Psychology, Clinical/Counseling Concentration, BS

Psychology, Clinical/Counseling Concentration, BS

It’s more vital than ever to have well-trained, radically empathetic mental health professionals in the world.

This major is designed for students interested in clinical/counseling psychology or social work. Using a balance of theoretical and experimental work, our program will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of psychotherapy, human development, and cognitive science. All of this takes place within small, discussion-rooted classes, a hallmark of the liberal arts tradition.

Guided by our renowned, approachable faculty, you’ll hone your ability to wrestle with unfamiliar problems and ethical issues, the tools to investigate topics in-depth, and the communication skills needed to share information with others. We’re committed to providing you with hands-on opportunities, both in formal classes and through directed laboratory, field research opportunities at home and abroad, and independent study.

 

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Learn More About Our Program

Get to know our well-respected faculty and their academic specialties. Or explore scholarship opportunities and an array of internship possibilities.

Clinical/Counseling Curriculum

Psychology: Clinical/Counseling Concentration, BS

BS

Learning Outcomes

  • PLO 1: Demonstrate knowledge of and be able to critically analyze the theoretical approaches, research findings, and historical trends in psychology.
  • PLO 2: Examine multiple research methods and statistical tools; use them to design research, and collect, analyze, and interpret data; and write a research report using APA format.
  • PLO 3: Explain the multiple ways that identities (e.g. gender, race, culture, age, sexual orientation, disability) affect psychological processes.
  • PLO 4: Apply psychological theory and research to real-world problems and issues, from the personal to the societal.

Requirements

Foundations

Take the following required courses:

  • Introduction to Psychology (4 units)
  • Psych Methods & Analysis I (3 units)
  • Human Development (4 units)
  • Helping Professions: Foundati (3 units)
  • Psych Methods & Analysis II (5 units)
  • Psychobiology (4 units)
  • Psychobiology Lab
  • Psychology of the Family (4 units)
  • Psychopathology (4 units)

Core

Take one from this category:

  • Personality Psychology (4 units)
  • Social Psychology (4 units)

Neuroscience Elective

Take one from this category:

  • Sensation & Perception (4 units)
  • Cognitive Science (4 units)
  • Neuropsychology (4 units)
  • Brain, Language & Culture (4 units)

Advanced Course

Take one from this category:

  • Seminar in Psychology (4 units)
  • Experimental Research (5 units)
  • Field Placement (3 units)

Electives I:

Take one from this category:

  • Psychology of Gender (3 units)
  • Human Sexualities (4 units)
  • Neurodiversity & Psy of Disab (4 units)
  • Topics in Assessment & Testing (4 units)

Electives II:

Take one from this category:

  • Cross-Cultural Psychology (3 units)
  • Prejudice and Stereotyping (3 units)
  • Topics on Culture, Race, & Eth (4 units)
  • Adult Dev(lower Div) (1 units)
  • Effect Help(low Div) (1 units)
  • Introduction to Psychology (4 units)
  • General Psychology (3 units)
  • Early Childhood Literacy Dev (1 units)
  • Meditation (1 units)
  • Advanced Meditation (1 units)
  • Psych Methods & Analysis I (3 units)
  • Transfer Research and Stats (3-5 units)
  • Human Development (4 units)
  • Personality Psychology (4 units)
  • Social Psychology (4 units)
  • Helping Professions: Foundati (3 units)
  • Transfer Course (1-5 units)
  • Psych Methods & Analysis II (5 units)
  • Psych Methods Lab
  • Psychobiology (4 units)
  • Psychobiology Lab
  • Sensation & Perception (4 units)
  • Cognitive Science (4 units)
  • Neuropsychology (4 units)
  • Brain, Language & Culture (4 units)
  • Cross-Cultural Psychology (3 units)
  • Cross-Cultural Psychology EL (1 units)
  • Psychology of Gender (3 units)
  • Human Sexualities (4 units)
  • Transpersonal Psychology (3 units)
  • Infancy & Childhood (4 units)
  • Middle Childhood (3 units)
  • Middle Childhood EL (1 units)
  • Adolescent Development (3 units)
  • Adult Development (3 units)
  • Neurodiversity & Psy of Disab (4 units)
  • Psychology of the Family (4 units)
  • Prejudice and Stereotyping (3 units)
  • Attitudes and Attitude Change (3 units)
  • Groups/Organizations/Societies (4 units)
  • Organizational Psychology (3 units)
  • Motivation & Emotion (3 units)
  • Psychopathology (4 units)
  • Forensic Psychology (3 units)
  • Personal & Professional Adjust (3 units)
  • Health Psychology (3 units)
  • Topics in Assessment & Testing (4 units)
  • Topics on Culture, Race, & Eth (4 units)
  • Topics in Psychology (3-4 units)
  • Transfer Course (1-5 units)
  • Seminar in Psychology (4 units)
  • Advanced Psych Statistics (4 units)
  • Experimental Research (5 units)
  • Experimental Research Lab
  • Field Placement (3 units)
  • Field Placement EL (1 units)
  • Independent Study (1-4 units)
  • Mentored Research (1-4 units)

What can you do with a degree in Psychology, Clinical/Counseling?

A degree in Psychology, Clinical/Counseling concentration prepares you with a strong foundation in skills applicable to a wide variety of professions
(*Some careers may require graduate school or additional study)

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Counseling students having a conversation

Mental Health Case Manager
Coordinate services, track goals, and connect clients with housing, benefits, and treatment resources

Behavioral Health Technician
Support clinicians by implementing care plans, observing behaviors, de-escalating crises, and documenting progress

Intake & Assessment Coordinator
Conduct screenings, gather psychosocial histories, verify eligibility, and route clients to appropriate levels of care

Crisis Line Advocate (prep)
Provide evidence-informed de-escalation, safety planning, and referrals for callers experiencing acute distress

Substance Use Counselor (prep)
Facilitate groups, deliver relapse-prevention curricula, and document outcomes while pursuing state certification

Residential Program Coordinator
Oversee daily operations, schedules, and milieu management in group homes or treatment facilities

Clinical Research Coordinator
Recruit participants, manage IRB documentation, collect measures, and maintain study data for psychotherapy or health trials

Patient Navigator / Care Coordinator
Guide clients through appointments, insurance, and community resources to reduce barriers and improve adherence

School Counselor (prep)
Provide assessments, make referrals to specialists, work with various parties to develop IEP while pursuing state certification

Saint Mary's Testimonials

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"Being a Psychology major with a concentration in Clinical and Counseling taught me how there are a variety of ways people think and act, which comes with different approaches on how to address them. The Clinical and Counseling classes taught me that there is no perfect way of assisting everyone, but rather a combination. This program helped me to have a more open mind about the world and how we operate in it."

Victoria Jacobo, '22, Clinical/Counseling Concentration

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