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 and Creative Writing, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Applied Psychology and Criminal Justice degrees, the Advanced Mathematics, American History, Communication Studies, and Psychology minors, and the Master of Arts in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling (M.A.), Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with emphases in Marriage and Family Therapy and Substance Use Disorders, Master of Arts in School Counseling, and Master of Science in Criminal Justice (M.S.) degrees.

The Applied Psychology major examines theories in psychology through the integration of a biblical worldview. Major theories in psychology are evaluated through a Christian perspective that challenges students to apply psychological principles to grow personally and in their professional competencies. The B.S. in Applied 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 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 Creative Writing major provides students with an opportunity to learn techniques of descriptive writing for both fiction and nonfiction audiences. The program also covers the challenges and opportunities that authors encounter as they develop, publish, and market their projects. Students also learn the structure and functions of various public and private publishing entities as well as the demands of audiences that make up the publishing industry and its diverse markets. Students learn ways to foster a Christian voice in the field of creative writing.

The Criminal Justice major is offered at the associate, baccalaureate and masters level. They provide a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical application in criminal justice. Students are specifically prepared for careers in law enforcement, corrections, domestic terrorism 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 Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Colorado Christian University combines rigorous coursework and professional practice in a comprehensive graduate educational experience. What sets the CCU program apart is the evangelical Christian worldview that promotes the study of biblical principles with the spiritual and physiological dimensions of the whole person. All coursework required to prepare for professional licensure in the state of Colorado, and in many other states, is included in the M.A. in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling curriculum. The M.A. in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling program is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, and by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

The M.A. in Clinical and Mental Health 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 use what they learn in the classroom, and in professional practice experiences, to impact their communities, churches, and families. The curriculum prepares students to take the National Counselor Exam (NCE), and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), which are two exams commonly required for licensure in many states.

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program provides an excellent academic and training foundation for students seeking to become mental health professionals in clinical environments where they will provide counseling services or therapy for individuals, couples, and families from a systemic and relational perspective. The core mission of the CCU’s MFT program is to deliver a biblically supported education for clinicians who can provide needed prevention, intervention, and healing for distressed and people in our turbulent and broken world. Additionally, this program is designed to meet educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Colorado as well as many other states.

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Substance Use Disorders program is designed to unite biblical truth and clinical competence. Students learn how to draw from their ecological framework while advocating for an approach to addiction counseling that attempts to balance theological beliefs regarding addiction with scientific knowledge and theories. Students will be trained to provide leadership in developing, evaluating, and implementing holistic models for addiction treatment.

The Master of Arts in School Counseling provides the theories, skills, and knowledge necessary to work as a licensed school counselor in a PK-12th grade setting. The curriculum integrates Biblical principles while exploring relevant educational practices in order to support elementary, middle/junior, and high school students in their social, emotional, academic, and career development.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program at Colorado Christian University is designed to equip advanced practitioners and future leaders with a well-balanced foundation of knowledge, skills, and critical thinking ability. Students complete courses from each of the following categories: ethics, decision-making, and leadership; contemporary social problems and solutions; investigations; and constitutional law.

Programs

Associate Degrees

Bachelor’s Degrees

Minor

Certificate

Master’s Degrees