Major: Counseling Psychology

Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Students majoring in psychology have a common goal. They want to help people understand and manage their mental and behavioral problems. The approach students take in their psychology major will determine whether they’ll become a clinical or counseling psychology major. 

These two career options share a lot: understanding mental health and behavioral issues, addressing the impacts of those problems, and applying science-based data to manage these concerns. However, counseling psychologists aren’t trained to handle severe psychological conditions such as major depressive disorder or schizophrenia. Instead, a clinical psychologist and psychiatrist (who can prescribe medications) have training that targets this population of individuals who require more in-depth care for their diagnoses.

As a counseling psychologist, you’ll use a more comprehensive approach to assist people. Your clients will come to you with issues that impact their families, profession, and friendships. You’ll work with clients individually or in groups to help them manage their thoughts and behaviors so they lead healthier lives.

What does a student majoring in Counseling Psychology study? 

• Introduction to Counseling Psychology
• Counseling Theory and Practice
• Career Development 
• Multicultural Counseling
• Theories of Counseling
• Counseling and Gender
• School Counseling
• Ethical Issues in Psychological Counseling

What can I do with a Counseling Psychology degree?

Because Counseling Psychologists help people manage their mental health issues, these professionals can concentrate their work on specific demographics (e.g., age groups and genders). The following are examples of professional roles Counseling Psychology majors may choose to pursue:

• Social and Human Service Assistants
• Community Health Workers
• Credit Counselors
• Health and Safety Engineers
• Rehabilitation Counselors

Specializations for a Counseling Psychology major are:

• Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Cultural Psychology
• Gender Psychology
• Political Psychology 
• Forensic Psychology
• Health Psychology

What are the requirements for a Counseling Psychology degree? 

In addition to course requirements, students must complete workshops. Workshops allow students to gain experience and develop relevant skills by applying the theories and research they’ve learned.