Psychology and Counseling Options at Brandman University
Brandman University appears in our ranking of the 50 Top Online Bachelor of Psychology Degree Programs.
Students at Brandman University can study psychology and counseling in a Bachelor of Arts or Master of Arts degree program, and there are several concentrations within each degree option from which to choose. Not only can students earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, but they can also focus on Child Psychology, Community Psychology, Gerontology, or Industrial/Organizational psychology. Students interested in obtaining an advanced degree after their bachelor’s degree can also choose the Preclinical option to help them transition easily into graduate-level work. At the graduate level, available concentrations include Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy & PCC, or Professional Clinical Counseling. All of the degrees in psychology at Brandman University are available in an online format or in a hybrid format that features on-campus and online courses.
Students who choose the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology will take classes in the humanities, natural sciences, psychology, and in the area of their concentration. Core requirements of the bachelor’s degree program include Introduction to Psychology, Scientific Writing in Behavioral Social Sciences, Human Development across the Lifespan, and Physiological Psychology. Students will take approximately 15 credits in their concentration. For example, the Preclinical concentration requires that students take Psychology of Learning, Theories of Personality, Cognitive Psychology, Introduction to Psychological Measurement, and Child Development. When earning a Psychology degree without a concentration, students will choose a General Track or an Applied Track. Organizations that have hired graduates of Brandman’s undergraduate program include the University of California, Anthem, LLC, and VIP Kidz LLC.
Students interested in the various graduate degrees in psychology at Brandman University should check with the school to determine whether their chosen degree program is available in their state. For example, the Master of Arts in Psychology, Professional Clinical Counseling is only available in California, and it satisfies the requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Classes a student may take in their graduate program include The Counseling Process, Life Span Development, Ethical & Professional Issues, and Clinical Issues in Human Diversity. Possible occupations available to graduates include those as substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, mental health counselors, and counseling psychologists. Organizations that have hired Brandman graduates include The Autism Learning Center LLC, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the Rite Aid Corporation.
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About Brandman University
Brandman University is part of the Chapman University System and focuses on providing educational opportunities to working adults. The university offers programs in health, education, business, the arts & sciences, and various professional areas. There are around 11,000 students who attend Brandman University and more than 1570 academic staff members working for the school. Students can attend any one of more than 25 campuses across California and Washington, as well as attend classes online. The university was founded in 1958 and was originally named Chapman University College. The school’s initial focus was on providing classes to members of the Marine Corps at nearby El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. A donation in 2009 from the Joyce and Saul Brandman Foundation led to the renaming of the school to its current moniker. The school’s official colors are maroon and gold.
Brandman University Accreditation Details
Brandman University’s regional accreditor is the WSCUC Senior College and University Commission, which certifies universities and colleges and makes them eligible for federal funding. Various programs at the university also hold professional accreditations from organizations like the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, which accredits the teacher preparation programs at the initial and advanced levels. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing also authorizes the education programs at the university. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education has accredited the nursing programs, and the Council on Social Work Education has accredited the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. The school’s graduate program in social work is currently in pre-candidacy status for accreditation by the same organization.
Brandman University Application Requirements
To gain admission to Brandman University as an undergraduate student in a bachelor’s degree program, applicants must have at least 12 transferable credits at the undergraduate level from a regionally accredited institution. Students must also have a 2.0 cumulative GPA for all previous college coursework. Students who do not yet have 12 credits of college coursework can apply for admission to one of the university’s associate of arts programs. Once a student has met the admission qualifications, he or she will submit an official application and have transcripts sent from previous schools. Graduate admission requirements include having a 3.0 GPA for the last 30 graduate credits taken. The university will also accept a GPA of 2.5 to 2.99 if the student can also achieve a suitable grade on the GRE or GMAT.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition at Brandman University varies and is based on the program and level in which a student is enrolled. For online and hybrid/blended classes students will pay $500 per credit for an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree, $650 for a credential program or a master’s degree, $995 for a Doctorate of Education, or $1,135 for a Doctorate of Nursing. Active duty members of the military and their spouses will receive a reduced tuition rate at a cost of $250 per credit for associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees and $400 per credit for credential programs and master’s degrees. Doctoral tuition is the same rate paid as non-military students pay. Students can also participate in a program known as MyPath Competency-Based Degrees, which bill the student at a rate of $3,200 for 24 weeks where the students will take a minimum of 12 credits per billing period.
All students can gain eligibility for financial aid at Brandman University if they meet the requirements and are degree-seeking students. The university encourages students to explore all avenues for financial aid that may include federal loans, private loans, grants, and scholarships from various entities. Some students may also qualify for employer tuition assistance and discounts and should check with their employers to see whether there is an existing partnership with Brandman University. To begin the financial aid process, students must submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and make sure to include the federal school code for Brandman in their application. Students interested in a degree in psychology or counseling from Brandman University may also qualify for financial aid through military and veterans groups if they’re a member or past member of the of the armed forces.