In this complex world, many of us seek guidance and support as we navigate the challenges of everyday life.
Concordia University provides programs to assist students looking to have an uncommon and caring impact in the world around them. CUW offers degrees in School and Professional Counseling, and an online, accelerated Applied Psychology BA.
Associate Professor of Psychology, Dr. Christopher Stark, took time to discuss Concordia’s Accelerated degree in Applied Psychology:
What would the benefits be for those interested in Counseling, to earn a degree in Applied Psychology?
An applied psychology degree provides a foundation in psychological theory and practical skills. It’s important to carefully consider your career goals and interests when choosing a degree program. The numerous benefits to earning a degree in Applied Psychology include:
- A strong foundation in psychological theory and research.
- Evidence-based techniques and interventions to use in practice.
- A focus on practical applications that apply to the counseling field.
- Graduates will be more adaptable to various counseling settings, such as counseling centers, hospitals, private practices, and schools.
- Students can specialize their educational track by adding a specialized minor
- This specialization can make graduates more competitive in the job market and when applying to graduate school.
How does Concordia’s Christian perspective prepare students differently from other Psychology programs?
Even before the pandemic, the job outlook in the field of psychology was growing. Then, due to the struggles that people have experienced, the need for people with backgrounds in psychology has grown tremendously.
While society and culture become more and more secular, people are finding only emptiness and loneliness. In their hearts and minds, people have an inner longing for something beyond this world. Many are turning to the Christian faith, but they may not know how.
Students will learn how psychology and the Christian faith can be integrated. It provides a more holistic understanding of psychology. A Christian worldview provides an understanding of human behavior and experiences in a holistic way.
Through the integration of the Christian faith, students can find deeper meaning and purpose in their studies. It establishes an ethical framework for providing compassionate care. This is established through the guidance and mentorship of Christian instructors. They provide spiritual and academic support throughout the learning process and study psychology within a Christian context that can connect students with like-minded individuals, and develop an attitude of compassionate care and service.
Aside from Counseling, what other career opportunities might be available to those earning a degree in Applied Psychology?
While the degree serves as a natural step toward Counseling degrees and licensing, students find careers in Human Resources through employee recruitment and development, Marketing/Sales, Research, Social Work, and Education.
Students who have graduated from CUW’s Applied Psychology program have continued their success by pursuing master’s degrees in CUW’s counseling and social work programs. They have also used the knowledge and skills they have obtained to expand their careers through promotions at jobs at which they were working while studying and finding new and higher paying jobs.
Interim Director of Counseling, Laura Adameak, agrees that the Applied Psychology degree is a terrific stepping-stone to Concordia’s graduate programs for Counseling as she responds:
What are the benefits for those interested in Counseling, to earn a degree in Applied Psychology?
Concordia’s Applied Psychology degree provides a foundation for anyone interested in pursuing a graduate degree in clinical or school counseling. Counselors love to root out problems and help clients come up with viable solutions. Having a broad understanding of the biological, social, and emotional underpinnings of the human experience is beneficial for anyone working in counseling.
How does Concordia’s Christian perspective prepare students differently from other Counseling programs?
One tenet of our graduate counseling program mission is to prepare graduates to be ethical servants who value the diversity of God’s children. This is a fundamental difference that our program offers- we see everyone we serve as fellow children of God and are in need of healing. Additionally, at Concordia we see counseling as more than just a job – it’s a vocation. God uses those called to serve in this profession as a means to love and serve our neighbors through Him.
What other career opportunities might be available to those not looking to pursue Counseling?
Graduates of the counseling foundations degree or those who do not pursue licensure are well equipped with a universal skillset to work within the helping professions. These careers could be in social services, care coordinators, behavioral health technician, and crisis workers.
Want in?
CUW’s Online classes are offered year-round, with students beginning courses in two eight-week mini-terms during the Spring, Summer, and Fall for most programs. Take action and connect with Concordia University’s admission team by visiting CUW Accelerated Admissions for undergraduate degrees or Graduate Admissions for the master’s degrees or by calling 262-243-430