School Counseling (M.A.) Course Descriptions:
(CACREP February 2019)
COUN 535 Introduction to Counseling:
This course is designed as one of the initial courses for those candidates with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health or in School Counseling. The primary purpose of the course is for candidates to gain an overview of the counseling profession by conducting an in-depth examination of mental health/professional counseling as a helping profession. This examination will occur through readings, class discussion, and experiential activities. In the course candidates will examine: historical, philosophical and social/political influences on contemporary mental health/professional counseling practice and the future of mental health/professional counseling as a helping profession; professional organizations to which professional counselors belong, the settings in which they practice, and the roles of mental health/professional counselors in those settings; credentialing and licensing for mental health/professional counseling practice; and knowledge bases critical to mental health counseling including evidence-based practice. (3 credits)
COUN 540 Principles and Theories of Counseling:
Examines the history, philosophy, practices, and principles of counseling profession, including the professional roles and functions and the application to various settings, populations, and problems. Topics include current issues and trends, advocacy, ethical and legal standards, professional organizations, credentialing, and technological advances in counseling. The course reviews the major affective, cognitive, and behavioral theories of counseling and psychotherapy, including historical foundations and applications. Current models of counseling are reviewed and students begin to develop a personal model of counseling. A grade of a “B” or higher is required to advance. (3 credits)
COUN 550 Multicultural Counseling:
Explores practical and theoretical issues of counseling individuals, couples, groups, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Emphasis is on development of attitudes, values, and skills which promote effective interpersonal relations and counseling across cultures. Consideration is given to the impact of historical, social, and political forces on the behavior of the individual. (3 credits)
EDCC 600 Research in Education and Counseling:
Examines qualitative and quantitative educational research methodologies. Students learn to read, analyze, and interpret the current literature in teaching and learning. Topics include defining the research process, writing a review of literature, exploring methods of gathering quantitative and qualitative data, developing a research design, and examining ethical issues related to the research process. Formerly EDU 599B. (3 credits)
COUN 560 Techniques of Counseling:
Provides an introduction to specific counseling skills used by the various counseling models across the major theoretical orientations, including crisis intervention. Emphasized will be the skills and techniques that a counselor uses to establish, maintain, and terminate therapeutic relationships. Student self-awareness, values, and personal/social development are examined. Practice is gained through role-play and video/audio taping. A grade of a “B” or higher is required to advance. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540
COUN 561 Principles and Practices of School Counseling:
Examines the philosophy, history, principles, practices, and current trends of school counseling and educational systems. Topics include the role and functions of school counselors; organizing, administering, and evaluating programs; advocacy; outreach; prevention, intervention, and postvention; guidance approaches; consultation; technological competence; and National Standards for School Counseling Programs. (3 credits) Prerequisite: COUN 540 and COUN 560
EDCC 510 Human Growth and Development:
Reviews theory and research in human growth and development over the life span. Emphasis is given to the interdisciplinary nature of human development, particularly the relationships among the biological, cognitive, social, and psychological domains. Critical life events and their adjustments from the prenatal period through adulthood are discussed, stressing the interaction between the developing person and a continually changing world. This course contains a field component. (3 credits)
COUN 538 Career and Lifestyle Development:
Examines theories of career development through the life span. Topics include: employment trends, career exploration and decision making, lifestyle planning, placement and career counseling programs, clients at different developmental levels in a variety of settings, and strategies that address the needs of a culturally diverse population. Students obtain hands-on experience with computer-based and other career assessment tools and sources of occupational and educational information. (3 credits)
COUN 570 Diagnosis and Treatment in Counseling:
Examines theoretical and cultural perspectives, research, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, referral process and presentation of types of maladjustments, and mental health disorders. Topics include assessment using current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) diagnostic categories, implementation of appropriate therapeutic strategies, psychopharmacological medications, strategies for promotion of optimal mental health, and situational and systemic factors affecting behavior. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 605 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues:
Examines ethical and legal issues in counseling. Codes of ethics, confidentiality, and legal considerations are explored. Emphasis is on professional orientation, responsibility, and ethical decision-making. Professional credentialing and current professional issues are also studied. A grade of a “B” or higher is required to advance. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 555 Counseling Children and Adolescents:
Examines the theories and methods of counseling interventions with children and adolescents, with emphasis on systems theories and the impact of family, school, and community. Topics include analyzing and remediating classroom-related problems, recognizing serious disorders in early stages, consulting with professional staff and families, play therapy, parent education strategies, and community referral. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 544 Principles and Techniques of Assessment:
Examines purposes, concepts, procedures, and techniques of educational, vocational, and psychological assessment. Emphasis is on the integration of assessment information into counseling and placement processes, ethical and legal considerations, and use of tests with special needs and culturally diverse populations. Basic principles of measurement, statistical concepts, and practice in selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests are examined. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 547 Counseling and the Group Process:
Reviews theories, research, and techniques of group guidance counseling and psychotherapy involving didactic and experiential learning modes. Application of theory to practice in school, work, mental health, and other counseling settings with varied client populations is stressed. Laboratory sessions provide opportunities for group participation and co-leading under faculty supervision. Open only to students pursuing an M.A. degree in Counseling. A grade of a “B” or higher is required to advance. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 604 Expressive Arts in Counseling:
This course examines the theoretical foundation of expressive therapies and their application in the counseling of individuals and groups. Students will be introduced to the study and practice of working with art, dreams, journaling, music, movement, poetry, psychodrama, and play as counseling approaches. This course provides both didactic and experiential learning. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 553 Alcohol and Substance Abuse:
Examines various approaches to treating alcohol and substance abuse, factors which increase susceptibility, models of therapeutic intervening, referral sources, and educational and preventative strategies. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 633 Practicum in Counseling:
Practicum is the first course of three in the clinical sequence leading to a School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters degree. Candidates continue to accrue 100 direct and indirect hours towards the overall 700 direct and indirect hours in counseling individuals and groups in elementary, middle, and secondary schools for school counseling students or community agencies for licensure-track students. Emphasis is placed on development and increasing interpersonal and professional effectiveness, application of appropriate and evidence-based counseling theory/techniques, observation, consultation, ethical and legal issues, and performance of the duties of a professional counselor. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervision hours are required. Off-site supervised individual and group hours are accrued at a site chosen in concert with the Clinical Coordinator and consistent with the student’s chosen field and professional interests. Students must take and pass the Praxis II for School Counseling or CPCE for Clinical Mental Health Counseling during practicum to graduate from the program. A grade of a “B” or higher is required to advance. (3 credits) Prerequisites: Completion of core courses. Application must be made one semester prior to enrollment.
COUN 557 Introduction to Family Therapy:
Explores research and techniques of family systems theory as a framework for understanding family dynamics and the methods of intervention in family therapy. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 646 Internship in Counseling I:
Internship I is the second course of three in the clinical sequence leading to a School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters degree. Candidates continue to accrue 300 direct and indirect hours towards the overall 700 direct and indirect hours in counseling individuals and groups in elementary, middle, and secondary schools for school counseling students or community agencies for licensure-track students. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal and professional effectiveness, application of appropriate and evidence-based counseling theory/techniques, observation, consultation, ethical and legal issues, and performance of the duties of a professional counselor. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervisor hours are required. Off-site supervised individual and group hours are accrued at a site chosen in concert with the Clinical Coordinator and consistent with the student’s chosen field and professional interests. A grade of a “B” or higher is required to advance. (3 credits) Prerequisites: Completion of core courses and COUN 631. Application must be made one semester prior to enrollment.
COUN 648 Internship in Counseling II:
Internship II is the third course of three in the clinical sequence leading to a School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters degree. Candidates continue to accrue 300 direct and indirect hours towards the overall 700 direct and indirect hours in counseling individuals and groups in elementary, middle, and secondary schools for school counseling students or community agencies for licensure-track students. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal and professional effectiveness, application of appropriate and evidence-based counseling theory/techniques, observation, consultation, ethical and legal issues, and performance of the duties of a professional counselor. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervisor hours are required. Off-site supervised individual and group hours are accrued at a site chosen in concert with the Clinical Coordinator and consistent with the student’s chosen field and professional interests. A grader of a “B” or higher is required to advance. (3 credits) Prerequisites: Completion of core course and COUN 640. Application must be made one semester prior to enrollment.
(CACREP February 2019)
COUN 535 Introduction to Counseling:
This course is designed as one of the initial courses for those candidates with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health or in School Counseling. The primary purpose of the course is for candidates to gain an overview of the counseling profession by conducting an in-depth examination of mental health/professional counseling as a helping profession. This examination will occur through readings, class discussion, and experiential activities. In the course candidates will examine: historical, philosophical and social/political influences on contemporary mental health/professional counseling practice and the future of mental health/professional counseling as a helping profession; professional organizations to which professional counselors belong, the settings in which they practice, and the roles of mental health/professional counselors in those settings; credentialing and licensing for mental health/professional counseling practice; and knowledge bases critical to mental health counseling including evidence-based practice. (3 credits)
COUN 540 Principles and Theories of Counseling:
Examines the history, philosophy, practices, and principles of counseling profession, including the professional roles and functions and the application to various settings, populations, and problems. Topics include current issues and trends, advocacy, ethical and legal standards, professional organizations, credentialing, and technological advances in counseling. The course reviews the major affective, cognitive, and behavioral theories of counseling and psychotherapy, including historical foundations and applications. Current models of counseling are reviewed and students begin to develop a personal model of counseling. A grade of a “B” or higher is required to advance. (3 credits)
COUN 550 Multicultural Counseling:
Explores practical and theoretical issues of counseling individuals, couples, groups, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Emphasis is on development of attitudes, values, and skills which promote effective interpersonal relations and counseling across cultures. Consideration is given to the impact of historical, social, and political forces on the behavior of the individual. (3 credits)
EDCC 600 Research in Education and Counseling:
Examines qualitative and quantitative educational research methodologies. Students learn to read, analyze, and interpret the current literature in teaching and learning. Topics include defining the research process, writing a review of literature, exploring methods of gathering quantitative and qualitative data, developing a research design, and examining ethical issues related to the research process. Formerly EDU 599B. (3 credits)
COUN 560 Techniques of Counseling:
Provides an introduction to specific counseling skills used by the various counseling models across the major theoretical orientations, including crisis intervention. Emphasized will be the skills and techniques that a counselor uses to establish, maintain, and terminate therapeutic relationships. Student self-awareness, values, and personal/social development are examined. Practice is gained through role-play and video/audio taping. A grade of a “B” or higher is required to advance. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540
COUN 561 Principles and Practices of School Counseling:
Examines the philosophy, history, principles, practices, and current trends of school counseling and educational systems. Topics include the role and functions of school counselors; organizing, administering, and evaluating programs; advocacy; outreach; prevention, intervention, and postvention; guidance approaches; consultation; technological competence; and National Standards for School Counseling Programs. (3 credits) Prerequisite: COUN 540 and COUN 560
EDCC 510 Human Growth and Development:
Reviews theory and research in human growth and development over the life span. Emphasis is given to the interdisciplinary nature of human development, particularly the relationships among the biological, cognitive, social, and psychological domains. Critical life events and their adjustments from the prenatal period through adulthood are discussed, stressing the interaction between the developing person and a continually changing world. This course contains a field component. (3 credits)
COUN 538 Career and Lifestyle Development:
Examines theories of career development through the life span. Topics include: employment trends, career exploration and decision making, lifestyle planning, placement and career counseling programs, clients at different developmental levels in a variety of settings, and strategies that address the needs of a culturally diverse population. Students obtain hands-on experience with computer-based and other career assessment tools and sources of occupational and educational information. (3 credits)
COUN 570 Diagnosis and Treatment in Counseling:
Examines theoretical and cultural perspectives, research, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, referral process and presentation of types of maladjustments, and mental health disorders. Topics include assessment using current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) diagnostic categories, implementation of appropriate therapeutic strategies, psychopharmacological medications, strategies for promotion of optimal mental health, and situational and systemic factors affecting behavior. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 605 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues:
Examines ethical and legal issues in counseling. Codes of ethics, confidentiality, and legal considerations are explored. Emphasis is on professional orientation, responsibility, and ethical decision-making. Professional credentialing and current professional issues are also studied. A grade of a “B” or higher is required to advance. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 555 Counseling Children and Adolescents:
Examines the theories and methods of counseling interventions with children and adolescents, with emphasis on systems theories and the impact of family, school, and community. Topics include analyzing and remediating classroom-related problems, recognizing serious disorders in early stages, consulting with professional staff and families, play therapy, parent education strategies, and community referral. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 544 Principles and Techniques of Assessment:
Examines purposes, concepts, procedures, and techniques of educational, vocational, and psychological assessment. Emphasis is on the integration of assessment information into counseling and placement processes, ethical and legal considerations, and use of tests with special needs and culturally diverse populations. Basic principles of measurement, statistical concepts, and practice in selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests are examined. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 547 Counseling and the Group Process:
Reviews theories, research, and techniques of group guidance counseling and psychotherapy involving didactic and experiential learning modes. Application of theory to practice in school, work, mental health, and other counseling settings with varied client populations is stressed. Laboratory sessions provide opportunities for group participation and co-leading under faculty supervision. Open only to students pursuing an M.A. degree in Counseling. A grade of a “B” or higher is required to advance. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 604 Expressive Arts in Counseling:
This course examines the theoretical foundation of expressive therapies and their application in the counseling of individuals and groups. Students will be introduced to the study and practice of working with art, dreams, journaling, music, movement, poetry, psychodrama, and play as counseling approaches. This course provides both didactic and experiential learning. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 553 Alcohol and Substance Abuse:
Examines various approaches to treating alcohol and substance abuse, factors which increase susceptibility, models of therapeutic intervening, referral sources, and educational and preventative strategies. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 633 Practicum in Counseling:
Practicum is the first course of three in the clinical sequence leading to a School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters degree. Candidates continue to accrue 100 direct and indirect hours towards the overall 700 direct and indirect hours in counseling individuals and groups in elementary, middle, and secondary schools for school counseling students or community agencies for licensure-track students. Emphasis is placed on development and increasing interpersonal and professional effectiveness, application of appropriate and evidence-based counseling theory/techniques, observation, consultation, ethical and legal issues, and performance of the duties of a professional counselor. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervision hours are required. Off-site supervised individual and group hours are accrued at a site chosen in concert with the Clinical Coordinator and consistent with the student’s chosen field and professional interests. Students must take and pass the Praxis II for School Counseling or CPCE for Clinical Mental Health Counseling during practicum to graduate from the program. A grade of a “B” or higher is required to advance. (3 credits) Prerequisites: Completion of core courses. Application must be made one semester prior to enrollment.
COUN 557 Introduction to Family Therapy:
Explores research and techniques of family systems theory as a framework for understanding family dynamics and the methods of intervention in family therapy. (3 credits) Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 646 Internship in Counseling I:
Internship I is the second course of three in the clinical sequence leading to a School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters degree. Candidates continue to accrue 300 direct and indirect hours towards the overall 700 direct and indirect hours in counseling individuals and groups in elementary, middle, and secondary schools for school counseling students or community agencies for licensure-track students. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal and professional effectiveness, application of appropriate and evidence-based counseling theory/techniques, observation, consultation, ethical and legal issues, and performance of the duties of a professional counselor. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervisor hours are required. Off-site supervised individual and group hours are accrued at a site chosen in concert with the Clinical Coordinator and consistent with the student’s chosen field and professional interests. A grade of a “B” or higher is required to advance. (3 credits) Prerequisites: Completion of core courses and COUN 631. Application must be made one semester prior to enrollment.
COUN 648 Internship in Counseling II:
Internship II is the third course of three in the clinical sequence leading to a School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters degree. Candidates continue to accrue 300 direct and indirect hours towards the overall 700 direct and indirect hours in counseling individuals and groups in elementary, middle, and secondary schools for school counseling students or community agencies for licensure-track students. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal and professional effectiveness, application of appropriate and evidence-based counseling theory/techniques, observation, consultation, ethical and legal issues, and performance of the duties of a professional counselor. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervisor hours are required. Off-site supervised individual and group hours are accrued at a site chosen in concert with the Clinical Coordinator and consistent with the student’s chosen field and professional interests. A grader of a “B” or higher is required to advance. (3 credits) Prerequisites: Completion of core course and COUN 640. Application must be made one semester prior to enrollment.