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

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Program Coordinator/Contact

Katelyn Romsa, Assistant Professor
Department of Counseling and Human Development
Wenona Hall 318, Box 507
605-688-6831

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.

Student Learning Outcomes

Understand and apply various student development theories;
Understand and incorporate multicultural and diverse perspectives; (Transferable Skill: Diversity Awareness)
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; (Transferable Skill: Ethics - Moral Decision Making/Moral Reasoning)
Be able to develop and maintain human relations and enhance student development within the professional setting; and (Transferable Skill: Wellness)
Be prepared to pursue licensure as a professional counselor.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Accreditation

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

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.

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.

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 - Thesis	48 Credit Hours
	Option B - Research/Design Paper	48 Credit Hours
	Option C - Coursework Only	48 Credit Hours

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 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 785 - Pre-Practicum Credits: 3
CHRD 786 - Counseling Practicum Credits: 3-5 (3 credits required)
CHRD 794 - Internship Credits: 1-6 (6 credits required)

Electives

Credits: 4

CHRD 798 - Thesis Credits: 1-6 (Option A - Thesis)
CHRD 788 - Research Problems in Counseling and Guidance Credits: 1-3 (Option B - Coursework Only)
Additional Coursework (Option C - Coursework Only)

Total Credits Required: 48 (Option A, B, & C)

Additional Program Requirements

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

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 525 paper-based, 71 Internet-based
IELTS: 5.5

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

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

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .