College of Education - M.A. in Counseling in Educational Settings
M.A. in Counseling in Educational Settings
Program Objectives
1. Professional Identity - Demonstrate an understanding of the historical and current issues relevant to the counseling profession; and to acquire the practical knowledge and insight into the dynamics of the counselor’s professional role in providing individual, group, person-social, career, and academic counseling services within the ethical guidelines of the counseling profession.
2. Social and Cultural Diversity - Develop an understanding and sensitivity for the developmental, social, and cultural dynamics inherent in all counseling activities in our multicultural and diverse society; and to demonstrate a commitment to improving the welfare of others in a pluralistic society regardless of race, gender, religion, or cultural background.
3. Human Growth and Development - Acquire the knowledge and understanding of the life-long developmental needs of individuals, and of the complex dynamics and influences that affect human behaviors; and to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies to enhance optimal development.
4. Counseling Theory and Skills - Obtain the knowledge of the major counseling theories and develop counseling skills and intervention strategies for enhancing the counseling process; and to promote the development of the prospective counselor’s personal philosophy/model of counseling.
5. Career Development - Develop an understanding of career development theories and related life factors to assist individuals with career planning and decision making.
6. Helping Relationships - Demonstrate an understanding of the counseling processes and the ability to effectively apply relevant counseling skills in meeting clients’ needs; acquire the knowledge and understanding of consultation and the ability to consult with parents and professional colleagues as effective team members of behalf of one’s clients.
7. Group Work - Develop both theoretical and experiential understanding of the principles of group dynamics, purpose, theories of group counseling, group counseling methods and skills, and other group approaches.
8. Assessment - Acquire the knowledge and skills of individual and group appraisal, including the basic concepts of standardized and non-standardized testing, statistical concepts, and strategies for selecting, administering, and interpreting assessment results.
9. Research and Program Evaluation - Develop an understanding of research methods, statistical analysis, needs assessments, and program evaluation techniques for enhancing program effectiveness.
10. Theory into Practice - Apply the knowledge and skills acquired to be an effective school counselor through supervised clinical experiences.
11. Technological Strategies - Acquire the skills and experiences to integrate technological practices and applications within counseling and consultation processes.
12. Ethical Standards - Integrate one’s knowledge and understanding of APA Ethical Standards for Counselors, with an enhanced commitment to one’s personal and professional ethical responsibilities.
