Mental Health Counseling Archive 2020-2021
- MS in Mental Health Counseling (MSMHC) Archive 2020-2021
- Mental Health Counseling Learning Goals & Objectives Archive 2020-2021
- Dual Degree with MPA Archive 2020-2021
- Dual Degree with MSCJS Archive 2020-2021
- Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's in Mental Health Counseling Archive 2020-2021
- Counseling Courses Archive 2020-2021
MS in Mental Health Counseling (MSMHC) Archive 2020-2021
Degree requirements: 18 courses, 60 credits
A minimum program involves sixty credits of coursework depending on undergraduate preparation.
Core Requirements (5 courses, 15 credits)
COUNS-712 Life Span Development
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students
3.00
This course examines the process of human development across the lifespan. While it will focus primarily on psychological processes, the intersection with biological and social processes will be explored as well. The major psychological theories of cognitive, social and emotional development will be covered as will the foundations for individual differences. Special emphasis will be placed on topics of interest to people entering the counseling professions. Normally offered yearly.
COUNS-715 Methods of Research
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
Principles, concepts and methods of research design and statistics associated with psychological and educational research. Practical applications of research studies to a diverse range of interests in education, psychology and counseling. Offered yearly.
COUNS-728 Professional Orientation: Ethical/ Legal Issues
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
An overview of the legal issues confronting counselors, human services providers and administrators. Study of regulatory and licensing matters, standards of care, confidentiality laws, mental health and disability laws and family law, constitutional issues, malpractice and legal/ethical dilemmas in human services.
COUNS-733 Counseling Diverse Populations
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
A survey of problems and issues confronting cultural diversity. The study of ethnicity and sexual orientation as they influence the development of identity. Implications for counseling strategies. Normally offered yearly.
COUNS-735 Group Counseling
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
A study of the practical and theoretical aspects of counseling small groups. There will be provision for a laboratory experience in which students participate in a group and study the dynamics of behavior as this group develops. Group stages of development and leadership skills will also be examined. Normally offered yearly.
Counseling Requirements (8 courses, 30 credits)
COUNS-713 Counseling: Theory & Practice
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students
3.00
Analysis of selected counseling theories representative of the field of counseling psychology. Theories will be selected from the following areas: Psychoanalytic, Psychosocial, Rational, Cognitive Behavioral/Learning Theory, Person-Centered, and Existential Theory. Treatment goals and techniques will be explored.
COUNS-716 Psychological Diagnosis
Completion of COUNS-717. Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
The study of the nature of mental disorders; central concepts and processes. Psychogenesis, psychodynamics, role of anxiety, and clinical assessment using the DSM-IV.
COUNS-717 Introduction to Psychological Testing
COUNS-713(may be taken concurrently). Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
Evaluating, administering, scoring, interpreting, and reporting results of standardized tests of personality, academic performance, cognitive functioning, aptitude, and achievement. Self-study development and assessment of testing programs. Critical issues in testing. Normally offered yearly.
COUNS-737 Counseling Skills Lab
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
An introduction to the fundamental techniques and methods of interpersonal relationships, self-examination, and field visits in relation to the role of the professional counselor. The course will involve skill building through role playing, video and/or audio taping. Normally offered spring semester.
COUNS-738 Mental Health Counseling Practicum I
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
Application of skills in an assigned field placement (school, agency or industry). Students will spend fifteen hours per week in field work and participate in weekly group sessions at the University for the evaluation of progress. Open only to degree candidates in Mental Health Counseling. Offered fall semester.
COUNS-739 Mental Health Counseling Practicum II
Completion of COUNS-738. Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
Continuation of COUNS 738 with an opportunity to assume increased responsibility for clients under supervision. Failure to successfully complete the practicum field experience for any reason following two attempts will result in termination from the program. Offered spring semester.
COUNS-740 Counseling Internship I
Completion of COUNS-738 and COUNS-739. Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
6.00
Application of skills in an approved field placement (school, clinic, hospital, agency, industry) totaling 300 clock hours. The opportunity to develop advanced skills and to integrate professional knowledge appropriate to the field experience. Failure to successfully complete the practicum field experience for any reason following two attempts will result in termination from the program. Offered fall semester.
COUNS-741 Counseling Internship II
Completion of COUNS-740. Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
6.00
Continuation of Counseling Internship I with advanced responsibilities totaling 300 clock hours. Exploration of an area of individual specialization. Failure to successfully complete the practicum field experience for any reason following two attempts will result in termination from the program. Offered spring semester.
Note: COUNS-740 and COUNS-741 are each taken for 6 credits.
Special Treatment Issue Requirement (1 course, 3 credits)
COUNS-727 Substance Abuse & Treatment
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
A study of the origin, contributing factors, and implications of drug and alcohol misuse. Various stages and manifestations of abuse/ dependence will be considered and current treatment modalities will be explored.
COUNS-729 Human Sexuality Seminar
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
The anatomy, physiology and psychology of human sexual functioning are reviewed. Etiology, interpersonal dynamics, and treatment of sexual dysfunctions are reviewed.
Electives (4 courses, 12 credits)
COUNS-725 Forensic Psychological Assessment
COUNS-717. Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
The interface of psychology and the law will be examined in the context of forensic evaluations performed for courts, attorneys and related agencies or facilities. Topics ranging from Competency to Stand Trial and Criminal Responsibility to termination of parental rights and custody and visitation evaluations will be explored. Practical applications of the skills and knowledge domains needed to perform forensic evaluations will be emphasized, as will the study of relevant laws and regulations as applied to forensic assessment. Discussion will include specialized forensic topics such as the evaluation of juvenile sexual offenders and the forensic use of psychological testing.
COUNS-726 Family Therapy
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
Selected models of family therapy will be explored. Special emphasis will be placed on assessment and the acquisition of treatment strategies proven to be effective for counselors in helping families cope with developmental stresses. Normally offered alternate years.
COUNS-732 Psychological Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
This course explores the major psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence from biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives. Attention-deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders, Feeding and Eating Disorders, anxiety and depression are among the disorders explored. Student interest determines other topics. Assessment, treatment, and outcome studies are also discussed. Completion of EHS 701 or EHS 712 is recommended before taking this course. Normally offered alternate years.
COUNS-910 Independent Study
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
1.00- 3.00
Members of the Department will meet with students to direct their research in areas of special interest to them. Projects will be authorized upon the recommendations of the Department Chairperson and with the approval of the Dean.
Practicum & Internship
It is during the Counseling Skills Lab (COUNS-737) and the Mental Health Counseling Practica (COUNS-738 and COUNS-739) that a student demonstrates the ability to translate training into professional judgments and techniques. Students are required to apply formally for the Counseling Internship and to consult with their faculty advisors regarding their field placements. The Counseling Skills Laboratory and the Practicum must be completed with a grade of “B” (3.0) or higher. After two failed attempts to satisfactorily complete the clinical practicum and/or internship, students will be subject to dismissal from the program at the discretion of faculty. Student engagement in unethical behavior as defined by the American Counseling Association (ACA) will be subject to discipline, including potential dismissal from the program, at the time the indiscretion occurs.
Mental Health Counseling Learning Goals & Objectives Archive 2020-2021
Learning goals and objectives reflect the educational outcomes achieved by students through the completion of this program
| Learning Goals |
Learning Objectives |
|---|---|
| Students will... |
Students will be able to... |
| Be provided with foundational training in the field of mental health counseling |
|
| Be trained to become competent practitioners |
|
| Be trained to promote social justice in their professional capacities as counselors |
|
Dual Degree with MPA Archive 2020-2021
The MSMHC is available as a Dual Degree with the Master of Public Administration:
View the MPA/MSMHC Dual Degree Curriculum.
Dual Degree with MSCJS Archive 2020-2021
The MSMHC is available as a Dual Degree with the Master of Science in Criminal Justice Studies:
View the MSCJS/MSMHC Dual Degree Curriculum.
Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's in Mental Health Counseling Archive 2020-2021
Degree Requirements
- Students admitted to this dual degree program must complete all the requirements of the undergraduate Psychology degree program.
- Students must also meet all requirements for the Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.
- The two graduate courses taken during the senior year will count toward BOTH the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. Credit hours will be awarded based on the graduate course description.
- Before enrolling in a particular graduate course during the senior year, a student must obtain permission from the MHC graduate program director.
- Students are subject to the usual standards for academic standing, i.e., undergraduate standards for undergraduate courses and graduate standards for graduate courses.
Upon successful completion of all of the degree requirements, a student will receive a dual Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. The exact degree (BA/BS and Master’s) will be awarded based on the specific undergraduate program the student completes. A student may permanently exit the dual degree program and opt to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree if all the requirements for a Bachelor’s degree have been met. In this case, the graduate courses taken in the senior year will be counted as 4-credit courses applied toward the undergraduate degree requirements.
Counseling Courses Archive 2020-2021
COUNS-712 Life Span Development
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students
3.00
This course examines the process of human development across the lifespan. While it will focus primarily on psychological processes, the intersection with biological and social processes will be explored as well. The major psychological theories of cognitive, social and emotional development will be covered as will the foundations for individual differences. Special emphasis will be placed on topics of interest to people entering the counseling professions. Normally offered yearly.
COUNS-713 Counseling: Theory & Practice
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students
3.00
Analysis of selected counseling theories representative of the field of counseling psychology. Theories will be selected from the following areas: Psychoanalytic, Psychosocial, Rational, Cognitive Behavioral/Learning Theory, Person-Centered, and Existential Theory. Treatment goals and techniques will be explored.
COUNS-715 Methods of Research
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
Principles, concepts and methods of research design and statistics associated with psychological and educational research. Practical applications of research studies to a diverse range of interests in education, psychology and counseling. Offered yearly.
COUNS-716 Psychological Diagnosis
Completion of COUNS-717. Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
The study of the nature of mental disorders; central concepts and processes. Psychogenesis, psychodynamics, role of anxiety, and clinical assessment using the DSM-IV.
COUNS-717 Introduction to Psychological Testing
COUNS-713(may be taken concurrently). Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
Evaluating, administering, scoring, interpreting, and reporting results of standardized tests of personality, academic performance, cognitive functioning, aptitude, and achievement. Self-study development and assessment of testing programs. Critical issues in testing. Normally offered yearly.
COUNS-725 Forensic Psychological Assessment
COUNS-717. Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
The interface of psychology and the law will be examined in the context of forensic evaluations performed for courts, attorneys and related agencies or facilities. Topics ranging from Competency to Stand Trial and Criminal Responsibility to termination of parental rights and custody and visitation evaluations will be explored. Practical applications of the skills and knowledge domains needed to perform forensic evaluations will be emphasized, as will the study of relevant laws and regulations as applied to forensic assessment. Discussion will include specialized forensic topics such as the evaluation of juvenile sexual offenders and the forensic use of psychological testing.
COUNS-726 Family Therapy
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
Selected models of family therapy will be explored. Special emphasis will be placed on assessment and the acquisition of treatment strategies proven to be effective for counselors in helping families cope with developmental stresses. Normally offered alternate years.
COUNS-727 Substance Abuse & Treatment
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
A study of the origin, contributing factors, and implications of drug and alcohol misuse. Various stages and manifestations of abuse/ dependence will be considered and current treatment modalities will be explored.
COUNS-728 Professional Orientation: Ethical/ Legal Issues
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
An overview of the legal issues confronting counselors, human services providers and administrators. Study of regulatory and licensing matters, standards of care, confidentiality laws, mental health and disability laws and family law, constitutional issues, malpractice and legal/ethical dilemmas in human services.
COUNS-729 Human Sexuality Seminar
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
The anatomy, physiology and psychology of human sexual functioning are reviewed. Etiology, interpersonal dynamics, and treatment of sexual dysfunctions are reviewed.
COUNS-732 Psychological Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
This course explores the major psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence from biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives. Attention-deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders, Feeding and Eating Disorders, anxiety and depression are among the disorders explored. Student interest determines other topics. Assessment, treatment, and outcome studies are also discussed. Completion of EHS 701 or EHS 712 is recommended before taking this course. Normally offered alternate years.
COUNS-733 Counseling Diverse Populations
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
A survey of problems and issues confronting cultural diversity. The study of ethnicity and sexual orientation as they influence the development of identity. Implications for counseling strategies. Normally offered yearly.
COUNS-735 Group Counseling
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
A study of the practical and theoretical aspects of counseling small groups. There will be provision for a laboratory experience in which students participate in a group and study the dynamics of behavior as this group develops. Group stages of development and leadership skills will also be examined. Normally offered yearly.
COUNS-737 Counseling Skills Lab
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
An introduction to the fundamental techniques and methods of interpersonal relationships, self-examination, and field visits in relation to the role of the professional counselor. The course will involve skill building through role playing, video and/or audio taping. Normally offered spring semester.
COUNS-738 Mental Health Counseling Practicum I
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
Application of skills in an assigned field placement (school, agency or industry). Students will spend fifteen hours per week in field work and participate in weekly group sessions at the University for the evaluation of progress. Open only to degree candidates in Mental Health Counseling. Offered fall semester.
COUNS-739 Mental Health Counseling Practicum II
Completion of COUNS-738. Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
3.00
Continuation of COUNS 738 with an opportunity to assume increased responsibility for clients under supervision. Failure to successfully complete the practicum field experience for any reason following two attempts will result in termination from the program. Offered spring semester.
COUNS-740 Counseling Internship I
Completion of COUNS-738 and COUNS-739. Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
6.00
Application of skills in an approved field placement (school, clinic, hospital, agency, industry) totaling 300 clock hours. The opportunity to develop advanced skills and to integrate professional knowledge appropriate to the field experience. Failure to successfully complete the practicum field experience for any reason following two attempts will result in termination from the program. Offered fall semester.
COUNS-741 Counseling Internship II
Completion of COUNS-740. Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
6.00
Continuation of Counseling Internship I with advanced responsibilities totaling 300 clock hours. Exploration of an area of individual specialization. Failure to successfully complete the practicum field experience for any reason following two attempts will result in termination from the program. Offered spring semester.
COUNS-910 Independent Study
Restricted to Mental Health Counseling students only. Program Director approval required for all other students.
1.00- 3.00
Members of the Department will meet with students to direct their research in areas of special interest to them. Projects will be authorized upon the recommendations of the Department Chairperson and with the approval of the Dean.