University of Alabama

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Counseling and Psychology Degrees at the University of Alabama

The University of Alabama appears in our ranking of the 10 Most Affordable School Psychology Online Degree Programs.

The University of Alabama offers undergraduate degrees in Psychology as well as graduate degrees in both Psychology and Counseling that prepare individuals for positions in the industry.

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides students with an understanding of human growth and potential as well as the biological bases of behavior. Students learn how to study behavior from a variety of perspectives. They gain an understanding of experimental psychology and statistical methods as well as the history and systems of psychology. Courses may include:

  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
  • Physiological Psychology
  • Psychology of Aging
  • Psychology of Learning
  • Sensation and Perception
  • Social Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts program has additional foreign language requirements while the Bachelor of Science in Psychology requires additional sciences.

The Master of Arts in Counselor Education allows students to focus in the following areas:

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Rehabilitation Counseling
  • School Counseling

Depending on the concentration, graduates can find leadership roles in public or private clinics, in rehabilitation centers or in schools. The programs provide an understanding of preventive, developmental and remedial efforts to help those who are dealing with emotional, behavioral or social problems. Students gain an understanding of practical and realistic expectations in order to affect change. Courses for the degree may include:

  • Addictions Counseling
  • Career Development
  • Case Management & Rehabilitation Services
  • Counseling Skills
  • Counseling Strategies for Family Systems
  • Counseling Theory and Process
  • Ethics & Advocacy
  • Group Counseling
  • Group Procedures
  • Group Process and Procedures
  • Individual and Group Appraisal
  • Introduction to Educational Research
  • Introduction to Multicultural Counseling
  • Life Span Development
  • Medical and Psychological Rehabilitation Services
  • Multicultural Counseling
  • Principal of Guidance
  • Program Development and Management
  • Psychopathology
  • Quantitative Research I
  • Statistics
  • Substance Abuse Counseling

Students must also complete a practicum and internship.

The Ed.S. in Counselor Education helps students learn cutting-edge techniques to help others thrive. The program focuses on theory, practice, and research that will compliment your existing education and experience in the field, enhancing your ability to serve a diverse population. Students gain an understanding of counseling strategies as well as play therapy which allows them to strengthen their skills and progress their career. The program is available online as well as on campus. Courses required may include:

  • Advanced Theory and Counseling
  • Critical Race Theory in Education
  • Ethics and Education
  • Foundation Education Through Film
  • History of American Education
  • Multicultural Education
  • Program Development and Manager
  • Sociology of Education

Students must also research and defend a dissertation. Field experience is also required.

About University of Alabama

The Alabama territory legislature set aside a location for a seminary of learning in 1818, one year before Alabama was admitted as a state. Part of the state constitution added a second location but the state capital of Tuscaloosa was chosen for the new school in 1820 with classes starting in 1831.

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Enrollment grew steadily and, by 1851, there were 126 students enrolled. A martial department and disciplinary system was established in 1860 but the school was forced to close due to the Civil War. In 1865, most of the buildings on campus were burned by Union troops. The University was reorganized during the Reconstruction Era. Women were admitted in 1893 and the military system discontinued in 1903.

There are over 38,000 students enrolled at the University of Alabama and it the online business program is ranked in the top 15 programs in the country by US News & World Report.

University of Alabama Accreditation Details

The University of Alabama is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Accreditation is a voluntary peer-review process that confirms the University provides programs that are of the highest quality. During the review process, the Commission also confirms that the school has the resources to meet its goals and objectives. The following organizations accredit specific programs throughout the college as well:

  • ABET
  • Accrediting Council for Graduate Medical Education
  • Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
  • American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
  • American Bar Association
  • American Chemical Society
  • American Library Association
  • American Psychological Association
  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education
  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
  • Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs
  • Council for Interior Design Accreditation
  • Council on Rehabilitation Education
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • Liaison Committee for Medical Education
  • National Association of School Psychologists
  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design
  • National Association of Schools of Dance
  • National Association of Schools of Music
  • National Association of Schools of Theatre
  • National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education

University of Alabama Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology must formally declare the major no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment.

Applicants to the master’s in counseling education program must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. They must provide a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. They must also provide official GRE or GMAT scores and official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Applicants to the Ed.S. in Counselor Education must hold a master’s degree or higher and be certified in school counseling. They must have two full years of educational work experience in a P-12 school system. They provide official GRE or GMAT scores with a GRE score of 300 or higher or score in the 50th percentile of the GMAT.

The University of Alabama Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for full-time undergraduate programs is $5,390 per semester for resident and $15,125 for non-residents. Part-time tuition is $545 per credit hour for residents an $1,330 per credit hour for non-residents. Graduate tuition is $615 per credit hour for residents and $1,550 per credit hour for non-residents.

More than 67 percent of students at the University of Alabama receive some type of assistance. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for assistance. Undergraduate students may be offered grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans while graduate students may be offered assistantships, fellowships or loans.

The University of Alabama was the first institute of higher learning in Alabama and is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Students are provided the skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in their field of study. The University of Alabama focuses on creating graduates who make a difference in the world.

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