School Counseling Specialization

Program Coordinator/Contact
Hande Briddick, Associate Professor
Department of Counseling and Human Development
hande.briddick@sdstate.edu

Program Description
The School Counseling specialization is designed to prepare students for endorsement/certification as a school counselor in the state of South Dakota. Should the student seek endorsement in another state, it is that student’s responsibility to meet any additional requirements by that particular state. Students who successfully complete this 48-credit hour specialization will earn a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Resource Development specializing in School Counseling.

Upon successful completion of the core requirements, and those of the School Counseling specialization, and with the successful completion of the comprehensive written and oral examinations, graduates are endorsed as having constructed entry level knowledge and as having met appropriate skill acquisition to be recognized as professional school counselors. Students in the School Counseling specialization are also responsible for having taken supporting area courses which supplement or enhance their chosen specialty.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure 

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the requirements for the School Counseling specialization, students will:

• understand developmental theory as it relates to the difference(s) between “normal” developmental behavior and “abnormal” developmental behavior in youth;
• utilize knowledge and skills to address the counseling needs of a dynamic and diverse population of students and their families;
• be prepared to create and deliver a comprehensive, K-12 developmental school guidance program;
• be able to consult with school personnel and serve as a liaison to community programs to assist in coordinating services for students, parents, and teachers;
• understand and provide effective individual, group, and classroom guidance services;
• know the ethical, legal, and professional standards in a K-12 educational institution;
• develop a commitment to continued personal and professional development;
• be certified by the State of South Dakota as a K-12 School Counselor; and
• be prepared to pursue licensure as a professional counselor.

Requirements for the School 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 721 - School Counseling
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 722 - Administration and Management of School Counseling Programs
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 723 - Counseling the Family
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 755 - Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
    Credits: 3
• CHRD 794 - Internship
    Credits: 6
• Elective Credits: 1
  
  • CHRD 798 - Thesis
      (Option A)
  • CHRD 788 - Research Problems in Counseling and Guidance
      (Option B)
  • Additional Coursework (Option C)

Total Credits: 48