Welcome to the Pillar College School of Behavioral Health and Social Sciences. Rooted in the Christian worldview, our psychology and counseling programs are designed to empower and equip students with the education and training needed to facilitate the uplift, emotional wellbeing, and psychological health of individuals from all levels of society. Our experiential learning model builds a solid foundation of knowledge, theories, strategies, and skillsets necessary for students to counsel in various contexts. Our goal is to set students up for success in the workforce and to build upon this foundation with further education and training to pursue their desired area of specialization within the many careers available within the behavioral health and social sciences. Our hope is to support and partner with our students as they continue their journey to be effective helpers for individuals and families in their communities through the means of counseling, mentorship, and coaching.
Bachelor of the Arts Degree
Apply NowThe Psychology and Counseling degree is designed to provide students with a foundation for crisis counseling, spiritual formation, coaching, or mentoring ministry. Students may choose to build on this foundation with further education and/or training specific to an area specialization, such as the pursuit of a Master’s or Doctoral degree required to attain state licensure as a professional counselor. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be prepared to serve in a context that does not require licensure.
Students participate in innovative programs and experiences (internships, mentorship, and enrichment training) which allow them to become State Certified as Mental Health First Aid Assessors and Behavioral Assistants.
Unique Benefits & Features:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology & Counseling provides the foundation for:
The B.A. in Psychology & Counseling degree can lead to numerous careers including but not limited to:
There are three concentrations from which to choose:
This concentration will emphasize counseling within the context of family systems and will assist students who wish to prepare to do effective ministry with couples and families. It is geared towards individuals who wish to specialize in marriage and family therapy. This concentration prepares a pathway for students to continue in the Pillar College MAC program which specializes in Marriage and Family counseling, and any other graduate program with any mental health specialty.
Required Courses:
This concentration is an integration of faith and psychology. It provides theoretical models and strategies that are necessary to effect change in crisis situations and will enable individuals to move forward in more functional ways. Crisis Counseling is for those who wish to become a professional Christian Counselor, Trauma and Crisis Advocate, Chaplain, or Emergency Volunteer, among other options.
Required Courses:
In today’s fast-paced, always-on world, there is a real demand for accredited, certified Life Coaches to help people manage the many pressures of the modern world. The Pillar College concentration in Life Coaching will equip students with the proper techniques and tools utilized by professionals in this dynamic field. Students will equip students for Accreditation with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and allow them to begin a rewarding career as a Certified Life Coach.
Required Courses:
Deepen your understanding of human behavior and enhance your career
Impact the World and the Lives of others with A Master’s Degree in Counseling. Complete in as little as 5 Semesters.
The MA in Counseling Program (MAC Program) is designed to provide students with a 60-credit cohort-based, comprehensive academic and experiential education. Training is provided in the field of counseling and the specialty area of marriage, couple, and family counseling from a Christian worldview. Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the counseling profession, counselors’ personal dispositions, clinical expertise, and cultural proficiency for preparation to provide mental and emotional wellness services to clients/families from culturally diverse backgrounds. The MA in Counseling Program meets the requirements of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the New Jersey Licensure as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
MAC Licensure and Graduation Requirements
*Core Curriculum Courses
*Marriage, Couple & Family Courses
The MA in Counseling Program is designed to prepare counseling graduates for success in careers in: