College Counseling Specialization

Program Coordinator/Contact
Ruth Harper, Professor
Department of Counseling and Human Development
ruth.harper@sdstate.edu

Program Description
This program prepares students to work in higher education settings in the various aspects of student life that take place largely outside of the classroom. These include, but are not limited to, student affairs administration, general college student counseling, career counseling, academic advising, institutional admissions, student activities, multicultural affairs, and residence hall settings. Currently, there are no certification or licensure requirements for student personnel professionals. Students who successfully complete this 48-credit hour specialization will earn a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Resource Development specializing in College Counseling. Upon successful completion of the core requirements, and those of the College Counseling specialization, and, with the successful completion of the comprehensive written and oral examinations, graduates are endorsed as student affairs professionals.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure 

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the requirements for a M.S. in CHRD with an emphasis in College Counseling, students will:

• Understand and apply various student development theories;
• Understand and incorporate multicultural and diverse perspectives;
• Comprehend the effects of student characteristics and the effects of college on students;
• Be proficient at individual and group counseling techniques;
• Understand the historical, philosophical, psychological, cultural, and sociological foundations of higher education and student affairs;
• Have skills and knowledge of assessment, evaluation, and research in higher education and student affairs;
• Be familiar with the organization and administration of student affairs programs and services;
• Demonstrate program planning and evaluation skills;
• Practice in accordance with the legal and ethical standards of counseling and college student personnel;
• Be able to develop and maintain human relations and enhance student development within the professional setting;
• Be prepared to pursue licensure as a professional counselor.

Requirements for the College Counseling Specialization

• CHRD 601 - Introduction to Professional Issues and Ethics
    Credits: 1
• CHRD 602 - Research and Evaluation in Counseling and Human Development
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 610 - Developmental Issues in Counseling
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 661 - Theories of Counseling
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 701 - Professional Issues and Ethics II
    Credits: 1
• CHRD 731 - Multicultural Counseling and Human Relations
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 736 - Appraisal of the Individual
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 742 - Career Counseling and Planning
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 766 - Group Counseling
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 785 - Pre-Practicum
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 786 - Counseling Practicum
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 770 - Student Development: Theory and Practice
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 771 - Student Personnel Services
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 772 - Administration and Leadership in Student Affairs
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 794 - Internship
    Credits: 6
• Elective Credits: 4 
  • CHRD 798 - Thesis
      (Option A)
  • CHRD 788 - Research Problems in Counseling and Guidance
      (Option B)
  • Additional Coursework (Option C)

Total Credits: 48