Chandler-Gilbert Community College has developed an exciting opportunity for students seeking to pursue careers in the helping professions, particularly in counseling and related mental health fields. Unlike traditional majors at a large university where students sit in large classes as passive recipients of course content, our interactive instructional design means students engage directly with their faculty and fellow students in small classes focused on the practical application of their learning.
In CAP120: Introduction to Counseling, students are introduced to the breadth and depth of the counseling profession and the many ways in which counselors help our communities - prepare to be surprised!
In CAP240: Introduction to Counseling Skills, students learn the fundamentals of an effective helping relationship and get hands-on practice with basic counseling skills.
In CAP220: The Counseling in a Multicultural Society, students will take a deeper dive into understanding the dimensions of human diversity and intersecting identities with an opportunity to develop a stronger understanding of one’s own self and interpersonal dynamics as it relates to the helping fields.
Finally, in CAP260: Career & Professional Preparation for the Helping Professions, students get an overview of the career exploration process, with in-depth research into their occupational interests, exploration of goals and how to reach them, and the development of written materials for use in the professional world.
Through these and additional classes, students gain real-world awareness, knowledge, and skills that help prepare them for jobs in the human services field as well as graduate studies needed for careers in the mental health professions.
Opportunities at CGCC include:
- Service-Learning activities
- In-person active helping skills practice
- Development of scholarly writing skills needed for the social sciences
- Individual interaction and mentoring from faculty with experience in the field
- Critical thinking & problem-solving
- Personal development
Students who complete the Associate in Arts, emphasis in Counseling & Applied Psychological Science develop a strong foundation for transferring to one of our university partners for their bachelor’s degrees. Currently, the two most popular transfer pathways for our graduates are the Bachelor of Science, Counseling & Applied Psychological Science from Arizona State University, and the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Applied Human Behavior from Northern Arizona University.
Program Contacts
CAP Course Sequence Information
University Transfer Pathway Programs
Exploring Careers in Counseling