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The School Counseling program is a CACREP approved 48 semester-hour program that leads to licensure in the state of Ohio as a school counselor. In addition to the program, candidates for school counseling licenses must be certified teachers with at least two years of successful teaching experience OR complete an entry year experience.

Below are the school counseling course requirements with some brief descriptions.

Download the recommended course sequence for FULL-TIME Enrollment

Download the recommended course sequence for PART-TIME Enrollment

CNS 620 LAB IN COUNSELING SKILLS (3 SEMESTER CREDITS):
PREREQUISITE IS ADMISSION TO COUNSELING PROGRAM AS DEGREE SEEKING. This is the first course that is taken in the agency and school counseling programs. It is the final screening before full admission to the program. The course provides a focus on skill development and establishing a trusting relationship. Students conduct actual counseling sessions and engage in role-plays. The course is graded "pass-fail."

CNS 604 CULTURAL AND SOCIAL FOUNDATIONS IN COUNSELING (2 SEMESTER CREDITS):
NO PREREQUISITES.
This course focuses on multicultural issues in counseling, substance use, abuse, dependence, and gives an overview of topics related to race/ethnicity, gender, age, socio-economic-status, sexual orientation, ability/disability, and spiritual tradition.

CNS 611 INTRODUCTION TO APPRAISAL IN COUNSELING (2 SEMESTER CREDITS):
NO PREREQUISITES.
This course introduces counseling students to appraisal including psychological and educational testing. The basic elements of test construction, reliability, and validity are covered. In addition, students review major appraisal instruments in the field and examine case studies. From this course the student either takes 701 or the more advanced course 703.

CNS 617 ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES IN COUNSELING (3 SEMESTER CREDITS):
NO PREREQUISITES.
Introduction to ethical standards in the profession and to relevant research on the ethical behavior of counselors in mental health and school settings. Includes examination of documents and legal decisions relevant to confidentiality, testing, supervision, and research.

CNS 622 INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING: THEORY AND PROCESS (3 SEMESTER CREDITS):
PREREQUISITE ADMISSION TO COUNSELING PROGRAM AS DEGREE SEEKING OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR .
This course offers an overview of the stages of the counseling process and major theories of counseling. The focus is on evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the theories and building counseling skills through class exercises and role-plays.

CNS 623 GROUP PROCESS AND PRACTICE (3 SEMESTER CREDITS): PREREQUISITES CNS 620 AND 622.
This course presents an overview of group dynamics, leadership and procedures as they relate to school and agency settings. It combines didactic and experiential elements. Students are asked to participate in small personal growth groups.

CNS 624 CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND INFORMATION SERVICES (3 SEMESTER CREDITS):
NO PREREQUISITES.
This course offers an intensive study of the psychological and social factors in career development, as well as major theories of career development and how they influence the use of career and educational information in schools and agencies.

CNS 670 COUNSELING CHILDREN (3 SEMESTER CREDITS):
PREREQUISITES CNS 622 OR EQUIVALENT

CNS 678 FOUNDATIONS OF SCHOOL COUNSELING (3 SEMESTER CREDITS) PREREQUISITES ADMISSION TO COUNSELING PROGRAM.
Survey of history, philosophy, and current trends in school counseling. Role, function and identity of school counselor.

CNS 679 TECHNIQUES IN SCHOOL COUNSELING (3 semester credits): PREREQUISITES CNS 678
This course focuses on the techniques used in school counseling settings.

CNS 680 COUNSELING PRACTICUM (3 semester hours):
PREREQUISITES CNS 620, 622, 623, 624, 617.
This is the first field based experience for school and agency counseling students where they provide counseling services in group and individual formats under the supervision of a licensed/certified professional. Students must apply for practicum the semester before they wish to take it. Dr. Kim Mason is the practicum coordinator. She can be reached at kim.mason@csuohio.edu.

CNS 706 PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND DIAGNOSIS FOR COUNSELORS (3 SEMESTER CREDITS):
PREREQUISITES CNS 622 OR EQUIVALENT OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
This course provides an overview of the categories of mental and emotional disorders afflicting children and adults as cataloged in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association. The cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects of psychopathology are examined as well as the research evidence for theories of etiology. Students practice assessment of mental status and work with case studies to make diagnoses and recommendations for treatment.

EDB 601 EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH (3 SEMESTER CREDITS):
An introduction to qualitative and quantitative methods used in educational research. The emphasis is on understanding, interpreting, and critiquing research studies. The role of socio-cultural context in research is considered. The course includes a technology strand where students are introduced to computer technologies useful in research.

ETE 501 TECHNOLOGY STRAND (Two semester credits): Must be taken with EDB 601

ALD 603 LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT (3 SEMESTER CREDITS): Basic introduction to human growth and development.

CNS 685 SCHOOL COUNSELING INTERNSHIP (TWO SEMESTERS): PREREQUISITES CNS 604, CNS 678, CNS 679, CNS 680, CNS 706.