Counseling and Behavioral Health Services, BA

The counseling and behavioral health services major in the College of Education enhances broad liberal arts and sciences education for students by providing strong academic preparation designed to serve as a foundation in helping processes and human behavior.

Students learn to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills within various helping professions, preparing them for entry-level positions in nonprofit agencies, government agencies, community centers, clinics, and service navigation programs. The major also may serve as a foundation for future graduate study in counseling for students interested in professional licensure as a counselor.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • recognize and define the concepts and functions of the helping professions and their respective professional environments;
  • demonstrate basic interpersonal communication, leadership, and ethical problem-solving skills used in the helping professions;
  • illustrate how social, economic, cultural, and other contextual factors affect behavioral health care access and disparities;
  • demonstrate awareness of the role of advocacy in the behavioral healthcare system and behavioral health policy environment; and
  • exhibit critical thinking, problem-solving, and written and oral communication skills to strategically address complex issues and formulate innovative, holistic, and sustainable solutions.