Applied Psychology
Fulfill your passion for helping others as you develop skills to become a mental health practitioner in the field of chemical dependency counseling
The need for competent and compassionate addiction counselors is growing in Ohio and beyond. Malone’s applied psychology major will prepare you with the training hours you need for licensure as a chemical dependency counseling assistant, as well as equip you for higher levels of licensure in the state of Ohio.
At Malone, you’ll delve deeper than most other behavioral health majors. Our program, also available fully online, integrates your Christian faith with the scientific study of human behaviors. You’ll explore the complexities of the mind and emotions through a biblical lens, gaining a unique perspective that prepares you to serve others in meaningful ways, and sets you apart in the job market.
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Ohio mental health and chemical dependency counseling leaders in college and beyond: Share your faith while you help people live healthier and happier lives
Malone’s curriculum is deeply rooted in Christian principles, taught by professors who integrate faith into your classes. This value-add will position you for a career of service and humility.
- Discover a fuller view of psychology by applying it to the support of individuals who have chemical dependency and addiction challenges
- Prepare to apply for a license as a chemical dependency counselor assistant, making it possible to pursue immediate employment
- Prepare for entrance into a master’s or doctoral program in psychology, counseling, or a related field
Jobs and career paths with an applied psychology degree
Now is a great time to earn a degree in the field of chemical dependency counseling. Jobs are expected to grow as more people seek help for addiction. It’s a good idea to think about the type of career you hope to pursue. Here are a few professional pathways you might want to explore:
- Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant
- Health Educator
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Correctional Treatment Specialist
- Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator
- Case Manager
- Social Services Coordinator
- Probation Officer
“Malone’s applied psychology program prepared me not only for graduate school in clinical mental health counseling, but also to work in the field. I was able to get a job working as a case manager before graduating with my degree from Malone. In my job, I’ve been able to see firsthand how the concepts I learned in lectures applied to what real people are going through.”
Ashten Lorton, ’23
Program Distinctives
Full-circle work experience
Our program emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and research opportunities. For example, recent students have taken part in National Science Foundation funded research on chronic health and mental health conditions, research on recovery from chemical dependencies, research on faith and marriage, as well as analyzing the behavioral model of anxiety in small animals. Next-level opportunities like these are instrumental in preparing you for a successful career.
Accelerated options in education
Get started on your counseling career faster with our innovative combined BA/MA program, saving you time and tuition costs. This direct path from psychology-to-counseling will set you up for seamless career preparation.
Study within a vibrant Christian community
Surround yourself with like-minded faculty and peers in a supportive, faith-based environment.
Applied Psychology Internship Opportunities
Our internship opportunities through the psychology program at Malone prepare you to get the most out of your education by applying concepts taught inside the classroom into a professional setting.
Many of our students have found fulfillment through internship experiences at locations such as:
- The Gentle Shepherd Counseling Center
- Encompass
- X-Excel
- GiGi’s Playhouse
- The Canton Cultural Center
- Wayside Farm
- The Psychology Vivarium (on campus)
Applied Psychology Minors
You can supplement your applied psychology major with other minors that are interesting to you such as:
Criminal and Restorative Justice minor
It takes strong leadership to make effective decisions! Our criminal and restorative justice minor supplements your course of study with the heart of the justice system that drives you to make positive changes throughout future communities.
Chemical Dependency Counseling minor
Malone’s chemical dependency counseling minor offers a chance to support individuals in our community during their most challenging moments. This program prepares you to embrace and deliver compassionate care to clients through a diverse curriculum and hands-on learning experiences.
Selected courses in this program
- PSYC 220 – Psychology of Human Development
- PSYC 274 – Methods in Behavioral Research
- PSYC 334 – Assessment and Diagnosis in Chemical Dependency Counseling
- PSYC 444 – Treatment Methods in Chemical Dependency Counseling
- PSYC 445 – Addictions Counseling
- PSYC 453 – Psychology and Christianity
Faith Integration
Malone’s psychology program is rooted in the belief that all truth is God’s Truth, revealed through His Word and creation. We affirm the integration of Christian faith and psychological science, striving to understand human behavior, emotions, and relationships through the lens of God’s design and purpose.
Apply to Malone’s applied psychology program
If you want to understand what drives human behavior while supporting others in their journey toward healing and personal growth, our applied psychology program is a perfect fit for you!
Apply to Malone today!