New Degrees Launched in Business Psychology, Counseling and Social Work

ALBANY (April 25, 2017) — The College of Saint Rose announces the launch of new degree programs to answer the growing demand for graduates with the skills to lead and succeed in the fast-growing, high-impact fields of business psychology, mental health counseling and social work.

• A first-of-its-kind accelerated dual-degree program combining psychology and business that will lead to bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four years.
• A second accelerated dual-degree program combining psychology and clinical mental health counseling that will lead to bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years.
• A new graduate degree in social work.

“Saint Rose is preparing students to be adaptive and interdisciplinary, ready and able to function as leaders and team members in their workplaces and their communities.  These new programs tell potential employers that our graduates will have exactly the degrees, training and experience that the world demands today and students will need tomorrow,” said Saint Rose President Dr. Carolyn J. Stefanco.

“If your goal is to pursue a productive and rewarding career in mental health counseling or business, then Saint Rose can open those doors for you. These new, innovative accelerated dual-degree programs afford top students with opportunities to complete both bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements in a year less than traditional programs, putting our students on the fast track to in-demand careers,” said Professor Rob Flint, chair of the College’s Department of Psychology.

Describing the new graduate degree in social work, Assistant Professor Maureen Rotondi said, “There’s a movement in the world in general to look at health beyond just treating conditions, and we’re distinct among programs in doing the same.  We focus on prevention versus pathology.  The program asks the question ‘What can we do to improve the lives of people in the community and the community itself?’  Not only is that extremely relevant right now, it’s true to the mission of Saint Rose.”

Saint Rose has begun accepting applications for all three programs to start in the fall 2017 semester.

ABOUT THE PSYCHOLOGY/MBA DUAL DEGREE

This accelerated dual-degree program, the first of its kind in the Capital Region, provides a unique opportunity for students to earn in four years a bachelor of science degree in psychology, including a concentration in industrial/organizational psychology, and an MBA.  According to the American Psychological Association, a degree combining psychology and business is one of the top three fastest growing fields.  The program accelerates degree completion by two semesters at the undergraduate level.  Graduates will have a high likelihood of making significant contributions to the business community related to one of the fastest growing areas in psychology.

ABOUT THE PSYCHOLOGY/COUNSELING DUAL DEGREE

This dual-degree program will equip students to be effective and compassionate counselors and meet the academic requirements for licensure as a clinical mental health counselor in New York state.  An accelerated program, students can earn a bachelor of science degree in psychology, with a clinical/counseling concentration, in three years followed immediately by a master’s degree in counseling in two years.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs in mental health counseling are expected to grow 20 percent between 2014 and 2024, much faster than the average growth for all occupations.

ABOUT THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SOCIAL WORK DEGREE

Rooted in the mission of the College’s founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondeldet, the new master of science degree in social work will build on the College’s highly regarded undergraduate social work program to prepare clinicians for licensed clinical practice in diverse areas of the field.  The first year of study will address such areas as social and economic justice, populations at risk of problems, and human behavior and the social environment.  Students in the second year will develop specialized practice skills in areas such as promoting well-being, psychopathology and health policy.  Employment of social workers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations, driven primarily by increased demand for healthcare and social services.

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