Graduate Program of Study in Counseling
Course Descriptions
CNSL A702 Methods of Educational Research - 3 cr. hrs.
This course, designed for the beginning graduate student, is a study of the methods and techniques of educational research with primary emphasis on application. A basic goal of the course is to promote attainment of a degree of expertise in research through the acquisition of skills and knowledge and by involvement in the research process. Each student will select and delineate a research problem of interest which has relevance to his or her professional area. The student then simulates the procedures which would be followed in conducting a study designed to investigate the problem.
CNSL A703 Statistics in Education - 3 cr. hrs.
The computation, use and understanding of frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, measures of variability, normal curve, correlation and statistical inference as applied to education.
CNSL A706 Philosophy and Counseling - 3 cr. hrs.
An inquiry into the relationship between major philosophies and the professional practice of counseling.
CNSL A722 Advanced Child Psychology - 3 cr. hrs.
A thorough study of child behavior from birth through the elementary school age with reference to the recognition and development of personality.
CNSL A723 Advanced Adolescent Psychology - 3 cr. hrs.
Advanced study of the adolescent personality and subculture. Analysis of emotional and intellectual development, basic problems and adjustments.
CNSL A725 Developmental Psychology - 3 cr. hrs.
Advanced study of human development from childhood to adulthood. Topics include personality theory, childhood and adolescent subcultures, developmental theory, and socialization.
CNSL A776 Measurement and Assessment - 3 cr. hrs.
The overall purpose of this introductory course is to enable students to acquire the information and skills necessary to evaluate, select, administer, score, and interpret commonly used tests in the counseling profession (school, college and community). Consideration is given to the historical development of psychological and educational testing, current issues, trends and controversies involving the use of tests, and ethical implications of testing. The course will also focus on the fundamentals of measurement principles to evaluate reliability and validity, and accurately interpret a variety of testing concepts. This emphasis will provide students with exposure to various kinds of educational and psychological tests and assessment instruments and their appropriate uses.
CNSL A830 Counseling Theories - 3 cr. hrs.
This course is aimed to provide students with a comprehensive view of the major theoretical schools of counseling along the dimensions of development of the theory (historically and philosophically), development of normal and abnormal behavior across the lifespan, how therapeutic change occurs, methods and techniques, and approaches to special topics in mental health, including diverse cultures, gender issues, spirituality, treatment efficacy, and psychopharmacology.
CNSL A835 Counseling Practice - 3 cr. hrs.
Counseling Practice is a course designed to acquaint students with the special methods and techniques found in effective counseling. The curriculum is based on personality and counseling theory with a special emphasis on the logical extension of these research areas into practice. Techniques alone do not make an effective counselor. Effective counselors must correctly combine theoretical, clinical, personal, and professional issues. Lectures, discussions, guest speakers, demonstrations, and videotaped vignettes will be used during the term to help students develop the skills and the conceptual frameworks that are necessary for effective counseling.
This course is designed to introduce students to using play procedures as an intervention with children in counseling. Students lear the philosophy, history, and basic theory of developing a relationship with children using the medium of play as a therapeutic intervention. Students are also introduced to using play therapy with mutiple child populations, adults, families, and parents.
CNSL A840 Group Counseling - 3 cr. hrs.
This course is designed to help the student to: 1) gain an involved understanding of the principles of group dynamics, including group process components, developmental states, group members' roles, and the therapeutic factors of group work, 2) understand various theories of group process and different modalities of group work (task, counseling, psychotherapy, and psycho-educational), 3) develop awareness of the therapeutic potential of the group, 4) develop interpersonal leadership skills useful in group settings, 5) experience the process and relationship between group member and leader, 6) design a group experience that includes research, appropriate selection and screening of members, selection of type of group and associated activities or processes, methods of evaluation, and marketing of the group, and 7) become familiar with published material concerning group counseling and relevant standards for training and ethical guidelines for group leaders.
CNSL A841 Vocational Counseling - 3 cr. hrs.
A study of the history, research, and techniques of career counseling. Career development theory will be explored as it applies to career counseling. Counseling through various life stages and diverse populations will be examined. Particular emphasis will be placed on experiential activities.
CNSL A842 Multicultural Counseling - 3 cr. hrs.
In this course, students learn basic concepts and skills pertinent to providing effective counseling in cross-cultural contexts in addition to exploring their own attitudes, values, and beliefs about diversity.
CNSL A845 Substance Abuse Counseling - 3 cr. hrs.
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the issues associated with counseling clients with issues of substance use and abuse. Course content includes historical foundations of substance abuse, psychological and physiological affects of common abused substances, various theoretical etiologies of abuse, and an overview of multiple treatment strategies for individuals (adults and adolescents), couples, families and groups.
CNSL A850 Introduction to Family Counseling - 3 cr. hrs.
This course explores the family systems theory and presents research on the family as an open system that functions in relation to its broader sociocultural context and that evolves over the life cycle. Various techniques of family counseling are covered as well as the ethical considerations of such a model.
CNSL A855 Diagnosis and Treatment - 3 cr. hrs.
The purpose of this course is to introduce the graduate student to the common diagnostic language used by mental health clinicians and researchers for communication about the disorders for which they have professional responsibility. The course will introduce the student to the diagnostic and statistical manual for mental disorders, and will also include practice in writing of treatment plans to accompany the various diagnostic categories.
CNSL A864 Ethics in Counseling - 3 cr. hrs.
This course is intended to provide students with current information concerning ethical and legal issues in the counseling profession. The course will also address typical professional issues and concerns that counselors face in a number of professional settings. Through lecture, analysis of case studies, role plays, and small group activities, students should learn and be able to: 1) demonstrate knowledge of the content, intent and interaction of ethical codes, legal standards, professional issues and personal values in the counseling profession, 2) demonstrate knowledge of an ethical decision making process that will act as a guide, through problematic ethical, legal and professional issues, 3) demonstrate knowledge of professional organizations and licensing procedures, 4) understand the history and professional identity of the counseling profession from a professional and client perspective, and 5) understand the relationship between advocacy and ethics in clinical practice.
CNSL A865 Counseling Practicum - 3 cr. hrs.
The counseling practicum provides a closely supervised field experience in counseling and related activities. In general, the emphasis is on assisting clients through counseling and case management functions to become more competent in dealing with developmental, remedial, or rehabilitative needs and problems. Students are expected to utilize every opportunity that presents itself to become familiar with the services of the organizations with which they are associated. However, the practicum will center on the counseling and consultation processes to develop interpersonal relationship and communication skills, methods, and techniques to facilitate change in attitudes or behavior.
CNSL A866 Counseling Internship - 6 cr. hrs.
The internship course is designed to give students an opportunity to utilize their counseling knowledge and skills in a counseling setting with a variety of clientele. Students will counsel at an off-campus site and will receive supervision both on-site and during class time. By the end of the semester, students will have a greater knowledge base concerning: 1) the professional role and identity of licensed professional counselors, 2) the professional responsibilities of licensed professional counselors to the profession, the community and the clients we serve, 3) how to translate theory into practice and assess and evaluate treatment options, 4) how to utilize supervision, 5) ethical and legal considerations that occur in the field of practice, 6) how to self-assess and give constructive feedback to colleagues, 7) how to integrate assessment, diagnosis and cultural issues into the conceptualization and treatment process, 8) how to work and consult with a wide range of counseling sites and mental health professions, and 9) how to obtain and fill out the paperwork to become a registered Counselor Intern for your post-master’s supervision.