California State University, Fresno
General Catalog
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Counseling - Degrees



You are in the official 1998-99 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.



Department of Counseling
and Special Education


Credential Program Requirements

The Department of Counseling and Special Education offers programs leading to credentials in the fields of counseling and special education. Credential programs include: Counseling: Pupil Personnel Services Credential; Special Education: Special Education Specialist Credential with an emphasis in Learning Handicapped or Severely Handicapped.




Application Deadlines

University Admission. University deadlines for graduate admission applications normally are set during the semester prior to anticipated program enrollment. (Deadlines occur during April or May for fall enrollment and October or November for spring enrollment.) The university may extend admission deadlines if anticipated enrollment targets are not met. For specific deadlines, applicants need to check with the Admissions Office, Joyal Administration Public Contact Window, or call 278-6283.

SOEHD Admission. All SOEHD admission materials required for full admission (Classified Standing) are to be submitted to the graduate technician in the Student Services Office, ED 100, no later than 30 days following the deadline for university admission. Students submitting all application material within these timelines will receive priority consideration for admission. For SOEHD admission deadlines, contact the Student Services Office, ED 100, or call (559) 278-0300.


Counseling

Pupil Personnel Services Credential -- School Counseling. The Pupil Personnel Services Credential is required to function as a counselor in a public school setting, grades K-12.

Admission Requirements. Applicants for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential must complete the admissions packet as specified in the General Admission Requirements in the Education -- Graduate Program section. In addition to these requirements, applicants must:

  1. Include with the admissions packet verification of completion of a counselor education program orientation. In addition, include:
    a. evidence of having passed the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
    b. a current medical clearance
    c. a valid Certificate of Clearance to participate in public school field placement activities
  2. Complete prerequisite coursework: COUN 174 (Introduction to Counseling) or equivalent.
  3. Receive approval through a review by a program faculty committee. Following receipt of the completed packet and the review by program faculty, applicants will receive written notification regarding admission status.

Program Requirements. Candidates for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential who have been approved by the Program Faculty Review Committee for admission to the program and who want to be recommended for the credential must meet the following program requirements:

  1. Complete COUN 150, 200, 201, 202, 203, 206, 220, 240, 241, 242, 249A, 249B.
  2. Complete practicum and field practice with a grade of B or better.
  3. Pass the competency exit review.

Note: Students may not enroll in 200-level courses until their application has been approved by the Program Faculty Review Committee and they have been admitted to the credential program.

Pupil Personnel Services Credential -- School Psychology. See Psychology Department.


Special Education

Note: The Special Education Program will undergo significant program changes that will take effect with the 1998-99 academic year. Consult your adviser or the department for further details.

Special Education Specialist Credential. The Special Education Credential Program offers preparation for teaching in areas of learning handicapped and severely handicapped.

All individuals making application for a Special Education Specialist Credential are also required to concurrently make application for the Master of Arts degree in Special Education.

Admission Requirements. Applicants for a Special Education Specialist Credential must meet the following requirements for admission to the program:

  1. Complete application for postbaccalaureate standing at California State University, Fresno.
  2. Complete application for admission to a School of Education and Human Development graduate program.
  3. Possess an undergraduate GPA that falls within the upper 50 percent of undergraduate students in the candidate's discipline on the campus. Students who have completed postbaccalaureate work must possess a minimum GPA of 3.0 on these units.
  4. Complete a statement of purpose.
  5. Obtain three letters of recommendation.
  6. Complete prerequisites including SPED 160 and 173.
  7. Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) -- General Test or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) and submit appropriate scores.
  8. Provide evidence of having passed the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
  9. Receive approval through a review by a program faculty committee.

Program Requirements. Candidates for the Special Education Specialist Credential who have been admitted to the program and who want to be recommended for authorization must meet the following requirements:

  1. Complete a basic teaching credential.
  2. Receive permission of the special education faculty prior to enrollment in 200-level courses.
  3. ERF 153 must be completed during the first year of 200-level coursework.
  4. Complete required courses for the desired area of specialization: (a) Learning Handicapped (learning disabled, behaviorally disturbed, and educable mentally retarded): SPED 201, 202, 211, 213, 214, 215, 218, and COUN 240 or SPED 219 and (b) Severely Handicapped (severely mentally retarded, severely emotionally disturbed or autistic, and multiple handicapped): SPED 201, 202, 213, 214, 220, 221, 228, and COUN 240 or SPED 219.
  5. Complete practicum and fieldwork with a grade of B or better.
  6. Pass the competency exit review.




Notes

  1. Individuals must possess a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 prior to enrollment in SPED 218 or 228.
  2. Individuals wishing to enroll in fieldwork or supervision courses -- SPED 160F, 190, 218, 228, 290, 298 -- must contact and receive permission from the coordinator of special education the semester prior to enrolling in the course.


Certificate in Serious Emotional Disturbance.
A Certificate in Serious Emotional Disturbance is an addition to the Learning Handicapped Credential which allows teachers to instruct individuals with serious emotional disturbance. This certificate is recommended by the university and authorized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Those recommended for authorization must meet the following criteria:

  1. Possess a valid California Learning Handicapped Credential.
  2. Complete the following courses: (a.) SPED 205 - Nature and Needs of Individuals with Serious Emotional Disturbance/Behavior Disorders. (b.) SPED 217 - Advanced Instruction of Individuals with Serious Emotional Disturbance/Behavior Disorders. (c.) SPED 238 - Practicum in Serious Emotional Disturbance/Behavior Disorders.


Special Education Specialist Internship Credential. The Special Education Specialist Internship Credential Program provides coursework and field experiences leading to either the Learning Handicapped Specialist or Severely Handicapped Specialist credential. This unique internship program provides an opportunity for the student to be employed as a special education teacher in a cooperating school district while completing the desired Special Education credential. To be accepted into the two-year Special Education Specialist Internship Credential Program, students must:

  1. hold a preliminary credential either in multiple or single subjects
  2. be admitted to the Special Education Specialist Internship Credential Program by meeting all admission requirements for the Special Education Program (see Admission Requirements
  3. be employed as a special education teacher under a special internship contract with the School of Education and Human Development and the employing school district

Multiple Subject, Teachers in Inclusive Educational Settings (TIES) Block. The TIES block is designed to prepare pre-service multiple-subject and special education teachers to work collaboratively in serving the needs of an increasingly diverse student body. Students selecting this block register for courses taught on-site at elementary schools in the Fresno area. Fieldwork participation is extensive. This three-semester program is for a Multiple Subject Credential. Additionally, 12 units apply to the advanced special education credential.


Program Requirements

  1. Subject Matter Competency. Demonstrate subject matter competence through completion of the Liberal Studies Waiver Program or pass the NTE/MSAT and receive faculty certification of competence.
  2. Professional Preparation

    ERF 153 (3 units)
    ERF 130 (3 units)
    CTET 150 (3 units)
    SPED 160 (3 units)
    SPED 173 (3 units)
    LEE 156M (3 units)
    CTET 125 (3 units)
    CTET 121 (3 units)
    EHD 110 (3 units)
    ERF 140 (3 units)
    SPED 201 (3 units)
    SPED 214 (3 units)
    EHD 160C (12 units)
    Total (47 units)
  3. Completion of a bachelor's degree. California law requires a bachelor's degree in a subject area other than professional education.
  4. Special Education Credential Candidates must meet the admission requirements and graduate requirements specified under the heading: Special Education Specialist Credential described in the Counseling and Special Education department listings.



Graduate Programs

The Department of Counseling and Special Education offers programs leading to a Master of Arts degree in Education with an option in counseling and student services; a Master of Science degree in Counseling with an option in marriage, family and child counseling; a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling; and a Master of Arts degree in Special Education.

Candidates who qualify for a preliminary teaching credential with completion of a bachelor's degree program may, with prior approval, use a master's degree program to satisfy the fifth-year requirements for a clear teaching credential.


Application Deadlines

University Admission. University deadlines for graduate admission applications normally are set during the semester prior to anticipated program enrollment. (Deadlines occur during April or May for fall enrollment and October or November for spring enrollment.) The university may extend admission deadlines if anticipated enrollment targets are not met. For specific deadlines, applicants need to check with the Admissions Office, Joyal Administration Public Contact Window, or call (559) 278-6283.

SOEHD Admission.
All SOEHD admission materials required for full admission (Classified Standing) are to be submitted to the graduate technician in the Student Services Office, ED 100, no later than 30 days following the deadline for university admission. Students submitting all application material within these timelines will receive priority consideration for admission. For SOEHD admission deadlines, contact the Student Services Office, ED 100, or call (559) 278-0300.



Master of Arts Degree in Education

Counseling and Student Services

The Master of Arts degree in Education with an option in counseling and student services is designed for individuals seeking advanced preparation for careers within educational settings.

Admission Requirements for Classified Standing. See General Admission Requirements in the Education -- Graduate Program section in this catalog.

Admission Requirements. Applicants for admission to the Master of Arts degree in Education with an option in counseling and student services must complete the admissions packet as specified in the General Admission Requirements in the Education -- Graduate Program section. In addition to these requirements, applicants must:

  1. Include with the admissions packet verification of completion of a counselor education program orientation.
  2. Complete prerequisite coursework: COUN 174 (Introduction to Counseling) or equivalent. Applicants without an appropriate background may be asked to complete COUN 176 (Counseling and Mental Health) as an additional prerequisite.
  3. Receive approval through a review by a program faculty committee. Following receipt of the completed packet and review by program faculty, applicants will receive written notification regarding admission status.

Note: Students may not enroll in 200-level courses until their application has been approved by the review committee and they are admitted to classified standing (fully admitted to the program).

Core requirements (27 units)
ERF 220, 285 or 288; COUN 298 or 299 (10 units)
COUN 200, 203, 208, 220, 249A or 249B or 249C (17 units)

Electives (3 units)
COUN 150, 180T, 201, 202, 240, 241, 242, 280T, 290; ERF 289; or other approved electives

Total (30 units)

Note: Practicum and field practice must be completed with a grade of B or better.



Master of Science Degree in Counseling
Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling

The Master of Science in Counseling is a 60-unit professional degree program designed for persons who desire to practice in the field of counseling. An option is available in marriage, family and child counseling. Persons completing this degree may qualify to work in agencies, community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, marriage and family counseling, and related areas. Completion of the M.S. in Counseling with an option in marriage, family and child counseling fulfills the educational requirements for the state of California Marriage, Family and Child Counselor License if students take an elective upper-division or graduate-level course (at least 1 unit) in substance abuse and obtain at least 7 clock hours of training through either a university course or a noncredit professional development workshop (with appropriate verification of attendance) in child abuse assessment and reporting. Students seeking licensure should contact the coordinator of counselor education for information regarding licensing. This degree program is designed to meet the requirements of Division 2, Chapter 13, §4980.37 of the California Business and Professions Code.

In 1995 the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) conferred accreditation to the MFCC option in counseling in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy. CACREP is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation. Since this program is CACREP accredited, MFCC students are qualified to take the National Certified Counselor Exam upon graduation.

Admission Requirements. Applicants for admission to the Master of Science degree in Counseling with an option in marriage, family, and child counseling must complete the admissions packet as specified in the General Admission Requirements in the Education - Graduate Programs section. In addition to these requirements, applicants must:

  1. Include with the admissions packet verification of completion of a counselor education program orientation.
  2. Complete prerequisite coursework: COUN 174 (Introduction to Counseling) and ERF 153 (Educational Statistics) or equivalent. Based on prior coursework and experience, some applicants may be asked to complete COUN 176 (Counseling and Mental Health) as an additional prerequisite.
  3. Receive approval through a review by program faculty committee. Following receipt of the completed packet and the review by program faculty, applicants will receive written notification regarding admission status.


Note: Students may not enroll in 200-level courses until their application has been approved by the review committee and they are admitted to classified standing (fully admitted to the program).

Course Requirements. Under the direction of a graduate adviser, each student develops and submits an individually designed program within the following framework:

Core requirements (29 units)
ERF 220, COUN 298 or 299 (7 units)
COUN 200, 201, 202, 203, 206, 207, 208 (22 units)

Option (22 units)
Marriage, Family and Child Counseling
COUN 211, 220, 230, 231, 238, 239 (6 units)

Electives (9 units)
Approved by adviser

Total (60 units)

Note: Practicum and field practice must be completed with a grade of B or better.





Criminal Justice Counseling Specialist Certificate of Advanced Study. Individuals who are fully classified and advanced to candidacy in (or graduates of) the M.S. in Counseling program (MFCC option) may elect to take courses leading to the Criminal Justice Counseling Specialist Certificate of Advanced Study. The certificate program is cosponsored by the Department of Counseling and Special Education and the Department of Criminology. It is designed to enhance professional skills for counseling service within the criminal justice system. In addition to coursework required for the M.S. in Counseling, students seeking the Criminal Justice Counseling Specialist Certificate of Advanced Study are required to take a total of 16 units in Criminology (in addition to prerequisite Crim 100 or equivalent), 6 of which may be used as electives in the M.S. in Counseling (MFCC option) program. The Certificate courses: Crim 130, 153, 201, 203, and 281. M.S. in Criminology students seeking the certificate are required to take an equivalent number of counseling courses.


Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling

The Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling assumes undergraduate preparation in psychology or counseling or a closely related area. A baccalaureate degree in an unrelated area is acceptable provided the student has a working knowledge of the behavioral sciences. The degree requires 60 units of credit and is designed to cover two years of full-time coursework, including a full semester of internship. The program provides a combination of classroom and practical field experiences, which integrates theory and practice of rehabilitation counseling in a rehabilitation setting. The curriculum has flexibility to meet varying student needs.

The graduate program in rehabilitation counseling is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). Students are eligible to take the exam to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) during the last semester of study.

Admission Requirements for Classified Standing. See General Admission Requirements in the Education -- Graduate Program section of this catalog.

Admission Deadlines. Students seeking classified standing (full admission) for summer or fall enrollment must complete all admission requirements by April 1. Students seeking classified stand ing for spring must complete all admission requirements by November 1.

Admission Requirements. Applicants for admission to the Master of Science degree in Rehabilita tion Counseling must complete the admission packet as specified in the General Admission Requirements in the Education -- Graduate Program section. In addition to these requirements, applicants must:

  1. Include with the admissions packet verification of completion of a counselor education program orientation.
  2. Complete COUN 250 and 251 with a grade of B or better in each class.
  3. Receive approval through a review by a program faculty committee. Following receipt of the completed packet and review by program faculty, applicants will receive written notification regarding admission status.

Note: Students may not complete more than 10 units of 200-level coursework before obtaining classified standing (full admission to the program).

Program Prerequisites. ERF 153 (Educational Statistics), Psych 154 (Personality) or 250T (Seminar in Personality) or COUN 174 (Introduction to Counseling), and Psych 166 (Abnormal Psychology) or COUN 176 (Counseling and Mental Health) or their equivalents. Program prerequisites may not be counted toward the Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.

Course Requirements. Under the direction of the graduate adviser, each student prepares and submits an individually designed program within the following framework:

Core requirements (38 units)
COUN 250, 251, 252, 253, 257, 258, 260, 261, 269

Courses in supporting curriculum (12 units)
Research methods: ERF 220 (3 units)
Individual and group counseling skills: COUN 200, 202 (6 units)
Assessment: COUN 203 (3 units)

Electives (10 units)
Approved by adviser

Total (60 units)

The student must demonstrate proficiency by the satisfactory completion of a comprehensive examination, in addition to fulfillment of all other specified degree requirements. A thesis/project may be substituted for the comprehensive examination.


Master of Arts Degree in Special Education

Note: The Special Education Program will undergo significant program changes that will take effect with the 1998-99 academic year. Consult your adviser or the department for further details.

The Master of Arts degree program in Special Education offers specializations in learning handicapped and severely handicapped for those interested in professional work with exceptional individuals.

Admission Requirements for Classified Standing. See General Admission Requirements in the Education -- Graduate Program section in this catalog. Students seeking admission to the Master of Arts degree program in Special Education must possess an undergraduate GPA that falls within the upper 50 percent of undergraduate students in the candidate's discipline on the campus. Students who have completed postbaccalaureate work must possess a minimum GPA of 3.0 on these units.

Program Prerequisites. SPED 160, 173; statement of purpose; interview with program coordinator; faculty review.

Note: Students must complete ERF 153 during the first year of 200-level coursework.

Core requirements (19 units)
ERF 220 and SPED 298 or 299 (7 units)
Twelve units from: SPED 201, 202, 213, 214; COUN 240 or SPED 219 (12 units)

Area of specialization (11 units)
Learning Handicapped: SPED 211, 215, 218
Severely Handicapped: SPED 220, 221, 228

Total (30 units)

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