BA in Health Counseling and Psychology (“HCP”)
Location: AU Seattle
Credits for Degree: 180 quarter credits
Standard Mode of Instruction: Flexible
Standard time to completion: 36 months
General Degree Requirements
All Antioch University undergraduates must meet general education requirements in the areas of Liberal Arts (called Domains of Knowledge), Academic Writing, and Mission-core classes. See the Undergraduate Studies: General Degree Requirements page for an explanation of undergraduate general education requirements.
Program Overview
The BA in Health Counseling and Psychology (HCP) is a professional preparation degree embedded within a liberal arts undergraduate framework. Students undertake foundational coursework in psychology, health sciences, mind-body integration, and counseling as well as basic research skills and clinical fieldwork toward understanding and promotion of physical health and wellbeing. The program addresses biological, social and behavioral factors of health, as well as how culture, geography, race and experiences factor into physical wellness. Students completing the major will gain the following competencies in health counseling and psychology:
- Develop an understanding and appreciation of the complex interplay between one’s physical well-being and a variety of biological, psychological, and social factors.
- Learn how psychological research methods, theories, and principles can be applied to enhance biomedical approaches for promoting health and treating illness.
- Learn about the stress response, trauma, coping and resiliency and their impact on the etiology and course of health problems.
- Apply foundational counseling skills to assist individuals in coping with psychosocial stress while increasing wellbeing.
- Develop skills for designing wellness programs to improve personal health habits and lifestyles.
- Acquire an understanding of the perspective of the individual in dealing with symptoms and complex healthcare systems and settings.
- Understand the impact that chronic, disabling, or life-threatening illnesses have on patients and their families.
- Discover how psychological principles, counseling methods and strength-based approaches can be applied to help individuals prevent, manage and cope with chronic illness, and increase motivation for positive changes.
Upon completion of the BA in Health Counseling and Psychology, graduates will be prepared to work in the fast-growing applied healthcare sector in roles such as wellness coordinator, case manager, care coordinator, behavioral health specialist or residential site coordinator. HCP graduates will also be well-prepared to pursue graduate school; indeed many HCP graduates continue into an Antioch MA Psychology program.
Customization is Key
In the BA HCP Program, each study plan is based on the student’s past experience, current needs and interests, and future goals. Students work in close collaboration with faculty advisors to shape their studies. Students build on earlier college work and on competencies learned at home, at work, through independent reading and volunteer activities.
Current Tuition and Fees
University Tuition and Fees
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