Counseling
Minor
About this program
The Minor in Counseling introduces students to the principles of counseling and its role in various fields. It explores psychological foundations, decision-making and essential communication skills. Students learn how people make choices, how cultural backgrounds shape perspectives and how to apply basic counseling techniques. This minor is helpful for students to develop self-awareness, interpersonal skills and a deeper understanding of human behavior in diverse settings.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
The minor offers four areas of study for all students:
The Field of Counseling. Students are introduced to the counseling profession through an overview of role and functions in career, college, marriage, family and child, mental health, and rehabilitation settings; historical perspective; professional identification; ethical considerations; and self-awareness.
Psychological Understandings. Students receive a general introduction to the field of counseling and psychological dynamics.
Decision Making. Students examine how individuals make choices and how decisions are made through self-assessment and evaluation by others. The study includes ethnic and cultural differences in the decision-making process.
Skills Training. The development of basic skills which include attending, responding, interpretation, and decision making. The training includes practicum experience in interviewing skills.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Understand self and others including intrapersonal factors such as skills, values, motivations as individuals and as community members, members and how these factors influence goal behaviors, goals and decision making regarding career choice, academic pursuits, health and wellness and interpersonal relationships.
- Recognize cultural and contextual influences on intrapersonal psychological and physical development and interpersonal relationships in families, communities, and society.
- Comprehend psychosocial perspectives on attitudes, knowledge, and insights essential to effective multicultural relationships and the examination of culture as it relates but is not limited to ethnicity, gender, physical and learning abilities, race, sexual orientation, age, and class.
- Develop and apply professional interpersonal expertise such as listening skills, interviewing skills, peer advising, and leadership in multiple fields of study.