Human Services Course Descriptions
HSC501 Fundamentals of Counseling. This course presents an overview of the theory, principles, techniques, and methods essential in conducting an effective interview. Specific skills, competencies, and concepts related to interviewing are studied, and an ongoing experimental component provides practice opportunities. In addition, there is a focus on self-awareness and insight, which are essential qualities for the effective interviewer. (3SH)
HSC503 Counseling and Human Development in a Multicultural Society. An examination of theory, techniques, dynamics, and behaviors of counseling in a multi-cultural society. Emphasis is placed upon understanding the influences of one’s own ethnicity, race, and/or unique sub-cultural grouping. (3SH)
HSC504 Clinical Techniques of Counseling This course expands interviewing skills and techniques through extended practice sessions with one client, relevant readings, examination of case materials, and written exercises. Focus on advanced skills of interviewing, with emphasis on development and integration of individual style and technique. (3SH)
HSC505 Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis. This course will provide an overview of the DSM IV and how it can be used for purposes of assessment and diagnosis of the individual client. The student will learn the characteristics of various personality disorders and how to assess these disorders within the parameters of the helping interview. (3SH)
HSC506 Introduction to Theory and Practice of Family Therapy. Exploration of theoretical models and concepts in the field of family therapy. Focus upon systemic change, dysfunction, and stages of family development. Family therapy approaches are presented theoretically and through simulation experiences. (3SH)
HSC510 Theories of Counseling. A survey of current theories of counseling and psychotherapies. The characteristics of all professional or paraprofessional helping relationships will be explored. Most major theories used in psychotherapy today and specific counseling techniques based on those theories will be studied to familiarize students with the most important methods of individual treatment of psychological problems. (3SH)
HSC511 Professional Practice and Ethics in Human Services. This course will offer an overview of the historic context of ethics in human services, the philosophical context of the common values, and the ethical applications for professionals in the counseling and other Human Service fields. Beginning with a survey of the history of human services, the context for practice will be surveyed. The philosophical context of the values commonly found in human services will offer the student the foundation for ethical decision making. Finally, case examples of ethical decision making will be addressed, role plays, and personal reflection are emphasized in this course. (3SH)
HSC512 Theories and Techniques of Group Counseling. An overview of various theories and techniques of group counseling and the practical application of these techniques. The first part of the course emphasizes goals and purposes of group counseling, tasks and skills of the group counselor, and guidelines for group creation. The latter session concentrates on the experimental application of these concepts. (3SH)
HSC514 Counseling for Career Development. This course will present an overview of the concepts, theories, history, practices and techniques of career counseling through the life span. In addition, the course will review the use of occupational classification systems, tests, and computers in career counseling, as well as counseling with special populations. An experiential component will provide practice opportunities. (3SH)
HSM508 Research Design and Methodology. Introduces students to principles and methods of social research and prepares students to appropriately apply these skills in the conduct of program evaluation and other program management applications. Emphasis will be placed on the research context for decision making in the planning, design, analysis and reporting of applied research. (3SH)
HSS534: Perspectives on Substance Abuse Counseling. This course provides an overview of substance use issues, including: understanding the substance use experience of the user and the impact of substance use disorder on the family and the larger community; assessment of substance use from abuse to dependence; historical aspects of use and treatment, including the current treatment delivery system; etiology with particular emphasis on application to the counseling process; 12-step groups and their role in counseling individuals with substance use problems; prevention efforts to reduce alcohol/drug problems. (3SH)
LAP 501: Introduction to Psychological Assessment. An introduction to psychological evaluation, familiarizing the student with different assessment procedures, including categories of tests, observations and implications. Several tests will be examined in class, demonstrating standardized administration and the importance of controlling for anxiety and establishing rapport with individuals being tested. Importance of the referral question and report reading will be stressed. (3SH)
LAP 506: Advanced Human Development. A study of the biological, physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and personality development of humans from birth through death. Emphases will be placed on research methodology, including interview and traditional psychological assessment. Normal and pathological aspects of the aging process will be explored. The concepts of prevention and postponement will be incorporated. (3SH)
HSC533 Practicum: This course will provide a combination of didactic and experiential approaches to refine counseling skills as students begin to work in practice settings. Emphasis will be on the development of a counseling approach specific to clients’ needs and characteristics. Feedback, self-assessment, and group interaction will be elements of the course. This course requires 100 hours of field placement in an approved setting with 40 hours of direct client contact. (3SH)
HSC534 School Counseling: This course is intended to develop knowledge and skills in the application of counseling theory and techniques in a school setting. Focus will be on a developmental counseling curriculum, academic program planning, motivation, consultation, collaboration, and referral. Current issues and practices will be included. (3SH)
HSM581, 582, 583
Human Services Internship I, II, III
Human Services experience (20 to 25 hours per week) in community organization to enable students to integrate classroom learning with practice and to refine their skills. Placements are individualized according to the student's track (clinical or management), area of concentration, learning needs, and interests. Students also participate in a weekly supervisory seminar. Prerequisites: HSC501 or equivalent, plus five additional courses in graduate program; consent of internship supervisor and academic advisor. (Specific course prerequisites vary by area of concentration). (3SH)
HSM585
Internship Supervision
Examination of the issues and dynamics of Professional Relationships within the context of internship experience. Specific attention given to: ethics of helping, organizational structure, service delivery systems, client assessment, and treatment planning with individual, group, agency and family client units. The seminar will focus on both the commonalities (regardless of client population) of Human Service work as well as each student's unique learning experience. Prerequisites: Enrollment is required with each Internship enrollment. (3SH)
