SERVICE AGENCY COUNSELING (M.S.)
Director: A. Hugh Jackson
UNCP offers a program of study leading to the Master of Science 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 School of Education. For information about admission and policies, see Graduate Programs, Procedures, and Policies.
The Master of Science 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 practicum (CCN 6100)
and a supervised internship (CCN 6200) are required of all students. Students
must pass the Counseling Comprehensive Examination prior to enrolling in the
practicum.
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 faculty members,
students, and/or licensed practicing counselors.
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC ADMISSIONS STANDARDS (see also Graduate Admissions)
a) All applicants for the M.S. 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.
c) A personal interview with an appropriate member of the faculty may be requested.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SERVICE AGENCY COUNSELING
|
|
Sem. Hrs. |
|
Core
Courses CCN 5000 Professional and Ethical Issues CCN 5050 Counseling Skills and Techniques CCN 5100 Group Counseling CCN 5600 Assessment in Counseling SCN 5025 Issues in Life-Span Development SCN 5400 Fundamentals of Counseling SCN 5500 Research and Program Evaluation SCN 5700 Career Development and Education SCN 5800 Multicultural Counseling and Education |
27 |
|
Specialty
Courses CCN 5360 Diagnosis and Treatment Planning CCN 5850 Theory and Process of Family Counseling CCN 5900 Addictions Counseling |
9 |
|
Guided
Electives CCN 5060 Crisis Intervention CCN 5070 College Counseling and Student Affairs CCN 5310 Child and Adolescent Behavior Disorders CCN 6000 Thesis CCN 6010 Research Project CCNS 5xxx Special Topics in Counseling |
6 |
|
Clinical
Field Placement Courses CCN 6100 Counseling Practicum CCN 6120 Counseling Internship |
6 |
|
Minimum total semester hours required for graduation |
Total: 48 |
COURSES
NOTE: When prerequisite courses are indicated below, these courses must be completed at UNC Pembroke prior to enrollment in the listed course.
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING (CCN)
CCN 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.
CCN 5050. Counseling Skills and Techniques
Students will learn basic and advanced counseling skills through classroom instruction and experiential activities. Students will hone their skills through extensive practice, coaching, and feedback from the course instructor. This course will also place emphasis on ethical practice and cultural competency in the application of counseling techniques relevant to professional counseling. Credit, 3 semester hours.
CCN 5060: Crisis Intervention
This course will explore the role, function, and responsibilities of professional counselors in periods of crisis and disaster. Crisis intervention theory will be studied in an effort to inform professional practice in clinical settings, emergencies and disasters. Principles and practices of psychological first aid are examined and applied in classroom exercises. Ethical and cultural considerations in the delivery of crisis services will be examined. Credit, 3 semester hours.
CCN 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.
CCN 5100. Group Counseling
Students will examine and practice applying the
theories and procedures of group counseling and consultation with application
to diverse settings. This course addresses the dynamics of interpersonal
relationships, the issues of group leadership, the stages of group process, the
posing and solving of problems specific to group procedure, and professional,
ethical, and legal issues related to group counseling. Students will learn the
fundamental skills and techniques for designing and implementing group
counseling activities. Credit, 3
semester hours.
CCN 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.
CCN 5360. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Professional Counselors
The focus of this course is on the development of the counseling skills necessary for making mental health and developmental assessments and diagnoses with diverse clients. Case conceptualization and treatment planning skills are emphasized. A study of the history, theories, symptoms and etiology of mental health disorders, including sociocultural factors related to mental health, are addressed. Students will demonstrate proficiency in using current systems of diagnostic assessment tools, such as the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Credit, 3 semester hours.
CCN 5600. Assessment in Counseling
This course will provide students with an
understanding of standardized and non-standardized assessment and appraisal
methods, techniques, and instruments.
The assessment of abilities, behaviors, achievement, personality,
interests, and other characteristics will be addressed. Issues related to
assessment including selection, statistical concepts, social and cultural
factors, and ethical testing procedures will be presented. Course content and skill development is
intended to inform and direct clinical practice, including diagnosis and
treatment planning. Credit, 3 semester
hours. PREREQ: SCN 5500
CCN 5850. Theory and Process of Family Counseling
This course is a study of established models and theories of family therapy, including systemic and contemporary approaches to family counseling. 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. This course also examines gender and cultural implications associated with family counseling. Credit, 3 semester hours.
CCN 5900. Addictions Counseling
The focus of the course will be on the assessment/diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of substance related disorders and process addictions. Current research into the treatment of addictions will be emphasized. The course will also address ethical, legal, and cultural aspects of addictions counseling. Students will become familiar with practices, philosophies, and treatment modalities related to the field of addictions counseling. Credit, 3 semester hours.
CCN 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.
CCN 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.
CCN 6100. Counseling Practicum
The Practicum in Counseling provides for an initial field placement prior to the Internship. The practicum experience allows for enhanced skill development and exposure to professional practice in a community setting under close supervision by a site supervisor. Students must complete a total of 100 clock hours during the academic semester. Forty (40) hours must be in direct client contact and 60 hours may be indirect hours. Additionally, students will attend classes weekly. Students will be expected to present case studies and present videotapes of themselves working with clients as the course provides the student with lab based and field-based opportunities for learning. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: Completion of all Core and Specialty Courses, a passing score on the Comprehensive Examination, and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
CCN 6120. Counseling Internship
In‑depth study and supervised application of
counseling and therapeutic intervention processes in an approved
community/agency setting. Hours required for successful completion of the Internship will be
consistent with the standards set by the North Carolina Board of Licensed
Professional Counselors. 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: All core and specialty courses and successful
completion of the Counseling Practicum.
CCNS 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.