Graduate Catalog 2008-2009

Program Purpose :: Emphasis in Elementary/Secondary School Counseling :: Emphasis in Professional Counseling :: Dual Emphasis in Professional and School Counseling :: Emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy :: Post-Graduate Certificate in Marriage & Family Therapy :: Admission :: Transfer Credit :: Academic Probation and Dismissal :: Degree Candidacy :: Background Checks :: Graduation Requirements :: Evaluation :: Course Descriptions :: Faculty

Program Purpose

The Master of Education in Counseling Program trains students to become school and/or professional counselors. The program has been approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for state school counselor certification. It also meets the Missouri educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and educational requirements for Licensed Marital & Family Therapists (LMFT). Each student in the program must choose to emphasize school and/or professional counseling, or professional and marriage and family counseling. The school, professional counseling and marriage and family counseling emphases share many components but maintain different requirements to prepare students for certification as a school counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

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Emphasis in Elementary or Secondary School Counseling

The school counseling emphasis prepares students to become certified as school counselors. The program requires 48 hours of coursework. Students who do not have a valid Missouri teaching certificate must also complete two education courses prior to certification.

Course requirements are the same for students seeking to become either elementary or secondary school counselors. The only exception occurs during Practica I and II. Certification requires 300 hours of practicum experience to be conducted in a K-8 setting or a 7-12 setting, or a total of 600 practicum hours to certify in K-12; 300 hours in each setting. Persons wishing to be certified in K-12 may enroll in a third practicum course if needed.

Upon completion of the program, students may apply for an elementary or secondary counselor's professional certificate from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), valid for a period of five (5) years. In addition, they must also receive a qualifying score on the PRAXIS II exam and pass a comprehensive examination administered in the last semester of the program.

Course List and Requirements Prior to January 1, 2009

Core Courses (45 credit hours)

PSY 505G: The Counselor as a Professional

PSY 510G: Behavior Management for School Counselors

PSY 525G: Multicultural Issues in Counseling

PSY 530G: Foundations of School Counseling

PSY 540G: Assessment

PSY 545G: Advanced Human Development

PSY 555G: Psychological Diagnostics & Treatment Planning

PSY 563G: Family & Community for School Counselors

PSY 565G: Theories and Techniques of Counseling

PSY 570G: Career Development

PSY 575G: Group Procedures

PSY 580G: Counseling Practicum I

PSY 600G: Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling

PSY 605G: Advanced Research Methods (prerequisite: MAT 207 or equivalent)

PSY 620G: Counseling Practicum II

Elective courses: Choose 1 or more (3 credit hours required)

PSY 515G: Client Management for Professional Counselors

PSY 550G: Advanced Child and Adolescent Therapies

PSY 625G: Creative Therapies and Special Populations

MFT 500G: Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy
MFT 510G: Theories and Techniques of Marriage and Family Therapy

MFT 520G: Family Life Cycle

Course List and Requirements as of January 1, 2009

Core Courses (48 credit hours)

PSY 505G: The Counselor as a Professional (2 credit hours)

PSY 510G: Behavior Management for School Counselors

PSY 525G: Multicultural Issues in Counseling

PSY 530G: Foundations of School Counseling

PSY 540G: Assessment

PSY 545G: Advanced Human Development

PSY 555G: Psychological Diagnostics & Treatment Planning

PSY 563G: Family & Community for School Counselors

PSY 565G: Theories and Techniques of Counseling

PSY 570G: Career Development

PSY 575G: Group Procedures

PSY 580G: Counseling Practicum I

PSY 600G: Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling

PSY 605G: Advanced Research Methods (prerequisite: MAT 207 or equivalent)

PSY 620G: Counseling Practicum II
PSY695G: Capstone in Professional Counseling (1 credit hour)

Additional courses required for students without a valid Missouri Teaching Certificate:

EDU 476: Foundations of the Teaching-Learning Process

EDU 464: Education and Psychology of the Exceptional Child

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Emphasis in Professional Counseling

The professional counseling program is designed to meet the educational requirements of the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors. Students are required to complete 42 hours of coursework and six hours in a practicum setting for a total of 48 credit hours. All coursework must be met through classroom participation. (These requirements are subject to change based on revisions in State licensure requirements.)  Graduates of the program are prepared to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE).

Course List

Core Courses (39 credit hours)

PSY 505G: The Counselor as a Professional (2 credit hours) (as of January 2009)
PSY515G: Client Management for Professional Counselors
PSY 525G: Multicultural Issues in Counseling
PSY 540G: Assessment

PSY 545G: Advanced Human Development

PSY 555G: Psychological Diagnostics & Treatment Planning

PSY 565G: Theories and Techniques of Counseling

PSY 570G: Career Development

PSY 575G: Group Procedures

PSY 580G: Counseling Practicum I

PSY 600G: Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling

PSY 605G: Advanced Research Methods (prerequisite: MAT 207 or equivalent)

PSY 620G: Counseling Practicum II
PSY695G: Capstone in Professional Counseling (1 credit hour) (as of January 2009)

Elective Courses: choose 3 or more (9 credit hours required)
PSY550G: Advanced Child and Adolescent Therapies

PSY 625G: Creative Therapies and Special Populations

MFT 500G: Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy
MFT 510G: Theories and Techniques of Marriage and Family Therapy

MFT 520G: Family Life Cycle

Additional

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Dual Emphasis in Professional Counseling and School Counseling

The completion of emphases in both professional counseling and school counseling allows students to work in both settings.  The required courses are the same as those required for the emphasis in Elementary or Secondary School Counseling, including the practica.  The College recommends that those interested in the dual track also complete an additional course (PSY 515G Client Management for Professional Counselors), although it is not required.  Students may choose to take a second practicum in an agency setting or divide their practicum between school and agency settings.  At least 300 practicum hours must be completed in a school setting in order to qualify for school certification.

Graduates of the program are eligible to take both the National Counselor Examination and the School Counselor state certification examination (Praxis II).  (These requirements are subject to change based on revisions to licensure requirements.)  For specific questions regarding the dual program, please contact the Director of the Master of Education in Counseling (M.Ed.) program or Graduate & Continuing Studies .

Dual Emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy Professional Counseling

This program is designed to meet the educational requirements of the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors and the Missouri Committee for Marital & Family Therapists. Requirements include 48 hours of coursework in addition to six to nine hours of practicum in an agency setting. Students will participate in practicum experiences totaling 500 hours working with couples and/or families. Graduates of this program are prepared to take licensure exams for both disciplines and proceed with licensure requirements in the state of Missouri.  (Requirements are subject to change based on revisions to state license requirements.)

Course List

Core Courses (39 credit hours)

PSY 505G: The Counselor as a Professional (2 credit hours) (as of January 2009)

PSY 515G: Client Management for Professional Counselors
PSY 525G: Multicultural Issues in Counseling

PSY 540G: Assessment

PSY 545G: Advanced Human Development

PSY 555G: Psychological Diagnostics & Treatment Planning

PSY 565G: Theories and Techniques of Counseling

PSY 570G: Career Development

PSY 575G: Group Procedures

PSY 605G: Advanced Research Methods (prerequisite: MAT 207 or equivalent)
PSY695G: Professional Capstone in Counseling (1 credit hour) (as of January 2009)

Courses required for MFT emphasis (18 credit hours)

MFT 500G: Foundations of Marriage & Family Therapy

MFT 510G: Theories and Techniques of Marriage & Family Therapy

MFT 520G: Family Life Cycle
MFT 580G: Counseling Practicum I

MFT 600G: Ethical and Legal Issues in Marriage & Family Therapy

MFT 610G: Advanced Couples Therapy

MFT 615G: Advanced Family Therapy
MFT 620G: Counseling Practicum II

MFT 620GD: Counseling Practicum III (*500 hours of practicum experience required)

Post-Graduate Coursework

Students with a master's degree wishing to pursue additional coursework to fulfill certification or licensure requirements in the state of Missouri may apply for and be admitted as a post-graduate student. Since each student's needs are different, course requirements will be outlined for each student.

For LPC's wishing to pursue coursework in the area of Marriage & Family Therapy, a total of 27 to 30 credit hours is required for completion of a post-graduate certificate in Marriage & Family Therapy. Courses include:

MFT 500G: Foundations of Marriage & Family Therapy
MFT 510G: Theories and Techniques of Marriage & Family Therapy
MFT 520G: Family Life Cycle
MFT 580G: Counseling Practicum I
MFT 600G: Ethical and Legal Issues in Marriage & Family Therapy
MFT 610G: Advanced Couples Therapy
MFT 615G: Advanced Family Therapy
MFT 620G: Counseling Practicum II
MFT 620GD: Counseling Practicum III (*500 hours of practicum experience required)
PSY 525G: Multicultural Issues in Counseling (if not taken in master’s coursework)

Students applying for post-graduate coursework must submit an application, application fee and official transcripts.

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Admission

Applications are accepted throughout the year (see the admissions page for application priority deadlines). Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework and nine hours of social science coursework to gain admission into the program. Admission is based on a combination of undergraduate GPA, Statement of Purpose, recommendation letters (Graduate Degree Reference Forms), on-campus interview with the Program Director, and TOEFL score, if applicable.

Students applying for admission to the M.Ed. in Counseling program must also complete a criminal record check at their own expense through the Family Safety Care Registry (FSCR). Graduate & Continuing Studies will verify registration with the FSCR and review each student's registry status prior to admission and again prior to the student's placement into the first counseling practicum. This investigation meets statutory requirements and insures that students have not previously committed violent crimes against persons.

Admission may be offered at full or provisional levels. To move to full acceptance, provisionally accepted students must meet the terms outlined in their provisional acceptance letter.

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Transfer Credit

Graduate students may transfer a maximum of nine semester hours of equivalent graduate credit toward core coursework required in the Stephens Master of Education (M. Ed.) in Counseling program. These graduate credits can be earned prior to admission to Stephens College or, upon approval of the Counseling Program Director, after admission to Stephens College. The total amount of graduate transfer credit cannot exceed nine semester hours.

Students who have already earned an advanced degree and wish to pursue a M.Ed. in Counseling may transfer up to 24 credit hours of applicable coursework toward a second master's degree. All practicum coursework must be completed through Stephens College. If the student is pursuing an emphasis in school counseling, PSY530G:  Foundations of School Counseling or its equivalent must have been completed at an accredited institution within the state of Missouri or must be repeated. Official transcripts must be submitted and reviewed by the Counseling Program Director to determine acceptable courses for transfer credit.

In no case will a student be granted more than 24 hours of transfer credit toward the M. Ed. in Counseling degree.

Academic Probation, Suspension and Dismissal
Students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0 shall be placed on academic probation. A student earning a grade of C- or lower shall be required to repeat the course. Students accepted into Degree Candidacy must repeat a course if a grade of B- or lower is earned in a course. See Graduate Catalog 2008-2009, Academic Policies: Probation & Dismissal for more information.

Degree Candidacy
Acceptance into the Master of Education in Counseling program is not admission to degree candidacy. Degree candidacy is the final recognition of a student's participation in a program of study leading to a degree, which indicates the confidence of the College in her/his ability to complete degree requirements successfully and to succeed in the profession of Counseling. The College reserves the right to deny candidacy when deemed appropriate by the Counseling Degree Candidacy Committee. Students must apply for advancement to candidacy after successful completion of MFT/PSY580 Practicum I, but before enrolling in MFT/PSY620 Practicum II .

The Counseling Degree Candidacy Committee shall evaluate the student's readiness for Practicum II. This will be done via an evaluation from the student's Practicum I instructor, the student's practicum site supervisor, the student's self-evaluation, review of academic record, and the student's professional conduct based on the American School Counselor Association and American Counseling Associations Codes of Conduct.

Students who receive a favorable evaluation may continue on into degree candidacy within the counseling program. After acceptance into degree candidacy, the student must earn a 3.0 (B) or better in every course completed. If this does not occur, the student must retake the course until a 3.0 is obtained or may be removed from the program.

Students who do not receive a favorable recommendation may be asked to leave the program, retake Practicum I and improve their skills, or other steps as deemed necessary by the director of the counseling program. Students will be reevaluated after completion of required steps. Students who do not take the steps prescribed by the counseling program director and/or faculty or receive a second unfavorable evaluation shall be withdrawn from the program.

Background Checks

Students applying for admission to the M.Ed. in Counseling program and before entering into Practicum I must complete a criminal record check at their own expense through the Family Safety Care Registry (FSCR). Graduate & Continuing Studies will verify registration with the FSCR and review each student's registry status prior to admission and again prior to the student's placement into the first counseling practicum. This investigation meets statutory requirements and insures that students have not previously committed violent crimes against persons.

Students also must meet all requirements of those agencies where Stephens College participates in clinical experiences. If the results of the criminal records background check reveal a record or conviction, guilty pleas or nolo contendere pleas involving Class A or Class B felonies as listed under Missouri law, the student cannot participate in counseling practica or internships.

Graduation Requirements

To receive the Master of Education degree, students must complete:

• School, Marriage & Family Therapy and/or professional counseling course requirements

• Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher in the program courses

• Receive approval of their Practicum II supervisor and/or the director of the counseling program. This approval is subject to students understanding and complying with all ethical requirements as set forth by the American School Counselor Association, AAMFT and/or the American Counseling Association. 
  

Course Audit

Students may be asked to audit a course to refresh their knowledge and learn current trends if they completed a required course more than five (5) years ago. Students who audit the course will not register or pay for the course. Students who are auditing are expected to:

• Attend all class meetings and participate in discussions
• Complete reading assignments
• Complete minimal writing assignments to demonstrate understanding of the course material

Students who are auditing are not expected to take exams or complete large assignments. No grade will be assigned for students who audit, however, the instructor will confer with the Program Director regarding the students understanding of the course material.

Comprehensive Examination

All M.Ed. in Counseling students admitted into the program as of Summer 2008 will be required to take a comprehensive examination in the last semester of their program. Comprehensive examination dates will be set in advance and it is the responsibility of the student to be present at the exam. Each student will be assessed a fee of $50 per test. If the student does not pass the examination, they will be required to retake the exam.

Online Orientation

Flexibility and quality are the hallmarks of the Stephens College Graduate & Continuing Studies program.  In an effort to stand by our mission and to assist new students in making a successful transition back into college, Stephens requires that all new students complete a one hour online orientation during the first week of classes. 

As part of the orientation, students will complete comprehensive assignments designed to familiarize them with all aspects of Blackboard as well as Stephens College policies and procedures as outlined in the graduate catalog.

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Evaluation of the M.Ed. Program

The Master of Education in Counseling program, in concert with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, will conduct a formal internal review of the graduate program every five years. A review committee composed of graduate faculty members and student representatives will conduct the review. This committee will utilize information prepared by the M.Ed. program in a self-study. The self-study will provide basic information on the nature of the program and an assessment of its strengths and weaknesses, and it will utilize evaluations completed by students at the conclusion of each course. Graduates of the M.Ed. program also will complete an evaluation of the program. DESE will conduct an external review every five years, which is necessary for continuation of certification.

Student outcomes are assessed using program objectives as a guiding framework. A portfolio of student work will be maintained by the program. Periodic meetings between students and advisors will provide feedback about student and program performance.

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Course Descriptions

EDU 464: Education and Psychology of the Exceptional Child
Students will be introduced to the biological, psychological and educational characteristics of children identified by federal laws for special consideration in public education. The categories covered are: mental retardation, learning disabilities, behavior disorders/emotional disturbance, speech and language disorders, hearing impairment, visual impairment, physical disabilities and giftedness. (This course is needed for certification only by students who do not possess a bachelor's degree in education.)

EDU 476: Foundations of the Teaching-Learning Process
This course is designed to integrate theory and practice for the professional and pre-professional teacher and/or school specialist. Guidance skills, understanding behavior, appropriate educational objectives and teaching methods are emphasized. The historical, philosophical, sociological and legal foundations of education are included in the course. (This course is needed for certification only by students who do not possess a bachelor's degree in education.)

MFT 500G: Foundations of Marriage & Family Therapy
This course presents the historical development of the marriage and family therapy profession. It includes an overview of the major theoretical influences and an in-depth examination of the family systems paradigm.

MFT 510G: Theories and Techniques of Marriage & Family Therapy

This course provides an in-depth orientation to the following theoretical approaches to family therapy: Psychodynamic, Bowenian, experiential, cognitive-behavioral, structural, strategic, and systemic.

MFT 520G: Family Life Cycle

This course introduces a developmental approach to working with families and couples. It includes an examination of the physical, mental, and social changes that impact individual and family functioning, focusing on developmental crises and cultural influences.

MFT 580G: Counseling Practicum I
Prerequisites: MFT 500, MFT 510, MFT 520, MFT600, PSY505, PSY555 and PSY565
This course introduces the counselor-in-training to the various roles of the professional through a combination of theory and supervised practice, with specific focus on direct counseling skills. Videotape review and individual feedback to students regarding skill development is a critical component of the course. Students will complete 100 hours of experience in a counseling setting while under supervision by an instructor and an on-site supervisor. A one-on-one, one-hour supervision meeting must be scheduled after every 10 hours of client contact. A passing grade in this course is a prerequisite to continuation in the program and a successful application for degree candidacy.

MFT 600G: Ethical and Legal Issues in Marriage & Family Therapy This course provides a comprehensive coverage of ethical codes and issues in psychological research and service, including: confidentiality, consent, deception, parentalism, voluntariness-coercion, exploitation, dual relationships, value conflicts and imposition. It also examines the history of and current interfaces between law and psychology to increase the understanding and value of behavioral science research findings and expertise in assisting the courts in rendering informed and just decisions.

MFT 610G: Advanced Couples Therapy

Prerequisites: MFT 500, MFT 510, MFT 520
This course explores the human experience of the shared self in a coupled relationship. Theoretical concepts and techniques for working with committed couples focusing on issues of diversity, social and cultural mores, intimacy, trust, conflict resolution, and sexual dysfunctions are discussed. Emphasis is placed on assessment, intervention and treatment planning for relational and behavioral change.

MFT 615G: Advanced Family Therapy

Prerequisites: MFT 500, MFT 510, MFT 520
This course includes advanced approaches to family therapy that integrate systemic concepts. Relevant issues in family functioning are addressed including family roles, boundaries, interactional and intergenerational patterns, violence, addiction, and social and cultural contexts. Emphasis is on assessment, intervention and treatment planning for systemic change.

MFT 620G: Counseling Practicum II
Prerequisite: MFT 580 and degree candidacy
Continued skill development in the broad range of roles required of the professional counselor is the focus of this practicum, achieved through supervised practice, videotape review and individual feedback to the counselor-in-training. Students will complete 200 hours of experience in a counseling setting while under supervision by an instructor and an on-site supervisor. A one-on-one, one-hour supervision meeting must be scheduled after every 10 hours of client contact.

MFT 620GD: Counseling Practicum III
Prerequisite: MFT 620GA
Continued skill development in the broad range of roles required of the professional counselor is the focus of this practicum, achieved through supervised practice, videotape review and individual feedback to the counselor-in-training. Students will complete the final 200 hours of experience in a counseling setting while under supervision by an instructor and an on-site supervisor. A one-on-one, one-hour supervision meeting must be scheduled after every 10 hours of client contact.

PSY 505G: The Counselor as Professional (2 credit hours)
The helping relationship will be reviewed in the context of individual skill training as well as the theoretical and empirical foundations of the therapeutic relationship. The main goals are to expand the student's understanding of specific problem areas and effective interventions to help clients achieve change. Ethical and professional standards will also be reviewed. This course is required for all counseling students in their first semester.

PSY 510G: Behavior Management for School Counselors
This course will focus on increasing the understanding of the application of educational psychology principles, specifically the behavioral management aspects of those principles. This course requires students to conduct a thorough literature search on a selected topic for a future research project.

PSY 515G: Client Management for Professional Counselors
Prerequisite: PSY555
This course is designed to provide the advanced student with in-depth information and experiential practice with a wide range of issues related to management of client treatment in a variety of clinical settings. Topics include: psychopharmacology, treatment planning, diagnostics, practice management, crisis and risk management. This course also requires students to conduct a thorough literature search on a selected topic for a future research project.

PSY 525G: Multicultural Issues in Counseling
This course includes discussion of multicultural issues and pluralistic trends as they impact the individual and the counseling relationship. The interactions of culture, aging, ethnicity, race, gender and social class are studied and discussed primarily as they relate to the counseling relationship. Prominent theories of racial and ethnic identity development are studied to enhance cultural awareness and respect for human diversity. This course explores significant considerations for counseling a diversity of individuals.

PSY 530G: Foundations of School Counseling
This course assists counselors-in-training in understanding the role of guidance in the broad scope of the youth's milieu. Familiarity with the Missouri Comprehensive Guidance Program is emphasized. The counseling process includes a lifespan and multicultural approach.

PSY 540G: Assessment
Students gain knowledge of the available educational- and counseling-related assessments and standardized tests. Students study psychometric properties of assessment instruments and learn how to critique standardized tests for their applicability. Students explore several types of psychometric instruments measuring various educational, personality and counseling-related constructs. Students learn to perform thorough assessments of an individual, interpret the results and write a concise educational report based on the results. A major focus of this course is on the practical and ethical administration of assessments and integration of assessments for use in planning educational and counseling interventions. Standardized tests, observations, interviews, self-rating scales and other techniques are studied.

PSY 545G: Advanced Human Development
This course covers human development from birth to death. It includes the theories of development and information on physical, social, emotional and cognitive development within a multicultural context. Students have an opportunity to apply, analyze and synthesize theories and developmental characteristics of children, adolescents and adults. Topics cover a variety of issues and developmental needs that frequently confront the counselor in school and agency settings.

PSY 5550G: Child & Adolescent Therapies

Prerequisites:  PSY505G, PSY545G, PSY565G
This course is designed to provide the advanced student with in-depth information about working with children and adolescents, including typical challenges encountered in treatment situations. Therapeutic approaches tailored to specific developmental levels and disorders will be reviewed. Students will use critical thinking skills to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment methods for specific presenting problems based on individual, family, and cultural factors. 

PSY 555G: Psychological Diagnostics & Treatment Planning
This course will include a survey of abnormal psychology including emphasis on childhood and adolescent abnormal behavior. Biological, psychological and sociological explanations, treatment of the abnormal behavior will be discussed and applied using the DSM - IV TR criteria and a case study approached to diagnosing mental disorders.

PSY 563G: Family and Community for School Counselors
The role of the counselor is examined in the context of family functioning as it relates to the school, community and ethnic or multicultural factors. Students will develop and evaluate effective methods and theories to enhance family functioning by identifying and assessing community resources available to support family needs. Students will design crisis plans and psycho-educational programs to facilitate family functioning.

PSY 565G: Theories and Techniques of Counseling
This course will focus on the principles, methods, theories and interventions used in counseling, guidance, prevention and psychotherapy. Major theories and techniques of counseling and psychotherapy will be studied, including: rational-emotive behavior therapy, behavioral therapy, client-centered counseling, psychodynamic theory, reality therapy, play therapy, Adlerian therapy, gestalt therapy, existential counseling and cognitive therapy. Ethnic issues related to counseling and the development of a therapeutic relationship are discussed. The focus is on developing an eclectic approach to counseling.

PSY 570G: Career Development
This course will focus on the study and application of theory, procedures and techniques of career counseling. A focus will be on assessment instruments used in career counseling and on education and career information used in the practice of career counseling. Career identification and decision-making will be emphasized.

PSY 575G: Group Procedures
This course includes an emphasis on the practical application of skills necessary to facilitate educational guidance and counseling groups. Instruments for measuring the process, outcomes and institutional need for groups are discussed. Coursework explores prominent group theories, processes and stages within a multicultural and developmental framework. Various structured and unstructured, psycho-educational, guidance, prevention outreach and counseling groups are studied. After training, a practice component is included wherein students design and lead actual groups and generate group manuals for future use.

PSY 580G:Counseling Practicum I
Prerequisite (School): PSY505, PSY530, PSY565, PSY600 and degree candidacy
Prerequisite (LPC): PSY505, PSY555, PSY565, PSY600 and degree candidacy
This course introduces the counselor-in-training to the various roles of the professional through a combination of theory and supervised practice, with specific focus on direct counseling skills. Videotape review and individual feedback to students regarding skill development is a critical component of the course. Students will complete 100 hours of experience in a counseling setting while under supervision by an instructor and an on-site supervisor. A one-on-one, one-hour supervision meeting must be scheduled after every 10 hours of client contact. A passing grade in this course is a prerequisite to continuation in the program and a successful application for degree candidacy.

PSY 600G: Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
This course provides a comprehensive coverage of ethical codes and issues in psychological research and service, including: confidentiality, consent, deception, parentalism, voluntariness-coercion, exploitation, dual relationships, value conflicts and imposition. It also examines the history of and current interfaces between law and psychology to increase the understanding and value of behavioral science research findings and expertise in assisting the courts in rendering informed and just decisions.

PSY 605G: Advanced Research Methods

Prerequisite:  MAT 207
Students design and carry out systematic and ethical research, perform electronic literature searches, read and scrutinize research articles, understand basic descriptive and inferential statistics, and apply statistical computer programs to analyze data collected. This course covers the major principles, methods, techniques and tools used in performing counseling and educational research. Students learn how to develop, write and present research manuscripts.

PSY 615G: Comprehensive Guidance Program Management and Evaluation
Prerequisite: PSY530 Foundations of School Counseling
This course is a study of the processes fundamental to the designing, implementing, evaluating, and enhancing of comprehensive guidance and counseling programs. The focus of the course will be the framework of the Missouri Comprehensive Guidance Program.

PSY 620G: Counseling Practicum II
Prerequisite:  PSY580 and degree candidacy
Continued skill development in the broad range of roles required of the professional counselor is the focus of this practicum, achieved through supervised practice, videotape review and individual feedback to the counselor-in-training. Students will complete 200 hours of experience in a counseling setting while under supervision by an instructor and an on-site supervisor. A one-on-one, one-hour supervision meeting must be scheduled after every 10 hours of client contact.

PSY 625G: Creative Therapies and Special Populations
The course is designed to provide the advanced student with in-depth information about working with special populations, and typical challenges encountered in treatment situations. Therapeutic approaches tailored to specific disorders and populations will be reviewed. Students will use critical thinking skills to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment methods for specific presenting problems, based on individual, family, and cultural factors.

PSY 695G: Capstone in Professional Counseling (1 credit hour)
This course prepares the counseling student for graduation and post-graduate requirements in their chosen discipline. Coursework includes review of ethical codes and regulation of the chosen professional track; preparation for the Praxis II certification exam for school counselors, NCE for Licensed Professional Counselors and MFT licensure exam for Marriage and Family Counselors; guidance in the certification/licensure process; and career readiness skills such as job searching and interview preparedness. The capstone culminates in the completion of the CPCE comprehensive exam, which is a requirement for graduation from the M.Ed. in counseling program. The student must pass the exam to receive credit for the course.

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Faculty

Trudi Beck, M.A., Northwest Christian University, Marriage and Family Therapy; M.S., University of Oregon, Therapeutic Recreation; B.S. University of Missouri, Recreation and Park Administration. Currently employed with Columbia Public Schools as an Outreach/Crisis Counselor.

Connie Brooks, Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia; M.A.T. Columbia College; B.A. University of Missouri-Columbia. Psychological Resident and Provisionally Licensed Psychologist. She works with the Assessment and Consultation Clinic at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has also worked with foster families with regard to behavior management, reunification, adoption and establishing permanency plans. Research and clinical interests include prevention strategies, sexual attitudes, trauma, and attachment.

Chris Lawrence, Ph.D. , University of Missouri-Columbia, 1996, Licensed Psychologist, 1995. Dr. Lawrence has 15 years of experience as a director in substance abuse treatment and has maintained a private practice for five years, working with children, adolescents and adults. Her specialties and interests include substance abuse, trauma and adolescent issues.

Ann Landes, M.Ed. University of Missouri-Columbia; B.S. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Currently employed with Columbia Public Schools as Director of Guidance, Hickman High School and Coordinator Security Guidance for the Columbia Public School District.

Matt Meier, Psy.D. , Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, Licensed Psychologist, B.A. University of Kansas. Licensed Professional Counselor, and Certified Advanced Substance Abuse Counselor. Dr. Meier is the program director for the Missouri Outpatient Valley Hope offices in St. Louis, Springfield, and Boonville. His areas of interest include adolescent and adult substance abuse treatment and co-occurring disorders. He is also a research consultant for the Cooper County Youth Court program.

Deanna S. Pledge, Ph.D . University of Missouri-Columbia, 1996. Licensed Psychologist, 1997. Dr. Pledge has experience working in both public and private mental health settings over the past 20 years. She has published articles in peer-reviewed journals, reference sources such as ERIC Digest, Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. She has published a text on counseling adolescents and children with Brooks/Cole, and When Something Feels Wrong, a book for teens about abuse and neglect. 

Carolyn Roof, M.A., Elementary Guidance and Counseling, Northeast Missouri State University; Child Development Certificate, Early Childhood; B.S. Education/Elementary Learning Disabilities. Elementary District Guidance Coordinator, Columbia Public Schools.

Linda Taylor, Ph.D. , Psychology Department Chair, Master of Education in Counseling Program Director. Ph.D., St. Louis University, 1998; M.A., University of Missouri - Kansas City, 1986; B.A., Northeast Missouri State University, 1982. Dr. Taylor has been a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri since 1990. With an emphasis on system change and program development, she has worked in the public and private sectors of mental health for more than 25 years. She has published articles on adolescent psychology and the effects of father absence on psychosocial development.

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