Bachelor of Science, Major in Counseling Psychology

Are you interested in becoming a licensed professional but unsure where to begin? At Kentucky Christian University (KCU), we understand that the path to licensure can be complex. Here’s what you need to consider as you start your journey:

1. Choose Your License Type
Many professions require a license in order to practice. Common licenses include:

• Professional Counseling
• Marriage & Family Therapy
• Clinical Psychology
• And more
  
  

2. Understand Your State’s Requirements
Licensing rules and regulations vary by state. Research your state’s specific requirements to ensure you’re on the right track.

3. Know the Educational Requirements
Most licensure paths require a minimum of a master’s degree. Some states may offer lower-level licenses with a limited scope of practice, but a doctoral degree is often necessary to become a psychological practitioner. Additionally, consider whether program accreditation is important for your goals.

4. Plan Your Education Level
Are you looking to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree? KCU can help you determine the best educational path for your career.

About the Counseling Psychology Program at KCU

Curious about the curriculum? Our Counseling Psychology program is designed to prepare students for advanced studies in counseling, marriage and family therapy, and clinical psychology. These programs can be highly competitive, often more so than many medical school programs.

Courses at KCU cover essential topics such as screening, assessment, interventions, and professional ethics. Our curriculum is also uniquely integrated with biblical principles, equipping you to merge your faith with your professional practice.

How Are Classes Taught?

KCU’s Counseling Psychology program is primarily a residential program, with most classes taught on campus. While some courses are available online, the program cannot be completed remotely.

Is a Bachelor’s Degree Required?

The necessity of a bachelor’s degree depends on your career goals. If you’re aiming to become a professional counselor, therapist, or psychologist, a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for graduate school. However, if you wish to provide counseling services through a church or ministry, you might be able to apply your education immediately in a non-clinical capacity. KCU can guide you through the distinctions between clinical and non-clinical roles.

Navigating Different Credentials and Training Paths

Understanding the various credentials and educational paths can be daunting. While our program focuses on counseling skills, it also introduces students to the diverse range of helping professions and the training required for credentials such as:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, LPCC, LCMHC)
• Licensed Social Worker (LGSW, LCSW)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed Psychologist

New Concentration within the Counseling Psychology Major

Students in the Counseling Psychology major may now choose from two optional, targeted
concentrations that align with their calling and career goals: Addictions or Pastoral Care & Bible.​

BS in Counseling Psychology: Addictions

The Addictions concentration is designed for students who want to be prepared to enter the workforce directly as addictions counselors or pursue certification or licensure in Alcohol & Drug Counseling without the necessity of graduate school. This concentration is also an excellent option for those interested in correctional counseling, community-based treatment, and related helping professions. A minor in Criminal Justice is built into the program so that students graduate with both a strong foundation in counseling psychology and a focused understanding of the legal and correctional systems in which many clients receive services.​

Graduates of this concentration will be equipped with:

• Coursework in screening, assessment, and intervention specific to substance use and cooccurring disorders
• Training in ethical and legal issues related to addictions treatment
• Practical preparation to pursue entry-level roles in addictions counseling settings, correctional environments, and community agencies (subject to each state’s credentialing requirements)​

BS in Counseling Psychology: Pastoral Care & Bible

The Pastoral Care concentration is designed for students who sense a call to serve in church or ministry settings and desire to move directly into pastoral counseling and care roles rather than attend graduate school immediately. This program includes a second builtin major in Bible, allowing students to develop both strong counseling skills and a deep grounding in Scripture and theology for ministry practice.​

Graduates of this concentration will be equipped with:

• Biblical and theological training through the Bible major
• Counseling and helping skills for nonclinical pastoral care roles in the local church and parachurch ministries
• Preparation to serve on church staff teams, in pastoral care ministries, or in other faithbased counseling contexts (nonlicensure, nonclinical roles)

Please note that completion of this program does not guarantee licensure or certification. We encourage students to discuss their career and educational goals with our advisors during enrollment.

Ready to take the first step towards your future as a licensed professional? Let KCU help you navigate the journey