The need for helping professionals in schools and rural communities continues to grow. You can make a lasting difference by studying human behaviors and helping processes.
The field of counseling and behavioral health services is abundant with career opportunities that rely on interpersonal communication and personal problem-solving. Our faculty have expertise in counseling and human behavior and will help prepare you for entry level positions in nonprofit agencies, community centers, clinics, and more.
We will also prepare you for graduate professional programs in counseling, applied psychology, couple and family therapy, and other related behavioral health fields.
With the College of Education's 10:1 student to faculty ratio, Iowa students enjoy a Big Ten university experience with a small-college feel. Faculty are on a first-name basis with students and our program provides an enriched learning environment that celebrates diversity.
The College of Education is the 36th best college of education among all public and private universities, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2024 edition of Best Graduate Schools.
Because Iowa is home to the world-renowned Iowa Testing Programs, the Belin-Blank Center, and the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health, our students have hands-on experience with and learn to excel in assessment, mental health advocacy, and helping skills.
The Scanlan Center for School Mental Health provides professional development in high-need areas such as crisis response, school mental health service delivery, social emotional learning, community engaged care models.
Our graduates go on to become world-class leaders, scholars, and innovators in many different facets of the helping professions, from addictions to corrections, mental health advocacy, and behavioral health assessment and evaluation.
Students are admitted to the Counseling and Behavioral Health Services major if they meet the admission requirements of the College of Education.
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Iowa graduates have job placement rates ranging from 86-100 percent, depending on their area of study, and our Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
Prepare for entry level positions in the following such as:
- Case manager
- Behavioral health technician
- Research assistant
- Program navigator
- Rehabilitation assistant
- Community outreach officer
Areas in need of counseling and behavioral health services professionals:
- Schools
- Rural communities
- Non-profit agencies
- Government agencies
- Community centers
- Clinics
- Service and navigation programs
This program also serves as preparation for counseling licensure graduate degree programs.
In addition to having nearly 500 Student Organizations, Iowa students choose from multiple Living-Learning Communities, Study Abroad Programs, and Undergraduate Research Opportunities.
The University of Iowa provides a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students through the Iowa Scholarship Portal. Scholarships are available to first-year, transfer, and currently enrolled students. For additional details on scholarships for your program of study, check directly with the department or college.
The College of Education, Office of Admissions, and the Office of Student Financial Aid are great resources for students seeking scholarships.
Completion of 36-39 s.h. for the major is required, pairing a significant emphasis in counseling skills with courses in:
- Applied psychology
- Ethics
- Career development
- Introductions to and theoretical foundations of human services fields
Education majors also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) GE CORE general education requirements.