Colorado State University Psychology Degrees
Colorado State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology that emphasizes natural sciences, writing, and research. Courses prepare students for semiprofessional careers in a wide range of settings that deal with the human mind. Students are able to demonstrate an understanding of basic theories, principles, and laws of behavior while also understanding psychological principles. They are able to demonstrate knowledge of scientific methods used in research designed to address issues related to psychology today. In addition to obtaining an undergraduate degree in General Psychology, students may concentrate their studies in the following areas:
The Addictions Counseling concentration provides students with the skills necessary to become licensed addictions counselors in Colorado. Students must complete an internship at an approved facility in addition to their coursework. Students gain an understanding of the chemistry and psychology of addictions as well as social issues that may impact an addictive personality. Courses also include psychological measurement and testing as well as cognitive neuroscience.
The Clinical Counseling concentration focuses on applying psychological principles related to human functioning, both personal and interpersonal. Students gain an understanding of assessment and intervention while gaining insight into the principles of human physiology. Courses cover subjects such as social, biological, positive, forensic, cognitive and adolescent psychology. They develop an understanding of the psychological impact of personality, gender, religion, sexuality, and culture. Infectious diseases and substance abuse are also explained as they relate to human psychology. Students must complete an internship in an approved facility in addition to courses.
The Industrial/Organizational Counseling concentration prepares students to move into the business world where they can address leadership, work-life balance, training and the motivation of employees. Although the degree includes instruction in basic counseling, most experts in industrial and organizational psychology focus more on the overall health of a business rather than on individuals. Instruction is provided in social psychology, the psychology of personalities and cognitive psychology. Students are encouraged to gain hands-on experience through internships although it is not required to complete the program. However, students must identify an issue in industrial/organizational psychology, perform research and defend a thesis in order to complete the degree.
The Mind, Brain and Behavior concentration focuses on cognitive psychology and neuroscience as well as behavioral neuroscience. The program also discusses how sensation and perception impact human behaviors. Students gain a stronger science and quantitative background than in other psychology concentrations. Colorado State University encourages students in this concentration to work as undergraduate research assistants with a faculty member in order to gain hands-on research experience. This program also requires many science-related courses, including human anatomy, cellular neurobiology, microscopic anatomy, endocrinology, and pharmacology.
The Masters in Addictions Counseling offered at Colorado State University provides students with the knowledge necessary to address substance abuse issues in humans. The program provides the educational requirement for graduates to sit for the Masters in Addiction Counseling Exam in order to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor. The program is two years with a required one-year on-campus session and one year in an internship. Students gain an understanding of ethics in addiction counseling as well as methods for motivational interviewing. The neuropharmacology of addiction is also explained.
The Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology program is offered completely online. Students study the behavior of individuals in a business setting to determine how best to improve performance and productivity. They use research and measurement skills to resolve issues in the workplace and use psychological principles as a tool for human resources. Students gain an understanding of how to recruit, select and retain the highest quality employees while also identifying training programs. They are experts in managing diversity and anti-discrimination policies as well.
Applied Social and Health Psychology PhD
The Applied Social and Health Psychology doctorate is for students who wish to develop a strong background and research techniques used to investigate social issues that impact people. Students engage in active research as well as teaching opportunities in order to tailor their studies to meet their interests. Students may concentrate their degree in:
- Environmental Psychology
- Occupational Health
- Prevention Science
- Relationship and Family Health
Students choose a research focus in the first year of the doctoral program which then guides their plan of study.
About Colorado State University
The Agricultural College of Colorado began in 1870 under the Morrill Act of 1862. Under the act, the federal government gave land to states that could be used or sold for the establishment of an institute of higher learning as long as the school offered mechanical and agricultural arts, teacher education as well as military training. However, the Colorado legislature did not appropriate funding for the new school. It was not until 1871 when land was donated by Robert Dazell and the Larimer County Land Improvement Company that the state appropriated $1,000 for construction as long as the trustees raised matching funds.
The Grange No. 6 held an event on the corner of College Avenue and West Laurel Street in 1874 in an effort to raise money for the still uncompleted college. Their efforts were successful and the first building was completed a few months later. After Colorado gained statehood, the State Board of Agriculture was created to oversee the school.
A mill levy was established in order to fund the college and a railroad right-of-way permitted across campus added additional funding. In 1879, the Agricultural College of Colorado finally opened its doors as more of a preparatory school than a college. This was due to the fact that education had been non-existent in the fledgling state. In the beginning, students were required to work on the campus farm and attend daily chapel services. College-level instruction began in 1875. A “Ladies Course” was added in 1885, teaching drawing, stenography, typing and other courses designed to educate women. In 1935, the school became the Colorado State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. The school became Colorado State University in 1957.
Today, Colorado State University is a leading research university with focuses on infectious disease, atmospheric science, clean energy and more. The school has attracted more than $300 million in research funding each year. There are approximately 23,700 undergraduate and almost 4,000 graduate students enrolled at the University.
Colorado State University Accreditation Details
Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. Accreditation allows students to apply for and receive federal financial aid. In addition, it is a peer-review process that confirms students are receiving the highest level of education and that the school has the resources necessary to meet their goals. In addition, programs throughout the University are accredited by the following organizations:
- Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
- American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
- American Council for Construction Education
- American Psychological Association
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Council for Interior Design Accreditation
- Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs
- Council on Social Work Education
- Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council
- Society for Range Management
- Society of American Foresters
- Teacher Education Accreditation Council
Colorado State University Application Requirements
In order to apply for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology, applicants must complete an application and provide official high school transcripts. Official ACT or SAT scores are also required. Transfer students must also provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Applicants for the Master in Addictions Counseling must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with an emphasis on behavioral health. Applicants should have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and completed all coursework necessary to become a Certified Addiction Counselor Level I, either in Colorado or another state.
Those who wish to complete the Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology program must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university and have a 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate work. They must have earned a “B” or higher in industrial psychology, organizational psychology, human resource management, statistics and organizational behavior at the undergraduate level. Official GRE scores and GRE Psychology Subject Test scores are also required.
Candidates for the Applied Social and Health Ph.D. must provide a current resume and a statement of the applicant’s research interests is also required. Applicants must also provide a sample of scientific writing ability.
All graduate students must complete an application and provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Three letters of recommendation are required as well as official GRE scores.
Colorado State University Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition for Colorado residents is $641.65 per credit hour and for non-residents is $1,579.75 per credit hour. Graduate tuition is $780.85 per credit hour for residents and $1,604.55 for non-residents.
In order to qualify for financial assistance, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The form must be renewed each year and all students are encouraged to apply, regardless of income. Aid may be offered in the form of scholarships, grants or loans. On-campus students may be offered work-study programs while graduate students may be offered fellowships or assistantships.
Colorado State University creates an environment that encourages free-thinking, achievement, and excellence. Students are provided a strong learning environment, extensive resources and hands-on experiences necessary to achieve their goals.