2008-09 CATALOG

 

SERVICE AGENCY COUNSELING (M.A.)

Director: A. Hugh Jackson

 

UNCP offers a program of study leading to the Master of Arts degree in Service Agency Counseling. The primary objective of the program is to develop professional level competence in the application of psychological principles, counseling theory, and counseling techniques in order to facilitate personal development, personal adjustment, and interpersonal relations in service agency settings. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to become more sensitive to society and its dynamic qualities, as well as competent in designing and executing counseling and consulting activities. The program is housed in UNCP’s Psychology and Counseling Department. For information about admission and policies, see Graduate Programs, Procedures, and Policies.

The Master of Arts in Service Agency Counseling program is organized into four curriculum components:

1. A professional counseling core component focusing on counseling theory and techniques, methods of analyzing the individual, and research.

2.  A core of specialty area courses.

3. Laboratory/internship experiences enabling the student to apply theories, techniques, and skills under supervision in field settings.

4. Guided electives chosen to permit the student to fulfill personal objectives and interests.

 

Service Agency Program Goals

The goals for the service agency counseling program are consistent with the outcomes expected of beginning counselors as described by professional organizations, accreditation agencies, and professional literature.  The program addresses the academic and career needs of a diverse group of counselors-in-training by offering a mixture of theoretical and applied training.  Input for program policies is solicited from the Counseling Programs Steering Committee.  The program  is designed to provide students with:

·         advanced study in the theory of counseling individuals and groups;

·         study of applied skills in counseling, testing, research, ethical practice, and service delivery techniques;

·         advanced study in the theory and skills needed for work in service agency settings;

·         the opportunity for the integration and reflection of theories and techniques into a defendable personal theoretical orientation to counseling in service agencies;

·         improved counseling skills for individuals already employed in counseling positions;

·         resources to enhance the potential for mental health within the region and state.

 

Laboratory/Internship Experiences

A counseling skills laboratory (PCN 6100) and a supervised internship are required of all students. Students must pass the Counseling Comprehensive Examination prior to enrolling in the counseling skills laboratory. The counseling skills laboratory experience is designed to refine basic counseling techniques, develop more advanced skills, and evaluate readiness for internship through the use of role playing, micro‑counseling, and video‑taping. A supervised internship in an appropriate field‑based setting is also required.

 

Portfolio

All students will be required to establish, maintain, and present a portfolio that demonstrates competencies in service agency counseling.  Students will receive guidelines for completing this requirement.  Students will present and orally defend their portfolios to a panel during the internship class.  The panel consists of a faculty member, student, and licensed practicing counselor.

 

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC ADMISSIONS STANDARDS (see also Graduate Admissions)

a) All applicants for the M.A. degree in the counseling program are required to submit an essay detailing their professional experiences and their objectives in pursuing graduate studies.

b) The applicant must also demonstrate graduate level writing skills in his/her essay (see item a, above) indicating program-career goal compatibility and evidence of the personal attributes expected of a professional counselor.

d) A personal interview with an appropriate member of the faculty may be requested.

 

 

MASTER OF ARTS IN SERVICE AGENCY COUNSELING (M.A.)

Program of Study

The Master of Arts in Service Agency Counseling program consists of a 27‑semester-hour core curriculum, 9 semester hours of specialized courses in service agency counseling, 6 semester hours of laboratory/internship experiences, and 6 semester hours of guided electives.

 

 

**Guided Elective Courses

Elective courses are selected from the areas of Education, Psychology, and Public Administration with the guidance and approval of the student’s program coordinator. Approved electives for the Service Agency Counseling program include the following:

PSY 5310 Child and Adolescent Behavior Disorders

PSYS 5xxx Special Topics in Psychology

PCN 6000 Thesis

PCN 6010 Counseling Research Project

PCN 6020 Professional Paper

PCNS 5xxx Special Topics in Counseling

EDN 5120 Advanced Study of Exceptionality in Children

PAD 5010 Organizational Behavior

PAD 5100 Organizational Leadership Seminar

PAD 5120 Decision‑making for Leaders

PAD 5300 Organizational Communication

PAD 5330 Leadership and Change

PAD 5380 Conflict Analysis and Resolution

HAD 5730 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care

 

COURSES     

NOTE: When prerequisite courses are indicated below, these courses must be completed at UNC Pembroke prior to enrollment in the listed course.

 

I. PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING (PCN)

PCN 5000.  Professional and Ethical Issues

Introduction to the profession of counseling including a study of the principles, professional organizations, ethics, and delivery of counseling, consulting, and referral services. Students will learn the functions, organization, and administrative procedures of counseling, consulting, and client services in schools, colleges, and agencies. They will demonstrate the ability to identify the basic services, to identify the role and function of the counselor, and to analyze case studies. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: Admission to the Service Agency Counseling program or program coordinator’s permission. 

PCN 5070.  College Counseling and Student Affairs

An overview of student services higher in education, and a study of the history, philosophy, issues and trends in college counseling.  Topics to be covered include college student development, college and career counseling issues and strategies, and student affairs services such as advisement, placement and enrollment planning, residence life, academic support, and student activities.  Credit, 3 semester hours.

PCN 5150.  Theories and Techniques of Counseling

Examination of the concepts and techniques of individual counseling and the means for establishing facilitative relationships including competence in counseling skills and interventions. Students will study and practice the major approaches to counseling and psychotherapy and will be able to demonstrate the techniques of major theories. Students will demonstrate their ability to relate counseling theories to an integrated style of counseling. Students will participate in self‑development exercises and experiences relevant to various counseling approaches. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ:  PCN 5000. 

PCN 5410. Career Development through the Lifespan (SCN 5410)

A counseling-oriented course designed to enable the student to understand the psychosocial dynamics of career development choices through the lifespan. Students will learn the major theories of career decision-making processes and the relationship between career development and lifestyle choices.  Students will demonstrate career counseling techniques with individuals and groups.  Students will be provided an opportunity to participate in role plays, activities, and extensive research projects.  Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ:  PCN 5000 and PCN 5150

PCN 5600.  Group Counseling

Students will examine and practice applying the theories and procedures of group counseling and consultation with application to diverse school or agency settings. This course probes the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, the issues of group leadership, the stages of group process, the posing and solving of problems which are specific to group procedure, and professional, ethical, and legal issues related to group counseling.  Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PCN 5000 and PCN 5150

PCN 5650.  Counseling Diverse Populations

This course requires an in‑depth study of the issues and techniques involved in counseling and consulting with diverse populations. Emphasis will be placed on developing self‑understanding and demonstrating counseling skills in relation to ethnic, class, gender, and distinctive population issues. Students will be required to demonstrate understanding of a specific counseling or consulting case in which ethnic, class, gender, or distinctive population issues are paramount. Credit, 3 semester hours.

PCN 6000.  Thesis

The student will complete a research study and prepare a master’s degree thesis under the individual direction of a major advisor and thesis committee. Graded on a pass/fail basis. Credit, 3 semester hours.  PREREQ: Enrollment in the Service Agency Program. A contracted written plan should be approved by a faculty thesis sponsor no later than two weeks prior to registration. 

PCN 6010.  Counseling Research Project

The Counseling Research Project is a directed, supervised research activity which involves a problem‑solving approach to counseling or consulting problems. The student will develop and analyze a suitable topic, issue, or problem in counseling or consulting. The research subject must be one which can be addressed through the application of the knowledge and research skills gained from course work. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: Enrollment in the Service Agency Program. A contracted written plan should be approved by a faculty project sponsor no later than two weeks prior to registration. 

PCN 6020.  Professional Paper

The student will complete a research study and prepare a paper suitable for journal publication or presentation at a state or national conference. Close collaboration is required between the student and contracted faculty sponsor. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: Enrollment in the Service Agency Program. A contracted written plan should be approved by a faculty project sponsor no later than two weeks prior to registration. 

PCN 6100.  Advanced Counseling Skills

This course is both academic and experiential.  Students will engage in readings, lecture and class discussions on topics related to case conceptualization and treatment planning.  The course provides students with an opportunity to practice counseling skills through video-taped micro-counseling and role playing sessions.  The role playing sessions will occur both inside and outside the classroom.  Written case reports, counseling group design, Professional Disclosure Statement document, counseling session transcriptions, and interpretations of sessions will be required as well as a final evaluation of counseling skills and a plan for improving skills during internship.  Feedback will be provided by self, peers, and the instructor.  Graded on a pass/fail basis.  Students must pass all assignments in order to receive a pass in the course.  PREREQ:  Enrollment in the Service Agency Program. Completion of all core courses.  Specialty courses may be taken with this course; however, all specialty courses must be completed by the semester that this course is completed.

PCN 6120.  Agency Counseling Internship

In‑depth study and supervised application of counseling and therapeutic intervention processes in an approved agency setting. Students will demonstrate their ability to develop treatment plans, theories and techniques in supervised counseling sessions.  Students will present and defend  portfolios documenting their counseling competencies.  Graded on a pass/fail basis. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: Core, Specialization requirements, and PCN 6100.

PCNS 5xxx. Special Topics in Counseling

This course will provide an opportunity for in‑depth exploration of advanced areas and topics of interest. May be repeated for different topics. Credit, 3 semester hours.

 

II. PSYCHOLOGY (PSY)

PSY 5050.  Behavioral Research Methods

An examination of research design and methods common in the behavioral sciences. Use of library resources, evaluation of behavioral research, and an introduction to statistics are included. Credit, 3 semester hours.

PSY 5060.  Crisis Intervention

This course provides an overview of crisis intervention theories and practices including their applications to specific target populations.  Students will have the opportunity to independently explore a topic of interest and demonstrate class leadership.  The class format will be lecture, seminar, and experiential activities.  Credit, 3 semester hours.

PSY 5100.  Quantitative Methods in Counseling

A study of the descriptive, correlational, and inferential statistics frequently used by counselors and consultants. The selection and application of procedures appropriate to specific types of counseling research, program evaluation, and the standardization and use of psychological and educational tests will be emphasized. Credit, 3 semester hours.

PSY 5310.  Child and Adolescent Behavior Disorders

A behavioral approach to the study of theory, research, and treatment of behavior disorders of children and adolescents. Students will demonstrate their abilities to develop case studies and treatment plans, and to consult with teachers and other mental health professionals. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PCN 5000 and PCN 5150 or instructor permission.

PSY 5360.  Psychopathology

A study of the history, theories, etiology, and treatment of mental disorders. Various disorders are examined along with their typical symptoms. Uses of psychological tests, interviews, and observations to obtain data for making diagnoses are studied. Students must demonstrate proficiency in using the current edition of DSM to make diagnostic impressions. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ:  PCN 5000 and PCN 5150.

PSY 5450.  Human Development and Personality

A study of developmental and personality theory and research coupled with intensive study through observation and research of the age level most appropriate to the credential sought.  There will be basic text on developmental and personality theory to provide a common core.  This will be supplemented by extensive related reading and other appropriate activities.  Credit, 3 semester hours.

PSY 5500.  Psychological and Educational Testing

A study of basic psychometric and non‑testing assessment methods. The course will include an examination of the legal/ethical problems involved in testing and other issues of concern when testing diverse populations. Practical application of measurement concepts will be provided through the administration, interpretation, and evaluation of tests and non‑testing appraisal techniques commonly used in counseling. Students will demonstrate their ability to develop test interpretations and to consult with parents, teachers, and other mental health professionals. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSY 5050 and PSY 5100 or instructor permission.

PSY 5850.  Family Therapy Concepts and Methods

A study of established systems of contemporary family therapy. Each approach will be examined in terms of leading figures, theoretical formulations, normal family development, development of behavior disorders, goals of therapy, conditions for behavior change, techniques, and evaluations of theory and results. Role playing and videotaping will involve both system specific and core techniques. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ:  PCN 5000 and PCN 5150.

PSY 5900.  Substance Abuse Research and Treatment

A study of research, concepts, and treatment methods of alcohol and other drug abuse and addiction. Addiction is analyzed as a psychological, social, and biological process. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PCN 5000 and PCN 5150.

PSYS 5xxx. Special Topics in Psychology

This course will provide an opportunity for in‑depth exploration of advanced areas and topics of interest. May be repeated for different topics. Credit, 3 semester hours.