Requirements for the Master of Science (M.S.) degree with dual emphases in Marriage and Family Therapy and Community Counseling

CNL 7013 - Statistics and Research (three credit hours)
Basic research approaches to solving applied problems, with emphasis on gaining a broad understanding of the research process. The course provides an introduction to statistics as well as an opportunity to critique research in an area of study.

CNL 7023 - Human Development (three credit hours)
An overview of theories of physical, cognitive, spiritual, and social/emotional development and processes throughout the life span. Theoretical and practical instruction is designed for application of developmental research and theory to educational and related settings.

CNL 7033 - Social and Cultural Foundations (three credit hours)
Study of social, cultural, ethnic, and gender issues related to families, schools, and communities. The impact of special issues (e.g., sexism, gender roles, ethnicity, race, differing lifestyles, discrimination, socioeconomic status, and social and multi-cultural trends) on individual family members, the family as a whole, and organizations such as the school and the church are examined.

CNL 7113 - Principles of Family Therapy (three credit hours)
An overview of the major theories and their therapeutic implications. Focus is on treatment of problems within a systems framework. Students are given a comprehensive survey of the major models of systemic change that includes but is not limited to the following: structural, strategic, Bowenian, Experiential, Solution- Focused, Systemic, and Post-Modern.

CNL 7133 - Theories and Techniques of Counseling (three credit hours)
Overview of major counseling theories and techniques and a review of historical foundations of mental health care. Social, psychological, and philosophical influences and ethical issues associated with the counseling professions are considered.

CNL 7613 - Family of Origin (three credit hours)
An explanation of the theoretical bases of family of origin work. Exploration of the student's own family history and family patterns across generations is included. Review of the basic concepts and therapeutic techniques used in family of origin education and counseling.

CNL 7623 - Family Systems (Three credit hours)
A study of the conceptual and philosophical contrast between systems theory and linear psychological theoretical frameworks. General systems theory, cybernetics, constructivism, and a family system framework are explored. The primary focus is the understanding and development of a family systems conceptual framework.

CNL 7633 - Principles of Marital Therapy (three credit hours)
A study of the major theories and principles of marital therapy, focusing on the systemic and brief models of marital therapy. Assessment techniques, intervention strategies, and treatment planning are examined.
Prerequisites: CNL 7113

CNL 7643 - Family Sexuality (Three credit hours)
Examines development of sexuality in the context of the family system including cultural, psychological, biological and spiritual factors. Special attention is paid to the issues of gender, sexual functioning and sexual dysfunction from a family system perspective.

CNL 8023 - Advanced Psychopathology (three credit hours)
A study of the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior and personality. The student develops a working knowledge of the diagnostic categories in the DSM-IV and gains an understanding of the application to clinical practice. Emphasizes normal personality and development of positive mental health in schools, community, and families.

CNL 8033 - Christian Foundations in Counseling (Three credit hours)
Understanding of Christian values and perspectives by examination of basic elements of the Christian faith. Through the study of the literature and theology of the Christian scriptures, candidates explore relationships among Christian faith, values, and practice, pertaining to the field of counseling.

CNL 8043 - Relationship Assessment (Three credit hours)
An examination of various relationship assessment instruments and their role in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of couples and families. Assessment of premarital, marital, parenting, and family systems is considered. Participants are trained in the administration and clinical application of standardized inventories. Students also examine how their theoretical orientation forms their assessment methodology.

CNL 8123 - Advanced Family Therapy (Three credit hours)
Exploration of the latest developments in family therapy with an emphasis on intervention strategies and innovative techniques. Examination and application of common family problems such as depression, parent-child problems, sub-systems dysfunction, and marital dysfunction as applied to treatment strategies and plans. The student is expected to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in the practice of family therapy.
Prerequisites: CNL 7113 and 7633

CNL 8133 - Advanced Psychopharmacology (Three credit hours)
A basic introduction to psychopharmacology for non-medical counselors. General principles underlying the use of psychoactive medications to treat the major classes of mental illness are covered, with emphasis on practical aspects of pharmacology, including drug selection, dosage, side effects, and toxicity. Basic principles of neuropharmacology are also discussed. The goal is to equip counselors to better understand psychopharmacology and to interact with medical personnel who prescribe psychotherapeutic medications.

CNL 8433 - Professional Development and Ethics (three credit hours)
Insights into professional roles and functions. Areas of emphasis include professional socialization and the role of professional organizations, licensure and certification, legal responsibilities and liabilities of clinical practice and research, family law, confidentiality issues, marital and family Code of Ethics, and interprofessional cooperation. The content of the course is specific to the practice of marital and family counseling.

CNL 8613 Promoting Change Through Brief Therapy (three credit hours)
A study of time-limited approaches to helping people change in various clinical settings with special emphasis on the Mental Research Institute (MRI), the Solution- Focused and the integrative Solution-Based Brief Therapy models. Content includes a historical and theoretical analysis as well as a review of the research and application to individual, marital, family, and group counseling.

CNL 8701 Pre-Practicum Laboratory (one credit hour)
An orentation to the requirements of practicum/internships. Students practice basic counseling skills, case management skills, and review the ethical considerations required of practicing counselors. Upon demonstration of a satisfactory working knowledge in each of these areas, the supervising faculty will grant approval for the student to enroll in Practicum. Prerequisites: same as those for Practicum I in the student's chosen track

CNL 8773, 8783 - Practicum I, II: Marriage and Family Therapy (Each course, three credit hours)
Supervised and practical experience in counseling.
Prerequisite for 8773: CNL 7613 and 8123 and recommendation by the Department of Counseling Faculty.
Prerequisite for 8783: CNL 8433 and 8773

CNL 8873, 8883, 8893 - Internship I, II, and III (Each course, three credit hours)
Supervised experience designed to develop competencies necessary for counseling. Prerequisites for 8873: CNL 8763 or 8783, and recommendation by the Department of Counseling Faculty.
Prerequisite for 8883: CNL 8873.
Prerequisite for 8893: CNL 8883

CNL 7123 - Group Theory (three credit hours)
An introduction to group theory and processes in counseling and guidance. Interaction patterns and dynamics within small groups are considered. Focused on the understanding of individual and group behavior, the course involves didactic and experiential learning in group theory and practice. Students participate in a group to develop self-awareness, acceptance, and effective interpersonal skills.
Prerequisite: CNL 7133

CNL 7313 - Career Development Information and Vocational Education (three credit hours)
An examination of career development theories, the research supporting the theories and the practical application of these ideas in career counseling. Course work includes information about the development of an educational-occupational library, the classification of the world of work, and the use of occupational data in career counseling and development across the lifespan.