This 48-hour program provides professional preparation for persons wishing to become counselors in non-educational institutions such as community mental health agencies and other community human services agencies. Candidates may plan programs of study from either an Eclectic theoretical approach to counseling or a specialized approach emphasizing the individual psychology school of thought of Alfred Adler. The program places heavy emphasis on interpersonal and helping relationships, which require considerable commitment on the part of the Candidate. Candidates complete ten (10) hours of Professional Development Activity (PDA) in the community for each 3 credit hour course. In addition, Candidates participate in field experiences throughout the program, complete a semester community/agency practicum field placement (100 clock hrs.), complete a field internship experience (600 hrs.), pass a written comprehensive examination, and write a research paper.

Counseling Psychology Sequence

*Candidates must have completed Levels I, II, and III and have passed the Comprehensive Examination before registering for these classes. If a candidate has not completed the Seminar in Counseling Psychology by the end of the semester, he/she must enroll in a one-credit hour independent study course (PSYC 601) to complete it by the summer session.

Steps to Follow

1. As can be observed, the initial course taken by all Candidates is PSYC 502: Principles and Philosophy of Counseling. There are three other courses, which Candidates may choose to take concurrently with this introductory course. They are: EDUC 507: Adv. Human Growth and Development, GUCO 633: Multicultural Counseling or GUCO 608: Career Counseling and Development. At the completion of fifteen (15) hours in the program, Candidates are required to make application for Advancement to Candidacy. The Counseling Faculty at this point reviews the application. If Candidates have a 3.25 grade point average and are recommended by at least two members of the full-time faculty, they are advanced to candidacy in the degree program.
2. At the second level, Candidates may enroll in PSYC 734: Counseling Theory and Practice, GUCO 532: Family Counseling, GUCO 610: Appraisal, Assessment and Evaluation or PSYC 780: Legal and Ethical Issues in Therapy.
3. At the third level, Candidates may enroll in one or both of the following courses: GUCO 731: Group Counseling or EDUC 706: Introduction to Research. After completing the first (1st) thirty (30) credit hours (Levels I, II, and III) in the program, each Candidate is eligible to take the three-hour written Comprehensive/Qualifying Examination. The Examination is designed to asses Candidates, mastery of the program objectives.
4. At the fourth level, Candidates may enroll in PSYC 544: Psychodynamics of Psychopathology I (DSM4), PSYC 610: Psychometric Testing I, or PSYC 611: Psychometric Testing II.
5. At the fifth level, Candidates may enroll in PSYC 836: Practicum in Counseling Psychology (100 hrs) and PSYC 861: Seminar in Counseling Psychology concurrently. However, Candidates must complete the100 hour Practicum in Counseling Psychology before enrolling in PSYC 558: Internship in Counseling Psychology. (Note: Candidates may not enroll in these fifth level courses until they have completed courses in Levels I, II, III and IV and passed the Comprehensive Examination. These courses are not offered during the summer).

Important Links

American Counseling Association

http://www.counseling.org/

National Board for Certified Counselors

http://www.nbcc.org/

American Psychological Association

http://www.apa.org/

Association of Black Psychologists

http://www.abpsi.org/