Counseling and Human Services
Dr. Jonathan D. Rodgers, Interim Department Chair
Faculty: Dr. John Breckner, Dr. David L. Farrugia, Dr. Ashley J. Luedke, Dr. David Moran and Dr. Tikana Truitt
The Department of Counseling and Human Services offers a course of study designed to prepare humanistic, competent, professional counselors. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accreditor in the field of counseling, accredits the two counseling programs leading towards a Master of Science degree. CACREP-Accreditation is especially important as several states have required it for licensure. The department offers the following programs:
Licensure Disclosure
Before enrolling in any academic degree or certificate program with the intent to seek a professional license or certification in your state, it is vital that you determine whether the academic program will support or fulfill requirements for that license or certification. We advise you to contact the relevant licensing board in states where programs may not automatically meet licensing criteria on their own to determine what other requirements may be needed for professional licensure or certification if you are or will be residing outside New York State. Consult our Professional Licensure Disclosure website for specific information about your intended program.
Admission
Student candidates must fulfill the general requirements for admission to graduate work in counseling. In addition, candidates must complete the following:
Required for Admission or within the First Semester of Study
Before beginning course work or within a candidate’s first semester of study one needs to successfully complete the following:
- The Counseling and Human Services dispositional assessment battery.
- Completion of an advising meeting with the academic advisor.
It is necessary that candidates continue to show evidence of high academic performance and display professional dispositions during interactions in and out of class. Assessments throughout the program measure a candidate’s growth towards one’s professional identity.
Candidates in both counseling programs adhere to the 2014 American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics. Candidates must declare a program major in either school counseling (SC) or clinical mental health counseling (CMHC).
Programs
Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Clinical Mental Counseling Program is a license qualifying education program within New York State leading towards licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Please see the New York State Mental Health Counseling website for more information.
Certificate of Advanced Study in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Certificate of Advance Study in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a course of study (15 to 21 credit hours) for candidates who already have a Master’s degree in counseling, but do not meet the required coursework and experience for the NYS mental health-counseling license. In order to qualify for the Mental Health Counseling Bridge Program, candidates should have a Master’s degree in school counseling, mental health counseling, college counseling, or other counseling degree.
Master of Science Degree in School Counseling
The School Counseling Program prepares graduates to work with students ranging from pre-kindergarten through high school, as an initially certified school counselor in New York State. School counselors work in both private and public school systems at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
Professional Certification in School Counseling
Upon completion of the MS degree in School Counseling and Initial Certification in NYS, a school counselor must work full-time for three years in order to qualify for Professional Certification. The program at Canisius has a reputation for having an orientation toward practical and applied skills. In addition to learning direct counseling skills, future school counselors are prepared to work collaboratively in the roles of leadership, advocacy and consultation, allowing our graduates to influence schools on a systemic level in addition to performing the traditional counselor’s role with individuals and groups.
Learning Goal 1
Candidates in the counseling program will demonstrate content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge necessary for successful performance in their field.
The Candidate:
- Demonstrates the application of career development and decision making theories within the career counseling process.
- Demonstrates knowledge of the dimensions, functions, and practices of the professional counselor.
- Demonstrates a commitment to eliminating bias, prejudice, discrimination and promoting social justice, based on an understanding of cultural dynamics within identity formation and social behavior.
- Identifies theories of human growth and development including factors related to optimal development and factors that challenge optimal development such as disability, psychopathology, trauma and addiction.
- Demonstrates essential interview and counseling skills, based on knowledge of counseling theories.
- Demonstrates leadership skills for group counseling based on an understanding of the dynamics of group work including theories of group counseling.
- Demonstrates knowledge of assessment strategies used in counseling including an understanding of statistical concepts and cultural issues related to assessment.
- Identifies research methods and statistical procedures used to study human behavior and uses appropriate data based procedures for program planning and evaluation.
- Demonstrates specific foundations of knowledge related to the student’s specialization in counseling.
Learning Goal 2
Candidates in the counseling program will demonstrate professional skills and dispositions necessary for successful performance in their field.
The Candidate:
- Demonstrates a commitment to eliminating bias, prejudice, discrimination and promoting social justice, based on an understanding of cultural dynamics within identity formation and social behavior.
- Demonstrates the application of career development and decision making theories within the career counseling process.
- Demonstrates essential interview and counseling skills, based on knowledge of counseling theories.
- Demonstrates leadership skills for group counseling based on an understanding of the dynamics of group work including theories of group counseling.
- Demonstrates knowledge of assessment strategies used in counseling including an understanding of statistical concepts and cultural issues related to assessment.
- Identifies research methods and statistical procedures used to study human behavior and uses appropriate data based procedures for program planning and evaluation.
- Demonstrates the professional skills and dispositions to work effectively with clients.
- Demonstrates the skills and practices necessary for effective professional work in the student’s specialization in counseling.
Learning Goal 3
Candidates in the counseling program will demonstrate willingness to use their skills to benefit and serve society. Within the contexts of their work, candidates promote authentic learning, social and emotional development, and a commitment to social justice in environments that foster respect for diversity and the dignity of all.
The Candidate:
- Demonstrates a commitment to eliminating bias, prejudice, discrimination and promoting social justice, based on an understanding of cultural dynamics within identity formation and social behavior.
Learning Goal 4
Candidates will demonstrate self-reflection as a habit of mind, continuously assessing and refining their professional practice as they construct a rich repertoire of research-based knowledge, skills, and attitudes for effective performance ensuring that all students and/or clients have optimal opportunities to learn and grow.
The Candidate:
- Demonstrates improved articulation and application of professional counseling skills, through self-reflection and supervision.
Learning Goal 5
Candidates will become adept at applying their acquired knowledge in the process of evaluating their own professional performance and decision-making with respect to its impact on students and/or clients, organizations, and the wider community.
The Candidate:
- Applies systematic evaluative procedures.
EDC 505 Dignity for All Students Act 0 Credits
Dignity for All Students Workshop mandated by NYSED for the prevention of bullying in academic settings. This mandated program is embedded into EDC 590 Advanced School Counseling.
Corequisite: EDC 590.
Offered: every spring.
EDC 518 Child and Adolescent Counseling 3 Credits
This course introduces students to counseling and assessment strategies for children and adolescents. Several intervention strategies for children and adolescents will be explored. In addition to best counseling practices, effective treatment coordination with other providers is addressed.
Offered: every fall.
EDC 550 Special Topics in Professional Counseling 3 Credits
This self-directed course will provide opportunities for clinical mental health and school counseling students to further explore current trends within professional counseling. Such topics will include; licensing implications from the counseling compact, telehealth and artificial intelligence use for counseling, specific multicultural theoretical approaches to counseling, social-emotional learning in schools, school counselor's role in special education, and culturally responsive college and career readiness. The course is delivered in a hybrid format with two in-person class meetings and asynchronous, online coursework.
Offered: every summer.
EDC 558 Human Sexuality Counseling 3 Credits
This course will explore elements of sexuality across the lifespan. Students will develop an understanding of topics including sexual/affectional orientation and gender identity. Students will learn about skills, assessments, theories, and interventions relevant to this work.
Offered: every spring.
EDC 559 Behavioral Health Counseling 3 Credits
Occasionally physicians choose to embed Licensed Mental Health Counselors into a primary care practice. This course will introduce students to learn how to fully integrate one's counseling skills/clinical practice into a medical office.
Offered: every summer.
EDC 560 Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Workshop mandated by NYSED 0 Credits
This non-credit mandated workshop is embedded into EDC 570.
Corequisite: EDC 570.
Offered: every fall & spring.
EDC 561 Trauma, Crisis, and Loss Counseling 3 Credits
This course is designed to provide counselors with an understanding of trauma, crisis and loss. The neurobiology of trauma will be the foundation on which the knowledge and skills of trauma sensitive practice will be developed. The connection of crisis situations to trauma will be covered. The counselor’s role in healing from loss will be explored.
Offered: every fall & spring.
EDC 564 Introduction to Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sexuality 3 Credits
This course introduces students to the queer and gender nonconforming community. We will discuss counseling approaches, support, assessments, diagnosis and treatment that enhances student awareness and competency when working with the LBGTQA+ population.
Offered: every fall.
EDC 566 School Violence Prevention and Intervention Workshop 0 Credits
School Violence Prevention and Intervention NYSED mandated workshop.
Offered: fall & spring.
EDC 567 Principles of School Counseling 3 Credits
The various roles, functions, responsibilities and identity of the school counselor are the focus of this course. This course presents social, political and current professional issues within school counseling.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in EDC 570 (can be taken concurrently).
Offered: every fall.
EDC 568 Principles and Practices of Mental Health Counseling 3 Credits
Introduction to historical and organizational perspectives of Mental Health Counseling services. This course presents the roles and functions of mental health counselors and the current professional issues confronting those in the mental health field.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in EDC 570.
Offered: every spring.
EDC 570 Introduction to Professional Counseling and Ethics 3 Credits
This course serves as an introduction to the roles, philosophy, issues, theories, professional foundations and ethics for counselors in schools and community agencies. This course also requires completion of the Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Workshop mandated by NYSED.
Corequisite: EDC 560.
Offered: fall & spring.
EDC 571 Psychological and Educational Assessment 3 Credits
This course examines the selection, use, interpretation and critical evaluation of standardized psychological tests of intelligence, achievement, interest and personality. The practical use of psychological and educational assessment in counseling is reviewed.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in EDC 570 (can be taken concurrently).
Offered: fall & spring.
EDC 572 Career Counseling 3 Credits
Current theories, resources and processes pertinent to vocational development, decision-making and career counseling will be studied in this course.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in EDC 570 (can be taken concurrently).
Offered: fall & spring.
EDC 573 Counseling Theories 3 Credits
The introduction of historical and current theories of counseling and psychotherapy. Students study the application of those theories to realistic case situations and the development of the individual student's approach to the helping relationship.
Offered: every fall & spring.
EDC 574 Group Counseling 3 Credits
This course studies the theoretical and experiential basis for dealing with groups in both information-oriented and therapy-oriented situations. Values and limitations of group techniques are delineated.
Prerequisite:Minimum grade of C- in EDC 570 (can be taken concurrently).
Offered: every fall & spring.
EDC 575 Pre-Practicum Helping Skills 3 Credits
Application of theory, consultation and other helping skills conducted in a supervised educational environment. Completion of this course is necessary before doing any field-based practicum or internship. A minimum grade of B is required in pre-practicum to advance to practicum.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in EDC 570 & EDC 573.
Offered: every fall, spring, & summer.
EDC 576 School Practicum 3 Credits
The first of three field experiences, this is a school-centered placement of student counselors for experiential purposes. Directed activities develop understanding of the role and skills of the school counselor. School violence issues related to Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) legislation are discussed in the course seminar. Successful completion of Practicum with a grade of B or better. This includes the Cooperating Counselor’s evaluation of the student/candidate with a grade of B or better.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in EDC 567, EDC 570 & EDC 573; and minimum grade of B in EDC 575.
Offered: every fall & spring.
EDC 577 Mental Health Practicum 3 Credits
The first of two field experiences, this is an agency-centered placement of student counselors for experiential purposes. Directed activities develop understanding of the role and clinical skills of community mental health counselors. Successful completion of Practicum with a grade of B or better. This includes the Cooperating Counselor’s evaluation of the student/candidate with a grade of B or better.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in EDC 568, EDC 570 & EDC 573; & minimum grade of B in EDC 575.
Offered: every fall, spring, & summer.
EDC 579 Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling 3 Credits
A broad range of diversity issues in counseling including ethnic, racial, gender, disability, and sexual orientation are discussed. The focus is on developing sensitivity and counseling skills that are applicable to all clients.
Offered: fall & spring.
EDC 585 Chemical Dependency and Rehabilitation 3 Credits
This course reviews the history of drug abuse and characteristics of drug dependence and chemical abuse treatment modalities, including strategies for prevention, intervention and rehabilitation.
Offered: every fall & spring.
EDC 589 Family and Couples Counseling 3 Credits
The course outlines the characteristics of normal and troubled families. There is an emphasis on the theories and techniques of family counseling, including the works of Minuchin, Satir, Bowen and Haley. Solution Focused approaches and other post-modern theories are also discussed.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in EDC 570.
Offered: every fall & spring.
EDC 590 Advanced School Counseling 3 Credits
Designed for the practicing professional school counselor. Content includes administrative and leadership practices in school counseling. Issues, challenges and opportunities within school counseling are discussed.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C-in EDC 576 (may be taken concurrently). Corequisite: EDC 505.
Offered: every spring.
EDC 593 Lifespan Development 3 Credits
Human growth and development are the primary topics for this class. It includes individual and family development within various domains (cognitive, career, socio-economic) across the lifespan. Theoretical perspectives for understanding child, adult and family development are discussed and applied to counseling.
Offered: every fall & spring.
EDC 597 Psychopathology 3 Credits
This course provides an in-depth investigation of human abnormality. Students learn the current DSM categories of disorders, depression and considerations for dealing with crisis situations.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in EDC 570 and 573 (may be taken concurrently).
Offered: fall & spring.
EDC 598 Case Formulation, Treatment Planning, and Psychopharmacology 3 Credits
This course teaches students to integrate information from clinical interviews, behavioral observations, and test results to establish DSM-V diagnoses and to develop person-centered biopsychosocial counseling plans. Major categories of psychotropic medications will be discussed.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in EDC 597.
Offered: every fall.
EDC 599 Independent Study 1-3 Credits
Study and work with a faculty supervisor. Project to be determined by faculty agreement. Independent studies require an application and approval by the associate dean.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor, department chair, & associate dean.
Offered: occasionally.
EDC 600 Clinical Mental Health Internship Full time 6 Credits
The second of two field experiences, this is a full-time placement within a community mental health facility. The student has to an opportunity to engage in diagnosis, treatment planning and intervention.
Prerequisite: minimum grade of B in EDC 577, and a minimum grade of C- in EDC 597 and EDC 598.
Offered: every fall, spring, & summer.
EDC 601 Clinical Mental Health Internship Part Time I 3 Credits
The second of two field experiences, this is the first of a two semester placement within a community mental health facility. The student has an opportunity to engage in diagnosis, treatment planning and intervention. Must be followed by EDC 602.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in EDC 577; Minimum grade of C- in EDC 597 and EDC 598.
Offered: every fall, spring, & summer.
EDC 602 Clinical Mental Health Internship Part Time II 3 Credits
This is the continuation of EDC 601 and is an in-depth experience with the functions of a mental health counselor through placement in a community mental health agency.
Prerequisite: EDC 577 and Minimum grade of C- in EDC 597 and EDC 598.
Offered: every fall, spring, & summer.
EDC 604 School Counseling Internship K-8 3 Credits
EDC 604 is a school counseling internship completed in a K-8 setting. The student has an opportunity to engage in counseling, guidance and other functions of a school counselor.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in EDC 576 and minimum grade of C- in EDC 597.
Offered: every fall & spring.
EDC 605 School Counseling Internship High School 3 Credits
EDC 605 is an in-depth experience with the functions of a school counselor through placement in a high school educational setting.
Offered: every fall & spring.
EDC 615 Research Techniques 3 Credits
Students learn qualitative and quantitative research methods. The course reviews realistic experiences in carrying out research and evaluation experiments, including inferential statistical methods.
Offered: every fall & spring.
