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Master of Science in School Counseling Child and Adolescent Counseling courses

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Child and Adolescent Counseling coursework overview

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Planning for your degree

  • total quarter credits: 90
  • Quarter length: 10 weeks
  • Course length: 10 weeks
  • Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Example sequence Core Specialization Residency Practicum Internship

Course requirements

  • Core 13 courses
  • Specialization 4 courses
  • Residencies 2 courses
  • Practicum 1 course
  • Internship 2 courses
Show all descriptions
COUN5002 Core Lifespan Development for the Counseling Professions 4 quarter credits Students examine theories and principles of lifespan development to include biological, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral frameworks. Students analyze a variety of contexts that support typical and adaptive development in all stages of life and are exposed to current research and knowledge in the field. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 4 quarter credits
COUN5217 Core Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Counseling 4 quarter credits Students evaluate current legal and ethical guidelines used in the counseling profession. Students apply decision-making models and formulate effective collaboration strategies used to resolve legal and ethical issues that arise when working with children, adults, couples, and families in a variety of treatment settings. Students also analyze how personal belief systems can influence counselors' responses to those issues. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy students require special permission for registration (Student Group UCOU) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. 4 quarter credits
COUN5239 Core Theories of the Counseling Profession 4 quarter credits Students investigate various theories of psychotherapy and their respective philosophical principles and assumptions. Students evaluate the theoretical concepts and evidence-based practices of psychotherapy and examine appropriate application of theories and interventions to different client populations. 4 quarter credits
COUN5279 Core Life Planning and Career Development 4 quarter credits Students develop foundational knowledge and skills applicable to career counseling and development. Students analyze theoretical models of career development as they relate to client interests, aptitudes, personalities, traits, values, and work preferences. In addition, students explore the ways in which social interests, family relationships, cultural facets, and developmental factors and circumstances resulting from life transitions relate to career development across the lifespan. Students also discuss legal and ethical issues associated with career counseling practice. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy students require special permission for registration (Student Group UCOU) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. 4 quarter credits
COUN5336 Core Counseling and Advocacy Across Populations 4 quarter credits Students engage with theory, research, and models that inform ethical and culturally competent counseling in a variety of settings. Students analyze counseling theories and evidence-based practices that emphasize the relevance of advocacy competencies within the profession. Throughout the course, students investigate the role of culture, values, counselor credibility, and preconception within the counseling context. Students are encouraged to explore their own societal experiences for greater insight into the counseling process and its relevance to real-world experiences. In addition, students gain an understanding of the role of the counselor advocate in promoting client wellbeing. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy students require special permission for registration (Student Group UCOU) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. 4 quarter credits
COUN5106 Core Assessment, Tests, and Measures 4 quarter credits Students examine the assessment process and how tests and measures are used in counseling. Students also explore the evolution of assessment methods, testing strategies and interpretation, and fundamental measurement constructs. 4 quarter credits
COUN5280 Core Introduction to School Counseling 4 quarter credits Students gain an understanding of the profession of school counseling. Students examine the history and development of school counseling; investigate ethical and legal requirements for school counselors; explore the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and service delivery systems, including specific programs and interventions; and analyze the multiple roles and functions of school counselors with various stakeholders. 4 quarter credits
PLAY6203 Specialization Course The History and Systems of Play Therapy 4 quarter credits Students examine the historical origins of and rationale for integrating play into the practice of therapy and discuss the core systems of and approaches to play therapy. Students also review the contributions of play to child development and well-being throughout the lifespan. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 4 quarter credits
COUN-R5861 Residency The Counseling Relationship: Concepts and Skills 4 quarter credits In this first residency, students gain an understanding of clinical skills practice through coursework and a face-to-face residency. During the face-to-face residency, students analyze, develop, and demonstrate counseling concepts and skills. This course requires a time commitment after the face-to-face residency beyond the online course activities. For MS in Addiction Studies, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and MS in School Counseling students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): MS in Addiction Studies students must have completed ADD5217, COUN5260. MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students must have completed COUN5217, COUN5223, COUN5239, COUN5279, COUN5336. MS in School Counseling students must have completed COUN5217, COUN5239, COUN5279, COUN5280, COUN5336. 4 quarter credits
COUN5420 Core Child and Adolescent Psychopathology 4 quarter credits Students examine common characteristics, risk factors, and warning signs of mental health and behavioral disorders affecting children and adolescents. Students also critically evaluate diagnostic models, methods, and approaches and explore current DSM classifications and diagnostic issues related to children and adolescents. In addition, students investigate the impact of common medications on learning, behavior, and mood in children and adolescents. 4 quarter credits
Core COUN5238: Crisis Assessment and Intervention - Core 4 quarter credits
COUN5422 Core Counseling for College and Career Readiness 4 quarter credits In this course, students examine models of P-12 comprehensive career development. Students also evaluate developmentally appropriate interventions and assessments that enhance career readiness, improve graduation rates, and promote student achievement and college access. Prerequisite(s): COUN5279, COUN-R5861. 4 quarter credits
PLAY6206 Specialization Course Theories and Skills of Play Therapy 4 quarter credits Students expand on their knowledge of the major theories of play therapy and the skills and interventions that define those theories. Students assess the major theories and apply these to their work with a variety of child clients and client scenarios. Students also develop a personal theoretical orientation and apply this approach to personal practice. Students assess ethical and legal issues unique to the field and specific to providing play therapy services across populations. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PLAY6203 or PSY5244. 4 quarter credits
Specialization Course Choose a Specialization Course 4 quarter credits
Core COUN5241: Group Counseling and Psychotherapy - Core 4 quarter credits
Specialization Course Choose a Specialization Course 4 quarter credits
COUN-R5863 Residency The Advanced Counseling Relationship: Concepts, Skills, and Approaches 4 quarter credits In this second residency, students build upon clinical skills practice and group counseling. Students analyze, develop, and demonstrate advanced counseling concepts, skills, and approaches during their face-to-face residency. This course requires a time commitment after the face-to-face residency beyond the online course activities. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN5106, COUN5238, COUN5241, COUN-R5861 or COUN-R5831. MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students must have completed COUN5107, COUN5225. MS in School Counseling students must have completed COUN5420. 4 quarter credits
COUN5007 Core Research Methods for the Counseling Professions 4 quarter credits Students gain an understanding of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches to counseling research and program evaluation. Students apply graduate-level approaches to research methodology for the counseling profession. 4 quarter credits
COUN5284 Core School Counseling Program Development and Evaluation 4 quarter credits Students gain a comprehensive understanding of development of school counseling programs and services, and the data-driven decision-making and accountability needed to sustain them. Students utilize evidence-based school counseling practices to investigate the needs, determine interventions and evaluate programs using the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model as a framework. Prerequisite(s): COUN5239 or COUN5812; COUN5241; COUN-R5861. 4 quarter credits
COUN6102 Practicum School Counseling Practicum 4 quarter credits The school counseling practicum is a supervised experience during which students practice specific counseling skills, including interviewing, assessment, intervention, documentation, and consultation in a school counseling setting. Students use fundamental communication and interviewing counseling approaches that promote student and school success. This course requires 100 hours of practicum experience, which must consist of no less than 40 hours of direct student contact, and no less than 12 hours of face-to-face individual and/or triadic supervision with site supervisors. For MS in School Counseling students only. Grading for this course is S/NS. It is the student's responsibility to research and comply with the specific practicum and licensing or credentialing requirements of their states. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN5007, COUN5284, COUN-R5863, completion of or concurrent registration in COUN5422 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. 4 quarter credits
COUN6121 Internship Internship for School Counseling 1 5 quarter credits This is the first course in a sequence of two required school counseling internship courses during which students engage in the comprehensive work experience of a school counselor. Students complete 600 total required contact hours comprised of a minimum of 240 hours of direct service contact with students, families, and other stakeholders, and 20 hours of face-to-face individual and/or triadic supervision with site supervisors. Throughout this internship, students develop and apply a broad spectrum of counseling skills in a school setting. Students create and deliver programs that address students' academic, social/emotional, career, and developmental needs to assist students and parents during all phases of the educational process. The internship provides opportunities for students to become familiar with a variety of professional activities and resources, including record keeping, assessment, supervision, consultation, referral, in-service training, and staff meetings. For MS in School Counseling students only. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. It is the student's responsibility to research and comply with the specific practicum and licensing or credentialing requirements of their states. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN5422, COUN6102, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. 5 quarter credits
COUN6122 Internship Internship for School Counseling Internship 2 5 quarter credits This is the second course in a sequence of two required school counseling internship courses during which students engage in the comprehensive work experience of a school counselor. Students complete 600 total required contact hours comprised of a minimum of 240 hours of direct service contact with students, families, and other stakeholders, and 20 hours of face-to-face individual and/or triadic supervision with site supervisors. Throughout this internship, students develop and apply a broad spectrum of counseling skills in a school setting. Students create and deliver programs that address students' academic, social/emotional, career, and developmental needs to assist students and parents during all phases of the educational process. The internship provides opportunities for students to become familiar with a variety of professional activities and resources, including record keeping, assessment, supervision, consultation, referral, in-service training, and staff meetings. For MS in School Counseling students only. Grading for this course is S/NS. It is the student's responsibility to research and comply with the specific practicum and licensing or credentialing requirements of their states. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN6121, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. 5 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
COUN5279 Core Life Planning and Career Development 4 quarter credits Students develop foundational knowledge and skills applicable to career counseling and development. Students analyze theoretical models of career development as they relate to client interests, aptitudes, personalities, traits, values, and work preferences. In addition, students explore the ways in which social interests, family relationships, cultural facets, and developmental factors and circumstances resulting from life transitions relate to career development across the lifespan. Students also discuss legal and ethical issues associated with career counseling practice. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy students require special permission for registration (Student Group UCOU) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. 4 quarter credits
COUN5217 Core Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Counseling 4 quarter credits Students evaluate current legal and ethical guidelines used in the counseling profession. Students apply decision-making models and formulate effective collaboration strategies used to resolve legal and ethical issues that arise when working with children, adults, couples, and families in a variety of treatment settings. Students also analyze how personal belief systems can influence counselors' responses to those issues. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy students require special permission for registration (Student Group UCOU) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. 4 quarter credits
COUN5106 Core Assessment, Tests, and Measures 4 quarter credits Students examine the assessment process and how tests and measures are used in counseling. Students also explore the evolution of assessment methods, testing strategies and interpretation, and fundamental measurement constructs. 4 quarter credits
COUN5420 Core Child and Adolescent Psychopathology 4 quarter credits Students examine common characteristics, risk factors, and warning signs of mental health and behavioral disorders affecting children and adolescents. Students also critically evaluate diagnostic models, methods, and approaches and explore current DSM classifications and diagnostic issues related to children and adolescents. In addition, students investigate the impact of common medications on learning, behavior, and mood in children and adolescents. 4 quarter credits
COUN5422 Core Counseling for College and Career Readiness 4 quarter credits In this course, students examine models of P-12 comprehensive career development. Students also evaluate developmentally appropriate interventions and assessments that enhance career readiness, improve graduation rates, and promote student achievement and college access. Prerequisite(s): COUN5279, COUN-R5861. 4 quarter credits
COUN5007 Core Research Methods for the Counseling Professions 4 quarter credits Students gain an understanding of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches to counseling research and program evaluation. Students apply graduate-level approaches to research methodology for the counseling profession. 4 quarter credits
COUN5002 Core Lifespan Development for the Counseling Professions 4 quarter credits Students examine theories and principles of lifespan development to include biological, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral frameworks. Students analyze a variety of contexts that support typical and adaptive development in all stages of life and are exposed to current research and knowledge in the field. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 4 quarter credits
COUN5280 Core Introduction to School Counseling 4 quarter credits Students gain an understanding of the profession of school counseling. Students examine the history and development of school counseling; investigate ethical and legal requirements for school counselors; explore the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and service delivery systems, including specific programs and interventions; and analyze the multiple roles and functions of school counselors with various stakeholders. 4 quarter credits
COUN5284 Core School Counseling Program Development and Evaluation 4 quarter credits Students gain a comprehensive understanding of development of school counseling programs and services, and the data-driven decision-making and accountability needed to sustain them. Students utilize evidence-based school counseling practices to investigate the needs, determine interventions and evaluate programs using the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model as a framework. Prerequisite(s): COUN5239 or COUN5812; COUN5241; COUN-R5861. 4 quarter credits
COUN5336 Core Counseling and Advocacy Across Populations 4 quarter credits Students engage with theory, research, and models that inform ethical and culturally competent counseling in a variety of settings. Students analyze counseling theories and evidence-based practices that emphasize the relevance of advocacy competencies within the profession. Throughout the course, students investigate the role of culture, values, counselor credibility, and preconception within the counseling context. Students are encouraged to explore their own societal experiences for greater insight into the counseling process and its relevance to real-world experiences. In addition, students gain an understanding of the role of the counselor advocate in promoting client wellbeing. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy students require special permission for registration (Student Group UCOU) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. 4 quarter credits
COUN5239 Core Theories of the Counseling Profession 4 quarter credits Students investigate various theories of psychotherapy and their respective philosophical principles and assumptions. Students evaluate the theoretical concepts and evidence-based practices of psychotherapy and examine appropriate application of theories and interventions to different client populations. 4 quarter credits
COUN5241 Core Group Counseling and Psychotherapy 4 quarter credits Students in this course examine the theoretical components and developmental aspects of groups. Topics include types of groups, group dynamics and processes, group leadership and membership roles, ethical awareness in relation to groups, and crisis management within groups. Students must meet weekly via web conferencing for synchronous (live) group meetings with their course instructor. Prerequisite(s): COUN-R5861 or COUN-R5831. 4 quarter credits
CST8741 Core Group Counseling and Psychotherapy 4 quarter credits Learners in this course review the historical development of group counseling and psychotherapy, and synthesize and apply the field's current research, theories, and clinical procedures. Topics include the role of the leader and leadership styles, the mechanics of co-therapy, special-function groups, and management of critical incidents within groups. 4 quarter credits
COUN5338 Core Crisis Intervention, Trauma Response, and Emergency Management 4 quarter credits Learners in this course examine skills and strategies for crisis intervention and prevention, response to trauma, and emergency management as they apply to the school counseling profession within K-12 school settings. Topics include responding to trauma; providing trauma-informed care; working with victims of trauma, abuse, or violence; developing crisis intervention and prevention plans; assessing risk of suicide and other risks; and analyzing and implementing emergency management plans. 4 quarter credits
COUN5238 Core Crisis Assessment and Intervention 4 quarter credits Students assess crisis intervention and emergency management models and strategies used in the counseling field and develop the crisis intervention skills needed to provide counseling services in mental health settings in a timely, effective, and ethical manner. Students also investigate related topics, including working with situational crises, assessing suicide and other risks, and supporting the implementation of emergency management plans. Prerequisite(s): MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling students must have completed COUN-R5861. Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services graduate certificate students must have completed COUN5002. 4 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
PLAY6203 Specialization Course The History and Systems of Play Therapy 4 quarter credits Students examine the historical origins of and rationale for integrating play into the practice of therapy and discuss the core systems of and approaches to play therapy. Students also review the contributions of play to child development and well-being throughout the lifespan. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 4 quarter credits
COUN5254 Specialization Course Child and Adolescent Counseling 4 quarter credits Students gain an understanding of major theories and research of adolescent and child development. Students examine biological and psychosocial development factors and evaluate the influence of family, community, society, and trauma on development. 4 quarter credits
COUN5271 Specialization Course Marriage and Family Systems 4 quarter credits Students investigate families as systems from theoretical, clinical, and research perspectives. Students gain an understanding of family development, transitions, assessment, and intervention. Students also apply systems-oriented assessment models and strategies for initial interviews, hypothesis formulation, and designing a strategy for intervention. 4 quarter credits
COUN5422 Specialization Course Counseling for College and Career Readiness 4 quarter credits In this course, students examine models of P-12 comprehensive career development. Students also evaluate developmentally appropriate interventions and assessments that enhance career readiness, improve graduation rates, and promote student achievement and college access. Prerequisite(s): COUN5279, COUN-R5861. 4 quarter credits
PLAY6206 Specialization Course Theories and Skills of Play Therapy 4 quarter credits Students expand on their knowledge of the major theories of play therapy and the skills and interventions that define those theories. Students assess the major theories and apply these to their work with a variety of child clients and client scenarios. Students also develop a personal theoretical orientation and apply this approach to personal practice. Students assess ethical and legal issues unique to the field and specific to providing play therapy services across populations. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PLAY6203 or PSY5244. 4 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
COUN-R5861 Residency The Counseling Relationship: Concepts and Skills 4 quarter credits In this first residency, students gain an understanding of clinical skills practice through coursework and a face-to-face residency. During the face-to-face residency, students analyze, develop, and demonstrate counseling concepts and skills. This course requires a time commitment after the face-to-face residency beyond the online course activities. For MS in Addiction Studies, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and MS in School Counseling students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): MS in Addiction Studies students must have completed ADD5217, COUN5260. MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students must have completed COUN5217, COUN5223, COUN5239, COUN5279, COUN5336. MS in School Counseling students must have completed COUN5217, COUN5239, COUN5279, COUN5280, COUN5336. 4 quarter credits
COUN-R5863 Residency The Advanced Counseling Relationship: Concepts, Skills, and Approaches 4 quarter credits In this second residency, students build upon clinical skills practice and group counseling. Students analyze, develop, and demonstrate advanced counseling concepts, skills, and approaches during their face-to-face residency. This course requires a time commitment after the face-to-face residency beyond the online course activities. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN5106, COUN5238, COUN5241, COUN-R5861 or COUN-R5831. MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students must have completed COUN5107, COUN5225. MS in School Counseling students must have completed COUN5420. 4 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
COUN6102 Practicum School Counseling Practicum 4 quarter credits The school counseling practicum is a supervised experience during which students practice specific counseling skills, including interviewing, assessment, intervention, documentation, and consultation in a school counseling setting. Students use fundamental communication and interviewing counseling approaches that promote student and school success. This course requires 100 hours of practicum experience, which must consist of no less than 40 hours of direct student contact, and no less than 12 hours of face-to-face individual and/or triadic supervision with site supervisors. For MS in School Counseling students only. Grading for this course is S/NS. It is the student's responsibility to research and comply with the specific practicum and licensing or credentialing requirements of their states. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN5007, COUN5284, COUN-R5863, completion of or concurrent registration in COUN5422 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. 4 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
COUN6121 Internship Internship for School Counseling 1 5 quarter credits This is the first course in a sequence of two required school counseling internship courses during which students engage in the comprehensive work experience of a school counselor. Students complete 600 total required contact hours comprised of a minimum of 240 hours of direct service contact with students, families, and other stakeholders, and 20 hours of face-to-face individual and/or triadic supervision with site supervisors. Throughout this internship, students develop and apply a broad spectrum of counseling skills in a school setting. Students create and deliver programs that address students' academic, social/emotional, career, and developmental needs to assist students and parents during all phases of the educational process. The internship provides opportunities for students to become familiar with a variety of professional activities and resources, including record keeping, assessment, supervision, consultation, referral, in-service training, and staff meetings. For MS in School Counseling students only. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. It is the student's responsibility to research and comply with the specific practicum and licensing or credentialing requirements of their states. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN5422, COUN6102, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. 5 quarter credits
COUN6122 Internship Internship for School Counseling Internship 2 5 quarter credits This is the second course in a sequence of two required school counseling internship courses during which students engage in the comprehensive work experience of a school counselor. Students complete 600 total required contact hours comprised of a minimum of 240 hours of direct service contact with students, families, and other stakeholders, and 20 hours of face-to-face individual and/or triadic supervision with site supervisors. Throughout this internship, students develop and apply a broad spectrum of counseling skills in a school setting. Students create and deliver programs that address students' academic, social/emotional, career, and developmental needs to assist students and parents during all phases of the educational process. The internship provides opportunities for students to become familiar with a variety of professional activities and resources, including record keeping, assessment, supervision, consultation, referral, in-service training, and staff meetings. For MS in School Counseling students only. Grading for this course is S/NS. It is the student's responsibility to research and comply with the specific practicum and licensing or credentialing requirements of their states. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN6121, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. 5 quarter credits

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