Curriculum

Master’s Degree Program (48 credit hours)

School Counseling Program Course Sequence (24 & 36 months; full- and part-time)

Niagara University offers the master of science degree in education for school counseling and is approved by the New York State Department of Education. This program is designed for persons seeking initial and professional certification in school counseling. Initial certification can be obtained after completion of the 48-credit hour school counseling program (M.S.Ed.) and other required components including (a) workshop - child abuse identification; (b) workshop - Dignity for All Students Act; (c) workshop - school violence intervention and prevention; (d) fingerprint clearance; and (e) content specialty test - school counselor. Professional certification can be obtained after completing an additional 12 credit hours of study in the certificate of advanced studies program (C.A.S) and three years of experience as a school counselor.

New York State Certification

The master of science degree in education is approved by the New York State Department of Education and is designed for persons seeking initial and professional certification in school counseling. Candidates can apply for initial certification after the completion of the required 48 credit hours (M.S.Ed.). Professional certification can be obtained after completion of 12 additional credit hours of study in the certificate of advanced studies program and three years of work experience as a counselor. The Advanced Certificate program (with additional work experience) qualifies students to apply for national certification as a professional counselor (NCC) and school counselor (NSC).

Accreditation

The master of science degree at Niagara University is registered with the New York State Department of Education and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, P.A. 19104) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Practicums

The program includes a three-credit-hour field experience and a three-credit-hour counseling practicum experience. An additional practicum is available for students working on permanent certification.

Course Requirements

48 total credit hours

The course is designed to introduce the prospective teacher to the theories of human learning, development and motivation and the applications of these theories in the learning environment. Each of the developmental stages of early childhood, childhood, preadolescence and adolescence will be focused upon to gain awareness of human learning, maturation and motivation. Prospective teachers will be required to participate in a school-based learn and serve field placement to experience the application of theories; observe the interaction of a child/adolescent within the school, family and peer systems; and reflect upon their learning through a case-study project.

Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to introduce graduate students to the principles of research in education. Students will become effective consumers of educational research by analyzing the literature in a particular area of study and synthesizing the results into material that can be applied to diverse educational settings. Students will also develop practical research skills that they might use to assist them in their own professional development. Preservice teachers and practitioners enrolled in this course will complete a field-based research project pertaining to their area of study.

Credit Hours: 3

This course explores the basic counseling process, including developing active listening skills, building rapport, and facilitating client awareness. The course will also examine the settings in which a professional counselor can practice, such as schools, community and mental health agencies, career counseling centers, rehabilitation programs, and addiction programs. Professional roles, ethical standards and professional credentialing will be introduced in this course.

Credit Hours: 3

As an introduction to the issues which arise in counseling multicultural and diverse populations, this course will focus upon understanding the differences and similarities in values, goals and challenges of individuals from diverse and behaviors toward others from different backgrounds will be emphasized.

Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to provide school counseling graduate students with an introduction to the history of the professional school counselor. The expectations of various stakeholders (students, parents, administrators, and teachers) will be explored in relationship to the 21st century role of a school counselor. The importance of implementing comprehensive, standards-based accountable school counseling programs will be stressed. An emphasis is placed on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and American Counseling Association (ACA) ethical codes.

Credit Hours: 3

This course will examine the various theoretical perspectives and techniques in the field of counseling. Through application of various counseling theories to the analysis of case studies and personal growth challenges, the student will begin to develop a personal style of counseling.

Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to give students the opportunity to practice the various counseling strategies and techniques learned in previous courses. Focus will be on developing the skills necessary to select the counseling intervention methods most appropriate for the specific life challenges facing the client(s).

Credit Hours: 3   /   Prerequisites: EDU 651, EDU 654

This course focuses on the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to apply the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Model for the development and implementation of comprehensive school counseling programs. Students will compare and contrast the New York State School Counseling model with the ASCA model and other state models. Accountability and data- driven decision making strategies will be stressed. Students will learn how to construct and teach a lesson plan for instructional purposes as part of the delivery system of the national model.

Credit Hours: 3

This course critically examines the factors involved in career development including intellectual ability, aptitudes, personality, interests, and environmental influences. The value of theories of career development and what theories can be used to understand career development are also stressed.

Credit Hours: 3

This course examines the various counseling theories applicable to group counseling. Through an experimental mode of learning, the student will develop beginning skills for facilitating groups and in planning intervention strategies.

Credit Hours: 3   /   Prerequisites: EDU 651, EDU 654, EDU 658, EDU 617

This three-credit course examines models of consultation to be used by school counselors in dealing with students, parents, teachers, administrators, social workers, psychologists, and other educators and personnel within schools and the community. Students will develop effective consultation skills through case study analysis, role playing and/or practical experiences in schools.

Credit Hours: 3

This course serves as the first 100 hours of a total 700-hour required practicum and internship of school-based experience in school counseling activities. Under the supervision of a certified, qualified school counselor, the student will be actively involved in many aspects of the school counseling program. This course is mandatory and will precede EDU 677 School Counseling Internship I and EDU 678 School Counseling Internship II. On- campus seminars will be held for the purpose of providing required group supervision while students are engaged in their school based experience.

Credit Hours: 3   /   Prerequisites: EDU 651, EDU 654, EDU 658, 100 hours, one day/week

The counseling practicum is a school-based experience in counseling. The major emphasis is on the counseling situation in an individual or group setting. The student will be supervised both by a instructor. Feedback will be provided on techniques, application of theory and counseling styles. On-campus seminars and individual supervision will be held to share experiences and for further supervision by the university instructor.

Credit Hours: 3   /   Prerequisites: EDU 651, EDU 654, EDU 658, EDU 676, 300 hours, two to three days/week

The advanced practicum is designed for those students completing requirements for the certificate of advanced studies in school counseling. This course will be conducted on an university instructor. By prior arrangement, students will study/practice particular aspects of the counseling process they want to further explore.

Credit Hours: 3   /   Prerequisites: EDU 676, EDU 677, 300 hours, two to three days/week

Other

This course introduces prospective and practicing teachers to the characteristics of students with physical, cognitive and emotional/behavioral challenges. The participants will be introduced to legislation issues including ADA, IDEA, IEPs, transition services, inclusion, etc. Participants will explore the role of students, family and education professionals. As part of this course, participants will reflect upon 15 hours of observations and interactions with students with disabilities.

Credit Hours: 3

This lab/seminar course is designed to give students the opportunity to practice the various counseling strategies and techniques learned in previous courses and to refine the skills and knowledge base specific to counseling with child and adolescent populations. The focus will be on learning the research and developing the skills necessary to select the counseling intervention methods most appropriate for the specific life challenges facing school-age children.

Credit Hours: 3   /   Prerequisites: EDU 654

Notes

  1. The student will be required to complete a midpoint program assessment as part of the EDU 658 counseling process course.