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COMMUNITY COUNSELING
Community Counseling
Master of Science (M.S.) Degree
Director: David Tobin, Ph.D.
INTRODUCTION
Gannon University offers the Master of Science in Community Counseling. All students will
complete a minimum of 60 semester hours for the degree. The program is designed to prepare
individuals for careers in a variety of professional counseling settings such as community
mental health, K-12 schools, human service agencies, college and university counseling, and
residential treatment. The curriculum provides a blend of counselor training experiences
designed to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to become a professional counselor.
The program prepares graduates to pursue certification as a Nationally Certified Counselor,
a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and/or certification as an Elementary or Secondary
School Counselor.
OBJECTIVES
The mission of the Community Counseling Program is to foster the development of professional
counselors, who embody the commitment to improve the conditions of individuals, families,
groups, the community, and the counseling profession. The philosophy and objectives of the
Community Counseling Program are directed toward the development of the competencies required
of professional counselors. The program is committed to enhance students’ knowledge of counseling
theory and concepts, provide skills and training which facilitate human growth and development,
develop multicultural competencies that enhance the practice of professional counseling, promote
the development of sound legal and ethical decision making skills required of professional
counselors, and prepare individuals for licensure and certification as entry level generalist
practitioners in community counseling and school counseling settings.
PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Students must have a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution; submit a completed
application for admission, resume, three letters of recommendation from appropriate professionals,
and an essay; and participate in an admissions interview. To be admitted into the program,
applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 2.8 in undergraduate coursework. Applicants
must be formally admitted to the program before enrolling in counseling courses.
Undergraduate Course Work
Students enter the Community Counseling Program from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds.
Course work in human services, psychology, statistics, and human development is helpful.
Several courses in psychology are recommended. All students must have completed a basic course
in statistics and earned a grade of B or better. A recent undergraduate course in statistics
is acceptable to meet this requirement. Students not having the prerequisite course in statistics
must take it during the foundation sequence as an additional requirement.
CURRICULUM
I. Master's Degree in Community Counseling Core Courses
-
Foundations of Professional Counseling Sequence (12 credits)
GCOU 605 Group Dynamics 3
GCOU 608 Human Development Over the Life Span 3
GCOU 627 Professional Counseling 3
GCOU 648 Counseling Strategies & Techniques
3
-
Counseling Core I Sequence (12 credits)
GCOU 603 Research Methodology I 3
GCOU 610 Counseling & Personality Theories
3
GCOU 625 Multi-Cultural Aspects of the Helping Professions
3
GCOU 631 Abnormal Psychology 3 -
Counseling Core II Sequence (15 credits)
GCOU 612 Family Therapy 3
GCOU 613 Appraisal in Counseling 3
GCOU 622 Career Development & Counseling 3
GCOU 642 Child and Adolescent Counseling 3
GCOU 690 Seminar in Counseling 3
(This course must be completed after the Counseling
Core II Sequence and prior to enrolling in GPSY 650)
GCOU 691 Counselor Preparation
0
-
Advanced Core Sequence (9 credits)
GCOU 621 Elementary and Secondary Counseling*
3
GCOU 649 Advanced Counseling Strategies & Techniques
3
GCOU 655 Advanced Counseling Theories 3
GCOU 660 Counseling and Spirituality 3
GCOU 665 Consultation and Supervision in Professional
Counseling **
3
- Critical Topics in Professional Counseling (3 credits)***
GCOU 671 Bereavement
1
GCOU 672 Technology and Counseling
1
GCOU 673 Parenting Programs in Counseling
1
GCOU 674 Advanced Multicultural Counseling
1
GCOU 675 Substance Abuse
1
GCOU 676 Crisis Counseling
1
GCOU 677 Adventure Based Counseling
1
- Supervised Counseling Experience (9 credits)
GCOU 650 Supervised Practicum
3
GCOU 651 Supervised Internship
6
* Only required for students seeking school counselor certification
** Offered for Post Graduate Coursework
*** All students are required to complete three 1 credit courses
II. Comprehensive Examination
Each candidate will be required to complete a comprehensive examination during
GCOU 691 Counselor Preparation.
SPECIAL FEATURES
School Counseling Specialization
Students can attain School Counselor certification by completing all of the community counseling
course requirements as well as GCOU 621 Elementary and Secondary School Counseling, and
GCOU 651
Supervised Internship in a K-12 school setting. In addition, students must pass a series of
PRAXIS exams and present ACT 33 and 34 clearances before applying to the Pennsylvania Department
of Education for School Counselor Certification.
Licensure
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
The Community Counseling Program prepares graduates to meet the academic requirements for
licensure as a Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania and in many other states.
Certification as a School Counselor
The Community Counseling Program prepares graduates to meet the academic requirements for
certification as an Elementary or Secondary School Counselor in Pennsylvania and in many other
states.
Certification as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
The Community Counseling Program prepares graduates to meet the academic requirements for
certification by the National Board for Certified Counselors as a Nationally Certified Counselor.
Post Graduate Coursework
Individuals who hold a masters degree in counseling may take post graduate coursework in order
to meet the requirements for appropriate licensure and certification. Students who complete
12 credits will receive a Certificate of Advanced Counseling Studies. All post graduate
students must apply and be approved by the program director.
ACT 33 and ACT 34 Clearances
All students must present ACT 33 and 34 clearances to the Program Director before
registering for GCOU 650 Supervised Practicum.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
GCOU
603 Research Methodology I
3 credits
Prerequisite: Undergraduate Course in Statistics
This course assists students in understanding the language, principles, reasoning, and
methodologies of research and to help them critically evaluate research literature. Students
will recognize ethical issues relevant to conducting research, and how research can improve
counseling effectiveness. Students should complete the statistics prerequisite before enrolling
in this course.
GCOU 605 Group Dynamics
3 credits
This course provides an understanding of group counseling, group dynamics, types of groups,
and group leadership. Students will experience integrative learning by participating in a
developmental process group. Guidelines for group treatment, ethics, and diversity will be
discussed.
GCOU 608 Human Development Over the Life Span
3 credits
This course provides an understanding of human growth and development over the life span
including theoretical approaches and issues relevant to human services. It emphasizes
physiological, cognitive, social, emotional, personality, spiritual, and moral development
from conception to death. Legal and ethical issues related to human development, as well as
diversity issues, will be reviewed in relation to human services.
GCOU 610 Counseling and Personality Theories
3 credits
This course provides an overview of the major theories in counseling and psychotherapy. The
theoretical and historical backgrounds will be reviewed along with current practices. Students
will develop a theoretical orientation applicable to professional counseling settings and diverse
client populations.
GCOU 612 Family Systems
3 credits
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of various approaches to marital and family
therapy. Within the context of systems theory, emphasis will be placed on understanding various
methods of conceptualizing family dynamics and intervention strategies.
GCOU 613 Appraisal in Counseling
3 credits
Prerequisites: GCOU 631 and Statistics (e.g. Stats I)
This course provides an understanding of individual and group approaches to assessment and
evaluation in professional counseling. There will be an emphasis on assessment strategies
and psychometrics. Students will have the opportunity to administer selected assessment
instruments.
GCOU 621 Elementary and Secondary Counseling
3 credits
This course examines the roles of the elementary and secondary school counselor. Students will
review the foundations and contextual dimension of school counseling. Knowledge and skill
requirements for school counseling will include student counseling, guidance, consultation,
program development and coordination. An emphasis will be placed on legal and ethical issues in
school counseling, diversity in school, and developmental guidance programs.
GCOU 622 Career Development and Counseling
3 credits
This course provides an introduction to the theoretical bases of career development and
individual career decision making. It incorporates career assessment instruments and techniques
for evaluating individuals relevant to career development, planning and placement. Emphasis is
placed on understanding career, educational and labor market information, technology in career
counseling, legal and ethical standards, multicultural and gender bias as well as an appreciation
for career trends across the life-span.
GCOU 625 Multi-Cultural Aspects in Counseling
3 credits
This course provides an overview of the theories of multicultural counseling and
development. Issues related to social and cultural diversity will be examined as
well as guidelines for developing multicultural competencies. An experiential
focus is designed to increase sensitivity in counseling.
GCOU 627 Professional Counseling
3 credits
This course provides an introduction to the emerging field of professional counseling and
provides students with an outlook towards professional development. Various fields of counseling
and the role of the professional counselor will be defined. An examination of professional
identity will include organizational affiliations, licensure, and accreditation, along with
standards for ethics, preparation, and training.
GCOU 631 Abnormal Psychology
3 credits
This course introduces students to concepts of psychopathology and normalcy; and the major
diagnostic categories of the current DSM and their etiologies. Emphasis is placed on differential
diagnosis and understanding how cultural, biological, social, and psychological factors are
necessary when developing a holistic and ethical model of assessment and treatment planning.
GCOU 642 Child and Adolescent Counseling
3 credits
Prerequisite: GCOU 610 and GCOU 648
This course provides specialized knowledge and skills training in counseling children and
adolescents. Students will learn to assess behavior and incorporate developmentally, ethnically,
legally, and gender appropriate strategies and techniques to meet the needs of counseling
children and adolescents. Students will examine various theoretical, behavioral, and play therapy
techniques for counseling children and adolescents.
GCOU 648 Counseling Strategies and Techniques
3 credits
This course provides training in the core counseling skills essential for the counseling
relationship and effective treatment outcomes. Students receive supervised training through
modeling, live observation, skill rehearsal, and videotaping within the counselor training
facilities.
GCOU 649 Advanced Counseling Strategies and Techniques
3 credits
Prerequisite: GCOU 610 & GCOU 648
This course will provide instruction and skills training in advanced counseling strategies and
techniques. Students will develop competencies in integrative treatment approaches for selected
psychological conditions and behavior problems. Emphasis is placed on
establishing a therapeutic relationship, skill development, and legal and
ethical practice.
GCOU 650 Supervised Practicum
3 credits
Prerequisite: GCOU 690
Practicum provides preparation for internship through highly structured and
supervised counseling practice. Students will demonstrate the basic competencies
required of professional counselors. 100 hours of counseling practice is
required which includes direct counseling, individual and group supervision.
GCOU 651 Supervised Internship
3-6 credits
Prerequisite: GCOU 650
600 hours of supervised counseling experience in an appropriate community or school setting. .
Students will be given the opportunity to provide direct counseling services under supervision.
Emphasis is placed on counselor identity development, legal and ethical practice, developing
multicultural and counseling competencies. Students will receive individual on-site supervision
and weekly on campus group supervision.
GCOU 655 Advanced Counseling Theories
3 credits
Prerequisite: GCOU 610 & GCOU 648
This course provides an in-depth review of theory, practices, and research associated with
commonly used clinical theories of counseling and psychotherapy. Students will develop
competency in a prescribed theoretical orientation to counseling intervention.
GCOU 660 Counseling and Spirituality
3 credits
This course will focus on integrating spirituality into the practice of professional
counseling. Spirituality, spiritual issues, spiritual diversity, and ethical concerns will be
examined. Critical topics, such as, illness, death and dying, suicide, and trauma will be explored.
Students will review guidelines and competencies for integrating spirituality into the counseling
relationship.
GCOU 665 Consultation and Supervision in Professional Counseling
3 credits
Prerequisite: GCOU 650 & GCOU 651
This course is designed to introduce students to consultation and supervision in the counseling
profession. It defines consultation and supervision, and provides an overview of appropriate
models, approaches and techniques. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the supervisory
relationship, relevant legal and ethical issues, and diversity issues applicable to consultation
and supervisory practices.
GCOU 688 Directed Studies
1-3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor
A directed study provides the advanced counseling student the opportunity to pursue knowledge
and training in areas of interest within the counseling profession. The student will demonstrate
a thorough investigation and understanding of the selected topic.
GCOU 690 Seminar in Counseling
3 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of Foundations, Core I and Core II coursework
This seminar is taken following the completion of the Foundations, Counseling Core I and
Counseling Core II course work. This seminar reviews counselor preparation for certification and
licensure. Students will be required to create a professional vitae, working portfolio, and pass
a final examination.
GCOU 691 Counselor Preparation - Comprehensive Examination
0 credits
Students will be required to pass a comprehensive exam. This exam should be taken the same
semester as GCOU 690.
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