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.
You receive foundational training in counseling theories, addictions, trauma, lifespan development, group counseling and professional ethics in the Bachelor of Science program in counseling and applied psychological science. A distinct 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, you participate in an internship in which you 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
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First
required math course:
MAT 119 - Finite Mathematics
or MAT 170 Precalculus - Math
intensity: Moderate
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
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 sets 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 variety of cultures and communities. Global Education programs provide students with a distinct global perspective, enabling them to have an impact.
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 psychologist, educator, professor)
- 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. 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 17% (2024 to 2034) --- much faster than average --- for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors.
Graduates are not license eligible as professional counselors but are well prepared with an excellent foundation to enter graduate degree programs in disciplines such as counselor education, counseling psychology, clinical psychology, social work, family studies 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
16.8%
|
$59,350
|
|
|
12.6%
|
$50,860
|
|
|
3.5%
|
$64,330
|
|
|
12.6%
|
$66,940
|
|
|
16.8%
|
$59,350
|
|
|
3.6%
|
$80,340
|
|
|
1.4%
|
$46,850
|
|
|
0.7%
|
$95,990
|
|
|
6.4%
|
$80,390
|
|
|
3.4%
|
$59,550
|
School of Counseling and Counseling Psychology
|
SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
