College of Education & Allied Professions
Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
As of 07/21/2006
Department: Human Services
Program: M.S. Counseling, Community
Program Goals:
1. Prepare individuals for employment as counselors in entry-level positions in diverse settings such as mental health/substance abuse centers,
juvenile court/public offender systems, residential treatment centers, community and four-year college counseling/career planning centers,
non-profit organizations, etc.
2. Prepare individuals for private practice under supervision/ moving toward state licensure.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Commit to the belief that individuals are valuable, responsible, and capable.
2. Know and understand the ethical and legal issues, professional roles and functions, credentialing, and professional organizations of the
professional counselor.
3. Formulate an understanding of societal change and the influences of culture, ethnicity, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and
ability and their implications for the practice of counseling.
4. Develop knowledge of the foundations and the skills necessary in facilitating and maintaining effective helping relationships.
5. Know and understand the major counseling theories as they relate to effective practice.
6. Understand the multifaceted nature of human development across the lifespan from various theoretical perspectives.
7. Understand the basic concepts of group and individual measurement and evaluation, including the selection and administration of
standardized and non-standardized group tests, proper interpretation of results, and their utilization in the helping process.
8. Understand the theoretical foundations of group processes, including developmental stages and group procedures as they relate to effective
practice.
9. Know and understand the career development theories and their relevance for career and lifestyle analysis, planning, and decision-making.
10. Know and understand family counseling including systems theory, family development across the lifespan, and various models of family
therapy.
11. Formulate effective treatment plans and use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) (current edition) in a counseling
setting; and understand the role of psychopharmacology in effective treatment.
12. Establish and maintain individual and group relationships through supervised experiences which facilitate the integration of the knowledge
bases of counseling with one’s own personal counseling skills.
13. Understand the growth and scope of community counseling settings, including professional practices, environmental influences, variety of
work options, and anticipated trends.
14. Demonstrate knowledge of current issues in community counseling, including needs assessments, grant writing, funding sources,
management practices, and supervision of counseling in public and private settings.
8/1/2006
Office of Assessment