Counseling and Development Program

Program Description

The Counseling and Development Program at St. Lawrence University fosters a stimulating and supportive learning environment dedicated to the personal and professional development of the counselor. Respect for the dignity, uniqueness and potential of the person are enduring values of the program. A commitment to the advancement of individuals, especially those who are less able, is a program premise that encourages the counselor to contribute to meaningful issues and endeavors.

Inquiry into provocative ideas and scholarship is a fundamental component of the program. Contemporary theories and practices are examined, and a broad range of counseling orientations are incorporated into the scope of the curriculum. Human development, in all of its richness and complexity across the life span, is studied, and applications are focused upon improving the lives of individuals. Understanding persons from a multicultural perspective is emphasized in order to provide equitable service in a pluralistic society.

The Counseling and Development curriculum is grounded in current theory and empirical research. National and state guidelines for program accreditation and student certification are considered in formulating course content and experiential programming. Examples of this content include the counseling process, group counseling, human growth and development, evaluation and appraisal, consultation, research, and professional orientation. Program elements are flexible in order to allow for personal interests and needs in addition to responding to current research developments and innovations in the field.

Program graduates are prepared to accept the challenge of addressing established and emerging needs of clients in schools, colleges and universities, agencies, clinics and related counseling locations. Societal expectations for the counselors are increasingly complex and demanding, requiring understanding and proficiency in providing counseling services. A practitioner-oriented emphasis enables counseling students to understand the expectations and functions of the counseling profession. Affiliations with counselors in the field are indispensable to the maintenance of practical and pragmatic focus to the program.

Practicum placements are required for program participants, and linking the classroom experience to the contemporary practice of the counselor is a continuous effort. Competencies are developed that facilitate program graduates to assume productive and purposeful counselor roles. Continuing education is essential to enable the counselor to maintain and expand skills, since in many ways the process of becoming a counselor is a lifetime pursuit. Advanced course work and certifications are available for the practicing counselor.

The process of learning in the program is based on the principles of participation, communication and cooperation. Counseling students are actively involved in advancing purposeful and scholarly conditions for inquiry. Relevant and current issues are constantly examined within a sequential and integrated curriculum. As counselor self-understanding contributes to effective counseling, students will examine their values, goals and needs through various experiences. Thus, the program is designed to facilitate the student's personal growth through the process of gaining the skills and orientation of a professional counselor.

To apply or request further information regarding the counseling program, contact Dr. Arthur Clark, Coordinator, Counseling and Development Program, 315-229-5863.

II. Placement
Many of the program's graduates choose a path leading to New York State certification as a school counselor. These individuals are employed in public and private school settings as school counselors or directors of guidance, and in related positions in pupil personnel services. Other graduates are employed in social services, community mental health and corrections positions. Student personnel work in higher education is another source of employment for graduates in services that include admissions, financial aid, career planning and placement, counseling centers and residence facilities. Graduates choosing to continue their education have been accepted and completed doctoral studies at numerous universities and institutes in counseling and development and counseling psychology. Others have progressed in various career directions including law, medicine and teaching.

III. Candidate Entrance Requirements
1. Complete and submit the education department's standard application form.
2. Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.
3. Arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to the program coordinator. These letters are to be written by individuals who have first-hand knowledge of the candidate's professional and/or academic potential.
4. Complete the Graduate Record Examination and have scores forwarded to the program coordinator. Individuals who have completed a master's degree may petition to have this requirement waived.
5. Complete the Personal Statement for Admissions. Responding to the questions clarifies the orientation of the program and the candidate's assumptions and values.
6. Participate in an interview with members of the Counseling Admissions and Advisory Committee (CAAC) after submitting application materials. Candidates will be advised as to the time and date of this meeting.
All applications must be completed and submitted by April 1 of each year.

IV. Requirements for the M.Ed. Counseling and Development - 36 sem. hours
Students will be granted a master's degree upon the completion of 36 hours of approved graduate work in counseling and development. Students may pursue either a school counseling concentration or a general concentration. All work for the degree must be completed within a six-year period.

A. School Counselor Concentration

Individuals completing the school counselor concentration are eligible to obtain provisional certification as a school counselor in New York State.

EDUC 519. Educational Statistics and Research.
EDUC 548. Educational Tests, Measurements and Evaluation.
EDUC 507. Philosophy of Education.
EDPS 510. Theories of Counseling.
EDPS 582. Techniques of Counseling.
EDUC 581. Principles and Practices of Guidance. OR
EDPS 581. Guidance in the Elementary School.
EDPS 549. Evaluation and Appraisal Techniques.
EDPS 584. Group Procedures in Counseling.
EDPS 585. Occupational Information and Occupational Choice Theory.
EDPS 589. Counseling Practicum.

Select two courses (6 sem. hours):
EDPS 535. Mental Health in the Schools.
EDPS 536. Individual Differences in Children.
EDPS 538. Learning Disabilities.
EDPS 550. Human Development and Life Span Counseling.
EDPS 574. Psychopathology in Counseling.

B. General Concentration

Individuals may pursue an individualized program that includes core requirements and other courses selected with the approval of the coordinator.

Required Core Courses (8 sem. hours):
EDUC 507. Philosophy of Education.
EDUC 519. Educational Statistics and Research.
EDPS 510. Theories of Counseling.
EDPS 582. Techniques of Counseling.
EDPS 549. Evaluation and Appraisal Techniques.
EDPS 589. Counseling Practicum.

Electives (18 sem. hours, by advisement)

V. Permanent Certification Program in School Counseling
Entrance Procedures
1. The individual must hold a New York State provisional certificate in school counseling.
2. Graduates of the counseling and development program at St. Lawrence University with a New York State provisional certificate in school counseling must complete an application form for the C.A.S. program in counseling and meet with the coordinator to determine appropriate courses and experiences.
3. Applicants who hold a New York State provisional certificate in school counseling earned at an institution other than St. Lawrence University must complete an application form and meet with the coordinator to determine appropriate courses, experiences and any additional documentation that may be required.

Internship Procedures
The purpose of the internship is to provide counselors with an opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and skills in field-based settings. Each internship is designed on an individual basis as part of a full-time learning experience. As an advanced component of the permanent certification program, the practicing counselor works directly with the coordinator of the counseling and development program to develop, implement and evaluate the process. Goals and objectives of the internship are cooperatively determined by the counselor and the coordinator. The counselor submits written plans and provides product documentation to the coordinator for evaluation purposes. This may include a log of counseling activities and materials pertinent to the intern's professional development.

The internship is planned for a period of two semesters in an elementary or secondary public school. During the internship, the student is expected to attend scheduled meetings with the coordinator, supervisor and other interns. In addition, special meetings may be called by the intern, a supervisor or the coordinator whenever desired. Internship arrangements are made by the coordinator, the chief school administrator, the designated counselor under whose immediate supervision the intern will work, and the intern. Details relative to workload, working conditions, professional contracts and financial arrangements are considered.

Recommendation for Permanent Certification
The candidate will be recommended for a New York State permanent certificate in school counseling when all of the following requirements have been met:
1. Completion of a minimum of 24 semester hours of course work beyond the requirements for provisional certification. This course will include the internship, a practicum and specific courses agreed upon by the student and the coordinator.
2. Completion of a master's degree in counseling and development or a related field.
3. Completion of two years of employment as a school counselor prior to, during, or after meeting the other two requirements.

VI. Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Counseling
Candidates recommended for St. Lawrence University's CAS in Counseling must meet the following requirements:
1. Completion of a 36 semester-hour master's degree in counseling within six years at St. Lawrence. Courses beyond the 36 hours and within the six years that are not counted toward the master's degree can be credited toward the 24 hours needed for the CAS.
2. The master's degree in counseling may be from an accredited institution other than St. Lawrence. In this case, the student must complete 24 hours beyond the master's degree.
3. The student may receive the CAS in Counseling using any combination of courses acceptable to the New York State Education Department for permanent certification in school counseling.