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Masters in Counselor Education (School Counseling)

Degree At A Glance:

Number of Credits	63
Cost Per Credit	$ 300
Total Tuition	$ 18,900

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School counselors are certified/licensed educators who, at a minimum, hold of a master’s degree in school counseling. Their training qualifies school counselors to address all students’ academic, career and social/emotional development needs by designing, implementing, evaluating and enhancing a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes and enhances student success. Important members of the school’s educational leadership team, school counselors help students in the areas of academic achievement, career, and social/emotional development. School counselors are employed in elementary, middle/junior high and high schools; in district supervisory positions; and counselor education positions. Overall, school counselors help to provide the foundation from which students become productive, well-adjusted citizens.

The School Counseling specialization prepares professional School Counselors who use the theories and principles of counseling and career development to support students’ personal, social, educational, and vocational development. School Counseling candidates acquire identified professional competencies, learn legal and ethical requirements, and learn to utilize the National School Counseling Model to develop and implement comprehensive school counseling programs that emphasize accountability and positive student outcomes. School counselors may qualify as both a nationally certified counselor (NCC) and a nationally certified school counselor (NCSC

Program Contact Information
Program Advisor	Dr. Annie Lewis		229-500-2149
Online Specialist	Dr. Denata Williams	Schedule Now with Dr. Denata Williams	229-500-2913

Albany State University recommends the following course track for transfer students.
If you would like to use a different track, please contact your Online Support Specialist.

Foundations (21 hours)

Course Listing for Foundations
Course	Title	Credits
COUN 5000	Introduction to Counseling Profession	3 hours COUN 5000 - Introduction to Counseling Profession 3 credit hours Course Description This course offers an introduction and orientation to the counseling profession. The course includes studies of the history and philosophy of the profession; contemporary and emerging trends in counseling; professional organizations, publications, credentialing requirements including certification and licensure and accreditation standards; advocacy, public policy, and ethical codes that shape professional practice.
COUN 5500	Theories of Counseling*	3 hours COUN 5500 - Theories of Counseling* 3 credit hours Course Description This course introduces students to the theories and principles of counseling, alternative theoretical strategies and the process of counseling. Points of convergence and divergence will be discussed.
COUN 5501	Lifespan Development*	3 hours COUN 5501 - Lifespan Development* 3 credit hours Course Description This course offers an introduction to the study of human development from conception through death. Theories of development of physical, psychological, psychosocial, cognitive, moral aspects of human development are presented. The course also explores environmental and genetic factors, developmental crises and transitions, family development, and community influences as they relate to optimal and exceptional development.
COUN 5520	Multicultural Counseling: Theory & Practice	3 hours COUN 5520 - Multicultural Counseling: Theory & Practice 3 credit hours Course Description An examination of relationships, issues and trends in the context of a diverse society related to such factors as culture, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental and physical characteristics,family, religious and spiritual values, education, socioeconomic status and the unique characteristics of individuals, couples, families, ethnic groups, and communities. Prerequisite: COUN 5500.
COUN 5540	Prevention, Intervention & Consulation	3 hours COUN 5540 - Prevention, Intervention & Consulation 3 credit hours Course Description The course will help students to develop the skills and techniques for effective consultation with clients, educators, parents, and community referral resources, and other clinicians. Theoretical and practical application and practice of specific skills essential to prevention, intervention, and collaboration are emphasized. Prerequisites: COUN 5528 or COUN 5525 or COUN 5508.
COUN 5600	Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling	3 hours COUN 5600 - Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling 3 credit hours Course Description Legislative, judicial and ethical mandates germane to professional counselors are presented in this course. Current issues including such topics as confidentiality, use of assessment instruments, family issues, professional identity, and an examination of the ACA Code of Ethics and other professional standards will be covered. Prerequisite: COUN 5528.
COUN 5610	Crisis Counseling And Intervention	3 hours COUN 5610 - Crisis Counseling And Intervention 3 credit hours Course Description This course provides an overview of the types and models of crisis intervention. Consideration of organization, and client variables including developmental needs, diversity and cultural issues, as well as primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention are addressed. Prerequisite: COUN 5512.
EDUC 5199	Introduction Teacher Education	0 hours EDUC 5199 - Introduction Teacher Education 0 credit hours Course Description Orientation to Teacher Education provides graduate students with the training and information needed to successfully navigate ASU teacher preparation program requirements. Students will receive training on the College of Education's Conceptual Framework; the requirements needed to successfully complete teacher preparation programs; learn to navigate DegreeWorks to complete academic program plans of study; and learn to navigate LiveText for purposes of assessment and evaluation of Key Unit and Program specific assessments. All students will be required to purchase a LiveText account and have an active ASU account prior to participation in the course.

Nature of the Learner (15 hours)

Course Listing for Nature of the Learner
Course	Title	Credits
COUN 5506	School Counseling Foundations	3 hours COUN 5506 - School Counseling Foundations 3 credit hours Course Description This course provides an overview of principles of school counseling. Counseling services, practices and basic concepts relating to organization and operation of school counseling programs are offered. Emphasis is placed on theories of human growth and development and the implementation of a developmentally appropriate school counseling program. Prerequisite: Permission of Program Coordinator.
COUN 5514	Counseling Children and Adolescents	3 hours COUN 5514 - Counseling Children and Adolescents 3 credit hours Course Description This course covers salient considerations for counseling children and adolescents, emphasizing the effects of such factors as disability, cultural diversity, substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and academic development. Students learn appropriate strategies and techniques to assess behavior and meet the needs of children and adolescents and common medications that affect learning, behavior, and mood in children and adolescents. Simulation, observations, and in-class role plays are incorporated throughout this course. Prerequisites: COUN 5501 and COUN 5512.
COUN 5528	School Counseling in P-12 Settings	3 hours COUN 5528 - School Counseling in P-12 Settings 3 credit hours Course Description This course of the application of counseling at the elementary, middle, and secondary school levels. Emphasis is placed on the design and implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program. Peer facilitation, alternative programs and assessing the need for programs, informing administrators, teachers, parents and students about services, advertising, and recruitment will be covered. Prerequisite: COUN 5500.
COUN 5529	Curriculum and Program Coordination	3 hours COUN 5529 - Curriculum and Program Coordination 3 credit hours Course Description This course examines the organization of comprehensive, developmental school counseling programs in the elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as the design and implementation of the school counseling curriculum for grades P-12. The counselor's role as program coordinator focuses upon needs assessments, curriculum planning and implementation, time and resource management, public relations, and program evaluation. Ethical and diversity issues are emphasized in designing curricula and delivery strategies to address the developmental needs of all students. Prerequisite: COUN 5528.
SPED 5501	Exceptional Child	3 hours SPED 5501 - Exceptional Child 3 credit hours Course Description A survey course satisfying House Bill 671 and focusing on the characteristics, identification, prevalence, and programming of exceptionality areas for which children and youth may obtain special educational services.

Clinical Skills (21 hours)

Course Listing for Clinical Skills
Course	Title	Credits
COUN 5512	Counseling Strategies and Techniques	3 hours COUN 5512 - Counseling Strategies and Techniques 3 credit hours Course Description An experimental approach to more effective interpersonal communication, this course offers the opportunity for awareness, personal growth and understanding of self and other, and communication of that self-awareness and understanding. This course is designed to teach basic skills of the helping relationship and the structure of the basic counseling interview. Through skills practice, students develop a better understanding of the relationship between theory and practice. Prerequisite: COUN 5500.
COUN 5515	Group Counseling and Dynamics	3 hours COUN 5515 - Group Counseling and Dynamics 3 credit hours Course Description The experiential course emphasizes the nature of groups and the dynamics of group interaction as well as the legal and ethical standards related to group counseling. Students design, implement, and facilitate counseling groups. Prerequisite: COUN 5512.
COUN 5517	Couples and Family Counseling	3 hours COUN 5517 - Couples and Family Counseling 3 credit hours Course Description Using a systems prespective for understanding the dynamics of families and couples, this course provides students with theories, knowledge, and skills related to major models of family counseling and related interventions as a rationale for selecting appropriate modalities for assessment and counseling. Prerequisite: COUN 5512.
COUN 5531	Career Development and Counseling	3 hours COUN 5531 - Career Development and Counseling 3 credit hours Course Description This course focuses on career development theories and decision making models use of occupational and labor market information, technology-based career market information, technology-based career information systems, career development, and educational planning. Prerequisite: COUN 5500.
COUN 5570	Practicum	3 hours COUN 5570 - Practicum 3 credit hours Course Description Students complete at least 100 clock hours of supervised clinical experience conducive to the modeling, demonstration, and development of counseling skills. The practicum requires 40 hours of direct service with clients, including experience in individual counseling. Counseling interview will be recorded. Background checks and proof of professional liability insurance coverage are required. Prerequisites: COUN 5501, 5512, 5515, 5531, 5600 or permission of Program Coordinator.
COUN 5595	Internship I	3 hours COUN 5595 - Internship I 3 credit hours Course Description Internship provides a supervised 600 clock hours of clinical experience in setting. Interns must complete at least 240 direct service clock hours, including experience in individual counseling and group work, and supervision by the University Supervisor and the cooperating onsite counselor. Prerequisite: COUN 5570, or Permission of the Program Coordinator.
COUN 5598	Internship II	3 hours COUN 5598 - Internship II 3 credit hours Course Description This course is a continuation of COUN 5595. In this course, students complete their supervised, 600 clock hour internship in a setting appropriate for their specialized field of training. The requirement includes completion of 240 direct service clock hours and supervision by the university supervisor and the cooperating onsite counselor. Prerequisite: COUN 5595.

Research (6 hours)

Course Listing for Research
Course	Title	Credits
COUN 5510	Assessment in Counselor Education	3 hours COUN 5510 - Assessment in Counselor Education 3 credit hours Course Description Students in this course are provided with an overview of assessments used in counseling, rehabilitation, and education as well as the responsibilities of counselors using assessments. Students learn about the tests used in clinical, educational, and organizational settings, and they examine the psychometric properties used to develop and evaluate these instruments. Topics included in this course are statistical concepts, and common assessment formats for measuring constructs such as personality, pathology, achievement, aptitude, and career interests. There will also be a focus on assessment critique, administration and interpretation of assessment results, and incorporating assessment results into work with clients and students. Prerequisite: Admission to the Counselor Education Program.
COUN 5596	Thesis	3 hours COUN 5596 - Thesis 3 credit hours Course Description This class offers students the opportunity to develop and defend their research under the supervision of their thesis advisor. Prerequisites: COUN 5570 or Permission of Program Coordinator.
COUN 5620	Research and Program Evaluation for Counselors	3 hours COUN 5620 - Research and Program Evaluation for Counselors 3 credit hours Course Description This course presents research methodology, philosophical, ethical, and training issues; major qualitative and quantitative designs; methodological issues, and professional research issues. Students complete training on human subjects review. Prerequisites: COUN 5510 or permission of coordinator.

Program Completion Rates, Median Debt, and More

The following program details are intended to help you make an informed decision about the college that’s right for you.

Tuition and Fees Information Table
Tuition & Fees as of July 30, 2018
Tuition	$18,900
Institutional Fee	$225 / per semester
Technology Fee	$65 / per semester

For more information on jobs related to this program, please click on the below links to the O*NET website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Table of related jobs to this degree/program
21-1012.00	Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors

This program is designed to prepare graduates to pursue a job in this field or related fields. Although career and professional development services are available to students and graduates, finding a job is the individual responsibility of the student. We do not guarantee that any student will be placed in any particular job, or at all.

Total Credits (63 Hours)

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