Counselor Education Program Objectives

1. Prepare candidates to be counselors that are dedicated to the enhancement of human development throughout the life span.
2. Guide candidates to become reflective practitioners who are competent, caring, culturally-responsive and committed as leaders in the counseling field in promoting educational justice for all.
3. Provide candidates with an education that challenges their intellect and prepares them to assume productive leadership roles in a variety of counseling settings (i.e., schools¬ public, private, community mental health agencies - community service boards, social service agencies, corrections, group homes, hospitals, college/universities - academic affairs, student affairs, private industry, human resources, employee assistance programs, and career centers).
4. Provide dynamic academic programming and practical training that integrates instruction, research and public service with the intent of developing competent, ethically guided, empathic professional counselors.

In order to prepare effective counselors to work collaboratively and build partnerships interchangeably between schools, community agencies, and higher education settings, course work and related field experiences emphasize human growth and development; counseling theory and techniques for individuals and groups; career development with components in educational and occupational information; standardized testing in the areas of aptitude, interest, achievement, and career; professional rights and responsibilities; research and evaluation techniques; and social and cultural foundations.