Counseling psychology programs—which are the best?

Hey folks, I'm a junior and I want to major in psychology, specifically considering counseling psychology. Are there any top counseling psychology programs you would recommend?

Sure! It's wonderful that you've already identified a specific area of psychology that you want to focus on. Counseling psychology programs can vary greatly, so I'm glad you're starting your search early. Here are a few universities with strong counseling psychology programs at the undergraduate level:

1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): UCLA's Department of Psychology offers a broad range of courses in counseling psychology, and their faculty has expertise in various areas like psychotherapy and multicultural counseling.

2. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor: UMich's Department of Psychology offers a concentration in clinical or counseling psychology that allows undergraduates to dive deep into the field, and the school has a strong research focus which can provide valuable opportunities.

3. New York University (NYU): NYU's psychology department offers an undergraduate major with a focus on clinical and counseling psychology, and their location in New York City provides numerous opportunities for internships and clinical experience.

4. Boston College: The psychology major at Boston College offers a concentration in counseling psychology, with several courses specifically designed for those interested in the field. They also provide opportunities for hands-on experience through their research labs, fieldwork placements, and internships.

5. University of Virginia (UVA): UVA's Department of Psychology has a strong counseling and clinical psychology area, and their faculty has a range of specializations, offering a well-rounded education.

When researching these programs, be sure to take note of the courses offered, faculty areas of interest and expertise, internship opportunities, and research experiences available. Keep in mind that this is just a starting point, and there are many other universities with strong counseling psychology programs.

You may also want to consider looking at graduate programs in counseling psychology, as some undergraduate programs might feed into those master's and doctoral programs. Good luck with your search!