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COU 590 - Writing Skills for Graduate Study in Practitioner Programs (1-3)
This course is designed to help students make the transition from college-level writing to “real world” professional communication. The course exposes students to advanced research resources and strategies particular to their chosen profession enabling them to produce professional documents and develop a sophisticated understanding of style, structure, and audience. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have the knowledge and skills to accommodate information to specific audiences; to use stylistic and visual devices to make information more accessible; to hypothesize and present arguments or points of view accurately and effectively; and to edit their work as well as that of their peers.
(Pass/Fail - not repeatable)
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COU 592 - Reorientation to Counseling (1 - 6)
This course is designed to help students review and integrate the basic knowledge and skills from the course work completed prior to their leave of absence from the program. The review of the course work should reflect a balance between theory and practice; application to the counseling setting or to current counseling issues; linkage to research and scientific publications; potential for positive application in practice; and clearly defined assessment guidelines. The course requires the development and articulation of current Professional Identity and Orientation statements.
Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits
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COU 595 - Foundations in Professional Mental Health Counseling (3)
This course orients students to the field of mental health counseling and develops foundational skills for entry into the clinical mental health counseling program. Students extend their life experiences into a dynamic personal mission statement and develop a personal theory of change. Students develop skills in critical evaluation in both self-reflective and peer-review settings. Students demonstrate proficiency in written and verbal communication strategies allowing the successful dissemination and defense of professional correspondence and positions. Students are exposed to the ambiguity that is inherent in the field of mental health counseling. Students explore the pedagogy of transformational learning and formulate their professional commitment toward ongoing growth and development. Upon completion of this course, students will better understand themselves and their desire to pursue a degree in counseling.
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COU 599 - Selected Topics (1-3)
Subject-specific courses may be developed within this category to address basic sets of skills and knowledge in psychological mindedness, fundamentals of behavioral research and statistics, or human development.
Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits (Pass/Fail)
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COU 601 - Counseling Skills and Techniques (3)
This course provides an orientation to counseling as a helping profession and addresses the importance of establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship. Focus is placed on developing the essential listening and interviewing skills necessary for effective counseling. The course emphasizes counselor self-awareness and counselor development and includes the use of recorded counseling interviews and role plays. Students are exposed to culturally responsive helper skills.
Required core course
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COU 602 - Theories of Counseling (3)
This course examines classic and contemporary theories and models of counseling. The theories provide a foundation for conceptualizing client presentation and selecting appropriate interventions. Students develop a personal model of counseling which is consistent with current professional research and practice. Emphasis is placed on understanding the therapeutic factors that contribute to the effectiveness of counseling. The course addresses help-seeking behaviors of clients and ethical and culturally relevant counseling interventions. The course explores the impact of technology on the counseling profession and provides students with the opportunity to actively practice counseling skills.
Prerequisite: COU 601 .
Required core course
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COU 605 - Brief Counseling in Employee Assistance Programs (3)
A presentation of theory, methodology, and practice of several modes of brief psychotherapy, including the crisis intervention model and brief cognitive therapy. Emphasis is placed upon acquisition of skills considered to be essential for the effective practice of short-term counseling intervention. The course will provide students with a working knowledge of brief counseling and will survey core components of the EAP field, such as substance abuse, ethical concerns in work place counseling, work/life training, community networking, and critical incident stress debriefing. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to 1) identify the basic elements of brief counseling; 2) demonstrate the basic skills related to brief counseling; and 3) provide an overview of the EAP field and describe the differences between local programs.
Prerequisites: COU 601 , COU 602 .
Elective course
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COU 607 - Assessment of Adult and Adolescent Substance Abuse: Addiction Severity Index (ASI) & Comprehensive Adolescent Severity Inventory (CASI) (3)
This course is designed to prepare mental health professionals to effectively assess adult and adolescent substance use and abuse in conjunction with criminal behaviors. A key component in the assessment process is developing knowledge of client criminogenic needs and how these impact substance use, abuse, and addiction. Students learn how to use the ASI and CASI instruments to gather comprehensive information to diagnose and treat substance abuse and addiction.
Elective course
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COU 610 - Psychopathology (3)
Intended for career professionals in the mental health field, the course studies the wide spectrum of behavior, cognitive and emotional conditions affecting children, adolescents, and adults. Incorporating current psychological, sociological and educational research, class work involves an applied, as well as conceptual, holistic study of both healthy and abnormal maladaptive mental health conditions. As a foundation for effective counseling, upon completing the course, students will be able to accurately identify and diagnostically classify specific as well as broad categories of emotionally pathological and behaviorally dysfunctional conditions. Emphasis is placed on the use of evidence based, research, theory, and analytically sound assessment methods including functional behavior assessment and differential diagnostic procedures. Focus is also directed to the successful application of clinical methods and techniques in the assessment and documentation process, to include accurate case formulations which serve as the basis for interventions and treatment planning.
Required core course
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COU 612 - Clinical Assessment (3)
An exploration of clinical assessment issues and techniques, including a survey of available psychological tests. A solid understanding of measurement principles and the statistics needed to understand them is emphasized, as well as the ability to critically evaluate the selection, use, and interpretation of tests and assessment procedures.
Prerequisites: COU 610 and COU 675 .
Required core course
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COU 616 - Grief and Bereavement Counseling (3)
This course focuses on the study of grief and the techniques of grief and bereavement counseling. The central focus of the study involves the social psychological aspects of grief, causes or foundations of grief, the processes of grieving, and grief counseling. Participants will become familiar with counseling skills that may provide assistance during situations of grief and crisis.
Elective course
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COU 617 - Spirituality in Counseling (3)
This course is an in-depth study of spirituality and its incorporation into counseling, especially examining the need for counseling to address spiritual issues and the commitment of the mental health professions to examine this aspect of client’s lives. Students develop a knowledge base for the process of integrating spirituality into their counseling, learn specific guidelines and suggestions for this integration, and develop skills to deal with issues that arise in the process.
Elective course
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COU 618 - Mental Health Ethics, Law and Professional Practice (3)
An examination of the mission, goals, and objectives of professional mental health organizations. Students learn and apply codes of ethics, laws, and regulations pertaining to counseling and professional standards of performance.
Required core course
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COU 620 - The Role of the Professional Mental Health Counselor in the Community (3)
This course investigates core issues in mental health counseling with a focus on the role of professional counselors in their community. The course explores the multiple roles and responsibilities of counselors as practitioners and consultants. Students will develop knowledge of community-based resources and will be exposed to models of mental health prevention and wellness, crisis intervention techniques, the psychological dimensions of disaster, trauma-informed care, and suicide risk assessment and prevention. The course also examines the impact of technology on the counseling relationship, counseling process, and the profession and explores how to effectively utilize technology to provide counseling in rural, underserved areas. Upon completion of this course, students will know how to provide counseling in emergency situations and how to use technology effectively in counseling.
Pre-requisites: COU 601 , COU 602 , & COU 610 .
Required core course
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COU 621 - Counseling Practicum I (0 or 3)
A supervised practicum experience which emphasizes the implementation and refinement of individual and group counseling skills. The practicum experience consists of a minimum of 100 hours that includes: (a) a minimum of 40 hours of direct service work with clients; (b) a minimum of one hour per week of individual supervision with the on-site supervisor; and (c) a minimum of one and a half hours per week of group supervision provided by a counselor education program faculty member. The practicum experience is designed to provide exposure to direct service work with clients as well as to other professional activities which are part of the daily operation of the practicum site. Students are limited to collecting a maximum of 10 hours of experience per week.
Prerequisites:
1) Successful completion of COU 601 , COU 602 , COU 610 , COU 612 , & COU 675 ;
2) admission to Level 2; and
3) successful completion of 17 hours of Level 2 courses.
(Pass/Fail)
Required core course
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COU 622 - Counseling Practicum II (0 or 3)
A supervised practicum experience which emphasizes the implementation and refinement of individual and group counseling skills. The practicum experience consists of a minimum of 100 hours that includes: (a) a minimum of 40 hours of direct service work with clients; (b) a minimum of one hour per week of individual supervision with the on-site supervisor; and (c) a minimum of one and a half hours per week of group supervision provided by a counselor education program faculty member. The practicum experience is designed to provide exposure to direct service work with clients as well as to other professional activities which are part of the daily operation of the practicum site. Students are limited to collecting a maximum of 20 hours of experience per week.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of COU 621 .
(Pass/Fail)
Required core course
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COU 623 - Counseling Practicum III (0 or 3)
A supervised practicum experience which emphasizes the implementation and refinement of individual and group counseling skills. The practicum experience consists of a minimum of 100 hours that includes: (a) a minimum of 40 hours of direct service work with clients; (b) a minimum of one hour per week of individual supervision with the on-site supervisor; and (c) a minimum of one and a half hours per week of group supervision provided by a counselor education program faculty member. The practicum experience is designed to provide exposure to direct service work with clients as well as to other professional activities which are part of the daily operation of the practicum site. Students are limited to collecting a maximum of 20 hours of experience per week.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of COU 622 .
Elective course.
(Pass/Fail)
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COU 627 - Professional Identity Development I (0-1)
This seminar is the first of a series of three seminars. The focus of this seminar is on examining core issues in the development of a professional identity as a counselor. The student will 1) begin to recognize personal characteristics identified in the research literature as essential for effective mental health counselors; 2) initiate the ongoing process of individual strength and skill assessment, and 3) document the learning that occurs and how that learning can be applied in counseling settings.
Required core course for all students in Level I
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COU 628 - Professional Identity Development II (0-1)
The focus of this second seminar is on the student’s development of the key functional professional skill areas necessary in the effective mental health counselor. The student will 1) develop a personal and professional strength and skill assessment plan; 2) document the assessed skills; and 3) identify elements of the program that facilitate the development of these skills.
Prerequisite: COU 627 .
Required core course for all students in Level II
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COU 629 - Professional Identity Development III (0-1)
The third seminar allows the student to explore the application of his/her professional development and its relevance to counseling, consultation and supervision. The student will 1) develop a personal philosophy of counseling and personal career goals; 2) address the personal impact of practical professional issues (including professional credentialing by certification or licensure, accreditation practices and standards, and the effects of public policy on these issues); and 3) become familiar with practical details of professional practice.
Prerequisite: COU 628 .
Required course for all students in Level III
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COU 630 - Multicultural Counseling (3)
This course explores the multicultural and pluralistic characteristics within and among diverse groups. The impact of heritage, attitudes, beliefs, spirituality and acculturative experiences on an individual’s world view are explored. Theories and models of cultural identity development and multicultural counseling competencies are examined. The course also addresses: the effects of power and privilege; strategies for identifying and eliminating social barriers and prejudices; and the importance of social justice and advocacy.
Required core course
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COU 632 - Assessment, Case Planning and Management of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Clients (3)
An examination of, and hands-on practice of, case management with mental health and substance abuse clients that looks at client strengths and areas of psychosocial challenges presenting problems and specific needs. Making interpersonal connections, attitude exploration, working with client goals, and managing cases based on valid assessment will lead to development of individualized treatment plans with measurable goals, objectives, progress notes, and gathering of collateral information. Students will survey commonly used assessment instruments. Upon completion of this course, students will identify basic elements of case planning, will demonstrate the ability to write progress notes, produce an individualized treatment plan incorporating measurable goals and collateral information, and be able to identify the most common assessment instruments.
Required core course
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COU 634 - Group Counseling (3)
This course explores the historical and theoretical foundations of group counseling and group work. The role of group dynamics, group formation, and group leadership are examined. Students gain competency in the use of effective group counseling techniques and demonstrate an understanding of therapeutic factors that contribute to the effectiveness of group counseling. The course includes ethical and culturally relevant strategies for designing, screening and facilitating groups.
Required core course
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COU 635 - Human Development Across the Lifespan (3)
This course examines human development throughout the lifespan with a focus on developmental psychopathology and psychoneuroimmunology. Developmental psychopathology views human development as an ongoing process and provides a framework to explore the interaction of biological, psychological, and socio-contextual aspects of both normal and abnormal development. Students will examine critical domains that serve as risk factors for psychopathology (i.e. temperament, attachment, parenting style, socioeconomic status) and explore current intervention strategies. At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of major theories of human development across the lifespan, including life transitions; demonstrate knowledge of human behavior including an understanding of psychopathology and the biological, psychological, and socio-contextual change factors that affect both normal and abnormal development; demonstrate knowledge of current theories of optimal development and wellness over the life span; and read and critically review foundational research in the field and demonstrate ability to apply the process to current research.
Required Core Course
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COU 638 - Group Therapy (3)
An introduction to the role of group dynamics in counseling as well as to the process and function of counseling in groups. Students will gain competency in the use of effective group counseling techniques.
Prerequisite: COU 634 .
Elective course
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COU 640 - Community and Rural Mental Health (3)
An exploration of clinical practice issues in rural settings. Emphasis is on rural and urban differences in societal and family relationships, ethical dilemmas, barriers to access, and participation in the mental health system.
Elective course
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COU 645 - Human Behavior Analysis (3)
An examination of the application of operant and classical conditioning principles in mental health settings. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of human behavior and the development of behavioral treatment strategies.
Elective course
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COU 653 - Marriage and Family Counseling (3)
The purpose of this course is to help students develop conceptual knowledge and effective professional skill conducting marital and family therapy. The course involves an examination of foundation theories, models, and methods of intervention with couples and families with an emphasis on systems theory. Students will develop family and couple treatment plans and after practice, be able to successfully demonstrate the application of theoretical and practical therapy in simulated family systems cases. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to recognize the differences between individual, couple, and family emotional and behavior difficulty; conceptualize individual, couple and family problems using a systemic framework; and demonstrate appreciation of the history of the family therapy movement and contributions of leading theorists.
Prerequisites: COU 601 & COU 602 .
Required core course
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COU 657 - Clinical Treatment Issues in Chemical Dependency (3)
An exploration of theories and models used to develop techniques for treatment of individuals with chemical dependency. The focus of the course is the study of treatment issues specific to substance abuse disorders, including the assessment of and service delivery to the special populations of adolescents, women and older adults. Issues of sexual orientation, cultural uniqueness, diversity issues with special populations, and developmental influences are reviewed. Clinical issues that shape practice for professionals treating chemical dependency including mental and physical health concerns, social and familial histories, enabling, and response to specific methods influencing recovery are explored in relation to their integration into clinical practice. This course investigates ways in which the issues of dual diagnosis disorders, physical and mental disorders, and family and historical influences affect treatment planning, treatment protocols, and service provision for substance dependent individuals. Upon completion of this course, students will identify key treatment issues specific to substance abuse disorders and demonstrate understanding of the impact of those issues on service delivery.
Elective course
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COU 658 - Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Alcohol/Drug Use, Abuse, and Addiction (3)
This course provides an understanding of basic pharmacology and physiology, as well as medical and psychosocial characteristics of substance use disorders and will examine the physical, psychological, and sociological aspects of alcohol and drug use, abuse, and dependence. A basic understanding of alcohol, cocaine, opiates, hallucinogens, barbiturates, amphetamines, designer drugs, marijuana, and inhalants, and their effect on the human system is provided. Students develop an understanding of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications. The course exposes students to the etiological, behavioral, cultural, and demographic aspects of alcohol and drug use, abuse, and addiction. Students will examine their belief system about drug and alcohol use and will review the processes of addition/dependence, including the signs, symptoms, and behavior patterns. Students will explore the potential for substance use disorders to mimic and/or co-occur with a variety of neurological, medical, and psychological disorders.
Required core course
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COU 662 - Career Counseling (3)
This course examines historical and current theories, principles, and practices of vocational and career counseling over a lifespan. The course addresses interrelationships of career, family, and other roles which affect work. The impact of multicultural, gender, and lifestyle issues on careers is considered. Strategies for assessing abilities, interests, values, personality, and other factors are explored. The course emphasizes the importance of advocating for diverse clients’ career and educational development. Students explore their own career development and enhance helper skills through role play.
Required core course
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COU 665 - Brief Counseling Interventions (2)
A presentation of theory, methodology, and practice of several modes of brief psychotherapy, including the crisis intervention model and brief cognitive therapy. Emphasis is placed upon acquisition of skills considered to be essential for the effective practice of short-term counseling interventions.
Prerequisites: COU 601 & COU 602 .
Elective course
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COU 671 - Directed Study (1-3)
Supervised research or tutorial arrangements undertaken as a means of conducting an in-depth investigation of a subject or area not covered by, or related to, the regular curriculum. Independent studies must be approved by the instructor and the Dean.
Elective course
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COU 675 - Research in Counseling (3)
This course provides students with the skills necessary to critically evaluate counseling and clinical research literature. Students are introduced to the nature of scientific psychology, the process of research inquiry, and the role of the mental health counselor as a knowledgeable research consumer. Students are also introduced to the application of descriptive and inferential statistics, reliability, and validity to the research endeavor. At the completion of this course, students will be able to read and understand research reports in the literature as well as critically examine literature that is non-empirically based. Students will also understand the process for designing their own research and program evaluation.
Required core course
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COU 678 - Grant Writing and Program Evaluation (2)
A presentation of a variety of methods, including qualitative techniques and measures of outcome, which are relevant to grant writing and program evaluation.
Prerequisite: COU 675 .
Elective course
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COU 691 - Internship (1-6)
A supervised internship experience which consists of a minimum of 800 clock hours that includes: (a) a minimum of 320 hours of direct service work with clients; (b) a minimum of one hour per week of individual supervision with the on-site supervisor; and (c) a minimum of 1 1/2 hours per week of group supervision via weekly internship class meetings. The internship experience enables students to refine and further enhance the knowledge and skills applied during their practicum. In addition, the internship provides an opportunity for students to engage in all of the professional activities performed by a regularly employed staff member at the internship site.
Prerequisite: Admission to Level 3.
Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits (Pass/Fail)
Required core course
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COU 695 - Culminating Project (1-6)
An optional course recommended for students who plan to pursue a doctoral degree. A final project may be a thesis, a program evaluation, or other approved project.
Prerequisites: COU 675 and COU 678 and approval of the Dean and a member of the graduate faculty.
Elective course
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COU 696 - Preparation for State Licensing Exam (0)
Separate fee.
Elective course
(Pass/Fail)
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COU 699 - Selected Topics (1-3)
Subject-specific courses may be counted toward degree requirements within this category. Such courses will be offered on the basis of expressed student need. A total of 12 graduate credits within this category may be counted toward degree requirements.
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