Start Your Journey to a Psychology Degree at KCU
Are you interested in becoming a licensed professional but unsure where to begin? At Kentucky Christian University (KCU), we understand that the path to licensure can be complex. Here’s what you need to consider as you start your journey:
1. Choose Your License Type
What kind of license are you aiming for? Options include:
- Professional Counseling
- Marriage & Family Therapy
- Clinical Psychology
- And more
2. Understand Your State’s Requirements
Licensing rules and regulations vary by state. Research your state’s specific requirements to ensure you’re on the right track.
3. Know the Educational Requirements
Most licensure paths require a minimum of a master’s degree. Some states may offer lower-level licenses with a limited scope of practice, but a doctoral degree is often necessary to become a psychological practitioner. Additionally, consider whether program accreditation is important for your goals.
4. Plan Your Education Level
Are you looking to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree? KCU can help you determine the best educational path for your career.
About the Counseling Psychology Program at KCU
Curious about the curriculum? Our Counseling Psychology program is designed to prepare students for advanced studies in counseling, marriage and family therapy, and clinical psychology. These programs can be highly competitive, often more so than many medical school programs.
Courses at KCU cover essential topics such as screening, assessment, interventions, and professional ethics. Our curriculum is also uniquely integrated with biblical principles, equipping you to merge your faith with your professional practice.
How Are Classes Taught?
KCU’s Counseling Psychology program is primarily a residential program, with most classes taught on campus. While some courses are available online, the program cannot be completed remotely.
Is a Bachelor’s Degree Required?
The necessity of a bachelor’s degree depends on your career goals. If you’re aiming to become a professional counselor, therapist, or psychologist, a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for graduate school. However, if you wish to provide counseling services through a church or ministry, you might be able to apply your education immediately in a non-clinical capacity. KCU can guide you through the distinctions between clinical and non-clinical roles.
Navigating Different Credentials and Training Paths
Understanding the various credentials and educational paths can be daunting. While our program focuses on counseling skills, it also introduces students to the diverse range of helping professions and the training required for credentials such as:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, LPCC, LCMHC)
- Licensed Social Worker (LGSW, LCSW)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Psychologist
Please note that completion of this program does not guarantee licensure or certification. We encourage students to discuss their career and educational goals with our advisors during enrollment.
Ready to take the first step towards your future as a licensed professional? Let KCU help you navigate the journey
Required Course Listing
Total Program Hours: 120
College 101 or Intro to KCU
Composition I or ENG 100
This course is designed to help students understand and develop their writing, reading, and thinking abilities through writing and the examination of any variety of texts, including literature, with emphasis on the writing process, and to prepare students to develop analytical, interpretive, and synthesizing abilities. Students in this course will also be introduced to library and Internet research methods. (Prerequisite: Regular Admit or one semester of ENG 100.) (Minimum grade “C”)
Composition II
English 102 builds on skills learned in English 101 by further leading students to analyze and write critically about any variety of texts, including literature, and to apply research skills toward the production of a research paper. (Prerequisite: a grade of C or higher in ENG 101.) (Minimum grade “C”)
Fundamentals of Speech
This course, accompanied by a lab, equips students with the fundamentals of skillful oral delivery. Students learn to prepare and present short informative and persuasive speeches. The selection and organization of material, methods of securing interest and attention, and elements of delivery are emphasized. Offered every semester.
History Elective
Humanities Elective
Introduction to New Testament
An introduction to the New Testament, including a survey of key tools and techniques for further study of the NT. (Prerequisite: BOT 110.) Required during the second semester of enrollment at KCU.
Introduction to Old Testament
An introduction to the Old Testament, including a survey of key tools and techniques for further study of the OT.
Math Elective
(Minimum grade “C”)
Science Elective: Human Biology
This course applies biological principles to practical human concerns enabling students to understand their bodies and their environment. Emphasis is placed on human anatomy, physiology, genetics, diseases, and the aging process. Meets a life-science requirement in most programs. Offered every spring.
Social Science: Intro to Psych
This introduction to psychology deals with the biological bases for behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation and emotion, personality theories, psychopathology and treatment, and social psychology. Offered every fall. (Minimum grade “C”)
College 101 or Intro to KCU
Composition I or ENG 100
This course is designed to help students understand and develop their writing, reading, and thinking abilities through writing and the examination of any variety of texts, including literature, with emphasis on the writing process, and to prepare students to develop analytical, interpretive, and synthesizing abilities. Students in this course will also be introduced to library and Internet research methods. (Prerequisite: Regular Admit or one semester of ENG 100.) (Minimum grade “C”)
Composition II
English 102 builds on skills learned in English 101 by further leading students to analyze and write critically about any variety of texts, including literature, and to apply research skills toward the production of a research paper. (Prerequisite: a grade of C or higher in ENG 101.) (Minimum grade “C”)
Fundamentals of Speech
This course, accompanied by a lab, equips students with the fundamentals of skillful oral delivery. Students learn to prepare and present short informative and persuasive speeches. The selection and organization of material, methods of securing interest and attention, and elements of delivery are emphasized. Offered every semester.
History Elective
Humanities Elective
Introduction to New Testament
An introduction to the New Testament, including a survey of key tools and techniques for further study of the NT. (Prerequisite: BOT 110.) Required during the second semester of enrollment at KCU.
Introduction to Old Testament
An introduction to the Old Testament, including a survey of key tools and techniques for further study of the OT.
Math Elective
(Minimum grade “C”)
Science Elective: Human Biology
This course applies biological principles to practical human concerns enabling students to understand their bodies and their environment. Emphasis is placed on human anatomy, physiology, genetics, diseases, and the aging process. Meets a life-science requirement in most programs. Offered every spring.
Social Science: Intro to Psych
This introduction to psychology deals with the biological bases for behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation and emotion, personality theories, psychopathology and treatment, and social psychology. Offered every fall. (Minimum grade “C”)
Acts
A study of the Book of Acts in the context of its historical and cultural framework. (Prerequisites: BOT 110 and BNT 110.)
BNT, BOT, BTH, CML, CMM, CMP, CMY, or IST Elective
BNT, BOT, BTH, CML, CMM, CMP, CMY, or IST Elective
Christ and Culture
This is a capstone course that will pull together learning from previous courses in Bible, theology, philosophy, and literature. It will explore the relationship of worldview and culture formation, noting how other worldviews stand in comparison/contrast/tension with the Christian worldview. (Prerequisites: BOT 110 and BNT 110.)
Christian Heritage
An introduction to the basics of the Christian faith, its history, and its doctrine. (Prerequisites: BOT 110 and BNT 110.)
Introduction to New Testament
An introduction to the New Testament, including a survey of key tools and techniques for further study of the NT. (Prerequisite: BOT 110.) Required during the second semester of enrollment at KCU.
Introduction to Old Testament
An introduction to the Old Testament, including a survey of key tools and techniques for further study of the OT.
Acts
A study of the Book of Acts in the context of its historical and cultural framework. (Prerequisites: BOT 110 and BNT 110.)
BNT, BOT, BTH, CML, CMM, CMP, CMY, or IST Elective
BNT, BOT, BTH, CML, CMM, CMP, CMY, or IST Elective
Christ and Culture
This is a capstone course that will pull together learning from previous courses in Bible, theology, philosophy, and literature. It will explore the relationship of worldview and culture formation, noting how other worldviews stand in comparison/contrast/tension with the Christian worldview. (Prerequisites: BOT 110 and BNT 110.)
Christian Heritage
An introduction to the basics of the Christian faith, its history, and its doctrine. (Prerequisites: BOT 110 and BNT 110.)
Introduction to New Testament
An introduction to the New Testament, including a survey of key tools and techniques for further study of the NT. (Prerequisite: BOT 110.) Required during the second semester of enrollment at KCU.
Introduction to Old Testament
An introduction to the Old Testament, including a survey of key tools and techniques for further study of the OT.
Abnormal Psychology
A study of the major mental disorders as defined by the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. This course will briefly survey both factors contributing to these disorders and treatment options. Offered every fall. (Prerequisite: HCP 201 or specific permission of instructor.)
Advanced Counseling Skills
Biopsychology
Students will be introduced to the interface between biology and psychology. Topics covered include biological basis of behavior, psychophysiology, affective and behavioral neuroscience, and behavioral genetics.
Christianity & the Behavioral Sciences
This seminar is the capstone course for the Counseling Psychology program. It will consider the current dialogue between Christianity and the Behavioral Sciences. Special topics for consideration may include ethics, social movements, apologetics, understanding religious experiences, treatment issues, research analysis, and professional and church relations. Student issues in these broad areas will influence choices for discussion. (Prerequisite: Senior standing and instructor consent.)
Counseling Ethics
Students will be introduced to the Counseling Code of Ethics. Students will navigate ethical and legal dilemmas appropriately.
Developmental Psychology
The study of life span human development, with special concern for the genetic and environmental factors which influence the mental, emotional, and moral development of a person. Each of the following stages of lifespan development are included in this study: prenatal development and birth, infancy, early childhood, middle and late childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood, late adulthood, and death and dying.
History & Systems of Psychology
An historical survey of the major systems and theories of psychology. Emphasis will be placed on how these historical systems relate to current theories. An overview of the major theories, concepts, issues, data, and research on psychotherapy including a discussion of each theory from a Christian perspective. Offered every fall. (Pre or Corequisite: HCP 201 or permission of the instructor.)
Introduction to Statistics
This course is not part of the math secondary teacher education major. An introduction to quantitative methods in social science research. Topics include probability, descriptive statistics, and parametric and non-parametric inferential statistics. (Prerequisite: MAT 213, 220, 231, or instructor consent. Same as HCP 222, BUS 292. Offered Every Semester)
Personality Theory
A survey of the major theories of personality with supportive and critical evidence considered. Approaches surveyed will include: Psychoanalytic; Ego Psychology; Trait; Cognitive; and Social Learning theories. Offered spring of odd years. (Prerequisite: HCP 201 or specific approval of the instructor.)
Psychology Elective
Psychology Elective
Social Psychology
An in-depth survey of the ways in which humans interact with and are influenced by their social environment. Topics covered will include attitudes, conformity, altruism, prejudice, and attraction. Offered every fall. (Prerequisite: Minimum Junior standing, HCP 201 or specific permission of instructor.)
Social Sciences Research Methods
An introduction to social science quantitative and qualitative research design. This course will include experience in: problem definition, survey and experimental methodology, single subject design, statistical applications, interpretation, writing research results and program evaluation, as well as qualitative research methods with a particular focus on evaluation of practice interventions. Offered every spring. (Same as HCP 322. Prerequisite: HCP 222 or instructor consent.)
Theories and Techniques of Counseling
An introduction to counseling surveying the basic approaches to psychotherapy. Heavy emphasis will be placed on acquisition of counseling skills through role-playing and video-taping of counseling simulations. Specific consideration will be given to topics relevant to a Christian context and/or clientele. Offered every spring. (Prerequisites: HCP 201)
Abnormal Psychology
A study of the major mental disorders as defined by the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. This course will briefly survey both factors contributing to these disorders and treatment options. Offered every fall. (Prerequisite: HCP 201 or specific permission of instructor.)
Advanced Counseling Skills
Biopsychology
Students will be introduced to the interface between biology and psychology. Topics covered include biological basis of behavior, psychophysiology, affective and behavioral neuroscience, and behavioral genetics.
Christianity & the Behavioral Sciences
This seminar is the capstone course for the Counseling Psychology program. It will consider the current dialogue between Christianity and the Behavioral Sciences. Special topics for consideration may include ethics, social movements, apologetics, understanding religious experiences, treatment issues, research analysis, and professional and church relations. Student issues in these broad areas will influence choices for discussion. (Prerequisite: Senior standing and instructor consent.)
Counseling Ethics
Students will be introduced to the Counseling Code of Ethics. Students will navigate ethical and legal dilemmas appropriately.
Developmental Psychology
The study of life span human development, with special concern for the genetic and environmental factors which influence the mental, emotional, and moral development of a person. Each of the following stages of lifespan development are included in this study: prenatal development and birth, infancy, early childhood, middle and late childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood, late adulthood, and death and dying.
History & Systems of Psychology
An historical survey of the major systems and theories of psychology. Emphasis will be placed on how these historical systems relate to current theories. An overview of the major theories, concepts, issues, data, and research on psychotherapy including a discussion of each theory from a Christian perspective. Offered every fall. (Pre or Corequisite: HCP 201 or permission of the instructor.)
Introduction to Statistics
This course is not part of the math secondary teacher education major. An introduction to quantitative methods in social science research. Topics include probability, descriptive statistics, and parametric and non-parametric inferential statistics. (Prerequisite: MAT 213, 220, 231, or instructor consent. Same as HCP 222, BUS 292. Offered Every Semester)
Personality Theory
A survey of the major theories of personality with supportive and critical evidence considered. Approaches surveyed will include: Psychoanalytic; Ego Psychology; Trait; Cognitive; and Social Learning theories. Offered spring of odd years. (Prerequisite: HCP 201 or specific approval of the instructor.)
Psychology Elective
Psychology Elective
Social Psychology
An in-depth survey of the ways in which humans interact with and are influenced by their social environment. Topics covered will include attitudes, conformity, altruism, prejudice, and attraction. Offered every fall. (Prerequisite: Minimum Junior standing, HCP 201 or specific permission of instructor.)
Social Sciences Research Methods
An introduction to social science quantitative and qualitative research design. This course will include experience in: problem definition, survey and experimental methodology, single subject design, statistical applications, interpretation, writing research results and program evaluation, as well as qualitative research methods with a particular focus on evaluation of practice interventions. Offered every spring. (Same as HCP 322. Prerequisite: HCP 222 or instructor consent.)
Theories and Techniques of Counseling
An introduction to counseling surveying the basic approaches to psychotherapy. Heavy emphasis will be placed on acquisition of counseling skills through role-playing and video-taping of counseling simulations. Specific consideration will be given to topics relevant to a Christian context and/or clientele. Offered every spring. (Prerequisites: HCP 201)
Additional Course Notes
Counseling Psychology majors are required to complete an approved 6 hours of Hcp,Hsc, Hso, Hsw electives and 1 hour of general elective.
Well Prepared
“Thank you so much, Dr. Brickey! I was well prepared, both educationally and most importantly, spiritually. I will forever remember this experience. I pray I can continue to make Yancey School of Nursing proud as I practice my career.”
Nephtalie Fleur, Class of 2022
