Welcome to the Department of Counseling. Our department is dedicated to preparing compassionate, skilled, and culturally competent counselors who can make a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities. Through rigorous academic training, practical experiences, and a commitment to ethical practice, we empower our students to provide effective counseling services and support to those in need.
Department Summary:
The Department of Counseling is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students develop the knowledge, skills, and self-awareness necessary to become competent counselors. We believe in the power of counseling to promote personal growth, resilience, and mental health, and we are dedicated to preparing counselors who can address diverse psychological and emotional challenges in a sensitive and empathetic manner.
Our faculty members are experienced professionals with expertise in various counseling specializations, including mental health counseling, school counseling, marriage and family therapy, and substance abuse counseling. Through a combination of theoretical instruction, hands-on training, and supervised clinical experiences, our students are equipped to work in a wide range of settings, such as schools, mental health centers, community agencies, and private practices.
Course Listings:
The Department of Counseling offers a comprehensive range of courses that provide a strong foundation in counseling theories, ethics, and evidence-based practices. Students can choose from various counseling specializations to tailor their education to their career goals. Here are some of the key courses we offer:
- Introduction to Counseling (COUN 101): This foundational course provides an overview of the counseling profession, including its history, theoretical orientations, and ethical guidelines.
- Counseling Techniques and Skills (COUN 201): Students learn basic counseling techniques, active listening skills, and strategies for building therapeutic rapport.
- Human Development and Counseling (COUN 301): This course examines human development across the lifespan, exploring the implications for counseling practice and intervention.
- Cultural Diversity in Counseling (COUN 410): Students explore the impact of culture, race, ethnicity, and other diversity factors on the counseling process, promoting cultural competence.
- Group Counseling (COUN 520): This course focuses on the theory and practice of group counseling, preparing students to lead and facilitate therapeutic groups.
- Family Systems Theory (COUN 610): Students delve into family systems theory, understanding the dynamics and interactions within family structures.
- Career Counseling and Development (COUN 650): This course covers career assessment, vocational counseling, and strategies for helping individuals with career decisions.
- Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling (COUN 710): Students learn effective crisis intervention techniques and trauma-informed counseling approaches.
Please note that the above courses represent only a selection of what our department offers. Students can further specialize in their chosen counseling track and gain practical experience through internships and supervised practicum and internship placements.
Join us in the Department of Counseling to embark on a meaningful and fulfilling journey toward becoming a professional counselor. Together, we will learn, grow, and empower others to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives. Whether you are passionate about mental health, education, or community support, our counseling programs will prepare you to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families in need.