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Academic Programs: Graduate<br/>
Master of Arts in Counseling
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Counseling and Educational Leadership

Academic Programs: Graduate Master of Arts in Counseling


Objectives of the Master of Arts in Counseling:

In the Master of Arts in Counseling program, courses and fieldwork experiences are designed to assist graduate students seeking positions in agencies, schools, corporations, and nonprofit organizations in:
  1. Demonstrating the meaning and significance of fundamental guidance/counseling concepts, principles and theories.
  2. Interacting effectively with others (colleagues,parents, clients, students, and administrators).
  3. Analyzing individual behavior within group structures.
  4. Interpreting research and measurement results in the light of social and psychological factors.
  5. Interviewing and counseling on a one-to-one basis.
  6. Relating theories and principles of group dynamics, group practices, and facilitative skills to professional practice.
  7. Assessing professional abilities and limitations, professionally and personally.
  8. Writing professionally (e.g. research proposals/reports, case studies).


About the Graduate Counseling Program:

Counseling programs in both the public and private sectors, corporate and business training and organizational development activities, and educational administration and supervision roles are integral parts of the American way of life. The mission of the department is to provide qualified and trained personnel for positions of responsibility in these various program areas, enabling organizations to meet the changing needs of society.

In counseling, the department prepares students for work with diverse populations in a variety of settings in the following areas: individual/group/family community counseling, addictions counseling, humanresources counseling, school guidance counseling, and student services in higher education. In addition, the department offers courses for professional development meeting the requirements for National Board Certification in Counseling and New Jersey State Professional Counselor Licensure.

From the initial core of courses through the field work experience,the department offers courses to train counselors, human services personnel, and educational trainers to work with minority communities,women, families, adult learners, substance abusers (CADC), businesses and industrial settings, as well as to work in traditional roles in public school administration, supervision, school guidance, and substance abuse awareness (SAC).

An initial core program, educational training or administration and supervision is required of all students entering the program. The specific coursework to be followed will be determined under the guidance of the appropriate program coordinator or assigned advisor. The Program Coordinator or assigned advisor will work out an individual program designed to meet each student's particular interests and needs. The number of courses required in the core may vary through program changes.

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Course Requirements:

Total Required Credits: 48

Professional Core Courses
NumberNameHours
COUN 552 Introduction to Professional and Ethical Issues in Counseling *
3
COUN 577 Counseling Theories* 3
ELRS 503 Methods of Research* 3



COUN 579
Appraisal of the Individual
3
COUN 582
Career Counseling
3
COUN 584
Group Counseling: Theories and Practice
3
COUN 588 Counseling Techniques
3
COUN 595 Multicultural Counseling
3
COUN 652 Introduction to Marriage, Couples,and Family Counseling 3



COUN 531
OR
Counseling Across the Lifespan
3
COUN 564
OR
Counseling Child and Adolescents
3
PSYC 561

Developmental Psychology
3
* May be taken by pre-admit and non-degree students. A maximum of 2 courses (6 credits) may be taken.

Practicum (COUN 624)(Previously named "Self-Critique")
All students will be required to complete a 100-hour practicum in counseling course. In addition to specified prerequisites and co-requisites, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 and a minimum grade of B in COUN 588 to enroll in COUN 624.

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Concentration Requirements and Electives (Choose one concentration)
Each Concentration has its own course requirements
  1. Community Counseling
  2. School Counseling
  3. Student Affairs/Counseling in Higher Education
  4. Addictions Counseling

Clinical Internship Requirements
Total Semester Hours: 6 

Internship (COUN 654, Internship in Counseling I, and COUN 674, Internship in Counseling II)
All students are required to complete a 600-hour internship (300 hours during each semester's course) in their area of concentration, at the end of their program. Direct client contact, individual and group, is required. Students must meet the following requirements prior to being granted permission to enroll in internship:


(a) A minimum GPA of 3.00, and must be in "good standing" in the Counseling Program
(b) Successful completion of a minimum of 36 credits, which must include the prerequisites:

 COUN 552 Intro.to Professional and Ethical Issues in Counseling
 COUN 577  Counseling Theories
 COUN 584  Group Counseling: Theories and Practice
 COUN 588  Counseling Techniques
 COUN 595  Multicultural Counseling
 COUN 624  Practicum in Counseling (formerly Self-Critique)
 and at least one of the required courses in their concentration area

(c) A minimum grade of B in COUN 588 Counseling Techniques, and COUN 624 Practicum in Counseling
(d) Proof of professional liability insurance through the American Counseling Association, and
(e) Written approval of potential internship site placement by the Internship Coordinator.

Note: Successful completion (i.e., grade of B or better) is required in COUN 654, Internship in Counseling I, before enrolling in COUN 674, Internship in Counseling II.


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Comprehensive Examination

Nearing completion of the program (i.e., after completing 33 semester hours), the student will register for the comprehensive examination given in the Fall or the Spring semesters.

This is a general guide for the MA in Counseling, and should not be considered an official program plan.

Coordinator:

For an appointment with the counseling program coordinator, please call 973) 655-7216 (Dept.).
Dr. Larry Burlew Coordinator, Counseling, Human Services, Community Counseling and School Counseling Programs
Email: burlewl@mail.montclair.edu