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Department of Counseling and School Psychology

The Department of Counseling and School Psychology prepares individuals to enter professional roles as: family therapists; mental health counselors; rehabilitation counselors; school guidance counselors; and school psychologists. Our department is housed in the College of Education and Human Development. We are unified by shared goals and a common mission. These include preparing our graduates to be thoughtful and responsive professionals, particularly in meeting the needs of those who live in urban and diverse environments. The content and experiences within our programs are systematically designed to build on the College and University mission.

Our department's programs include:

Family Therapy

On-Line MS in Family Therapy

Mental Health Counseling

On-Line MS in Mental Health Counseling

Rehabilitation Counseling

On-Line MS in Rehabilitation Counseling

School Counseling

On-Line MEd in School Counseling

School Psychology

Counseling and School Psychology, PhD

For on-line applicants only: If you are applying to the online version of a program, please be aware that your start term should be summer (e.g. Summer 2012). If you put start term fall (e.g. Fall 2012), you will be taking summer courses as a non-degree student which means you will not be eligible for financial aid until the fall semester. The starting term and program cannot be changed once the application has been submitted. Thank you.

For more information, try Graduate Studies

Mission

The Department and our programs are committed to the preparation of highly qualified professionals who will seek to promote maximum growth and development of individuals (children, adolescents, and adults) with whom they work. This is accomplished through a carefully planned curricula which includes the following: interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches; theory linked to practice; a practitioner-scientist approach; self awareness and self-exploration activities; opportunities to learn and demonstrate respect for others; and socialization into the role of the profession. We value respect for the social foundations and cultural diversity of others and promote opportunities for students to learn how others construct their world.

We emphasize to our students to focus on the assets and coping abilities of the people with whom they work rather than focusing on deficits. Additionally, we encourage the promotion of preventative services, which maximize individual functioning. Our programs are grounded in a systematic eclectic philosophical orientation, which includes: systemic theory; social constructionism; social learning theory; and person-centered approaches.

See the Department of Counseling and School Psychology's constitution.

Goals and Objectives

The primary goal of the Department of Counseling and School Psychology is to prepare highly qualified thoughtful and responsive professionals educated to serve a diverse urban population as family therapists, mental health counselors, rehabilitation counselors, school counselors, and school psychologists. The following objectives are necessary to pursue the Department goal:

1. Students will become knowledgeable and skilled practitioners through training and experiences in:

theories of human development
theories of individual and group counseling
theories of abnormal behavior
theories of psychological, educational, and vocational assessment
biological/physiological bases of behavior
dynamics of multicultural influences on individual worldviews and individual uniqueness.
the use of technologies in the practice of our professions, including the psychological limitations and benefits of technology.
systems theories and the dynamics of family relationships

2. Students will become caring, principled, and respectful professionals through training and experiences in:

humanistic and person centered approaches
guided practice in acquiring interpersonal skills
ethical principles, standards of practice and respect for persons
the actual practice of the profession through practicum and internship

3. Students will become committed agents of change for social justice through training and experiences in:

laws and regulations governing the practice of their profession
theories of empowerment
theories of oppression and dominance
theories of change
history of the profession

4. Students will become committed reflective and critical thinkers through training and experiences in:

reading, interpreting and using the professional research literature (becoming a practitioner-scientist).
theories and techniques of program evaluation and assessments.
self evaluation and self reflection activities during practical and internship experiences.
self evaluation and feedback through a culminating experience graduate training (e.g. the Capstone).

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY about WHAT WE DO WELL

(taken from a recent -April, 1, 2011 - Community Meeting) :

We have GREAT students!
There is a strong focus on critical thinking!
Outstanding readings/class assignments!
Professors are accessible and quick to respond to student needs!
Students can shape their education and still fulfill their required coursework!
Most of the faculty have clinical experience!
There's a strong focus on cultural diversity, and faculty are strong advocates of understanding diverse clients!
Professors discuss best practices and what is realistic!
The difficult and important topics are threaded throughout the curriculum not just in specialized courses!
We have caring professors who promote the professional growth of their students!

You can reach the Counseling and School Psychology Office at (617) 287-7602.

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