COUNSELING (COU) COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
5103 Introduction to School Counseling
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Orients students to UTSA’s Counseling Program, the school counseling profession, and the roles of professional school counselors. Investigates the legal and ethical aspects of school counseling. Examines planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive and developmental guidance and counseling program that includes students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members. Examines state and national counseling program models and required competencies.
5113 Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Explores philosophical precepts on which counseling interventions are based. Examines ethical and legal standards related to professional practice and the impact of personal values on the counseling process.
5203 Introduction to Community Counseling
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Provides an overview of the counseling profession. Explores ethical and diversity issues of school and community counselors. Provides an orientation to the counseling program, information about professional credentials, and job roles. Requires observational experience.
5213 Counseling Theories
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Major counseling theories and techniques are presented. Students investigate affective, behavioral, and cognitive psychotherapeutic strategies.
5223 Psychological Assessment for Counselors
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 5243.
Introduction to measurement theory, assessment strategies, and individual- and group-administered techniques, including standardized tests. Emphasis on analysis and interpretation of assessment results for treatment planning. Casework is required.
5233 Group Theory and Process
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: COU 5103 or COU 5203, and COU 5213.
A study of small group theory, research, and procedures. Explores group membership and leadership behavior. Participation in group counseling is required.
5243 Counseling Individuals with Behavioral and Emotional Disorders
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: COU 5103 or COU 5203, and COU 5213.
Counseling interventions with behavioral and emotional disorders; symptoms for psychoses, emotional disorders, and maladaptive behavior patterns.
5253 Child and Adolescent Counseling in a Systemic Context
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: COU 5103 or COU 5203, and COU 5213.
The emotional and behavioral experiences of childhood and adolescence are discussed within the context of school and family. Counseling strategies are presented. Requires casework.
5283 Counseling in a Multicultural Setting
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: COU 5103 or COU 5203, and COU 5213.
A study of major issues of cross-cultural counseling. The impact of diversity (within and between group differences) is examined.
5393 Development of Counseling Skills
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: COU 5103 or COU 5203, and COU 5213.
As the foundational course in the department’s sequence of experiential clinical courses, Development of Counseling Skills offers students the opportunity to master basic skills of professional counseling.
5613 Substance Abuse and Chemical Dependency Counseling
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Uses cognitive-behavioral and systems-based strategies for treatment and relapse prevention in substance abuse and chemical dependence. Examines dual diagnosis with other Axis I disorders and comorbidity with Axis II disorders. Introduction to the ICRC/AODA 12 core functions and global criteria for substance abuse counselors.
5673 Youth Mentoring Programs and Practices
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Examines natural and structured helping relationships between youth and older non-clinically trained persons. Topics include theory and research on mentoring in school and community settings; fostering and supervising nonprofessional helping relationships; establishing and evaluating programs; recruiting and training mentors; the role of age, sex, and culture in helping relationships. Fieldwork required.
5683 Practicum in Counseling
3 hours credit. Prerequisites: COU 5103 or COU 5203; and COU 5213, COU 5233, COU 5283, and COU 5393.
Students must submit an application, verifying prerequisite course completion, the semester before enrolling in Practicum in Counseling. As the second course in the department’s clinical training sequence, Practicum in Counseling provides students with an initial opportunity to transition knowledge and skills gained in prior coursework into professional practice settings.
5713 Community Counseling Internship I
3 hours credit. Prerequisites: COU 5223, COU 5243, COU 5683, and EDP 5033.
Students must submit an application, verifying prerequisite course completion, the semester before enrolling in Community Counseling Internship I. As the third course in the clinical training sequence, Internship I reflects the comprehensive work experience of a professional counselor in community settings. Students are expected to continue demonstration of skills acquired during the Practicum in Counseling.
5723 Community Counseling Internship II
3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 5713.
Students must submit an application, verifying prerequisite course completion, the semester before enrolling in Community Counseling Internship II. Internship II is the final course of the clinical training sequence. Extensive supervised fieldwork in a UTSA-approved community counseling setting. This course is part of a sequential learning experience intended to expand upon the skills and knowledge gained in Internship I.
5793 School Counseling Internship I
3 hours credit. Prerequisites: COU 5253 and COU 5683.
Students must submit an application, verifying prerequisite course completion, the semester before enrolling in School Counseling Internship I. As the third course in the clinical training sequence, Internship I reflects the comprehensive work experience of a professional counselor in school settings. Students are expected to continue demonstration of skills acquired during the Practicum in Counseling.
5803 School Counseling Internship II
3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 5793.
Students must submit an application, verifying prerequisite course completion, the semester before enrolling in School Counseling Internship II. As the fourth course in the clinical training sequence, Internship II reflects the comprehensive work experience of a professional counselor in school settings. Students are expected to continue demonstration of skills acquired during the School Counseling Internship I.
5813 School Counseling Internship III
3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 5803.
Students must submit an application, verifying prerequisite course completion, the semester before enrolling in School Counseling Internship III. As the fifth course in the clinical training sequence, Internship III reflects the comprehensive work experience of a professional counselor in school settings. Students are expected to continue demonstration of skills acquired during the School Counseling Internship II.
6003 Consultation and Program Evaluation
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: COU 5103 or COU 5203, and COU 5213.
Provides a framework for understanding and practicing consultation in a school and/or community setting. Students examine the historical development, major models, and ethical and legal issues related to consultation. Students develop a personal model of consultation and apply theoretical material to case presentations. (May be taken concurrently with COU 5793 School Counseling Internship I.)
6013 The Role of Sport in Society
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Examination of sport and physical activity, sport’s impact on society, and the affective roles sport takes as part of our social structure and the institution of education. (Same as KAH 6013. Credit cannot be earned for both COU 6013 and KAH 6013.)
6023 Exercise Psychology
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
A study of the theoretical models and research related to the determinates of exercise adoption and adherence. The relationship between exercise and mental health will be discussed. (Same as KAH 6023. Credit cannot be earned for both COU 6023 and KAH 6023.)
6033 Sport Psychology
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
A study of cognition and behaviors related to the participation in sports. This course will have a theoretical focus and will include topics such as self-efficacy, performance enhancement, cohesion, arousal and anxiety. Contemporary research will be discussed. (Same as KAH 6033. Credit cannot be earned for both COU 6033 and KAH 6033.)
6043 Applied Sport Psychology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 6033.
This course will provide a practical and comprehensive introduction to somatic, cognitive and behavioral interventions used in athletics to improve performance. Theoretical bases of psychological stress and performance will be explored and appropriate interventions discussed. Research findings related to athletics will be applied. (Same as KAH 6043. Credit cannot be earned for both COU 6043 and KAH 6043.)
6073 Research Colloquium
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: EDU 5003.
Guided discussion of research in planning stages, in process, and recently completed by participants. Opportunity for the organization of research teams to have effective interpersonal collaboration in planning and conducting research, and opportunity for students engaged in research to obtain assistance in planning, data collection, data analysis, and preparation of reports. (Credit cannot be earned for both COU 6073 and AHE 6073.)
6153 Career Development and Choice
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
A study of theories of occupational choice and career development and their application to the guidance and counseling process. Identification and utilization of various types of occupational information and resources in counseling interviews and guidance programs.
6203 Psychological Perspectives of Motor Learning and Control
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Study of the individual processes of skill acquisition, including the involvement of transfer, timing, feedback, practice, and retention as well as the processes of central and peripheral mechanisms involved in implementing physical and perceptual skills. (Same as KAH 6203. Credit cannot be earned for both COU 6203 and KAH 6203.)
6323 Advanced Psychological Assessment
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 5223.
Theory and application of specific instruments and techniques, including administration and scoring. Emphasis on analysis, interpretation, and integration of ability, achievement, and personality assessment results for diagnostics as well as treatment planning. Casework is required. (Formerly COU 5323. Same as EDP 6323. Credit can be earned for only one of the following: COU 5323, COU 6323, or EDP 6323.)
6523 Family Counseling Theories
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
This course examines the history of family therapy, major family counseling theories, and significant marriage and family theorists.
6533 Current Topics in Marriage and Family Counseling
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
This course addresses current pressing topics within the marriage and family counseling literature. These topics may range from family, couple, and child assessment, contemporary or changing treatment interventions, and legal and ethical issues faced by counselors in marriage and family practitioners.
6543 Marriage and Family Practice
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 6523.
This course provides a clinical marriage and family practice component. It is a skills development course that provides an opportunity for students to become proficient in specific marriage and family related clinical practices.
6613 Addicted Families, Violence, and Life-Threatening Behaviors
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: COU 5613 and COU 6523.
This course explores the intertwined comorbidity of family addictions, violence, and life-threatening behaviors (e.g., suicide, child abuse, domestic violence, etc.) and provides an opportunity for students to obtain the basic knowledge and practice skills to provide thorough counseling practices to families presenting with this “triple threat.”
6623 Current Topics in Addictions
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 5613.
This course addresses current pressing topics within the addictions literature including but not limited to: substances of primary choice, treatment interventions, legal and ethical issues, prevention, and applied recovery techniques.
6633 Addictions Practice
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 5613.
This course provides a clinical addictions service practice component. It is a skills development course that provides students with an opportunity to become proficient in specific addictions related clinical practices.
6723 Counseling for Advocacy and Social Justice
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 5283.
Examination of the role of social responsibility within the counseling profession. Focuses on the exploration and application of social change strategies on behalf of diverse clients in communities and schools.
6733 Health Care Counseling and Diverse Cultures
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 5283.
Students will explore the historical context of the relationship between the U.S. government and health care disparities among racial and ethnic minorities. Students will examine how families and cultural competencies can be incorporated into the health counseling process.
6743 Special Topics in Multicultural Counseling
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 5283.
Critical analysis of pressing issues contained within the multicultural counseling literature. These issues will be creatively explored through the use of media and other novel means.
6893 Foundations of Research in Counseling and Development
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Doctoral status or consent of instructor.
Examination of existing research and research methodology in the field of counseling and development. Describes approaches for conducting applied research, including design and data analysis strategies, emphasizing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Topics include measurement issues (reliability, validity), data collection approaches (interviews, surveys, case studies), and methods of data analysis.
6951-3 Independent Study
1 to 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) of the instructor and the student’s Graduate Advisor of Record.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing in a counseling-related topic under the direction of a faculty member. For students needing specialized work not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but no more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master’s degree.
6961 Comprehensive Examination
1 hour credit. Prerequisite: Approval of the Graduate Program Committee to take the Comprehensive Examination.
Independent study course for the purpose of taking the Comprehensive Examination. May be repeated as many times as approved by the Graduate Program Committee. Enrollment is required each term in which the Comprehensive Examination is taken if no other courses are being taken that term. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination).
6973 Special Issues
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Issue courses may be repeated for credit when the topics vary, but no more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, may be counted toward the Master’s degree.
6983 Master’s Thesis
3 hours credit. Prerequisites: Permission of the Graduate Advisor of Record and thesis director.
Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but no more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress.
7103 Qualitative Research Methods in Counseling and Development
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 6893 or consent of instructor.
Explores qualitative research traditions and approaches in counseling and development, including grounded theory, phenomenology, case study, and ethnography. Describes the stages of qualitative research, from reviewing the relevant research literature and stating the research problem to specifying appropriate procedures for data collection and analysis. Students produce an original proposal for conducting qualitative research in counseling and development as a major component of the course. (Formerly COU 6053. Credit can be earned for only one of the following: COU 7103, COU 6053, or AHE 6053.)
7121 College and University Teaching Seminar
(1-0) 1 hour credit.
Provides the student with experiences and theoretical knowledge in the process of higher education. Theories in instruction are explored and the students will be performing activities including but not limited to class preparation, class presentation, testing, and course organization. Classroom experiences are analyzed and discussed under supervision of qualified faculty.
7133 Seminar in Professional Development
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Doctoral status or consent of instructor.
This course is intended to provide an overview of current research issues in counselor education, ethical and legal concerns and issues related to counselor identity.
7213 Advanced Theories of Counseling
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Doctoral status.
In-depth study and analysis of the traditional and contemporary theories of counseling and analysis of original works by theorists. Critical evaluation of philosophical and psychological assumptions that underlie various theories will be required. Critical analysis of how theories “fit” in current counseling culture will be required.
7283 Advanced Multicultural Counseling
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 7213 or consent of instructor.
Comprehensive investigation of multicultural issues, theory, research, and practice relevant to the field of counseling. Cultural identification and exploration of one’s heritage and how it impacts the therapeutic process will be required. Emphasis on the development of advanced multicultural counseling competencies will be explored. Extensive cultural experiential field exercises will be required.
7313 Practicum in Counseling
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Doctoral status.
This practicum provides a counseling experience prior to the doctoral student entering his/her advanced internship. The course will offer opportunities for growth in skills, knowledge and personal development as a doctoral-level practitioner.
7383 Advanced Practicum in Multicultural Counseling
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 7283 or consent of instructor.
Investigation and application of multicultural counseling content to clinical practice. This skills-development course assists students in their proficiency in counseling clients of diverse backgrounds.
7413 Internship I
3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Doctoral status.
Incorporates campus-based practicum experience with classroom experience focusing on client problems and the learning of relevant counseling skills.
7513 Internship II
3 hours credit. Prerequisites: Doctoral status and permission of instructor.
Involves field-based experience within one of several approved community settings including urban public schools, courts, detention centers, and mental health care centers. Students will engage in a variety of roles that include supervision and administration of counseling programs.
7583 Supervision of Counseling
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Introduces supervisors-in-training to knowledge and skills identified by the profession as basic to effective tutoring and mentoring skill development of counselors-in-training and practicing counselors. Students will be required to engage in supervision experiences to demonstrate competency in skill acquisition. This course is designed for students who have completed their Master’s degree.
7593 Practicum in Counseling Supervision
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: COU 7583.
An advanced experiential course aimed at translating supervision theory into practice. Students will be required to supervise master’s level counselors-in-training. Current models of supervision and their application will be emphasized.
7771-3 Independent Study
1 to 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: Doctoral standing and permission in writing (form available) of the instructor and student’s Graduate Advisor of Record.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. For students needing specialized work as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but no more than 6 semester credit hours will apply to the Doctoral degree.
7893 Advanced Research in Counseling and Development
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: COU 6323, COU 7103, and COU 7213.
Advanced study of scientific inquiry, research-related ethical issues, design, sampling procedures, and data analysis. Encourages development of research skills and inquiry in the context of student’s dissertation by linking research questions to appropriate qualitative, quantitative, or multi-method approaches. Emphasis on dissertation data collection, analysis, and presentation. (Formerly titled “Research in Counseling.”)
7973 Special Topics in Counseling
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or often available as part of
the regular course offerings. This course may be repeated for credit when topics vary and will apply toward the Doctoral degree.
7991,3,6 Dissertation
1, 3 or 6 hours credit. Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy for the Doctoral degree and consent of student’s Graduate Advisor of Record.
May be repeated for credit, but no more than 12 semester credit hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the dissertation.
