Required Courses: Master of Arts in School Counseling
CNSL500 - INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING AND PERSONALITY THEORIES
An introduction and overview of the prominent theoretical approaches to counseling will be provided, including the presentation of personality conceptualization underlying various approaches. Each theoretical model will be reviewed in terms of therapeutic process, client/therapist relationship, as well as specific goal and techniques. Theoretical approaches will be critiqued from a Christian perspective. This course is predominantly lecture based with emphasis on student dialogue.
CNSL503 - INTRODUCTION TO SPECIAL EDUCATION AND INCLUSION PRACTICES
This course is designed to enable students to understand and intervene with special needs students. The course will provide a historical overview of Special Education, including legislation and litigation issues. Students will examine current practices in the field, including classifications/definitions, patterns of behavior, assessment and intervention strategies.
CNSL507 - GROUPS FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
This course will teach research-based interventions and techniques for planning and implementing groups for children and adolescents in both school and clinical settings. Specific areas explored are topic-focused group counseling, group guidance, group process, outcome evaluation and ethics of group counseling. Each student is required to plan and conduct several group counseling experiences.
CNSL511 – LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT
This course will review the current research in human development across the lifespan. It is a study of the developmental changes that occur from conception to death. Special emphasis is given to significant developmental milestones that impact the counseling relationship.
CNSL514 - SCHOOL LAW, ETHICS AND PUPIL SERVICES
This course will explore school law, regulations and ethical issues with an emphasis on ethical decision-making. An overview of the philosophy of educational counseling and psychological services will be addressed as well as an exploration of other service delivery models in pupil services that address the needs of divergent learners. Further topics include the organizational structure of schools, increasing parental/caretaker involvement and inclusion practices.
CNSL518 - PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND DIAGNOSIS
This course is an advanced study of abnormal human behavior, including a description of symptoms, causes, and treatment. An emphasis is placed on study of the DSM-IV-TR along with case presentations. A Christian view of suffering and pathology is provided. Grade of “B” or better required. (Prerequisite or corequisite: CNSL 609)
CNSL519 - FOUNDATIONS OF SCHOOL COUNSELING
This course provides a comprehensive overview of educational counseling services. Professional orientation, design and delivery of curriculum including developmental guidance curricula, the analysis of program progress and effectiveness, technology for counselors, inclusion practices and contemporary issues also are addressed. Course also includes developing referral resources, learning school conference techniques, and building strong relationships with administration, staff, parents/caregivers and students. Grade of B or better is required.
CNSL527 - SOCIAL AND CULTURAL FOUNDATIONS OF COUNSELING PRACTICE
This course is designed to introduce students to a critical examination of the issues, perspectives, and challenges involved in a multicultural and diverse society. An examination of human differences will be discussed, including racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, religious, age, sexual orientation, disability issues, and gender differences. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of cultural competence and the exploration of ethical issues involved in multicultural counseling.
CNSL545 - CAREER DEVELOPMENT THEORY AND PRACTICE
A survey of theories and practices relating to career development with children, adolescents, and adults in the context of changing economic, psychological, social, and educational contexts. (Prerequisite: CNSL 500)
CNSL575 - RESEARCH DESIGN/STATISTICS
Analysis of major types of social science research, familiarization with biographical sources and literature survey procedures; evaluation; implication and application of research; basic statistics; survey of computerized statistical programs.
CNSL601 - INTRODUCTION TO CHILD AND ADOLESCENT COUNSELING
This course introduces the theory and practice of brief and long-term research-based counseling interventions with children and adolescents. Students will demonstrate counseling skills with child and adolescent volunteer clients recruited by the student. Learning to build effective partnerships with caretakers, school personnel and other mental health professionals to promote success in the lives of children and adolescents will be addressed. Grade of B or Better required. (Prerequisite or Co-requisite: CNSL500)
CNSL611 - INTRODUCTION TO ASSESSMENT
This course surveys the major concepts in assessment, including the social, legal, and ethical issues involved in construction, selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychological tests. Students will be introduced to the major categories of assessment instruments and to representative instruments in each category. A grade of B or better is required for School Psychology student to progress to CNSL615. (Materials fee applies)
CNSL617 - CONSULTATION AND ADVANCED INCLUSION PRACTICES
This course introduces the theory and practice of consultation, behavior, social and learning support in the schools. Students will demonstrate consultation skills, learn applied behavior analysis, practice progress monitoring, develop behavior intervention plans, use research-based intervention strategies, and observe and critically review classroom environments and instructional approaches for diverse student populations. (Prerequisites: CNSL 500, 503, 511, 514)
CPSY620 - ADVANCED CHILD AND ADOLESCENT COUNSELING
This course is the second of two courses designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to provide effective counseling interventions for children and adolescents. This course focuses on advanced, research-based counseling strategies applied to specific mental health problems that are common to school-aged populations. Students will demonstrate counseling skills with child and adolescent volunteer clients recruited by the student. Grade of B or Better Required. (Prerequisite: CNSL601)
CNSL634 - SCHOOL COUNSELING PRACTICUM
This course is designed to prepare students for field placement. Students will observe and participate in a variety of educational counseling experiences. Students with a background in education are to complete the required 60 hours of assigned pre-practicum experiences. Non-educators are required to complete an additional 15 hours of classroom observation. Appropriate documentation of all assigned experiences is required. Grade of “B” or better required. (Prerequisites: CNSL 500, 503, 507, 514, 609, 611; [elementary] CNSL 601; [secondary] CNSL 602; Corequisite: CNSL 519)
CNSL635 - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELING INTERNSHIP
In order to be eligible for this course, the student must have approval of the department and be in "Good Academic Standing." The practicum is a 300-hour supervised experience in an approved elementary setting that emphasizes skills relevant to educational counseling. Group and individual supervision provided. Ethical considerations are reviewed. Graded Pass/Fail. (Prerequisite: CNSL 634)
CNSL637 - SECONDARY SCHOOL COUNSELING INTERNSHIP
In order to be eligible for this course, the student must have approval of the department and be in "Good Academic Standing." The practicum is a 300-hour supervised experience in an approved secondary setting that emphasizes skills relevant to educational counseling. Group and individual supervision provided. Ethical considerations are reviewed. (Prerequisites: CNSL 545, 634)
For a listing of all courses in our department click here to view graduate catalog.
