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Psychology Pre-Counseling
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Fuel your passion for helping others while also setting the stage for graduate-level work with the online bachelor’s in psychology pre-counseling from Capella University. In this program you’ll gain a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to help you pursue your professional goals. With three graduate-level courses built into the program, you can make progress toward your master’s degree in counseling from Capella during your undergraduate studies. You’ll also be able to choose a focus and start building skills in the areas that most interest you. This program incorporates three master’s-level courses, allowing you to earn credits that can be applied to select Capella master’s programs in the future.
Classes start October 9
Use the code MSFALL to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 10–13 General education courses
- 9 Core courses
- 3 Master's-level courses
- 11–12 Elective courses
- 180 Total credits (135 max transfer)
Reduce your tuition by $15,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $15K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your bachelor’s degree.
Explore psychology pre-counseling courses
- This degree requires a total of 180 program credits
- You'll need to complete 10-13 general education courses, nine core courses, three Master's-level courses, 11-12 elective courses, and one capstone course
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you’ll learn
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.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply psychological theory and concepts to individual, organizational and social issues
- Solve problems in the field of psychology through critical and scientific analysis and innovative thinking
- Use scientific research methods and findings to address psychological phenomena
- Apply empirical research findings to issues in psychology
- Evaluate decisions or actions based on cultural competence and ethical principles
- Integrate your knowledge of psychology with personal values and goals to guide personal, collaborative and professional behavior
- Communicate effectively with diverse recipients in a manner consistent with expectations for psychology professionals
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the BS in Psychology cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$18,675
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$38,905
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$365 per 1000-2000 level credit $415 per 3000-4000 level credit, $150 resource kit fee, 180 total quarter credits, 135 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
89% of psychology master's degree alumni would recommend Capella to friends, family and colleagues.*
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2021–2022
Are there scholarships available for bachelor’s degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling admission requirements
Applicants to the BS in Psychology, Pre-Counseling program must provide the following information for admission:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Transcript of any reported GED
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
- You must be at least 24 years old. This requirement may be waived for:
- Military applicants and veterans
- Applicants with 24 or more quarter credits of prior college or university coursework (transferable college coursework and/or credentials that map to preapproved Credit for Prior Learning opportunities may be considered toward the 24-credit minimum equivalency total)
- Applicants who do not have any credits eligible for transfer must successfully complete a university-approved reading and writing assessment; by evaluating your skills prior to your first course, Capella can more effectively provide resources to prepare you for a successful learning experience
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
SAT and ACT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
- Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attend an internationally recognized institution
- Provide transcripts for evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a bachelor’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
What can you do with a BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Pre-Counseling.
Job titles to explore
- Human resources manager
- Mental health technician
- Case manager
- Human resources generalist
- Mental health specialist
- Residential counselor
- Academic advisor
Employment settings to explore
- Hospital
- Land-based or online college or university
- Individual and family services
- Government – local, state, federal
- Insurance carrier
- Nursing care facility
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Collaborative Efforts in Counseling, Clinical Psychology and Social Work
An overview of the similarities, differences and collaborative opportunities between counseling, clinical psychology and social work.
Financing Guide
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Helping Professions Guide
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