Counseling

A counseling major teaches students how to work with people who are suffering from psychological, developmental, emotional and mental health issues. Counseling majors will study cognitive, behavioral and systemic changes in people of all ages. Student will also learn about social issues, such as relationship/spousal abuse, job stress, eating disorders, athletic pressures, substance abuse, aging issues and other relevant tops that affect children and adults. Students can expect to take classes in counseling theory, psychoanalytical theory, humanistic psychology, crisis intervention, as well as some psychology statistics and human development classes.

A counseling major will prepare students to begin working as a professional counselor. To start your own practice, however, you will likely need a doctorate degree to fulfill the necessary duties of a psychologist. As a counselor, you will be eligible to work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics and private mental health clinics. Someone who is a great listener, compassionate towards others’ feelings and enjoys problem solving would be ideal for a counseling major. But, being a good listener is only half of the battle, you also have to sacrifice a great deal of your time and energy talking with patients and treating their mental illnesses.