Leroy G. Baruth, Chair and Professor
BaruthLG@appstate.edu

Catherine R. Clark, Program Director and Associate Professor
ClarkCR@appstate.edu

http://www.ced.appstate.edu/departments/hpc/

The Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling is responsible for organizing and providing instructional programs in counseling and other human development functions for public schools, colleges/universities, and various agencies.

The Department offers the Master of Arts in College Student Development (Major Code: 496*/13.1102), with concentrations in:
                        College Counseling (496B)           
                        College Outdoor Program Administration (496D)
                        Student Affairs Practice (496C)

In addition, the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling offers the Master of Arts in Community Counseling, the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, the Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling, and Graduate Certificates in Addiction Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapy. These programs are detailed under separate headings in this bulletin. A student proposing to major in any of the degree programs or to seek licensure through the Department must be fully admitted as degree seeking.

All courses are taught from a multicultural perspective, which emphasizes the differing experiences, cultures, histories, and perspectives of people from a variety of ethnic, gender, racial, and social class backgrounds.

The department also provides group methods, human relations, and other human development courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels for the Reich College of Education and the University. These courses are valuable for majors in other departments. The department offers a variety of summer institutes to enhance the learning of both graduate students and practitioners seeking continuing education opportunities in human service fields.

The College Student Development program is designed to prepare student development specialists to work in a variety of areas (residence life, career development, student activities, leadership, academic advising, etc.) within colleges and universities. Concentrations are available in College Counseling (496B), College Outdoor Program Administration (496D), and Student Affairs Practice (496C).

Students majoring in College Student Development will take the courses listed in this section. Students must select one of the following concentrations: College Counseling (496B), College Outdoor Program Administration (496D) or Student Affairs Practice (496C). In addition to the core and the required concentration courses, students will select, in cooperation with and approved by the student’s advisor and program committee, from a variety of elective courses which will help meet their individual career objectives. Each student should see her/his advisor prior to registering. All electives must be approved by each student’s program committee.

Accreditation: The master’s degree program in College Student Development (College Counseling concentration) is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body. Graduates are immediately eligible to take the examination of the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. to become National Certified Counselors. The program in College Student Development (Student Affairs Practice concentration) is designed to meet the curriculum guidelines of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS).

Master Of Arts Program Requirements/Options: The basic requirements for the program are listed below. In addition to the curriculum listed under each program, the following items apply:

• A first master’s degree in College Student Development (non-thesis option) requires completion of a minimum of 48 semester hours of approved courses.
• A thesis option requires a minimum of 38 semester hours of approved course work plus thesis hours (4 s.h.) = 42 s.h.
  
• A second master’s degree requires meeting all program course requirements with a minimum of 36 semester hours.
• Students in CACREP approved programs in the department must meet for a minimum of 10 clock hours in a planned group activity intended to provide direct experiences as a participant in a small group. This requirement is met during HPC 5790 and/or HPC 6720.
  
• On an individual basis, students may be required to receive professional counseling to aid them in their personal growth.
• The Handbook of Policies and Procedures available in the HPC office provides information on liability insurance, academic appeals, retention policy, personal endorsement policy, admissions policies, and placement services.
• Permission forms to take practica and internships are available in the HPC office and must be completed prior to registration.
• Applicants for programs in College Student Development are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and have an interview, which can be conducted by telephone if the applicant cannot visit campus.

PROGRAM OF STUDY FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS IN COLLEGE STUDENT DEVELOPMENT (Major Code: 496*/13.1102)

Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; complete application to the Cratis Williams Graduate School (http://www.graduate.appstate.edu), including resume, three letters of recommendation, official GRE general exam scores, and official transcripts from all colleges attended; a completed Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling questionnaire; an interview.

Basic Criteria for Unconditional Admission: GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work and official GRE scores from ETS. OR
Cumulative GPA or last 60 hours GPA below 3.0 but above 2.70, and official GRE Verbal plus Quantitative (or Analytical if available) score of 800. The GRE Writing test will be considered, but no minimum score has been established.

Location: On Campus

 

Other Requirements for the MA in College Student Development (all Concentrations):

Thesis: In exceptional circumstances and with approval of the Program Director, a student may elect to complete a thesis as part of the degree program. Please consult the Program Director for information regarding this option.
Proficiency: None required
Comprehensive: Required - Students should take the required courses (excluding the Internship) prior to taking the comprehensive exam.
Product of Learning: None required

Related Course Listings:

• Human Development and Psychological Counseling (HPC)
• Recreation Management (RM)