Master of Arts in Counseling

A study of basic theories, principles, andytechniques of counseling and of their applicationyto therapeutic settings. Students activelyypractice counseling skills. Prerequisite:yCounseling 601. Required core course.

An examination of interpretive issues in clinicalyassessment, application of assessment theories foryintervention strategies, treatment plans, andycommunication with other health careyprofessionals. Prerequisite: Counseling 610 andy675. Required core course.

Prerequisite: 1) Successful completion ofyCounseling 601, 602, 610, 612, 675; 2) admissionyto Level 2; and 3) successful completion of 17yhours of Level 2 courses. (Pass/Fail). Requiredycore course.

An examination of development from infancy throughyadolescence. Areas of study include physical,ycognitive and social development, as well asypsychosexual roles and interpersonal processesywithin families. Clinical approaches areycontrasted with modern theories and recentyresearch. Students will have the opportunity toydo a developmental study of a single child.yRequired core course.

The focus of this second seminar is on theystudent's development of the key functionalyprofessional skill areas necessary in theyeffective mental health counselor. The studentywill: 1) develop a personal and professionalystrength and skill assessment plan; 2) documentythe assessed skills; and 3) identify elements ofythe program that facilitate the development ofythese skills. Prerequisite: Counseling 627.yRequired course for all students in Level II.

An examination of cultural and other diversities,ysensitization of students to personal and societalyattitudes and values, as well as an increase ofytheir awareness of current models of multiculturalyassessment and intervention. The following areasyare covered: ethnicity, religion, socio-economicystatus, world view, gender, disability, and sexualyorientation. Required core course.

A study of overt and covert group processes asythey occur in intervention counseling groupsy(therapy and growth groups) as well as in agencyywork groups (staff groups, committees and staffymeetings). The course is designed to increaseystudents' awareness in working with differentykinds of groups as participant, leader, oryconsultant. This course provides studentyinteractive experience with a variety of groupystyles. As a result of this course, studentsywill:yy1. Demonstrate knowledge of historical andycurrent theories as well as various approachesyandystrategies of group process.y2. Document experience as group participant,yleader, or consultant.y3. Demonstrate the ability to apply the theoryyand constructs to actual group work.yRequired core course.

An examination of the effect of social influenceyon the development of human behavior. Attitudeyformation, group behavior, cultural subgroups, andygeneral systems theory are examined. Additionalytopics include aggression, role patterning,yleadership, and the influence of social systemsycontext on patterns of relationship development.ySpecial attention is given to the manner in whichysocial roles and system expectations are relevantyto counseling practice. Required core course.

A course providing students with the skillsynecessary to critically evaluate counseling andyclinical research literature. Students areyintroduced to consensual models of science, theyprocess of research inquiry, and the role of theymental health counselor as a knowledgeableyresearch consumer. Students are also introducedyto sampling theory, hypothesis testing, and theyapplication of descriptive and inferentialystatistics. At the completion of this course,ystudents will be able to read and understandyresearch reports in the literature as well asycritically examine literature that isynon-empirically based. Required core course.