Department of Counselor Education

About

Chair: Dr. Kimberly McAlister

Contact Information: (936) 294-3410

Website: Department of Counselor Education

Mission

The mission of the SHSU Department of Counselor Education is to facilitate the development of professional counseling generalists who play an active role in enhancing individual, family, and community wellness in a diverse and changing world. Within the context of this mission, the goals of the Department of Counselor Education are to:

  • Provide assistance to qualified students in learning the knowledge and skills necessary to perform as competent and ethical professionals in the counseling field. This includes encouraging students to develop themselves as well-rounded individuals combining their academic experience, professional interests and individual worldview.
  • Provide academic coursework and clinical experiences that support and enhance the professional development of the student following CACREP standards.
  • Facilitate the Supervised Counseling Practicum in the Jack Staggs Counseling Clinic and Jack Staggs Counseling Clinic at The Woodlands Center primarily for clinical training where advanced graduate students have opportunities for direct client contact and individual and group supervision from counselor education faculty. Because of the availability of practicum interns, the Supervised Counseling Practicum also provides counseling for the general public in the greater Huntsville region.
  • Promote an understanding and acceptance of the cultural diversity of our society.
  • Model the standards of integrity, performance, and concern for clients' welfare.

Counselor Education 

COUN 5011. Counseling Profession & Ethics. 1-3 Hours.

This course is designed to introduce graduate students to the field of counseling, its theoretical and philosophical bases, historical antecedents, eithical issues, professional elements and an overview of current practice environments. Additionally, this course examines the professional codes of ethics and their limitations, the value conflicts in counseling, ethical decision-making models, and the current major ethical issues facing the counseling profession.Variable Credit (1-3).
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 5088. Special Topics in Counseling. 1-3 Hours.

This course is designed to serve the needs of in-service counselors in schools and those in private practice. Topics will vary as needs demand. May be repeated as scheduled topics vary. Course Equivalents: COUN 5387
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 5089. Independent Study in Counseling. 1-3 Hours.

This is a course designed for independent study of selected topics under the supervision of a faculty member. Variable Credit (1-3) Consent of Department Chair.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 5333. School Counseling: Consulting, Coordinating ,Counseling. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to the field of school counseling. Emphasis is placed on the evolution of counseling professional identity, and professional ethics. The services provided in a comprehensive program of guidance and counseling are discussed.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 5334. Diagnostics and Intervention in Counseling. 3 Hours.

Diagnostic methods will be explored with emphasis on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. A select overview of psychopathology, assessment, and interventions appropriate to the study of mental disorders will be included. Attention is given to mental health and holistic wellness. COUN 5397 with a grade of C or higher, cannot take concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 5336. Advanced Behavior Pharmacology. 3 Hours.

Students study abnormal behavior and psychopathology to include diagnosis, treatment planning, wellness, and psychopharmacology. These topics are specifically designed to provide students in the clinical mental health program specialized knowledge for the profession of licensed professional counselors. Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.
Prerequisite: COUN 5334, cannot be taken concurrently.

COUN 5364. Theories Of Counseling. 3 Hours.

A comprehensive study is made of the major theories of counseling. Attention is given to systematic ways of viewing the counseling process. Divergences and convergences among theories are examined for practical application. COUN 5011 with a grade of C or higher, can be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 5370. Career Counseling Across Lifespan. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to assist the counselor in developing and initiating a comprehensive career education program. A study is made of the world of work as well as the dynamics and developmental aspects of vocational choice. Emphasis is also placed on the use of occupational information, test scores, personal data, grades, and other pertinent information in working with students individually and in groups. COUN 5397 with a grade of C or higher, can be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 5379. Methods Of Research. 3 Hours.

Study is made of types and methods of educational research, the collecting, analyzing and sharing of data with the pubic. The student is expected to complete a research project or field study utilizing appropriate methods of educational research.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 5385. Pre-Practicum: Techniques Of Counseling. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to provide experiences in the exploration and application of individual counseling techniques. Role-playing, self-exploration, and structuring of the counseling relationship are emphasized. COUN 5011 and COUN 5364 can be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 5391. Child & Adolescent Counseling. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to help students develop approaches for putting counseling theories into practice in helping children and adolescents who are experiencing difficulties in their developmental, personal and social growth. COUN 5334 with a grade of C or higher can be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 5392. Cross Cultural Issues In Counseling. 3 Hours.

This course will examine the sociocultural characteristics and counseling issues related to the varied cultures in today?s society. Hispanic, African-American, Native American, and Asian American cultures will be examined along with issues related to gender and Gay/Lesbian concerns.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 5393. Administrative Clinical Mental Health Services. 3 Hours.

Students will develop knowledge in the areas of management of human-services programs, specifically in program planning, service delivery, and coordination of program components, coordination of human resources, outreach, education, and consultation with other service providers and referral resources. Students will become familiar with policies, laws, legislation, reimbursement, right-to-practice, and issues relevant to Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 5394. Crisis and Trauma Counseling. 3 Hours.

This course reviews crisis-counseling techniques related to a variety of crisis situations that may occur in families and with individuals in mental health agency and school settings. Students learn the foundations of successful crisis intervention to assist in prevention of crisis and encourage personal growth and coping following a crisis experience. Issues related to family violence and other issues of trauma will be discussed. COUN 5364 with a grade of C or higher can be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 5397. Human Growth & Development Across the Lifespan. 3 Hours.

A review of theory and research concerning the growth and development of the individual through the lifespan with emphasis placed on childhood and adolescence. The course attempts to relate theory and research to present concerns and problems of teachers through the study of physiological, psychological and social interrelationships. Experience in the procedures of child study are provided.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 5398. Sandtray Therapy. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to provide students with extensive practical experience related to sandtray as a therapeutic intervention for children, adolescents, adults, and families. This course uses both didactic and experential methods to enhance a student's knowledge, skills and competence in using sandtray as a therapeutic modality with clients. The curricula for this course include knowledge of the literature of the discipline and ongoing student engagement in practice related to professional practice. COUN 5364 with a C or higher cannot take concurrently and COUN 5385 with a B or higher, can be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 5399. Play Therapy Basics. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to enhance/increase the counselor?s understanding of the child?s world as perceived by the child, the relationship between the child?s world and behavior. The major theories of play therapy, and the utilization of play media to facilitate the child?s self-exploration, self-expression, self-understanding, and personal growth will be explored. COUN 5364 and COUN 5385 with a B or higher, cannot be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6331. Advanced Play Therapy. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to provide play therapists with extensive practical research experience in regard to issues relative to the play therapy relationship. Case analysis, theoretical application, and current research issues and trends will be investigated. COUN 5399 with a grade of B or higher, cannot be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6332. Theories: Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on basic concepts in marriage and family therapy, theories of therapeutic change in families, marriage and family development and foundations of family systems therapy. Approval of counselor education department chair.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6333. Techniques Of Couples Counseling. 3 Hours.

Application of the main approaches in family therapy to clinical work. This includes skill development in working with couples and families in a variety of contexts. COUN 6332 with a grade of C or higher, cannot take concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6334. Ethical Issues in Marriage and Family Therapists. 3 Hours.

This course studies the current ethical issues and the professional roles of marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors and school counselors. This includes study of the Texas Family Code, the licensing acts for Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, and regulations for school counselors.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6335. School Counseling: Leadership, Advocacy, and Accountability. 3 Hours.

A comprehensive study is made of contemporary practices of consultation and coordination in the school counseling profession. The course includes study of community service agencies, referral sources, legal and ethical practices and the acquisition of practical school counseling skills.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6337. Counseling For Sexual Concerns. 3 Hours.

Students will develop an understanding of sexual anatomy, the physiology of sexual function, and therapeutic applicants for assessing, counseling, and referral procedures for clients who present with sexual concerns. Students will investigate various therapeutic approaches when dealing with sexual concerns. Students will explore how life experiences, sexual values, and beliefs about sexual behavior affect the therapeutic interaction and outcome. COUN 5334 and COUN 6332 with a grade of C or higher, cannot be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6338. Techniques of Family Counseling. 3 Hours.

In this course students will develop skills in the application of the main approaches of family therapy clinical work, including working with familes in a variety of contexts. COUN 6332 with a grade of C or higher, cannot be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6350. Counselor Ethics: Management, Law, and Practice. 3 Hours.

Students study counselor ethics relating to record management, business/family law, professional practice, and the study of current board rules/regulations, and codes of ethics. COUN 5011 with a grade of C or higher, cannot take concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6363. Assessment in Guidance and Counseling. 3 Hours.

Study will include the principles of assessment and evaluation in counseling, assessment instruments used in counseling services, elementary statistical concepts, methods of evaluating assessment instruments, the process of synthesizing and interpreting assessment data, and the ethics of assessment.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6364. Counseling For Addictions. 3 Hours.

This course covers the theory, research, and practice of substance abuse prevention and chemical dependency counseling with special application to the functions of counselors. COUN 5334 with a grade of C or higher, can be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6370. Family Therapy Applications. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to promote the development of student proficiencies and to deepen understanding of the standards of the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) as they are applied in practice. Connections will be made between theory and practice in a clinical setting. COUN 6332 with a grade of C or higher, cannot be taken concurrently. COUN 6376 or COUN 6386 with a grade of C or higher, can be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6374. Group Counseling. 3 Hours.

Participation in small group activities is a significant part of this course which has been designed to meet the needs of counselors in a variety of settings. The didactic portion of the course will focus on the knowledge, practice, skills, and person of the effective group counselor. COUN 5364 with a grade of C or higher, cannot be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6376. Supervised Practice In Counseling. 3 Hours.

This laboratory course is designed to prepare the student in the practical application and integration of the principles and methods of counseling. Admission as a Degree Candidate. COUN 5334 and COUN 6374, cannot be taken concurrently. COUN 5385 with a B or higher, cannot take concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6386. Internship. 3 Hours.

The course provides supervised experiences in a counseling setting. Study is made of the duties and responsibilities of the counselor at work. COUN 6376 with a grade of B or higher, cannot be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6387. School Counseling Internship. 3 Hours.

Students participate in supervised experiences in a school counseling setting. Students study the duties and responsibilities of the school counselor at work. Two semesters of this course meets the 160-hour practicum required by TEA for students seeking school counselor certification. Credit: 3. COUN 6376 with a grade of B or higher, cannot be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education degree program.

COUN 6394. Complex Traumatic Stress in Counseling. 3 Hours.

Students analyze and critique issues related to chronic and complex posttraumatic stress and complex dissociative disorders. Topics include attachment and trauma, developmental psychopathology, vicarious trauma, assessment and diagnosis, dissociative related disorders, neuroscience of trauma, betrayal trauma, interpersonal trauma, and counseling models and other treatment models.
Prerequisite: COUN 5394.

COUN 7088. Special Topics in Counselor Education. 1-3 Hours.


Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

COUN 7089. Independent Study in Counselor Education. 1-3 Hours.

This course will provide the doctoral student an opportunity to engage in detailed and in-depth study of a program or problem in counselor supervision. The student will work under the supervision of a doctoral faculty member and will be expected to produce a written product or presentation. Approval from doctoral director. Course Equivalents: COUN 7387
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

COUN 7110. Doctoral Seminar. 1 Hour.

This course is designed to provide an orientation to doctoral studies in counseling, topics of current interest to doctoral students, and the faculty and information regarding areas of study and research related to the doctoral program. This course may be repeated five times, for a maximum of six credits. Must make a B or better.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

COUN 7331. Advanced Counseling Theories. 3 Hours.

In depth study of major counseling theories, with special emphasis on comparative analysis. Must make a B or better.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

COUN 7332. Advanced Counseling Appraisal Techniques. 3 Hours.

This is an advanced course in assessment procedures used by counselor educators and directors of counseling and guidance in the schools. A case study approach will be utilized to guide students through the application of assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning for childhood, adolescent, and adult mental disorders and behavior problems. COUN 6363 or equivalent class and COUN 7331 with a grade of B or higher, cannot take concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

COUN 7334. Theories Of Counselor Supervision. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to introduce students to models of counselor supervision. The course is conducted in a seminar-discussion format and, as part of the course students will provide one or more counselor trainees with supervision.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

COUN 7335. Practice Of Counselor Supervision. 3 Hours.

Supervised experience in supervision of counseling. Students meet for individual supervision of supervision and in a seminar group to assess their effectiveness in their supervisory relationships, to obtain feedback on tapes and observation, and to integrate these learnings into their supervisory process. COUN 7334 with a grade of B or higher, cannot take concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

COUN 7336. College Teaching In Counseling. 3 Hours.

Application of planning, instructional, and evaluation skills. Doctoral students lead skill training groups, lecture to a masters level class, and guide group discussion with faculty supervision. COUN 7331 with a grade of B or higher, cannot take concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

COUN 7337. Advanced Counseling Practicum and Techniques. 3 Hours.

Supervised experience in counseling. Students meet for individual supervision and in a seminar group to assess their effectiveness in their helping relationships, to obtain feedback on tapes and observation, and to integrate these learnings into their counseling behavior. COUN 7331 with a grade of B or higher, cannot take concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

COUN 7339. Doctoral Internship In Counseling. 3 Hours.

Professional service in field setting appropriate for counseling, consultation, and personnel work, under supervision. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit-hours. COUN 7337 with a grade of B or higher, cannot take concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

COUN 7362. Methods Of Counseling Research. 3 Hours.

Study of both quantitative and qualitative research with emphasis upon an understanding of statistical concepts and procedures necessary to create and implement effective counseling research. COUN 5379 or equivalent class with a grade of B or higher, cannot take concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

COUN 7363. Application of Counseling Research. 3 Hours.

Fundamental concepts and tools of research applied to educational problems. Each student will prepare a proposal for the dissertation. COUN 7332, COUN 7374, COUN 7362, and COUN 7372, with a grade of B or higher, cannot take concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

COUN 7372. Qualitative Methodology. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to teach qualitative research methodology within a counseling problems-based contextual framework. The course will emphasize qualitative techniques through lecture, discussion, readings, and field-based research projects using the methods learned. COUN 7331 with a grade of B or higher, cannot take concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

COUN 7373. Statistical Methods for Counselor Education Research. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to teach students how to manage, analyze, and interpret data related to counselor education themes at the doctoral level. The course will address quantitative methods (e.g., descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way and factorial ANOVA) via lectures, exams, small and large group discussions, and computer work both in and outside of class. COUN 7362 with a grade of B or higher, can be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

COUN 7375. Advanced Multicultural Counseling. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on the in-depth study of people from diverse cultures seeking counseling services and the critical issues involved in culturally competent counseling. Using the latest research and professional literature, students will utilize multicultural counseling models in our communities. Students will also explore pedagogies for multicultural counselor training. Can be taken concurrently with COUN 7336. COUN 5392 with a grade of B or higher, cannot take concurrently. COUN 7336 with a grade of B or higher, can take concurrently.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

COUN 8033. Dissertation. 1-6 Hours.

The completion of an approved dissertation which will contribute to counseling. Field-based projects will be emphasized. Must be repeated for a minimum of 9 semester hours. Variable Credit (1-3). Completion of counselor education core, research component and research tools courses, successful completion of comprehensive exam and approval of doctoral advisor. Course Equivalents: COUN 8333
Prerequisite: Acceptance into a counselor education doctoral program.

Education Research 

EDER 7362. Methods of Education Research. 3 Hours.

Students explore various research paradigms and strategies for educational research. Concepts explored include developing problem statements, research questions, sampling, and methods of data collection. Students will analyze ethical issues in research situations. Course Equivalents: EDLD 7362
Prerequisite: Acceptance to an education doctoral program.

EDER 7365. Statistical Methods. 3 Hours.

This applied foundational statistics course is designed to develop the requisite level of critical thinking for conducting valid quantitative research. Doctoral students will learn to compute and meaningfully interpret descriptive and inferential statistics, including tests of relationship and difference. Course Equivalents: CIED 7372, ISDT 7372
Prerequisite: Acceptance to an education doctoral program.

EDER 7372. Qualitative Inquiry. 3 Hours.

This course emphasizes knowledge and skills needed for qualitative inquiry within an educational context. Emphasis is on theoretical foundations of qualitative inquiry along with practical application of methods through field-based activities. Course Equivalents: EDLD 7372
Prerequisite: Acceptance to an education doctoral program and EDER 7362.

EDER 7374. Advanced Statistical Methods. 3 Hours.

This applied advanced statistics course is designed to enhance foundational analytical skills for conducting valid quantitative research. Doctoral students will learn to compute and meaningfully interpret advanced statistical tests, including tests of relationship and differences. COUN 7337 with a grade of B or higher, cannot take concurrently. Course Equivalents: COUN 7374
Prerequisite: Acceptance to an education doctoral program.

EDER 7375. Advanced Qualitative Inquiry. 3 Hours.

This course exposes students to advanced qualitative inquiry in education. Students explore emerging methodologies, theories, analytical trends/approaches, technologies, and modes of presenting information on educational research from advanced qualitative perspectives. Course Equivalents: LITC 7351, READ 7351
Prerequisite: EDER 7372, COUN 7372, or LITC 7350 and permission of the instructor.

Sinem Akay-Sullivan, PHD, Associate Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Univ of North Texas; MED, Univ of North Texas; MS, Middle East Technical Univ; BS, Hacettepe University

Tershundrea Branch, PHD, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Sam Houston State University; MA, Prairie View A&M University; BS, Lamar University

Rochelle Roeben Cade, PHD, Associate Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi; MS, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi; BA, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

Demetrius Bernard Cofield, PHD, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Univ of N Carolina-Charlotte; MED, Winthrop College; BA, Univ of S Carolina-Columbia

Evelyne Kimbriel Fitzgerald, PHD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Sam Houston State University; MA, Sam Houston State University; BA, Univ of Houston-Main

Yvonne Garza-Chaves, PHD, Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Univ of North Texas; MSW, Our Lady of Lake University; BSW, Univ of Texas-Pan American

Megan Renee Garzaglass, PHD, Lecturer of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Sam Houston State University; MS, Univ of Houston-Clear Lake; BS, California St Un-Sacramento

Susan Elizabeth Henderson, PHD, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Sam Houston State University; MS, Sam Houston State University; MA, Hardin Simmons University; BS, Stephen F Austin University

Maribeth Frances Jorgensen, PHD, Associate Professor of Counselor Education and Assistant Dean, COED, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, The University of South Dakota; MSED, Univ of Nebraska-Kearney; BS, Univ of Nebraska-Kearney

Chi-Sing Li, PHD, Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Texas A&M - Commerce; MED, Univ of Louisiana-Monroe; MED, Univ of Louisiana-Monroe; BA, Univ of Texas At Austin

Felicia Leila Mirghassemi, PHD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Sam Houston State University; MS, Univ of Texas At Tyler; BS, Univ of Texas At Tyler

Seth David Olson, PHD, Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Kent State University; PHD, Kent State University; MA, The University of South Dakota; BA, Univ of Nebraska-Lincoln

Kathleen Ann Rice, PHD, Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Univ of N Carolina-Charlotte; MS, South Dakota State University; BS, South Dakota-Mines/Tech

Jeffrey M Sullivan, PHD, Associate Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Counselor Education, PHD, Univ of North Texas; MS, Univ of North Texas; BA, Univ of Texas At Austin