Counseling

Graduate Program

Master of Science in Counseling and Human Resources

Joseph P. Cullen, Chair
Carlson Hall, Room 131
(203) 576-4176
jcullen@bridgeport.edu

The Division of Counseling and Human Resources offers a Master's of Science degree in Counseling with three specializations: Community Counseling, Human Resource Development, and College Student Personnel. Licensure for Professional Counselor in Connecticut requires a Master's Degree of a minimum of 42 credit hours.

Academic Policy and Procedures

Students will plan an individualized program with their advisor in which graduate transfer credit of no more than 6 credits may be included. The Community Counseling Program prepares students with the core courses toward licensure in the State of Connecticut. Students can move within the program at a pace that is suitable for them. Courses are offered during the day, evening and weekend hours. Programs may be completed on a full-time basis or over several years on a part-time basis or over several years on a part-time basis within a seven year period.

A supervised field experience (practicum) is a key element of all specializations. Practicum is the experiential application of the theory and skills developed in the program in a professional environment such as communtiy agency, or business setting.

Professional Licensure

The State of Connecticut requires a Master's Degree with a minimum of 42 SCH of coursework in order to be eligible for licensure as a professional counselor. Students who wish to pursue such licensure should therefore select the Community Counseling concentration. There are additional criteria for licensure that include postgraduate study, a supervised counseling experience, and a standardized examination.

Certificate of Advanced Study

This advanced 18-30 credit post-master's certificate program is designed for counselors who wish to increase their counseling skills and who are planning to prepare for professional counselor licensure. Three core courses are required, including a practicum. A program is individually developed with the help of an advisor and final approval of the program rests with the department. This certificate helps practicing counselors take specialty courses in areas like gerontology, alcohol and drug counseling, etc. Applicants are required to have completed a master's degree in counseling or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education and should be professionally employed with access to a client population. statement of career goals, role-played video tape of a counseling session (set up by department), and transcripts must be sent as part of the admission process.

Core Requirements

Masters students in all specializations in the Department of Counseling and Human Resources are required to complete the following core courses.

Students undecided about which program to follow and who would like an introduction to the counseling field are encouraged to take Counseling 505, 521 and 523 as their initial courses.

Evaluation Procedure

Students are evaluated at three different levels following admission into the Counseling and Human Resource Department.

1. Prior to acceptance as a DEGREE CANDIDATE. After completing 12 credits in the program, a student must apply for Degree Candidacy.
2. Prior to PRACTICUM. A student must apply for practicum to be taken in the final two semesters.
3. Prior to GRADUATION. Evaluation at each level will be based on the following criteria:

          1. Academic performance
               a. 3.0 cumulative average
               b. No "E" grades outstanding at each evaluation level
               c. A grade of "B" or better in core counseling courses

          2. Professional performance
               a. Demonstrate emotionally stable behavior in academic and professional settings
               b. Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal relationship skills
               c. Demonstrate personal maturity and ethical behavior

If any of the above criteria are not met, a student may be:

1. Required to repeat a course
2. Placed on probation
3. Given a leave of absence
4. Asked to withdraw

The above actions will be based on a majority decision of the faculty of Counseling and Human Resources.

Admission to Practicum

The Community Counseling Practicum will be taken during the final two semesters and students must have successfully completing Counseling 505, 510, 516, 521, 523, 524, 525 and Educ. 560.

Counseling 566 is a required prepracticum course for Community Counseling majors.

Summary of Requirements

The remaining semester hours of coursework will vary according to chosen specializations.