Rollins College

What you'll study

This major combines courses in psychology, social welfare, human development and health policy with applied skills training and supervised fieldwork. Typical modules include developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, counselling and interviewing techniques, substance use and addiction, community mental health, ethics in helping professions, social policy and advocacy, and research methods and statistics.

Students follow a core curriculum of foundational liberal-arts courses alongside major requirements. The programme emphasises applied learning through a practicum or internship at community agencies, schools, clinics or social service organisations, and normally culminates in a senior seminar or capstone project that integrates theory, research and practice.

Elective options allow students to focus on areas such as trauma-informed care, youth and family services, geriatric mental health, behavioural health case management, or public health approaches to population wellbeing. Coursework also develops transferable skills in assessment, documentation, programme planning, multidisciplinary teamwork and culturally responsive practice.

Entry requirements

Admission to Rollins College generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a competitive secondary-school record. For this major, successful applicants typically present coursework in biology, psychology or social studies, though specific prerequisites can vary. Applicants are expected to submit a personal statement and high school transcripts; letters of recommendation and an interview may strengthen an application.

Because the programme includes supervised placements in community settings, offers of admission or placement into the practicum may be contingent on background checks, immunisation records, and compliance with site-specific requirements. Transfer students should provide college transcripts and, when relevant, syllabi from prior coursework to evaluate advanced standing.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of entry-level roles across mental health and social service settings. Common positions include caseworker or case manager, behavioural health technician, community outreach coordinator, residential support staff, crisis response worker and programme support roles in non-profits or governmental agencies.

The degree also provides a foundation for graduate study in social work (MSW), counselling, clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, public health, or specialised allied professions such as rehabilitation counselling or psychiatric nursing. Career pathways frequently involve additional credentialing, licensure or graduate training for clinical practice.

Why study at Rollins College

Rollins College offers a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, which supports personalised supervision during practicum placements and research projects. Its Winter Park location in the Orlando metropolitan area provides access to a wide range of community health agencies, hospitals and social service organisations for internships and partnerships.

The college emphasises experiential learning, civic engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students to combine theoretical coursework with hands-on practice. Students benefit from faculty with experience in applied mental health and social services, opportunities for undergraduate research, and career advising that connects graduates with local employers and graduate programmes in allied health and helping professions.