Behavioral Health Counseling: Curriculum

The curriculum links biological, psychological and social sciences, with emerging practice research and treatment technologies, to provide students with learning opportunities that have real-world applications within a rapidly changing behavioral health care field. Additionally, the Co-op component greatly enhances the student’s preparation for employment after graduation and for continuing post-baccalaureate and graduate study. For students interested in certification as addictions counselors, all program courses are accredited by the Pennsylvania Certification Board.

Drexel Co-op
Drexel University has long been known for its co-operative education programs, through which students mix periods of full-time, career-related employment with their studies. Co-op employment is a part of the Behavioral Health Counseling curriculum. Co-operative employment experiences are directed toward activities that will expose students to the various work environments of behavioral health professionals. These work settings will provide students with the opportunity to observe mental health and addictions professionals at work, while assessing their own potential and individualized interests in undertaking careers in behavioral health. The Drexel co-op is paid employment selected from a variety of clinical settings that match the interests, abilities, and aptitudes of the student. A small percentage of students accept non-paid co-ops.

For more information about the Drexel Co-op visit the Steinbright Career Development page at http://www.drexel.edu/scdc/

Coursework
The focus is on applied areas of competencies in clinical behavioral health services for people who have mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Core courses offer a comprehensive selection of essential subject areas. When combined with advanced program electives, students obtain an additional advantage in their ability to coordinate coursework with individual career goals working in such areas as psychiatric rehabilitation, prevention and treatment of substance disorders, children and adolescent behavioral health care services, and related community behavioral health services. Students also take courses in the humanities and social sciences, as well as courses in biological sciences writing, math, and research methods during their freshmen and sophomore years.