Dual Level Psychology BA + Counseling MS | Online

Earn your BA in Psychology and MS in Counseling through Cairn University’s accelerated dual-degree program — a fully online, faith-integrated pathway designed for working adults seeking to become licensed professional counselors.

A picture of a counseling student practicing counseling.
Credits
169
Years
5
Online
100 %
Christian College*
# 1

Our Distinctives

Cairn University’s fully online Dual-Level Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is a 169-credit, biblically centered program that intentionally integrates Scripture and theology into every psychology and counseling course. 

*Cairn University Ranks #2 in Glanzer’s Guide to Christian Colleges and Universities. At Cairn University, we work hard to ensure that everything we do inside and outside the classroom aligns with our commitment to Christian education, clearly articulated in our University mission statement.

Accelerated Dual-Degree Format

Earn both degrees in just 5-6 years (instead of 7+), with master’s-level courses beginning in the junior year and continued undergraduate aid eligibility.

Biblically Rooted

Scripture and theology are woven throughout every course, with dedicated theological integration and a focus on Christ as the ultimate source of relational and psychological restoration.

Hands-On Clinical Training

Multiple supervised counseling labs, simulations, and internships build practical skills alongside professional licensure preparation.

Flexible Online Design

Asynchronous 7-week courses ideal for working adults, paired with personalized mentorship from licensed Christian faculty.

Program Description

Cairn University’s Dual-Level BA in Psychology + MS in Counseling is a fully online, faith-integrated accelerated program that allows you to earn both a biblically grounded bachelor’s and a professional counseling master’s in approximately six years for a total of 169 credits.

Delivered in a flexible, asynchronous 7-week format with no set login times, the degree is designed for working adults and ministry-minded students, offering personalized mentorship from licensed, experienced Christian faculty, practical skill development for mental health and human services careers, and preparation for graduate studies—all at an affordable tuition rate with financial aid options. 

Learn more: 

Program Outcomes

Graduates of this accelerated, Bible-integrated program will be equipped to:

Foundational Psychology Outcomes (BA)
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles, human behavior, development, and research methods from both a scientific and biblical worldview.
  • Apply knowledge of cognitive, social, biological, and abnormal psychology to real-world settings, supported by a dedicated theological integration capstone.
  • Prepare for entry-level human services roles or seamless progression into graduate-level clinical training.
Advanced Counseling Outcomes (MS)
  • Demonstrate proficient knowledge and skills in key clinical areas, including:
    • Clinical mental health counseling
    • Counseling theory and helping relationships
    • Group counseling and group work
    • Marriage and family counseling
    • Assessment, testing, and diagnosis
    • Career development
    • Research methods and program evaluation
    • Trauma and grief counseling
  • Integrate a distinctly Christian perspective into all counseling practice, with Christ-centered relational restoration at the core.
  • Exhibit professional competence, ethical practice, multicultural sensitivity, and strong clinical skills through supervised labs, practicum, and internships.
  • Develop personal and professional character, emotional maturity, self-awareness, and spiritual formation essential for effective counseling.

All Cairn University students must have professed faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, as evidenced by providing a personal testimony that details this faith. By submitting an application, students acknowledge the University’s doctrinal position and standards of conduct as outlined in the Foundational Statements. Below are the admission requirements:

  • Application: Submit the Application for Admission along with the $25 non-refundable fee. Apply today using code faithmatters and we will waive the fee. 
  • Transcripts: Order official transcripts for all conferred degrees to be sent to Cairn University. 
 
Students apply for the dual-level program at the time of initial admission. However, formal admission into the graduate portion of the program is determined after the successful completion of a minimum of one full academic year and meeting the specific academic and progression requirements outlined by the program.

Cairn University strives to keep tuition costs affordable despite providing a rigorous education. Courses are taught by Cairn faculty and not TAs. Cairn Online programs rank amongst the most affordable online bachelor’s and master’s programs. 

The tuition rate for the 2026–2027 academic year is a flat $4,900 block rate per semester for 12–18 credits. This equates to $272 per credit based on a full 18-credit load.

Additional details on fees and part-time status are available on this page

Cairn University also partners with many organizations and offers tuition discounts. Tuition discounts are also available for those working in Christian schools. Please contact us to find out if your organization has a partnership with Cairn University. 

Additional information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from this page

Cairn University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

An image of the SARA official seal.
Cairn University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Additional Accreditation Information is available from this page

Cairn University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

An image of the SARA official seal.
Cairn University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Additional Accreditation Information is available from this page

Jesse Stokes

“The biblical integration found in every course shapes our worldview and trains both our minds and hearts to prepare for a life of service.”

– Jesse R.

FAQs

What is it like to attend Cairn Online?

Our program is intentionally grounded in God’s Word. Courses are thoughtfully designed by Cairn faculty to promote deep learning and active engagement through instructor-led instruction, research-driven activities, active learning, and meaningful interactions with peers and faculty. At Cairn, the students’ education and experience is designed to shape Christian character, cultivate wisdom, and prepare them to think, live, and serve biblically in an ever-changing world.

All courses, except the research courses, are structured in seven units and delivered in accelerated 7-week terms.

Each unit contains 5–7 modular activities, including:

  • Assigned readings and reading reflections
  • Instructional videos from Cairn faculty
  • Active learning activities
  • Weekly application projects
  • A component of the ongoing course research project

Faculty also schedule a few optional Zoom sessions throughout the term to connect with students and address questions.

Faculty are actively involved throughout the week—guiding learning activities, leading asynchronous discussions, grading work, and delivering personalized feedback. Online students also receive priority technical support and have access to valuable resources from the Masland Library and the Writing Lab.

The course transfer depends on where you are transferring from, and what program you are transferring to. If you are coming to Cairn Online from another institution, it is very likely you will have some credits that will transfer. Because there are so many options, we encourage you to talk to an enrollment counselor. If you are transferring out, Cairn is a regionally accredited school and some credits should transfer with relative ease. Each college sets their own transfer criteria, so be sure to check their policies for specifics.

Cairn is approved to offer financial aid because of its regional accreditation. There are many options available and typically students qualify for at least one type of federal aid. Many students receive scholarships and grants that make earning their degree even more affordable. Cairn offers a variety of scholarships and discounts in addition to options for loans and grants. Please refer to this page for details. 

Next Steps

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Interested in our online Dual-Level BA in Psychology + MS in Counseling program?  Complete this form to connect with an admissions advisor for personalized guidance on schedules, costs, and application steps. We’re here to help you take the next step!

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