This course explores the function and essential elements of counseling theories such as the therapeutic process, client/counselor relationship, case conceptualization, setting counseling goals, and evidence-based interventions and techniques. Students will understand principles and research related to family systems, strengths, needs, and cultures and identify strategies to support positive family influences on students' learning and mental health. Strategies to develop collaboration between families, communities, and schools that enhance academic and mental wellness will also be addressed. Students will recognize equitable practices for diverse student populations. Grade of B or better required.

This course provides an overview of the ten categories of exceptionality, including historical overview, current research and legislation. Students will examine current practices in the field, including classifications / definitions, patterns of behavior, learning, and assessment. Intervention and instructional strategies for inclusion of exceptional and divergent learners will be emphasized. Clearances must be submitted and cleared through CastleBranch or through Employer Verification within the first week of class. If clearances are not received/cleared, students will be administratively dropped from the course.

This course will teach research-based interventions and techniques for planning and implementing groups for children and adolescents in both school and clinical settings. Specific areas explored are topic-focused group counseling, group guidance, group process, outcome evaluation and ethics of group counseling. Each student is required to plan and conduct several group counseling experiences.

This course will review current research in human development across the lifespan. It is a study of the developmental changes that occur from conception to death. Special emphasis is given to significant developmental milestones that impact the counseling relationship.

This course will explore school law, regulations and ethical issues with an emphasis on ethical decision-making. An overview of the philosophy of educational counseling and psychological services will be addressed as well as an exploration of other service delivery models in pupil services. Further topics include the organizational structure of schools, increasing parental/caretaker involvement and inclusion practices.

This course is designed to introduce students to a critical examination of the issues, perspectives, challenges and social justice involved in a multicultural and diverse school setting. An examination of human differences will be discussed, including racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, religious, sexual orientation, disability issues, and gender differences. Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying the instructional needs of English language learners in the schools and ways to address learning that decrease the achievement gap for diverse students.

This course surveys theory and practice related to the career development of children, adolescents, and adults in changing economic, psychological, social and educational contexts. Students examine multiple resources and tools for career exploration. They apply these to their own career development and to social justice advocacy for expanding career options of those they serve. Students also practice conducting career exploration interviews, administering, scoring, and interpreting career assessment instruments, and integrating findings in written reports and/or feedback sessions.

Analysis of major types of social science research, familiarization with biographical sources and literature survey procedures; evaluation; implication and application of research; basic statistics; survey of computerized statistical programs; and practice in common statistical and research procedures.

This course introduces the theory and practice of brief and long-term research-based counseling interventions with children and adolescents. Students will demonstrate counseling skills with child and adolescent volunteer clients recruited by the student. Learning to build effective partnerships with caretakers, school personnel and other mental health professionals to promote success in the lives of children and adolescents will be addressed. Grade of B or better required. (Prerequisite or co-requisite: SCSP 500)

This course surveys the major concepts in assessment, including the social, legal, and ethical issues involved in construction, selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychological tests. Students will be introduced to the major categories of assessment instruments and to representative instruments in each category. A grade of B or better is required for School Psychology students to progress to SPSY 615.

This course is the second of two courses designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to provide effective counseling interventions for children and adolescents. This course focuses on advanced, research-based counseling strategies applied to specific mental health problems that are common to school-aged populations. Students will demonstrate counseling skills with child and adolescent volunteer clients recruited by the student. Grade of B or Better Required. (Prerequisite: SCSP 601)

The focus of this graduate level course is to assist the advanced level student and the practicing mental health clinician to better collaborate with the healthcare team to improve the care of the client/patient. Students of this course will gain a better understanding of the basics of psychopathology, psychopharmacology, and integrated care from a mental health perspective. Completion of this course will develop and improve the skills necessary to stay well-informed of the latest developments in the field of medicine as it applies to mental health