Mental Health Degree Online BA in Psychology Concentration
Program Overview Why get a degree in mental health?
Designed to deepen your understanding of human behavior, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health at Southern New Hampshire University can prepare you to pursue graduate degrees in clinical psychology and counseling. It also provides flexibility to pursue careers outside the field.
Skills you'll learn:
- Adherence to ethical standards
- Implementation of scientific approaches
- Counseling techniques
- Psychological testing practices
- Personality theories
- Familiarity with psychometric techniques
Courses & Curriculum Mental health psychology courses that can take you in several directions
SNHU's degree in mental health focuses on applying the theory you'll learn in class to a community-based service organization as you prepare to graduate. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and principles involved with therapy and assessment.
Online mental health degree courses
In your mental health program, you'll have experiential learning opportunities that can help you enhance your skills. Upon graduating, you'll have tangible projects you can show future employers. You also can choose to do an internship – another option to make you more marketable in the workforce.
Courses may include:
Introduction to Psychology
Course ID:
PSY 108
In this course, students will explore the complexities of the human mind by examining the science behind why we think, feel, and do. Students will experience the evolution of psychology through the early schools of thought, major branches, and core theories that guide contemporary perspectives. As students consider the broad influence of psychology on their perceptions, emotions, and everyday choices, they will acknowledge the idea that, in the human experience, "psychology is everywhere."
Research I: Statistics for Psychology
Course ID:
PSY 223
How do psychologists organize, summarize, and interpret information? Students in this course study applications of statistical methods in psychological research and practice. The emphasis of the course is on the conceptual understanding of statistics so that students can read and conduct psychological research; those skills will be applied to students' original projects in Research II: Scientific Investigations. Computation of tests will be conducted on the computer. Students will build upon statistical knowledge and develop an in-depth conceptual and practical understanding of hypothesis testing, tests of significance, standardization, correlation, and analysis of variance in a wide variety of psychological uses. Students will learn the theory of statistical decisions, practical application of statistical software, and how to analyze journal articles. This course typically should be completed during the first semester of the sophomore year.
Counseling Process and Techniques
Course ID:
PSY 315
This course is designed to give students a broad overview of the process and techniques of counseling in the mental health professions. Students will examine theoretical perspectives, ethical considerations, and begin using theory to form their own identity as a mental health professional. Application includes practice of the skills and techniques learned in authentic situations.
Assessment and Testing
Course ID:
PSY 335
In this course, students will be introduced to a variety of psychological tests as measures of personality, intellectual functioning, cognitive functioning and attitudes. Students will gain knowledge about the types of tests and techniques available, the construction of tests, and ethical issues that may arise.
Senior Seminar in Psychology (Capstone)
Course ID:
PSY 444
This capstone course integrates previous classroom and practical experience with a focus on current issues in psychology. This course likely will include cross-cultural aspects of psychology, ethics, recent career trends in psychology and other topics dictated by current events in psychology. Coverage may change over time, but the basic focus on integrating the past and anticipating the future for psychology seniors will be the major concern. Writing Intensive Course.
Mental Health and Society
Course ID:
PSY 451
This course will allow students to advance their knowledge within an applied area of mental health. Students will gain experience in critically evaluating appropriate research literature to frame and constructively critique a topic area in mental health. They will explore the interface of psychological science and society. Students will propose solutions that improve the overall quality of life.
Visit the online course catalog to view the full Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health curriculum.
The Commons: SNHU's gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Cultural Awareness and Online Learning
Course ID:
IDS 105
This course introduces students to the skills relevant to university learning, and the foundational knowledge and values of intercultural fluency needed to understand and effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary society. Students will examine the various factors that influence an individual's perception of justice and the impacts that cultural and social diversity have on collaboration and communication processes. Through the application of interpersonal communication strategies, students will also learn to navigate various interpersonal conflict situations.
Self, Society, and the Humanities
Course ID:
HUM 102
In this course, students explore the interaction between individuals and society as a framework for understanding cultural inquiry. Through the examination of the scientific, creative, cultural, and historical humanities, students develop a practice of reflexivity to describe conceptions of self, others, and systems and their interconnectedness.
Foundations of Written Communication
Course ID:
ENG 130
This course focuses on written communication and writing practice. Students will gain the critical reading and information literacy related skills vital to academic and workplace success. Students will explore methods to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works to isolate key ideas and information. Students will examine how to adapt the writing process to a variety of writing situations and present their own perspectives in written form.
Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
Course ID:
MAT 126
In this course, students learn about the use of mathematical reasoning and the practical application of quantitative techniques to inform their decision-making process. Students will develop the skills to critically examine elements of a problem they might face in their day-to-day personal and professional lives, solve for various outcomes using quantitative techniques, and make informed decisions.
Ethics in Global Society
Course ID:
PHL 218
In this course, students explore various ethical frameworks from a cultural and global perspective. Students examine the ways that ethics influence actions, decisions, and perceptions. Furthermore, students develop associated skills related to critical thinking, such as awareness of bias, to analyze issues from an ethical standpoint.
STEM Principles and Problem-Solving
Course ID:
SCI 260
In this course, students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) methodologies to a wide variety of contemporary issues and complex challenges within society to obtain knowledge and use that knowledge to develop recommendations and propose solutions. Students will leverage a scientific mindset to gather information, analyze data, and communicate information in varying ways based on their intended audience.
Social Issues and Decision-Making
Course ID:
SCS 260
In this course, students use social science methodologies to analyze various sociocultural issues and their impacts on society. In their exploration of the concept of society and how it manifests in different cultures, students learn to contextualize themselves within society, examine the relationship between the individual and society, and analyze the ethical implications of decision-making related to contemporary social issues.
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
This mental health degree doesn't lead to any type of licensure and certification. It does not directly qualify you for positions that require additional education and state licensure, like a role as a clinical mental health counselor or clinical psychologist.
If you are interested in pursuing a licensed profession, you’ll need additional education in a graduate program. You’ll also need to fulfill your state’s specific requirements for licensure.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: October 28, 2024 | January 06, 2025
Next term starts:
Sept. 02, 2024
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Faculty Profile
Tiffany Daniels
Tiffany Daniels' passion for teaching stemmed from her work as a graduate student at the University of Florida where she worked with college students coping with a variety of mental health concerns. For more than 16 years she's worked at a number of institutions and has researched issues around the LGBT community, women's mental health and early childhood education. She has also served as an undergraduate research mentor.
Position
Psychology instructor and team lead
Joined SNHU
2013
Education
- MS in Psychology from the University of Florida
- BS in Psychology from Ball State University
"Now, more than ever, we need mental health professionals to serve their communities. With a concentration in mental health, not only will students gain personal insights into their own experiences, but they will also develop valuable academic and occupational skills that will prepare them for what comes next."
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
You’ll fill out one form to verify your high school completion or GED. Then, if you’ve attended college before, you’ll submit a form for each school so we can request your transcripts for you. (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate programs
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Career Outlook What can I do with a mental health degree?
With a psychology degree focused on mental health, you'll be well positioned to serve people and communities who need help. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youths (ages 6-17) experience mental illness each year.1
Many people who complete the bachelor's program choose to move on to earn their master's degree in psychology.
Occupations
The bachelor's in psychology with a focus on mental health offers you several directions to take your career. With your degree, you could take on roles like:
Human Resources Manager
Recruit, interview and place workers, manage employee relations and oversee compensation, benefits and training.
Probation Officer
Provide social services to assist the rehabilitation of law offenders in custody, on probation or on parole, and connect them with community services.
Social Services Assistant
Connect clients to services in a wide variety of fields, including psychology, rehabilitation and social work.
200K+
Annual job openings through 2032 for roles providing mental health services, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.2
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a degree in behavioral health?
A degree in behavioral health or mental health is the first step toward a rewarding career helping others. But the types of jobs available will depend on the specific degree you earn.
For example, a master’s degree or higher is required to gain licensure to work as a clinical mental health counselor. But earning a psychology bachelor’s degree can give you the knowledge you need to start a career right away.
Jobs for behavioral health bachelor’s degree holders include2:
- Social services assistant: Connect clients to services in a wide variety of fields, including psychology, rehabilitation and social work.
- Human resources: Recruit, interview and place workers, manage employee relations and oversee compensation, benefits and training.
- Market research analyst: Study market conditions and trends to examine the best sales strategy for a product or service.
- Public relations: Create and maintain a favorable public image for an organization, crafting media releases and guiding an organization’s online presence.
- Probation officer: Provide social services to assist the rehabilitation of law offenders in custody, on probation or on parole, and connect them with community services.
What's the difference between mental health and behavioral health?
While the terms mental health and behavioral health are often used interchangeably, there are some differences.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. Our mental health impacts how we think, feel and act and determines how we handle stress and make decisions.3
Behavioral health is a broader term that looks at how behaviors impact someone’s physical and mental health. The behavioral health discipline includes the mental health field as well as other health fields, like substance abuse treatment, marriage and family counseling and chronic disease management.
What kind of degree do you need to be a mental health counselor?
A master’s degree is typically required to earn a license and work as a clinical mental health counselor. Master’s degree courses cover topics including research methods and program evaluation, group counseling, substance abuse disorders and diagnosis of emotional and mental disorders.
A master’s degree can also help prepare you to sit for a state licensure exam. While clinical mental health counseling licensing requirements vary, all involve the completion of at least a master’s degree, a certain amount of internship or post-degree supervised clinical experience and passage of a state-recognized exam.3 SNHU offers an accredited online master's degree in clinical mental health counseling if you're interested in taking this next step.
This mental health degree online also provides a strong foundation in the principles of psychology that will prepare you for graduate programs in psychology, which is the next step in becoming a clinical psychologist.
Can I be a mental health counselor with a bachelor's degree?
Working as a licensed mental health counselor requires at least a master’s degree.3 But a bachelor’s degree is an important first step toward a graduate degree and can help you get started working in the mental health field.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus on mental health can give you a strong understanding of human thought and behavior and the factors that influence them. This knowledge can prepare you for admission into master’s degree programs in mental health counseling, psychology and related fields.
SNHU’s mental health degree concentration also focuses on applying your coursework to real-world learning experiences, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
This hands-on experience can help you put your bachelor’s degree to work right away. Mental health bachelor's degree holders can work in social services, human resources, substance abuse, corrections, marketing and more.
How can I work in mental health without a degree?
Most mental health jobs require some kind of college degree, but you can start working in the field without advanced education or licensure. Earning a bachelor’s degree in mental health can provide many opportunities.
With a job as a social services assistant, you could help connect clients to key health and wellness services within a community, including mental health services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for social and human service assistants are projected to grow 9% by 2032.2
You could also apply your understanding of human behavior toward a career in substance abuse counseling. While working in private practice requires state licensure, there are opportunities in the field for bachelor's degree holders. Jobs for substance abuse counselors are projected to grow 18% by 2032, according to the BLS.2 Note that requirements for education and experience vary by state.
Is a mental health counselor a therapist?
The terms mental health counselor and therapist are often used to describe the same roles. Sometimes, however, the terms may be used to highlight a practitioner’s level of education or credentialing.
For example, mental health professionals with a master’s degree in counseling or a related field can typically gain licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).4
While the word therapist can be used to describe a licensed mental health counselor, it’s also often used to describe clinical psychologists. Psychologists need either a PhD in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree – and state licensure – before working in a clinical setting.4
How long does it take to get a mental health degree?
It depends. A bachelor’s degree in mental health typically takes about 4 years to complete, but your time until graduation could vary depending on your past educational experience.
SNHU has a generous transfer policy, allowing up to 90 credits to transfer to an undergraduate degree. If you transfer the maximum amount of credits, you could complete your degree in just 5 terms, or 10 courses.
"I transferred a year and a half’s worth of university credits into SNHU," said psychology graduate Anna Rose Zanin '22, "which made my time to completion much quicker."
Your total education could take longer, however, if your career plans include earning an advanced degree.
Some psychology students will move on to a master’s degree online, or on campus, which typically takes about 2 years to complete. If your goals include working as a psychologist, it’s also possible to move straight into a research-based PhD or clinical-based PsyD doctoral program, which can take about 7 years to complete.
In addition, SNHU's flexible online student experience allows you to fit your education around your work and family commitments. With no set class meeting times, you can access online course materials 24/7.
Is mental health a good career?
Demand for mental health services is growing, and so is the demand for mental health professionals. Because of this, mental health makes a great career for those looking to make a positive, long-lasting impact.
If you are someone who has always felt inclined to help others or have felt that people naturally gravitate towards you for advice, this may be the perfect field to explore. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.2
Is it too late to become a therapist?
No, it’s never too late to start a new career. Many people choose to pursue studies in psychology later in life due to life experience, making it a popular second career. For instance, the average age of students in our master's in mental health counseling program is 34.
If you’ve ever considered going back to school, there is no better time than now to get started!
With six 8-week terms per year, you can start and finish your degree faster than you think.
Related Articles
Sources & Citations
1National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health by the Numbers, on the internet, at https://nami.org/mhstats (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2023/article/careers-in-mental-health-services.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/probation-officers-and-correctional-treatment-specialists.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
3MentalHealth.gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, What Is Mental Health?, on the internet, at https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
4American Counseling Association, Licensure Requirements, on the internet, at https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/licensure-requirements (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)