Program Objectives

In the spirit of the Mission stated above, the Graduate Programs in Counseling seek to achieve the following objectives. Upon completion of these Master’s Programs, graduates shall demonstrate their competence in the following ways. They will:

• Accurately interpret and apply accepted evidence-based counseling approaches and counseling theory in response to typical and atypical client needs, with particular attention to the Cognitive-Behavior theories and their accepted strategies and techniques.
• Identify and practice with competence the varied roles and helping skills of counselors in school and mental health settings.
• Utilize theoretical understanding of the cognitive, social, emotional, spiritual, and biological principles related to human development and behavior in assessment of and counseling individuals at various life stages.
• Demonstrate competence in and an understanding of the theoretical foundations for identifying and assisting the career development and decision-making of clients in mental health settings and schools.
• Utilize students’ study and experience in applying theories in group dynamics in working with various group modalities toward achieving group and client goals.
• Accurately utilize standardized and appropriate instruments and techniques for identifying client needs and treatment planning.
• Exhibit awareness of the needs, challenges faced by culturally different clients due to their history, experience, and cultural mores toward appropriate counseling response.
• Show competence in interpreting, as well as designing and conducting research related to counseling concerns.
• Perform in-class and in-field assignments and activities with demonstrated skill and awareness and explicit knowledge of the standards of ethical practice in preparation for entry into the counseling profession.