Online Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science

Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in counseling and applied psychology science is the first of its kind at a major research university, designed for those interested in promoting psychological well-being. In this program, you’ll gain an advanced understanding of topics such as cultural diversity, addiction dynamics, counseling strategies, professional ethics and more.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Counseling and Applied Psychological Science (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

* Indicates a required field

This is a required field.
This is a required field.
This is a required field.
Invalid phone number. Please try again.

The skills you’ll develop in this online counseling degree

This counseling and applied psychological science degree equips you with foundational training in trauma, lifespan development, group counseling and professional ethics. A unique aspect of this program is its attention to cultural diversity, which focuses on age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion and socioeconomic status. In addition, you’ll also gain transferable skills that will prepare you for many roles, including:

  • Adaptability.
  • Analytical skills.
  • Cultural sensitivity.
  • Interpersonal skills.
  • Leadership.
  • Problem solving.
  • Research methods.
  • Understanding group dynamics.

Tailor your studies to fit your career goals

In this program, you’ll learn the foundational principles of counseling and explore strategies that promote psychological well-being in others. Ideal candidates include those interested in improving behavioral health among individuals and families. This program is beneficial if you have an associate degree in a related field or are working in human services roles, such as care coordinator, caseworker and clinical school liaison.

Interested in exploring specific areas of counseling and applied psychological science? Check out the two online concentrations available:

  • Sports and performance counseling.
    • In this concentration, you’ll discover the psychological challenges athletes face after a major injury or retiring from their sport. You’ll also examine why humans are captivated by sports and how games bring people together.
  • Substance abuse and addictions.
    • In this concentration, you’ll focus on counseling strategies for clients experiencing addiction. You’ll learn how to screen, assess, diagnose and treat those with substance abuse problems, behavioral addictions or other related conditions.

Does this program lead to counseling licensure?

While this program doesn’t lead to counseling licensure, it’ll prepare you for graduate programs and other advanced training. Upon graduation, you’ll feel confident supporting licensed counselors in behavioral health care delivery settings or beginning a graduate degree program in a counseling-related field. As part of the program, you’ll also participate in a hands-on internship where you may shadow a licensed therapist and practice counseling theory in a supportive training environment.

Please note: Only the BS with a concentration in substance abuse and addictions offers a pathway to licensure in Arizona as a licensed substance abuse technician (LSAT).

Will my diploma say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Online counseling degree courses

In this program, you'll explore common counseling practices and apply them to practical scenarios. Additionally, you’ll complete a 135-hour supervised, hands-on capstone experience to network with community behavioral health specialists and grow your professional identity.


CAP 120: Introduction to Counseling (SOBE OR SB)


CAP 220: Self in a Multicultural Society (SOBE OR C)


CAP 240: Counseling Skills


CAP 310: Addictions I: Foundations and Basic Principles


CAP 320: Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy


CED 250: Career Development (L)


PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology (SOBE OR SB)


PSY 230: Introduction to Statistics (QTRS OR CS)


The jobs this counseling program prepares you for

Upon graduation, you’ll be a competitive candidate for a career in behavioral health care delivery settings such as community agencies, hospitals and rehabilitation centers. You’ll also be well-prepared to apply for graduate school or continue your work experience as a vocational rehabilitation assistant, human service worker and more. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:

Addictions Counselor


Growth: 18.4 %
Salary: $49,710

Counselor (General)


Growth: 17.2 %
Salary: $43,390

Guidance Counselor


Growth: 5.4 %
Salary: $60,140

Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)


Growth: 14.9 %
Salary: $56,570

Mental Health Counselor


Growth: 18.4 %
Salary: $49,710

Psychology Professor


Growth: 5.2 %
Salary: $78,810

Rehabilitation Counselor


Growth: 1.9 %
Salary: $39,990

School Psychologist


Growth: 1.3 %
Salary: $81,500

Social Services Director


Growth: 9.1 %
Salary: $74,240

Learn from the experts in applied psychological science and counselors

Faculty in counseling and applied psychology are leaders in their field, recognized both nationally and internationally for their achievements. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized both nationally and internationally for their achievements.

  • American Educational Research Association fellows. 
  • American Psychological Association fellows. 
  • Fulbright scholars. 
  • Numerous achievement awards in fields from psychology to writing.

Learn from the experts in applied psychological science and counselors

Faculty in counseling and applied psychology are leaders in their field, recognized both nationally and internationally for their achievements. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized both nationally and internationally for their achievements.

  • American Educational Research Association fellows. 
  • American Psychological Association fellows. 
  • Fulbright scholars. 
  • Numerous achievement awards in fields from psychology to writing.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Competency requirements

Additional admission requirements

High school equivalency

Homeschool

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Study at a globally-recognized university

Arizona State University is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.

#1


in innovation for 9 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Top 5


Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

Top 10%


Best Global Universities.

80%


of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

You might also be interested in

Psychology (BS)

Undergraduate

Psychology (BS)


Health Education and Health Promotion (BS)

Undergraduate

Health Education and Health Promotion (BS)


Health Sciences – Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science (BS)

Undergraduate

Health Sciences – Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science (BS)


Family and Human Development (BS)

Undergraduate

Family and Human Development (BS)