Davenport University launches accelerated pathway to mental health counseling

July 1, 2026 - 20:27

Davenport University has rolled out a new combined degree program designed to get students into the mental health counseling field faster and with less debt. The accelerated pathway pairs a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Psychology with a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, creating a streamlined route for aspiring counselors.

The university structured the program as a stackable credential, meaning students move directly from their undergraduate work into graduate studies without redundant coursework. The entire pathway requires 168 credits, which is a significant reduction from what students would typically need if they pursued the two degrees separately. By cutting down the total credit load, the school aims to save students both time and money.

This approach addresses a growing demand for mental health professionals. By shortening the educational timeline, Davenport hopes to get more qualified counselors into the workforce sooner. The program is designed for students who know early on that they want to pursue clinical counseling and want to avoid the traditional delays of applying to graduate school after finishing a bachelor's degree. The combined format allows for a smoother transition and a more focused academic plan from the start.