The Clinical Counseling program is a 60-credit degree which offers a framework for understanding human experience and the deepest motivation of human behavior. Students receive a sound theoretical foundation and practical instruction in applying counseling skills that help clients regain hope and create change in their lives. The core credits meet all the educational requirements specified by the Pennsylvania Board for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), and students have the option of reaching the 60 credits required for LPC by selecting individual electives or graduating with a concentration in either Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certification or Trauma Studies. Individuals who already hold a master’s degree in counseling or another related field may also complete courses toward licensure or other professional credentials. Those needing less than 12 credits are considered non-degree students, while those needing 12 or more credits may earn a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Applied Behavior Analysis Certification or Professional Counseling. Individualized programs of study are approved when applicants are admitted to the program.

Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis Certification

The 21-credit Applied Behavior Analysis curriculum meets the educa­tional requirements of the national Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the Pennsylvania Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS). The Association for Behavior Analysis International has approved the curriculum as a “verified course sequence,” meeting the course work requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®. The ABA designation will appear on a student’s transcript. The concentration is comprised of the following courses, all of which must be taken at Eastern University (transfer credit not permitted):

Concentration in Trauma Studies

The 15-credit Trauma Studies curriculum is designed to prepare students to understand the impact of traumatic events on individuals, families, and communities; learn evidence-based interventions for preventing and treating traumatic stress; and apply trauma-informed counseling skills with diverse traumatized populations in professional counseling and volunteer contexts. The Trauma Studies designation will appear on a student’s transcript.  The concentration is comprised of the following courses, all of which must be taken at Eastern University (transfer credit not permitted):