Nov 28, 2024

2012-2013 Graduate Catalog

2012-2013 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Arts in Counseling

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Department of Counseling
491B Pawley Hall (map)
(248) 370-4179 • Fax (248) 370-4141
http://www.oakland.edu/counseling/

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Coordinator:
Lisa D. Hawley
435F Pawley Hall
(248) 370-2841
hawley@oakland.edu

Program description

The Department of Counseling offers a Master of Arts degree in counseling for individuals who wish to work in professional counseling roles with children, youth, adults and families in school or community settings. The program can accommodate both full-time and part-time students.

Accreditation

The Master of Arts in counseling degree program is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) in two areas: Community Counseling and School Counseling. Graduates are prepared for state counseling licensure.

Admission terms and application deadlines

Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning by the semester deadlines listed below. Incomplete applications will not be sent to departments for admission review.

April 15 for fall semester
October 1 for winter semester

Readmission and program transfer

Requests for readmission and program transfers must be completed and approved prior to the beginning of a semester.

International application deadlines

International applications are reviewed for fall and winter admission only. To ensure adequate time for review, international applications must be completed at least six months before the desired date of intended enrollment in the University. All international application materials must be submitted by May 1 for fall admission and by September 1 for winter admission. International applicants are not eligible for Special Graduate classification.

Special Graduate classification

Applicants who are seeking a graduate degree or graduate certificate, but are unable to meet the deadline for filing all required application materials or credentials for graduate admission, may contact the department and request Special Graduate temporary admission. The applicant must submit an Application for Admission to Graduate Study, plus a copy of a transcript providing evidence of a bachelor’s degree awarded and any specific evidence concerning their qualifications for graduate study as required by the department. Up to 12 credits may be earned in the Special Graduate classification. Admission as a special graduate student in no way assures subsequent admission to a degree or graduate certificate program.

Students may request special graduate classification beginning with the dates below.

August 1 for fall semester
December 1 for winter semester
April 1 for summer semester

Note: Special Graduate classification will not be granted after the first week of classes in a semester

Application requirements

To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all of the following university and program application documents by the published application deadlines.

University graduate application requirements

Application for Admission to Graduate Study
Official transcripts providing evidence of an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution, OR a degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. baccalaureate degree from a college or university of government-recognized standing.
Official transcripts for all post-secondary educational institutions from which the applicant earned a degree (beginning with the first baccalaureate) and for all enrollment in graduate-level coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree. International university transcripts must be evaluated by a professional credential evaluation service.
- As part of the admission requirements, graduate programs may require official transcripts from post-secondary educational institutions from which the applicant earned an associate’s degree and all enrollment in coursework both pre- and post-bachelor’s degree.
Two official and original Recommendation for Graduate Admission forms.
Proof of English language proficiency
International supplemental application and supporting documentation must be submitted before international applicants can be issued the Certification of Eligibility (I-20). This certificate is required to apply for a student visa from the U.S. embassy or consulate.

Program application requirements

Supplemental application form
All applicants must submit a written statement of purpose that explains reasons for entering the counseling program and employment goals. Applicants should describe experiences and accomplishments in working with children, youth and adults.
Recommendations are important to the application procedure. The two required references must be from professionals, professors, or employers who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability and effective interaction with youth and adults.
All applicants must successfully complete a group interpersonal skills interview with the Department of Counseling.
Credentials, including transcripts and recommendations, providing clear evidence of academic distinction.
Grade-point average of 3.0 in all undergraduate coursework is ordinarily considered the minimum standard for admission.
Applicants must have completed a minimum of 24 credits of undergraduate or graduate credits in the behavioral sciences such as psychology and sociology before admission to the program (this requirement is evaluated by the admissions committee).

Admission review and assessment

Admission to graduate study at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses and any other admission requirements established by the academic department.

Admission to the Master of Arts in counseling degree program is selective; meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program. In addition to graduate admission general requirements, applicants must also satisfy the admission requirements established by the academic program.

Applicants with an undergraduate GPA less than 3.0 with the appropriate academic background and strong letters of recommendation may be considered for admission with limited standing. Applicants who qualify for this admission status must complete a minimum of 16 credits of graduate-level work, with a GPA of 3.0 or above within the first year of their program, to be advanced to full admission.

Degree requirements

The Master of Arts in counseling degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 48 graduate-level credits in an approved program of study.

Students who complete the degree and who have a valid teaching certificate may be recommended for counselor endorsement at the K-9, 7-12 or K-12 level, depending on completion of the specific course requirements for each endorsement level. Students must consult with the internship instructor or internship coordinator regarding endorsement.

All graduates of the program are eligible to apply for a professional counselor license issued by the state of Michigan. Graduates may also qualify for other credentials. Students should consult their advisers for further information.

Course requirements

a. Core requirements

All candidates for the Master of Arts in counseling must take five core courses:

CNS 500 - Introduction to the Counseling Profession (2 credits)
CNS 510 - Counseling in a Diverse Society (2 credits)
CNS 520 - Theories of Counseling (4 credits)
CNS 530 - Developmental Counseling (4 credits)
CNS 540 - Testing and Assessment in Counseling (4 credits)
Note: CNS 500 and CNS 510 are prerequisite or corequisite to all other counseling courses.

b. Research and clinical courses

Students must select an emphasis either in school or community counseling as the setting for their coursework, research and internship. A plan of work must be on file by the completion of the first course. The courses required for each emphasis and setting are listed below.

Both concentrations permit students to gain expertise and experience in areas of interest and required disciplines by taking four credits of electives, as well as the following six courses:

CNS 640 - Career Development Theory and Practice (4 credits)
CNS 660 - Research in Counseling (4 credits)
CNS 661 - Techniques of Counseling (4 credits)
CNS 663 - Group Counseling (4 credits)
CNS 664 - Counseling Practicum (4 credits)
CNS 666 - Internship in Counseling (4 credits)
Note: Since clinical courses must be taken in sequence, students are urged to take CNS 661 immediately after their core courses.

1. Counseling emphasis in community/agency settings

Students who are preparing for counseling positions in community, business and agency settings take:

CNS 564 - Introduction to Community/Agency Counseling (2 credits)
CNS 574 - Case Conceptualization and Treatment Planning in Counseling (2 credits)
Internship work is then done at an appropriate community/agency site.

2. Counseling emphasis in school settings

Students who are seeking endorsement as a school counselor or who are preparing for the School Counselor License must take:

CNS 561 - Introduction to School Counseling (2 credits)
CNS 571 - Consultation Theory and Practice (2 credits)
Students in this emphasis must take sections of all of the following courses, which are designated as school counseling emphasis:
CNS 540 - Testing and Assessment in Counseling (4 credits)
CNS 640 - Career Development Theory and Practice (4 credits)
CNS 663 - Group Counseling (4 credits)
Internship work is then done at an appropriate school site. Michigan now has provisions for Preliminary Authorizations for Employment as a School Counselor, which allows students to become employed after all coursework is completed except the internship and the elective. Preliminary Authorization for Employment expires after three years, at which time the master’s must have been completed.

With the above coursework, students with valid Michigan teaching certificates can be endorsed in Guidance and Counseling on their teaching certificate. A state exam is required.

Those who choose not to be teacher certified will need to take the additional 12 credits in the post-master’s school counseling specialization which leads to an Oakland University recommendation for the new School Counselor License.

c. Electives (4 credits required)

CNS 573 - Introduction to Family and Couple Counseling (4 credits)
CNS 577 - Reaction to Significant Loss (4 credits)
CNS 578 - Introduction to Chemical Dependency (4 credits)
CNS 641 - Integrative Holistic Medicine Principles for Practice (4 credits)
CNS 697 - Seminar in Couple and Family Counseling (2 credits)
CNS 697, Seminar in Couple and Family Counseling: Human Sexuality (2 credits)

Note: A proposal for independent research in an area of special interest may also be submitted for approval as an elective under . The student must first obtain a commitment from an interested faculty member to sponsor this work CNS 560.

Program Options

Main Campus

Students are admitted for fall or winter semesters and may plan an intensive two-year concentrated program or a part-time flexible program.

An intensive two-year concentrated program is most appropriate for students with strong undergraduate preparation in areas such as psychology, sociology, social work, or other related helping fields. Students who enroll for 12 credits are usually not employed full-time during the program.

Sample two-year program plan

	Year 1	Year 2
Fall	CNS 500 CNS 510 CNS 520 CNS 661	CNS 664 CNS 660

Winter	CNS 530 CNS 540 CNS 640	CNS 666 Elective

Summer I	CNS 564 /CNS 574
	or
	CNS 564 /CNS 574 and CNS 663 (Community/Agency emphasis)

Summer II	CNS 561 /CNS 571 and CNS 663 (School setting emphasis)

Sample part-time program plan

	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4
Fall	CNS 500 CNS 510	CNS 540	CNS 660	CNS 664

Winter	CNS 520	CNS 661	Elective	CNS 666

Summer I	CNS 564 /CNS 574	CNS 640	CNS 663

Summer II	CNS 530	CNS 561 /CNS 571

Macomb University Center

The Macomb University Center Program is an off-campus master’s program in counseling for students residing or working in the Macomb County area. The program is cohort based and allows completion of the degree in two full years and one semester. Students are admitted to the program as a cohort in fall only and must take all courses (except laboratory classes and electives) at the Macomb Center and in the prescribed sequence. Admission to the program is selective and applicants must meet all regular admission requirements. A completed application for fall admission must be received by April 15.

Typical Macomb University Center cohort program plan

	Year 2	Year 2	Year 3
Fall	CNS 500 CNS 510 CNS 520	CNS 640 CNS 660	CNS 666

Winter	CNS 530 CNS 540	CNS 663 Elective

Summer I	CNS 661 CNS 564 /CNS 574	CNS 664
	or	or
Summer II	CNS 561 /CNS 571 CNS 661	CNS 664

Advanced specializations

The department offers advanced specializations for current students who desire to specialize at the master’s level and for postmaster students who wish to add advanced skills. (Specializations may be taken concurrently with the master’s program.) Admission to specializations is limited and competitive. Prospective students can obtain admission information from the specialization coordinator. Students who are admitted are expected to complete the specializations in sequence and within one calendar year. Each specialization consists of advanced theoretical coursework, advanced techniques and an advanced clinical internship.

1. Specialization in Addictions Counseling (12 credits)

(Begins each Fall)

Coordinator:
Michael P. Chaney
440B Pawley Hall
(248) 370-3084
chaney@oakland.edu

Prerequisite:

CNS 578 - Introduction to Chemical Dependency (4 credits)

Specialization course requirements (12 credits)

CNS 668 - Conceptual Models of Addiction (4 credits)
CNS 678 - Counseling the Chemically Dependent (4 credits)
CNS 679 - Fieldwork in Addiction Counseling (4 credits)

2. Specialization in Advanced Career Counseling (12 credits)

(Begins each Fall)

Coordinator:
Brian J. Taber
440F Pawley Hall
(248) 370-4173
taber@oakland.edu

Prerequisite:

CNS 640 - Career Development Theory and Practice and coordinator permission

Specialization course requirements (12 credits)

CNS 675 - Advanced Career Counseling (4 credits)
CNS 676 - Leadership in Career Counseling (4 credits)
CNS 677 - Fieldwork in Career Counseling (4 credits)

3. Specialization in Child and Adolescent Counseling (12 credits)

(Begins each Fall)

Coordinator:
Robert S. Fink
491C Pawley Hall
(248) 370-2012
fink@oakland.edu

Prerequisite:

CNS 661 - Techniques of Counseling and coordinator permission

Specialization course requirements (12 credits)

CNS 680 - Counseling in Infancy and Early Childhood (4 credits)
CNS 681 - Counseling the Older Child and Adolescent (4 credits)
CNS 682 - Fieldwork in Child and Adolescent Counseling (4 credits)

4. Specialization in Couple and Family Counseling (12 or 20 credits*)

(Begins each Fall)

Coordinator:
Thomas W. Blume
491A Pawley Hall
(248) 370-3069
blume@oakland.edu

Prerequisite:

CNS 573 - Introduction to Family and Couple Counseling and coordinator permission

Specialization course requirements (12 credits)

CNS 573 - Introduction to Family and Couple Counseling (2 credits)
CNS 694 - Couple and Family Methods and Techniques (2 credits)
CNS 695 - Advanced Couple and Family Development (2 credits)
CNS 696 - Couple and Family Assessment (2 credits)
CNS 697 - Seminar in Couple and Family Counseling (2 + 2 credits)
CNS 698 - Advanced Methods of Couple and Family Counseling (4 credits)
CNS 699 - Fieldwork in Couple and Family Counseling (4 credits)

* 12 credits for certificate; 20 credits for LLMFT license eligibility

5. Specialization in Mental Health Counseling (12 credits)

(Begins each Summer)

Coordinator:
James T. Hansen
450E Pawley Hall
(248) 370-3071
jthansen@oakland.edu

Prerequisites:

CNS 540 - Testing and Assessment in Counseling and coordinator permission
CNS 661 - Techniques of Counseling and coordinator permission

Specialization course requirements (12 credits)

CNS 684 - Intelligence and Personality Assessment (4 credits)
CNS 685 - Psychopathology (4 credits)
CNS 686 - Fieldwork in Mental Health Counseling (4 credits)

6. Specialization in Wellness Counseling (12 credits)

(Begins each Fall)

Coordinator:
Lisa D. Hawley
435F Pawley Hall
(248) 370-2841
hawley@oakland.edu

Specialization course requirements (12 credits)

CNS 641 - Integrative Holistic Medicine Principles for Practice (4 credits)
CNS 653 - Counseling for Wellness (4 credits)
EXS 535 - Health Promoting Lifestyle Choices and Interventions (4 credits)
or
HS 630 - Complementary Medicine and Wellness Seminar (2 credits)
and
Approved CNS elective (2 credits)

7. Specialization in School Counseling (12 credits)

(Begins each Fall)

Must apply through Professional Development:
(248) 370-3033

Specialization (12 credits)

TD 500 - Introduction to the School and Society (2 credits)
TD 511 - Learning Theory (2 credits)
TD 554 - Advanced Interaction Laboratory for Teacher Development (4 credits)
SE 500 - The Exceptional Student (2 credits)
CNS 688 - Introduction to the School and Society (2 credits)

Satisfactory academic progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the term used to denote a student’s successful completion of coursework toward a certificate or degree. Federal regulations require the Office of Financial Aid to monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress for all financial aid recipients each semester.

Students who fall behind in their coursework, or fail to achieve minimum standards for grade point average and completion of classes, may lose their eligibility for all types of federal, state and university aid. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional details.

Good academic standing

All graduate students are expected to remain in good academic standing throughout the entire course of their graduate program. To be in good academic standing, a graduate student must make satisfactory progress toward fulfilling degree requirements, including the completion of critical degree milestones as set forth by the academic program. The student must also maintain a minimum semester and overall GPA of 3.0.

Good academic standing is a requirement for:

Holding a Graduate Assistantship
Receiving a fellowship or scholarship
Advancing to candidacy for a graduate degree
Going on a leave of absence
Obtaining a graduate certificate or degree from Oakland University.

Additionally, graduate students must meet all department academic standards which may be more stringent than the minimum set forth by the University.

Department requirements: In order to remain in good standing a student must maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and make satisfactory progress toward the degree. With one grade under 3.0, a student is on academic probation, and their status will be reviewed by the faculty. No grade below 2.0 can be applied toward a degree and two grades below 3.0 or one below 2.0 will automatically lead to an evaluation of progress and possible dismissal.

Graduate students who are not in good academic standing for any reason are subject to probation and/or dismissal from further graduate study.

Related program information

Student advising

Upon admission to the counseling program, students are assigned faculty advisers. All students are required to complete a degree program plan, which must be approved by their assigned adviser before the completion of CNS 500 . It is expected that students will maintain contact with their adviser throughout their program. Open advising is also available. Contact the Counseling Department for open advising hours.

Plan of study

All accepted applicants, in consultation with their assigned faculty program adviser, must develop a plan of study that details specific courses the students will use to satisfy their degree requirements. The plan of study must be approved by the faculty program adviser and submitted by the student to Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning.

Master’s and graduate certificate students must submit a department-approved plan of study by the end of their first semester of graduate coursework. Doctoral students must submit an approved plan of study prior to completion of the first year of coursework.

Note: Credit granted for successful completion of a course toward an undergraduate degree program may not be repeated for a graduate degree. If a substitution is approved, the minimum number of program-approved graduate credits will be required. A Petition of Exception - OU Course Waiver/ Substitution requesting the substitution must be approved.

Code of ethics

Along with scholarship preparation, high levels of ethical conduct are considered essential for those who are involved in counseling adults and children. Students are expected to comply with the current Code of Ethics of the American Counseling Association. Violations will be brought before the faculty and could result in dismissal from the program.

Petition of Exception

Students may request waivers or modifications of specific program requirements by filing a Petition of Exception form with the Chair of the department. The Chair will make recommendations to Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning, who will review the petition and notify students of any action taken.

Student handbook

Click here for a copy of the Master of Arts in Counseling Student Handbook.