Colorado State University

Colorado State University Counseling and Psychology Degree Programs Available

Colorado State University appears in our ranking of the 50 Top Online Bachelor of Psychology Degree Programs.

Counselors and psychologists work with individuals, families, and communities who are dealing with mental health and emotional issues. Over the next ten years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that positions in this industry will grow by 14 percent. In order to obtain most positions in counseling and psychology, a bachelor’s degree or higher is required, with some positions requiring at least a graduate degree. Colorado State University offers several degree programs that are designed to prepare individuals for careers in this growing industry.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Colorado State University focuses on natural sciences with an emphasis on writing and research. Students are prepared for careers that deal with the human mind and provided an understanding of the laws of behavior and psychological principles. The program is available online, on campus or in a hybrid version. Students may choose to focus on General Psychology or they may choose from the following concentrations:

• Addictions Counseling
• Clinical Counseling
• Industrial/Organizational Counseling
• Mind, Brain and Behavior

Colorado State University offers a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Mediation that is available online. The program helps students develop conflict resolution skills and prepare them for careers as professional mediators. Students are better able to respond to conflict situations while also gaining a better understanding of the root of conflict between individuals. Students who enter management are better equipped to resolve conflict and provide guidance to those who are dealing with conflict. The program provides an understanding of the formal process of mediation and improves fundamental communication skills. Students also gain key negotiation, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

The Master of Arts in Counseling and Career Development provides an understanding of human development, lifespan career development as well as psycho-educational issues. Students gain an understanding of strategies to deal with those issues along with comprehensive program planning and ethical practices. The program focuses on learning, career and psychological theories that can be used in individual and group settings. Students are able to recognize abnormal and dysfunctional behavior in order to seek proper referrals and consultations. They learn to promote human potential and community development while committing to professional development through coursework, self-directed reading, experiential learning, supervision, and personal growth experiences.

About Colorado State University

In 1870, the Agricultural College of Colorado was established under the Morrill Act of 1862. This legislation provided land to states that they could use to establish an institute of higher learning or the land could be sold to fund such a school. The Morrill Act stipulated that the school must offer mechanical and agricultural arts, teacher education along with military training. Although the Colorado territorial legislature established the school, it did not provide funding. One year later, Robert Dazell and the Larimer County Land Improvement Company, donated land for the Agricultural College while the state appropriated $1,000 for construction with the requirement that the school raise matching funds.

In 1874, an event was held on the corner of College Avenue and West Laurel Street, sponsored by the Grange No. 6, to raise money for the Agricultural College. The event was a success and construction was completed on the first campus building a few months later. The State Board of Agriculture took control of the school after Colorado gained statehood. Using funds from a mill levy that was established to support the school as well as a railroad right-of-way across campus, the Agricultural College finally opened its doors in 1879.

Initially, the school was more of a prep school than a college due to the lack of education in the rural area. Students were required to work on the campus farm and had to attend daily chapel services. During the spring term of 1879, college-level instruction began and a “Ladies Course” was added in 1885, offering women instruction in drawing, stenography, typewriting, languages, gardening and psychology.

In 1935, the school became the Colorado State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. During World War II, the school looked more like a military post as more than 1,500 servicemen trained on campus. Despite adding the training program, enrollment dropped from 1,637 to 701 between 1942 and 1943. When the war ended, enrollment grew significantly as soldiers returned to take advantage of the G.I. Bill. The school became Colorado State University in 1957.

Today, Colorado State University is a leading research university and attracts more than $300 million in research funding each year. There are approximately 23,700 undergraduate and almost 4,000 graduate students enrolled at the University.

Colorado State University Accreditation Details

Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. This indicates that students are provided programs at the highest level and are well-prepared for careers in their chosen field. The University also undergoes periodic evaluation to confirm that programs offered continue to meet the criteria set forth by the Commission. In addition, programs throughout the University are accredited by the following organizations:

• Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
• Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
• American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
• American Council for Construction Education
• American Psychological Association
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• Council for Interior Design Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs
• Council on Social Work Education
• Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board
• National Association of Schools of Music
• National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council
• Society for Range Management
• Society of American Foresters
• Teacher Education Accreditation Council

Colorado State University Application Requirements

In order to apply for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology, applicants must provide official high school transcripts as well as official ACT or SAT scores. Applicants who have earned college credit after high school graduation must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Applicants for the Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Mediation must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

In order to apply for the Master of Arts in Counseling and Career Development, applicants must provide an academic writing sample that addresses how they developed an interest in counseling, their experiences, commitment to diversity and a summary of professional as well as educational goals. A current resume is required as well as a Counseling and Career Development Judicial Proceedings form. Three letters of recommendation must also be provided. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities must be submitted and one must show that the applicant holds a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Colorado State University Tuition and Financial Aid

Undergraduate tuition for Colorado residents is $641.65 per credit hour and for non-residents is $1,579.75 per credit hour. The tuition for the graduate certificate is $689 per credit hour. Graduate tuition is $780.85 per credit hour for residents and $1,604.55 for non-residents.

All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for financial aid. This form must be renewed annually. Undergraduate students may be offered grants, scholarships or loans to cover the cost of tuition. Those attending on campus may also be offered work-study programs. Graduate students are offered loans but may seek grants and scholarships to cover the cost of attendance. If they attend on campus, they may also receive assistantships or fellowships.

Colorado State University creates an environment that encourages free-thinking, achievement, and excellence. Students at Colorado State University are provided a strong learning environment, extensive resources and hands-on experiences necessary to achieve their goals.