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Psychology Pre-Counseling & Therapy
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 and therapy 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 or therapy 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 December 1
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 8–13 General education courses
- 9 Core courses
- 3 Master's-level courses
- 9–19 Elective courses
- 3–6 Specialization courses
- 1 Capstone course
- 180 Total quarter 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 and therapy courses
- This degree requires a total of 180 program credits
- You'll need to complete 8 to 13 general education courses, 9 core courses, 3 Master's-level courses, 9 to 19 elective courses, 3 to 6 specialization courses and 1 capstone course
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PSYC2320
Introduction to Counseling and Psychotherapy
3 quarter credits
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: PSYC1010 or PSYC1000.
3 quarter credits
PSYC3110
Abnormal Psychology
6 quarter credits
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: PSYC1010 or PSYC1000.
6 quarter credits
MFT5271
Working with Families Across the Lifespan
4 quarter credits
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: BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy learners require special permission for registration (Student Group UMFT) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
COUN5336
Counseling and Advocacy with Diverse Populations
4 quarter credits
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 Prerequisite: BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy learners require special permission for registration (Student Group UCOU) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
What you’ll learn
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology Pre-Counseling & Therapy 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 the study of psychology. For their graduate-level curriculum, pre-counseling and therapy 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.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Analyze psychological theory and concepts in relationship to individual, organizational and social issues.
- Apply critical thinking, scientific analysis and innovative thinking to problems in the field of psychology.
- Apply cultural competencies and ethical principles to problems, decisions and behaviors.
- Apply psychology-specific content to effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills and career preparation.
- 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
$38,640
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$69,754
NO TRANSFER CREDITS
$365 per 1000-2000 level credit $415 per 3000-4000 level credit, $150 resource kit, 180 total quarter credits, 135 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program tuition estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50-$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes 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.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
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.
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, supplies, course materials, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses related to residencies, practicum, etc., are not covered by the scholarship.
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 & Therapy admission requirements
Applicants to the BS in Psychology, Pre-Counseling & Therapy program must provide the following information for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- A transcript of any reported GED
- 4.5 credits eligible for transfer. See Sophia Admissions Pathways as an option to obtain credits.
- Applicants under the age of 24 must also submit a high school transcript verifying graduation
- 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 can you do with a BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling & Therapy 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 & Therapy.
Job titles to explore
- Academic advisor
- Career counselor
- Caseworker
- Child protective investigator
- Mental health associate
- Rehabilitation specialist
Employment settings to explore
- Administration of public health programs
- Child and youth services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Correctional institutions
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Executive offices
- General medical and surgical hospitals
- Other general government support
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
- Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities
- Vocational rehabilitation services
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
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
We can help you understand education financing, review your options, and explore ways to save on your degree.
Helping Professions Guide
Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.