Master Program Objectives

The general objective of the Master of Counseling (M.COUN.) degree is to prepare students to be professional counselors. The Department of Counseling faculty believes that the development of a strong professional identity, a rich knowledge base, and expertise in the skills of counseling are essential to functioning as a professional in each counseling setting.

The Master of Counseling degree is designed to be the strong foundation upon which graduates enter a lifetime career in the helping professions. This program prepares counselors to respond to the multitude of changes in society and to the ever-expanding counseling profession. In addition to knowledge and experience in the following eight common-core areas, graduates have specialized knowledge and skills as identified in the objectives of the Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling; Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling; School Counseling; and Student Affairs Counseling majors.

The Department of Counseling has curricular and professional objectives for each Master of Counseling student. Each of these objectives has specific outcome measures.

Curricular Objectives:

1. Students will have knowledge of Human Growth and Development in order to understand the nature and needs of persons at all developmental levels and in multicultural contexts.
2. Students will have knowledge of Social and Cultural Foundations to be effective in a multicultural and diverse society.
3. Students will be knowledgeable and skillful in Counseling and Consultation processes.
4. Students will be knowledgeable about group development, dynamics, counseling theory, group counseling methods, and group work approaches.
5. Students will be knowledgeable and understand career development and related factors.
6. Students will understand and be knowledgeable about individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation.
7. Students will be knowledgeable about various research methods and, statistical analysis, needs assessments and program evaluation.
8. Students will be knowledgeable about the profession of counseling including history, organizational structures, ethics, standards, and credentialing.

Student Professional Objectives:

In addition to the above curricular objectives, the Department of Counseling has program specific objectives. These include:

1. School Counseling students will obtain certification as school counselors.
2. Students in all majors (Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and Student Affairs Counseling) will obtain the appropriate state licensure as professional counselors.