Master of Science in Counseling
The Master of Science in Counseling
program prepares students for the counseling profession, which involves the
application of the developmental and social sciences in assisting children and
adults with psychological growth and social adjustment problems.
Counselors work in schools, community agencies, churches, hospitals, and private
practice.
The counseling program provides the elements necessary for certification, licensure, and actual counseling practice. Students acquire knowledge in the disciplines that underlie counseling–including education, psychology, human development, sociology, learning, and social change. They develop the basic skills in therapy and assessment and become familiar with the legal and clinical considerations confronting practitioners. Repeated practice and role playing with feedback and strategic modification are critical to mastery of the skills and are, consequently, an essential part of the program. Successful graduates are able to pursue State Licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), or School Counselors.
The Curriculum
The Master of Science in Counseling degree requires the completion of 54 credit hours, written and oral comprehensive exams, and an internship. A full-time student can complete the program in two years. Classes are delivered over 10-week terms.
Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) Requirements*
HDCN 6300: Introduction to Counseling
HDCN 6304: Counseling Diverse Communities
HDCN 6311: Foundation of Marriage and Family Therapy
HDCN 6314: Sexual Counseling/Therapy
HDCN 6320: Life Span Development
HDCN 6349: Research Design and Statistics
HDCN 6381: Ethics & Mental Health
HDCN 6395: Supervised Clinical Practicum I
* The 45 hours listed above (plus 9 additional elective credit hours) meet or exceed the state requirements for LMFT.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Requirements *
HDCN 6300: Introduction to Counseling
HDCN 6302: Counseling Methods: Individual
HDCN 6303: Counseling Methods: Group
HDCN 6304: Counseling Diverse Communities
HDCN 6320: Life Span Development
HDCN 6321: Lifestyle & Career Development
HDCN 6349: Research Design and Statistics
HDCN 6381: Ethics and Mental Health
HDCN 6395: Supervised Clinical Practicum I
* The 36 hours listed above (plus 18 additional elective credit hours) meet or exceed the state requirements for LPC.
School Counseling Requirements*
HDCN 6300: Introduction to Counseling
HDCN 6302: Counseling Methods: Individual
HDCN 6303: Counseling Methods: Groups
HDCN 6304: Counseling Diverse Communities
HDCN 6320: Life Span Development
HDCN 6321: Lifestyle and Career Development
HDCN 6342: Cognitive, Career and Educational Assessment
HDCN 6349: Research Design and Statistics
HDCN 6381: Ethics and Mental Health
HDCN 6395: Supervised Clinical Practicum I
Once student concentration is decided, the following elective is required.
Either HDCN 6308: Counseling: Elementary School
Or HDCN 6309: Counseling: Secondary School
* The 48 hours listed above (plus 6 additional elective credit hours) meet or exceed the state requirements for School Counseling.
Electives: Only a select number of electives are offered each term.
*Courses available from any track may be taken as electives
HDCN 6305: Advanced Counseling Methods: Individual
HDCN 6306: Advanced Counseling Methods: Group
HDCN 6323: Adolescent Counseling
HDCN 6331: Psychopathology: Child and Adolescent
HDCN 6341: Assessment: Cognitive
HDCN 6342: Cognitive, Career and Educational Assessment
HDCN 6350: Intro to Neuroscience
HDCN 6351: Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse
HDCN 6360: Advanced Educational Psychology
HDCN 6382: Psychology of Conflict
HDCN 6383: Negotiation & Dispute Resolution
HDCN 6384: Mediation & Dispute Resolution
HDCN 6385: Advanced General Psychology
HDCN 6391: Selected Topics: Counseling