Course descriptions may be updated periodically to reflect changes since the last published catalog.
Course Number Name
COUNS-701 Child and Adolescent Development...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Examines the childhood, preadolescent and adolescent stages of human development relative to students' learning, social development, and parental relationships. Special emphasis will be placed on deviant behavior, social actions, outreach and prevention programs. Ten observation hours required. Normally offered yearly.

Term Offered

COUNS-710 Introduction to School Counseling...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

The foundation course for those enrolled in the school counseling program. The philosophical, historical and theoretical foundationsfor school counseling are investigated, as well as the varied roles and functions of the school counselor. Forty (40) field-based observation hours are required. Normally offered yearly.

Term Offered

COUNS-712 Life Span Development...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

This course examines the process of human development across the lifespan. While it will focus primarily on psychological processes, the intersection with biological and social processes will be explored as well. The major psychological theories of cognitive, social and emotional development will be covered as will the foundations for individual differences. Special emphasis will be placed on topics of interest to people entering the counseling professions. Normally offered yearly.

Term Offered

COUNS-713 Counseling: Theory & Practice...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Analysis of selected counseling theories representative of the field of counseling psychology. Theories will be selected from the following areas: Psychoanalytic, Psychosocial, Rational, Cognitive Behavioral/Learning Theory, Person-Centered, and Existential Theory. Treatment goals and techniques will be explored.

Term Offered

COUNS-714 Psychology of Career Development...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

A survey of various theories of vocational choice and development, and strategies for the implementation of vocational counseling in the school, agency, or business/industrial setting. Concepts of work, vocational concerns of women and minorities and other major issues also investigated.

Term Offered

COUNS-715 Methods of Research...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Principles, concepts and methods of research design and statistics associated with psychological and educational research. Practical applications of research studies to a diverse range of interests in education, psychology and counseling. Offered yearly.

Term Offered

COUNS-716 Psychological Diagnosis...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

The study of the nature of mental disorders; central concepts and processes. Psychogenesis, psychodynamics, role of anxiety, and clinical assessment using the DSM-IV.

Term Offered

COUNS-717 Introduction to Psychological Testing...

Prerequisites

Take COUNS-713;

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Evaluating, administering, scoring, interpreting, and reporting results of standardized tests of personality, academic performance, congnitive functioning, aptitude, and achievement. Self-study development and assessment of testing programs. Critical issues in testing. Normally offered yearly.

Term Offered

COUNS-720 School Counseling Practicum I...

Prerequisites

Take COUNS-710 COUNS-737 COUNS-746;

Course Credits

3.00- 6.00

Description

Application of skills in a school environment. Students will spend a minimum of fifteen hours per week in a school and participate in weekly group sessions at the University for the evaluation of progress and clinical supervision. Open only to degree candidates in the School Counseling Program who have formally applied for the Practicum and have completed at least 18 hours of coursework. Offered fall semester.

Term Offered

COUNS-721 School Counseling Practicum II...

Prerequisites

Take COUNS-720;

Course Credits

3.00- 6.00

Description

Continuation of COUNS 720 with an opportunity to assume increased responsibility for clients under supervision. Offered spring semester.

Term Offered

COUNS-722 Groups in Schools...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

An overview of the various group counseling formats utilized in schools, and related theories. Issues related to the development and implementation of small counseling groups (e.g., group dynamics and processes for group member selection) and larger educational and prevention-based groups (e.g., fostering positive mental health, career-related programming, anti-bullying) will be explored and discussed.

Term Offered

COUNS-726 Family Therapy...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Selected models of family therapy will be explored. Special emphasis will be placed on assessment and the acquisition of treatment strategies proven to be effective for counselors in helping families cope with developmental stresses. Normally offered alternate years.

Term Offered

COUNS-727 Substance Abuse & Treatment...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

A study of the origin, contributing factors, and implications of drug and alcohol misuse. Various stages and manifestations of abuse/ dependence will be considered and current treatment modalities will be explored.

Term Offered

COUNS-728 Professional Orientation: Ethical/ Legal Issues...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

An overview of the legal issues confronting counselors, human services providers and administrators. Study of regulatory and licensing matters, standards of care, confidentiality laws, mental health and disability laws and family law, constitutional issues, malpractice and legal/ethical dilemmas in human services.

Term Offered

COUNS-729 Human Sexuality Seminar...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

The anatomy, physiology and psychology of human sexual functioning are reviewed. Etiology, interpersonal dynamics, and treatment of sexual dysfunctions are reviewed.

Term Offered

COUNS-731 Action Research...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Research designs, methods, and statistics for students in educator preparation programs (school counseling and teacher preparation). The focus of this course is on the practical methods of conducting practitioner-led research, and involves the execution and presentation of an original research project. Normally offered yearly.

Term Offered

COUNS-732 Psychological Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

This course explores the major psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence from biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives. Attention-deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders, Feeding and Eating Disorders, anxiety and depression are among the disorders explored. Student interest determines other topics. Assessment, treatment, and outcome studies are also discussed. Completion of EHS 701 or EHS 712 is recommended before taking this course. Normally offered alternate years.

Term Offered

COUNS-733 Counsel Diverse Populations...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

A survey of problems and issues confronting cultural diversity. The study of ethnicity and sexual orientation as they influence the development of identity. Implications for counseling strategies. Normally offered yearly.

Term Offered

COUNS-735 Group Counseling...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

A study of the practical and theoretical aspects of counseling small groups. There will be provision for a laboratory experience in which students participate in a group and study the dynamics of behavior as this group develops. Group stages of development and leadership skills will also be examined. Normally offered yearly.

Term Offered

COUNS-737 Counseling Skills Lab...

Prerequisites

Take COUNS-713;

Course Credits

3.00

Description

An introduction to the fundamental techniques and methods of interpersonal relationships, self-examination, and field visits in relation to the role of the professional counselor. The course will involve skill building through role playing, video and/or audio taping. Normally offered spring semester.

Term Offered

COUNS-738 Mental Health Counseling Practicum I...

Prerequisites

Take COUNS-713 COUNS-737;

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Application of skills in an assigned field placement (school, agency or industry). Students will spend fifteen hours per week in field work and participate in weekly group sessions at the University for the evaluation of progress. Open only to degree candidates in Mental Health Counseling. Offered fall semester.

Term Offered

COUNS-739 Mental Health Counseling Practicum II...

Prerequisites

Take COUNS-738

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Continuation of COUNS 738 with an opportunity to assume increased responsibility for clients under supervision. Failure to successfully complete the practicum field experience for any reason following two attempts will result in termination from the program. Offered spring semester.

Term Offered

COUNS-740 Counseling Internship I...

Prerequisites

Take COUNS-738 COUNS-739;

Course Credits

6.00

Description

Application of skills in an approved field placement (school, clinic, hospital, agency, industry) totaling 300 clock hours. The opportunity to develop advanced skills and to integrate professional knowledge appropriate to the field experience. Failure to successfully complete the practicum field experience for any reason following two attempts will result in termination from the program. Offered fall semester.

Term Offered

COUNS-741 Counseling Internship II...

Prerequisites

Take COUNS-740;

Course Credits

6.00

Description

Continuation of Counseling Internship I with advanced responsibilities totaling 300 clock hours. Exploration of an area of individual specialization. Failure to successfully complete the practicum field experience for any reason following two attempts will result in termination from the program. Offered spring semester.

Term Offered

COUNS-746 Issues in School Counseling...

Prerequisites

Take COUNS-710;

Course Credits

3.00

Description

An in-depth investigation of current major areas of concern for the secondary school counselor, including involvement in special needs, legal issues, working with diverse populations and developmental/psychological education. Normally offered yearly.

Term Offered

COUNS-747 College Admission Counseling Fundamentals...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

This course will discuss issues surrounding admission testing and financial aid practices, admission policies and procedures, diverse students (e.g., first generation, students with learning disabilities, traditionally underrepresented populations in higher education), and the technology tools used to facilitate the college search and application process (e.g., Naviance, ConnectEdu, the Common Application). School-based programs to promote early college awareness will also be discussed, and the perspective of both the high school and undergraduate admissions counselor will be considered. Normally offered yearly

Term Offered

COUNS-748 Fieldwork: College Visits...

Prerequisites

COUNS-747;

Course Credits

3.00

Description

This course will require students to visit a minimum of 8 public and private four-year and 2 two-year higher education institutions. Students will meet with admission, diversity services, and disability services personnel of each college to gain insight into how prospective students with diverse backgrounds and abilities would fit the campus resources and offerings. Normally offered yearly

Term Offered

COUNS-749 Access and Equity in Higher Education...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Historical and current problems regarding access and equity to higher education opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups in the college classroom will be explored, with a focus on research describing the problems, and their solutions Course to be offered yearly by the Administration of Higher Education Program

Term Offered

COUNS-751 Domestic Violence, Abuse & Neglect...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

3.00

Description

An opportunity to learn the history of domestic violence including battering, child abuse and child neglect, and the legal response to it. Focus will be on Massachusetts Law and its response, especially the Abuse Prevention Act, its application and enforcement, and on laws protecting children from abuse and neglect. Filings, law office issues and special issues in dealing with battered women and abused and neglected children will be included with the psychological issues, cultural issues, and advocacy possibilities. Normally offered yearly.

Term Offered