An exploration of the student’s personal background, strengths and challenges, and the potential impact on working with others. This class is open only for Counseling licensure students. It is taken in conjunction with MS 501 Spiritual Formation. There is an additional fee for this class. This course is a prerequisite for CS 590.

An overview of human development throughout the life span, including biological, psychological, sociological, cognitive and spiritual development.

A study of the contemporary American family and its various expressions. Focus will be given to family therapy models and techniques. Students will have opportunity to explore their own family of origin.

An introduction to the theory and techniques of child therapy. Focus will be given to play therapy, behavior management and parenting skills.

The focus of this course is to give students a foundational understanding of the nature of trauma and how to minister to individuals and groups who have experienced various types of trauma, including suicide, abuse, and unexpected loss. Basic principles of crisis intervention will also be addressed.

An overview of the major sociological and psychological theories involved in working with culturally diverse populations. Special attention will be given to African American, Hispanic, Native American and Asian cultures.

This course will provide students with foundational understanding of the areas of ethics, counseling theory and professional issues as they relate to counseling in a ministry setting. This course is a prerequisite for CS 595 Counseling Ministry Internship.

An introduction to testing theory and testing instruments. Focus will be on those instruments available to M.A. counselors for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health problems. Additional fee.

This course covers the application and development of treatment strategies and interventions. Focus is given to cognitive-behavioral and short-term/brief therapy models.  Prerequisite: CS 551. This course is a prerequisite for CS 590.

An overview of the field of professional counseling. Emphasis is given to professional ethics, licensure and practice issues. This course is open to students in the Counseling Licensure Concentration only.

Students will explore the various opportunities available through small group ministry, including types of groups, group leadership styles, and resources available for groups. This course  is open only to those in the Ministry Concentration.

This course provides an overview of the principles of group theory, dynamics and process as applied to various therapeutic group settings and problems. This course is open to students in the Counseling Licensure Concentration only.

This course is an introduction to theories of career development/counseling and an analysis of the world of work. Methods are identified though which occupational, and educational, personal and social information may be integrated for career/life planning.

An introduction to the theory and process of interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of basic counseling skills. This course is a prerequisite for CS542 and CS590.

This course covers the issues involved with premarital, marital and marital dissolution counseling. Focus is given to the contemporary marital patterns and the resulting problems.

Practical training in diagnosis and treatment of the major psychopathologies using the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). This course is open to students in the Counseling Licensure Concentration.

An introduction to medication commonly utilized in mental health and hospital practice. The student will learn to identify when referral for medication is appropriate, the potential impact and side-effects of medication and future directions in medication management.

This project is an in-depth research exercise focusing on one aspect of professional counseling. The student will select the topic in conjunction with the supervising professor. The research may reflect quantitative or qualitative research, or it may reflect a comprehensive literature review. The student must receive approval from their advisor to register for CS 571 at least one semester prior to anticipated registration.

An introduction to statistics and research. The student will learn to critically evaluate research methodologies and conclusions. This course is a prerequisite for CS580.

The student will participate in a research project in some aspect of counseling. The goal of the class is to submit an article (or articles) for publication in a professional journal on the research conducted. Prerequisite: CS 572 or professor approval.

This course will cover the process of collecting relevant data about clients/client systems and their environment, and evaluating the data for making decisions regarding alcohol/drug disorder diagnosis, treatment and/or referral. Identifying and prioritizing client treatment goals and collaboration and coordination with other services, agencies and resources to achieve those goals will be included. The student will also practice assessing and managing cases, including the development of sample case records, using the client’s written record to guide and monitor services with emphasis on the development of the social history and intake, initial assessment, individual treatment plan with measurable goals and objectives, and documentation of progress and ongoing assessment.

This course will include the study of the physiological and sociological aspects of alcohol/drug use, abuse and dependence. The classification and basic pharmacology of drugs, basic physiology and the effects of drug use on the systems of the body, and alcohol and drug tolerance will be addressed. The course will also include etiological, behavioral, cultural and demographic aspects and belief systems about alcohol/drug use along with the processes of dependence and addiction including signs, symptoms and behavior patterns.

This course will include the study of treatment issues specific to alcohol/drug disorders, including dual diagnosis and the impact of physical and mental health disorders on treatment, historical and generation influences, the family disease concept and 12-step philosophies. Also covered are special populations and how they affect the assessment of, response to and delivery of alcohol and drug treatment.

The student will be introduced to field work within the mental health industry by way of orientation, observation, and a minimum of 30 documented clock hours of clinical experience with individual and group supervision. Prerequisite: CS 501, CS 542, CS 544, CS 551, CS 561.

The student will work in a mental health setting gaining practical experience working with a variety of clients and mental health problems. A minimum of 140 documented clock hours of clinical experience with individual and/or group supervision is required. A practicum site is selected by the student and is approved of by both the cooperating agency and the Director of Clinical Training. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CS 590.

This internship is a continuation of the CS 541 internship requirement if necessary. Criteria for credit registration within this internship extension is based on the following: 1. If the student has between 25 and 60 documented clock hours of supervised clinical experience to complete, the student will register for 1 s.h.; 2. If the student has between 60 and 100 documented clock hours of supervised clinical experience to complete, the student will register for 2 s.h.; 3. If the student has over 100 documented clock hours of supervised clinical experience to complete, the student will register for 3 s.h.

This course is designed for students taking the Counseling Ministry concentration to get field experience in counseling ministry context.  This course is not open to counseling licensure students.  CS 536 Counseling Ministry is required for this course.

A special area of investigation is selected with the guidance and supervision of the Department Chair and the instructor who directs the study. Students are expected to collect, analyze and present the findings of their research in a scholarly way. Regular written reports, a complete bibliography, and a critical paper are required. Attendance at regular seminars may also be required. Students may accumulate no more than a total of 4 units of Directed Studies during their program. Prerequisite: Advanced Standing.

Select presentations that provide the student with an in-depth study of various aspects of counseling practice.