Major Title: Guidance and Psychological Counseling
Major Description:
This major prepares students to become professional counselors who support individuals' emotional, social, educational, and career development across the lifespan. Grounded in psychological theories and evidence-based practices, the program develops competencies in counseling techniques, assessment methods, and intervention strategies. Students learn to address diverse needs in educational, community, and mental health settings while adhering to ethical standards and cultural sensitivity. The curriculum combines academic coursework with supervised practical experience to develop reflective practitioners capable of fostering resilience and facilitating positive change.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand major theories of counseling and human development
- Develop core counseling skills (active listening, empathy, reflection)
- Learn to conduct psychosocial assessments and evaluations
- Design and implement developmentally appropriate interventions
- Apply ethical and legal principles in counseling practice
- Demonstrate cultural competence in working with diverse populations
- Utilize research to inform evidence-based practice
- Understand organizational systems and referral processes
Course Outline:
Foundation Courses
- Theories of Counseling
- Psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral approaches
- Integrative and contemporary models
- Human Growth and Development
- Lifespan developmental psychology
- Developmental crises and transitions
- Counseling Techniques
- Basic helping skills
- Microskills training and practice
Professional Competencies
- Group Counseling
- Group dynamics and processes
- Therapeutic group facilitation
- Career Development and Counseling
- Career theories and assessment tools
- Vocational guidance techniques
- Crisis Intervention
- Trauma-informed care
- Suicide risk assessment and prevention
Specialized Applications
- School Counseling
- Academic and behavioral interventions
- College/career readiness programs
- Family Counseling
- Systems theory applications
- Family dynamics and communication patterns
- Multicultural Counseling
- Social justice perspectives
- Working with diverse populations
Assessment Methods:
- Counseling skill demonstrations
- Case conceptualization reports
- Treatment planning exercises
- Reflective practice journals
- Research critiques
- Supervised practicum evaluations
Practical Training Components:
- 100-hour supervised skills lab
- 300-hour field practicum
- Counseling simulation exercises
Ethical Standards:
- Alignment with ACA/APA ethical guidelines
- Confidentiality protocols
- Mandatory reporting requirements
Program Duration:
4-year Bachelor's degree (with optional 2-year Master's for licensure)
Licensure Preparation:
- Meets educational requirements for:
- School counselor certification
- Licensed Professional Counselor (with graduate study)
Career Pathways:
- School counselor (K-12)
- College/academic advisor
- Career counselor
- Mental health technician
- Rehabilitation counselor
- Crisis intervention specialist
Professional Development:
- Membership in counseling associations
- Continuing education requirements
- Supervision and mentorship opportunities
This program emphasizes the development of self-awareness, professional identity, and clinical skills necessary to empower individuals and communities through therapeutic relationships and systemic support. Graduates are prepared to work in various settings while maintaining commitment to ongoing professional growth and ethical practice.
