M.A. In Counseling Curriculum

An exploration of understanding of mental illness. The study of the classification, etiology, and treatment of psychopathology and personality disorders. The course deals with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM) categorization of criteria for specific diagnoses. Spring semester.

An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include descriptive statistics, bivariate distributions, sampling, estimations, and tests of hypotheses.

Basic individual and group assessment techniques, test item construction, reliability, validity, and standardization, Students will become familiar with authentic, screening, diagnostic, formative, benchmark, and summative assessments relative to decision-making. Students will critique various assessment instruments (intelligence tests, ability tests, achievement tests, screening tests, interest tests, and personality tests) used by counselors. Socio-cultural factors, ethical factors, and legal codes relative to assessment of special populations, diverse learners, and English language learners will be addressed. Prerequisite: Statistics with a grade of ‘B′ or better.

A study of basic concepts of evangelical and Reformed Christian theology with special emphasis on biblical anthropology and the way it informs and critiques various counseling theories.

Course provides the student with the necessary skills to professionally evaluate the current research in the field of counseling. Topics include research strategies, scaling and coding, internal and external validity, and program evaluation. Prerequisite: Statistics with a grade of ‘B′ or better.

An exploration of major events in human development from conception through death. Developmental concepts that have universal application will be covered.

A comprehensive overview and integration of the major theoretical perspectives on the counseling process. An examination of the historical development of counseling theory, an exploration of affective, behavioral, and cognitive counseling theories, and the application of theoretical material to case studies. Foundational elements of the counseling process will be explored via academic activities and observation and critique of videotaped master therapist counseling sessions. Students will develop an initial personal theoretical orientation for counseling endeavors.

A comprehensive overview, integration, and application of major theories and techniques employed in the counseling process. Specific advanced counseling interventions by master counselors will be reviewed via videotape and critiqued. Initial counseling skills will be developed via in vivo role play and will be reviewed and critiqued by the instructor. Basic models and strategies of consultation will be explored from theoretical and pragmatic points of view, and applied to case material.

A survey of theory and practice of counseling associated with career selection, career development, relationships among career, life-style, and family, and relevant appraisal tools.

Theories and techniques of effective multicultural counseling to include consideration and appreciation of cultural, racial, ethnic, disability, gender, language, and other diversity issues within a pluralistic society. Students will examine role of the counselor in advocacy, conflict resolution, cultural awareness, and work with English Language Learners.

Elements of group dynamics, ethical issues special to group work, and group leadership skills. Students will compare four types of groups—task and work groups, psychoeducational groups, counseling groups, and psychotherapy groups. Various theoretical approaches to groups counseling as well as adaptations with diverse populations and specific settings will be addressed. Includes a 10-hour group laboratory experience.

A survey of professional identity, ethical standards, and legal codes for marriage and family counselors and therapists. Topics will include: 1) history and philosophy of the counseling profession; 2) knowledge of professional roles including consultation and group work; and 3) moral principles and virtues in counseling practice, training, supervision, and consultation. This course must be completed on-campus as part of our one-week required residency experience.

This course is designed to introduce students to the history, philosophy, etiological premises that define the practice of marriage and family counseling/therapy. The domain of professional ethics, the legal system, and professional organizations pertaining to the field will be presented. Professional issues will be presented as well as implications pertaining to social, cultural, diversity, and equity pertaining to couples and families. Students will articulate a foundation view of marriage, couple, and family counseling consistent with their own biblical worldview.

This course is designed for students to learn knowledge and skills for the practice of family therapy. Models of family therapy will be reviewed and critiqued in light of the Christian worldview of the student. Techniques, assessments, interventions, and strategies will be discussed and role-played to develop preventative approaches as well as resolving specific problems that impede family functioning.

This course is designed for students to learn knowledge and skills for the practice of couple and marital therapy. Models of marital therapy will be reviewed and critiqued in light of the Christian worldview of the student. Techniques, assessments, interventions, and strategies will be discussed and role-played to develop preventive approaches as well as resolving specific problems that impede marital functioning.

This course is a100-hour experience on and off campus under supervision of an experienced master′s-level clinician. It includes 40 hours of direct service with couples or families. Supervision consists of 1½ hours of weekly group supervision with the Geneva practicum instructor, one hour a week of supervision with the course instructor, and one hour of supervision with the site supervisor at the practicum site. Development of clinical skills is a key focus of the practicum. Open only to students who have been admitted to the program as degree-seeking students. Prerequisites: CNS 521 and CNS 536. Acts 33 and 34 and FBI fingerprint clearances and proof of malpractice insurance.

This course is a 600-hour experience off campus under supervision of an experienced master′s-level clinician involving direct service with couples, families, or individuals with marital or family issues. Supervision is for one hour weekly in the field and 1½ hours per week on campus. Students must be registered for this course while completing the internship. Open only to students who have been admitted to the program as degree seeking students. Prerequisites: Requires Acts 33 and 34 and FBI fingerprint clearances and proof of malpractice insurance.

An exploration of understanding of mental illness. The study of the classification, etiology, and treatment of psychopathology and personality disorders. The course deals with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM) categorization of criteria for specific diagnoses. Spring semester.

An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include descriptive statistics, bivariate distributions, sampling, estimations, and tests of hypotheses.

Basic individual and group assessment techniques, test item construction, reliability, validity, and standardization, Students will become familiar with authentic, screening, diagnostic, formative, benchmark, and summative assessments relative to decision-making. Students will critique various assessment instruments (intelligence tests, ability tests, achievement tests, screening tests, interest tests, and personality tests) used by counselors. Socio-cultural factors, ethical factors, and legal codes relative to assessment of special populations, diverse learners, and English language learners will be addressed. Prerequisite: Statistics with a grade of ‘B′ or better.

A study of basic concepts of evangelical and Reformed Christian theology with special emphasis on biblical anthropology and the way it informs and critiques various counseling theories.

Course provides the student with the necessary skills to professionally evaluate the current research in the field of counseling. Topics include research strategies, scaling and coding, internal and external validity, and program evaluation. Prerequisite: Statistics with a grade of ‘B′ or better.

An exploration of major events in human development from conception through death. Developmental concepts that have universal application will be covered.

A comprehensive overview and integration of the major theoretical perspectives on the counseling process. An examination of the historical development of counseling theory, an exploration of affective, behavioral, and cognitive counseling theories, and the application of theoretical material to case studies. Foundational elements of the counseling process will be explored via academic activities and observation and critique of videotaped master therapist counseling sessions. Students will develop an initial personal theoretical orientation for counseling endeavors.

A comprehensive overview, integration, and application of major theories and techniques employed in the counseling process. Specific advanced counseling interventions by master counselors will be reviewed via videotape and critiqued. Initial counseling skills will be developed via in vivo role play and will be reviewed and critiqued by the instructor. Basic models and strategies of consultation will be explored from theoretical and pragmatic points of view, and applied to case material.

A survey of theory and practice of counseling associated with career selection, career development, relationships among career, life-style, and family, and relevant appraisal tools.

Theories and techniques of effective multicultural counseling to include consideration and appreciation of cultural, racial, ethnic, disability, gender, language, and other diversity issues within a pluralistic society. Students will examine role of the counselor in advocacy, conflict resolution, cultural awareness, and work with English Language Learners.

Elements of group dynamics, ethical issues special to group work, and group leadership skills. Students will compare four types of groups—task and work groups, psychoeducational groups, counseling groups, and psychotherapy groups. Various theoretical approaches to groups counseling as well as adaptations with diverse populations and specific settings will be addressed. Includes a 10-hour group laboratory experience.

A survey of professional identity, ethical standards, and legal codes for mental health counselors and therapists. Topics will include: 1) the history and philosophy of the counseling profession; 2) knowledge of professional roles including consultation and group work; and 3) moral principles and virtues in counseling practice, training, supervision, and consultation. This course must be completed on-campus as part of our one-week required residency experience.

Assumptions and roles of mental health counseling within the context of the community and its health and human service systems, including functions and relationships among interdisciplinary treatment teams, and the historical, organizational, legal, and fiscal dimensions of the public and private mental health care systems.

A review of the most commonly used drugs for psychological conditions, their effects and their side effects, and the methods of action. Particular attention is paid to the synaptic events relevant to drug actions.

The 100-hour practicum is comprised of 40 hours of direct counseling service to counselees at an arranged practicum site, an hour each week of supervision by the site supervisor, an hour each week of individual or triadic supervision by the faculty supervisor, one and one-half hours each week of group supervision by the faculty supervisor and additional administrative and/or counseling hours on site to complete the 100 total hour practicum requirement. Prerequisites: Requires Acts 33 and 34 and FBI fingerprint clearances and proof of malpractice insurance

This course is a 600-hour experience off campus under supervision of an experienced master′s-level clinician and includes direct counseling and service hours with individuals and groups. Supervision is held for one hour weekly in the field by the site supervisor(s) and one and one-half hours weekly on campus in a group format by the faculty supervisor. Open only to students who have been admitted to degree candidacy and who have completed all other coursework. Students must be registered for this course when completing the internship as the internship may extend beyond one semester. Prerequisites: Requires Acts 33 and 34 and FBI fingerprint clearances and proof of malpractice insurance.

An exploration of understanding of mental illness. The study of the classification, etiology, and treatment of psychopathology and personality disorders. The course deals with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM) categorization of criteria for specific diagnoses. Spring semester.

An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include descriptive statistics, bivariate distributions, sampling, estimations, and tests of hypotheses.

Basic individual and group assessment techniques, test item construction, reliability, validity, and standardization, Students will become familiar with authentic, screening, diagnostic, formative, benchmark, and summative assessments relative to decision-making. Students will critique various assessment instruments (intelligence tests, ability tests, achievement tests, screening tests, interest tests, and personality tests) used by counselors. Socio-cultural factors, ethical factors, and legal codes relative to assessment of special populations, diverse learners, and English language learners will be addressed. Prerequisite: Statistics with a grade of ‘B′ or better.

A study of basic concepts of evangelical and Reformed Christian theology with special emphasis on biblical anthropology and the way it informs and critiques various counseling theories.

Course provides the student with the necessary skills to professionally evaluate the current research in the field of counseling. Topics include research strategies, scaling and coding, internal and external validity, and program evaluation. Prerequisite: Statistics with a grade of ‘B′ or better.

An exploration of major events in human development from conception through death. Developmental concepts that have universal application will be covered.

A comprehensive overview and integration of the major theoretical perspectives on the counseling process. An examination of the historical development of counseling theory, an exploration of affective, behavioral, and cognitive counseling theories, and the application of theoretical material to case studies. Foundational elements of the counseling process will be explored via academic activities and observation and critique of videotaped master therapist counseling sessions. Students will develop an initial personal theoretical orientation for counseling endeavors.

A comprehensive overview, integration, and application of major theories and techniques employed in the counseling process. Specific advanced counseling interventions by master counselors will be reviewed via videotape and critiqued. Initial counseling skills will be developed via in vivo role play and will be reviewed and critiqued by the instructor. Basic models and strategies of consultation will be explored from theoretical and pragmatic points of view, and applied to case material.

A survey of theory and practice of counseling associated with career selection, career development, relationships among career, life-style, and family, and relevant appraisal tools.

Theories and techniques of effective multicultural counseling to include consideration and appreciation of cultural, racial, ethnic, disability, gender, language, and other diversity issues within a pluralistic society. Students will examine role of the counselor in advocacy, conflict resolution, cultural awareness, and work with English Language Learners.

Elements of group dynamics, ethical issues special to group work, and group leadership skills. Students will compare four types of groups—task and work groups, psychoeducational groups, counseling groups, and psychotherapy groups. Various theoretical approaches to groups counseling as well as adaptations with diverse populations and specific settings will be addressed. Includes a 10-hour group laboratory experience.

The course is a survey of professional identity, ethical standards, and legal codes for professional counselors with emphasis on elementary and secondary school counseling. Students are to demonstrate knowledge of and ability to apply, in decision-making situations, ACA and ASCA ethical standards, the Pennsylvania Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educations, and legal obligations and public policies that address institutional and social barriers that impede access, equity, and success of all counseling clients, particularly K-12 students. Special emphasis is on professional issues, ethical standards, and legal codes relevant to the school counselor's role with diverse students and English language learners. This course must be completed on-campus as part of our one-week required residency experience.

An exploration of understanding of mental illness. The study of the classification, etiology, and treatment of psychopathology and personality disorders. The course deals with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM) categorization of criteria for specific diagnoses. Spring semester.

Theory and practice of counseling children and adolescents in school and community settings. Characteristics of English language learners and exceptional needs students and the provision of counseling services to these children. Various topics include counseling related to disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, death and dying, child abuse, substance abuse, youth violence, teenage pregnancy, risky sexual behavior, behavioral disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, chronic health

The course covers the nature, development, and management of school counseling programs, and differences between elementary and secondary school contexts. Students will develop knowledge of concepts, skills, and issues necessary to function effectively as school counselors. Students will be able to assess, plan, and integrate the elements of a comprehensive program that reflects the programmatic and ethical standards of the American School Counselor Association, including structuring of essential services to foster personal, social, educational, and career development in students.

The course focuses on school counselors in K-12 inclusive settings as they work with diverse learners, English language learners, parents, administrators, teachers, and community agents. Students will become familiar with special education guidelines, multidisciplinary assessment, educational planning, and behavioral intervention. They will be able to articulate the standards-driven nature of curriculum, learning theory, instructional practice, and inclusion. Focus will be on 1) inclusive counseling practices, 2) types of disabilities and implications for learning; and 3) classroom management, 4) school-wide behavioral support, 5) literacy and instruction in core areas, 6) English Language Learning, 7) instructional methods, and 8) Evidence-Based academic and behavioral interventions.

The 100-hour experience places students in a professional setting in which they will develop counseling skills with school-aged children. Students in the course are required to have 40 hours of direct service with K-12 students through individual or group counseling. Supervision consists of 1½ hours of weekly group supervision with the Geneva practicum instructor, one hour a week of supervision with the course instructor, and one hour of supervision with the site supervisor at the practicum site. Open only to students who have been admitted to the program as degree seeking students. Prerequisites: requires Acts 33 and 34 and FBI fingerprint clearances and proof of malpractice insurance.

The internship is a field experience in which students apply knowledge and hone skills needed for successful practice as an elementary school counselor. This is a 300-hour internship under the supervision of an approved site supervisor who is a practicing elementary school counselor. Students are to demonstrate mastery-level performance in: 1) the essential services of counseling, consulting, coordinating, and appraising; 2) planning and implementation of classroom guidance activities; 3) professional conduct in interactions with field and college supervisors, students, teachers, administrators, and community members; and 4) such other activities defined as the responsibility of the school counselor at their elementary school placement. Supervision is for one hour weekly in the field and 1½ hours per week on campus. Open only to students who have been admitted to the program as degree seeking students. Prerequisites: requires Acts 33 and 34 and FBE fingerprint clearances and proof of malpractice insurance.

The internship is a field experience in which students apply knowledge and hone skills needed for successful practice as a secondary school counselor. This is a 300-hour internship under the supervision of an approved site supervisor who is a practicing secondary school counselor. Students are to demonstrate mastery-level performance in: 1) the essential services of counseling, consulting, coordinating, and appraising; 2) planning and implementation of classroom guidance activities; 3) professional conduct in interactions with field and college supervisors, students, teachers, administrators, and community members; and 4) such other activities defined as the responsibility of the school counselor at their secondary school placement. Supervision is for one hour weekly in the field and 1½ hours per week on campus. Open only to students who have been admitted to the program as degree seeking students. Prerequisites: requires Acts 33 and 34 and FBI fingerprint clearances and proof of malpractice insurance.