Alaska Pacific University
Alaska Pacific University

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counseling psy ba

Counseling PsychologyBachelor of Arts

Overview

This wellness, strengths and skills-based program balances a theoretical foundation with applied, hands-on learning to make you work ready.

Service-based field trips help you build connections with service agencies that lead to practicums, internships and jobs.

Apply coursework to professional certifications for Chemical Dependency (CDC), Behavioral Health (BHC) and Behavioral Health Aid (BHA).

Degree Fit

bacpWhether you are a behavioral health professional needing a bachelor’s degree for career advancement or a veteran wanting to apply your military service and experience to a career in counseling, Counseling Psychology at APU is uniquely designed for Alaskans seeking a program focused on knowledge and skills that prepare them to move immediately into careers in behavioral health, addictions treatment and other, related helping fields. In addition to a traditional daytime schedule, courses are offered in module and elearning formats to support working adults with busy lives. Students needing to pursue their degree on a part-time basis are also welcome to apply to this program. Up to 32 credits of relevant learning gained through work or other experience prior to admission can be applied toward required degree credits.

Career Outcomes

Counseling Psychology Students in Class
  • Behavioral Health and Chemical Dependency Counseling
  • Program Supervisor
  • Graduate Study

Degree Roadmap

Mindfulness: Exploring Mind-Body Psychology

addresses the use of “mind” in promoting healing and prevention of “disease” in its broadest sense. Students will also look at how mindfulness is used as an adjunct to the cognitive based therapies and work on their own mindfulness program.

Positive Psychology

explores human strengths–our own and others’. Human strengths are the qualities and processes that promote life satisfaction and well-being while preventing dissatisfaction and mental illness. The course covers the role that strengths play in a variety of areas, including personality, aging, gender differences, intimate relationships, creativity, and decision-making.

Community Psychology and Sustainability

explores and applies concepts of psychology to living in a communal setting. The course reviews the research and processes related to building relationships, developing sustainable systems of living, the interrelatedness of people and the natural environment, the impact of climate change, and the expression of oneself within diverse groups.

Minors

The minor in Counseling Psychology can be tailored to individual student interests and career directions with attention to areas of study such as personal growth, counseling, applied psychology, and advanced research. Students work with an advisor in the Counseling Psychology Department to design the most appropriate combination of courses and academic experiences for the minor.

Student Profiles

John Yakanak, BA in Counseling Psychology, 2016I look at my education as a treasure chest and I look at each of my classes as a gem I added to my treasure chest. I’ve learned so much about the field of psychology as well as psychology as a career field. I’ve grown tremendously. Counseling Psychology was the perfect choice for me. -John Yakanak, BA in CP, 2016
Anothony Golden, BA in Counseling Psychology, 2017I came to APU from a bigger school. APU is more personal. You can connect with the faculty and with other students. It feels like everyone is looking out for me. APU provides a nice environment for veterans, especially for those who are back from recent deployment. -Anthony Golden, Veteran, U.S. Army – BA, CP, 2017
Rebecca Widmer, BA in Counseling Psychology, 2016You are completely immersed in the program. Faculty are engaged. They make sure you are getting the attention and resources you need. They are kind and caring and it feels like a community. The program is immediately applicable to my life and to my professional goals. -Rebecca Widmer, Veteran, U.S. Air Force – BA, CP, 2017

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Institute & Program Area

The Institute of Health & Wellness promotes the advancement of knowledge, understanding, and reasoning in Counseling Psychology, Health Sciences, and Nursing. Honoring Alaska’s complex and distinctive histories, health care services, and systems of care, the Institute prepares students to address and engage in stewardship of our peoples and communities to promote community health and wellness for all.

Move with courage and compassion. Explore the art and science of being a human. At APU, we emphasize positive psychology, applied learning, and take a wellness and strengths-based approach to counseling and the helping fields. With individualized attention from a dedicated faculty, our life-friendly degree programs prepare students from the bachelor’s to the doctoral level for dynamic counseling careers. Our degrees prepare you to work on the challenges and changes you desire to see in your community and in the world.

Renee Georg, Associate Professor:

People are fascinating! In Counseling Psychology we study people, what they do, how they think, and how experiences impact their lives and attitudes; we study ourselves. Upon graduation, students are prepared to advance through the helping professions and to apply what they have learned about people to a wide variety of career and life goals.

Counseling Psychology Institutes

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The APU Campus is OPEN on December 16, 2022. We ask that you use caution and good judgment when deciding to travel to campus.