Harding University

Curriculum

This program of study requires coursework leading to promotion of mental/emotional well-being in the client, recognizing the professionally trained counselor is a major element in that process. Coursework and internship experiences are intended to cultivate a commitment to counseling excellence, to advance problem solving skills and critical thinking, and to develop effective intervention strategies. Values emphasized in dealing with clients and counseling professionals include genuineness, compassion, self-awareness, a commitment to integrity, and an authentic appreciation for diversity. Professional counselors trained in this program may use coursework to satisfy requirements for license as a School Counselor or Licensed Professional Counselor.


Educational Specialist in Professional Counseling: Clinical and School

To earn this degree, a student must successfully complete the following: (1) core coursework, (2) an advanced internship, and (3) written comprehensive exams. Core coursework required specifically for the specialist degree (excluding master’s degree or qualifying credit equivalent hours) must be taken within eight years of graduation. This 68-hour degree includes a master’s in counseling or a related field with leveling work to meet the core requirements for counseling as defined by CACREP. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Professional Counseling Program.

I. Core (master’s degree or credit equivalent hours)

  • COUN 600 - Practical use of the DSM Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 633 - Psychopharmacology Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 680 - Counseling and Abnormal Psychology Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 684 - Family and Relationship Credit Hours: 3
  • EDT 600 - Chalk and Wire Credit Hours: 0

II. Field Placement

  • COUN 787 - Advanced Counseling Internship Credit Hours: 1-6

III. Bible and Religion

  • COUN 749 - The Ethical Counseling Professional Credit Hours: 2

  • NOTE: This is a core ethics course and a Bible course.

          Total Hours: 20

Master of Science – Professional Counseling: Clinical and School

To earn this degree, a student must successfully complete the following 48 semester hours of coursework. (Prerequisite: or corequisite: COUN 600 or PSY 582.)

I. Required Courses (Total 48 hours)

  • COUN 601 - Counseling Theories Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 602 - Techniques of Counseling Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 604 - The Clinical and School Counseling Professional: Ethics and Organization Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 605 - Career Counseling Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 606 - Analysis of the Individual and Group Assessment Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 607 - Crisis Intervention Counseling Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 608 - Advanced Human Growth: Developmental Foundations of Counseling Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 610 - Group Counseling Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 611 - Counseling Practicum Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 613 - Counseling Internship Credit Hours: 3-6
  • COUN 645 - Multicultural Counseling Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 677 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 690 - Specialized Studies in Professional Counseling Credit Hours: 1-3
  • EDT 600 - Chalk and Wire Credit Hours: 0
  • COUN 603 - Acquiring Clinical Judgement Credit Hours: 3

  •        OR (depending on candidate’s focus)

  • COUN 609 - Professional School Counseling Credit Hours: 3
  • EDFD 652 - Research Methods Credit Hours: 3

  •        OR (depending on candidate’s focus)

  • EDFD 647 - Data Driven Evaluation for School Improvement Credit Hours: 3

II. Bible and Religion

  • EDL 649 - Christian Ethics in Education Credit Hours: 2

III. Concentration in Rehabilitative Counseling (9 required hours)

  • COUN 660 - Principles of Rehabilitation Counseling Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 661 - Medical, Functional, Environmental Aspects of Disability Credit Hours: 3
  • COUN 613 - Counseling Internship Credit Hours: 3-6 (3 hours rehabilitation setting)

  • Additional course offering:

  • COUN 657 - Introduction to Equine Assisted Therapy Credit Hours: 3

Dr. Jenene Alexander, Director
Counseling Program
College of Education
Harding University
Box 12254
Searcy, AR 72149
gradcounseling@harding.edu