Master of Education: Guidance and Counseling

This course examines theories of child, adolescent, and young adult development and learning. It introduces a comprehensive view of human development across the lifespan, drawing on the application of major theoretical positions - both historical and current. Developmental themes are discussed in terms of their application to typical and atypical human development in children, adolescents, and young adults. Concepts related to the significant role that transitions play in development throughout the lifespan will be integrated throughout the course. Application of theory to the school setting in the areas of learner development, learner styles/differences, the nature of the learner, and learner motivation are discussed. Topics also include the impact of culture and diversity on learning. PREREQ: EDUC505

Pre Reqs: The Professional School Counselor(EDUC505)

The Professional School Counselor is an introductory overview course that sets the stage for future in-depth courses in the Guidance and Counseling program. It is designed in accordance with the 2009 Standards for Counseling Professional Identities (CPI) and School Counseling Domains (SCD) established by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Students will conduct observations and interviews with practicing school counselors during this course so care should be taken when scheduling this course during summer months. COREQ: EDUC507

The history and development of the counseling profession especially as it relates to practice in the public schools is presented; this course must be taken early in the program. It examines the critical issues in the practice of the profession of school counseling and explores the role of professional school counselors. This course provides information relating to ethical standards, legal responsibilities, state licensure requirements, national certification, and related professional organizations. Overall, candidates are prepared to provide fundamental school counseling services to diverse populations in an ethical and professional manner. The course also introduces candidates to the comprehensive developmental professional school counseling model and standards advocated by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). COREQ: EDUC505

Helping Relationships provides an understanding of the counseling process especially as it relates to practice in school settings. Special attention is given to the counselor qualities and skills that influence helping. Candidates develop fundamental counseling and consultation skills including listening, relationship building, interviewing, and assessment. Discussions also include the effects of social and cultural diversity on the helping relationship. Candidates learn how to incorporate skills into a comprehensive school counseling program that helps facilitate the development of children, adolescents, and teens. Professional issues as they relate to ethics, legal considerations and diversity concerns also are examined. PREREQ: EDUC505 and EDUC507

Pre Reqs: Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice(EDUC507),The Professional School Counselor(EDUC505)

This course examines individual and group approaches to assessment, evaluation, and the basic concepts of standardized and non-standardized educational and psychological testing. Candidates learn the appropriate methods for selection, administration, and interpretation of tests. Research and statistical concepts such as reliability, validity, and standard error of measurement are reviewed. Candidates also become familiar with the most frequently used personality, educational, clinical, intelligence, and special population instruments. Discussions include historical perspectives regarding assessment, testing ethics, and use of instruments with diverse populations. Prereq: EDUC505

Pre Reqs: The Professional School Counselor(EDUC505)

Assessment, Evaluation, and Psycho-educational Testing II: Special Topics Related to Diagnosis of Children and Adolescents spans a comprehensive study of abnormal behavior in modern times, with special attention to the mental health challenges faced by elementary and secondary students. Topics include peer relationships, stress, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, adjustment disorders, drug abuse, anger, self-esteem, family problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other psychological disorders. Causes and treatments are discussed. This course makes use of the current American Psychiatric Association’s (DSM-IV-TR) classification system of mental disorders. PREREQ: EDUC505

Pre Reqs: The Professional School Counselor(EDUC505)

Introduces the fundamental counseling theories with special emphasis on how they would be applied in educational settings. Candidates develop an appreciation of the relationship between theories, issues affecting students, and the utilization of key helping strategies. Theories covered range from psychoanalytic, humanistic, existential, behavioral, cognitive, gestalt, and postmodern approaches. Ethical and multicultural considerations are also discussed. PREREQ: EDUC505 & EDUC507

Pre Reqs: Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice(EDUC507),The Professional School Counselor(EDUC505)

Explores the theories and techniques associated with group counseling especially as they apply to school settings. The role of group counseling is discussed in relation to the effectiveness of the overall comprehensive counseling program. Candidates discuss the types, stages, and methods of organizing and facilitating groups. Consideration of issues involved in group work with persons from different cultural, religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds is included. Ten hours of participation in a growth group is required during the eight week course. Students experience group counseling from a participant’s perspective and reflect on group counseling skills. PREREQ: EDUC515

Pre Reqs: Helping Relationships(EDUC515)

Examines the influence of cultural and ethnic differences and the delivery of counseling services. Candidates explore a variety of topics including culture, ethnicity, race, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental and physical characteristics, education, values, and socioeconomic status. Candidates discuss how cultural variables affect the counseling relationship. Topics include theories, strategies for effective multicultural counseling, ethical delivery of services, and culturally responsive assessments. This course is designed to develop self-awareness, knowledge, and skills in working with diverse populations. PREREQ: EDUC515

Pre Reqs: Helping Relationships(EDUC515)

This course provides an overview of approaches to research; rationales for methodological choices; uses and abuses of research processes and findings; tools and techniques for finding or generating data; tools and techniques for analyzing data; decision-making and interpretation; making conclusions public; and ensuring that research participants are respected and valued throughout the process. Thorough coverage of these topics is designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to select, evaluate, and apply findings from extant research related to issues at the individual, classroom, school, or district levels. Additionally, the course is designed to prepare practitioners to conduct high quality action research projects aimed at the individual, classroom, school, or district levels, or additional educational environments. PREREQUISITE COURSE: EDUC503, EDUC505, OR EDUC506.

Pre Reqs: The Professional Educator(EDUC503),The Professional School Counselor(EDUC505),The Professional School Leader(EDUC506)

Career Counseling and Development explores career development theories and the career decision making process. Special emphasis is placed on strategies used by school counselors to assist children, adolescents, and teens in making career and educational decisions. Candidates learn how to encourage motivation by connecting personal values and interests with academics. Topics include multicultural considerations, the relationship between careers and other life roles, and assessment instruments relevant to career planning. The process of career development will be covered as well as the implications for students with disabilities. PREREQ: EDUC505 & EDUC507

Pre Reqs: Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice(EDUC507),The Professional School Counselor(EDUC505)

Expands on the Counseling Theories (EDUC 535) course by providing a further evaluation of the theories, techniques, and strategies especially helpful when working with school age populations and their families in the context of a comprehensive school counseling program. The course explores counseling issues and provides specific techniques and strategies that are developmentally appropriate and applicable to the school setting. Discussions include methods for designing and evaluating intervention strategies and the application of ethical standards and legal requirements with this population. PREREQ: EDUC505 & EDUC507

Pre Reqs: Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice(EDUC507),The Professional School Counselor(EDUC505)

This course will offer the candidate an opportunity to observe and experience 100 hours of counseling activities in the school setting under direct supervision of an experienced school counselor. Candidates are required to complete specialized assignments that enhance their understanding of the role of the counselor in the school environment. Candidates observe and engage in activities with experienced school counselors which may include classroom guidance, group counseling, and individual counseling in addition to other school counseling related activities. Candidates are required to participate in group supervision sessions and complete weekly journals that document their on-site experiences and theoretical knowledge. Discussions include ethics, working with different populations, and practical issues in delivering a comprehensive school counseling program. All other degree requirements must be completed prior to registration.

This experience will provide an opportunity for candidates to apply knowledge and skills while working under the direct supervision of an experienced, on-site school counselor. Candidates are expected to participate in a variety of experiences in accordance with the American School Counselor Association National Model. These experiences may include individual counseling, group counseling, classroom guidance, consultation, collaboration, advocacy, and other counseling related activities. Participation in group supervision sessions with a university supervisor and weekly journal assignments are required in this course. Candidates are placed in settings which align with their career goals and interests in school counseling. Candidates must complete 600 hours of documented experience in a school setting. PREREQ: EDUC696