Lamar University

Lamar University

Lamar University Psychology and Counseling Programs Available

Lamar University appears in our ranking of the 10 Most Affordable Counseling Psychology Online Programs.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Lamar University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through their Department of Psychology. Students gain an understanding of people both individually and collectively. The program focuses on psychological theories, helping students apply them to their own lives so that they can better address issues facing others in the world around them. The program includes a broader view of liberal arts as well as theories that relate to psychology. In addition to general education courses in English, mathematics and social sciences, courses required for the program include:

  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Behavior Neuroscience
  • Industrial Psychology
  • Introduction to Statistical Methods
  • Learning and Cognition
  • Psychology of Personality
  • Psychology of Social Interaction
  • Psychology Tests and Measures
  • Sensation and Perception

The program requires completion of 120 credit hours. The Bachelor of Arts is a more expansive degree program than the Bachelor of Science as it includes a wider range of liberal arts subjects. The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is only available on campus.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Lamar University covers a broad base of topics within the field. This may include lifespan development, abnormal behavior and other subjects that lead to whole-person development. Students are provided theoretical knowledge of psychology through traditional learning, allowing them to reflect on their own insights as they build their skills. Core courses required for the Bachelor of Science include:

  • Advanced Statistics
  • Behavior Neuroscience
  • Experimental Psychology
  • Introduction to Statistical Methods
  • Methods in Psychology
  • Learning and Cognition
  • Psychology of Personality
  • Psychology of Social Interaction
  • Psychology Tests and Measures
  • Sensation and Perception

The Bachelor of Science degree focuses on the technical and practical facets of psychology.

Master of Science in Applied Psychology

The Master of Science in Applied Psychology is offered on campus only and qualifies students to work in a non-clinical capacity in the field of psychology. Students may specialize their degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology or Clinical Psychology. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge to help others master living skills, communicate more effectively, support their participation in treatment plans and provide case management support. Courses required include:

  • Advanced Experimental Psychology
  • Advanced General Psychology I & II
  • Advanced Psychotherapy
  • Experimental Design
  • Intellectual Assessment
  • Introduction to Psychotherapy
  • Multivariate Research Techniques
  • Personality Assessment
  • Psychological Measurement

Students must also complete two practicums as well as a thesis.

Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health prepares students to provide clinical counseling services to clients in a variety of setting. Students gain an understanding of therapeutic processes, mental health, counseling techniques and the principles of human development. Courses required for the program include:

  • Abnormal Human Behavior
  • Career Development
  • Consultation
  • Counseling Skills
  • Crisis Prevention & Intervention
  • Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Group Counseling Theories & Techniques
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Individual Counseling Theories and Techniques
  • Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
  • Measurement and Assessment
  • Multicultural Counseling
  • Professionalism, Ethics and the Law
  • Research and Program Evaluation
  • Substance Abuse Counseling

Students must also complete a practicum, two residential seminars, and two internships. Other than those requirements, the degree can be completed online.

About Lamar University

Lamar University was founded in 1923 by Louis R. Pietzsch as a public junior college in Beaumont, Texas. Pietzsch became fascinated with the junior college movement while attending the University of Chicago. Classes began on the third floor of South Park High School. By 1932, the school was recognized for serving more than just the local community, providing higher education throughout the region. It was renamed Lamar College in honor of Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas. Lamar is regarded as the Father of Texas Education as he set aside land throughout the state for public schools.

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In 1933, the construction began on new facilities which would allow the school to move out of South Park High School. By 1942, the college had cut all ties with the South Park School District and they moved to the new campus. Enrollment exploded after World War II after soldiers returning from war took advantage of the G.I. Bill. In 1948, the school became a four-year college and, in 1949, it became Lamar State College of Technology. Initially, the four-year school was to focus on engineering and science.

In 1960, graduate programs were added and, in 1970, the first doctoral program was offered. In 1971, the school gained university status. Today, Lamar University has more than 15,000 students enrolled and is one of the fastest growing colleges in Texas.

Lamar University Accreditation Details

Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. As part of the accreditation process, the university undergoes periodic review to confirm that they continue to meet the criteria set forth by the commission that indicates excellence in education. Any areas that are identified as needing improvement during the review, the university agrees to address as quickly as possible. Programs throughout the university are accredited by various industry-specific organizations, commissions, and associations.

Lamar University Application Requirements

Students who have not earned college credit after high school graduation must complete an application and provide official high school transcripts as well as official ACT or SAT scores. Students who have earned 18 or more college credits after graduation should provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Graduate students must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Official GRE or GMAT scores are also required. Programs may have additional admissions requirements. Students should discuss the admissions requirements with an admissions counselor before applying.

Lamar University Tuition and Financial Aid

Undergraduate tuition for Texas residents is $625.33 per credit hour and $1,040.33 per credit hour for non-residents. Graduate tuition for Texas residents is $670.33 per credit hour and $1,085.33 per credit hour for non-residents.

Financial aid is available. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for any assistance. Scholarships are available and most are awarded based on academic achievement. There are also scholarships available for extra-curricular activities such as sports, marching band or other school participation. Students may also qualify for grants, work-study, and loans that can help offset the cost of education.

Lamar University offers degrees in both online and on-campus formats as well as programs that are a hybrid of both types. The flexible programs offered at Lamar University make it easier for adult learners to achieve their higher education goals.

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