Graduate Bulletin-College of Education

Direct Counseling Psychology inquiries to: Dr. James A. Bolden, Coordinator, Counseling Psychology Program, (215) 204-7331, 273 Weiss Hall, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122.

General Statement

The American Psychological Association-approved program in Counseling Psychology offers graduate work leading to the Master of Education degree (Ed.M.) in elementary school counseling, secondary school counseling, and community rehabilitation counseling and the Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) in counseling psychology. The program also offers a specialized component of the Supervisor of Guidance Services Certificate under the College of Education's Supervisory Certification Program. These programs of study are designed to prepare students to counsel and conduct research in a variety of areas. While a wide spectrum of experience is provided, students will be able to specialize in a particular area of interest. Students interested in certification for elementary or secondary school counseling should plan their programs to satisfy the requirements of the state in which they plan to work. The certification requirements can ordinarily be met as part of the programs leading to the master or doctoral degree.

Application Deadlines

Applications and supporting materials for admission are considered only once each year and should be received by February 1 for admission into the fall semester.

Financial Aid

The Department offers a number of teaching and graduate assistantships.

Master of Education

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree that includes courses in general or educational psychology, and personality or human development, scores from the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), and transcripts of all college credits (including Temple University). Supplemental materials and an interview are also required.

Degree Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 60 credits of course work and a written comprehensive examination.

Doctor of Philosophy

Admission Requirements

Master's degree, transcripts of all college credits (including Temple University), scores from the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the GRE subject test in psychology, an interview, and three letters of recommendation are required. Supplemental materials are also required; contact the department for more information.

Degree Requirements

Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 90 credits of course work (30 from a master's program), a written comprehensive examination, a dissertation, a final oral examination, and a residency.

Course Descriptions -Counseling Psychology

492. Counseling Skills for Professional Helpers. (3 s.h.)

For students possessing counseling skills and currently employed as professional helpers, regardless of setting. Focus on didactic and experimental work to facilitate client's efforts to change his/her behavior. Issues dealt with include counselor style resistance, change strategies, and evaluating effectiveness.

511. Counseling in the Elementary School. (3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

First course for those concentrating in elementary school counseling. The nature, techniques, and problems of elementary school counseling are explored.

521. Group Counseling. (3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

An exploration of the functions of group counseling in meeting client needs. Emphasis on theory and principles of group process and on the development of group skills by participation in a group counseling situation. Attention to the practice of effective group leadership skills.

525. Multi-Cultural Counseling. (3 s.h.)

Survey course exploring racism, sexism, ageism and the cultural conditions that affect development of counseling relationships. Small group activities used to help students explore prejudices and attitudes towards culturally different groups.

565. Counseling in Urban Schools and Agencies. (3 s.h.)

Survey course dealing with history, philosophy, principles, and objectives of counseling in public and voluntary agencies and a consideration of the counselor's professional functions.

589. Introduction to Marital and Family Counseling. (3 s.h.)

An introductory course on theoretical and therapeutic components of major schools of thought within marital and family therapy using videotapes, training films, guest lecturers, simulations, and observation of family sessions to explore specific therapeutic behaviors which differentiate schools of thought. Focusing on perceptual, conceptual, and clinical skills of family therapists provides a foundation for future training in this area.

590. Legal and Ethical Issues in Adult Counseling and Psychotherapy. (3 s.h.)

To familiarize students and mental health professionals with the history and development of professional ethics and standards and their legal implications in the areas of counseling and psychotherapy. Topics include: privileged communication, confidentiality, rights of the client and agency, civil commitment, and licensure and mental health laws.

591. Introduction to Counseling. (3 s.h.)

A lecture-laboratory course focusing on the nature, history, philosophy, techniques, and problems of counseling.

592. Interviewing Techniques. (3 s.h.)

For students not majoring in counseling. The theory and techniques of interviewing especially as they apply to problems of educational, vocational, personal and social counseling, rehabilitation, and employment.

593. Career Counseling and Development. (3 s.h.)

Theories, strategies and techniques of career counseling are described and illustrated. Research and theories in career development and decision making are explored and related to lives of workers. Instruction is given in the work personality, history and future of work, and needs of special populations.

668. Seminar in Counseling and Developmental Psychology. (3 s.h.)

Theoretical approaches to consultation work in public schools, industry, and community agencies are explored. Practical skills required to implement such approaches are identified. Problems emanating from the consultation process are examined, as are implications for practice.

669. Supervised Field Work in Counseling. (3-12 s.h.)

Prerequisites: a total of 24 credits in counseling and permission of the instructor.

First-hand experience in doing the work of the counselor through placement in one or more appropriate settings.

670. Advanced Counseling Techniques. (3 s.h.)

Provides counseling training experience that improves counseling skills and processes, while developing documentation and report writing skills.

690. Theories in Counseling. (3 s.h.)

The function and essential elements of counseling theories and an examination of the student's philosophical beliefs as they apply to counseling.

691. Current Issues in Counseling. (3 s.h.)

Main topics are current research and practice in the areas of trauma, particularly focusing on physical or sexual abuse, and substance abuse. Other current issues are discussed and issues vary each semester.

694. Individual Assessment. (3 s.h.)

Training of students in interpretation and use of various methods of assessment and diagnosis in schools and agencies. Lectures and laboratory procedures are employed to integrate theory and practice.

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