School Curriculum

Intensive study of counseling theories that provides the student with models to conceptualize client presentation and that helps the student select appropriate counseling interventions. This course exposes models of counseling that are consistent with current professional research and practice in the field.

An examination of the basic elements of research methodology and statistical analysis. There will be an emphasis on the importance of applying research within the field of counseling as it relates to advancing the profession and using empirical evidence to inform the delivery of services. Students will learn to critically evaluate and apply research findings. Special attention will be given to ethical and multicultural considerations.

An examination of major career theoretical approaches and decision-making models, along with the interrelationships of work with relevant life factors, including the roles of multicultural and diversity issues. In addition, career assessment instruments and techniques, general career/occupational resources, and counseling interventions will be evaluated.

An introductory counseling experience where students demonstrate counseling techniques shown to be effective when working with specific populations of clients with mental and emotional disorders. Students learn to modify interventions to make them culturally appropriate for diverse populations.

Prerequisites: EDHD 602, COUN 605, COUN 625. Co-requisites: COUN 614, COUN 620, COUN 670. Designed to give students an on-site, structured introduction to the role and function of the school counselor. Under the supervision of an appropriately credentialed site supervisor, the student offers counseling services and engages in other professional responsibilities related to school guidance and counseling programs. The course is designed to meet standards set forth by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the licensure regulations of the Virginia Department of Education. Note: A mandatory criminal and social services background check must be conducted in the prior semester at the student’s expense.

An examination of group dynamics, ethical issues special to group work, and group leadership skills. Topics include member roles, stages of group development, and leadership styles and techniques. As required by CACREP, students participate in small group activities for a minimum of 10 hours over the course of the academic term.

A study of the role and function of the professional school counselor. Emphasis is placed on the structure and implementation of a balanced school counseling program that incorporates developmentally sound individual, small group, and classroom guidance activities to provide academic, career, and personal/social advising and counseling. The counselor’s role within the total school program in the areas of leadership, collaboration, consultation, staffing initiatives, assessment, and the coordination of related services is also analyzed.

Prerequisite: EDHD 602. Overview of several theoretical constructs and approaches to family therapy, including a study of the structural school, systems approaches, Bowen’s theory of family systems, and the contributions of Alfred Adler. Topics include sexual dysfunctions, divorce, sexual assault, and families of poverty.

An overview of test design, construction, and application. Emphasis is placed on intellectual, cognitive, and educational tests, while personality, vocational, and interest inventories also are introduced. Purposes and interpretations are approached historically, theoretically, and statistically.

Examination and application of counseling strategies appropriate for culturally diverse clients; focuses on the need for counselors to examine their own feelings and attitudes toward diverse populations.

An in-depth examination of the major legal and ethical issues facing the counseling profession. Extensive work with case studies is included.

Prerequisites: COUN 625, COUN 605, COUN 616, COUN 620, COUN 630, COUN 670, EDHD 602. Designed to give students the opportunity to demonstrate and improve their counseling skills in a school setting. Students complete a (600 hours) counseling experience in a K-12 school setting under both College and field supervision. In addition, participation in a weekly group supervision session is required. Note: A mandatory criminal and social services background check must be conducted in the prior semester at the student’s expense.

Focuses on the development of the individual from conception through intricate changes of growth and aging over the life span, including information about scientific discoveries and personal insights throughout life.

Provides an overview of the special education field. Particular attention is given to federal and state rules and regulations that govern implementation of special services, basic knowledge relating to disability characteristics and causes, and current trends in special education (e.g., the issue of inclusion and accommodation of special learners in general education settings). Note: This course (or its equivalent) is prerequisite to all other courses in special education.

A course requiring students to integrate counseling theories, skills, and techniques relevant to counseling children and adolescents in school and community/agency settings. Application of developmental theory, appropriate technique selection and issues relevant to this specific population will be explored in the course.

Prerequisite: COUN 620 or permission of the instructor. Built on the principles and skills taught in COUN 620, this course gives students the opportunity to co-lead an Adlerian-based parent education group under the supervision of the course instructor and an a read counseling professional. Emphasis is on the synthesis of group counseling theory through direct experience leading a group and on the mastery and application of the parenting skills utilized for work with families in any counseling setting.

  This course is designed to provide an in-depth look at counseling issues and dynamics specific to clients who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender.  Content will highlight and differentiate the experiences of LGBT people and provide information related to the identity development of individuals within each sub-group of the greater LGBT community.  Additional topics will be covered that include but are not limited to empirical research on the experience of LGBT people, “affirmative” counseling and supervision techniques, vocational issues and workplace sexual identity management, perceived conflicts between religious and LGBT identities, and LGBT issues in the context of changing legal and social policy environments.

Intensive study of a problem or topic in counseling. Topic varies according to professor and term offered.

Examination of the theoretical, practical, and therapeutic aspects of play in relation to the development of young children. Emphasis is placed on theories and techniques of child-centered play therapy and its use in a variety of settings. The course is appropriate for both counselors and teachers and is available to post MEd students seeking professional counselor license.

Provides for pursuit of individual interest and projects not covered in existing courses.