MISSION STATEMENT
The Department of Counseling and Development trains practitioners to deliver quality services to clients and students and to be reflective, ethical and competent in serving their diverse community. Department programs include community and school counseling and student affairs in higher education. We offer exemplary programs to a diverse group of students as well as in-service and continuing education to post-Master's students. Our students are prepared according to professionally accepted standards and, where appropriate, for licensure/ certification in their field of study
DEPARTMENTAL PHILOSOPHY
We believe that human beings are growth oriented proactive self-healers. That is, we act in what is our own perceived best interest. Individuals make sense out of a diverse world based on their own development and within the context of human systems (e.g., family & community). The curriculum and expected competencies of our programs is guided by these assumptions. We strive to prepare practitioners for the field who meet the highest standards of professional training. The emphasis is on personal development, acquisition of skills and the construction of knowledge. As such we value diversity and life experience in our students. You will find that our courses and the teaching do not focus on accumulating factual content. Instead you will be provided a variety of experiential and interactive activities aimed at promoting personal development, meaning making and the development of relevant skills.
DEPARTMENTAL LEARNING OUTCOMES/PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
• Graduates will be able to understand and apply a systems orientation to their work with clients/students
• Graduates will be able to understand and apply a developmental orientation to their work with clients/students.
• Graduates will be able to conduct themselves as ethical practitioners, which includes acting as an ally to and advocate for their clients/students.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate both personal awareness and professional confidence in their work.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate the sensitivities and skills of a reflective practitioner.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate active participation in appropriate professional organizations, and obtain all relevant licensures and/or certifications.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate an orientation to active learning in service of their ongoing professional development.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate a commitment to and competency for working with diverse clients/students.
DEPARTMENT FACULTY
The Department of Counseling and Development (CDev) has a diverse and engaging faculty. Program faculty received degrees from outstanding doctoral programs throughout the United States. Faculty members are involved in scholarly activities ranging from original research to presenting papers at the state, national, and international levels. Graduate students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty in all aspects of professional research, including publications, grant writing, and professional presentations. The CDev department has a long history of facilitating scholarly development among its student body. This mentoring process contributes to a central department goal of personal and professional identity development. Department faculty serve as advisors for professional organizations and honor societies such as Chi Sigma Iota, Delta Alpha Chi and Phi Kappa Phi.
DEPARTMENT FACILITIES
Nestled in the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania, the Slippery Rock University campus offers a peaceful traditional college setting. Metropolitan Pittsburgh, an easy forty-five minute drive from main campus, affords graduate students access to the numerous events and cultural activities of a major city. The Department of Counseling and Development is housed in two adjacent buildings on main campus. The main department office, faculty offices, and classrooms are located in McKay Education Building. The Counseling and Development Training Facility, a renovated colonial residence, is equipped with state-of-the-art counselor training technology. Four individual/group counseling rooms, and two observation/seminar rooms are connected with an observation system that includes cameras, monitors, and video taping capabilities. Recent technological upgrades include bug-in-the-ear technology used in numerous experiential courses for all program majors.
Course offerings are available at the main Slippery Rock University campus. Classes are offered primarily in the late afternoon and evening hours to accommodate the needs of traditional or non-traditional students who may hold part or full time employment.
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