Department of Psychology, Sociology & Criminal Justice

Community Counseling

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Community Counseling is designed to increase the number of mental health professionals in northeast Oklahoma in an effort to decrease substance abuse, improve overall mental health and strengthen families in the region.

The program also was created to address the rising levels of alcohol and drug abuse and compulsive gambling in Oklahoma, recently recorded by state mental health agencies.

The program prepares students for entry-level positions in community mental health centers, youth and family service agencies, state health and human services departments, substance abuse treatment programs, correctional facilities and detention centers.

In addition, the degree is structured for students to continue their education in graduate programs in psychology, counseling and human services, leading to licensure as a licensed professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, behavioral practitioner or alcohol and drug abuse counselor.

The program offers an opportunity for social and human service assistants and technicians who are already working in the field but who lack an academic degree and would like to prepare themselves for advancement. By sharing their career experiences during class discussion, these seasoned technicians can enrich the classroom experience by offering their real-world insights.

Students can prepare themselves to move into positions as addiction specialists, child and family caseworkers, director of residential programs and other public health positions, Varner said.

Students who enroll in the program also will gain the knowledge and skills to complete the certification requirements of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, as well as other certification programs.

Labor statistics for Oklahoma compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor, as well as information provided by other state and federal employment agencies, indicate an increasing need for mental health professionals who have earned bachelor’s degrees in northeast Oklahoma through 2012.

For more information, call 918-343-7956.