School of Behavioral and Social Sciences

The School of Behavioral and Social Sciences includes the Associate of Arts (A.A.) in General Studies and Communication Studies, the Associate of Science (A.S.) in Criminal Justice and Psychology, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication Studies, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology and Criminal Justice degrees, the Communication Studies and Psychology minors, and the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling degree. The A.A. and A.S. degrees include courses that are used by other undergraduate degrees to meet core requirements and serve as electives.

The Communication Studies major provides a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical application in communication studies, exploring interpersonal communication, small group communication, and organizational communication. The Communication Studies major prepares students for careers in business, service-providing industries, human resources, broadcasting, telecommunications, public advocacy, and governmental agencies.

The Criminal Justice major provides a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical application in criminal justice, preparing students for careers in, law enforcement, corrections, domestic terriorism and site security and various governmental positions. Students pursuing a career in criminal justice will have the coursework they need to understand and contribute to the criminal justice system.

The Psychology major examines theories in psychology through the integration of a biblical worldview. Major theories in psychology are evaluated through a Christian perspective challenging students to apply psychological principles to grow personally and in their professional competencies. The B.S. is Psychology prepares students for careers in psychology, counseling, social work, and other related fields. Job options for bachelor’s level graduates include, but are not limited to, paraprofessionals in clinics and hospitals, case workers in social services, educational aides, staff in residential treatment centers and staff in church and parachurch ministries.

The Master of Arts in Counseling (M.A.) degree at CCU is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This rigorous program prepares students by combining theoretical coursework with pre-professional practice and mentoring in a graduate educational experience. What sets the CCU M.A. in Counseling program apart is the integration of biblical principles promoting the study of the spiritual dimension of the whole person. In addition to the outstanding coursework in counseling theory and skills, students complete two unique courses in theological foundations of, and spiritual formation in counseling which explore the relationship between faith and the counseling field.

The M.A. in Counseling program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become influential and effective licensed professional counselors. Throughout the program, students are challenged to apply what they learn in the classroom and in pre-professional practice to impact their communities, churches, and families. Upon completion of the program, graduates are academically prepared to take the National Counselor Exam (NCE), which is the licensing exam for the state of Colorado and many other states. The M.A. in Counseling’s CACREP accredited curriculum also prepares students to take licensure exams for clinical mental health in many other states.