Graduate Catalog 2010-2011

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Program Purpose :: Mission Statement  ::  Program Requirements :: Online Orientation :: Licensed Professional Counseling Emphasis :: School Counseling Emphasis
LPC/School Dual Emphasis :: LPC/MFT Dual Emphasis :: Post-Graduate Coursework :: Admission Requirements :: Transfer Credit :: Academic Probation and Dismissal :: Degree Candidacy :: Background Checks:: Graduation Requirements:: Course Audit:: Comprehensive Examination :: Course Descriptions :: Retention,Assessment, Remediation, Dissmissal

Graduate Counseling Faculty:
Amanda Anderson, MSFT, LPC, CCDP-D
Connie Brooks, Ph.D.
David Cicero, M.A.
Emily Crawford, Ph.D.
Dana Busche-Goodson, MAT, LPC, BCPC
Autumn Keefer, Ph.D.
Ann Landes, M.Ed.
Julianne Ludlam, Ph.D.
Chris Lawrence, Ph.D.
Christina Pate, Ph.D.
Deanna Pledge, Ph.D.
Alicia Price, Ph.D.
John Robbins, M.S.
Carolyn Roof, M.A.
John Small, Ph.D.
Bragg Stanley, Ed.D

Emphasis Areas: Licensed Professional Counseling; Marriage & Family Therapy; School Counseling

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).

Mission Statement
The mission of the Counselor Education program is to facilitate the professional, personal and ethical development of students, faculty, and the Counseling profession at the community, state and national levels. Our philosophy of traning is consistent with the scientist-practitioner model, includes an emphasis on the appreciation of diversity and the development of open and critical though processes, facilitates applied counseling experiences, and is grounded in the humanistic tradition of Counseling Psychology.

Program Requirements

The Master of Education in Counseling degree is a 48-69 credit hour progam depending upon tracks. Students pursuing only School Counseling or Licensed Professional Counseling are required to complete 48 hours of coursework. Students pursuing dual licensure in School Counseling and Licensed Professional Counseling shall be required to complete 54 credit hours of coursework. Students pursuing dual licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy and Licensed Professional Counseling shall complete 57 credit hours of coursework. Students pursuing all three tracks shall be required to complete 69 credit hours of coursework.

Most of the counseling coursework is in the classroom. Students are assessed throughout the porgram related to their effectiveness as a counselor. As a part of the capstone course, students are required to take and pass a comprehensive examination.

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 four weeks 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.

Emphasis in Licensed 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. (Requirements are subject to change based on revisions to state licensure requirements.) 

Course List

COUN 505G: Counselor as a Professional
COUN 515G: Client Management for Professional Counselors
COUN 525G: Multicultural Issues in Counseling
COUN 540G: Assessment

COUN 545G: Human Development

COUN 555G: Psychological Diagnostics & Treatment Planning

COUN 565G: Theories & Techniques in Counseling

COUN 570G: Career Development

COUN 575G: Group Procedures

COUN 580G: Practicum I

COUN 600G: Ethical & Legal Issues in Counseling

COUN 605G: Advanced Research Methods

COUN 620G: Practicum II
COUN 695G: Capstone in Professional Counseling

Elective Coursework: Select three courses from list (9 credit hours)
COUN 550G: Child &Adolescent Therapies

COUN 625G: Creative Therapies & Special Populations
COUN 680G: Topics

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

MFT 520G: Family Life Cycle

Emphasis in School Counseling

The school counseling emphasis prepares students to become certified as school counselors. The program requires 42 hours of coursework and 6 credit hours of practicum experience. Students who do not have a valid Missouri teaching certificate must 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. Prior to completing the application, students must register and pass the Praxis II subject test in school and guidance counseling. (Requirements are subject to change based on revisions to state certification requirements.)

Course List

COUN 505G: Counselor as a Professional

COUN 510G: Behavior Management for School Counselors

COUN 525G: Multicultural Issues in Counseling

COUN 530G: Foundations of School Counseling

COUN 540G: Assessment

COUN 545G: Human Development

COUN 555G: Psychological Diagnostics & Treatment Planning

COUN 563G: Family & Community for School Counselors

COUN 565G: Theories & Techniques of Counseling

COUN 570G: Career Development

COUN 575G: Group Procedures

COUN 580G: Practicum I

COUN 600G: Ethical & Legal Issues in Counseling

COUN 605G: Advanced Research Methods
COUN 615G: Comprehensive Guidance Program Management & Evaluation
COUN 620G: Practicum II
COUN 695G: Capstone in Professional Counseling

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

Dual Emphasis in Licensed Professional Counseling and School Counseling

The completion of emphases in both professional counseling and school counseling allows students to work in both settings. Students are required to complete 45 hours of coursework and nine hours in a practicum setting for a total of 54 credit hours. Two of the required practica shall be in a school setting; one in an agency setting. (Requirements are subject to change based on revisions to state license requirements.)

Course List

COUN 505G: Counselor as a Professional|
COUN 510G: Behavior Management for School Counselors
COUN 515G: Client Management for Professional Counselors
COUN 525G: Multicultural Issues in Counseling
COUN 530G: Foundations of School Counseling
COUN 540G: Assessment

COUN 545G: Human Development

COUN 555G: Psychological Diagnostics & Treatment Planning

COUN 565G: Theories & Techniques in Counseling

COUN 570G: Career Development

COUN 575G: Group Procedures

COUN 580G: Practicum I

COUN 600G: Ethical & Legal Issues in Counseling

COUN 605G: Advanced Research Methods

COUN 615G: Comprehensive Guidance Program Management & Evaluation
COUN 620G: Practicum II
COUN 640G: Practicum III
COUN 695: Capstone in Professional Counseling

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

Dual Emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy and Licensed 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 nine credit 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

COUN 505G: Counselor as a Professional
COUN 515G: Client Management for Professional Counselors
COUN 525G: Multicultural Issues in Counseling
COUN 540G: Assessment

COUN 545G: Human Development

COUN 555G: Psychological Diagnostics & Treatment Planning

COUN 565G: Theories & Techniques in Counseling

COUN 570G: Career Development

COUN 575G: Group Procedures
COUN 605G: Advanced Research Methods
COUN 695G: Capstone in Professional Counseling

MFT 500G: Foundations of Marriage & Family Therapy

MFT 510G: Theories & Techniques in Marriage & Family Therapy

MFT 520G: Family Life Cycle

MFT 580G: Practicum I
MFT 600G: Ethical & Legal Issues in Marriage & Family Therapy
MFT 610G: Advanced Couples Therapy
MFT 615G: Advanced Family Therapy
MFT 620G: Practicum II
MFT 640G: Practicum III

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. Students applying for post-graduate coursework must submit an application, application fee, three references, criminal background check and official transcripts from all colleges attended.

Admission Requirements

Applications are accepted throughout the year. 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 including nine hours of social science coursework to gain admission into the program. Admission is based on a combination of undergraduate GPA, Statement of Purpose, references, interview 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.

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 Department Chair, 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 an M.Ed. in Counseling may transfer up to 24 credit hours of applicable coursework apporved by the Counseling Department Chair, 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, COUN530G:  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 Department Chair 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, Academic Policies: Probation & Dismissal for more information.

Retention, Assessment, Remediation and Dismissal Policy

Academic Performance

Students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA. A student earning a grade of C- or lower shall be required to repeat the course. Additionally, any student who fails to meet this requirement will be required to develop, in conjunction with his/her academic advisor, a Professional Development Plan (PDP). Academic remediation may include any or all of the following:

• Retaking courses, regardless of grade earned
• Engaging in tutoring
• Study skills training
• Test-taking training
• Writing lab assistance
• Spoken and/or written language skills remediation
• Other academic interventions, as deemed necessary and appropriate by the

program faculty

Professional & Ethical Performance

The Stephens College Counselor Education program has an obligation to the counseling profession (American Counseling Association Code of Conduct 1995 (F.8.a., F.7.b., F.5.b.) and Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP Section II.F. and standards define fitness) Standards 2001) to guarantee to the best of our ability that students are prepared and demonstrate core counseling competencies; that students are prepared to perform as ethical and effective professional counselors; and that students are objectively and fairly evaluated throughout the program affording them developmental opportunities when remediation is warranted.

Students admitted into the Master of Education Counseling program at Stephens College shall be regularly reviewed and evaluated by faculty, and provided feedback on personal and professional development. Faculty meetings will be held at midterm each semester to discuss student progress. In addition, students in courses that have been deemed as key assessment points shall be evaluated for skills and dispositions. These courses are:

COUN505 Counselor as a Professional

COUN510 Behavior Management for School Counselors (when applicable)

COUN515 Client Management for Professional Counselors (when applicable)

COUN530 Foundations of School Counseling (when applicable)

COUN555 Psychological Diagnostics & Treatment Planning

COUN565 Theories & Techniques in Counseling

COUN575 Group Procedures

COUN/MFT580 Practicum I

COUN/MFT600 Ethical & Legal Issues in Counseling

COUN/MFT620 Practicum II

COUN/MFT640 Practicum III (when applicable)

Areas of counselor disposition assessment include, but are not limited to:

• Communicates nonjudgmental warmth and acceptance of others without regard to ethnic group, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, and/or disability
• Communicates concern for and accurate understanding of the thoughts and feelings of others
• Complies with the Code of Ethics of the identified professional track and abides by accepted social/moral codes of behavior.
• Seen by others as utilizing interactions and communications that are facilitative.
• Consults with peers, supervisors and instructors and makes appropriate changes in dispositions and behavior resulting in accurate self-evaluation.
• Engages in learning activities to enhance knowledge and skill.
• Seen by others as a model of functional human behavior and adaptive coping processes.

Areas of counseling skills mastery assessment include but are not limited to:

Ability to show interest and appreciation for clients

Ability to encourage exploration in therapy

• Ability to progress the therapeutic session
• Ability to utilize critical thinking skills to encourage change through goal-setting, appropriate interventions, diagnostics, and measurement of outcomes
• Ability to develop a therapeutic relationship that is genuine and authentic
• Ability to manage therapeutic sessions
• Ability to set appropriate boundaries with clients, peers and faculty
• Ability to manage transference and countertransference with clients, peers and faculty
• Ability to practice self-care

In addition, students who demonstrate potential to act in a manner that proves harmful to clients, or demonstrate unprofessional conduct thereby violating ethical standards or state law, may be required to seek remediation or be dismissed from the program depending upon the severity of the violation.

Professional Development Plan (PDP)

Students who are identified as having deficiencies or impairments either through data collection at assessment points or faculty observation, shall be required to develop a PDP. A PDP is a behaviorally focused remediation plan established between the student and faculty of the Counselor Education program. Its focus is to identify specific behaviors for correction, establish measurable behavioral objectives, document progress, establish a timeframe for improvement, and outline consequences, with the overall objective of assisting the student in becoming a more effective human services practitioner.

The PDP will include, at a minimum:

1. Specific activities to be completed;

2. Target measures of accomplishment, which will be documented;

3. A schedule of regular meetings between the student and the faculty member

responsible for monitoring and documenting the remediation plan;

4. A timeframe for accomplishment;

5. Contact information for the faculty member responsible for monitoring the student’s progress;

• Delineate consequences for unmet PDP goals;
• Signatures of all parties developing the PDP.

The PDP may address professional skills remediation and/or personal development remediation. Professional skills remediation may include, but is not limited to, any or all of the following:

1. Retaking courses (eg., skills courses, ethics, content courses)

2. Removal from placement site

3. Reassignment of placement site

4. Specific assigned activities in placement site

5. Writing reflection papers

6. Additional supervision meetings

7. Other professional skills interventions, as deemed necessary and appropriate

by the program faculty

Personal development remediation may include, but is not limited to, any or all of the following:

1. Personal counseling

2. Writing reflection papers

3. Writing apology letters

4. Additional supervision meetings

5. Other personal remediation interventions as deemed necessary and

appropriate by the program faculty

Copies of the plan will be retained by the student’s advisor, the monitoring faculty member, the program director, and the student. The monitoring faculty member will also retain notes documenting all meetings with the student during the course of the remediation process.

Process

• Upon observation of concerns, the faculty member will attempt to resolve the concern. Any interventions will be documented, copied to the department chair and placed in the student’s file.

• If the interventions above are unsuccessful, the faculty member will make a formal request to the department chair for faculty review to initiate the PDP. This request will include specific behaviors to be addressed and a summary of intervention strategies to-date.

• Notification shall be provided to the student by the department chair that a PDP has been requested. A meeting shall be set between the department chair, faculty representative and student to develop the PDP.

• Upon the deadline set by the PDP, a final formal review shall be conducted by the program faculty. The disposition of the review may be:

a. Termination of the PDP

b. Continuance of the PDP

c. Modification of the PDP

d.Dismissal of the student from the program

• The student shall be notified in writing of the final disposition of the PDP.
• The student may appeal the faculty decision to the Graduate Council.

Degree Candidacy (*Students who enter in Fall 2010 shall be under a new degree candidacy policy)
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/COUN580 Practicum I, but before enrolling in MFT/COUN620 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 chair of the counseling program. Students will be reevaluated after completion of required steps. Students who do not take the steps prescribed by the counseling department chair 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 all required coursework in School, Marriage & Family Therapy and/or Licensed Professional Counseling;

• Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher

• Receive recommendations for graduation from practicum instructors and program director. 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 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 chair regarding the students understanding of the course material.

Comprehensive Examination

All M.Ed. in Counseling students are 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. The comprehensive exam shall be administered as part of COUN695GL: Capstone in Professional Counseling. If the student is required to retake the test due to a non-passing grade, the student shall be assessed a fee of $60 per test. The student may retake the examination two times. If a student is still unable to pass the exam after the third attempt, they shall be required to meet with the program chair to discuss a remediation plan.

Course Descriptions

COUN 505G: Counselor as a 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.

COUN 510G: Behavior Management for School Counselors (3 credit hours)
This course will focus on increasing the understanding of the application of educational psychology principles, specifically the behavioral management aspects of those principles.

COUN 515G: Client Management for Professional Counselors (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: COUN555
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.

COUN 525G: Multicultural Issues in Counseling (3 credit hours)
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.

COUN 530G: Foundations of School Counseling (3 credit hours)
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.

COUN 540G: Assessment (3 credit hours)
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.

COUN 545G: Advanced Human Development (3 credit hours)
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.

COUN 550G: Child & Adolescent Therapies (3 credit hours)

Prerequisites:  COUN505G & COUN545G
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. 

COUN 555G: Psychological Diagnostics & Treatment Planning (3 credit hours)
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.

COUN 563G: Family & Community for School Counselors (3 credit hours)
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.

COUN 565G: Theories and Techniques in Counseling (3 credit hours)
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.

COUN 570G: Career Development (3 credit hours)
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.

COUN 575G: Group Procedures (3 credit hours)
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.

COUN 580G: Practicum I (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite (LPC): COUN505, COUN555, COUN565, COUN575, COUN600
Prerequisite (School): COUN505, COUN530, COUN565, COUN575, COUN600
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.

COUN 600G: Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling (3 credit hours)
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.

COUN 605G: Advanced Research Methods (3 credit hours)

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.

COUN 610G: Intelligence Testing (3 credit hours)
Students will be trained to administer, score and interpret the Weschler Individual Intelligence Tests: WWPI, WISC IV and WAIS-R. Students will be expected to administer these tests to individuals.

COUN 615G: Comprehensive Guidance Program Management and Evaluation (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: COUN530G
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.

COUN 620G: Practicum II (3 credit hours)
Prerequisites: COUN510G, COUN515G, COUN580G
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.

COUN 625G: Creative Therapies and Special Populations (3 credit hours)
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.

COUN 640G: Practicum III (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: COUN 620G
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 hours of required experience in a counseling setting while under supervision by an instructor and an on-site supervisor.

COUN 650G: Results-based Evaluation (1 credit hour)
This course is for school guidance personnel interested in learning results-based guidance program evaluation. Requires participation in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) two-part webinar titled "Results-Based Evaluation."

COUN 680G: Topics (3 credit hours)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered in depth in other courses.

COUN 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.

EDU 464: Education and Psychology of the Exceptional Child (3 credit hours)
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 school counselor certification only by students who do not possess a bachelor's degree in education.)

EDU 476: Foundations of the Teaching-Learning Process (3 credit hours)
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 school counselor certification only by students who do not possess a bachelor's degree in education.)

MFT 500G: Foundations of Marriage & Family Therapy (3 credit hours)
This course serves as a theoretical bridge between individual counseling and and family therapy, exploring the philosophical foundations, historical evaluation and empirical validity of systemic theory, which is the basis for marriage and family therapy. The focus is on exposure to the systems theory, communication theory, psychodynamic systems theory, natural systems theory, experiential theory, and postmodernism. Students will also explore the contextual influences of spirituality, culture, gender, and managed care within family therapy.

MFT 510G: Theories and Techniques of Marriage & Family Therapy (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: MFT500

This class is organized to be a survey of the distinct theoretical models of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Emphasis is placed on becoming familiar with the primary assumptions of the theoretical models of MFT, and the application of theory to therapeutic practice with individuals, couples and families. As part of this course, students will continue the process of developing their own systemic model of change.

MFT 520G: Family Life Cycle (3 credit hours)

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: Practicum I (3 credit hours)
Prerequisites: COUN505G, COUN555G, COUN565G, COUN575G, MFT500G, MFT510G, MFT600
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 (3 credit hours)
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 (3 credit hours)

Prerequisites: MFT500G, MFT510G, MFT520G
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 (3 credit hours)

Prerequisites: MFT500G, MFT510G, MFT520G
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: Practicum II (3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: COUN515G, MFT580G
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 640G : Practicum III
Prerequisite: MFT620G
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. supervision meeting must be scheduled after every 10 hours of client contact.

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