Counseling Psychology, AAS

Program Narrative

To meet the need for graduates capable of functioning independently in behavioral health, health care, education, or human service environments, the Counseling Psychology program offers an education focused on understanding human development, psychological disorders, including developmental psychopathology and neurodevelopmental disorders, and responding appropriately to individuals' needs in these settings. Contextual courses will help students build competency in behavioral health strategies and foundational counseling skills applicable across professional settings. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to tailor their elective and program choices to broaden their knowledge of life issues that impact people's functioning and well-being.

Students in the program will be prepared to work with diverse populations, enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, and cultivate a deep understanding of the skills, values, and ethics essential to the counseling profession. Emphasis will be placed on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of psychological disorders, equipping students with the knowledge to address mental health challenges in various populations.

The Counseling Psychology program requires a minimum of four academic semesters to complete and is offered at both the Bethlehem and Monroe campuses. Additionally, all courses can be completed online. Throughout the program, students engage in skill-building exercises and assignments to develop the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes required for work in behavioral health, health care, education, and human service settings.

In their final semester, students can choose to participate in a structured internship at an approved site, where they strengthen and specialize their counseling skills and behavioral health strategies for the specific client population served. This hands-on internship experience is supported by concurrent class assignments designed to enhance professional identity, consolidate skills, and clarify professional goals, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their roles in counseling and behavioral health settings.

Career Pathways

The program will serve students who either wish to transfer to a four-year institution, or students who seek immediate professional employment. For those who wish to work for professional entities with this A.A.S. degree, the Counseling Psychology program offers a direct path to employment in behavioral health, health care, education, or human services upon graduation. Positions for immediate employment include: mental health technician, therapeutic staff support (TSS) professional, direct care worker for people with special needs or mental illness, job coach or employment specialist for people with special needs, and EEG technician.

For those who wish to continue their education, the Counseling Psychology A.A.S. degree serves as the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree, typically in Psychology/Counseling Psychology, Rehabilitation & Human Services, Family Studies, or Biobehavioral Health. The Counseling Psychology A.A.S. is an appropriate choice for those seeking to work in a clinical capacity with attainment of a Bachelor’s degree or beyond, including careers as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Behavioral Specialist, Art/Music/Dance Therapist, Family Therapist, Drug & Alcohol Counselor, Counseling/Clinical Psychologist, School Counselor, School Psychologist, Human Services Caseworker, Rehabilitation Counselor, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Physical Therapist, Health Care Technician, and Physician Assistant.

Transfer Potential

Seamless transition to a B.A./B.S. program is possible at 4-year institutions included but not limited to the following:

• Penn State University – Psychology, Human Development and Family Studies, Rehabilitation and Human Services, Biobehavioral Health, or Counseling Psychology

• Lehigh University – Psychology Program

• Kutztown University – Psychology Program

• East Stroudsburg University – Psychology Program, Clinical Track, or Rehabilitation and Human Services

• Cedar Crest College – Psychology Program

• Marywood University – Psychology, Clinical Track

• University of Scranton – Counseling and Human Services Program