Counseling Psychology
If you’re passionate about building relationships, interacting with others, and making a difference, you’ll feel right at home as part of the counseling psychology program at Corban University.
Counseling psychology focuses on helping people and providing services to those in need. You will develop a solid understanding of the world we live in and what guides human behavior. You will learn to conduct and analyze research, develop counseling and people-helping skills, and view psychology through a biblical worldview. Through practical exercises, you will also wrestle with ethical and moral dilemmas commonly encountered in the people-helping professions and learn how to respond.
Is Counseling Psychology the right major for you?
Yes, if:
- You are drawn toward helping people, especially people in crisis.
- You enjoy solving complex problems without straightforward answers.
- You have excellent communication skills, especially in small groups or one-on-one.
- You have a high level of self-awareness, able to see your own strengths and weaknesses clearly.
- You have empathy for others and can approach others’ weaknesses without judgment.
Concentrations
Corban’s counseling psychology program gives you the flexibility to focus your studies to match your career goals. Choose from five concentrations, or mix and match electives to create your own unique degree.
Concentration options include:
- Trauma & Addictions
- Child & Family
- Marriage & Family
- Community Engagement
- Christian Counseling
Career Opportunities
A degree in counseling psychology prepares you to make a difference in any people-oriented career. You will be well-equipped to continue on to graduate school for training as a:
- Licensed professional counselor
- Marriage and family therapist
- Psychologist
- Teacher
- Trauma therapist
- Social worker
Or step immediately into careers in areas such as:
- Addictions counseling
- Department of Human Services
- Community action agencies
- Ministry
- Non-profit organizations
- Medical field
- Camp leadership
- Any people-helping profession
What You’ll Learn
Most undergraduate psychology programs are research-based, but at Corban, you’ll study in a skills-based program that gives you practical counseling experience. This mirrors graduate-level programs and gives you a significant advantage if you choose to go on to graduate school. It also provides a strong foundation for students wanting to enter the workforce immediately.
Courses at Corban incorporate the most up-to-date research and theories in psychology. Courses are interactive, engaging, and practical, and are built on a foundation of biblical learning, communication, ethics, and relationships.
Corban’s expert faculty will guide you through core courses including:
- General Psychology
- Lifespan Development
- Counseling Skills
- Social Psychology
- Social Science Research Methods
- Human Sexuality
- Abnormal Psychology
- Counseling Theories
- Group Dynamics
- Psychology & Christianity
Then, choose electives or a concentration to meet your specific interests and career goals.
Learn what courses you’ll need to complete your degree.
Meet Corban’s Faculty
- Dr. Corey Gilbert – Full Professor of Psychology, Counseling Psychology program chair
- Dr. Michael Patterson – Associate Professor of Psychology, Social Sciences department chair
Unique Opportunities
Specialized Courses
Corban offers specialized courses not typically found in undergraduate psychology programs, such as trauma therapy, counseling skills, industrial and organizational psychology, and community agency counseling. You’ll be able to study these topics whether or not you go onto graduate school.
Counseling Experience
Through the required Counseling Skills course, you will create counseling session videos with your peers, as well as practice in-class counseling sessions. You will move beyond theory and knowledge to see how psychology can help people in real life scenarios.
Advanced Research
Conduct a year-long advanced research project alongside faculty. You’ll present your findings at Corban’s Annual Science Symposium and may even have the opportunity to publish your research. The research process provides an important experience that helps prepare you for graduate school and ongoing study in the counseling psychology field.
Internships
Get an inside look at the field of psychology with an internship tailored to your career interests. Corban’s counseling psychology students pursue a variety of internship opportunities in Salem, their hometowns, or even internationally. Mission trips, hospitals, prisons, community counseling agencies, non-profit organizations, and churches all offer unique internship experiences. Internships also enhance your resume for graduate school and employment.
Global Opportunities
Corban University’s global connections offer opportunities for you to gain diverse perspectives on human behavior. Choose from a wide variety of study abroad programs where you can experience a new culture while continuing to prepare for a career in the field of counseling psychology.
Student Psychology Association
This student organization provides opportunities for professional networking and lectures from guest speakers on important topics in the counseling psychology field.