Vision and Mission

Counseling Program Vision:

Counseling is a mental health discipline dedicated to helping all peoples reach for their fullest potential.  It is based in the recognition that we are all constantly changing and developing, and takes normal human development as its base.  By necessity, this also encompasses what happens when normal social emotional development is disrupted. Our students are equipped to address the myriad of ways that things go right and go wrong.  Our vision also includes the recognition that the need for professional counseling services is growing and expanding beyond traditional boundaries, extending into primary care and working with specific groups like first responders and military veterans.  We are also staying abreast of trends in higher education and changes in the counseling profession through exploring different training modalities, including technological advances and collaborative opportunities with other institutions. Our vision therefore includes realization of accreditation standards of excellence, maximization of community-specific opportunities and utilization of unique talents and skill sets within our faculty to address needs in the state and beyond.

Counseling Mission Statement: 

The mission of the Counseling Programs is to provide high quality instruction and clinical training for graduate students in the counseling profession, leading to higher levels of skill development and eligibility for certification and licensure as professional counselors.  We develop competent and ethical counseling practitioners who have a deep level of self-understanding, to work effectively with diverse clients in a variety of settings to facilitate the dignity, well-being and potential of all people.  Students graduate with knowledge and skills in core competency areas that include: professional identity, social and cultural foundations, human growth and development, career development, helping relationships, group work, assessment, research and program evaluation.

Program Learning Objectives

Knowledge. Students will demonstrate appropriate breadth and depth of knowledge and comprehension in the areas of culturally relevant service, prevention, treatment, referral, and program management associated with the broader field of counseling as well as the selected specialty (i.e., mental health or school counseling).

Clinical Skills. Students will demonstrate meaningful, therapeutic alliances that utilize culturally sensitive appraisal and assessment techniques for working with individuals and groups in a culturally pluralistic world.

Research and Appraisal. Students will demonstrate analytical knowledge and skills for appraising and contributing to professional counseling literature and program evaluation in selected specialty areas ((i.e., mental health or school counseling).

Professional Dispositions. Students will conduct themselves in accordance with the highest ethical standards and values of professional counseling and develop an understanding of oneself and the use of self in the counseling process.

Specialty Areas. Students will demonstrate appropriate breadths and depth of knowledge and skills in their respective specialty areas (i.e., mental health or school counseling).