Introduction
The counseling program prepares individuals as professional counselors in the areas of clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, college counseling and student affairs, and addiction counseling. Our program is designed to prepare graduates who have necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions to best serve in mental health centers, schools, recovery centers, and colleges. Our program is exemplified by the quality and diversity of classroom instruction, field experiences, program options, students, faculty and the outstanding reputation of graduates in the community. The required core courses are those considered to represent basic knowledge and skills essential for professional counselors in all environments. The common CACREP core includes knowledge and skills in:
- professional orientation and ethics
- human growth and development
- social and cultural diversity
- helping relationships (e.g., counseling theory, counseling methods)
- career development
- group work
- assessment
- research and program evaluation
The Counseling Program also maintains the Community Counseling Clinic that provides free or reduced cost counseling services to residents of the Youngstown area. All students in the clinical, school, addiction and college counseling options take one practicum course and counsel clients via the clinic during their first practicum experience. We have a strong connection with alumni, program supervisors, agencies and schools, and community leaders who support the profession of counseling in the Youngstown area.
For more information visit our Department website.
Welcome
Our program is designed to prepare graduates that have necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions to best serve in mental health centers, schools, recovery centers, and colleges in the area. Our program seeks to meet the Addiction Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, College Counseling & Student Affairs needs of Northeast Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and other areas of the state/country.
We are CACREP accredited and nationally awarded (i.e., ACES Outstanding Counselor Education Program Award and the NCACES Innovative Counselor Education Program Award). Our program is exemplified by the quality and diversity of classroom instruction, field experiences, program options, students, faculty and the outstanding reputation of graduates in the community. We have a 50 year history and over 2100 master’s degree graduates who have served the area as licensed professional clinical counselors, licensed/certified school counselors, licensed/certified chemical dependency counselors, student affairs professionals, professors, agency directors, and public servants. We have a strong connection with alumni, program supervisors, agencies and schools, and community leaders who support the profession of counseling in the Youngstown area. Master’s students will find a unique educational experience that prepares them for employment and/or advanced study in Counseling.
Program Director
For specific questions about the Master of Science in Education Counseling program, please contact the program director:
Jake J. Protivnak, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling
(330) 941-1936
jjprotivnak@ysu.edu
Addiction Counseling
The Addiction Counseling Program prepares students to work in a variety of community settings, including addiction/recovery centers, residential/community mental health centers, hospitals, employee assistance programs, and private practice. Students are taught to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders using a variety of interventions and methods. Students within this program focus on all areas of addiction including drug and alcohol, gambling, sexual, and other process addiction. The Addiction Counseling Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Completion of this program will satisfy the educational portion of the requirements for Professional counselor and Professional Clinical Counselor licensure by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. In addition to the 63 semester hours of coursework, students complete experiential activities early in the program, a practicum, and a 600-hour internship in one of a variety of addiction settings in Northeast Ohio or Western Pennsylvania.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program prepares students to work with children, adolescents, and/or adults and are employed in a variety of settings, including:
- community mental health centers
- hospitals
- addiction/recovery centers
- employee assistance programs
- private practices
Students are taught to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders using a variety of interventions and methods. Students are also taught ways to facilitate clients’ growth and wellness, and how to help people live optimally as they move through developmental changes. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). A completed 600-hour internship in an appropriate community setting is required. Students interested in clinical mental health counseling complete a 60-semester-hour curriculum that is recognized by the state of Ohio’s Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. The curriculum enables graduates to pursue Ohio Professional Counselor licensure and Professional Clinical Counselor licensure. Students seeking counselor licensure in other states, such as Pennsylvania, have the responsibility to ensure that they meet the requirements of those particular states.
School Counseling
The School Counseling option prepares students to work in public or private K-12 education settings. The program is designed to help students with or without teaching backgrounds to support the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students within a school system. The program has an urban focus and seeks to prepare students who understand the impact of poverty and culture on disenfranchised populations. The School Counseling program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program meets the education requirements for school counselor licensure in the state of Ohio. Students seeking school counselor licensure who do not have teacher certification in Ohio must have completed an approved school counseling program with a one-year induction process. Students must also pass the school counseling exam for the State of Ohio or any other state required standardized testing. In addition to the 60 semester hours of coursework, students complete experiential activities early in the program, a practicum, and a 600-hour internship in one of a variety of school counseling settings in Northeast Ohio or Western Pennsylvania. Students seeking school counselor licensure/certification in other states, such as Pennsylvania, have the responsibility to ensure that they meet the requirements of those particular states.
College Counseling and Student Affairs
The College Counseling & Student Affairs program option prepares entry level college counselors and student affairs practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and practical experiences to facilitate the learning and development of college students. Preparation is guided by an understanding of college counseling and student affairs history and research, college student development theory, legal and ethical issues, college student diversity, current issues, administrative and leadership components, assessment practices, and an understanding of the dynamic nature of higher education.The College Counseling and Student Affairs program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Graduates from the College Counseling & Student Affairs program option pursue careers as professionals at college and universities across the country. Individuals who complete the 60 hour non-licensure options are prepared to work in a host of functional areas in higher education such as: housing, admissions, advising, career centers, international centers, diversity and inclusion centers, etc.). Recent graduates have been:
- academic advisors
- career services coordinators
- international recruiters
- residence directors
- area coordinators
- directors of residence life
- directors of student activities
- faculty members
Individuals who complete the 60 hour licensure option are prepared to work with college students in community mental health centers, hospitals, addiction/recovery centers, employee assistance programs and private practices. Individuals are taught to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders using a variety of interventions and methods. Completion of the 60 semester hour licensure track will satisfy the educational portion of the requirements for licensure as a Professional Counselor and a Professional Clinical Counselor by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Individuals complete experiential activities early in the program, a practicum, and a 600-hour internship in one of a variety of college and university settings in Northeast Ohio or Western Pennsylvania.
Mission
The mission of the Counseling Program is to educate students, and to help them develop into counselors and related professionals who are sensitive to the impacts of human development, culture, and context upon students and consumers of counseling services; who are caring and compassionate counselors and people; who are self-reflective; who promote opportunity and social justice for the impoverished urban and rural populations; and, who are committed to empowering consumers of counseling services to thrive, and to achieve their fullest potential.
The Counseling Program advocates equality of opportunity for all persons. The curriculum and all educational experiences are designed to educate counselors in understanding and applying various counseling methods and techniques to aid a multicultural and diverse population with psychological, educational, vocational, and personal concerns. The Counseling Program fosters a learning environment that is challenging for both personal and professional development, humane in its emphasis upon respect for the dignity and worth of the individual, and realistic through its emphasis upon integration of academic, clinical, and field-based learning.
Program faculty are involved in scholarship, and university, professional, and community service, and to use those involvements to mentor students, to enhance students’ learning experiences, to serve the community, the counseling profession, and consumers of counseling services who reside in northeast Ohio.
Accreditation
The Counseling Program emphasizes high standards of professional competence. The Counseling Program continues to remain committed to its stated mission through ongoing accreditations by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The Counseling Program also emphasizes ethical practice and keeps with state and national standards for certification and licensure for practice in educational, mental health and social service environments. The Counseling Program has full approval by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapists Board (OCSWMFT), and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). The Counseling Program engages in ongoing program development and refinement based on accrediting bodies' and licensure boards’ developments and recommendations, and sensitivity to licensure requirements and legal and ethical issues is a priority.
Our program is fully accredited by CACREP through 2031.
Admission Requirements
Students from a variety of undergraduate majors (i.e. psychology, social work, education, communication, sociology, religion, philosophy, business, general studies, etc.) may pursue a master’s degree in counseling. Undergraduate and/or graduate grade point average, a letter of intent, name and contact information of references, and a required interview are important factors in determining the admissibility of an applicant to the counseling degree program. Applicants will be interviewed by members of the Counseling Admissions Committee and must meet the standards prescribed in the counseling program’s admission policies. The following are the admission requirements:
- Applicants must have earned above a 2.7 grade-point average. (If an applicant's GPA is slightly below the minimum required, an applicant may include a GRE or MAT score to have their application reviewed.)
- Letter of Intent (approximately 4 pages double-spaced) with response to the following items:
- What factors are motivating you to pursue a masters degree in Counseling at this time?
- Please give an example of when you have determined to make desired changes in your life. What motivated you to seek this change and what obstacles did you overcome?
- What do you believe are the most important counseling skills for helping a culturally-different individual?
- The Counseling Program offers four (4) options; Addiction Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and College Counseling/Student Affairs. Which Counseling Program option(s) are you most interested in pursuing? What is your motivation to specialize in this area and what type of work would you like to be doing in 5 years?
- Names and contact information of three references, at least two of which should be current or former faculty
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate or graduate work completed
- Counseling Interview
- Application Deadlines:
Fall: June 15th
Spring: October 15th
Summer: March 15th
Graduate Faculty
The following are core counselor education program faculty:
Victoria E. White Kress, Ph.D., Professor
Self-injurious behavior; complex psychological trauma; child abuse, domestic violence, rape/sexual trauma survivors; DSM; strength-based/creative counseling interventions
Kenneth L. Miller, Ph.D., Professor
Measurement of cultural bias and discrimination; child abuse; technology use in clinical supervision; gender equity
Jake J. Protivnak, Ph.D., Professor
Counselor education; supervision; adolescent/college student interventions
Students are required to complete appropriate coursework for their program option, including satisfactory completion of the counseling comprehensive examination. Comps exams for licensure area student must be completed prior to beginning their field placements. Coursework related to specialized cognate areas serve to enhance each program option.
Twelve semester hours of internship are required. Since this requirement entails 20 hours per week at the internship site, students who are employed full time may need to arrange for accommodations with their employers to fulfill this requirement.
Addiction Counseling Program Curriculum
- Internship placement involves a minimum of 600 clock hours completed over two semesters. COUN 7002 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum 2 is to be completed the semester immediately prior to beginning the internship. Students are to apply for their field placement for the fall or summer semesters no later than the fourth week of the spring semester. (Application forms are online and should be submitted to the internship coordinator.) If a student would like to begin his or her field placement in the spring semester, the student should apply no later than the fourth week of the fall semester. Students who fail to submit their field placement application form by the deadline will not be permitted to complete their field placement during the specified semester. For further information refer to the appropriate Fieldwork Handbook.
- Not all courses are offered every semester. It is the student’s responsibility to carefully plan his or her program of study in order to meet all prerequisite course and graduation requirements.
- All candidates are required to purchase a Task Stream account to complete the critical task for each courses which is essential for the CACREP accreditation.
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| COUN 6920 | Orientation and Ethical Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6900 | Counseling Methods and Practice | 3 |
| COUN 6902 | Theory and Foundation of Addictions Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6903 | Addictions Counseling: Treatment and Intervention | 3 |
| COUN 6962 | Counseling Theory | 3 |
| COUN 6940 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| COUN 6964 | Appraisal Techniques in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6968 | Research in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6972 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6973 & 6973L | Group Counseling Theory and Practice and Guided Group Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6976 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6980 | Diagnosis of Mental Disorders | 3 |
| or COUN 7018 | Diagnosis and Treatment of Children and Adolescents | |
| COUN 7001 | Counseling Practicum 1 | 3 |
| COUN 7002 | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum 2 | 3 |
| COUN 7031 | Clinical Psychopathology and Treatment | 3 |
| COUN 6991 | Family Systems Counseling | 3 |
| Elective (Select one of these courses) | 3 | |
| College Counseling and Student Mental Health | ||
| Trauma and Crisis Counseling | ||
| Counseling Children and Adolescents | ||
| Diagnosis and Treatment of Children and Adolescents | ||
| College Student Development | ||
| Principles and Techniques in Counseling Supervision | ||
| Counseling Techniques | ||
| Internship | ||
| COUN 7010 | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship Seminar (Two semesters ) Concurrent with COUN 7020 | 6 |
| COUN 7020 | Field Experience Supervision | 3 |
| COUN 7020 | Field Experience Supervision | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 63 | |
Comprehensive examination prerequisites
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| COUN 6900 | Counseling Methods and Practice | 3 |
| COUN 6920 | Orientation and Ethical Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6940 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| COUN 6962 | Counseling Theory | 3 |
| COUN 6964 | Appraisal Techniques in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6968 | Research in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6972 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6973 & 6973L | Group Counseling Theory and Practice and Guided Group Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6976 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling | 3 |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Curriculum
- Internship placement involves a minimum of 600 clock hours completed over two semesters. COUN 7002 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum 2 is to be completed the semester immediately prior to beginning the internship. Students are to apply for their field placement for the fall or summer semesters no later than the fourth week of the spring semester. (Application forms are online and should be submitted to the internship coordinator.) If a student would like to begin his or her field placement in the spring semester, the student should apply no later than the fourth week of the fall semester. Students who fail to submit their field placement application form by the deadline will not be permitted to complete their field placement during the specified semester. For further information refer to the appropriate Fieldwork Handbook.
- Not all courses are offered every semester. It is the student’s responsibility to carefully plan his or her program of study in order to meet all prerequisite course and graduation requirements.
- All candidates are required to purchase a Task Stream account to complete the critical task for each courses which is essential for the CACREP and CAEP accreditation.
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| COUN 6920 | Orientation and Ethical Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6900 | Counseling Methods and Practice | 3 |
| COUN 6962 | Counseling Theory | 3 |
| COUN 6940 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| COUN 6964 | Appraisal Techniques in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6968 | Research in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6972 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6973 & 6973L | Group Counseling Theory and Practice and Guided Group Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6976 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6980 | Diagnosis of Mental Disorders | 3 |
| or COUN 7018 | Diagnosis and Treatment of Children and Adolescents | |
| COUN 7001 | Counseling Practicum 1 | 3 |
| COUN 7002 | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum 2 | 3 |
| COUN 7031 | Clinical Psychopathology and Treatment | 3 |
| Elective (Select three of these courses) | 9 | |
| Theory and Foundation of Addictions Counseling | ||
| Addictions Counseling: Treatment and Intervention | ||
| College Counseling and Student Mental Health | ||
| Trauma and Crisis Counseling | ||
| Family Systems Counseling | ||
| Counseling Children and Adolescents | ||
| Diagnosis and Treatment of Children and Adolescents | ||
| College Student Development | ||
| Principles and Techniques in Counseling Supervision | ||
| Counseling Techniques | ||
| Internship | ||
| COUN 7010 | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship Seminar (Two semesters ) Concurrent with COUN 7020 | 6 |
| COUN 7020 | Field Experience Supervision Concurrent with COUN 7010 | 6 |
| Total Semester Hours | 60 | |
Comprehensive examination prerequisites
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| COUN 6920 | Orientation and Ethical Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6900 | Counseling Methods and Practice | 3 |
| COUN 6940 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| COUN 6962 | Counseling Theory | 3 |
| COUN 6964 | Appraisal Techniques in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6968 | Research in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6972 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6973 & 6973L | Group Counseling Theory and Practice and Guided Group Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6976 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling | 3 |
School Counseling Program Curriculum
- Internship placement involves a minimum of 600 clock hours completed over two semesters. COUN 7007 School Counseling Practicum 2 is to be completed in the fall semester immediately prior to beginning internship. Students are to apply for their field placement for the fall or summer semesters no later than the fourth week of the spring semester. (Application forms are online and should be submitted to the internship coordinator.) Students who fail to submit their field placement application form by the deadline will not be permitted to complete their field placement during the specified semester. For further information refer to the appropriate Fieldwork Handbook.
- Internships must be completed in approved educational settings. In order to provide a comprehensive experience, Practicum II/Internship are only offered beginning in the fall semester of the final year in the program. This experience is comprised of 750 supervised hours in an approved setting in an August through June format.
- Not all school counseling courses are offered every semester. Students are responsible for carefully planning their programs of study in order to meet all prerequisite course and graduate requirements.
- Students are required to purchase a Task Stream account to complete the critical tasks for each course which is essential for CACREP and CAEP.
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| COUN 6900 | Counseling Methods and Practice | 3 |
| COUN 6940 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| COUN 6961 | Orientation and Ethical Issues in School Counseling (take within the first 3 semesters) | 3 |
| COUN 6962 | Counseling Theory | 3 |
| COUN 6964 | Appraisal Techniques in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6968 | Research in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6972 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6973 & 6973L | Group Counseling Theory and Practice and Guided Group Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6976 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6991 | Family Systems Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 7001 | Counseling Practicum 1 | 3 |
| COUN 7003 | Counseling Children and Adolescents | 3 |
| COUN 7018 | Diagnosis and Treatment of Children and Adolescents | 3 |
| COUN 7019 | School Counseling Program Development | 3 |
| COUN 7007 | School Counseling Practicum 2 | 3 |
| Elective (Select one of these courses) | 3 | |
| Theory and Foundation of Addictions Counseling | ||
| Addictions Counseling: Treatment and Intervention | ||
| College Counseling and Student Mental Health | ||
| Trauma and Crisis Counseling | ||
| College Student Development | ||
| Clinical Psychopathology and Treatment | ||
| Principles and Techniques in Counseling Supervision | ||
| Counseling Techniques | ||
| Internship | ||
| COUN 7009 | School Counseling Internship Seminar (Two semesters ) Concurrent with COUN 7020 | 6 |
| COUN 7020 | Field Experience Supervision Concurrent with COUN 7009 | 6 |
| Total Semester Hours | 60 | |
Comprehensive examination prerequisites
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| COUN 6900 | Counseling Methods and Practice | 3 |
| COUN 6961 | Orientation and Ethical Issues in School Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6940 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| COUN 6962 | Counseling Theory | 3 |
| COUN 6964 | Appraisal Techniques in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6968 | Research in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6972 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6973 & 6973 | Group Counseling Theory and Practice and Group Counseling Theory and Practice | 4 |
| COUN 6976 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling | 3 |
College Counseling and Student Affairs Program Curriculum
- Internship placement involves a minimum of 600 clock hours completed over two semesters. COUN 7004 Practicum in Student Affairs (for non-licensure students) and COUN 7002 (for licensure students) is to be completed immediately prior to beginning internship. Students are to apply for their field placement (note: application forms are in the central office and should be turned in to the internship coordinator) for the fall or summer semesters no later than the fourth week of the spring semester.
- Not all courses are offered every semester. It is the student’s responsibility to carefully plan his/her program of study in order to meet all prerequisite course and graduation requirements.
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| COUN 6900 | Counseling Methods and Practice | 3 |
| COUN 6930 | College Counseling and Student Mental Health | 3 |
| COUN 6962 | Counseling Theory | 3 |
| COUN 6940 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| COUN 6968 | Research in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6972 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6973 & 6973L | Group Counseling Theory and Practice and Guided Group Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6976 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 7001 | Counseling Practicum 1 | 3 |
| COUN 7021 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Student Affairs 1 | 3 |
| COUN 7023 | College Student Development | 3 |
| COUN 7026 | Orientation and Functions of Student Affairs (take within the first 3 semesters) | 3 |
| COUN 7044 | Leadership and Administration in Student Affairs 1 | 3 |
| COUN 7046 | Assessment in Student Affairs Practice 1 | 3 |
| Practicum/Internship 1 | ||
| COUN 7004 | Practicum in Student Affairs (permit required) 1 | 3 |
| COUN 7005 | Student Affairs Internship Seminar 1 | 3 |
| COUN 7020 | Field Experience Supervision Concurrent with COUN 7005 | 1 |
| Ohio Licensure Option 2 | ||
| Orientation and Ethical Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | ||
| Appraisal Techniques in Counseling | ||
| Diagnosis of Mental Disorders | ||
| Clinical Psychopathology and Treatment | ||
| Non-Licensure Student Electives (Select one of these courses) 1 & 2 | 3 | |
| Theory and Foundation of Addictions Counseling | ||
| Addictions Counseling: Treatment and Intervention | ||
| Trauma and Crisis Counseling | ||
| Family Systems Counseling | ||
| Counseling Techniques | ||
| Practicum /Internship 2 | ||
| COUN 7002 | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum 2 | 3 |
| COUN 7010 | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship Seminar (Two semesters ) Concurrent with COUN 7020 | 6 |
| COUN 7020 | Field Experience Supervision Concurrent with COUN 7010 | 6 |
| Total Semester Hours | 67 | |
- 1
COUN 7004 Practicum in Student Affairs and COUN 7005 Student Affairs Internship Seminar will be the practicum and internship courses for non-licensure students.
- 2
Ohio Licensure Option will complete the CMHC practicum/internship coursework. Specifically, licensure students will take COUN 7002, COUN 7010, and COUN 7020 for practicum and internship. In addition, COUN 7021, COUN 7044 and COUN 7046 will not be required for licensure students.
Comprehensive examination prerequisites
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| COUN 7026 | Orientation and Functions of Student Affairs | 3 |
| or COUN 6920 | Orientation and Ethical Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | |
| COUN 6900 | Counseling Methods and Practice | 3 |
| COUN 6940 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| COUN 6962 | Counseling Theory | 3 |
| COUN 7046 | Assessment in Student Affairs Practice | 3 |
| or COUN 6964 | Appraisal Techniques in Counseling | |
| COUN 6968 | Research in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6972 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6973 & 6973L | Group Counseling Theory and Practice and Guided Group Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 6976 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling | 3 |
C Grade Policy
A student must maintain a minimum of a "B" average (3.0 on a 4-point scale) in all academic work completed to be awarded a degree. A student who earns a "C" or lower in any course will be required to retake the course. A student earning more than one C grade or lower (i.e., D or F) will be removed from the program. A student who earns a C in any practicum or internship course will not be permitted to move to the next level of the field placement sequence (e.g., Practicum 2, or Internship) and will be required to re-take the course in which the grade was earned. A student who earns a D or F in a practicum or internship course may be dismissed from the program. In these situations, the faculty will review the case and determine if the severity of the situation warrants removal from the program.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of CACREP’s eight core foundational knowledge areas.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to use foundational counseling techniques/ micro-skills
- Students will demonstrate professionalism, professional identity, and fitness to practice as a professional counselor.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge in specific program areas (i.e., Clinical Mental Health, School, College Counseling and Student Affairs)
Graduate Faculty
COUN 6900 Counseling Methods and Practice 3 s.h.
Methods and practices of professional counseling relative to relationship, goals, process, and documentation. Relevant ethical guidelines are stressed. Includes experiential skill training. For counseling majors or by permission of Department of Counseling.
COUN 6902 Theory and Foundation of Addictions Counseling 3 s.h.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of chemical dependency and process addictions. There will be an emphasis on all aspects of addiction, including etiology, classification, physiological effects of substances, theory, assessment, interventions, and recovery models.
COUN 6903 Addictions Counseling: Treatment and Intervention 3 s.h.
Knowledge, skills, and practice related to chemical dependency and process addictions. There will be an emphasis on assessment, models for treatment, and skills necessary to work in addiction/prevention programs in diverse settings.
COUN 6904 Crisis Counseling 3 s.h.
An overview of the professional concerns and issues school psychologists face working in public school systems. Orientation and preparation for the supervised internship experience will be discussed; future responsibilities as a professional and staff consultant. Legal and ethical issues pertaining to the role of a school psychologist will be reviewed.
COUN 6905 Cultural/Ethnic Issues Relating to Youth and Families 3 s.h.
Introduces pertinent theoretical cultural issues which relate to mental health professionals as they work with diversified populations. In particular, therapeutic skill enhancement of professionals will be advanced, since all counseling may be seen as cross-cultural. Group work and experiential exercises will provide an avenue for the professional and personal cultural growth of each participant. The goal is to also enhance participant's level of cultural sensitivity.
COUN 6910 Human Development and Family Systems Counseling 3 s.h.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the content knowledge of human development and systems theory in order to become effective in helping individuals and families change. Major theoretical approaches to life span development and family counseling will be addressed.
COUN 6911 International Area Study: Project Learning Around the World 3 s.h.
This course is designed to enhance mental health or teacher's professional and personal level of sensitivity and competence via introducing them to innovative and traditional forms of intervention or healing in community and school settings in a developing country. Students will participate in philanthropic activities by helping to gather and deliver educational supplies via Project Learning Around the World (www.platw.org).
COUN 6920 Orientation and Ethical Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 3 s.h.
This course provides students with an introduction to the field of professional counseling and the foundations of community counseling. The course addresses the following topics: history, philosophy, cultural dynamics, advocacy, consultation, technology applications, and trends in professional and community counseling. The counseling profession’s ethical standards are also addressed with an emphasis on the ACA code of ethics and counselor ethical decision-making processes.
COUN 6930 College Counseling and Student Mental Health 3 s.h.
This course provides students with an overview of the field of college counseling. The course addresses the following topics: history, philosophy, theories, cultural dynamic, technology applications, assessment and evaluation responsibilities, legal and ethical issues, and current trends in college counseling settings. The college counselor's role, function, and professional identity as a student advocate, program coordinator, individual/group counselor, and prevention specialist is addressed.
COUN 6940 Human Growth and Development 3 s.h.
The goal of this course is to help students develop an understanding of the theories and concepts associated with human growth and development, specifically in regard to how they relate to counseling. Students will develop an understanding of development through life through a study of research and discussion of development theories. An understanding of the biosocial aspects of development specifically using Erikson’s and other theories will occur. The application of this information will be stressed due to its crucial role in the development of determining normal versus abnormal as well as the utilization of appropriate treatment goals and plans.
COUN 6961 Orientation and Ethical Issues in School Counseling 3 s.h.
This course provides students with an introduction to the field of professional counseling, and the foundations of school counseling. The course addresses the following topics: history, philosophy, cultural dynamics, advocacy, consultation, technology applications, classroom management issues, and trends in professional and school counseling. The counseling profession's ethical standards are also addressed with an emphasis on the American Counseling Association (ACA) and American School Counselor Association (ASCA) code of ethics, and counselor ethical decision-making processes.
COUN 6962 Counseling Theory 3 s.h.
Basic principles of counseling in an educational context. Development of procedural bases for counseling and educationally oriented counseling theory. Ethics and limitations involved in counseling practices.
COUN 6963 Occupational and Educational Information in Guidance 2 s.h.
Principles of career development and use of educational and occupational information resources in the guidance program. Lecture and discussion are used to explore occupational structure of the United States, sources of educational and occupational information including community resources, and the collecting, classifying, filing, and organization of educational and occupational information for use in the guidance program.
COUN 6964 Appraisal Techniques in Counseling 3 s.h.
Overview of the administration, scoring, and interpretation of standardized tests and measures used in counseling practice with specific focus and supervised practice in the administration and interpretation of standardized ability, interest, intelligence, and aptitude tests.
COUN 6965 Applied Testing in Career Counseling 2 s.h.
Administration, scoring, and interpretation of selected assessment tools and their application to career counseling.
Prereq.: COUN 6964.
COUN 6968 Research in Counseling 3 s.h.
The study and application of quantitative and qualitative research in counseling with statistical application component.
COUN 6969 Administration of Personnel and Guidance Services 2 s.h.
A comprehensive study of the dynamic qualities inherent in planning, management, functioning, and structuring of personnel and guidance services in public schools.
COUN 6970 Counseling and Social Services in the Schools 2 s.h.
Examines the scope and comprehensive developmental programs for counseling and social services in the schools with consideration of need assessment and development of such programs.
COUN 6971 Human Relations for the Classroom 2 s.h.
The course focuses on skill development in human relations. These skills are studied and integrated with cognate skill development in the classroom, classroom planning and organization conflict resolution, and coping with behavior problems and motivation. Application is made to the classroom environment.
COUN 6972 Career Counseling 3 s.h.
Theories of vocational choice, vocational success and satisfaction, decision making, and vocational testing. Career counseling as related to the economic and social context.
COUN 6973 Group Counseling Theory and Practice 2 s.h.
Theories pertaining to group dynamics, process, interaction, consultation, and counselor intervention. For counseling majors or by permission of Department of Counseling.
COUN 6975 Counselor Consultation and Prevention 3 s.h.
This course is a study of the theoretical models of consultation and prevention. Techniques for implementation of consultation and prevention in schools, agencies, and higher education settings will be presented.
COUN 6976 Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling 3 s.h.
Counseling theory and techniques related to social and economic change, ethnic groups, subculture, issues of sexuality and gender, urban and rural societies, cultural mores, the use of leisure time, and differing life patterns.
COUN 6977 College Admission Counseling 3 s.h.
This course provides practical information on advising student and parents about the college admission process. The course is designed to promote career advisement knowledge and skills related to: consultation with parents, drop out prevention, student motivation, academic/career preparation, assessment, application process, financial aid, and interventions to enhance student and parents decisions regarding college admission process.
COUN 6980 Diagnosis of Mental Disorders 3 s.h.
Overview of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV-TR) format, with emphasis placed on the development of diagnostic skills for the major mental and emotional disorders commonly encountered in social service, educational, and community counseling agencies.
COUN 6982 Educational Leadership in Primary and Intervention Strategies 2 s.h.
This course will identify mental health issues that impact individuals, families, and the educational system. Prevention and intervention strategies will be explored, as well as issues and procedures of referral.
COUN 6990 Independent Study 1-3 s.h.
Individual investigation of advanced topics under guidance of selected staff. Permission of instructor required. Special approval required.
COUN 6991 Family Systems Counseling 3 s.h.
Systems theory as applied to family functioning. Major theoretical approaches to family counseling, including ethics and techniques, will be addressed.
COUN 6995 Trauma and Crisis Counseling 3 s.h.
This course features an overview of the impact of traumatic events and crises on individuals, families, and communities. Models and theories of intervention and response are addressed. The psychological impacts and needs of those who have experienced diverse trauma experiences will be examined (e.g., victims of child abuse, interpersonal partner violence, sexual assault). Contemporary issues associated with trauma and crisis counseling will be explored (e.g., crisis assessment, vicarious trauma and countertransference, cultural and legal/ethics issues related to trauma counseling).
COUN 7001 Counseling Practicum 1 3 s.h.
Supervised individual counseling practice with volunteer clients. Focus upon process, clarification, and resolution of counselee goals and counselor self-awareness/evaluation. Students are required to attend a scheduled orientation in the Community Counseling Clinic prior to the first class.
Prereq.: COUN 6900 and (COUN 6920, COUN 6961, or COUN 7026).
COUN 7002 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum 2 3 s.h.
Supervised individual and group counseling practices in settings appropriate to student's programs. Requires field placement of 150 hours. Special approval required.
Prereq.: COUN 7001, no PR grades, successful completion of counseling program comprehensive exam, and permission of program area internship coordinator.
COUN 7003 Counseling Children and Adolescents 3 s.h.
Various theories and respective techniques for counseling and psychotherapy with children and adolescents. Research concerning the efficacy of such approaches will also be studied. Special approval required.
COUN 7004 Practicum in Student Affairs 3 s.h.
This course will provide an orientation to the student services division, as well as offering students the opportunity to gain experience in a higher education setting. The program component will include individual and group supervision, as well as supervised field experience.
Prereq.: Special approval required.
COUN 7005 Student Affairs Internship Seminar 3 s.h.
This course will provide a weekly supervision and 600 hours of supervised field experience for student affairs students. The internship supervision is designed to promote the integration of theory and practitioner experiences for students in a higher education setting and to help students prepare for the transition to a professional student affairs position following completion of the degree.
Prereq.: COUN 7004.
Coreq.: COUN 7020.
COUN 7006 Guidance in the Classroom 2 s.h.
Studies various factors important to a facilitative climate in the classroom and activities through which elementary counselors and teachers can provide these conditions. Considered as classroom management and discipline techniques based upon learning theory, implementation of democratic group structure for elementary school classrooms, and organized activities designed to promote the development of self-understanding and understanding of others in the child's world. The course requires extensive reading and review of published materials designed for classroom guidance in addition to observation of classrooms and role playing experiences.
COUN 7007 School Counseling Practicum 2 3 s.h.
Supervised individual and group counseling practices in school counseling. Requires field placement of 150 hours. Special approval required.
Prereq.: COUN 7001, no PR grades, successful completion of department comprehensive exam, and permission of instructor.
COUN 7008 Assessment for Educational Decision Making 2 s.h.
Assessment procedures used for making leadership decisions in the educational setting. Emphasis on community assessment, identifying high-risk students, and the development of guidance and state testing programs.
COUN 7009 School Counseling Internship Seminar 3 s.h.
Supervised internship in approved school counseling programs. May be repeated. For counseling majors.
Prereq.: COUN 7007.
Coreq.: COUN 7020.
COUN 7010 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship Seminar 3 s.h.
Supervised internship in approved community agencies offering counseling and other mental health services. May be repeated. For counseling majors.
Prereq.: COUN 7002.
Coreq.: COUN 7020.
COUN 7013 Topical Seminar in Counseling 1-3 s.h.
The course is for practicing counselors and counselor trainees and will include a survey of literature in counseling, contemporary issues, individual and small group study of special problems chosen by staff, for example, research in counseling, counselor values, and the counseling process; student values and drug abuse; team approach to counseling services; etc. May be repeated to a maximum of 10 semester hours.
COUN 7014 Topical Seminar in Counseling 1-3 s.h.
The course is for practicing counselors and counselor trainees and will include a survey of literature in counseling, contemporary issues, individual and small group study of special problems chosen by staff, for example, research in counseling, counselor values, and the counseling process; student values and drug abuse; team approach to counseling services; etc. May be repeated to a maximum of 10 semester hours.
COUN 7015 Topical Seminar in Counseling 1-3 s.h.
The course is for practicing counselors and counselor trainees and will include a survey of literature in counseling, contemporary issues, individual and small group study of special problems chosen by staff, for example, research in counseling, counselor values, and the counseling process; student values and drug abuse; team approach to counseling services; etc. May be repeated to a maximum of 10 semester hours.
COUN 7018 Diagnosis and Treatment of Children and Adolescents 3 s.h.
Overview of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, text revision (DSM-V-TR) with an emphasis placed on the development of diagnostics skills for the major mental disorders commonly encountered in social service, educational, and community counseling agencies. The course will additionally focus on the development of diagnostic skills and treatment strategies for working with children and adolescents.
COUN 7019 School Counseling Program Development 3 s.h.
This course provides students with a comprehensive framework for planning, designing, implementing, evaluating, and enhancing content-based and comprehensive developmental counseling programs. The course is designed to promote knowledge and skills related to: prevention and crisis intervention strategies; use of a student information system to collect, analyze, and evaluate data in order to improve student outcomes; integration of the school counseling program into the total school curriculum to assist preK-12 students.
COUN 7020 Field Experience Supervision 3 s.h.
University faculty supervised internship experience in selected counseling-related settings. Students are supervised by the university-based supervisor during the internship field experience. Faculty provide regular weekly feedback on intern participation in field experience, conduct field-based supervision visits, and evaluate counseling skills delivered at the field site.
Prereq.: COUN 7002, COUN 7004, or COUN 7007.
Coreq.: COUN 7005, COUN 7009, or COUN 7010.
COUN 7021 Legal and Ethical Issues in Student Affairs 3 s.h.
This course is designed to provide graduate students with an introduction to the legal and ethical issues which affect higher education and student affairs practice. The primary goal of this course is to provide an exploration and understanding of legal issues pertaining to the various constituents of colleges and universities (students, faculty, and administrators).
COUN 7023 College Student Development 3 s.h.
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the field of college student and human development across the life span. Students will be exposed to a range of human development theories and student characteristics that offer insight into the processes of student learning, growth, and development. Special focus will be directed toward understanding patterns of growth and change during the college years for different student subgroups and the implications of these changes for the practices of student affairs and college counseling.
COUN 7026 Orientation and Functions of Student Affairs 3 s.h.
The primary purpose of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the functional areas of student affairs. The application of a counseling-based knowledge and skills for student affairs practitioners will be emphasized.
COUN 7028 Advanced Counseling Theory and Treatment Seminar 3 s.h.
Research and discussion on selected counseling theories (e.g., Adler, Rogers, Ellis, Carkhuff, Berne) chosen by staff. May be repeated.
COUN 7029 Professional Issues in Student Affairs 3 s.h.
The purpose of this course is to expose graduate students to contemporary issues shaping student affairs practice. Topics will vary but will focus on the development of knowledge and skills in emerging areas relevant to professionals in student affairs (e.g., enrollment management, retention, assessment, finance and budget, grant writing).
COUN 7030 Human Relations Training for School Personnel 2 s.h.
Designed to improve the interpersonal relationships of administrators, counselors, teachers, and other professional staff. Objectives include examination of personal communication styles, the effect of the individual on task groups, and increasing leadership potential. For counseling majors or permission of Department of Counseling.
COUN 7031 Clinical Psychopathology and Treatment 3 s.h.
Counseling theories of abnormal behavior and mental disorders throughout the total life cycle. Specific personality theories and examinations of empirically-derived treatments will be included.
Prereq.: COUN 6962.
COUN 7032 Clinical Intellectual Testing 3 s.h.
Supervised practice in the administration and interpretation of standardized intelligence and aptitude tests.
Prereq.: COUN 6964.
COUN 7033 Personality Objective/Projective Assessment 3 s.h.
Supervised practice in the administration and interpretation of standardized objective and projective measures of personality.
Prereq.: COUN 6964.
COUN 7034 Advanced Evaluation of Mental and Emotional Status 3 s.h.
This course provides an advanced overview of the administration and interpretation of intelligence and personality tests. The course is designed to assist the student in becoming aware of testing procedures, testing practices and professional issues concerning the topic of assessment and to provide the student with practical assessment skills applicable to counseling.
Prereq.: COUN 6964.
COUN 7036 Consultation and Educational Approaches to Prevention 2 s.h.
The study of consultation theory and models. Educational approaches to prevention of substance abuse, child abuse, family and marriage problems, etc. will be included.
COUN 7037 Counseling and Psychopharmacological Treatments of Mental and Emotional Disorders 3 s.h.
The study of pharmacological, behavioral, cognitive, and emotive strategies and techniques associated with the treatment of mental and emotional disorders commonly encountered in mental health settings.
Prereq.: COUN 6980 or COUN 7013A.
COUN 7038 Counseling with Couples 3 s.h.
Application of family systems theory to intervention and prevention strategies with couples.
COUN 7039 Administration and Supervision of Mental Health Services 2 s.h.
A comprehensive study of management, planning, function, personnel structuring, supervision, and counseling services in a mental health setting.
COUN 7040 Principles and Techniques in Counseling Supervision 3 s.h.
Theory and practice of counselor supervision. Includes practicum assignment in counselor education. For counseling majors only and by permission of Department of Counseling.
Prereq.: COUN 7010.
COUN 7041 Case Conceptualization, Treatment Planning, and Clinical Supervision 3 s.h.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the advanced case conceptualization, treatment/planning intervention (24 hours) and theory/practice of supervision (24 hours). Includes 12 contact hours of supervision of practicum students at the YSU Counseling Program Community Counseling Clinic.
Prereq. or Coreq.: COUN 7010.
COUN 7042 Administration and Organization in Higher Education 3 s.h.
The purpose of this course is to expose graduate students to the complex study of administrative practices and organizational theory in the context of examining campus environments. By developing an informed knowledge base regarding the multiple perspectives of organizations and campus environments, students will be better prepared to lead change in student affairs settings.
COUN 7043 Counseling Techniques 3 s.h.
Didactic and clinical practice training in the use of specific counseling techniques. The course is designed to provide focused training in counseling techniques from four domains of human functioning: (1) cognitions; (2) emotions; (3) behaviors; and (4) physiology. Didactic training includes brief reviews of counseling processes and theoretical models that provide a foundation for each technique as well as demonstrations of each technique. Includes opportunities for learners to practice each technique in small groups and receive feedback on both the fidelity/accuracy and effectiveness of their use of each technique. This course is designed primarily as a skills-building experience to equip learners with theory-based counseling techniques for use in counseling practice.
Prereq.: COUN 6900, COUN 6962.
COUN 7044 Leadership and Administration in Student Affairs 3 s.h.
This course provides students with an opportunity to read, reflect, and integrate theories, concepts, and practices related to leadership and administration. Students will be challenged to reflect on their core values and principles. Students will see leadership through a new paradigm, and formulate their own philosophy of leadership. Students will be challenged to employ visionary leadership in the planning and implementation stage of change.
COUN 7046 Assessment in Student Affairs Practice 3 s.h.
The purpose of this course is to promote the understanding of assessment and program evaluation in enhancing practice. The course will focus on how to utilize assessment to improve practice and to demonstrate the effectiveness of programs, as well as to provide opportunities to effectively assess various dimensions of the college experience. By learning the usefulness and appropriateness of various assessment methodologies, the emerging practitioner will learn to provide evidence for effective practice.
COUN 7509 Family Systems Within an Educational Context 3 s.h.
The focus of the didactic and experiential course will be on identifying patterns of children's symptoms, repositioning of the therapist within the educational system context and learning various therapeutic techniques to use with families of children with disabilities or other mental health issues.