Degree Requirements
Core Courses
CC 5113 Introduction to the Counseling Profession
A comprehensive introduction and review of professional, ethical and legal standards and practices related to counseling. An overview of historical and current applications of the term “counseling” in respect to the mental health field in addition to differentiation between counseling, advocacy and social justice work. Current trends including virtual mental health services will be explored.
CC 5123 Counseling Theory
A survey course covering theories related to professional practice. Traditions and historical development of the field will be explored. A variety of counseling specialties will be discussed. Students will examine their own strengths, limitations and opportunities for growth within the field.
CC 5133 Clinical Psychopathology
An advanced study of behavior and mood states outside the normal limits of societal and individual expectations. Includes use of diagnostic manuals.
CC 5213 Ethnicity and Culture in the Counseling Field
An examination of competencies related to working with diverse populations. Personal exploration and experiences designed to enhance awareness and growth are emphasized. Instruction includes attention to cultural groups and special populations.
CC 5223 Counseling Theories and Applications
An experiential course providing students with exposure and practice across a variety of theoretical models. Content ranges from basic listening skills to appropriate interview techniques with emphasis on therapeutic intervention techniques. Prerequisite: CC 5123 Counseling Theory
CC 5233 Evaluation Methods in Psychology
An overview of historical and modern testing and assessment methods in the area of counseling. Testing and non-testing methods will be discussed. Statistical concepts and analysis will be highlighted. Emphasis on development of skills related to being an effective consumer of research. Program evaluation and needs assessments will be addressed.
CC 5243 Life and Developmental Stages
A historical review and contemporary over view of human development. An integrative approach including biology, psychology and sociology throughout life stages is emphasized. Major theories of development will be presented.
CC 5313 Practicum I
Experience and skills building course consisting of 150 total hours in an approved clinical setting. Counseling work will be done under a site supervisor and program faculty member. Of the 150 total hours, 40% (60 hours) must be in direct client contact. Prerequisite: CC 5123 Counseling Theory; CC 5223 Counseling Theories and Applications Permission Required: Must be fully admitted; cannot be on probation Field Experience Required
CC 5413 Practicum II
Experience and skills building course consisting of 150 total hours in an approved clinical setting. Counseling work will be done under a site supervisor and program faculty member, both with appropriate counselor licensing. Of the 150 total hours, 60% (90 hours) must be in direct client contact. Emphasis is placed on advanced clinical work and responsibilities on site. Prerequisite: CC 5313 Practicum I Permission Required: Must be fully admitted; cannot be on probation Field Experience Required
CC 5423 Individual Testing and Assessment
Emphasis is placed on selection of testing materials for application within clinical settings leading to diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders or relationship issues. Issues of cultural and ethnic bias in test development and use will be highlighted. Rights of test takers will be highlighted. Prerequisite: CC 5233 Evaluation Methods in Counseling
CC 5453 Research in the Counseling Professions
A comprehensive overview of assessment and statistical concepts related to social sciences and human behavior. Attention will be placed on quantitative and qualitative methods. Ethical standards of research and assessment will be addressed. Program evaluation and needs assessments will also be explored. Focus will be placed on research to practice efforts.
CC 5513 Internship
Experience and skills building course consisting of 300 total hours in an approved clinical setting. Counseling work will be done under a site supervisor and program faculty member, both with appropriate counselor licensing. Of the total 300 hours, 40% (120 hours) must be in direct client contact. Emphasis is placed on development in clinical work and responsibilities on site. Prerequisites: CC 5123 Counseling Theory and CC 5223 Counseling Theories and Applications Permission Required: Must be fully admitted, cannot be on probation Field Experience Required *May be completed in lieu of CC 5313 Practicum I and CC 5413 Practicum II
Electives
CC 5613 Trauma Informed Therapy
A course dedicated to the study of trauma and treatment methods specific to individuals who have experienced trauma. The history of counseling methodologies in this field will be explored as well as recent research in neurobiological, psychological, sociological and generational aspects of trauma. Counseling techniques will be emphasized for clients across the life span. Prerequisites: CC 5123 Counseling Theory; CC 5133 Clinical Psychopathology
CC 5623 Ethical Standards in Consultation
A course emphasizing ethical standards in working with professional colleagues to enhance counseling and advocacy services to clients. Methods for developing a network of colleagues suitable for consolation will be explored.
CC 5633 Counseling Clients with Personality Disorders
Advanced study of personality disorders including DSM criteria and an integrative approach to etiology. Emphasis will be placed on intervention methods across the life span and methods for treatment of disorders within this category. Prerequisite: CC5123 Counseling Theory; CC 5223 Counseling Theories and Applications or 5613 Trauma Informed Therapy
CC 5643 Clinical Supervision
An examination of career development within the field of counseling and related areas. Includes investigation of personal goals and benchmarks for achievement in educational, practical, ethical and professional identity development. Process stages for supervision will be reviewed as well as criteria for licensing in a variety of fields. Permission Required: Final semester of study and/or program coordinator approval
CC 5713 Group Dynamics and Processes
Experiential course providing theoretical foundations and practical skills development in group counseling settings. Needs assessment and stages of group development will be emphasized. Guidelines for ethical practice within group settings and a personal modality for group practice will be developed. Prerequisites: CC 5113 Introduction to the Counseling Profession and CC 5123 Counseling Theory or program chair approval.
CC 5723 Career and Life Style Development
A comprehensive overview of career development throughout the life span including modern methods in career testing/assessment and strengths recognition. Theoretical perspectives will be presented as well special attention to educational systems and diverse populations. Resources for practice and application will be explored and tested. Emphasis will also be placed on the relationship between career, life style and creating meaning in individual lives.
CC 5733 Social and Cultural Foundations
A survey course highlighting the influence of social, historical, cultural and ideological forces on the individual and institutions. In addition, popular culture and problems will be addressed.
CC 5743 Addictions and Family Systems Counseling
An introduction to theories of counseling related to alcohol/substance abuse and addictions with an emphasis on family systems. Current research and treatment methods will be examined including an integrative approach. Social systems and preventative measures will also be examined in relation to the topic.
CC 5753 Advanced Studies in Human Sexuality
A comprehensive course covering issues related to sexuality and sexual behavior throughout the human lifespan. Gender and orientation will be highlighted. Special attention will be paid to related issues and the application of ethical counseling practices and multicultural competencies.
CC 5763 Marriage and Family Systems in Counseling
An examination of relationships in a wide variety of conceptual frameworks. Contemporary approaches to counseling with an emphasis on systems development and interventions. Theories related to communication style and emotional connection will be reviewed. Prerequisites: CC 5123 Counseling Theory and CC 5223 Counseling Theories and Applications
CC 5773 Somatic Issues in Counseling and Health
A comprehensive view of the mind/body connection as it relates to the understanding of human nature and clinical applications. Includes review of diagnostic criteria for somatic disorders. Highlights research in the areas of socio-emotional and physical health as well as the benefits of yoga, meditation and mindfulness in the counseling professions.
CC 5783 Psychopharmacology
An examination of basic pharmacology principles as they apply to therapeutic medications used to treat common psychological disorders. Emphasis will be on classes of drugs, mechanism of actions, and site of actions in the central nervous system, efficacy and contraindications.
CC 5763 Rehabilitation Counseling
A survey course emphasizing skills and methods related to assisting people with intellectual or physical disabilities to achieve their personal, social, psychological and vocational goals. Emphasis is placed on research and practice in overcoming environmental and attitudinal barriers in addition to adaptive technologies. Prerequisites: CC 5123 Counseling Theory; CC 5223 Counseling Theories and Applications; CC 5213 Ethnicity and Culture in the Counseling Field