Rural Health MBS student Maddie Gregurek looks at images on a woman's phone and listens to her talk during a lunch at the Senior Center.

Community Counseling – Behavioral Science

Part of: Master of Behavioral Science, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's Concentration

Degree: Master of Behavioral Science

Related Areas of Study: Rural Community Health – Behavioral Science, Restorative Facilitation

Part of: Master of Behavioral Science, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's Concentration

Degree: Master of Behavioral Science

Related Areas of Study: Rural Community Health – Behavioral Science, Restorative Facilitation

Guide, heal, and inspire as a behavioral health professional.

The Community Counseling concentration is one of two specialized tracks within Western’s Master of Behavioral Science (MBS) graduate program.  Designed for students committed to advancing mental health and wellness through non-clinical, community-based services, this program emphasizes prevention, collaboration, and social impact. Graduates are prepared for meaningful careers in areas such as school counseling, juvenile justice, probation, grief support, public and community health, peer services, and policy advocacy.

 

 

What is the Community Counseling concentration?
What can students expect in the MBS?
McKenzie Matthewson gives a pressentation on her Rural Community Health MBS thesis.

Community Counseling Concentration

Our 48 credit, non-clinical concentration is designed for individuals passionate about promoting mental wellness and social equity through education, advocacy, and community engagement, rather than direct clinical practice. This program emphasizes understanding the social, cultural, and systemic factors that influence individual and community well-being, drawing from disciplines such as community psychology and public health.
Students learn to design and implement preventive programs, conduct community-based research, and develop policies that address mental health disparities and promote social justice. Graduates are prepared for roles in non-profit organizations, educational institutions, public policy, and community development, where they can effect change by empowering communities and addressing broader social determinants of health. This degree is ideal for those committed to fostering inclusive, resilient communities through non-clinical avenues.
Graduates are prepared for impactful roles in school counseling, probation, juvenile justice, public health, peer support, and more. The program also provides the foundational training required to sit for the Addiction Counseling Exam and become a Licensed Addiction Counselor, as authorized by the Behavioral Health Administration. For those with a bachelor’s degree, Western also offers a stand-alone Restorative Facilitation Certificate, which can be completed on its own or alongside this concentration.

What to Expect

The Community Counseling program emphasizes a non-clinical research-based experience. As part of their studies, students design and implement an in-depth practicum project, applying their knowledge to real-world issues. Partnering with local organizations, academic institutions, or community groups, they engage in hands-on work that tackles critical social and health challenges, particularly in rural areas. From substance abuse and mental health to youth empowerment and trauma-informed care, this practicum experience focuses on making a meaningful impact, particularly in marginalized and underserved communities.

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Admissions
Tuition & Costs
Program Requirements

Master of Behavioral Science Application Requirements

  • Admission will be based on an overall package that considers academic excellence as well as relevant work experience, research, and community involvement. Admissions materials must be submitted online and must include: academic transcripts showing a recommended minimum 3.2 GPA from the degree-granting school; a resume or Curriculum Vitae outlining related research, leadership, outreach, professional experience and /or volunteer work; a letter of purpose describing the student’s interests and goals regarding behavioral science and/or community health; a writing sample ( course paper or professional report) of at least 3 single-spaced pages; and two.letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors in related fields.
  • GRE scores will be accepted but are not required for admissions consideration. International students must submit their score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IETLS. Students with a degree from a college or university where English is the language of instruction are not required to submit the TOEFL/IETLS score.
  • Applicants are expected to have been in contact with an MBS program faculty member prior to submission of application. Documentation of this will be included as a formal expectation in the application process.

Provisional Admittance Policy

Students who have some deficiency in undergraduate training or incomplete credentials may be approved for provisional admission into the MBS in Rural Community Health program upon the recommendation of the Director of the MBS and approval by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.

To be admitted provisionally into the MBS program, applicants must demonstrate:

  • some formal background or training in community health, psychology, sociology, or related field (e.g. coursework, internships, work study), and:
  • ability to manage the assigned graduate courses while completing their undergraduate program or other provisions (e.g. the personal statement and references should indicate the candidate’s ability to undertake such an academic load and course work at the graduate level).

In accordance with School of Graduate Studies Admissions Policies, a provisionally admitted student will have a maximum of one calendar year to complete any prerequisite academic coursework.

The MBS Program Director will assess provisionally admitted student progress towards completion of prerequisites and success in all MBS program and course work through meetings scheduled monthly and at the end of each semester within the required completion timeline.

MBS: Community Counseling Concentration Tuition & Fees

Term Credits Tuition per Credit Fees per Credit Hour* Flat Fees** Total Tuition & Fees
Year 1: Fall 12 $730.00 $73.40 $50.00 $9,690.80
Year 1: Spring 12 $730.00 $73.40 $9,640.80
Year 1: Summer 3 $730.00 $73.40 $2,410.20
Year 2: Fall 12 $730.00 $73.40 $9,640.80
Year 2: Spring 9 $730.00 $73.40 $7,230.60
Program Total 48 $38,613.20

*Mandatory graduate student fees per credit hour
$63.00 Graduate Studies Administrative Operations Fee
$6.50 Library Fee
$3.90 IT Services Fee

**Mandatory graduate student flat fees
New Student Matriculation Fee: $50.00

Master of Behavioral Science

A master’s degree is an advanced qualification earned after completing a bachelor’s degree. It focuses on a specific area of study and provides specialized knowledge and skills. This differs from a concentration, which is a more focused area within the master’s program. Your concentration determines the specialized courses you take, shaping your expertise in a particular field. To complete a master’s degree, students must fulfill core coursework, elective requirements, and often a final project, thesis, or practicum.

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Top Skills

Care Coordination
Community Health
Cultural Competency
Public Health
Remote Healthcare
Social Work

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Career Pathways

Community Health Worker
Health Education Specialist
Healthcare Social Worker
Public Health Specialist
Rural Health Administrator
Rural Health Educator

Fellowships, Scholarships & Financial Aid

"I wrote and received my very first grant from the Colorado School of Public Health and the University of Colorado School of Medicine's Injury and Violence Prevention Center. This funding went directly towards my Master's practicum and thesis on Suicide Prevention."

Spencer Smith ’23

Rural Community Health - Behavioral Science
Spencer Smith ’23

How to Apply

We are so excited about your interest in applying to the Master of Behavioral Science! Please take a moment to review the requirements and deadlines before accessing the application.

Faculty & Staff

Master of Behavioral Science

Contact Information

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Kelley Hall 210
Gunnison, CO 81231

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