Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
A Concentration In
Counseling
An emphasis within the B.S. in Psychology — build the foundation to walk with people through their hardest moments.
Counseling Foundations
Principles, theories, and cross-cultural counseling
Hands-On Practicum
Apply your learning in a supervised practicum
Pre-Grad Preparation
Strong groundwork for a master's in counseling
If you sense a calling to help people heal, the Counseling concentration gives you a serious head start. On top of the full psychology core, you’ll add eighteen credits built around the work of counseling: principles of counseling, counseling theories, cross-cultural practice, health psychology, human sexuality, and a supervised practicum.
That practicum sets this track apart — you’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real setting under supervision, building experience most undergraduates never get. Becoming a licensed counselor or therapist requires a master’s degree, and this concentration is built to get you there well prepared. You’ll graduate ready for graduate study in counseling, marriage and family therapy, clinical psychology, or related fields — and grounded in a Biblical Worldview that treats every person with dignity.
Learn the Principles of Counseling
Build a foundation in how counseling works and the skills it requires.
Study Counseling Theories
Compare the major theoretical approaches that shape counseling practice.
Counsel Across Cultures
Develop the awareness and skills to serve people from different backgrounds well.
Understand Health and the Body
Explore how physical health and psychology intersect in well-being.
Engage Human Sexuality
Study human sexuality as it relates to development, relationships, and counseling.
Practice Under Supervision
Apply your learning in a supervised practicum in a real setting.
Counseling sits at the meeting point of science and the soul — and a Biblical Worldview shapes how you understand both the people you serve and the work itself.
Every Person Has Worth
The conviction that every person bears God's image grounds the counselor's posture: clients are people of inherent worth, never just cases or symptoms. That reframes the whole helping relationship.
Forms a counseling presence rooted in dignity and genuine care.
Honest About Brokenness and Hope
Scripture is honest about suffering and brokenness while pointing consistently toward healing. That holds together realism and hope — taking pain seriously without despairing of change.
Equips you to sit with hard stories while still believing in healing.
Care Within Limits
Good counseling knows its boundaries — when to refer, when to stay, and that the counselor isn't the source of healing. A Biblical Worldview frames the counselor as a humble helper, not a savior.
Grounds a sustainable, humble approach to caring for others.
This concentration is built primarily as preparation for graduate study — the path to licensed counseling — while also opening entry-level human-services roles.
Graduate Study in Counseling
Enter a master's in counseling, marriage and family therapy, or clinical psychology well prepared.
Human & Social Services
Work in case management, social services, and support roles (licensed practice requires a graduate degree).
Behavioral Health Support
Serve as a behavioral technician or support specialist in mental-health settings.
Ministry & Care Roles
Bring counseling foundations to church, nonprofit, and care ministries.
The Counseling concentration gives future counselors a serious, hands-on foundation before graduate school.
A Real Practicum
Supervised hands-on experience most undergraduate programs don't offer.
Theory and Practice Together
Principles, theories, and cross-cultural counseling build both the why and the how.
Strong Grad-School Preparation
Built to prepare you well for a master's in counseling, MFT, or clinical psychology.
Care Grounded in Dignity
Learn to help people framed by a Biblical Worldview that takes every person seriously.
Already drawn to the Psychology degree? Adding the Counseling concentration is simple.
Apply to ACU
Submit your application for admission to Arizona Christian University.
Start Your ApplicationChoose Counseling as Your Concentration
Tell your psychology advisor you want the Counseling track, and they'll map it into your plan.
Plan Ahead for the Practicum
The practicum requires department-chair and site approval, so plan it with your advisor well in advance.
The Counseling concentration gives you the theory, the practice, and the practicum to start down the path toward a counseling career. Apply or reach out today.