Ohio University
Graduate Catalog

Counselor Education


Programs in community counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and school counseling are offered leading to a graduate degree in counselor education. Within these programs, you may emphasize courses and fieldwork leading to a professional counseling career in elementary, middle, or secondary schools; college counseling; business and industry; chemical dependency; agency work; or private practice. Doctoral-level work also leads to these positions, plus supervisory and university faculty positions.

The Community Counseling Program is designed for those interested in professional counseling services in a community mental health center, in private practice, or in other agencies or business settings that provide health and social services. The program meets academic requirements necessary to become an Ohio Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), with the option of completing the additional academic hours for a clinical endorsement in mental health counseling (Ohio Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC). It also meets academic and experience requirements for becoming a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

The Rehabilitation Counseling Program meets the needs of personnel presently employed in public and private rehabilitation agencies, as well as graduates in such areas as psychology, sociology, education, and human services. Upon completion of the program, you will have met LPC and NCC academic requirements and may sit for the examination to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).

The School Counseling Program is for those who wish to practice as elementary or secondary school counselors. It meets the academic and counseling experience requirements to receive state Department of Education certification as a school counselor in Ohio and most other states, and also meets academic requirements for LPC and NCC. School counselors in Ohio must be certified to teach in Ohio public schools and have teaching experience

A master's degree program consists of a minimum of 72 quarter hours of study and can be completed in six to eight quarters of full-time attendance, depending upon the area of concentration. Many core courses are offered during the summer, and many late afternoon and evening classes are available during the regular academic year to accommodate students with full-time employment. Along with a counseling practicum (120 work experience hours), two quarters of required internship (600 total work experience hours) provide extensive experience.

The doctoral program in counseling is psychological in content, experience, and nature. Ph.D. degree specializations are available in counseling, counselor education, supervision, and research and evaluation. The courses of study leading to degrees in the above areas combine personal growth, theoretical foundations, research methodology, and practical experience relevant to the specialization of choice. They are designed on the basis of the specialty sought and the background that you bring to the program. The array of courses included in the curriculum may be used to meet the requirements for professional certification or licensure. It is your responsibility, however, to consult the credentialing agencies to determine their exact requirements. Be aware that such credentialing agencies periodically change their qualification requirements. The program requires a minimum of 135 quarter hours beyond a bachelor's degree and 90 quarter hours beyond a master's.

Approximately 25 to 35 M.Ed. students and eight to 14 Ph.D. students are admitted each year. Academic credentials, experience, and compatibility of personal characteristics and professional goals with advanced study in the field of counseling and counselor education are all taken into consideration in the evaluation process. You may apply for admission at any time, but most admissions and financial aid decisions are made early in the spring for fall quarter entry.

Undergraduates interested in such work will find knowledge in the areas of the behavioral and social sciences, including psychology, education, sociology, and communications, most helpful. Those interested in school counseling will be required to have teaching certification and teaching experience for work in Ohio and many other states.

All degree programs in counselor education are nationally accredited. Community counseling (M.Ed.), school counseling (M.Ed.), and the Ph.D. program in counselor education and supervision are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP); the M.Ed. rehabilitation program is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE); and all College of Education programs, including counselor education, are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Such accreditation can be advantageous in gaining professional credentials and employment after graduation.

For further information, contact the coordinator of counselor education.


Counselor Education (EDCE) Courses

520 Elementary School Counseling (4)
Rationale, scope, and nature of elementary school guidance; multiple approaches to provision of guidance services with emphasis upon role of elementary school counselors in child study counseling, consultation, classroom group guidance and coordination, and curriculum development.
Hazler; F, Su; Y.

521 Counseling, Teaching, and the Behavior Change Process (5)
Theories of behavior-change process in educational, community, and business settings. Application and evaluation of techniques to modify behavior that involve counselor clients and the counselor in the behavior change process with effective communication emphasized.
Staff; D.

522 Career Development: Research and Theory (4)
Prereq: 520 or 530 or 541. Theories, practices, methods, and processes of career development for varied settings: school, community, business; review programs which develop career planning/life components; exploration of career education and counseling opportunities; review and/or implementation of career-related research.
Navin; F, Su; Y.

525 Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling (4)
History and development of counseling of individuals with disabilities. Other topics covered include philosophy, counseling process, place of rehabilitation counseling in community, legislative aspects, and overview of agency activities.
Olsheski; F; Y.

526 Medical Issues in Rehabilitation (4)
Overview of basic anatomy, physiology, and the normal functioning of body systems. Emphasis on medical aspects of disability; psychosocial and vocational implications; and importance of incorporating a sense of wellness.
Olsheski; W; Y.

528 Psychosocial Aspects of Disability (4)
Explores the emotional and social factors contributing to disabilities, the interaction of these factors in the rehabilitation process, and the role of the rehabilitation counselor in understanding the dynamics of disability.
Olsheski; Sp; Y.

529 Job Placement Theory and Techniques (4)
Provides rehabilitation counselor trainees with requisite skills to perform job analyses, suggest job modifications or restructuring, conduct job development activities that affect successful job placement for disabled individuals.
Olsheski; Y.

530 Foundations of Counseling (4)
Rationale, scope, and nature of counseling services in educational, community, and business settings; multiple approaches to provision of such services with emphasis on role of counselor in needs assessment, program planning, counseling, consultation, coordination of services, and curriculum development for diverse populations. Study of problems, issues, trends, and ethical responsibilities in the field of counseling.
Hazler; F, Su; Y.

531 Appraisal I (4)
Prereq: 520 or 530 or 541. Concepts of reliability and validity as applicable to appraising human characteristics set stage for considering critical role that clinical judgment plays in professional helping. Emphasis on basic appraisal techniques, including diagnostic interviewing, observational systems, rating scales, interactional analysis, and educational and psychological testing. Testing portion provides introduction to intelligence, achievement, aptitude, and perceptual, vocational, and personality (objective and projective) measures.
Hazler; W; Y.

545 Counseling Over the Life Span (4)
Prereq: 520, 525, 530, 541. Implications of life-span development issues for counselors. Issues in counseling and counseling needs throughout the life span will be explored. Techniques and strategies for counselors to use in dealing with the needs of persons of different ages will be covered.
Navin; W, Su; Y.

550 Counseling in Groups (5)
Introduction to group processes and their application in a variety of settings. Topics include history, theory, techniques, group dynamics and counseling, group leadership, ethics, research and evaluation, lectures, demonstrations, and group lab experience.
Staff; Sp, Su; Y.

555 Counseling Theory and Techniques I (5)
Didactic phase includes a review of the basic counseling competencies applicable to all theoretical approaches. Affective, behavioral, and cognitive-oriented approaches to counseling also discussed from a general perspective. The lab phase of the course allows students to practice the counseling competencies addressed in the classroom.
Stone; F, Su.

570 Organizational Theory and Techniques in Counseling and Personnel Services (4)
Prereq: 520 or 530 or 541. Identification of need for counseling and human resource development programs in the workplace. Employee assistance programs, training and development, and career development issues addressed. The course content can be considered for a variety of work settings such as business and industry, educational institutions, and mental health facilities.
Davis; W; D.

610 Field Experience in Counseling (1-12)
Supervised field work in educational or community setting selected with regard to professional needs and interests of individual student. Student should have a clear idea of type of field experience desired and required setting for the experience before enrollment. Course requirements will include on-site supervision by staff, regularly scheduled on-campus conferences, and progress and terminal reports.
Staff; D.

620 Readings and Research: School Counseling (1-5, max 12)
Study and interpretation of professional literature on counseling and other guidance services provided in elementary, secondary, and vocational school settings, as well as two-year colleges. Independent and directed projects.
Staff; F, W, Sp, Su.

621 Readings and Research in Community Counseling (1-5, max 12)
Study and interpretation of scientific research on community mental health or selected government agencies. Independent and directed projects.
Staff; F, W, Sp; Y.

623B Special Topics Seminar: Stress, Biofeedback, and Self-Control (1-3, max 18)
Provides overview of holistic approach to well-being, nature, and sources of stress and distress, effects of distress upon mind-body systems, and methods that are important for developing physical and mental relaxation, cognitive intervention, and assertive behavior. Specific applications in occupational and life settings suggested.
Witmer; F.

623C Special Topics Seminar: Marriage and Family Counseling (1-3, max 18)
Analysis of factors contributing to marital and family dysfunction. Development and implementation of selected counseling models and strategies commonly used in working with couples and families.
Beamish; F; Y.

623D Special Topics Seminar: Assertiveness Training (1-3, max 18)
Focuses on theory and strategies of assertiveness training. Attention to goal setting, role playing, alternative behavior, evaluating consequences, and implementation of assertive behavior. Emphasis on differentiating nonassertive, assertive, and aggressive behavior.
Navin; D.

623E Special Topics Seminar: Counseling and Human Sexuality (1-3, max 18)
Study of human sexuality and stereotypical attitudes, attainment of basic knowledge, awareness of sexual abuse and violence, and understanding sexual dysfunction and sexual adequacy.
Navin; D.

623F Special Topics Seminar: Adlerian Theory, Methods, and Research (1-3, max 18)
Theory, research, and applications of individual psychology in educational, community, business, and private practice settings. Counseling, consultation, and psychotherapy methods and techniques will be demonstrated.
Sweeney; D.

623G Special Topics Seminar: Human Relations Skills for a Multicultural Society (1-3)
Provides for understanding of human relations skills for effective interpersonal communication. Focus on skill development, cultural and value differences among ethnic, racial, religious, and other groups. These skills have generic application for helping professionals in educational, community, family, work, and leisure settings.
Poston; D.

623H Special Topics Seminar (1-3, max 18)
Prereq: perm. Seminar topics include areas of study in human potential, rehabilitation counseling, normal and dysfunctional physical, mental, and emotional development.
Staff.

638 Gerontological Counseling (3)
Attitude awareness regarding older persons, knowledge of developmental periods of aging, basic gerontological counseling concepts, and skills in applying knowledge of aging and counseling to work with older persons are emphasized.
Sweeney; D.

652 Laboratory: Group Counseling (5)
Prereq: 550 Advanced study of group theory, research, and applications. Group dynamics, leadership styles, and techniques are examined as they apply to various settings. Lecture, demonstration, and group lab experiences.
Staff; W; Y.

655 Counseling Theory and Techniques II (5)
Prereq: 555. Didactic phase of the course will focus upon specific theoretical orientations of counseling. These include individual psychology, rational emotive, behavioral, gestalt, reality, and multimodel theories of counseling. The lab phase of the course will allow practice of theoretical approaches addressed in the classroom.
Davis; W; Y.

660 Chemical Dependency Counseling (3)
Focuses on the addictive process, stages and symptoms of chemical abuse, and intervention and treatment strategies for addiction.
Stone; F, Su; Y.

662 Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Counseling (4)
Emphasis on diagnostic and treatment process facing the mental health professional. Provides an opportunity to familiarize oneself with the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, as well as an opportunity to interpret and make diagnostic assessment with a confederate client. In addition, alternative treatment and planning are reviewed.
Davis; Sp; Y.

664 Mental Health Consultation (3)
Introduction to the theory and process of mental health consultation as practiced in such settings as social service, rehabilitation, child care, community mental health agencies, prisons, schools, employee assistance programs, health maintenance organizations, and private practice.
Hazler; Sp; Y.

685 Multicultural Education (4)
Provides understanding of cultural, ethnic, and racial differences and similarities in American society. Focuses on preparing professionals in educational, community, and leisure settings for working successfully with America's multicultural population.
Doston; F, Su; Y.

691 Seminar in Education (4)
Prereq: 35 grad hrs, EDRE 501. Student chooses area, engages in library research, interviews, questionnaires, etc., and writes a substantial, scholarly paper. Students must submit a proposal to the instructor by the ninth week of the quarter prior to the quarter of enrollment.
Staff; F, W, Sp, Su; Y.

695 Thesis (2-10)
Staff; F, W, Sp, Su; D.

700A Advanced Counseling Practicum: School (5-15, max 15)
Prereq: advanced standing, perm. Students conduct supervised counseling sessions. Preparing case notes, consulting with other professionals, critiquing audio- and videotapes of their counseling sessions, participating in practical seminars, etc., is part of the experience. Students must submit an application for admission to the practicum the quarter before expected enrollment.
Staff; F, W, Sp; Y.

700B Advanced Practicum: Community (5-15, max 15)
Prereq: advanced standing. Students conduct supervised counseling sessions. Preparing case notes, consulting with other professionals, critiquing audio- and videotapes of their counseling sessions, participating in practica seminars, etc., is part of the experience. Students must submit an application for admission to the practicum the quarter before expected enrollment.
Staff; F, W, Sp; Y.

700C Advanced Practicum: College (5-15, max 15)
Prereq: advanced standing. Students conduct supervised counseling sessions. Preparing case notes, consulting with other professionals, critiquing audio- and videotapes of their counseling sessions, participating in practica seminars, etc., is part of the experience. Students must submit an application for admission to the practicum the quarter before expected enrollment.
Staff; D.

700D Advanced Practicum: Rehabilitation (5-15, max 15)
Prereq: advanced standing. Students conduct supervised counseling sessions. Preparing case notes, consulting with other professionals, critiquing audio- and videotapes of their counseling sessions, participating in practica seminars, etc., is part of the experience. Students must submit an application for admission to the practicum the quarter before expected enrollment.
Staff; F, W, Sp; Y.

710 Counseling Internship (8-16)
Prereq: advanced M.Ed. standing. A culminating experience providing counseling and related services to clients in educational, community, and business settings. Services may include functions related to special problems and populations. On-site supervision by staff is required, along with regular on-campus conferences.
Staff; F, W, Sp; Y.

720 Advanced Seminar in Counseling (2-15)
Prereq: advanced standing. Doctoral seminar providing students with preparation for in-depth study of counseling in educational, community, and business settings.
Hazler; F.

722 Career Development and Counseling (4)
Prereq: advanced standing. Methods and practices in career planning and decision making; career patterns and theories; counseling services that promote career and vocational development and research.
Navin; D.

731 Appraisal II (5)
Prereq: 531. Special attention devoted to intelligence theory and tests (e.g., Stanford-Binet and Wechsler instruments): case data interpretation; and report writing and communication of appraisal results to other professionals.
Beamish; W; Y.

732 Advanced Appraisal (5)
Prereq: 531 and practicum. Advanced appraisal techniques reviewed, with particular attention to personality measures. Both objective and projective techniques considered, and each student is expected to develop applied expertise with a method of each type. Actual case appraisals analyzed and critiqued; integration of data from a variety of appraisal procedures and professional communication of results emphasized.
Davis; Sp; A.

735 Counseling the Exceptional (4)
Prereq: advanced standing. Characteristics of exceptional individuals; developing and implementing counseling services for exceptional individuals in educational, business, and community settings.
Staff; D.

736 Counseling and Behavioral Aspects of Special Populations (4)
Prereq: advanced standing. Intervention and treatment of special populations such as substance abusers; counseling and intervention for disenfranchised, including those who are emotionally, mentally, or physically disabled or incarcerated; and study of cultural and sociological influences on culturally different and implications for counseling.
Staff; D.

740 Family Counseling Practicum (2-5)
Prereq: 623C, 821C. Supervised counseling experiences with families.
Beamish; D.

750 Practicum in Group (5, max 15)
Supervised experiences in group counseling in a variety of community mental health, university, business, and/or school settings. Individualized readings and study of group counseling theory and techniques.
Staff; D.

755 Counseling Theory Advanced (5)
Theories and systems of psychology as applied to counseling and psychotherapy. Integration of theories and methods of counseling and psychotherapy to assessment and diagnosis, goal-setting, treatment, procedures, and evaluation of progress and outcomes. Use of case study to demonstrate knowledge in the treatment of selected mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Application of concepts of human development to personal growth and career-life planning. Review of innovative methods, recent research, and issues and trends.
Beamish; Sp; Y.

759 Counselor Supervision (2-4)
Prereq: adv standing and/or clinical counseling field exp. Offers advanced graduate students theories and models of clinical supervision used in the counseling profession. Students participate in both didactic and lab activities.
Davis; F.

760 Counselor Education (4)
Counselor education history and development including standards, selection, and retention policies and practices, program design for pre- and in-service training, and current issues and research.
Hazler; D.

761 Practicum in Counselor Education (5-15)
Experience in program development and professional counselor preparation activities. Includes supervising of, consulting with, and education of pre- and in-service counselors. Other activities may include student and staff evaluation; organization of personnel programs; and use of staff meetings for counselee study, staff consultation, and program management.
Staff; F, W, Su; Y.

762 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Counseling Community,Personnel Services (4)
Law and ethics considered for educational and mental health contexts. Federal, state, and local statutes relevant to professional functioning, and rights of persons receiving counseling, and psychological services considered. Court decisions, critical cases, and legislation analyzed and interpreted. Code of ethics for counselors, psychologists, and human service workers reviewed. Guidelines for ethical behavior in delivery of services.
Witmer; F.

763 Advanced Practicum in Specially Oriented Community Services (5)
Doctoral-level practicum and seminar providing in-depth practical experience in selected human services in varied colleges and universities, community agencies, and other noneducational settings.
Staff; D.

800 Internship (10-15)
Prereq: perm quarter prior to enrollment. Internship may be taken at pre- or post-doctoral level. Intern works full-time in professional setting consistent with program emphasis for at least two quarters of full-time work or three quarters of halftime work.
Staff; F, W, Sp, Su.

821B Special Topics Seminar: Stress, Biofeedback, and Self-Control (1-3, max 18)
Overview of holistic approach to well-being, nature and sources of stress and distress, effects of distress upon mind-body systems, and methods important for developing physical and mental relaxation, cognitive intervention, and assertive behavior presented. Specific applications in occupational and life settings suggested. Review and critique of papers on selected literature are expected.
Witmer; D.

821C Special Topics Seminar: Marriage and Family Counseling (1-3, max 18)
Analysis of factors contributing to marital and family dysfunction. Development and implementation of selected counseling models and strategies commonly used with couples and families. Individualized project, and/or supervised counseling experience required. Review and critique of papers on selected literature are expected.
Beamish; F; Y.

821D Special Topics Seminar: Assertiveness Training (1-3, max 18)
Focuses on theory and strategies of assertiveness training. Attention to goal setting, role-playing, alternative behavior, evaluating consequences, and implementation of assertive behavior. Emphasis on differentiating nonassertive, assertive, and aggressive behavior. Review and critique papers on selected literature are expected.
Navin; D.

821E Special Topics Seminar: Counseling and Human Sexuality (1-3, max 18)
Study of human sexuality and stereotypical attitudes, attainment of basic knowledge, awareness of sexual abuse and violence, and understanding sexual dysfunction and sexual adequacy. Review and critique of papers on selected literature are expected.
Navin; D.

821F Special Topics Seminar: Adlerian Theory, Methods, and Research (1-3, max 18)
Theory, methods, and research related to individual psychology and its applications to educational, community, business, and private practice settings. Counseling, consultation, and psychotherapy methods and techniques will be demonstrated. Review and critique of papers on selected literature are expected.
Sweeney; D.

821G Special Topics Seminar: Human Relations Skills for a Multicultural Society (1-3, max 18)
Provides for understanding of human relations skills for effective interpersonal communication. Focus on skill development, cultural and value difference among ethnic, racial, religious, and other groups. These skills have generic application for helping professionals in educational, community, family, work, and leisure time settings. Review and critique of papers on selected literature are expected.
Poston; F, Su.

821H Special Topics Seminar (1-3, max 18)
Other seminar topics include areas of study in human potential, rehabilitation counseling, normal and dysfunctional physical and emotional development, etc.
Staff.

823 Advanced Readings and Research in Counseling and Student Personnel (1-10)
Prereq: advanced standing. Independent studies and specialized projects for doctoral students.
Staff; F, W, Sp, Su; Y.

825 Colloquium (1, max 3)
Doctoral-level seminars to examine contemporary issues in counselor education.
Staff; D.

852 Advanced Laboratory in Applied Group Dynamics (5)
Group experience as method of studying and applying selected theoretical models of group counseling. Participants experience membership and leadership roles. Individual readings and research on selected group counseling models.
Staff; D.

895 Dissertation (2-15)
Staff; F, W, Sp, Su; Y.


Ohio University Front Door


University Publications and the Computer Services Center revised this file (http://www.ohiou.edu/~gcat/95-97/areas/educ/edce.html) April 13, 1998.

Please e-mail comments or suggestions to "gcat@www.ohiou.edu."