Counselor Education - Community and School Counseling
Overview
Counseling courses are offered under the guidance of faculty members who are recognized in the field through their publications and active service in national organizations of the profession. The programs are designed to develop knowledge and skill in nine areas:
- Human growth and development
- The helping relationship
- Lifestyle and career development
- Research and evaluation
- Social and cultural foundations
- Group counseling
- Individual appraisal
- Professional orientation
- Clinical skills
The M.A. programs, both well established, have earned national accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a coveted credential. Students benefit from the University's location in an area of many forward-looking school systems and community counseling agencies. These provide excellent opportunities for internships, research, and postgraduate employment.
Course of Study
(M.A. and Certification, minimum of 48 credits; C.A.S., minimum of 30 credits)
The programs have a common core with variations that provide preparation for either Community or School Counseling.
Common Core Courses
- Multicultural Issues in Counseling
- Lifespan Human Development
- Psychopathology and Classification
- Professional Issues in Counseling
- Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
- Counseling Relationships and Skills
- Group Work: Theories and Practice
- Career Development: Theory and Practice
- Assessment in Counseling
- Research Methodology
- Counseling Practicum
- Counseling Internship
- Approved elective course(s), if necessary
- Pass the Master's Comprehensive Examination for M.A. degree candidates
Specialized Requirements in Community Counseling
- Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy
- Community Counseling: Management, Delivery and Evaluation
Specialized Requirements in School Counseling
- School Counseling: Procedures, Organization and Evaluation
- Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Exceptional Learners in the Mainstream
Admission Qualifications for Certification Program (School Counseling only)
Candidates for certification must:
- pass an entry examination of essential skills in reading, writing, and mathematics (PRAXIS I - PPST) or must have this requirement waived based on appropriate SAT, ACT, GRE or PAA scores.
- have achieved a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.67 (waivers are available on a case by case basis and may require supplemental undergraduate coursework to increase the undergraduate GPA and/or completion of two approved graduate education courses, depending on GPA. and the advisement of the program.
Practica, Internships, and Research
Practica and internship experiences help students develop their counseling skills in real settings under close faculty supervision. Faculty conduct weekly group supervision sessions on campus, attending to clinical, preventive, consulting, and professional issues. Students take advantage of audio and video taping systems to help them analyze and improve their techniques. The program has an excellent record of intern placement in both urban and suburban schools, and in family service, youth service, and women's support agencies. Students are also encouraged to pursue original research. Some have recently published several articles in the Connecticut Counseling Journal, and others have taken significant roles in workshops and group counseling sessions for school and community groups.
Career Opportunities
School Counseling graduates are well represented throughout Connecticut at elementary, middle school, and high school levels, as well as in other states.
Community Counseling graduates are employed throughout the region, advising on substance abuse, domestic violence, family issues, careers, and other significant issues. Several students have gone on to doctoral study. Many alumni have earned honors for their counseling work and are active in professional organizations.
Student Professional Organization - Chi Sigma Iota
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