The Counseling Concentration is available to SBS majors. While the SBS general degree is offered fully online, the counseling concentration requires some face-to-face coursework.
A concentration is simply a way for students to organize their six required SBS electives at the 300-level or above level for the major. This concentration offers the options of an adult focus, a child-youth focus, or a combination of both. SBS students in this concentration may take specific courses to qualify them for the Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C) certification, a valuable state-level credential issued through the Muskie School’s Center of Learning. The MHRT/C credential is for students with a focus or interest in adult mental health.
The Counseling Concentration provides students with an introduction to theory, topics, and skill areas relevant to professional applications in counseling. Organizing the choice of SBS electives through this concentration strengthens students’ preparation for entry into a variety of positions related to the helping professions, as well as for the pursuit of graduate study.
Embedded in the interdisciplinary SBS major, the counseling concentration provides perspectives and critical thinking skills related to the multiple layers of influence - individual, social, and cultural - that shape human behavior. Students gain foundational knowledge and familiarity with:
- developmental trajectories and the roots of personality;
- issues of diversity, gender, and culture;
- biopsychosocial approaches to diagnosis;
- the broad array of available counseling and psychotherapy techniques;
- social services and factors that impact access to treatment.
**Students should complete the necessary paperwork so that the counseling concentration appears on their MaineStreet academic plan.**
Graduate School Options:
Accelerated undergraduate to graduate pathways from the SBS Counseling Concentration to USM graduate degree programs in Counseling and Social Work are available. The Social Work accelerated pathway requires the SBS internship and the Counseling pathway strongly suggests it to bolster the student’s application. Visit the Accelerated Pathways webpage, check with your advisor, and visit the Office of Admissions for application information.
