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.

This course serves as a solid basis for the topics and activities that will be presented in each candidate's program of study. The significance of the structures, theories, philosophies, various pedagogical approaches, basic research designs, and educational paradigms necessary in order to develop a productive educational climate will be presented, and the effect of these on enhancing the social, emotional, physical, and psychological aspects of K-12 students will be carefully considered. Effective use of technology as a tool in educational situations will be emphasized. Candidates will discuss preliminary plans for on-site K-12 activities that are required later in the program, and will submit a written plan that describes their specific career interests, strategies to meet goals, and evaluative measures for these goals, including an outline for the final project to be submitted at the end of the degree program.

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).

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.

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.

Pre Reqs: Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction(EDUC502),The Professional Educator(EDUC503)

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.

Pre Reqs: Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice(EDUC507)

Introduces the fundamental counseling theories with special emphasis on how they would be applied in educational settings. Candidates develop an appreciation between 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 solution focused. Each candidate is responsible for selecting and compiling a portfolio regarding one particular theory which they plan to utilize as a guide in their practice.

Pre Reqs: Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice(EDUC507)

Group Counseling -Theory and Practice 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. As part of this course the candidate observes a counseling group under the direct supervision of an experienced school counselor. The emphasis of this experience is on development of group work skills as well as learning to evaluate the importance of group counseling and its related effect on the overall counseling program.

Pre Reqs: Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice(EDUC507),Helping Relationships(EDUC515)

Social and Cultural Diversity Counseling 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. The focus is to provide Candidates a heightened awareness and appreciation of difference. Candidates discuss how differences may 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 appropriate skills, competencies, and knowledge of counselors working with diverse populations.

Pre Reqs: Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice(EDUC507),Helping Relationships(EDUC515)

This course focuses on the methods, tools, and devices used in research in education, as well as the development of skills, insights, and understandings basic to performing research. The course presents vocabulary, principles, definitions and methods of educational research that allows students to understand the logic of conducting educational research, plan a research study and how to formally conduct and report research findings. Students will also learn to interpret, critique, and study the application of research findings of others in educational settings. In addition, while students will explore several research methods and be able to design a research proposal that could be implemented in their administrative/teaching/counseling environment.

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.

Pre Reqs: Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice(EDUC507)

Consultation reviews theories of helping parents, teachers, and other caregivers learning new skills and responses. Based on empirical research and support, this course investigates the difference between consultation and other helping services. It also explores the consultation process from the establishment of the relationship to the evaluation of outcomes. Each stage of the process is reviewed and examined. Candidates learn how to identify goals and deal with resistance and other issues impeding progress. This course also provides an understanding of the issues in providing consultation services to those from diverse backgrounds and needs.

Pre Reqs: Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice(EDUC507)

This will offer an opportunity for candidates to experience a variety of school settings. Candidates are required to complete specialized assignments that enhance their understanding of school environments. Candidates interview practicing school counselors, observe a curricular guidance unit prepared by an experienced counselor, assist in the delivery of group counseling services as well as other normal school counseling activities. Candidates are required to complete journaling experiences that document their on-site experiences and the relation to theoretical knowledge. Discussions also include ethics, working with different populations, and practical issues affecting service delivery.

This experience will provide an opportunity for counselor candidates to apply knowledge and skills while working under the supervision of an experienced, onsite school counselor. Candidates are also required to meet weekly with their university counselor educator. Candidates are placed in settings which align with career goals and interests and provide services including individual and group counseling as well as perform activities typical in that setting.