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January 2026 University Catalog

A Message from the Dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Headshot of Irene Nicolet, a medium skinned woman with dark brown hair parted in the middle and falling just below her shoulders. She has light brown eyes, is smiling warmly and wearing berry-colored large-rimmed glasses. She also wears golden hoop earrings and a silver chain necklace. She is dressed in a black leather blazer and white shirt.

Irene Abrego Nicolet, PhD, NCSP, LSSP

Dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

It is a distinct privilege to welcome you to the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences! We are a unique school that brings the study of psychology and human behavior together with the training of behavioral health professionals across a number of disciplines. Our faculty and students work collaboratively to foster mental health, resilience, and wellness for individuals, families, schools, organizations, and communities facing today’s complex social issues. Using Capella’s competency-based curriculum design, the faculty focus on assessing students on the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in a competitive job market.

Our school consists of three departments. The Department of Counseling and Family Therapy includes accredited or externally aligned clinical graduate programs designed to prepare students with the education and clinical training needed to serve in a variety of clinical settings. The Department of Psychology includes doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, and certificate programs that provide education in the science and practice of psychology to prepare students for employment in a wide variety of occupational settings. Our Education offerings include doctoral and master's programs with specializations in a variety of areas in the field of education.

As a student in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, you are part of our family of passionate, dedicated professionals who are deeply invested in the disciplines we represent. It is our privilege to invest together in your educational journey, empowering you to have meaningful, lasting impacts on the future communities you will serve.

 Irene Abrego Nicolet, PhD, NCSP, LSSP

Dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

School Mission Statement

The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences provides innovative, student-centered education that is competency-based, rigorous, relevant, and transformative. Our programs prepare graduates to be agents of change.

Visit the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences tuition and fees and admission component pages for more information.