Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or Human Services

A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to all professional training programs in psychology, social work, counseling, or human services. Professional schools generally accept baccalaureate degrees in any regular academic discipline; many students, however, major in psychology or sociology. Each graduate program provides information about its required undergraduate coursework in its application materials; students should select undergraduate classes with these requirements in mind.

Many students pursue a master’s degree in counseling or social work. Both degrees provide the necessary education to take a state licensing examination at the end of postgraduate supervised experience. Licensed professional counselors and clinical social workers often work in private practice or in public or private agencies and clinics. Typically, counselors are more often involved in psychotherapy with individuals, families, or groups, while social workers are more often involved in case management.

SOU offers a counselor preparation program through the Mental Health Counseling (MHC) option under the Master in Applied Psychology (MAP) Program. Undergraduates interested in this specialization are urged to contact the Psychology Department for current MAP admission requirements. Other Oregon universities offer counselor preparation or social work programs.

Becoming a school counselor requires a teaching certificate or training in an educational setting as part of a school counseling master’s program. School counselors work in elementary through high school settings, managing assessment and occupational counseling programs and advising students. They often work closely with teachers and referral sources for students and their families. Oregon State University offers such a program.

SOU offers a master’s degree with a specialization in human services. Students learn managerial skills; public policy analysis; and program development, implementation, and evaluation skills. Graduates of this program may be employed in regional social service agencies as providers or administrators. Becoming a licensed psychologist requires a doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology, postdoctoral supervised experience, and successful completion of state licensing examinations. Licensed psychologists provide a variety of clinical and consulting services in mental health clinics, hospitals, agencies, and private practices. Contact the Psychology Department for current admission requirements.