Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S.) - College Counseling Specialization

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

Program Information
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
Standards and Accreditations
The Master of Education specialization in Administration of Student Affairs meets the guidelines of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS).

The Master of Science in CHRD specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and College Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

The Master of Science in CHRD specializing in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE).

Certification
All Master of Science students are eligible to begin the process for the National Certified Counselor certification by taking the NCE six months before or after they graduate.

Students specializing in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling are eligible to begin the process for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification by taking the CRC exam after a student has completed 75% of coursework or after graduation.

The School Counseling specialization prepares students for endorsement/certification in the state of South Dakota. Students are responsible for researching school counseling certification requirements for any state in which they wish to practice.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization is designed to meet the requirements of the South Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners. Graduates of this specialization are eligible for certification as a Counselor Associate under South Dakota Codified Law, 36-32-14. Once graduates complete an approved plan for the remainder of the supervised clinical experience, they are eligible for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health (LPC-MH).

Licensure
Graduation from this program does not grant immediate licensure as a counselor. Licensure differs by state and is obtainable by completing additional client contact hours after graduation. Students are responsible for researching licensure requirements for the state in which they plan to practice.

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.

Course Delivery Format
Instruction occurs through didactic (classroom) and clinical experience. Most classes are enhanced with internet supplement.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science                          Option A
                                                            Option B
                                                            Option C

Core Requirements

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

Additional Program Requirements for Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S./M.Ed.)

All Master of Science students are required to purchase and carry professional liability insurance throughout the duration of the program. M.Ed. students will be required to purchase and carry professional liability insurance if enrolled in clinical courses.
Clinical course registration is completed by the department.
Students enrolled in the M.S. CHRD program need to complete a practicum and an approved internship. These experiences allow students to learn by doing, with active, sound supervision. The practicum and internship experiences carry clock and credit hour completion expectations. For example, for every 3 credits of internship, students are required to complete 20 hours per week of on-site experience. In addition, regular work expectations outside the classroom exist for every credit hour enrolled. Thus, students enrolled in 3 credits of internship or practicum experience will be considered part-time. Students enrolled in 4 credits of internship or 3 credits of practicum plus other courses to total 4 semester credits will be considered full-time.

Additional Admission Requirements for Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S./M.Ed.)

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 525 paper-based, 197 computer-based, 71 Internet-based

Formal Application Process
In addition to applying for Graduate School, applicants must also apply to the CHRD program by April 1 for fall admission or by October 1 for spring admission. Admission is competitive; late applications will not be considered. Students have one calendar year from the time of acceptance to begin taking courses otherwise formal re-application to the CHRD program is required.

The CHRD department requires all applicants to submit the documents below by the appropriate admission deadline:

CHRD Disclosure Statement
Resume
A typed, one-page goal statement discussing your aspirations to the counseling field
Two completed CHRD Recommendation Forms (do not use the Graduate School reference forms).

Based on the rating score of the applicant’s file, the applicant will either be invited to the group screening interview top continue the admissions process or denied admission.

Criminal Background Check Requirement
Applicants who successfully complete the interview will be required to successfully complete and pay for a criminal background check before an official offer of admission is secured.

General Requirements (Master’s Degree)

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

See Master’s Degree Requirements .