Program Overview
This 60-credit hour Counseling, MC program at Arizona State University prepares students for licensure as professional counselors in Arizona and other states. The program emphasizes multicultural competency, with a focus on serving diverse populations across the lifespan. Graduates are equipped for careers in various settings, including community agencies, hospitals, and private practice. The program is accredited by CACREP and offers both a thesis and written comprehensive exam pathway.
Program Outline
Counseling, MC
Degree Overview:
This program equips students to become professional counselors in Arizona and other states with comparable licensure requirements, while promoting cultural competency for serving diverse populations. The 60-credit hour program is designed with a strong focus on multicultural counseling across the lifespan, addressing the needs of individuals, families, groups, and organizations in a diverse society.
Objectives:
- Prepare students for licensure as professional counselors
- Develop cultural competencies for serving diverse populations
- Promote the health of individuals, families, groups, and organizations
- Advance the counseling profession through research and innovation
Program Description:
The program integrates multicultural considerations into all aspects of the curriculum, preparing students to effectively work with clients from diverse backgrounds. Faculty research and clinical interests include areas such as advocacy, child development, counseling process and outcome, relationships, crisis assessment, culturally responsive treatment, mental health disparities, stress and resilience, and play therapy. The program endorses the American Counseling Association's Code of Ethics and associated competencies, including those related to LGBQIQA individuals, the multiracial population, multicultural and social justice, spiritual and religious issues, and multicultural career counseling.
Other:
- The program offers two pathways: thesis (research-focused) and written comprehensive exam (practitioner-focused)
- The clinical portion includes practicum and internship experiences
- Graduates are prepared for careers in a variety of settings, including community agencies, hospitals, private practice, and university counseling centers
- The program meets the requirements for licensure as a professional counselor with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners
Outline:
Required Core Courses (39 credit hours):
- CED 501 Introduction to Research and Evaluation in Counseling
- CED 522 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
- CED 523 Psychological Tests
- CED 529 Lifespan Human Development
- CED 534 Occupations and Careers
- CED 545 Assessment and Diagnosis
- CED 567 Group Dynamics and Counseling
- CED 576 Foundations of Counseling
- CED 577 Counseling Prepracticum
- CED 645 Professional Issues and Ethics
- CED 671 Multicultural Counseling
- CED 672 Couple and Family Counseling
- CPY 673 Trauma in Counseling
Electives or Research (6 or 12 credit hours):
- Students choose either a thesis or written comprehensive exam pathway.
- Thesis option: 6 credit hours of research coursework + 6 credit hours of thesis
- Written comprehensive exam option: 12 credit hours of elective coursework
Other Requirements (9 credit hours):
- CED 680 Practicum: Clinic
- CED 684 Internship: Counseling
- Culminating Experience (thesis or written comprehensive exam)
Assessment:
The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Exams: Traditional written exams and practical assessments
- Assignments: Case studies, research papers, and presentations
- Clinical Supervision: Ongoing feedback and evaluation during practicum and internship experiences
Teaching:
The program features a blend of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Engaging lectures delivered by experienced faculty
- Seminars: Interactive discussions and group work
- Clinical Supervision: Individual and group supervision for developing counseling skills
- Research Opportunities: Involvement in faculty research projects
Careers:
Graduates of the program are prepared for diverse career paths, such as:
- Licensed Professional Counselor: Working in various settings, including community agencies, hospitals, private practice, and university counseling centers
- School Counselor: Providing support and guidance to students in K-12 schools
- Rehabilitation Counselor: Assisting individuals with disabilities in achieving their vocational goals
- Mental Health Counselor: Offering individual and group therapy to address mental health concerns
- Substance Abuse Counselor: Providing treatment and support to individuals struggling with substance abuse issues
- The program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
- Students are encouraged to discuss their career goals with faculty and advisors to personalize their program of study.
