Counseling and Psychology Degrees at Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin appears in our ranking of the 10 Most Affordable Counseling Psychology Online Programs.
Concordia University Wisconsin offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and an online Master of Science in Education with a concentration in counseling. In the psychology program, students will study the psychological and biological influences on the human mind.
At CUW, the courses are grounded in Christian service, ethical research, and science, which translates to a holistic approach to learning. Throughout the 126-credit-hour program, students will be introduced to topics like human behavior, psychotherapy, abnormal psychology, and theories of personality. Students first develop their classroom knowledge before they apply it in a practical, supervised experience at local institutions and agencies. Toward the end of the program, usually in a student’s junior year, he or she will apply for senior status. Once the request is approved, the student may then enroll in the senior seminar, research proposal, and practicum courses. At the time of graduation, students will possess the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a helping profession as a school psychologist, clinical psychologist, or psychology teacher or move on into graduate studies.
Designed for people who are looking to work with students in a K-12 setting, the Master of Science in Education – School and Professional Counseling degree is a fully accredited program that combines the convenience of online education with traditional coursework. Students must complete between 45 and 60 credit hours of coursework, 36 of which are considered mandatory “counseling foundation” courses. These classes cover topics such as the fundamentals of career counseling, group counseling, theories of personality, and human development. Students may also choose from four elective options: trauma counseling, psychopharmacology, psychopathology, and family development. In addition to completing electives and foundations courses, students pursuing the school counseling track will also be required to complete three portfolios and two practicum experiences. Those without a current teaching license must pass a course on classroom management as part of their curriculum. After graduating, students are eligible to sit for the licensure exam to become a certified school counselor in Wisconsin. However, other states may have different licensing requirements, so students are urged to check with their respective state to determine if this program meets those requirements.
About Concordia University Wisconsin
As a Lutheran school, Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) strives to combine rigorous academic instruction with the tenets of Christian faith. Lutherans in Wisconsin originally founded the school in 1881 as Concordia College, and constant evolution over the next several decades pushed the humble 13-student college into a fully accredited institution of higher learning. By 1989, its Board of Regents approved Concordia to offer four-year degree programs. Now, the university enrolls approximately 8,100 students and offers 155 programs at the certificate, doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate levels. Concordia’s stated purpose is to develop mature Christian students by sharing Jesus Christ’s teachings throughout every degree program. The school is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and about 50 percent of undergraduate students identify as Lutheran. Although students need not be Lutheran to apply and enroll in a program, prospective students should be aware of Concordia’s strong emphasis on religion.
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Concordia University Wisconsin Accreditation Details
Concordia University Wisconsin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition, Concordia’s teaching programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and its education degree programs are approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Accreditation applies to both online degrees and physical programs and serves to inform the public and students that the school is committed to maintaining high standards of quality set by the accrediting agency. In addition, another benefit of accreditation is that it allows colleges and universities to accept transfer credits from other accredited institutions, and schools cannot request federal funding for financial aid unless they hold regional or institutional accreditation.
Concordia University Wisconsin Application Requirements
Students considering a degree from Concordia University Wisconsin must first create an account with the school to use its application portal regardless of the degree they plan to pursue. Graduates and undergraduates follow different paths for applying, and students who go the online route will skip the traditional application process completely. Although each college within Concordia is responsible for the specifics of the application, in general, graduate students must submit an online application through the portal, pay a $50 nonrefundable application fee, submit a resume that includes employment and educational information, write a one-page essay on why they are seeking a master’s degree, submit all official transcripts that support the required undergraduate degree, and provide two letters of recommendation. Graduate students are not required to take entrance exams like the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Applicants who are interested in transferring to Concordia may request that their credits be analyzed and applied toward a graduate program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition fees at Concordia University Wisconsin vary depending on the specific degree pursued. Students who enroll in an online program will also pay a separate set of fees than those who are taking traditional on-campus classes. The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree costs $14,590 per semester or $29,180 per year. Students are charged $600 per credit hour for each credit over 18. The Master of Science in Education degree with a concentration in counseling costs $548 per credit hour. Since this program consists of a range of required hours for completion, students can expect to pay between $24,660 and $26,304 for the full degree. In addition to tuition, students should keep in mind additional expenses such as graduation fees and technology fees, which can vary by program and academic year. Applicants should verify specific tuition costs with the school’s admission staff.
Although higher education can be expensive, Concordia offers several financial aid options. According to the school, 98 percent of Concordia students receive some type of financial assistance, and the average award package hovers around $21,000. Students considering requesting financial aid from Concordia University Wisconsin should first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine whether they are eligible for federal work-study programs, scholarships outside of the school, institutional scholarships and grants, student loans, employer-based opportunities, awards by faith-based organizations, and awards by local civic organizations, businesses, and schools.
Related Resources:
- 5 Tips for Landing Your First Job after Earning a Psychology Degree
- Is an Online Psychology Degree Cheaper Than a Traditional One?
- Should One Expect to attend Graduate School with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?
- What Can I Do With a Bachelors Degree in Psychology?
- What Can I Do with a Master’s Degree in Psychology?
- What Interests Would Lead One to Obtain an Online Degree in Psychology?
- What is the Future Job Outlook for Careers with an Online Degree in Psychology?
- What is the Future Outlook for Careers in Psychology?
