Schedule of Classes

Studies that provide an understanding of the nature and needs of persons at all developmental levels and in multicultural contexts, including common theories, neurobiological behavior, models of resiliency, exceptional abilities, factors that affect normal and abnormal behavior, and wellness over the life span. Experiential activities emphasize personal contact and on-site work with people of different ages and stages of physical and psychological development.

Independent study in a selected area related to educational goals.

Research methods, statistical analysis, needs assessment, and program evaluation utilized in counseling, education, and human service administration. The use of research to inform evidence-based and ethical practice in decision making is emphasized.

Theory and practice related to interpersonal communication, organizational behavior, and leadership are addressed. Students analyze the neuroanatomy of leadership on four levels: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship Leadership skills are developed in the context of mentoring, conflict resolution, and work group dynamics.

This introductory neurocounseling course will teach students how physiology and the brain affect behavior and emotions and thus impact counseling. Concise self-regulation methods and strategies for integration into counseling will be offered.

Basic counseling skills for career planning, exploration, and decision-making across the life span. Theories of career development, assessment in career counseling, career guidance programs for primary, secondary, and higher education, and career issues for special populations are addressed. Opportunity for practical experience in interviewing, assessment, and career information gathering and distribution is provided.

Group theory and experiential understanding of group counseling dynamics including group purpose, practices, methods, and group leader facilitation skills for a multicultural society will be taught. Students will receive supervised practice and experience in group counseling as a leader and as a participant.

Offers students the opportunity to better understand the supervisory process. Evidenced-based supervision (EBS), different models of supervision and a common factors approach are emphasized. Integration of neurocounseling into supervision is discussed.

Individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation in a multicultural society including historical perspectives, basic concepts of standardized and non-standardized testing, and other assessment techniques. Statistical concepts and social/cultural factors related to assessment and evaluation.

Principles of clinical mental health counseling including prevention, intervention, consultation, and advocacy as well as operation of programs and networks that promote mental health in a multicultural society.

Students will learn about the history and development of elementary and middle school counseling programs, including their administration, financing, and accountability. Using current neuroscience and neurocounseling research on teaching and learning, students will be introduced to reading methods; reading in the content areas; cognitive, experiential, and social-emotional learning skills; methods for group and individual counseling; and methods for counseling students with disabilities and students from diverse populations.

Theories and techniques of couples and family counseling. Emphasis is on working with couples, families, and children to promote human development, including the role of the family counselor within the network of school and clinical mental health settings.

The mental health dynamics of aging and its impact on the human service professions. Practical skills of gerontological counseling and their relationship to the concerns of aging.

The course reviews all disability categories related to special education services and includes appropriate staffing and instructional methods for students with exceptionalities. Course content provides information on state and federal requirements relative to students where English is not their primary language and the statutory provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). An examination of stakeholders and participants in special education services, identification/evaluation of services, appropriate instructional methods, least restrictive environment, related services, and free and appropriate education.

Comprehensive supervised experience that reflects a professional counselor's work appropriate to the students' designated program area.