Counseling and Student Services

This non-teaching major features an interdisciplinary study within the fields of education, counseling psychology and student affairs. Courses emphasize knowledge and skills in learning, development and interpersonal communications and will prepare you for careers and professions in the mental health or higher education and student affairs field.

Students will develop a strong theoretical and research-based understanding of learning and human development and be able to apply this knowledge to their future work in a variety of professions. They will learn how to facilitate effective interpersonal communication, utilize advanced listening skills to empathetically understand the perspective of others and access resources to help people actualize their potential and improve performance to effect positive personal, organizational and societal change. Through a Capstone Experiential Practicum embedded into one of the Core Courses (i.e., Professional Skills and Career Planning), students will also have the opportunity to apply these skills in their area of desired professional engagement.

Service learning is prominently featured within this major and provides experiences that can prepare you for your career. The opportunities will combine academic theory with practical real-life experience. You’ll engage with a broader and deeper understanding of the course content, fostering civic engagement and sharpening your insights both within yourselves and your place in the community.

• Admissions Requirements

  Direct Admit Scholars

  To be considered for direct admission into the School of Education, students must first be admitted to IU with an intended major within the School of Education. Students who meet the Direct Admit Scholars qualifications are invited to apply to the program.

  Certification from University Division

  Students should meet with a University Division advisor, who can provide guidance in meeting certification requirements. These requirements include:

  • An overall IU grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher
  • 30 credit hours of college level coursework completed
  • Completion of EDUC-G203: Communication for Youth Serving Professionals, with a grade of C or better. (Under certain circumstances, students may substitute another college level public speaking or interpersonal communication class.)

  Learn more about how to apply

• Financial Aid

  We offer a range of scholarships for qualified students. Current students can be considered for most School of Education scholarships by completing one application each year.

  We also encourage students to visit Student Central for information about financial assistance.

  If you are a prospective student who applies to our Direct Admit Scholars program, you’ll be considered for scholarship opportunities as an entering freshman.

• Current Students

  Visit the Undergraduate Portal for forms, course requirements, and other resources you'll need as you work to complete your program.

• Counseling Concentration

  The Counseling Concentration is well-suited for those students who envision careers in mental health, social service and other settings where their skills will facilitate the well-being of others. Graduates from this track will be suited for entry-level jobs in the Community and Social Service Occupations. While they will not be independent practitioners, they would be able to be in entry-level positions under the supervision of licensed practitioners on interdisciplinary teams in mental health settings.

  This degree is also good preparation for those that intend to purse graduate study in mental health helping fields (e.g., counseling psychology, clinical psychology, social work, nursing).

  For careers as a licensed counselor, bachelor’s degree recipients would need to subsequently pursue at least an accredited master’s degree in a clinical counseling field.

• Student Services Concentration

  Students who select the Student Services Concentration will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to transition into a variety of entry-level positions on college campuses. Positions will typically focus on working directly with undergraduate college students, including academic advising, student organization advising, leadership education, orientation, and residential programs and services.

  Graduates of the program can subsequently pursue a master’s degree in the field to advance professionally from entry level positions.

• Degree Requirements

  The program requires 60-63 credits of Major coursework. These credits are broken up into 36 credits of core courses, plus 15-18 credits of coursework in the selected track (18 for Counseling Psychology and 15 for Higher Education and Student Affairs track). Students additionally will select 9 credits from specific courses as part of their Professional Major Electives. Students can include a 15 credit Minor, and they also must complete General Education requirements to total a minimum of 120 credit hours. All courses must be completed with at least an average minimum GPA of 2.5.

  Program sheet