and in practicing how to effectively address unmet human services and counseling needs at the individual, family, organizational/work, or community level, as well as becoming prepared to attend a graduate psychology program.  

Learning Outcomes

As a graduate, a student will earn an Bachelor of Arts degree with realized proficiency in APU’s Core Competencies:

  1. Effective Communication [EC]:  Demonstrate the ability to get one’s point across in writing, presentations, and organizations in order to share information, teach others, and foster collaboration
  2. Critical Thinking [CT]:  Demonstrate the ability to compute, analyze, make sense of information or data, and reach reasoned conclusions cognizant of possible bias or fallacies
  3. Cultural & Historical Perspective [CH]:  Demonstrate the ability to effectively consider tradition and heritage in relation to decision-making in a world shaped by diverse cultures and abiding histories
  4. Scientific Inquiry [SI]:  Demonstrate the ability to reach verifiable conclusions based on documented observations, findings, and recognized methods in order to know how things work in our world
  5. Ethical Engagement [EE]:  Demonstrate ability to raise needed questions and apply ethical and effective problem-framing and problem-solving to make things better

Foundational Studies (32-40 credits)


  • EC Written Communication** (WRIT 20100) (4)
  • EC Presentation & Media Literacy (from 10000-20000 level COMM) (3-4)
  • CT Critical Thinking (from 10000-20000 level CRIT) (3-4)
  • CT Computation** (MT 10100, BA 10500, or higher placement) (3-4)
  • CH Intellectual Traditions (various) (3-4)
  • CH Creative Endeavors (various) (3-4)
  • CH Intercultural & Spiritual Understandings (various) (3-4)
  • SI Biological/Physical Scientific Inquiry (various) (4) 
  • SI Social/Behavioral Scientific Inquiry (various) (3-4)
  • EE Social Responsibility (LS 10200) (2)
  • EE Personal Responsibility (various) (1-2)

     [†  Foundational Studies requirement satisfied in the Major Studies]
     [**  Minimum grade of ‘C’ (defined as C+, C, C-) must be earned]
    (Unless otherwise noted, check for courses which satisfy Foundational Studies categories under ‘Bachelor-level Degree Requirements- Overview’)

Major Studies (60 credits)


Self-Determined Studies (varies)


  • Students are encouraged to expand upon one of the Counseling Psychology elective areas, take a minor, or undertake an Eco League exchange to distinguish their programs of study.
  • Some classes offered in the Counseling Psychology, B.A. program may also count towards State of Alaska certification as a Chemical Dependency Counselor I or a Behavioral Health Counselor I. For more details, please contact the Counseling Psychology program area.

Minimum Graduation Credit Requirement: 128


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