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:

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
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
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
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
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 (34-40 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)

PY 10100 - Introduction to Psychology (4) †
PY 21000 - Professional Orientation and Ethics (4)
PY 21500 - Lifespan Human Development (4)
PY 23100 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4)
PY 30000 - Research Methods in Psychology (4)
PY 34000 - Abnormal Psychology (4)
Self-Understanding (choose one)
PY 22400 - Mindfulness: Exploring Mind-Body Psychology (4)
PY 23500 - Creativity for Healing and Growth (4)
PY 26000 - Intimacy, Relationships, and Sexuality (4)
Broader Connections (choose one)
PY 20200 - Psychology of Sustainability (4)
PY 23000 - Psychology of Spirituality and Religion (4)
PY 24200 - Family Systems (4)
PY 31000 - Diversity and Social Justice (4)
Helping Interventions (choose one)
PY 31200 - Counseling Skills (4)
PY 31400 - Group Practice (4)
PY 35000 - Adventure Therapy (4)
Advanced Theory (choose one)
PY 31500 - Psychology of Women (4)
PY 32000 - Personality: Theories and Perspectives (4)
PY 32500 - Social Psychology (4)
PY 35500 - Positive Psychology (4)
PY 36000 - Health Psychology (4)
Treatment Interventions (choose one)
PY 42500 - Behavioral Health Interventions (4)
PY 43000 - Diagnoses and Treatment Plans (4)
PY 43500 - Co-Occurring Disorders (4)
PY 44000 - Crisis Intervention and Community Resources (4)
PY 38500 - Field Experience (4-12) (4 credits required)
OR
LS 31000 - Liberal Studies Service Learning (3) (3 credits required)
PY 49800 - Senior Project Proposal (8)
PY 49900 - Senior Project (4)
[† Requirement in the Major Studies also satisfies Foundational Studies]

[A grade of ‘C’ (C+, C, C-) or better must be earned on all Major Studies requirements including Senior Project. A course must be repeated if a grade lower than ‘C’ (C+, C, C-) is earned. Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the writing style of the American Psychological Association (satisfied by PY 21000 - Professional Orientation and Ethics or other evidence as may be accepted by program area).]

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.

Alaska Pacific University

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Counseling Psychology, B.A.

Learning Outcomes

Foundational Studies (34-40 credits)

Major Studies (60 credits)

Self-Determined Studies (varies)

Minimum Graduation Credit Requirement: 128