The MS in Counseling program provides opportunities for the development of professional skills necessary in treating individual and family problems through various public and private mental health settings. Graduates with an MS degree in counseling will:

• Understand the general nature of the counseling profession
• Know, and be able to use, appropriate counseling techniques
• Be able to apply knowledge from areas of human growth and development to the
   specific problems and difficulties of individuals
• Understand diversity issues for particular social, gender, and ethnic groups
• Be able to develop plans and procedures that enable persons to change their lifestyle
   as well as nurture skills that enhance personal and interpersonal growth
• Understand the philosophical basis underlying the helping process
• Be able to facilitate human growth and development through the counseling process
• Understand ethical and legal standards of the counseling profession
• Be able to use community resources and referral processes
• Be able to maintain confidentiality of clients and safeguard the protection of their
   counseling records
• Be able to make effective assessments using systems theory and DSM-IV-TR
• Model the moral and ethical requirements of a mental health professional
• Establish and maintain appropriate interpersonal relationships with clients and colleagues
• Demonstrate computer literacy and technological competence related to the
  counseling profession
• Be able to use appropriate research skills to keep abreast of current developments in
  counseling and to improve counseling effectiveness