Counseling Dynamics, Bachelor of Science
Department of Educational Psychology
College of Education
The purpose of the counseling dynamics program is to provide students with a broad understanding of the theoretical foundations of the counseling field. This includes history, development, skills, and principles related to working with individuals, families, and communities in various social and behavioral health settings. The curriculum explores what motivates behavior and how diverse societal systems shape individuals. Coursework emphasizes a person-centered approach to working with individuals, families, and communities. The program content prepares students for entry-level roles and graduate studies in helping professions and related fields.
-
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
- All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
- At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
- At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
- 39 units of Counseling Dynamics specialization requirements.
- Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.
- Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | Not Available |
Purpose Statement
This degree introduces students to counseling dynamics, concepts, and basic counseling principles. It offers students the knowledge and skills to seek entry-level employment in behavioral health settings and community-based organizations such as educational systems and social and behavioral service agencies. This degree also sets an adequate background in behavioral health and counseling dynamics for students wishing to pursue a graduate degree and professional career in behavioral health, clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, social work, clinical or counseling psychology, educational psychology, criminal justice, integrated health, and other behavioral health-related fields. The degree does not lead to U.S. licensure as a counselor.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge Base in Counseling
- Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings of the counseling profession.
- Learn foundational counseling concepts and theories associated with counseling and other human services professions.
- Learn major theories associated with counseling and the role of counseling providers.
- Become familiarized with general principles associated with supporting individuals academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.
- Compare and contrast the diverse array of theories in the field of human development and recognize the strengths and shortcomings of each.
- Demonstrate an understanding of some of the philosophies, approaches, and theories underlying the study of professional ethics and ethical decision-making
- Apply counseling and psychology concepts from Strengths-Based Perspectives and Structural Family Theory concepts to understand family systems development and structural dynamics
- Articulate the lifespan perspective as an integrative approach to development from conception to death.
- Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings of the counseling profession.
- Professional Development
- Demonstrate the use of appropriate counseling skills for individual and group environments.
- Understand and gain introductory competence in utilizing basic counseling skills that can be applied to social and behavioral health professions
- Develop capacity for integrating ethical documentation and information-sharing practices in a variety of direct practice environments
- Recognize and compare similarities and differences between current theories on best practice in the treatment of crisis and trauma
- Gain knowledge of the principles of group dynamics, including group process components, and group members¿ roles and behaviors.
- Gain knowledge of group counseling methods, including methods of evaluation of effectiveness.
- Demonstrate the use of appropriate counseling skills for individual and group environments.
- Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
- Use scientific reasoning and problem-solving, including effective social science research strategies.
- Demonstrate their understanding of the principles, objectives, and ethical practices of social science research.
- Critically analyze research studies and summarize research data to understand how research impacts behavioral health treatment, socioeconomics, and public policy.
- Use scientific reasoning and problem-solving, including effective social science research strategies.
- Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World
- Choose ethically and socially responsible behaviors for use in professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity.
- Demonstrate an understanding and respect for human diversity and promote effective practices, advocacy, and social justice for all clients and communities.
- Learn the influence of heritage, cultural identities, attitudes, values, beliefs, understandings, within-group differences, and acculturative experiences on an individual's worldviews, help-seeking, and coping behaviors.
- Choose ethically and socially responsible behaviors for use in professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity.
Major Requirements
-
This major requires 39 units distributed as follows:
- Education Psychology Counseling Dynamics Course Requirements: 39 units
Take the following 39 units:- A minimum Grade of "C" or better is required in each course.
-
Education Psychology Counseling Dynamics Course Requirements (39 units)
- CND 301, CND 341, CND 370, CND 380, CND 420, CND 425, CND 450, CND 461, CND 490 (27 units)
- CND 305W* (3 units)
- CND 495C (3 units)
- EPS 340, EPS 425 (6 units)
*Inclusion of this course is pending General Studies Committee and Curriculum Committee approvals.
General Electives
-
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Additional Information
-
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.