Courses
All courses are worth three credit hours unless otherwise specified.
CSL 501 Evaluation and Assessment
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of individual, couple, family, group and environmental/community approaches to assessment and evaluation. The course will provide the information necessary to understand the history, use, and purpose of evaluation instruments commonly utilized by counseling professionals. Basic descriptive and inferential statistics and measurement concepts will also be included. A major component of this course will provide students with the opportunity to acquire skills necessary for conducting basic assessments. Principles and ethics of diagnosis, formal, and informal assessments and overview of intelligence, aptitude, interest, achievement, personality and cognitive status will be provided.
CSL 502 Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues
This course is designed to provide an overview of professional counseling including codes of ethics, legal considerations, standards of preparations, certifications and licensing, role identity of counselors, and goals and objectives of counseling organizations. The role of counselors in promoting the welfare of all clients, by emphasizing the inherent dignity, worth, and equality of all persons will be emphasized.The primary focus of the course will be on the legal, ethical, and professional issues for counselors.The course is designed to teach the process of decision-making guided by ethics and social responsibility.
CSL 503 Human Relations Methods and Skills
This course is a workshop-centered, practice-oriented course to provide students with cognitive, behavioral and affective training. The objectives of this training are to develop the skills needed to communicate and maintain essential dimensions of the helping relationship and to explore and clarify client concerns. Students will gain awareness of the invitational skills, processing, personalization, and conceptualization skills. Procedures include activities designed to help students conceptualize a systemic framework for the counseling process with an understanding of strategies conducive to promoting dignity of all persons.
CSL 504 Group Counseling
This course is designed to provide students with the information necessary to understand the development of effective group facilitation skills and knowledge of organizing, implementing, and evaluating groups. Theoretical and experiential understanding of group dynamics will be addressed. Students will have an opportunity to develop an understanding of group dynamics unique to each of the 4 group specialties: task groups, psychoeducational (classroom guidance groups), counseling groups, and therapy groups. The value of diverse persons and differing ideas in group work will be illuminated.
CSL 505 Theories of Counseling
This course provides an overview of the major theories of counseling and personality, which form the basis for application in counseling and psychotherapy. Personal assumptions regarding human nature and behaviors are examined along with some specific therapeutic styles and techniques.
CSL 506 Human Development
This course addresses major theories of human development across the lifespan. It is designed to examine human development issues from a multicultural perspective. The course addresses the cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels. Tasks related to normal development, prevention, early intervention, and counseling are addressed. Issues of family development and transitions are addressed from a systemic perspective.
CSL 507 Career Counseling
Factors contributing to career development that must be considered by counselors as they assist clients with career planning and decision-making process will be addressed. Career guidance models, and strategies for various client groups will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the interrelationship between and among work, family, and other life roles, including the impact of gender and diversity in career development. Students will have an opportunity to gain awareness of the counseling skills necessary to address personal issues that emerge in career life.
CSL 508 Family Systems
This course provides analysis of the theory and research in marriage and family interaction and communication patterns. Conceptualization of family dynamics is accomplished through integration of systems theory, family subsystems, the developmental stages of family life, and the interaction of the family in the larger community and social systems.
CSL 509 Individual, Marital and Family Psychopathology and Psychotherapy
This course provides an overview of theory, research and practice related to the diagnosis and treatment of individual, marital and family psychopathology. Specific attention is paid to understanding interlocking pathology.The diagnostic categories of the DSM IV are examined as well as physiological, behavioral, social, cognitive and systems perspectives of dysfunction. Patterns of dysfunctional and functional individual, marital, sexual and family behaviors and interactions are assessed and analyzed through an examination of theories, case studies, research, applied literature and specific therapeutic techniques.
CSL 510 Marriage and Relationship Counseling
This course provides an understanding of the coupling process including dimensions of communication, developmental sequences and family of origin issues, intimacy, sexuality, and marital conflicts. Treatment planning and therapeutic strategies are emphasized.
CSL 511 Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling Seminar
This course aims to introduce students specializing in the practice of marriage and family therapy to pertinent legal issues and professional trends in the field. The therapist's role will be explored within the framework of legal and community systems and will also address the therapists role related to divorce, child custody, mediation, domestic violence, family business consultation and organizational consultation.
CSL 513 Multicultural Counseling and Psychosocial Theory
This course addresses the influence of culture, e.g., ethnicity, religion, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental and physical characteristics, education, family influences, on the provision of counseling services. This course is designed to evaluate societal trends, human roles, subgroups, norms, diversity of lifestyle, and communication patterns. The course also emphasizes the examination of personal and institutional prejudice, bias, oppression, and discrimination as well as psychosocial theories of multicultural counseling and identity development.Students will develop and increase personal awareness of cultural issues and professional multicultural counseling competencies as well as gain insight into one's own assumptions, values, beliefs, and expectations about self and others as a means of working more effectively with diverse populations.
CSL 514 Sexuality Counseling
This course is designed to explore the biopsychosocial aspects of human sexuality. Healthy sexual functioning is reviewed as well as the assessment and treatment of sexuality dysfunctions and disorders. Students will address personal attitudes, beliefs, and biases regarding sexuality and will consider appropriate assessment and treatment strategies based on the role of relational structure, age, gender, physical status, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Ethical and legal considerations regarding the client-therapist relationship will also be discussed.
CSL 515 Statistical Analysis and Research Design
This course is designed to provide an overview of basic statistical concepts and elements of research design which students will utilize to evaluate studies in counseling and therapy. The course will cover the principles (and specific types) of experimental design. The students will learn which statistical analysis is associated with each type of design and why. The students will also be exposed to some of the problems with statistical hypothesis testing. Students will also learn principles and processes of needs assessment and program evaluation.
CSL 516 Substance Abuse Counseling
This course is an overview of the actions, uses, and side effects of psychoactive drugs. In addition, the course explores etiology, diagnosis, prevention, referral, and treatment of substance abuse and addictive disorders.
CSL 517-30 Practicum: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
This course is a multi-dimensional course designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop competencies in counseling skills in a practical setting. Students critique and receive feedback through peer interaction in a group setting, receive individual and group supervision and participate in weekly seminars. Students are expected to develop and demonstrate effective counseling skills based on personal strengths and ethical and professional principles. Students complete 200 hours of which 80 hours are direct client contact; the remaining hours are comprised of activities typically conducted by mental health counselors.
CSL 517-31 Practicum: Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
This course is a multi-dimensional course designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop competencies in counseling skills in a practical setting. Students critique and receive feedback through peer interaction in a group setting, receive individual and group supervision and participate in weekly seminars. Students are expected to develop and demonstrate effective counseling skills based on personal strengths and ethical and professional principles. Students complete 200 hours of which 80 hours are direct client contact; the remaining hours are comprised of activities typically conducted by marriage and family counselors.
CSL 517-33 Practicum: School Counseling
Supervised counseling practices involving both individuals and groups and emphasizing the use of video and audio tapes are the focus of this clinical experience. Students, under supervision, will implement theoretical knowledge about counseling, assessment, evaluation to the actual practice of a school setting. Opportunities to learn with and learn from diverse individuals will be offered. Students will begin to apply theoretical knowledge about counseling to actual practice by fostering constructive partnerships with parents, guardians, families, and communities in order to promote each student's academic, career, and personal/ social success. Students complete 100 hours of which 40 are direct hours; the remaining hours are comprised of activities typically conducted by a school counselor.
CSL 518-30 Internship I: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Supervised field work in counseling Internship is a multi-dimensional course including a counseling field experience on site at an agency or institution and an ongoing Analysis of Practice Seminar. The Seminar consists of two parts: supervision and analysis of on-site practice and a professional seminar. Students must complete 400 hours of which 140 hours are direct client contact; the remaining hours are comprised of a variety of activities conducted by mental health counselors.
CSL 518-31 Internship I: Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Supervised field work in counseling. Internship is a multi-dimensional course including a counseling field experience on site at an agency or institution and an ongoing Analysis of Practice Seminar. The Seminar consists of two parts: supervision and analysis of on-site practice and a professional seminar. Students must complete 400 hours of which140 hours are direct client contact; the remaining hours are comprised of a variety of activities conducted by marriage and family counselors.
CSL 518-33 Internship I: School Counseling
Supervised counseling practices and comprehensive guidance activities in an approved school setting are the core focus of the school counseling internship. Students, under supervision, will implement theoretical knowledge about counseling, assessment, and evaluation to the actual practice of a school setting. Students will be provided with opportunities to learn from and learn with diverse populations. Students will also have opportunities to apply the most comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge available in the field of counseling. Students complete 300 hours of which 120 hours are direct hours; the remaining hours are comprised of a variety of activities conducted by school counselors.
CSL 519-30 Internship II: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Supervised field work in counseling. Internship is a multi-dimensional course including a counseling field experience on site at an agency or institution and an ongoing Analysis of Practice Seminar. The Seminar consists of two parts: supervision and analysis of on-site practice and a professional seminar. Students must complete 400 hours of which 140 are direct client contact; the remaining hours are comprised of a variety of activities conducted by mental health counselors.
CSL 519-31 Internship II: Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Supervised field work in counseling. Internship is a multi-dimensional course including a counseling field experience on site at an agency or institution and an ongoing Analysis of Practice Seminar. The Seminar consists of two parts: supervision and analysis of on-site practice and a professional seminar. Students must complete 400 hours of which 140 are direct client contact; the remaining hours are comprised of a variety of activities conducted by marriage and family counselors.
CSL 519-33 Internship II: School Counseling
Supervised counseling practices and comprehensive guidance activities in an approved school setting are the core focus of the school counseling internship. Students, under the supervision, will implement theoretical knowledge about counseling, assessment, and evaluation to the actual practice of a school setting. Students will be provided with opportunities to learn from and learn with diverse populations. Students will also have opportunities to apply most comprehensive and up to date knowledge available in the field of counseling. Students complete 300 hours of which 120 hours are direct hours; the remaining hours are comprised of a variety of activities conducted by school counselors.
CSL 521 Counseling Children and Adolescents
This course provides an overview of theories and research pertinent to counseling children and adolescents. Factors that promote and hinder healthy human development will be studied. Students will be provided with information regarding assessment, counseling process, and evaluation process unique to working with children and adolescents. Multicultural dynamics will be addressed. Procedures include activities designed to help students conceptualize an ecosystemic framework for the counseling process.
CSL 522 Foundations of School Counseling
This course is designed to provide information about the structure, administration and organization of counseling programs in schools and agencies. It contains an overview of the historical and professional issues in the field.
CSL 524 Consultation
This course provides an overview of theories of consultation as well as methods and techniques of consultation with parents, teachers, administrators and business leaders. Understanding of multicultural dynamics and valuing diversity is emphasized. Opportunities that teach students about the continuing need for personal and professional growth are offered.
CSL 525 Advanced Individual, Couple and Family Therapy, Techniques and Treatment Planning
Advanced analysis of individual and family systems theory, research in individual, marriage, couple, and family counseling literature, and the study of current trends in the counseling field. The course emphasizes the application of these elements to case conceptualization, clinical assessment, treatment planning and progress note construction. Students will receive feedback on documentation skills as well as skills demonstrated in simulated counseling sessions.
CSL 526 Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
This course examines the historical, philosophical, societal, cultural, economic and political dimensions of clinical mental health counseling. Roles, functions, and professional duties of clinical mental health counselors will be explored within structures and operations of professional organizations. Attention is given to the implications of professional issues unique to mental health counselors including recognition, reimbursement, right to practice, core provider status, practice privileges within managed care systems and expert witness status. Sociocultural, demographic and life style diversity relevant to clinical mental health counseling will also be addressed.
CSL 527 Counseling in a Community Setting
This course explores typical client characteristics of communities served by a wide spectrum of institutions and agencies that offer counseling services in diverse communities. Models, methods, and principles of program development and service delivery based on human and organizational development assumptions will be emphasized. Students will develop a knowledge and skills base that will include, but not be limited to, prevention models, implementation of support groups, peer facilitation training, parent education, career information and counseling services and encouragement of self help for clients. Students will develop skills and effective strategies for client advocacy in public policy, consultation, outreach and promotion of community mental health while focusing on culturally diverse populations.
CSL 528 Contemporary Issues in School Counseling I
This course will provide school counselors with information on topics that are current and relevant in the field of school counseling. Emphasis on the importance of assessment and organization and the opportunity for students and practicing counselors to study and evaluate what activities school counselors are currently engaged in the consideration of strategies to deal with students, families, and the larger school system. At the conclusion of this course participants will understand the myriad of services available in school not as separate tools to use with categories of students, but as a whole to help ensure an excellent education for all students whether they are categorized as regular students or students with diverse or special needs.
CSL 529 Contemporary Issues in School Counseling II
This course is designed to enable school counselors to engage in strategic planning to improve the developmental comprehensive school counseling program. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of planning skills to assess, evaluate, and improve the functioning of the comprehensive school counseling program in order to meet the needs of students in elementary, middle, and high schools. Issues such as ESE and the IEP process, course scheduling, and managing time constraints will be examined. Students will also become more familiar with other successful P-12 developmental comprehensive school counseling programs.
CSL 530 Technology and the Counselor Educator
This course will examine the importance of increasing technology skills in the field of counseling. Assisting counselors in recognizing the benefits of utilizing technology in many areas of their job and increasing their resource base to assist all clients will be addressed. Examination of information retrieval and dissemination, college and career exploration, counseling interventions, and the establishment of networks of support and communication and their relationship to technology will also be addressed in terms of how these skills can significantly alter the work of counselors.
CSL 585 Independent Study
Course Schedule
