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M.Ed. in Counselor Education
M.Ed. in Counselor Education

Course Descriptions

For a full list of graduate course descriptions, go to our course descriptions page.

Counseling
Psychology
School Psychology

Counseling

CO 5010 Foundations of the Counseling Profession - 3 credits
This course provides foundational understanding of the philosophical and ethical underpinnings of the counseling field and professional orientation through an examination of theories, processes, competencies, and specialties. This course promotes intra- and inter- personal awareness and their relationship to the characteristics of effective counselors.

CO 5020 Counseling Skills - 3 credits
The course is designed to help students develop basic counseling skills. Through role play, practice interviews and tape transcriptions, students will have the opportunity to learn and practice basic counseling skills. The relationships among theory, case conceptualizations and counseling interventions will be examined. Ethical and culturally responsive practices will be emphasized. Prerequisites: CO5260 and CO5010 or SY6010.

CO 5030 School Counseling - 3 credits
Provides opportunities for students to understand school counselors' roles and responsibilities. Students will understand the development, organization and administration of comprehensive guidance and counseling programs. Also focuses upon decision-making within a legal and ethical context, cultural diversity and contemporary issues facing school counselors. Prerequisite: CO 5010. There is a 20-hour prepracticum field experience as part of this course.

CO 5050 Advanced Human Development - 3 credits
Focuses on a life-span approach to human development and looks at the constancy and change in behavior throughout life, from conception to death. Students will study human development in the context of a multidisciplinary approach and the larger ecological context of developmental events in human behavior. This course will have four major concerns: a) to identify and describe the changes that occur across the life span; b) to explain these changes in the context of maturation, early learning and societal factors impacting development; c) to review research and theoretical frameworks that have affected our way of thinking and d) study the interdependence and interrelatedness of all aspects of development. There is a 16 hour service learning/prepracticum field experience as part of this course. Offered each spring. Summer of odd numbered years.

CO 5100 Practicum in Counseling - 3 credits
A basic laboratory practicum for all MEd students in the School Counseling and Mental Health concentration. The focus is on the development of basic counseling skills through lecture, demonstration, class participation, discussion, practice counseling with classmates, observation, counseling with clients, individual supervision and group supervision. This course has a 100-hour field requirement. Offered falls and spring. Prerequisites: CO 5010, CO 5260, ED5030, CO5020. Prerequisite or corequisite: CO 5780 or CO 5790. CO5770 is an additional prerequisite for Mental Health Counseling students only.

CO 5130 Psychopharmacology and the Biological Basis of Mental Health - 3 credits
Psychopharmacology and the Biological Basis of Mental Health course will explore the biological influences on mental illness. This will include an examination of the physiological basis of behavior, perception, emotion and self-regulation; the current theory and research on the relationship between biological events in the central nervous system and behavior; and psychopharmacological interventions. Prerequisites: CO5010 or SY6010 or permission of the instructor.

CO 5150 Eating Disorder Clinical - 3 credits
This clinical experience is a capstone course for those enrolled in the Eating Disorders certificate program. Students will be able to choose a focus on awareness and prevention, and education experience or a clinical experience working in an eating disorders treatment facility for 120 hours. Prerequisite: 12 credits of Eating Disorders certificate program. Also presented as HL 5150.

CO 5160 Eating Disorder Awareness and Prevention - 3 credits
The focus of the course will be on increasing the student's knowledge of awareness, education, prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Discussion will include diagnostic classifications; causes of eating disorders; history, prevalence and treatment approaches to eating disorders; a discussion of a wellness/holistic approach to medical, nutritional and psychological therapies; special populations i.e. women, children, males, athletes; prevention programs; resources; the latest research and information on becoming a coordinator of Eating Disorder Awareness and Prevention Week. Also presented as HL 5160.

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CO 5170 Treatment Modalities for Eating Disorders - 3 credits
This course will be an in-depth study of the dynamics of eating disorders followed by an overview of the dominant counseling approaches used in eating disorders treatment and management. The focus will include diagnosis, psychological assessments, psychotherapeutic and other interventions, as well as clinical issues encountered in treatment. Prerequisite: CO/HL 5160. Also presented as HL 5170.

CO 5180 Nutrition Fundamentals and Counseling in the Recovery of Eating Disorders - 3 credits
This course will focus on nutritional education issues relevant to those interested in health and wellness for the general population, as well as those working with eating disorders clients. Discussion will include: basic concepts of nutrition science and nutritional needs, evaluation of weight management methods, investigation of food facts and fallacies, different diet plans, i.e. vegetarian, sports nutrition. Information will be presented on how the nutritionist, counselor or health educator applies nutritional information to their clients or students. The course will also include how to present information in nutritional counseling and education for the eating disorder client. Prerequisite: CO/HL 5160 or permission of instructor. Also presented as HL 5180.

CO 5190 Medical and Physiological Aspects of Eating Disorders - 3 credits
The focus of the course will be to increase the student's knowledge of the effects eating disorders have on the body's medial systems and the physiologic function. Discussion will include diagnostic criteria and a multidisciplinary, integrative approach to assessment and management of each disorder. Emphasis will be placed on the evaluation of each body system, as well as prevention and treatment of medical complications. Prerequisite: CO/HL 5160. Also presented as HL 5190.

CO 5230 Career Counseling and Development - 3 credits
An introduction to career development theories and their application to the counseling process. Students will understand and utilize career information and assessments as they pertain to counseling and career development. Students will apply theory and practice to current or potential work settings. Prerequisite: CO 5010. There is a 20-hour prepracticum field experience as part of this course.

CO 5260 Counseling Theories - 3 credits
Major counseling theories and their relationship to the counseling process are explored. Individual, familial and systemic models are presented along with dynamics and issues that reflect and cross theoretical perspectives. Students will be required to compare and contrast counseling theories and strategies, consider appropriate application of these strategies in diverse populations and develop a personal model for providing help and facilitating behavioral change. Fall. Summer of even years. Prerequisite or co-requisite: CO 5010.

CO 5300 Foundations and Multicultural Aspects of Parenting - 3 credits
Focuses on developing competency in a variety of areas surrounding parenting education, including the following: understanding of parental issues and concerns within diverse family systems; understanding the dimensions of parenting children from birth to adolescence; and knowledge of multicultural perspectives in parenting.

CO 5310 Strategies for Parenting Education - 3 credits
Examines the practical aspects of parenting education. Students will study a variety of parenting education models, incorporating features of these models into their own particular situations (e.g. schools, agencies or hospitals) and their respective populations (e.g. expectant parents or parents of preschoolers, school-age children, adolescents or children with learning challenges). Topics to be discussed include: delivery approaches, implementation issues, outcomes assessment, and trends and directions in parenting education. Offered according to demand.

CO 5320 Developing Family School and Community Partnerships - 3 credits
Focuses on developing effective family-school-community partnerships through outreach and family empowerment. The course will emphasize a systems perspective and discuss strategies to involve families and the community in children's education, including shared responsibility for educational outcomes. Students will develop assessment tools and intervention plans designed to bring families, schools and communities into closer and more collaborative relationships. Specific attention will be paid to working with diverse parents.

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CO 5360 Interpersonal and Group Process - 3 credits
Development and awareness of behavioral skills that facilitate positive socioemotional-educational growth within interpersonal and group contexts, and the development of an understanding of interpersonal and group processes.

CO 5400 Focused Research in Human Relations - 1-3 credits
To formulate, develop and present results of a thorough literature search related to the student's area of professional interest. The student, working under direction of the course instructor, will carry out the research from design to completion.

CO 5430 Assessment and Consultation - 3 credits
This course will help the student understand and interpret the principles of assessing students with and without disabilities. It includes valid evaluations and their use in eligibility determination, development of individualized education plans and monitoring student progress. Standardized and non-standardized assessment techniques will be discussed in detail, including some state and national assessments. The range of assessments include intellectual functioning, interest inventories, achievement tests, aptitude tests, objective and projective personality assessments and non-test techniques such as observations and self-reporting. There will be a special emphasis placed upon the role of the counselor as a consultant to staff and colleagues in schools and other agency settings. Discussion of federal and state rules and regulations as they apply to the rights and ethical responsibilities of the professional and the population served by the professional. Special consideration will be give to the treatment of minority populations and children with disabilities in the assessment and consultation process and in the inclusive educational environment. Prerequisite: ED 5030.

CO 5460 Group Counseling - 3 credits
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of theory, practice and ethics in group counseling across the lifespan within clinical, school and other professional settings.  This course provides students an opportunity to develop group counseling skills through classroom facilitation and supervision.  This course also has a 10 hour experiential group counseling component, which is required for students obtaining their MEd in Mental Health or School Counseling.

CO 5480 Adventure in Schools and Human Services - 3 credits
This course is designed to orient school professionals and human service providers to the history, theory and ethical practice of adventure programming. Students will become a part of an experiential learning community to foster greater transfer of learning back to their communities, organizations and employment settings.

CO 5540 Topics in Alternative Health and Healing - 3 credits
An intensive experience designed to allow participants to explore and experience healing modalities beyond clinical medicines. Topics include the evolution of medicine, the eight universal healing principles, the role of spirituality in health and healing, and the importance of the mind-body connection for wellness. Offered according to demand. Students are required to pay additional fees to participate in this course.

CO 5535 Foundations of Conflict Resolution - 3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with the essential foundations to create workable conflict resolution programs in their respective fields of interest. Conflict happens, therefore there needs to be a process that will allow individuals to engage in interpersonal relationships, in any circumstances, productively and peaceably. The emphasis on the course will be how the process is used in the classroom, but it is not specific to this environment. Students will review many theories and concepts that can be used to create a peaceable environment within the classroom or workplace.

CO 5550 Creating Organization Health - 3 credits
The course is designed as an intensive introduction to the theories, methods and tools for building wellness concepts into the strategic planning process of organizations. The class will define the future of wellness in the workplace evolving beyond mechanistic approaches to individual wellness and developing holistic principles leading to organizational health. At the completion of the course students will have an understanding of ways to institute a new health paradigm into organizational design.

CO 5560 Special Topics in Counseling - 1-3 credits
This course offers an in-depth study of a particular topic, contemporary issue or concern. The course will be taught by a specialist within the field being studied. A faculty member can also coordinate a series of guest speakers who will meaningfully address the topic. Since topics vary, the course may be repeated with permission of the instructor.

CO 5570 Mindfulness Meditation: Theory and Practice - 3 credits
Designed to review the theory and practice relative to mindfulness meditation. Focus on the practice of the body scan, sitting meditation, healing meditation, eating meditation and walking meditation. Extended periods of meditation practice each day are interspersed with group discussions, presentations and small group work. Provides students with the theories surrounding the use of meditation as a healing tool while at the same time providing an opportunity for students to learn and practice meditation techniques. Focus will be on: learning the theories of mindfulness meditation; learning and practicing mindfulness techniques; incorporating mindfulness practice into our personal and professional lives; the authentic use of mindfulness practice as a teaching tool. Also Winterim and summer. Students are required to pay additional fees to participate in this course.

CO 5600 Introduction to Mental Health Counseling - 3 credits
Introduction to the mental health counseling field. Exploring issues of developing a professional identity, understanding the larger mental health service delivery system, being sensitive to issues of diversity, and integrating theory and ethics into ideas about professional mental health counseling. There is a 20-hour prepracticum field experience as part of this course. Spring. Prerequisites: CO 5010.

CO 5610 The Circle of Life - 3 credits
This course is one of a series offered by the PATH Institute. The Circle of Life course is designed to facilitate the learning of individuals who intend to work in professions related to wellness. The topic of death and dying will be addressed in a comprehensive way with attention to both content knowledge and its application to the lives of individuals. Topics will include characteristics and causes of death; a developmental view of the life span; grief, bereavement and loss; caring for the terminally ill; caregiver's personal concerns; and spiritual wellness.

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CO 5650 Critical Issues: School Counseling and Special Education - 3 credits
This course focuses on the role of the school counselor in special education and crisis prevention and intervention. Topics include special education processes, roles, laws, ethics, disability categories, the Individual Educational Plan (IEP), cultural factors, school learning, divorce, bullying, child abuse, death, illness, parents with disabilities, moving, school violence and disasters, suicide, substance abuse, homosexuality, adolescent parenthood, parent-adolescent crises, rape and sexual assault and eating disorders. Prerequisite CO 5010.

CO 5670 Family and Social Systems - 3 credits
A review of the phenomenological field of both the client and the counselor in terms of personal development and the theoretical frameworks associated with social systems. Designed to enable students to identify and determine appropriate intervention strategies for both the environmental and internal variables associated with clients and their support systems that are commonly seen in counseling. Prerequisites: CO 5010 and CO 5260.

CO 5700 Critical Issues: Mental Health Counseling - 3 credits
This course examines models of crisis intervention, trauma and substance abuse treatment. Students will learn current intervention models, how to evaluate risk factors, and how to determine and utilize resources. Prerequisite: CO 5010. Fall.

CO 5770 Psychopathology: Disorders of Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood - 3 credits
Course provides a clear, balanced presentation of the psychology of abnormal behavior including current theoretical models, research, clinical experiences, therapies and controversies. Enables student to understand psychological/psychiatric disorders as discrete clinical conditions and to be able to apply differential diagnoses. Fall. Prerequisite: CO5010 or SY6010 or permission of instructor.

CO 5780 Consultation and Counseling Interventions with Children and Adolescents - 3 credits
Multicultural counseling skill development to intervene successfully with children and adolescents. The application of brief counseling, play therapy and small group work with children and adolescents. Designed to provide counselors with the skills needed to effectively consult with teachers, administrators, parents and others. Spring. Summer of even years. Prerequisite: CO 5010 or SY 6010, CO 5260, CO 5050 or permission of the instructor.

CO 5790 Interventions in Mental Health Counseling - 3 credits
This course examines clinical interventions and documentation in clinical mental health settings. Students will learn and practice clinical counseling skills appropriate to mental health settings, documentation procedures and assessment strategies. Contemporary models of brief treatment, mental health consultation and prevention will be covered. An emphasis will be placed on culturally responsive counseling. This course is designed to develop necessary entry-level mental health counseling skills. Prerequisites: CO5010, 5020, CO5260.

CO 5800 Counseling Internship - 1-6 credits
An internship for students in the Self-Designed concentration of the Counselor Education program. Students are expected to gain experience in the area of specialization chosen for the degree concentration. The internship is designed to be the culminating experience of the program. Prerequisite: Completion of all major required courses and permission of the instructor.

CO 5850 Seminar and Internship in School Counseling - 1-6 credits
Personal, educational and career guidance, and counseling experiences performed under supervision of a certified counselor and conducted in a public school setting. In addition to the required field experiences totaling 600 hours, students must attend seminar meetings on campus with fellow student interns and the Plymouth supervisor to exchange viewpoints and feedback. Designed to be the culminating experience in the counselor Education program. Prerequisite: completion of all required courses, school counseling and consent of instructor.

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CO 5880 Seminar and Internship in Mental Health Counseling - 1-12 credits
A 900-hour clinical counseling experience under supervision and conducted in a mental health counseling setting. Students must attend an on-campus seminar with fellow student interns that provides an opportunity for case presentation and professional development. Designed to be the culminating experience in the Mental Health counseling concentration. Students must provide evidence of liability insurance. Prerequisites: completion of all required courses in the Mental Health counseling concentration and consent of the Plymouth internship supervisor. Variable and repeatable.

CO 5910 Independent Study in Counselor Education - 1-3 credits
Enrichment of the background of students in education through the pursuit of a special topic pertinent to their interests and abilities. An opportunity for an in-depth study of a problem in the field of education. Consent of a faculty supervisor, the department chair and the Associate Vice President is required.

CO 7010 Foundations of Play Therapy: History, Theory and Special Applications - 3 credits
This course is designed to present a broad overview of the major theories of play therapy (history, therapeutic properties of play, developmental perspectives, beliefs, techniques) and the application of these theories to a variety of special populations and settings. The course is an introductory course and is one of the required courses for becoming a registered play therapist (RPT).

CO 7020 Child-Centered Play Therapy - 3 credits
This course is designed to provide post-graduate counselors with the development of therapeutic skills and experience in implementing child-centered theory in the play therapy process. Class format includes lectures, discussions, personal reflections, skill development, case presentations and videotaping with critique analysis. Group supervision is a strong component in this course.

CO 7120 Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling - 3 credits
The study of professional, legal and ethical issues facing clinical mental health counselors. Focus will be on developing professional identity, learning about ethical principles and standards underlying the profession, and being able to apply the law as it relates to the practice of counseling.

CO 7210 Practicum in Play Therapy - 3 credits
This post-graduate course is designed as an intensive experience in advanced training in play therapy counseling skills in the work with children. Classes will be a combination of discussion, video presentation, case presentation, personal reflection, tape reviews and group supervision. Students will have the opportunity to conduct parent interviews, creating treatment plans and provide observations of each child in this learning experience. Prerequisites: CO 7010 and CO 7020.

CO 7300 Counseling Supervision - 3 credits
This course addresses theoretical, ethical, legal, relational and practical issues in counseling supervision. In addition to reviewing the fundamentals of counseling supervision, the course will provide an experientially based opportunity to develop and practice relevant supervision strategies.

CO 7560 Counselor Education: Special Topics - 3 credits
This course offers an in-depth study of a particular topic, contemporary issue or concern. The course will be taught by a specialist within the field being studied. A faculty member can also coordinate a series of guest speakers who will meaningfully address the topic. Since topics vary, the course may be repeated with permission of the instructor.

CO 7880 Mental Health Counseling Internship - 3-6 credits
A collaborative supervised field experience in the area of mental health counseling in one of several cooperating institutions or agencies. The purpose is to gain meaningful work experience through applying knowledge learned in coursework to on-the-job situations.

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Psychology

PS 5910 Independent Study - 1-3 credits
Advanced readings and research, with conferences and oral examinations provide advanced students with background and specialized knowledge relating to an area in which an appropriate course is not offered, or in which they have a special individual interest. Consent of a faculty supervisor, department chair and the Associate Vice President is required.

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School Psychology

SY 6010 Introduction to School Psychology - 3 credits
This survey course will introduce students to the areas of assessment, treatment and prevention of learning, behavior and emotional problems in school age children. Students will become familiar with a variety of psychological issues within a school environment. Students will become familiar with testing inventories as well as alternative ways of assessing children with difficulties. Ethical topics and procedures will be discussed. Students will be required to demonstrate professionalism, academic and personal integrity, and become familiar with the diverse roles and responsibilities of school psychologists. The course will also determine the suitability of students to enter the profession.

SY 6300 Social/Emotional/Behavioral Assessment - 3 credits
To provide a clear, balanced presentation of the learner's social/emotional characteristics. The student will be introduced to the areas of assessment of behavior by interview, observation and norm-referenced techniques. Functional behavior assessment will also be addressed. Objective and projective techniques will be introduced and the student will have the opportunity to learn about the history and practical administration of these instruments.

SY 6400 Administering Individual Intelligence Tests - 3 credits
Students will learn about the history and theories of intelligence testing. They will develop the skill to administer two norm-referenced intelligence tests (Child and Adult Editions of Wechsler Scales), interpret the results, and write and present cogent results of their findings as it relates to the child /adolescent and their learning. This course prepares school psychology candidates for the internship where they will gain proficiency in assessing cognitive ability.

SY 6700 Practicum I: Assessment, Intervention, & Consultation - 3 credits
This is a 3 credit course involving 50 clock hours at a field site under the supervision of a certified school psychologist. It is intended for candidates to practice their skills in assessment, consultation, counseling, and prevention and intervention. An on-campus seminar will be given for candidates to demonstrate their skills and share their experiences. Typically, candidates would take SY 6400 Administering Individual Intelligence Tests concurrently with Practicum I. Candidates should arrange their practicum placement prior to the beginning of the course to ensure a full semester experience.

SY 6710 Practicum II: Integration and Case Studies - 3 credits
Practicum II: Integration and Case Studies involves 50 hours at a field site under the supervision of a certified school psychologist. It is intended for candidates to develop a comprehensive and holistic perspective that combines early intervention, prevention, counseling, assessment, consultation, community resources, and systems interventions as they relate to individual case studies. Candidates will follow two or more children encompassing the entire special education process from the pre-referral stage to placement progress monitoring, and documenting the entire sequence including the extent to which those children have demonstrated specific measurable outcomes. An on-campus seminar will be given for candidates to discuss their experiences during the steps of their case studies and to supplement their practicum experience with related readings and discussion. This practicum will accommodate both models of special education identification (traditional assessment and response to intervention). Candidates will also present videos of their consultation skills and demonstrate knowledge of the ability to plan, coordinate and implement a psychological services delivery model within a school setting that includes assessment, pre-referral problem solving, crisis intervention, mental health intervention, functional skill training, collaboration, consultation, referral and counseling. Candidates should arrange their practicum placement six months prior to the beginning of the course to ensure a full semester experience.

SY 6800 School Psychology Internship and Seminar - 6-12 credits
As the culminating component in the School Psychology Program, this field experience will be done in a public school setting under the supervision of an NASP certified school psychologist. Students will also attend a seminar on campus to discuss their experiences, present psychological evaluations and interventions, and engage in mutual problem solving relative to dilemmas and issues encountered in the field experience. Prerequisites include completion of all required courses and permission of the internship instructor.

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This page was last revised: 10/13/2009