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Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology Pre-Counseling

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology Pre-Counseling degree program provides undergraduate learners with instruction across the broad science of psychology and an introduction to counseling theories, professions, and practices. The psychology curriculum emphasizes the knowledge, skills, and values identified by the American Psychological Association (APA) as fundamental in the undergraduate study of psychology and is designed to foster understanding of the complexities of human behavior and thought and the development of the analytical, quantitative, and communication skills associated with psychology study. For their graduate-level curriculum, pre-counseling learners choose three courses emphasizing either clinical mental health counseling/school counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Successful graduates of this program are prepared to continue their studies at the graduate level or pursue entry-level careers in a variety of public and private employment settings in which psychology knowledge and skills are used to promote human welfare. These degree program requirements are not designed or intended to meet professional licensure requirements for the counseling or psychology professions.

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General Education Requirements

Choose 45 quarter credits with a minimum of 4 quarter credits from each category; see General Education Courses.

Required courses:

BIO1000
Human Biology

In this course, learners examine the integrative relationship between human biological systems and the social sciences, arts, and communications. Learners build and apply an understanding of topics such as human anatomy, nature versus nurture, biological psychology, human disease, and concepts related to ancestry and biology. Learners also evaluate the accuracy of biological topics in the media. This course includes a lab experience.

6 quarter credits
ENG1000
English Composition

This course is an introduction to writing research techniques and various forms of writing, including expository writing. Learners strengthen and demonstrate their ability to think critically; to develop and organize writing topics; and to revise their writing for clarity of purpose, readability, and style.

6 quarter credits
MAT2001
Statistical Reasoning

This course introduces fundamental concepts of elementary statistics, including descriptive statistics, methods of counting, probability distributions, approximations, estimation, and hypothesis testing. Learners use these concepts to apply and interpret statistical results.

6 quarter credits
PHI2000
Ethics

In this course, learners apply major ethical theories to evaluate actions and apply them to contemporary issues. Learners reflect on their own value systems and the ways these values influence and inform their judgments and behavior.

6 quarter credits
PSYC1000
Introduction to Psychology

This course is an introduction to the basic theories and principles of psychology and of the scientific methods of psychologists. Learners build understanding of core psychological theories and research and their application in areas of the brain, learning, memory, personality, social influence, lifespan development, psychopathology, and applied psychology. Learners apply the psychological concepts they learn to everyday situations through discussions and assignments.

6 quarter credits

Additional Program Requirements

PSYC1003
Developing Psychology Thinking †

Learners in this course develop skills needed to succeed in their academic program by analyzing the science of academic success. Learners cultivate critical thinking, information literacy, and academic writing and research skills to enable their academic success. Additionally, learners gain an understanding of evidence-based decision making, APA style, and the fundamental principles behind academic success.  For BS in Psychology and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners only. Learners who are determined to need additional support developing academic and professional writing and reading skills based on academic assessment must take PSYC1003 during their first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.

6 quarter credits
PSYC3003
Developing a Psychology Perspective ‡

In this course, learners build and strengthen psychology-related skills needed to succeed in their program and the workplace. Learners expand their critical-thinking, organizational, problem-solving, and research skills in order to demonstrate and apply a psychology perspective. Learners also communicate effectively and exhibit ethical behavior. For BS in Psychology and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners only. Learners may only earn credit for PSYC3002 or PSYC3003. Prerequisite(s): ENG1000, PSYC1000, PSYC1003. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.

6 quarter credits
-or-
PSYC3002
Developing a Psychology Perspective §

This course builds and strengthens learners’ academic writing, critical-thinking, problem-solving, research, and organizational skills in relation to psychology, so that they may apply a psychology perspective within their program and the workplace. During the course, learners develop an understanding of ethical principles and standards as they relate to topics in psychology. For BS in Psychology and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners only. Learners may only earn credit for PSYC3002 or PSYC3003. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.

6 quarter credits
PSYC3210 *
Human Lifespan Development

This course is a survey of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development throughout the lifespan as viewed by research and theories, both classical and contemporary. Learners explore the interaction between heredity and the environment, the research methods used by developmental psychologists, and apply stage and non-stage human development theories and research to modern problems and individual experiences.  Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000, completion of or concurrent registration in PSYC3540.

6 quarter credits
PSYC3500 *
Learning and Cognition

Learners in this course apply theories, research, and methods of human learning and cognition to lifelong learning and development. Learners gain and demonstrate their knowledge of classical and operant learning, perception, attention, memory systems, and encoding and retrieval processes and the role of reasoning, knowledge, and language in learning and cognition.  Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000, completion of or concurrent registration in PSYC3520.

6 quarter credits
PSYC3520 *
Introduction to Social Psychology

This course is an introduction to the scientific study of the social context on an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and the three areas of social perception, interaction, and influence in particular. Learners gain and demonstrate knowledge of social cognition; the social self; interpersonal relationships; helping behavior; group behavior; attitude formation; aggression; conformity; obedience; and social perceptions related to gender, race, and culture.  Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000, completion of or concurrent registration in PSYC3210.

6 quarter credits
PSYC3540 *
Culture, Ethnicity, and Diversity

In this course, learners integrate their knowledge of theories and research of culture, ethnicity, diversity, and social interaction with current trends and challenges associated with cultural diversity. Learners analyze social issues related to gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and mental and physical disability and assess the effects of prejudice, discrimination, and institutional oppression. Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000.

6 quarter credits
PSYC4100 *
History and Modern Systems of Psychology

Learners in this course build and demonstrate their knowledge of the history of psychology as an academic discipline, with an emphasis on the lives of various significant psychologists and the historical and social events that shaped the development of the field as a science. Learners also identify the evolution of the field’s ideas of the mind, paradigmatic approaches influencing the discipline, and various psychology systems that have developed as a result of rapid social and technological change. Prerequisite(s): PSYC3520.

6 quarter credits
PSYC4310 *
Biological Psychology

In this course, learners synthesize theories of mind-body connection with the biological bases of behavior. Learners demonstrate their knowledge of the structure and functions of the nervous system; brain evolution and plasticity; methodology of physiological psychology; and the neurological bases of sensation, perception, motivation, emotion, and higher cortical functions. Prerequisite(s): BIO1000, PSYC3520.

6 quarter credits
PSYC4600 *
Research Methods in Psychology

Learners in this course demonstrate their knowledge of fundamental research methods and tools used in psychology. Learners use research methods and designs to show how the scientific method can be applied to the study of human behavior and thought, including ethical considerations for conducting research with human participants. Prerequisite(s): PSYC4700. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.

6 quarter credits
PSYC4700 *
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

In this course, learners apply quantitative statistics to the study of human behavior. Learners systematically examine and test hypotheses and relationships using statistical software; interpret, display, and present statistical data; and analyze the validity of arguments based on statistics. In particular, learners gain and demonstrate skills required to conduct statistical sampling, define statistical assumptions and requirements, test statistical differences between and among groups, evaluate correlations, calculate effect size and confidence intervals, and determine practical and statistical significance. Prerequisite(s): MAT2001, PSYC3520. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.

6 quarter credits

In addition, choose a set of three master’s-level courses:

 

Clinical Mental Health Counseling/School Counseling track: 

COUN5217 *
Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Counseling

In this course, learners evaluate current legal and ethical guidelines used in the counseling profession. Learners apply decision-making models and formulate effective collaboration strategies used to resolve legal and ethical issues that arise when working with children, adults, couples, and families in a variety of treatment settings. Learners also analyze how personal belief systems can influence counselors’ responses to those issues. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in School Counseling, and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services graduate certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

4 quarter credits
COUN5279 *
Life Planning and Career Development

In this course, learners develop foundational knowledge and skills applicable to career counseling and development. Learners analyze theoretical models of career development as they relate to client interests, aptitudes, personalities, traits, values, and work preferences. In addition, learners explore the ways in which social interests, family relationships, cultural facets, and developmental factors and circumstances resulting from life transitions relate to career development across the lifespan. Learners also discuss legal and ethical issues associated with career counseling practice. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in School Counseling, and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners only. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

4 quarter credits
COUN5336 *
Counseling and Advocacy with Diverse Populations

In this course, learners engage with theory, research, and models that inform ethical and culturally competent counseling and social justice advocacy in a variety of settings. Learners analyze counseling theories and evidence-based practices that emphasize the relevance of multicultural counseling and advocacy roles of counselors. Throughout the course, learners investigate cultural assumptions, values, counselor credibility, prejudice, and racism within the counseling context. Learners identify their own overt and covert beliefs, and messages around cultural characteristics to determine how these experiences might influence the counseling process. In addition, learners gain an understanding of the role of the counselor and advocate in promoting social justice at multiple levels. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in School Counseling, and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services graduate certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

4 quarter credits

OR

Marriage and Family Therapy track: 

MFT5222 *
Professional Ethics in Marriage and Family Therapy

Learners in this course examine the ethical and legal responsibilities framing marriage and family therapy and apply the criteria for state licensure. Learners also analyze the impact of a therapist’s values, culture, and ethnicity on clinical practice; identify approaches to protecting clients from one’s own potential biases; and assess the role of advocacy in marriage and family therapy. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

4 quarter credits
MFT5270 *
Systemic Family Therapy Theory and Practice 1

This course is a comparative study of the prominent schools of thought within the field of marriage and family therapy. Learners demonstrate knowledge of the tenets, therapeutic strategies, and techniques used within the field. Learners also evaluate therapy and counseling approaches to structural, strategic, transgenerational, behavioral, communication, and analytical models in working with couples and families. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

4 quarter credits
MFT5271 *
Working with Families Across the Lifespan

In this course, learners build an understanding of families as systems, in particular family development, transitions, assessment, and intervention across the lifespan. Learners also integrate diversity and sociocultural factors in the application of systemic assessment and intervention strategies. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

4 quarter credits

 

Elective courses

 

At least 63 quarter credits ║

Recommended elective courses:

PSYC2300
Introduction to Addiction Theories

Learners investigate biological, psychological, and social aspects of addictive behavior and identify causes, prevention, and treatment of addiction. Learners gain an understanding of disease models, relapse prevention, family systems, and behavioral addictions, and assess how to promote motivation for change.

3 quarter credits
PSYC2320 *
Introduction to Counseling and Psychotherapy

Learners in this course explore a variety of mental health disciplines, settings, and populations. Learners build knowledge of and practice the communication and psychotherapy skills used in professional mental health areas, such as addictions counseling, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, and school counseling. Learners apply knowledge of psychotherapeutic methods and research findings to support interventions in real-world problems in living.  Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000.

3 quarter credits
PSYC2900 *
Introduction to Psychology of Personality

In this introductory course, learners gain and demonstrate knowledge of theories of personality psychology. Learners apply these theories to human traits, behaviors, and emotional issues within the field of psychology. Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000.

3 quarter credits
PSYC3110 *
Abnormal Psychology

The focus of this course is abnormal behavior, which learners investigate using the framework of mental pathology. Learners evaluate scientific, empirically based analyses of mental disorders and deviant behavior. Learners also examine the range of psychological disorders and assess the disorders’ biological, psychological, and social consequences. In addition, learners demonstrate their knowledge of abnormal psychology treatment methods. Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000.

6 quarter credits

OR

Choose any undergraduate courses.

Capstone courses

At least 6 quarter credits

Taken during the learner's final quarter:

PSYC4900 *
Psychology Capstone Project

The capstone project is the culmination of the bachelor’s degree program in Psychology and provides learners the opportunity to demonstrate the research, analysis, writing, and communication skills they’ve gained during their program. Throughout the course, learners examine real-life implications of psychology and how practicing the principles of the field may optimally contribute to society. During the capstone experience, learners also explore how this degree can support their next steps, both professionally and personally. For BS in Psychology and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners only. Must be taken during the learner’s final quarter. Prerequisite(s): PSYC4600. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.

6 quarter credits


Total


At least 180 quarter credits, including a minimum of 54 quarter credits from the 3000/4000 level

 

Honors Pathway

Learners enrolled in the honors pathway complete the following general education courses.

Honors courses

At least 15 quarter credits

PHI-H2005
Honors Seminar: Critical Thinking for the Professional World

This is the first course in the honors pathway. Learners apply critical thinking skills to develop a professionally relevant question in their discipline or program of study to investigate throughout the honors pathway. Learners gain the knowledge and skills necessary to ask questions and solve problems from multiple perspectives. Learners analyze their question from multiple perspectives and engage in enriching discussions with faculty and peers.  For honors pathway learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

3 quarter credits
COM-H4005 *
Communicating and Integrating Solutions in the Professional World

In this course, learners apply communication skills, information literacy, and first-hand research to complete a final professional presentation and share their findings with their instructor and peers.  For honors pathway learners only. Prerequisite(s): SOC-H3005. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

6 quarter credits
SOC-H3005 *
Honors Professional Seminar

Learners in this course take a sociological approach to professional growth in the workplace. This course provides learners with the opportunity to complete a professional project that addresses an organizational need or solves a problem. Learners explore questions and develop their project with faculty and peers through engaging discussions and assignments. Throughout the course, learners use a sociological perspective to further develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address interdisciplinary issues.  For honors pathway learners only.  Prerequisite(s): PHI-H2005. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.​

6 quarter credits


These courses are applied toward the general education requirement and taken in addition to the remaining required courses.

Total

At least 180 quarter credits, including a minimum of 54 quarter credits from the 3000/4000 level

* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.

Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.

† Learners who are determined to need additional support developing academic and professional writing and reading skills based on academic assessment must take PSYC1003 during their first quarter.

‡ Learners who have completed PSYC1003 are required to take PSYC3003.

§ Learners who are not required to take PSYC1003 are placed in PSYC3002.

║ Learners who have completed PSYC1003 choose 57 quarter credits of additional undergraduate elective courses.

Additional BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling Degree Program Information

The BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling degree program incorporates specific graduate-level counseling or therapy courses into the learner’s final year of the undergraduate program. Learners must gain school approval prior to registering for the graduate-level courses.

In this program, learners are required to have a 3.0 Capella cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the time they take graduate-level courses and must achieve at least a of “B” in each of the master’s-level courses. In addition, learners are required to select their MS track as part of the approval process. Learners who fail to maintain the minimum GPA, who do not select a track, or who are not approved to take graduate-level courses should move from the BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling degree program into the BS Psychology, General Psychology program.

Once learners have successfully completed the requirements for their bachelor’s degree program and their degree has been awarded, they may apply to the master’s degree program that corresponds to their chosen track. Learners are encouraged to enroll in their master’s degree program within one year of graduating from their bachelor’s degree program to ensure all master’s-level courses are relevant and applicable to the graduate program’s degree requirements.