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.

A survey course introducing the counseling profession as the promotion of human development, including an overview of the historical and philosophical development of the field, a survey of relevant skills, client population and settings, and ethical practice. Required of all students preparing to become leaders in the profession of counseling.

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.

Instruction, demonstration, practice, and evaluation in basic interviewing and counseling skills. Emphasis on practice and skill development.

The study of counseling theories and models that facilitate client conceptualization, selection of appropriate interventions, and development of a personal model of counseling.

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.

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.

Secondary professional school counseling programs, including administration, finance, and accountability; cognitive and experiential skills. History and development of school counseling; secondary school education and counseling programs (similarities and differences); group and individual counseling; the counselor's role in school testing; career planning and exploration. Practical experiences.

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

Supervised application of theory and development of counseling skills with clients representing the ethnic and demographic diversity of the community.

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

Introduction to action research and how it can be used to inform practice. Focus on the action research process as an approach to scholarly research, selecting and developing a research topic, ethical considerations in scholarly research, and designing a scholarly research project.

Guides students through the data collection stage of an ongoing scholarly research project. Focus on methods of data collection and analysis; data management; and initial data analysis.

Guides students through the data analysis and reporting stages of an ongoing scholarly research project. Focus on methods of data analysis; framing a scholarly discussion; drawing conclusions; and presenting scholarly work.

Guides students through the process of reporting an ongoing scholarly research project using a five-chapter format and reporting scholarly research to various audiences. Focus on standards for scholarly writing; presenting scholarly work; and application of action research findings.

The second of a two-semester internship in higher education administration. Focus on examining and addressing present and future leadership challenges in an authentic educational setting.