B.S. in Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Psychology
Launch Your Career in Mental Health Recovery
Transform lives and build a rewarding career with Georgian Court University’s B.S. in Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Psychology – a unique joint-degree program that combines the expertise of Georgian Court University with the Rutgers School of Health Professions (SHP). This innovative psychiatric rehabilitation psychology degree prepares you to become a mental health professional who empowers individuals with mental health challenges to achieve recovery, independence, and meaningful community integration.
Why Choose Georgian Court's Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program?
Georgian Court University offers New Jersey’s most comprehensive mental health rehabilitation bachelor degree through our exclusive partnership with Rutgers SHP. As one of only four universities nationwide offering this specialized joint-degree program, we provide unparalleled opportunities for students pursuing careers in psychology and rehabilitation.
Dual Expertise
Earn a double major in psychology and psychiatric rehabilitation through our unique 5+3 program structure.
Certification Ready
Graduate eligible to sit for the Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) exam – your pathway to professional certification.
Proven Success
Our partnership with Rutgers SHP ensures access to nationally recognized psychiatric rehabilitation training with exceptional outcomes.
Small Class Sizes
Learn in our intimate 11:1 student-faculty environment where professors know your name and are invested in your success.
Strategic Location
Study in Lakewood, New Jersey, just 60 miles from both New York City and Philadelphia, providing access to extensive internship and career opportunities.
Mercy-Centered Education
Benefit from our Catholic university tradition emphasizing service, compassion, and ethical leadership in mental health care.
Unique Joint-Degree Program Structure
Phase 1: Foundation at Georgian Court
(First 5 Semesters)
Build your bs psychology foundation while completing GCU’s Mercy-inspired General Education curriculum. You’ll master core psychology concepts including:
- Psychopathology and mental health assessment
- Research methods and statistical analysis
- Developmental and social psychology
- Applied behavior analysis
- Biological foundations of behavior
Phase 2: Specialized Training at Rutgers SHP
(Final 3 Semesters)
Gain hands-on expertise in psychiatric rehabilitation through Rutgers’ nationally acclaimed program at their Scotch Plains or Stratford campus:
- Recovery-oriented care principles
- Community integration strategies
- Crisis intervention techniques
- Real-world practicum experiences
- Evidence-based rehabilitation practices
Career Opportunities in Mental Health
The mental health field is experiencing unprecedented growth, with 18% projected job growth through 2032. Our psychiatric rehabilitation vs clinical psychology approach prepares you for diverse, meaningful careers focused on long-term recovery and community integration.
High-Demand Career Paths:
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner
- Mental Health Case Manager
- Community Mental Health Specialist
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Mental Health Program Coordinator
- Crisis Intervention Specialist
Top Employers:
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Hospitals & Rehabilitation Facilities
- Nonprofit Mental Health Organizations
- State and Local Government Programs
- Private Practice Settings
- Veterans Affairs Medical Centers
Graduate School Preparation:
Our program excellently prepares students for advanced study in:
- Clinical Psychology
- Rehabilitation Counseling
- Social Work
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation (Master’s level)
- Mental Health Counseling
Admission Requirements
For Georgian Court Phase
(First 5 Semesters):
- Apply as a first-year or transfer student
- No separate application required for Phase 1
- Standard GCU admission requirements apply
Admission Requirements For Rutgers SHP Phase
(Final 3 Semesters):
- Maintain minimum 2.5 overall GPA
- Achieve 3.0 GPA in psychology courses
- Submit competitive Rutgers SHP application by October 1 of junior year
- Complete all GCU General Education and psychology major requirements
- Successful interview and application review
Shape Your Future in
Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Psychology
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Financial Considerations
Pay GCU tuition and fees during the first 5 semesters: While at Georgian Court, pay GCU’s published tuition and fees. You’ll benefit from small classes, dedicated support, and full access to campus resources.
Pay Rutgers tuition and fees for the final 3 semesters: After admission to Rutgers SHP, tuition and fees are paid directly to Rutgers. Financial aid and billing transition seamlessly between institutions.
Financial aid available for both phases: Nearly all full-time GCU students receive financial aid (average award: $39,500). Financial support continues at Rutgers, with assistance from both campuses.
Scholarships and grants keep education affordable: GCU and Rutgers offer scholarships, grants, and tuition discounts—first-year and transfer students often qualify for substantial financial support and tuition discounts.
Student Success & Support
At Georgian Court University, we’re committed to your success throughout this demanding but rewarding program:
Academic Support
- Small class sizes ensure individualized faculty attention
- Dedicated academic advisors for program navigation
- Peer tutoring and study groups
- Research opportunities with faculty mentors
Professional Development
- Internship placement assistance
- CPRP certification exam preparation support
- Professional networking opportunities
- Career services and job placement assistance
Student Life
- Psychology Scholars Program for high-achieving students
- Mental health advocacy and service-learning opportunities
- Active Psychology Club and related organizations
- Beautiful campus setting near the Jersey Shore
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes psychiatric rehabilitation different from clinical psychology?
A: While clinical psychology focuses on diagnosis and treatment, psychiatric rehabilitation emphasizes long-term recovery, community integration, and helping individuals develop skills for independent living. Our program uniquely combines both approaches.
Q: Can I complete this program entirely at Georgian Court?
A: No – this is a collaborative joint-degree program. You’ll complete your first five semesters at GCU’s Lakewood campus, then finish your final three semesters at Rutgers SHP in either Scotch Plains or Stratford, New Jersey.
Q: Am I guaranteed admission to Rutgers SHP?
A: Admission to the Rutgers SHP phase is competitive and not guaranteed. You must maintain required GPAs and successfully complete the application process by October 1 of your junior year.
Q: What is CPRP certification and why is it important?
A: The Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) credential demonstrates your expertise in psychiatric rehabilitation practices. Graduates of our program are eligible to sit for this prestigious national certification exam.
Q: Is financial aid available for both phases of the program?
A: Yes! Financial aid is available for both the GCU and Rutgers phases. Our financial aid office works closely with students to ensure continued support throughout the program.
Q: What are my chances of finding employment after graduation?
A: Excellent! The mental health field is experiencing significant growth, and graduates with specialized training in psychiatric rehabilitation are in high demand. Our career services team provides comprehensive job placement support.
B.S. in Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Psychology Program Information
B.S. in Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Psychology Curriculum
To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.
Major Sequence for Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Psychology
The GCU Psychology major for students in this program includes:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PS111 | Introduction to Psychology | 3.0 |
| or PS113 | Foundations of Psychology | |
| PS214 | Intermediate Issues in Psychology | 3.0 |
| Select one of the following three developmental courses: PS221, PS224, or PS227 | 3.0 | |
| PS223 | Psychopathology | 3.0 |
| PS232 | Intro to Stats for the Beh Sciences | 3.0 |
| PS270 | Theories of Personality | 3.0 |
| PS332 | Psychology of Learning | 3.0 |
| or PS360 | Cognitive Psychology | |
| PS333 | Intro to Applied Behavior Analysis | 3.0 |
| PS334 | Social Psychology | 3.0 |
| PS341 | Biological Psychology | 3.0 |
| PS430 | Rsrch Mthds & Stats for the Beh Sciences | 3.0 |
| PS431 | Experimental Psychology | 4.0 |
| Total Credits | 37.0 | |
The SHP Psychiatric Rehabilitation major includes three semesters of coursework at Rutgers SHP. For current curriculum and course descriptions, consult https://shp.rutgers.edu/psychiatric-rehabilitation/bachelor-of-science-in-psychiatric-rehabilitation-and-psychology/).
Transfer Regulations for Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Psychology
Students must complete a minimum of 21 credits in the Psychology program at Georgian Court including PS431 Experimental Psychology.
For more information on program requirements, consult the Undergraduate Catalog.
Department of Psychology and Counseling Faculty
Theresa J. Brown, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Professor
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Farley Center (108)
tbrown@georgian.edu
732-987-2642
Lynn M. DeCapua, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology and Counseling
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Farley Center 104
ldecapua@georgian.edu
732-987-2709
Marni Elson-Victor, M.S.
Field Placement Coordinator and Instructor
Psychology and Counseling Department
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Mercedes Hall (104)
melson-victor@georgian.edu
732-987-2619
Susan E.O. Field, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Farley Center (112)
sfield@georgian.edu
732-987-2643
Harriett Gaddy, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology and Counseling; Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Farley Center
hgaddy@georgian.edu
Alicia Gialanella, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling
Department of Psychology and Counseling
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Mercedes 201
agialanella@georgian.edu
Karen J. Kelly, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology and Counseling
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Mercedes Hall (200)
kkelly@georgian.edu
732-987-2618
Chad Kinney, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Farley Center
ckinney@georgian.edu
Lori Nixon, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Farley Center, 110
lnixon@georgian.edu
732-987-2655
Stephanie Rahill, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology and Counseling
School Psychology Program
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Farley Center (109)
srahill@georgian.edu
732-987-2420
Rebecca Randall
Assistant Professor of Psychology & Counseling
Psychology and Counseling Department
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Farley Center
rrandall@georgian.edu
732-987-2791
Heather Tacovsky, Psy.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
htacovsky@georgian.edu
Christopher T. Trigani, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Farley Center (111)
ctrigani@georgian.edu
732-987-2637
Ready to take the next step? Request more information or start your application today and discover where a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Psychology Degree from Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey can take you.
Have questions? Contact us
Georgian Court University
900 Lakewood Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
Campus Map
Contact Information
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Phone: 732-987-2700
E-mail: admissions@georgian.edu
Office Hours
- Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday: *By appointment only
- Sunday: Closed
*Check tour schedule for specific dates/times.