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Master of Arts in Community Counseling and Master of Arts in School Counseling


Department Of Educational Administration And Counseling (CP) (GC)(EA) (EM) (GR)

Dr. I. Sue Shepard, Chairperson

(573) 651-2427, E-mail: isshepard@semovm.semo.edu

Admission Requirements

The process of admission to the Counseling Program does not begin until a student has made application and been accepted into the School of Graduate Studies. See "Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs"and "Procedures for Admission".

For regular admission leading to a Master of Arts Degree in School Counseling or Community Counseling, applicants must present the following:

  1. For the program in Community Counseling an undergraduate preparation of either 24 credit hours in psychology, counseling, and/or sociology or psychology, counseling, or sociology-focused university studies courses, including a 3 credit course in statistics and a 3 credit course in psychological testing.
  2. For the areas of emphasis in Elementary School Counseling and Secondary School Counseling, applicants must either hold teaching certification at the appropriate level or provide evidence of competency in the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's required areas of teaching methods, teaching practices, classroom management, and psychology of the exceptional child..
  3. For the post master's emphasis for School Psychological Examiner students must have a Master's Degree approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and have teacher's certification.
  4. An undergraduate cumulative 3.0 grade point average (g.p.a.).
  5. Combined scores on the verbal and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) at the 50th percentile.
  6. Three letters of recommendation, two of which must be from persons familiar with the student's academic and professional capabilities.
  7. The application, three letters of recommendation, and GRE scores must be received in the Graduate Office by April 1st for Summer enrollment, July 1st for Fall enrollment and by November 1st for Spring enrollment.
  8. A one semester provisional admission will be considered for applicants with the appropriate prerequisite coursework, a 3.0 undergraduate g.p.a., and at least one letter of recommendation on file.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants for admission into the Counseling Programs must complete the following procedures:

  1. The class CP610 Counseling Orientation and Ethics must be taken during the first semester in the counseling program. During this class the student will be exposed to a variety of experiences that will assist the student and the faculty in determining if this is the program for the student. During the first semester, students are strongly encouraged to limit their efforts to no more than 6 credit hours.
  2. A Preliminary Initial Study Plan.
  3. Students must complete a designated battery of screening instruments to be conducted by the Counseling Program faculty.
  4. After completion of the screening instruments, an interview with members of the Counseling Program Faculty will be arranged.
  5. In making its admission decision, the faculty uses multiple factors including undergraduate g.p.a., GRE scores, recommendations, progress CP610, the screening instruments, and interview. Following the screening the faculty will either offer regular admission, probationary admission, or denial of admission.
  6. If admission is offered, an advisor will assist the applicant in planning a program of courses to be taken (Detailed Initial Study Plan); this complete plan will be filed with the student's advisor and the applicant may commence taking courses as outlined in the plan.

Provisional And Regular Admission

After Steps 1-7 applicants may be admitted to the counseling program on a provisional status. Upon successful completion of Steps 8-11 students will be accepted for regular status.

Probationary Admission

Probationary admission will be considered by the program admissions committee if:

Appeals Process

Applicants who are denied admission have the opportunity to appeal to the College of Education Graduate Appeals Committee.

Program Retention

The counseling faculty reserves the right to review students at any stage of the student's coursework. A review process will automatically be triggered by any grade less than a "B" or equivalent in any of the following courses: CP610 Counseling Orientation and Ethics, CP614 Counseling Skills, and all Practica and Internships (CP681, CP684, CP680, CP686, CP 687, CP682 and CP683). This review has the potential to terminate the student's degree program.

Application For Candidacy

An Application for Candidacy must be completed prior to enrollment in practica and prior to the last sixteen hours of coursework applicable to the degree. Eligibility to file for candidacy requires a 3.5 g.p.a. on program related courses. Advancement to candidacy signifies full admission to the programs.

Non-Thesis/Thesis

The student has a choice of writing a thesis and taking an oral exam or writing a non-thesis paper and taking comprehensive exams. Non-theses must be completed the semester before graduation. Work closely with your paper advisor. For more information refer to "Thesis" and "Non-Thesis Paper".

Graduation Requirement

Students in the programs in counseling must achieve a 3.25 graduate g.p.a. to be eligible to graduate.

Master of Arts in Community Counseling

Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. A. Zaidy Mohdzain

(573) 651-2417, E-mail: zmohdzain@semovm.semo.edu

Core Course Requirements

The 48 hour program in Community Counseling consists of the following courses:

Course Number
Course Title
Hours
CP610
Counseling Orientation and Ethics
3
CP611 Developmental Theories    3
CP612
Counseling Theories
3
CP613 Social & Cultural Aspects of Counseling    3
CP614
Counseling Skills
3
CP615 Career Development    3
CP616
Group Counseling
3
CP617 or PY636
Assessment in Counseling or Personality Assessment
3
GR691
Methods of Research:  Qualitative and Quantitative Designs
3
CP640
Counseling in Community Agencies
3
CP643 or PY644
Psychodiagnostics and Treatment or Advanced Psychopathology
3
CP680
Counseling Practicum
3
CP686 Internship -- Community    6
CP687 Internship -- Community    3
Electives
Choose 3 hours Electives
3
Total

48

Notes:

Since new courses are added periodically to the curriculum, students should work closely with their advisor when planning a program.

Students who are interested in being licensed by the state of Missouri as a Licensed Professional Counselor must work closely with their respective advisors to ensure that they meet all of the requirements needed to stand for licensure.

Master of Arts in School Counseling

Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Doris Skelton

(573) 651-2137, E-mail: dskelton@semovm.semo.edu

The 48 hour program in School Counseling consists of three emphasis areas:

Requirements-Emphasis in Elementary School Counseling


Course Number
Course Title
Hours
GR691
Methods of Research:  Qualitative and Quantitative Designs
3
CP610
Counseling Orientation and Ethics
3
CP612
Counseling Theories
3
CP614
Counseling Skills
3
CP616
Group Counseling
3
CP630
Foundations of School Counseling
3
CP611
Developmental Theories
3
CP613
Social and Cultural Aspects of Counseling
3
CP615
Career Development
3
CP617
Assessment in Counseling
3
CP631
Consultation and Counseling Issues in Schools
3
CP680
Counseling Practicum
3
CP682
Internship - Elementary
3
CP684 Internship -- School Counseling

both elementary and secondary internships required for K-12)

  3-6
  A total of 9 internship credits required   
Elective

3
Total

48

Requirements-Emphasis in Secondary School Counseling

Course Number
Course Title
Hours
GR691
Methods of Research:  Qualitative and Quantitative Designs
3
CP610
Counseling Orientation and Ethics
3
CP612
Counseling Theories
3
CP614
Counseling Skills
3
CP616
Group Counseling
3
CP630
Foundations of School Counseling
3
CP611
Developmental Theories
3
CP613
Social and Cultural Aspects of Counseling
3
CP615
Career Development
3
CP617
Assessment in Counseling
3
CP631
Consultation and Counseling Issues in Schools
3
CP680
Counseling Practicum
3
CP683
Internship - Secondary
3
CP684 Internship -- School Counseling

(both elementary and secondary internships required for K-12)

 3-6
  A total of 9 internship credits required  
Elective

3
Total

48

School Psychological Examiner Certification

The initial certificate is issued for a five year period to those who meet the following requirements:

  1. Completion of a master's degree from a college or university meeting approval of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in one of the following areas:
    • Psychology
    • Educational Psychology
    • School Counseling
    • Education
  2. A valid teaching certificate.
  3. Recommendation for certification from the designated official of a college or university approved to train elementary and secondary school counselors by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
  4. A minimum of two years teaching experience approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. (Please note that coursework applicable to this certificate may be taken prior to completing the teaching requirement.)
  5. Completion of a course in psychology and education of the exceptional child for two or more semester hours.
  6. A minimum of 24 credit hours of professional preparation at the graduate level with competencies demonstrated in all areas listed to the satisfaction of a college or university meeting approval of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
  7. Missouri certification is also based on the possession of knowledge and/or competency in several areas. Students must work closely with their respective advisors to determine the existence of knowledge and/or competencies in order to select the most appropriate courses.
  8. Individuals seeking certification only should see "Admission Classifications" item 4.B.

Requirements for Examiner Certificate

In addition to the requirements for the areas of emphasis in either elementary, secondary or higher education counseling for the school counseling program, to be certified as a school psychological examiner the following courses also must be taken:
Course Number
Course Title
Hours
CP611
Developmental Theories
3
CP615
Career Development
3
CP735
Intelligence Testing
3
CP617
Assessment in Counseling
3
CP655
Advanced Educational Processes
3
CP639
Testing Practicum
3
CP643
Psychodiagnostics and Treatment
3
PY571
Introduction to Behavioral Statistics
3
Total

24

Notes:

Since new courses are added periodically to the curriculum, students must work closely with their respective advisors when planning a program.

Students who are interested in working in a school setting must obtain certification from the state of Missouri.

Elementary And/or Secondary School Counselor's Certificate

The initial certificate is issued for a five year period to those who meet the following requirements:

  1. A valid teaching certificate (elementary or secondary) as required to teach in the public schools of Missouri. (Please note that coursework applicable to this certificate may be taken prior to completing the teaching requirement.)
  2. A minimum of two years of approved teaching experience.
  3. Completion of a course in psychology and education of the exceptional child for two or more semester hours.
  4. Completion of a master's degree with a major emphasis in school counseling from a college or university meeting approval of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
  5. One year of accumulated paid employment (other than teaching or counseling).
  6. Recommendation for certification from the designated official of a college or university approved to train elementary or secondary school counselors by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education based upon the completion of a planned program of at least 24 credit hours of approved graduate credit in courses in guidance and counseling with at least 12 credit hours focused upon guidance and counseling in the elementary or secondary schools.
  7. Missouri certification is also based on the possession of knowledge and/or competency in several areas. Students must work closely with their respective advisors to determine the existence of knowledge and/or competencies in order to select the most appropriate courses.

Course Descriptions

Counseling Program (CP)

CP531: Sexual Offender Treatment

Treatment components specific to sex offender therapy are emphasized. Differences between treating sex offenders and other clients will be addressed. (3 credit hours)

CP610: Counseling Orientation and Ethics

Personal characteristics, professional responsibilities, legal and ethical issues, and helping skills relating to counseling will be explored and acquired with an emphasis on experiential learning. (3 credit hours)

CP611: Developmental Theories

Designed to provide the prospective counselor with knowledge and understanding of the nature and needs of clients at different developmental levels, normal and abnormal human behavior, personality theory and learning theory. Counseling interventions for specific problem areas will be stressed. Prerequisite: CP610 or permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP612: Counseling Theories

Theories and techniques of counseling utilized in diverse settings including elementary, secondary, post-secondary schools and agencies, with an emphasis on practical strategies for developing and delivering services through organized counseling programs. This exploration of a variety of counseling theories provides a foundation for practice for professional counselor. Prerequisite: CP610 or permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP613: Social and Cultural Aspects of Counseling

This course provides a study of social changes and trends in sex roles stereotyping, societal subgroups, and different lifestyles. Attention is given to how stereotyping has influenced counselors' judgments in counseling different populations. Prerequisite: CP610 or permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP614: Counseling Skills

Provides an understanding of the philosophic bases of the counseling processes.  It focuses on the application of counseling theories and skills, emphasizing the analysis of the student’s own counseling style and performance.  The student will explore self as performing the role of counselor, counselee and observer of the counseling process. The student will learn facilitating skills to bring about change for counselees, honoring diversity and multiculturalism.  Prerequisite(s):  CP-610 Counseling Orientation and Ethics, and CP-612 Counseling Theories or Permission of the instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP615: Career Development

Study of career development theories and decision-making models, career planning, career education, sources of educational and occupational information, nature and structure of the world of work, and leisure and lifestyle development. (3 credit hours)

CP616: Group Counseling

Provides the student an understanding of group process, dynamics, skills, and theories. Provide the student an opportunity to investigate and experience group procedures which may be used to maximize human potential in professional counseling. Attention will be given to working with specific populations. Prerequisites: CP610, CP614 CP612 and permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP617: Assessment in Counseling

The application of psychometric assessment techniques to increase understanding of the student/client and develop an individualized plan of assistance. Prerequisites: CP610 and ED615 or PY531. (3 credit hours)

CP620: Foundations of Higher Education I: The Context

An overview of higher education. Exploration of the historical development of higher education; the philosophical aspects; current functions, issues and participants; and considerations related to the future status of higher education institutions. (3 credit hours)

CP621: Finance and Assessment in Higher Education

An examination of financial and assessment components of higher education. Prerequisites: CP620 or permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP622: Foundations in Higher Education II: Leadership

A study of leadership, planning, public policy, and organizational change as it applies to effective administration in higher education.  (3 credit hours)

CP623: Principles and Practices in Higher Education

Development of a basic understanding of the nature of administrative work in higher education. Topics include legal and ethical issues, management theory, selection, training, supervision, evaluation, and program development. Prerequisites: CP620 or permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP624: Theories of Collegiate Student Development

A study and application of developmental theory as it relates to the higher education student, the higher education environment, and the interaction between student and environment. Prerequisite: Admission to the program or permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP625: Cultural Diversity in Higher Education

Exploration of the various contexts and cultures that shape students' collegiate experiences. Exploring issues of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation and their influence on colleges and universities. Prerequisites: CP620 or permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP630: Foundations of School Counseling

The history and trends of the modern school guidance and counseling movement and an examination of the challenges and situations the school counselor faces in the school setting. Skill development for effective delivery of a comprehensive guidance program emphasizing cultural diversities and special needs. (3 credit hours)

CP631: Consultation and Counseling Issues in Schools

Designed to provide the prospective school-based helping professional with the knowledge of theories and techniques to be an effective consultant with administration, staff and parents regarding the school learning environment, classroom management and individual student concerns including ADHD, School violence, anger management, bullying, discipline, crisis intervention. Prerequisites: CP610 or permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP639: Testing Practicum

Practice in an educational or clinical setting with an emphasis on the utilization of tests. Prerequisites: CP735 and permission of instructor. Credit/Non-credit. (3 credit hours)

CP640: Counseling in Community Agencies

An overview of the role and scope of the community counselor, the community counseling agency, and the community counseling service programs. Prerequisites: CP610 or permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP643: Psychodiagnostics and Treatment

Introduction to Psychodiagnostics using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Emphasis will be placed on developing a working knowledge of the organizational structure and the professional terminology used in the manual and subsequent treatment plan development including an introduction to Psychopharmacology. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP644: Counseling Ethics

Designed to provide the prospective counselor with the knowledge of the profession's ethical and legal standards: their evaluation, methods of change, and applications to various professional activities. (1 credit hours)

CP645: Marriage and Family Counseling

An overview of the historical development and principal conceptualizations of marital and family counseling. (3 credit hours)

CP651: Professional Issues in Counseling

Directed study of special topics, issues and trends in counseling through seminars, forums, etc. (1-3 credit hours)

CP652: Counseling Children and Youth

Focus will be given to the definition, history and basic assumptions of play therapy. Process and skills will be reviewed along with the application of therapeutic strategies to high incidence childhood emotional and behavioral disorders and problems. Prerequisites: CP610 and CP614, or permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP653: Family Dynamics and the Exceptional Child

Designed to provide the teachers with the basic skills in working with families of the exceptional child. To facilitate parental skills in using management techniques with the child at home. (3 credit hours)

CP654: Prevention Strategies for Adolescents

Opportunity to develop an atmosphere with diminished misbehavior as adolescents become more capable. Adolescent-adult interactions in communication, self-esteem, encouragement and decision-making will be emphasized. (1 credit hour)

CP655: Advanced Educational Processes

This course is a requirement for the School Psychological Examiner Certification in the elementary, middle and secondary schools. It is designed to provide an understanding of student characteristics and methods of assessing and evaluating variability of students and their performance. Prerequisite: ED615 or permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP661: Substance Abuse Counseling

This course will provide counselors with techniques which are useful for adapting their existing skills to the special needs of substance abusing clients. (3 credit hours)

CP662: Gerontological Counseling

Provides the student the opportunity to develop a better conceptual system for understanding the phenomena of aging. Students will gain personal insight and learn practical counseling skills necessary for meeting the demands of coping with aging in our society. (3 credit hours)

CP671: Counselor Supervision

Designed to concentrate on the techniques of supervision of counselor trainees and practicing counselors. Emphasis is placed on theories and methodology of supervising staff in education institutions, government, and other agency settings. Prerequisite: GC657 or GC658 or consent of the instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP673: Advanced Group Counseling

Advanced study of group theory, techniques, and leadership skills. The student will conduct a group under the supervision of the instructor. Prerequisite: CP616 or permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP680: Counseling Practicum

The first course of a two-course sequence where emphasis is placed on supervised practice with clients in a selected community agency, school, college counseling center or other appropriate setting. Prerequisite(s): CP-610 Orientation to Counseling, CP-614 Counseling Skills, CP-612 , CP-616 (may be taken concurrently) and permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP682: Internship-Elementary

Counseling internships are designed to give the student practical learning in his or her chosen school environment.   All students must have a total of nine (9) internship credits. Each internship credit is equivalent to 66.7 clock hours for a total of 600 internship hours.  (Note: As of  Spring 2003 graded course)  Prerequisite:  CP680 Counseling Practicum completed with credit.  Permission of instructor.  (3 credit hours)

CP683: Internship-Secondary

Counseling internships are designed to give the student practical learning in his or her chosen school environment.   All students must have a total of nine (9) internship credits. Each internship credit is equivalent to 66.7 clock hours for a total of 600 internship hours.  (Note: As of  Spring 2003 graded course)  Prerequisite:  CP680 Counseling Practicum completed with credit.  Permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

CP684: Internship-School Counseling

Counseling internships are designed to give the student practical learning in his or her chosen school environment.  All students must have a total of nine (9) internship credits.  Each internship credit is equivalent to 66.7 clock hours for a total of 600 internship hours.  (Note:  As of Spring 2003 graded course) Prerequisites: Completion of CP680 or permission of instructor. Credit/Noncredit. (3-6 credit hours)

CP686: Internship-Community

Counseling internships are designed to give the student practical learning in his or her chosen environment.   All students must have a total of nine (9) internship credits.  Each internship credit is equivalent to 66.7 clock hours for a total of 600 internship hours. (As of Spring 2003, a graded course)  Prerequisite:  CP-680 Counseling Practicum completed with credit.  Permission of instructor.  (6 credit hours)

CP687: Internship-Community

Counseling internships are designed to give the student practical learning in his or her chosen environment.   All students must have a total of nine (9) internship credits.  Each internship credit is equivalent to 66.7 clock hours for a total of 600 internship hours. (As of Spring 2003, a graded course)  Prerequisite:  CP-680 Counseling Practicum completed with credit.  Permission of instructor.  (3 credit hours)

CP688: Advanced Internship in Counseling

Advanced Internship consists of 120 clock hours per credit hour in an appropriate counseling setting under appropriate supervision. Prerequisite: Master's degree in counseling or credit equivalent (48 credit hours), a minimum of 600 acceptable and verifiable clock hours of counseling experience, and permission of instructor. (1-5 credit hours)

CP695: Independent Study in Counseling

Independent study designed to meet specific needs of students who may wish to pursue additional study of selected topics. (1-3 credit hours)

CP696: Thesis

A written report based upon investigation of some subject or the completion of a creative project. See "Thesis" for additional information. (variable credit hours)

CP731: Educational Specialist Counseling Seminar

Directed study of current issues and trends in Counseling through seminars and forums culminating with solutions, interventions, and/or implementation strategies. The seminar will cover concerns such as violence, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, spirituality and current "best practices." Prerequisite: Master's Degree or Permission of Instructor. (3 credit hours)

ED615: Tests and Measurements for the Classroom Teacher

A study of standardized tests and teacher-made tests as to purpose, construction, administration, and interpretation. (3 credit hours)

GR691: Methods of ResearchQualitative and Quantitative Designs

Designed to prepare students to understand, interpret, evaluate, and design qualitative and quantitative  research as well as develop the ability to select and use appropriate research methods.  (3 credit hours)

PY644: Advanced Psychopathology

Advanced study of the clinical features, causes, and treatment of the major forms of psychopathology. Prerequisite: Undergraduate course in abnormal psychology or consent of the instructor. (3 credit hours)

See "Graduate Course Listings" for a complete list of graduate courses and descriptions.


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